Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1856-11-14

les, varied and rich blessings.
The Divine henehcence, which has been lavishod
upon US as n people, demands appropriate returns
and acknowledg ments. In pursuance, therefore, Of
a custom inaugnrated by our Pilgrim Fathers, and
worthy to be rerpetuated by an intelligent and
Christian people,
do hereby appoint THURSDAY, THE TWFN-
T~Y-SEVENTH DAY OF NOVEMBER, INSTANT,
to be set apart and observed by tho people of this
State as a day Of Public THANKSGIVING and
PRAISE.
Let us on that day present the interesting and
imposing pectacle Of a whole Commonwealth aban-
doning tho ordinary pursuits Of life and repairing
to the temples Of the Most High, and there engag-
ing in acts Of Alteration Thanksgiving and Praise.
How consistent is this with our dependent condition,
and how fit an ackno v'cdgement Of that superin-
tending Providence. which overrules the affairs Of
States ms well as of individuals. Our days of Pub
lie Thanksgiving attest our belief that God con-
trolls human affairs, and il the " giver Of every
good and perfect gift"
Let US, on that day, offer up to our Heavenly
Benefactor the humble tribute Of our united thanks,
that lie has smiled upon the labors Of the field, and
that under Wis blessing. our gamers are again filled
with an abundant harvest let us thank I'm for
the general prevalence Of health throughout our
borders, and that no desolating pestilence has been
permitted to sweep over our State that He has so
largely prospcrcd all branchc- OF honest industry
and enterprise, and has continued to US our civil
rights. Let US thank him for the success and pros
peiity Of our Schools and other institutions Of learn
ing, and for all our means of mental and moral i'm
provement. Especially let us be grateful for tho
higher bles ings Of the Gospel that we have an
other year enjoyed its ministrations and been
cheered by IT'S hopes and divine consultations. Let
US, also, not forget to recognize the Divine hand in
the rapid growth and unparalleled prosperity of
this grea' and powerful nation.
Let us mlngle our applications with our thanks
givings. Let US implore a continuance Of that Di-
vine favor. which has been so signally displayed in
our past history let US beseech Him to protect and
preserve our free institutions. and that civil and re-
ligious liberty which has distinguished us let Us
pray that the love Of Freedom, which inspired our
Fathers to the achievement Of Independence, may
glow undiminished in the hearts Of their descend
ants and that we may keep in vivid recollection
that the only " condition of freedom is that Of eter,
nal vigilance" Let US rrav for the universal ex
tension Of Liberty, and for the overthrow and de-
molition Of tyranny and oppression from under the
whole heavens.
Let US on that day particularly cultivate the joys
of the family circle, and be grateful for the de.
lights and value Of Home, whose endearing tie i,
one Of the hrmest bonds Of morality as we'll as o.
individual and national prosperity.
In the midst Of the enjoyment of our own abund
nnce, let us not be unmindful Of the poor and needy
but remember them both in prayer and alms-giv
ing and let us each endsavor to communicate L
theirs around US the feelings Of thankfulness, which
should so deeply impress our hearts.
Let us confess our individual and national trans
rressions, and humbly implore forgiveness througl
the merits Of a crucifed Redeemer.
Gtrel uadsr my hand and the seal Of thus Stnts, 4
Ere-n're Ch1mbsr, At Nonipsiier, this ''ghih day .
NorsmGc, IN the year Of our Lord onS thousand eri
hunirsi and fny-s,r, and Of the Independence of ~
BIZ tht Gopeynor, RYLAND FLETCHER.
WILLIAM G. SHAW, Secretary.