The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1812-07-10
BY HIS ExcELLENcY

GOVERNOR OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF
MASSACHUSETTS,,
A PR o CT AM ATIO
FOR II Day OF PUBLIC FASTING, Hv.
.HLLLaJYo.N s. PRAYER
WHEREAS it has pleased the Almighty
Ruler of the world in his righteous Provi-
dcnce TO permit US to be engaged in war a
gainst the nation from which we are de-
scended, and which for many generations
has been the bulwark of the. religion we
profess.-And whereas by this awful
and alarming change in our circumstances
the people of this commonwealth are in
peculiar manner exposed to personal suf-
fering, and the los. Of great proportion of
their substance.-It becomes us, in imita-
ton of our fathers, in their times of per-
plexity and danger, with deep repentance
to humble ourselves before Him for our
sins. and the ungratefui returns we have
made to Him for his mercies TO aScribe
righteousness to our Maker, when he threa-
tens us with the most severe of all tempo
raj calamities, and to beseech Him to avert
the tokens OF his anger, and remember for
us his former loving kindness and tender
mercy.
do therefore by and with the advice
and consent of the Council and at the re-
quest of the House of Representatives, APP
peint THURSDAY, the T7uenty third day
Of JRR nert, to be observed by the peo-
pie or this State, as day of Fasting, HUI
initiation and Prayer, that with penitent
hearts we may assemble in our places of
public worship and unite in humble sup
plications to the God of cur Fathers, who
was their defence in danger and to whom
they never sought in vain and beseech
Him through the merits of His Son, that
he would forgive our irgratitude, and the
mnumerable transgressions OF which we
have been guilty Tibet he would give
wisdom, integrityiand patriotism to our natl
onal and State governments, that the
leaders OF the people may not cause tn em
to err THAT He would inspire the Presi-
dent and Congress, and the Government of
q. Britain with just and pacific sentiments (;
that He would humble the pride and sub
due the lust and passions of men, from
whence Wars proceed, and that Peace
may speedily be restored to us, upon safe
and equitable terms.
That He would guard the lives of
orr Soldiers and Mariners, and protect
our commerce and navigations frcm the
dangers with which they are encompassed
that He would preserve us from intes-
tine violence and foreign invasion That
he would dispose the people of these States
TO dojustice TO the Indian tribes, TO enlight-
Ell and not to exterminate them And
that he would preserve US from entangling
and fatal alliance with those governments
which are hostile TO the safety and happi
ness of mankind THAT he would regard
with tender compassion the nations whose
most essential rights have been wrested
from them by fraud and violence and who
are grooming under the cruel hand of OPP
preston, and that He would break in pei
ccs the power of the OppressOr, and scat
feat.f l,,t 10 hot 4 f.ai,t s,,V
That the Inhabitants OF this state may be
the objects of His peculiar favor THAT he
would take them under his holy protection,
* hide them in Ills pavilion until these ca
iamitIes be overpast That the Chastise-
mcDts with which He may think proper to
aiIlict us, may serve TO humble us, and do
us gooG {: and that We may not be like those
who arc hardened by His corrections, and
who in time Of their trouble multiply their
transgressions against him THAT he would
save us from the baleful influence of party
spirit, and that whatever enemies may rise
up against us from abroad, we may
have peace and mutual confidence among
ourselves, and know by experience, how
pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together
in unity.
That He would accomplish the promise.
Of his mercy concerning the future repose
and prosperity OF the human race, Wneh
men Shall beat their swords into plough.
shares. & learn war no more when fraud &
:. ience shall cease forever, aud righteous.
vs. W. and ;,eace prevail through the earth
n IT, ,Se K;ngocm of the Redeemer shall
sr;nonh over all opposition, and the hea.
.s"n sball he given Him for His inheritance
~ ,yhen the earth shall be full of the
knowledge Of the L0d as the waters cover
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