Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1849-08-03
DAY OF FASTING AND PRAYER

VA VI + 40 L lS1 4LlND hh 1855
The recommendation OF President Taylor,
that today be set apart throughout The country
as day OF fasting and prayer, has been very &c.
morally approved Of. IN our city, the pastors Oh
the various churches have recommended pro-
per observance OF The day, and divine service, we
believe, with appropriate ceremonies, WI DC
held in all places OF public worship. The Mayor
has also issned card. calling on The CITIZENS lot
all due observance Of the recommendations
The daily papers Of the city have delermIn-
ed 10 suspend operations Tor The day, and |! Is be-
lieyed that other establishments, manufactures
and The citizens generally, will, ON this day, lay
aside all business not absolutely necessary, and
ioin in Observing it as day OF fasting, humi-
liation and prayer, that The Ruler OF nations may
arresl The ravases OF the fearful scourse when
threatens 10 dasoae our country.
Some persons have inquired in what way The
day is 10 be observed Some think il should e
literally day of tasting-that is, to abstain from
all food OF every kind; others, that no meat should
be eaten, only bread and water; while others con
tend that il consists in accidental OF every indul.
oence, and devoling The day 10 prayer and re!i'
pious duties. II such of our readers will Turn
10 The So h chapter OF Isaiah, they will there fiod
a tas, described which will be acceptable 10 The
Deity. Permit US 10 repeat II:
us i, such fast that have chosen day for
man 10 : IA ct his soul2 is il 10 how down the
head as bairush, and to spread sackcloIh and
ashes under hint vii, thou call this last, an
acceptable day unto The Lorci
~, NOT this The fast liza, have chosenI to loose
The bonds OF wickedness, 10 undo The heavy bur
dens and 10 lei the oppressed 60 l;fe, and that
We break every yoke2
lis il no, 10 deal thy bread 10 The hungry, and
lha, thou bring the poor that are cast COL intolhy
bouse7 when tnou sees' the naked that tsou COW
er him. and that thou hide EoI thy self from thine
own Gest1'
We will not attempt TO add one word 10 this
impressive and beautiful description OF An accep-
table last 20 our great Creator, except 10 repeat
The memorable words OF our blessed Saviour
"Bu, thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head
and wash Thy lace;
"That thou appear no, unto men TO fast, but
unto Thy Father, which is in secie; and my
Father which seeIh in secret shall reward thee
openly"
As appropriate TO the occasion, we COPY from
the N. Y. Tribune The following:
AN INVOCATION.
For III: National Fast Day, Friday, Avg. 3, lSi9.
God over all Thou source Of life
Who spaIe and man awokc from dus';
We humbly bow before Try throne,
For in thy name alone We trust.
Thy sovereign ard mysterious law
Gives ashes lie-lo dust its breath
Or messengers obey Thy will
And lead The millions down to death.
STAY Thou the pcsIilencc tha! wa ks
In days brisL tbeam or nights deep shade;
Nor et he nation hopIess SIGH,
Nor vainly look TO Thee Tor aid
STAY Thou The spoilers iireless hand -
Speak Thou, . CD and Dca'h shall wal!
Fur Thou alone canst bill him cease,
And bend submissive al Thy gate.
A nation humbly cries 10 thee
A nation bows before thy throne
Speak life, o God and Death shall nee,
Eud praise shall rise 10 Thee alone!