From Joshua Chamberlain, 1867:
STATE OF MAINE.
BY THE GOVERNOR.
A PROCLAMATION
FOR A DAY OF
Public Thanksgiving and Praise.
In the spirit of those who laid the foundations of these States in the fear and praise of God, and in devout recognition of the Supreme Ruler of men and Giver of good, I do hereby, with the advice of the Executive Council, appoint Thursday, the Twenty-Eighth day of November next, as a day of Public Thanksgiving and Praise.
And I call upon the people of this State to assemble on that day in their sanctuaries and homes to recount the favors and repeat the praises of our most merciful Father. For life and health; for peace and home; for the prosperous course of seasons, and the plenteous rewards of toil; for the gift of grace and the hope of Heaven, let us render Him our humble thanks.
As a people we should rejoice that out of conflicts and tribulation we have been taught lessons of justice, humanity and true religion. As families, also, though there will be vacant places which sorrowing memory alone can fill, we will still praise Him who cannot err from right, and whose pity cannot fail.
Most of all should we remember with ever fresh Thanksgivings, Him who at this season came to take upon Himself our weaknesses and sins, and so testify our gratitude by thoughtful obedience and loving worship, that when He shall come again with power and great glory, we also may have part in His resurrection.
Given at the Council Chamber at Augusta, this twenty-fifth day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the ninety-second.
JOSHUA L. CHAMBERLAIN
STATE OF MAINE.
BY THE GOVERNOR.
A PROCLAMATION
FOR A DAY OF
Public Thanksgiving and Praise.
In the spirit of those who laid the foundations of these States in the fear and praise of God, and in devout recognition of the Supreme Ruler of men and Giver of good, I do hereby, with the advice of the Executive Council, appoint Thursday, the Twenty-Eighth day of November next, as a day of Public Thanksgiving and Praise.
And I call upon the people of this State to assemble on that day in their sanctuaries and homes to recount the favors and repeat the praises of our most merciful Father. For life and health; for peace and home; for the prosperous course of seasons, and the plenteous rewards of toil; for the gift of grace and the hope of Heaven, let us render Him our humble thanks.
As a people we should rejoice that out of conflicts and tribulation we have been taught lessons of justice, humanity and true religion. As families, also, though there will be vacant places which sorrowing memory alone can fill, we will still praise Him who cannot err from right, and whose pity cannot fail.
Most of all should we remember with ever fresh Thanksgivings, Him who at this season came to take upon Himself our weaknesses and sins, and so testify our gratitude by thoughtful obedience and loving worship, that when He shall come again with power and great glory, we also may have part in His resurrection.
Given at the Council Chamber at Augusta, this twenty-fifth day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the ninety-second.
JOSHUA L. CHAMBERLAIN