Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1864-04-01
PROCLAMATION
By THE PRESIDENT OF THE con-
FEDERATE STATES.

FEDEkATE STATES.
The Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the Confederate States of America
have signifed their desire that day may
be recommended to the people. to be set
apart and observed as day of humiliation,
fasting and prayer, in the language follow
ing, to wit:
"Keverently recognizing the Providence
OF God in the affairs of man, and gratefully
remembering the guidance, support and de-
liverance grsAted to our Patriot Fathers in
the methorabis war which resulted in the
Independence of the American Colonies,
and now reposing in Him our supreme con-
fdipce and hope in the present struggle for
Civil and Religious Freedom, and for the
right to live uader Government Of our
own choice, and deeply impressed With the
conviction that aithoat Him nothing is
strong, nothing wise and nothing endu-
ring; in order that the people of this Con-
federacy may have the opportunity at the
same time, Of Offering their alteration to the
great Sovereign Of the Universe, Of peni-
tently confess;ng their sins and strengthen
ing their vows aud purposes of amendment
in humble reliance upon His Gracious and
Almighty power:
1.-THE Congress of the Confederate States
of America do resolve, That it be recon-
mended to the people of these States. that
FRIDAY, the 9Th day Of April next. be
set apart and observed as a day Of Humil-
iation, Fasting and Prayer, that Almighty
Goo would SO preside over our public coun-
sells and authorities that He would inspire
our armies and their leaders with wisdom,
courage and perseverance and SO manifest
Himself in the greatness of His goodness
and majesty Of His power, that we may be
safely and successfully led through the
christening to rhieh re are being subjected,
80 the attainn ent Of an honorable peace ;
so that while we enjoy the blessings of a
free and happy Government. We may as
scribe to Hin the honor and the glory -four
independence and prosperity"
A recommendation so congenial to the
feelings Of the people will receive their
hearty concurrence and it is grateful
duty to the Executive to unite with their
representatives III in7iting them to meet in
the Courts of the Most High Recent
events awaken fsesh gratitude to the Su-
preme Ruler Of nations. Our enemies have
suffered repeated defeats, and nefarions
scheme to BURN and plundes our Capital,
and to destroy our civil Government by
putting to death the chosen servants of the
people, has been bafHed and set at naught
Our armies have been strengthened; our
finances promise rapid progress to salts,
factory condition and our whole country
is animated with hopeful spirit and fixed
determination to achieve Independence
n these circumstances it becomes us.
with thankful hearts, to bow ourselves be-
fose the throne of the Most High, and,
while gratefully acknowledging so many
niercies. confess that our sins al a people
have justly exposed us to His chastisement.
Let US recognize the sufferings which we
have been called upon to endure, admins
tered by a fatherly hand for our improve
ment, md. with resolute courage and pa
tient endurance, let US wait Cd Him for our
deliyerancc.
LII iutlucfdtCt s&1i eHeSt UUJSCLo, uQW.
Therefore, | JEFFERSON DAVIS, Pres
dent OF the Confederate States of America,
do issue this my Proclamation, calling up-
on the people Of the said States, in con-
forn,ity with the desire to be expressed by
their personalities. to set apart FRIDAY,
the 9th day of April, as day Of Humilia-
ton, Fasting and Prayer, and I do hereby
invite them on that day to repair to their
several places of public worship and beseeeh
Airtghty God ''to preside over our public
cohnsels, and SO inspire our armies aud
leaders with wisdom courage. and perseyss
renee and SO to manifest Himself inssne
greatness of his goodness, and in the ma
iesty of His power. that We may secure the
blessings Of an honorable peace, and of free
government; and that we, as a people, may
ascribe ull to the Honor and Glory Of His
name"
Given under my hand and the
seal of the Confederate States
' of America, at the city Of Rich
N-- nond, on this 18th day o.
March, in the year of Our lord one thou>
sand eight hundred and sixty -four.
JEFFERSON DAVIS.
BY the President:
j. P. BENJAMIN.