Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1864-03-22
EXPERIMENTATION
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES


The Senate, and House of Representatives Of
the Confederate States Of America have signifed
their desire that day may DO recommended to
the people, to be set apart and observed as a
day of humiliation, fasting and prayer, in the
language following, to wits
&C Reyeyently recognizing the Providence of
cd in the affairs of man, and gratefully remem-
boring the guidance, support and deliverance
granted to our Patriot Fathers in the memorable
war which resulted in the independence of the
American Colonies, and now reposing in Him
our supreme confidence and hope in the present
struggle for Civil and Religious Freedom, and
for the right to live under Government Of our
own choice, and deeply impressed with the con
viction that Without Him nothing is strong, moth
i ing wise and nothing enduring; in order that
the people OF this Confederacy may have the
! opportunity, at the same time, OF offering their
alteration to the great Sovereign of the Universe,
of penitently confessing their sins and strength
| ening their vows and purposes of amendment II
humble reliance upon II .s Gracious and AL
smighty power: N =
/ ssThe Congress of the Confederate States of
America do resolve, That it be recommended to
/ the people of these States, that FRIDAY, the
9Th day of April next, be set apart and observed
as day of Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer
that Almighty God would so preside over our
/ public counsels and authorities that He would
inspire our armies and their leaders with WIS
/ dom. courage and perseverance and SO manifest
Himself in the greatness of His power, that we
Imay be safely and successfully led through the
Christening to which we are being subjected, TO
the attainment of an honorable peace so That
while we enjoy the blessing of free and happy
I Government, we may ascrihe to Him the honor
and the glory of our independence and prosper
ity." T.
OF the people win receive their hearty concur
renee; and it is a grateful duty TO the Excel
tive to unite with their representatives "a ,nvl-
ting them to meet in the Courts OF the Most
Il Uieb. Recent events awaken fresh gratitude
VI tn the Sunreme Ruler of nations. Our enemies
} have suffered repeated defeats, ana nefarlous
: scheme to burn and plumber our Capitai, ana 10
destroy our civil Government oy putting 10 usatn
the chosen servants of the people, has been baf-
, fled and set at naught. Our armies have been
: Strengthened our finances promise rapid prog
ress to a satisfactory condition and Our
whole country is animated with q hopeful splr-
. it and fixed determination to achleye lndeQen'
dence.
thankful hearts, to bow ourselves before the
: throne of the Most High, and while gratefully
!, acknowledging so many mercles, CONFESS thal
: our sins as people have justly exposed US 70
> His chastisement. Let US RECOGNIZES the suHer
= ing which we have been called upon to, endure
. administered by fatherly hand for our improve.
ment and with resolute courage and patient
!. endurance. let us wait on Him for our deliver
a ance.
In furtherance of these objects, now, There
!, fore, /, JEFFERSON DAVIS, President oil the
: Confederate States of America, do issue this my
: Proclamation, calling upon the people of the
said States, in conformity with the desire ex
. pressed by their representatives, to set apar
! FRIDAY, the 9th day of April, as day of HUI
L initiation, Fasting and Prayer, and do hereby
invite them on that day to repair to their severa
: places of public worship and beseech Almighty
81 God ssto preside over our public counsels, ant
= so inspire our armies and leaders with wisdom
e courage and perseverance; aud so to NANTES
. Himself in the greatness of His goodness, and IL
the majesty of His power, that We may secure
the blessings of an honorable peace, and of free
government; and that we, as people, may as
cribe all to the Honor and Glory OF His name.
(~) Given under my hand and the sea
SEAL. of the Confederate States Of America
l~ at the City of Richmond, on this l2tl
J. day of March, in the year of our Lord one thou
g sand eight hundred and sixty -four.
= JEFFERSON DAVIS.
Q By the President:
J. p. BENJAMIN,
y Secretary of State.