THeir Majesties taking into most serious Consideration the continued War , in which Their Majesties ( together with most of the Princes and States of Europe ) are Engaged against the French King ; And that upon the Success thereof the common Safety of this Realm doth , under God , wholly depend ; And putting Their Trust in Almighty God , that he will vouchsafe a special Blessing on Their Majesties Righteous Undertakings , and Consummate the Deliverance of these Nations , by Settling the same in a firm and lasting state of Peace , Security and Prosperity : Have thought fit 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 this Realm of England , Dominion of Wales , and Town of Berwick upon Tweed , in most Devout and Solemn manner , for Supplicating Almighty God for the Pardon of our Sins , and for Imploring his Blessing and Protection in the Preservation of Their Majesties Sacred Persons , and Prosperity of Their Arms both at Land and Sea , to be Religiously Kept and Observed on Friday the Eighty Day of April next , and thenceforth on the Second Wednesday of every following Month during the present War . And for the more orderly Solemnizing of the said several Fast-Days , Their Majesties have given Directions to the Right Reverend the Bishops of this Kingdom , to Compose a Form of Prayer suitable to this Occasion , to be Vsed 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 most expresly Charge and Command , That the said Fastings 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 shall Contemn or Neglect so Religious a Work .