Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-04-25
FAST DAY SERVICES
Held At the First Baptist Church Resolves
Passed.

Union services were held at the First
Baptist church, Fast day morning.
Prayer was offered by Rev. f. Bean
of Bluehill. who is visiting in Augusta.
The services were presided over by
Rev. j. NJ. Wyman; Mrs. Wardsworth;
Rev c. A. Hayden: Rev. c. S. Cum
mings.
In his address Rev. Mr.. Hayes pro-
posed that the meeting give an ex-
preston of opinion regarding the fu-
ture of the day, and the following COM
mittee was appointed: Rev. +. c.
HAYES. Prof A. H. Brainard and Mrs.
S. j. Williams.
The committee proposed the follow
| ing resolves which We're adopted:
On Fast day, by us citizens of Au-
gusta, assembled in a spirit of compli-
ance with the proclamation of the
| honored Chief Magistrate of this COM
monwealth. be it resolved as follows:
First-That, inasmuch as only about
| one per cent. of the population of our
city observe the annual day called
Fast day." in the manner indicated
| by that name, and required by our
Chief Magistrate; and, inasmuch as
general and conspicuous non-compli-
ance with authorized usage is discredit-
able and injurious to society, there
| fore. in our opinion such usage should
be changed.
Second-That it is not our opinion
| that the customary annual appoint
ment should be discontinued, but modi-
| fed.
The annual observance of a day in
spring, announced by a proclamation
of the Governor, is Il valuable memo
rial of the struggles and of the worth
of our fore-fathers. In the early days
of our country's life. and again dur
ing the war that cemented and per-
petuated the union. the assemblages
of the people on Fast day were of
great value as opportunities to prepare
| for deeds of national virtue. While we
trust that no time of similar trial may
emphasize the need of such assemblies.
yet we believe that in times of peace
and prosperity it is necessary to in
struct and arouse the people, in order
| that they may rightly discharge the
| duties of citizenship. The need may
| be so much the greater as it is less
| keenly felt.
Third-As a method of adaptation to
| the time in which we live we suggest
| that the day be called Citizens day.
because that name implies an obser-
vance that both meets the present need
| and CnntinIaG tho of h
toric past.
| And we desire that the ancient Gus
tom of appointing the day by procla-
| nation of the Governor addressed to
the churches be continued, not only to
preserve with becoming respect a re-
minder of the past. but also because,
| in the perfect separation between
church and state that exists in this
country it is not well for the State to
ignore the church. but highly desirable
that the state which is the organ of
human law should recognize the
church which is an organization for
securing conformity with the laws of
God, which are the foundation of our
civilization; and because the perfect
| separation between church and state
prepares the church to discuss existing
problems without bias, and with an
| eye single to the public good; and be-
cause it is the province of the church
to instruct the public intelligence in
| that wisdom which shows to states
| and nations the way to Righteousness
and peace and joy. and to arouse the
| public conscience to that virtue which
is the power of God in human affairs
| and which alone can secure human
! welfare.