WHereas Their Majesties having a deep and serious Consideration of the War in which they ( together with most of the Princes and States of Europe ) were and still are Engaged against the French King , did by Their Royal Proclamation bearing date the Tenth day of May last ; as also by another Proclamation bearing date the Sixteenth day of August last , appoint Two General Fasts to be kept throughout this Kingdom , for Imploring the Blessing and Protection of Almighty God in the Preservation of Their Majesties Sacred Persons , and Prosperity of Their Arms both at Land and Sea , which have been Observed accordingly . And forasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God of His infinite Goodness , in Answer to the Prayers humble and devoutly of offered up to Him , to preserve Their Majesties and Their Government , against the Designs and Attempts of Their Open and Secret Enemies , and to Protect His Majesties Person from the Danger to which He was Exposed in His late Expedition beyond the Seas , and to Grant such Success to His Majesties Arms both at Sea and Land , and to the Forces of the Confederate Princes and States in several Parts of Europe , as to put a considerable Stop to the Rage and Fury of the Enemy , and to bring Him back in Safety to this Kingdom : Their Majesties therefore Adoring the Divine Goodness , and duly considering , That such Great and Publick Blessings do call for Publick and Solemn Acknowledgments , Have thought fit , and ( with the Advice of Their Privy Council ) do hereby Appoint and Command , That a General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for these His Mercies be Observed throughout Our Cities of London and Westminster , and elsewhere within the Weékly Bills of Mortality , on Sunday the Second day of December next : And in all other Places throughout this Kingdom of England , Dominion of Wales , and Town of Berwick upon Tweed , on Sunday the Sixteénth day of December ensuing . And for the better and more orderly Solemnizing of the same , Their Majesties have given Directions to the most Reverend Arch-Bishops , and Right Reverend 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 to take Care for the timely dispersing of the same throughout their respective Diocesses . And Their Majesties do strictly Charge and Command , That the said Publick days of Thanksgiving be Religiously Observed by all Their Loving Subjects , as they tender the Favour of Almighty God , and upon Pain of Suffering such Punishment as Their Majesties can justly inflict for the Contempt or Neglect thereof .