Proclamation – Fasting Humiliation and Prayer – 1789, Connecticut

This is the text of a Proclamation for a Day of Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer issued by Samuel Huntington, Esquire (signer of the Declaration of Independence), while he was serving as Governor of Connecticut. The proclamation was issued on March 28, 1789, declaring April 22, 1789 as a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer.

BY HIS EXCELLENCY

SAMUEL HUNTINGTON, ESQUIRE

Governor and Commander in Chief of the State of CONNECTICUT

A PROCLAMATION.

Considering the indispensable duty of a people, to acknowledge the overruling hand of divine providence, and their constant dependence upon the supreme being, for all the favor and blessings they may enjoy, or hope to receive; and that notwithstanding the many mercies and signal instances of divine favor conferred upon the inhabitants of this land, yet the prevalence of vice and wickedness give us just reason to fear the divine displeasure and chastisement for our many offenses, unless prevented by speedy repentance and reformation.

I have therefore thought fit by and with the advice of council, to appoint, and do, hereby appoint WEDNESDAY the Twenty-Second Day of April next, to be observed as a Day of FASTING, HUMILIATION, and PRAYER, throughout this state; earnestly exhorting ministers and people of all denominations to assemble for divine worship; that we may with becoming humility, and united hearts, confess and bewail our manifold sins and transgressions, and by repentance and reformation obtain pardon and forgiveness of all our offenses, through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our only savior. Also, to offer up fervent supplications to almighty God the father of mercies, that he may bless the United States of America, gives wisdom and integrity to our national council, direct their proceedings at this important crisis, in such manner as shall best promote the union, prosperity and happiness of the nation: – That it may graciously pleas him to smile upon and bless the people of this state, inspire our civil rulers with wisdom and integrity becoming their station: bless his sacred ambassadors, and cause pure and undefiled religion to flourish, grant us health and plenty; prosper us in all our lawful employments, and crown the year with his goodness; succeed the means of education, extend the peaceful influence of the redeemer’s kingdom, and dispose all nations to live as brethren in peace and amity, and fill the world with the knowledge and glory of God.

And all servile labor is forbidden on said day.

Given at Norwich, the 28th day of March, in the thirteenth year of the independence of the United States of America,

Annoque Domini 1789.

SAMUEL HUNTINGTON

By His Excellency’s Command,

George Wyllys, Sec’ry