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State of Maine

By the Governor;

A Proclamation

For a day of Public Fasting and Prayer.

As the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe, who holds in his hand the destinies both of nations and of individuals, has made us, notwithstanding our ingratitude, the objects of his care and protection hitherto, it is highly becoming in us, to set apart a day at the opening of the year, to humble ourselves before God; confessing our past transgressions, and beseeching him to continue to us his unrequited blessings.

In conformity therefore, with a venerated usage, and by the advice of the Executive Council, I do appoint Thursday the tenth day of April next, to be observed as the Annual Fast.

Let us on that day, with contrite hearts, confess our transgressions, and with unfeigned humility seek forgiveness through the mediation of our Savior. Let us with fervent suppliations entreat the Author of all good, that he would bless us in the events of the coming year, and crown the successive seasons with abundance - that he would confirm the union and perpetuate the prosperity of these States, and suffer no designs formed against them to prevail - that he would continue unimpaired the civil and religious institutions, by which he has distinguished us among the nations of the earth - that he would smile upon our Colleges and Schools, and prosper the efforts that are making for moral and intellectual improvement = that he would lead all who are entrusted with authority, to discharge the duties committed to them with fidelity; and those who are “set for the defence of the Gospel,” to exemplify by their lives the religion they profess -- and above all, that he would hasten the happy period, when wars shall cease to the ends of the earth, and all men shall cheerfully bow to the sceptre [scepter] of the Prince of Peace.

And the People of this State are requested on the day of the appointed Fast, to suspend all unnecessary labor and recreation.

Given at the Council Chamber in Augusta, this eighth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty four, and in the fifty eighth year of the Independence of the United States of America. Robert P Dunlap.

By the Governor

Roscoe G, Greene, Secretary of State.