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State of Maine.

By Albion K. Parris,

Governor of the State of Maine:

A Proclamation,

For a day of Public Thanksgiving and Praise.

To render thanksgiving and praise to their infinite Benefactor is the duty and privilege of men. we are the creatures of his power, in whom He has an unalienable right; rational creatures, made capable of rendering the exalted tribute; dependant [dependent] creatures, who rely every moment on his goodness for existence and happiness; favored creatures on whom He has lavished the blessings of His bountiful providence; guilty creatures, to whom he has extended His gracious compassion, through the atonement of His Son. Our obligations, indeed, can never be fulfilled; but we are permitted to acknowledge and express them. And he, who is “fearful in praises” has condescended to say to guilty men, “Whose offereth praise glorifieth me. Offer unto God thanksgiving, and pay thy vows to the Most High.”

The praises of individuals, families and religious societies are prescribed in the word of God. There also we find intimations that He expects the same tribute from Commonwealths and nations; but it devolves on the civil Magistrate to remind his fellow citizens of the duty and designate a time for the united offering.

In compliance, therefore, with the custom of our ancestors, and with the expectations of the people, I have thought fit to appoint, Thursday the second day of December next, to be observed by the inhabitants of this State as a Day of Public Thanksgiving and Praise.

And I do earnestly recommend, that all secular business and recreation be suspended, and that the day be devoted to God as a religious solemnity; that all religious societies assemble in their several houses of public worship, that we may with one voice “speak of the mercies of the Lord, and utter the memory of His great goodness.[“]

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