WHereas for above a Year last past a Wicked Rebellion hath been Carried on and Maintained against Their Majesties in Their Kingdom of Ireland , Which hath been Contrived , Encouraged , and chiefly Supported by the French King , designing by that means to make an absolute Conquest of the said Kingdom , and hold it as a Province , or else to bring a total Ruine and Destruction upon the same ; for which ( amongst other Causes ) Their Majesties have been Obliged to enter into a Iust and Necessary War against the said French King . And whereas His Majesty is Resolved , by the Assistance of God , Vigorously to Prosecute the said War by Sea and Land ; And so effectually to Reduce that Kingdom to its due Obedience , that Their Majesties good Subjects there may not only be Rescued from the present Force and Violence ; but be Secured against all such Aggressions for the Future , and be Settled in a Firm and Lasting State of Peace , Safety , and Prosperity : For which purpose His Majesty hath determined to make a Royal Voyage and go thither in Person , putting His Trust in Almighty God ( who hath by his marvellous Providence hitherto Preserved and Conducted His Majesty ) That he will vouchsafe a special Blessing on His Righteous Vndertaking , and thereby Consummate the Deliverance of these Kingdoms . Their Majesties taking the Premisses into Their most Serious Consideration , have thought sit to Appoint , and 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 the said Kingdom of Ireland , in most Devout and Solemn manner , for Supplicating Almighty God for Pardon of Our Sins , and Imploring His Blessing and Protection in the Preservation of His Majesties Sacred Person , and Prosperity of His Arms , to be Religiously Kept and Observed on Wednesday the Five and twentieth day of June next , throughout the said Kingdom of Ireland , and thenceforward to be Observed on the Third Wednesday in every Month successively , during the present War . And for the more Orderly Solemnizing of the said several Fast Days , Their Majesties have taken Care to Transmit herewith a Form of Prayers suitable to this Occasion , to be used in all Churches and Chappels , and other Places of Publick Worship within the said Kingdom ; And have given Charge for the Dispersing thereof through the said Kingdom . And Their Majesties do most Expresly Charge and Command that the said Fastings and Prayers be 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 Iustly Instict upon all such as shall Contemn or Neglect so Religious a Work .