As the year 1876 approached, the General Conference Committee called for Sabbath, January 1, to be observed as “a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer,” to be observed as such “by all our churches and the scattered brethren and sisters throughout the length and breadth of our land.” The committee promised to publish in pamphlet form an address to be read in connection with the services of that day (Ibid., December 16, 1875). It would be a day of special devotions and reconsecration to God. 2BIO 489.3