Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-04-14
QaiIv Nrnnebet yourna
AUG u . T. A.
TUESDAY MORNING. April IA. 1874.
FAST-DAY.

In accordance with proclamation from
the State Executive next Thursday will be
observed as day of public fasting
throughout the State. Entering as we are
at this season of the year into the labors
upon which we are dependent tor future
support, and knowing that the favors OF
Providence, the blessings of sun and rain,
are necessary to give our exertions sue
cess, it is fitting that we observe the day
in the manner indicated. Though our
Fast may not cause the showers to descend
and the earth to produce, it will serve to
bring us as people into closer com
munion with the Supreme Ruler, teaching
us confidence in His wisdom and good
ness, and leading our thoughts away from
the vicissitudes of life to the Interchangeable
power and kindness Of the Great Father.
who provides for the wants of all his
creatures with bountiful, and impartial
hand. Thus we shall gain trust and
strength that will aid us in performing the
duties and labors of the season. The
husbandman sowing in hope will be more
faithful and diligent. Increased faith will
give larger power to subdue and prepare
the earth for seed, making hills and val
leys smile with an enlarged coming har-
vest.
The devotional feeling appropriate to
Fast Day is never reached in n time of
peace, plenty and prosperity. 1t requires
the gloom of war, the threatenings Of
some great evil, the occurrence of national
disaster, fear of want or calamity. to pre-
pare the public mind to feel the force and
relief of such an occasion. There were
Fasts in the last war when the nation went
down upon it's knees as one man, when
the day seemed sanctified, and the general
heart felt relief in the duties and services
of public worship. The Fasts of '63 and
GA, were of this character. Churches
were filled with attentive congregations.
Fathers and mothers thought of their sons
in the army. Wives and sweet-hear.s re-
membered the absent who were treading
the path of duty and danger. The nations
peril touched all, from the President to
the laborer, leading the whole people as
by one impulse to look to Providence for
help.
The early settlers ofthis country, who in
stituted the observance of day of public
fasting at this season, realized its peculiar
significance as we never have. Sur
rounded by dangers on every hand,
especially from hostile savages and
famine, their trust was in God alone and
their prayers were deyout and sincere.
The more imminent the peril the closer
men draw to the Supreme. We have con-
tinued their custom, but with peace and
prosperity in our state and country, we
shall not feel as they felt, or as we felt
during the dark days of the rebellion, and
yet we are dependent now as then, or as
the early settlers were. upon the arm of
Him who sustains and keeps all. None
can tell what the year may bring forth.
Earthquakes, want and pestilence come
without warning. While it is weak to
borrow trouble, it is prudent to fortify our
faith in Gods goodness. Let us then OBJ
serve our Fast in becoming manner,
reverently recognizing our dependence
upon the All-wise, and asking that his
blessing may crown the labors of our
people with abundance and add to the
happiness and glory of our State.