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120 State of Maine.

By Albion K. Parris,

Governor of the State of Maine:

A Proclamation,

For a day of Public Humiliation and Prayer.

If we impartially compare our temper and conduct with that unerring rule of duty, which as a christian community, we have professedly adopted; and contrast the returns which we have made to the Author of all good, with the favors which He has conferred on us, we can scarcely fail to perceive, that our deficiences [deficiencies] are exceedingly numerous; and that we have ample cause to humble ourselves before our injured Benefactor; implore His pardoning mercy, and beseech Him to grant us to continued enjoyment of those blessings which are necessary to our happiness; but which, by our disobedience and ingratitude, we have forfeited:

The Sacred Volume which he has given us for our guide, while it explicitly inoculates these duties, furnishes us with every encouragement to attempt their performance, relying for his assistance on the gracious aids of His spirit; and for acceptance, on the merits and intercessions of His son. And while it is especially incumbent on every individual to confess his personal offences and spread before the mercy seat of Heaven his personal wants, it seems highly proper and desirable that we should at suitable seasons engage as a community in these sacred duties, publicly and unitedly confessing our national sins, and imploring national blessings. Influenced by these considerations, as well as by a regard to long established custom, I have thought fit to appoint, and with the advice of the Council, do hereby appoint Thursday, the third day of April next, to be observed by the inhabitants of this State as a day of Public Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer: And they are hereby requested to assemble on that day in their respective places of public worship, and with one heart, to present their united confessions and supplications to our justly offended, but still merciful God; acknowledging with unfeigned contrition, our disregard of His authority; our numberless violations of His commands; our abuse of His mercies; and our neglect of the Gospel of Salvation; beseeching Him to forgive, for the sake of His Son, these

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