Portland gazette and Maine advertiser., 1808-11-14

For Day of PUBLIC THANKSGIVING
and PRAISE, throughout the Common.
wealth
IT having ever been the laudable
usage Of the people Of this Common
wealth, to set apart one day annually,
as day Of PUBLIC THANKSGIY-
ING and PRAISE, to express BY SOL
emn acts of devotion, the sense they
have of the Divine favor for meFcies
received, and to supplicate the Author
Of every good and perfect gift, for
hearts and tempers Of mind to render
ID I'm fit subjects Of his needed bIes-
sings.
have thought fl to appoint, and,
BY and with the advice. and consento Of
the Council, do hereby appoint, and
set apart, THURSDAY, THE FIRsr
DAY OF DECEMBER NEXT, TO be obser-
we'd by the People of this Common
wealth, in solemn acts of devotion, rs a
Day of PRAYER, PRAISE, and
! THANKSGIVING--AndI do invite
and exhort the good People, Of every
order and denomination OF Religion, to
assemble on that day, in their usual
places Of Public Worship, and there,
with holy fear, and humble recollec.
ton, to acknowledge their entire de-
pendence on the ALMIGHTY SovEH.
EIGN of the Universe, for life and all
It's blessings and to express their
gratitude for the demonstration of his
being and attributes IN the works Of
Creation and Providence, and the more
perfect revelation of himself IN his Ho-
Iy Word.
That while they publicly and de-
voutly recognize their entire depen-
dence on HIM, they humbly implore Of
his Divine goodness, the supply Of such
things as are necessary for their COM
Portable substance and especially
that he would grant them contented
minds and resigned hearts, in whatever
circumstances and situations his Proyi-
dence may place them. That he wiz
always have them in his holy keeping
and perfect protection, 50 that all their
ways may be directed by his visions.
That they may exhibit in their lives
such an obedience ofthe Divine Law,
as shall demonstrate their sincere de-
sire that a regard % this law may be-
come the governing principle Of man
kind.
That they earnestly beseech HIM Ia
inspire the people with, such senti-
ments Of national honor, as shall &C.
ment and strengthen the Union ofthEse
States. That hrs mercifnl benudiction
may extend to all inc labour OF their
/ hands. That all illegal and unjust or
undue restraints may be removed fronA
their Commerce, so that Agriculture
and the Fisheries may prosper, and
their Navigation again taiyerse the o.
cean in safety. That friendly inter-
course with all the nations Of the world
may be established, and maintained
with fairness and 'integ rity.
Thathe would bless their Universitv.
their Colleges, and all their means Of
education.
That he would incline the hearts Of
all the people to promote the cause OF
virtue and religion, giving them zeal
10 exemplify and propagate the sublime
principles and doctrines Of the GOSPEL,
SO that this Divine Religion may have
Its due influence and effect.
recommend il to the people, 10 re-
frain from all labour and recreation,
which may Be Incompatible with the
solemnity of the said day.
Given at the Council Chamber, IN Bos-
ton, this Ninth day of November, in
the year of our Lord, One Thousand
Eight Hundred and Eight and In the
Thirty-Third year Of the Indepen-
dence Of the United-States ct Amer
lea.
JAMES SULLIVAN.
BY his Excellency the Governor,
with the advice and consent Of