The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1823-02-25

those blessings which are necessary to orr nap
pness, but which, by our disobedlence and In
gratitude, we have forfeited.
The Sacred Volume which He has given us
for our guide, while it explicitly incucates these
1nies, furnishes US with every encouragement
to attempt their performance, relying Tor assist
2nce on the gracious aids of His spirit and Tor
acceptance on the merits and intercesslon OF
His Son.
And while it is especially incumbent on every
ndivi ual to confess his personal offences, and
spread before the mercy seat of Heavenhis per-
sonal wants, it seems highly proper and desra-
bic that we should, at suitable seasons, engage
as community in these sacred duties, publicly
md unltedly confessing our national sins, and
implOring national blessings.
Influenced by these considerations, as well as
| by regard TO long established custom, | have
thought fit to appoint, and with the advice Of
The Council, do hereby apponfe THURSDAY,
ne Ih'rd day Of .4pni next, 70 be observed BY
the inhabitants Of this State, as a Day Of z B.
! Lie HUMILIATION. FASTING and PRAY
/ hR And they are hereby requested TO assem-
bic on that day in their respective places OF
pubic worship and with one mind and one heart,
! 10 present their united confessions and supplCa-
tons to our justly offended, but still merciful
GOD; acknowledging with unfeigned contri-
ton, our disregard q His authoKity, our num-
berloss violations Of His commands, our abuse OF
ms mercies, and orr neglect Of the Gospel 81
Salvation bcseeching Him to forgive. for the
sake Of His Son, these great and aggravated Of.
fences to deal with us in loving kindness and
tender mercy, and to be our God, as he has been
the God Of our fathers.
And while unitedly addressing 10 Him our snp
phcauOns let us entreat Him as the Giver Of
every good and perfect gift, to supply our wants
and the wants Of all His great family, during the
present year To cause the earth to Weld her
increase, aud the trees their fruit: TO preserve
the health Of our tellOW-citizens, and grant them
III their several occupations and enterprises. such
a measure of success as shall be most conducive
to their best interests To smile upon our Cole
ges and Seminaries OF Learning, and render them
instruments OF the moral, as well as the intelec-
tual improvement Of their pupils to watch over
the peace and prosperity of this State and of our
common Country; TO bless tie Chief Maeis-
traie OF the Union. and all who are invested
with Legislative, Executive or Judicial authori-
" n the General and State Governments to
assist the Ministers of the everlasting GOSPEL in
their arduous work, increase their number and
crown their labours with success to bless tie
exertlons Of every association whose object il Is
70 disseminate the Scriptures,or il any other way
to supply the spiritual wants and alleviate TIE
miscries Of mankind; to look with al eve OF
pity on the oppressed and enslayed 10 every part
OF ne world; toha>ten the time when civil and
religious liberty shall lie every where enioved
righteousness and peace universally prevail, and
the knowledge Of COP fll tie earth as The wa
tiers cover the seas.
And tie inhabit9nts Of this State are request
cd 10 abstain from al labor and recreation ia.
consistent with the services Of said dav.
GtreH ut the Council Chamber ia Portland he e7ercaE
day 81 february, in he gear Of our Lord, one tloas
and e1ght hundred and trenty three and IN tht
for'y serfnfh year Of the Independence Of the Uni
TED States Of .iacrica
BY the Governor ALBION K. PARIS.
ANOS NICHOLS SccrefrrH w Siafs