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implore that pardoning mercy which is never denied to penitent suppliants. Sensible of our entire dependance [dependence] on “Him who worketh all in all,” and remembering that He has condescendingly revealed Himself to us as one “who heareth prayer,” let us also present before Him, our united supplications in behalf of ourselves, our country and the world; fervently beseeching Him, that He will still be pleased to watch over the public and private interests of this State; to guide all who are entrusted with the management of its concerns; to increase and bless the means of literary, moral and religious improvement, with which its inhabitants are favoured [favored]; to lead the rising generation in the paths of virtue and peace; to grant us the enjoyment of health and plenty, and crown with success the exertions of our Fellow Citizens in every laudable enterprise and pursuit.

For our beloved Country let us offer supplication, that the union, peace and prosperity of the States which compare it may be perpetuated to the end of time; that the blessing of Heaven may ever rest on its Chief Magistrate, its Legislature and all its subordinate officers; and that its inhabitants may be distinguished no less by the possession and successful cultivation of every estimable intellectual and moral quality, than by the peculiar privileges which they are permitted to enjoy.

Taught by that inspired volume, the possession of which constitutes one of our richest blessings, to regard God as our common Father, and all of human kind as our brethren, let us present before Him the whole family of man, and with affectionate earnestness and importunity, beseech Him to pity and alleviate the sorrows and supply the wants of all the destitute, the wretched and oppressed; to increase the number, the zeal, the exertions and the success of those who are actuated by the spirit of genuine philanthropy, and cause liberty, peace and pure Christianity to prevail throughout the world.

And the People of this State are requested to refrain and to restrain their children and dependants [dependents] from all labor and recreation on that day.

Given at the Council Chamber, in Portland, the first day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty six, and in the fiftieth year of the Independence of the United States of America.

Albion K. Parris,

By the Governor.

Amos Nichols, Secretary of State