Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
BY HIS EXCELLENCY
NATHANIEL P. BANKS.
GOVERNOR.
A PROCLAMATION.
The President of the United States, by his Proclamation, dated at Washington, the fourteenth day of December, instant, in view of "the present distracted and dangerous condition of our country," and in compliance with the request of "pious and patriotic associations and citizens," has designated Friday, the fourth day of January next, as a day of Humiliation, Fasting, and Prayer, and has recommended that the People assemble on that day, and, "according to their several forms of worship, to keep it as a solemn Fast."
In pursuance of this recommendation, and upon advice of the Council, I have thought it my duty to transmit his Proclamation, through the accustomed channels, to the religious and spiritual advisers and teachers of the People, and to commend to the citizens of Massachusetts a solemn and Christian recognition and observance of the day thus designated.
The founders of this Commonwealth never failed, in the hour of tribulation and trial, to recognize the hand of Almighty God in the disposition of great events; to seek from Him consolation and courage in affliction, and wisdom and strength to avert public dangers.
Under the shadow of impending national calamity, let us follow the Christian custom of our fathers, and implore the blessing of Heaven upon our beloved country:--
That the priceless privileges that have been transmitted to us may be preserved forever: That our rulers may be invested with wisdom and courage rightly to discharge their duties: That the People may learn from Him that the recognition of the rights of others is indispensable to the protection of their own: That idleness may not paralyze the hand of willing labor, nor want cloud its visions of plenty, and that fraternal contests may never rend our land, nor "the trumpet sound its general doom."
Given at the Council Chamber, this twenty-first day of December, in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty, and the eighty-fifth of the Independence of the United States of America.
NATHANIEL P. BANKS.
By His Excellency the Governor,
with advice and consent of the Council.
OLIVER WARNER, Secretary.
GOD SAVE THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
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