WHereas Their Majesties have found Themselves obliged , for the necessary Defence and Safeguard of this Realm , and other Their Dominions , and the Vindicating and Preserving Their own and Their Subjects Rights , to Declare War against the French King , and vigorously to Prosecute the same both by Sea and Land , and to set out and employ Ships of War , and Land-Forces , for Reducing to Their Obedience the Kingdom of Ireland , at this time supported in Rebellion against Their Majesties by the said French King ; Their Majesties putting Their Trust in Almighty God ( who hath mercifully and wonderfully preserved and blessed Their Majesties hitherto , and this Kingdom by Their means ) That he will vouchsafe a special Blessing to this Their Righteous Vndertaking , Do , by and with the Advice of Their Privy Council , hereby Appoint and Command a General and Publick Fast and Humiliation to be observed throughout this Kingdom , That so both Their Majesties and Their Subjects may humble Themselves before Almighty God , in order to obtain Pardon for Their Sins , and may in most devout and solemn manner send up Their Prayers and Supplications to him , for Imploring his Blessing and Assistance on Their Majesties Arms , and for Restoring and Perpetuating Peace , Safety , Honour , and Prosperity to all Their Majesties Kingdoms and Dominions . And for the more decent and uniform performance thereof , Their Majesties do hereby Publish and Declare to all Their Loving Subjects , and do straitly Charge and Command , That on Wednesday being the Fifth day of June next ensuing , this Fast be Religiously and Solemnly kept and observed within the Cities of London and Westminster , and within Ten miles distance of the same : And that on Wednesday the Nineteenth of the same June the like Fast be kept and duly observed through the rest of the whole Kingdom of England , Dominion of Wales , and Town of Berwick upon Tweed , And for the more orderly Solemnizing thereof , Their Majesties have given Directions to the Arch-Bishops and Bishops of this Kingdom , to Compose a Form of Prayers suitable to this Occasion , to be used in all Churches and Chappels , and other Places of Publick Worship , and have given Charge for the Dispersing thereof through Their several Diocesses in the whole Kingdom . And Their Majesties do expresly Charge and Command , That the said Fasting and Prayers be soberly , reverently , and decently performed by all Their Loving Subjects , as they tender the Favour of Almighty God , and upon Pain of such Punishments as Their Majesties can justly inflict upon all such as contemn or neglect so Religious a Work.