State of New Hampshire

In Committee of Safety, March 27, 1778

Ordered,

THAT the following, PROCLAMATION of the Hon'ble Continental CONGRESS, for a General FAST throughout the UNITED-STATES, be printed, and sent to the several Religious Societies in this State, to be observed agreeable to the Directions therein.

 

M.WEARE, Chairman,

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A PROCLAMATION

For a General FAST,

Throughout the United-States of AMERICA

In CONGRESS, March 7th, 1778

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WHEREAS Almighty GOD in the righteous Dispensation of his Providence, hath permitted the continuation of a cruel and desolating WAR in our land; and it being at all Times, the Duty of a People, to acknowledge GOD in all his Ways, and more especially to humble themselves before him when evident tokens of his Displeasure are manifested; to acknowledge his righteous Government, confess and forsake their evil Ways, and implore his Mercy:

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RESOLVED, THAT it be recommended to the UNITES STATES of AMERICA to set apart WEDNESDAY the 22d of APRIL next, to be observed as a Day of FASTING, HUMILIATION, and PRAYER; that at one time, and with one Voice, the Inhabitants may acknowledge the righteous Dispensations of Divine Providence, and confess their Iniquities and Transgressions for which the Land mourneth; that they may implore the Mercy and Forgiveness of GOD, and beseech him that Vice, Profaneness, Extortion, and every Evil, may be done away, and that we may be a reformed and happy People; that they may unite in humble and earnest Supplication; that it may please Almighty GOD to guard and defend us against our enemies, and give Vigour and Success to our Military Operations by Sea and Land; that it may please him to bless the Civil Rulers , and People, strengthen and perpetuate our Union, and in his own good Time, establish us in peaceable Enjoyment of our Rights and Liberties; that it may please him to bless our Schools and Seminaries of Learning, and make them Nurseries of true Piety, Virtue, and useful Knowledge; that it may please him  to cause the Earth to yield its Increase, and to crown the Year with his Goodness.

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And it is recommended to the Inhabitants of the UNITED-STATES, to abstain on that Day from Labour and Recreations.

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By order of CONGRESS, 

 

HENRY LAURENS, President.