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431

Kind Providence, let us seriously inquire, if our conduct, individually, and as a community, has manifested the gratitude and obedience reasonably due to our Almighty Benefactor.. Let us confess and deplore our numerous transgressions of His holy law, an devoutly pray, that all uncharitableness, Immorality and Crime may cease to darken the land, and that our Beloved Country, in all its relations, may still continue to be the object of the favor, and not be visited with the frowns, of a Beneficent and Merciful god.

In this season of general rejoicing, let us not be forgetful of those who are suffering under bereavements, sickness and affliction. May the hand of charity be ever ready to administer to the wants of the destitute, and the consolations of sympathy and friendship to alleviate the calamities which humanity cannot remove.

And may we all, whether in prosperity or adversity in happiness or sorrow, be enabled to realize the Divine Source from which every blessing as well as trial proceeds. And above all, let us acknowledge with thankfulness and joy the infinite obligation conferred upon our races by the Revelation of our Blessed Saviour, and the Glad Tidings of a way of reconciliation to our God, and of Life and Immorality in a future world.

Given at the Council Chamber, in Portland, this fifth day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty one, and in the fifty sixth year of the Independence of the United States of America.

Samuel E. smith

By the Governor

Roscoe G. Greene, Secretary of State