In the summer of 1762 there was a severe drought in Massachusetts, and the Governor issued a proclamation recommending public prayers for rain; but it will be noticed that he says if rain should come before the day set apart for prayers, then, instead of humiliation, it would be the duty of the people to make it a day of thanksgiving. The proclamation referred to was published in the "Boston Post-Boy" of July 13, 1762.
By His Excellency
FRANCIS BERNARD, Eſq;
Captain-General and Governor in Chief, in and over His Majeſty's Province of Maſſachuſetts-Bay in New-England, and Vice-Admiral of the ſame.
A PROCLAMATION
For a Day of Public Prayer.
It having pleaſed Almighty God to viſit this Province with another ſevere Drought, which, if it ſhould continue much longer, cannot fail of bringing great Diſtreſs upon the Inhabitants thereof—We are again called upon to ſupplicate the Interpoſition of Divine Providence to relieve this Country from the imminent Danger with which it is threatned, by diſpenſing timely and plentiful Rain.
I have therefore thought fit to appoint, and I do, by and with the Advice of His Majeſty's Council, appoint Wedneſday the Twenty-eighth Day of this Inſtant July to be a Day of Public Prayer throughout the Province: Whereon the whole People may as at one Time humble themſelves before Almighty God, acknowledging their great Unworthineſs, and confeſſing their manifold Sins, and imploring the Supreme Diſpenſer of all Good, that He would be graciouſly pleaſed not to with-hold from them the Fruits of the Earth, but by ſeaſonable and refreſhing Rains bring what yet remains undeſtroyed to a due and ſeaſonable Maturity.