The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-03-20
 One Hundred Years Ago.

GOOD FRIDAY PROCLAMATION.
 By His ExcelIency, JOHN COTTON SMITH, Esquire, Governor and Com naander-in-C Chief, in and over the State of Connecticut, A PROCLAMAIION- From a just view of their dependence Mpon the Most High for every tenn poraI and spiritual blessing, the Peo- pTe of this State have been accustomed to devote 8 day in each year to the sacred purpose of acknOWIedglng lHe supremacy of that being, whose proVl- Hence controls the affairs of lnd1V1u- naIs and nations; of lamenting their abuse of His mercies, and their 1Ilsen- sibiIity under his frovVns; and Of be- seeching Him, through the merits oi the Redeemer, to forgive their past 1n- gratitude to bestow upon them those Havors which are essential to tneir comfort here, and by sanctified use Df His dispensations, to prepare them for the exalted pleasures of future and brighter world.
 The Appointed Day.
 To the intent, therefore, that this laudabIe usage may not be neglected, have thought proper to appoint, ana | do hereby appoint FRIDAY, the twelfth day of April, to be observed throughout this state as a day or PTJRIIC HUMILIATION, FASTING
 
 upon ministers and people of all de- nominations to assemble on that day In their respective places of religious worsT1ip: that before Our Heavenly Father we may bring to remembrance our individual and national trans- gressions, the ungratefu1 return we have made for His unnunabered bless fngs, our disregard of His judgments as well as of the great deliverance He has wrought for us, and our criminal neglect of the denunciatlons or HIS law, and the gracious invitations Of His Gospel. And whilst with deep contrition and abaSement we conten1- plate our unworthiness in His sight, let us with humble hope and confidence look for pardon and acceptance to that atonenent which has been perfected by the blood of Hi Son, and irnplore the assistance of His Holy Spirit to reform our lives and to concentrate them to His service-that by a course of sincere and cheerful obedience, we may secure His favor which is life, and His low ing Kindness which is b4tter than Hfe..'
 And I do recommend that fervent prayers be offered to ALMIGHTY GOD for His blessings upon the var ious interests and concerns of this state, upon our civil and religious in stitutions,, our schools and seminaries of learning and upon the several asso-. citations which have been formed for the a1leviation of human suffering, and for the advancement of science and virtue; that He would graciously impart wisdom to our councils, fidelity to our judicial and executive officers, and a spirit of concord and unanimity to our citizens; that He would impress us with asssoIennn sense of His affict- i've yisitations, especially in removing by death those who have held dis7 tinguisFed places of public trust, and
 
 promoting the prosperity of the com YaonweaIth; and that from time to time He would raise up and qualify such to fill the various departments of government, as shall be influenced by a regard to His Glory and the best good of their country.
 That He would prosper us in all our lawful pursuits, in our commerce, manufactures and husandry, and crown the opening year with health and peace, and a competent supply of the fruits of His ounty.
 That with favor He would encem- ppass us,x as with a shieId,'' and make would please Him to afford His pa- terpa1 care to the several states of the Union, and to the government .estab- 1ished for their common interest and safety; that he would bless the Presi- dent and Congress, and so direst their CONSULTATIONS ana enQeaVOrS, as LfldC the freedom and independence, the tranquility and happiness of this ex-5 tensive republic may be secured, and transmitted to the latest generations; Stnat he would put an end to the suf-1 ferings of mankind from ignorance and violence and oppression. and ac- company with Almighty power the eff forts of the Christian world to extend the knowledge of His glorious gospel until all nations shall receive and obey its Divine precepts. and own the uni versaI reign of the Prince of Peace.
 All servile labor and vain recrea- tion on said day are by law forbidden.
 Given under my hand at Hartford the nineteenth day of February. in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixteen. and in the for tieth year of the independence of the United States of America
 JOHN COTTON SMITH,
 By His Exee11ency's comand,
 THomas Day, Secretary.
 I.HS A