THe Parliament acknowledging from the bottom of their Hearts the abundant Mercies of their good God continually heaped upon this Nation, Notwith­standing their great Vnworthiness and unproportionable Returns of Thanks in their Lives and Actions; And being sensible withal of those new Dan­gers which this Nation seems to be threatned with, and hath most justly De­served, Have thought fit to have recourse to the same God by publique Hu­miliation and Prayer, for averting his Iudgements, and removing those Sins which otherwise may call for those Iudgements, and for obtaining a Blessing upon the Coun­cels and Forces of this Commonwealth both by Sea and Land: Be it therefore Enact­ed by this present Parliament, and by Authority thereof, That a day of solemn Fasting and Humiliation be set apart to be observed on Wednesday the Ninth of June, One thou­sand six hundred fifty two, in the Cities of London and Westminster, and within the late Lines of Communication and weekly Bills of Mortality; and upon Wednesday the Thirtieth of June following, in all other Cities, Towns and places within England, Wales, and the Town of Berwick upon Tweed: And that the Ministers of the respective Parishes and places aforesaid, be and hereby are required and enjoyned to give notice hereof on the Lords-Day next preceding the day so to be observed: To the end the people may more di­ligently attend the publique Exercises of Gods Worship and Service on that Day; And for the better observation thereof, The Parliament doth inhibit and forbid the holding or use of all Fairs, Markets, and servile Works of mens ordinary Callings on the respective Days aforesaid: And all Majors, Sheriffs, Iustices of Peace, Constables, and other Officers, be and are hereby enjoyned to take special care of the due Observation of the said Day accordingly.