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State of Maine

By Albion K. Parris

Governor of the State of Maine:

A Proclamation,

For a Day of Public Humiliation and Prayer

That nations, as well as individuals, are dependent on the Supreme Governor of the Universe, for existence, prosperity and happiness; that by a neglect of the duties resulting from those relations which subsist between him and his creatures, they incur his just displeasure; and, that the consequence of his displeasure, thus excited, cannot be averted but by unfeigned repentance, are truths to which enlightened reason assents, and which are clearly recognized in that sacred Volume, to whose authority, Christians of all denominations professedly bow. Influenced by a belief of those truths, and aware that in every community, composed of beings so imperfect as man, the eye of Omniscience must discover many evils which deserve chastisement, and render repentance necessary, our pious progenitors, the Fathers of New England, were accustomed, at each annual return of that season, which reminds us of our dependence on Heaven for the fruits of the earth, to set apart a day for the purpose of publicly and unitedly humbling themselves before GOD, confessing their personal and national offences, and imploring forgiveness, in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ:

In conformity with a custom, recommended to us, not more by their example, than by its obvious reasonableness and propriety, I have thought fit to appoint, and with the advice of the Council, do hereby appoint Thursday, the fourth day of April next, to be observed by the inhabitants of this State, as a day of Public Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer.

And ministers and people of every religious denomination, are requested to assemble for this purpose, on that day, in their respective places of public worship, that we may, as a community, unitedly present our confessions and supplications before the mercy seat of Heaven, acknowledging the many unmerited blessings, both of a temporal and spiritual nature, which the Giver of every good gift has conferred upon us, our consequent obligations to