blazon of the Commonwealth  
Thursday the Tenth of September, 1657. 
 At the Council at .  
HIs Highness the Lord Protector and His Privy Council, being very sensible of the Hand of the Lord, which for some Months past hath lain sore upon this Land, in the present Visitation by Sickness throughout the Nation, which calls upon all men to Repent and turn from their evil Ways, and in a Solemn manner to Humble themselves before the Lord, and to seek his Face and Favor, His Highness and the Council have thought fit to Invite and Stir up all that fear the Lord in this Nation to the said Duty of Solemn Fasting and Humiliation; and for that end have appointed Wednesday the Thirtieth day of this instant September, to be observed in all places within England, Wales, and the Town of Berwick upon Tweed; not doubting but all who have a due sense of the Tokens of God's Displeasure, will be excited to the performance of this necessary Duty, in such a manner as is suitable to the present Dispensation, and may not become a further Provocation.  
Hen: Scobell, Clerk of the Council.   

LONDON: Printed by Henry Hills and John Field, Printers to His Highness the Lord Protector, 1657.