royal blazon or coat of arms 
C R  HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE dieu ET MON DROIT  
¶ A Proclamation for a general Fast throughout this realm of England.  
THe fresh memory of the late fearful visitation of the Plague, as in many other places and parts of this realm, so especially in and about the Cities of London and Westminster, and places adjacent, and the spreading thereof in many parts of this kingdom at this time, ought to move us to consider, that it was, and is the immediate hand of God for the sins of this Land, so to visit and correct his people; And again, the contemplation of the infinite goodness of God, so unexpectedly to heal this great and populous city( the seat of this Empire) ought to draw us to a due and thankful acknowledgement of so great a deliverance: The remembrance of the scarcity and famine lately threatened unto us in all the borders of this Land, ought to humble vs. And the blessing of God vpon the fruits of the earth in the time of our greatest distress, ought to stir up our thankfulness unto that divine majesty, who was the giver of these blessings: The present estate of his majesties Dominions, and of His friends and Allies embarked in a war, with a potent and vigilant enemy, setting us in an open hostility abroad, and threatening us with a powerful invasion at home, ought to persuade us, not onely to a timely preparation for all things necessary for a defensive war, but also to look up to Him, whose providence governs, and whose power ruleth all things vpon earth: And our former deliverances in like distresses, ought to raise our thoughts, not to neglect the ordinary means, and yet to trust in him onely who is the Lord of hostes, and who alone can deliver in times of danger: These Pious and Religious considerations haue so wrought in the Princely heart of the Kings most excellent majesty, That He hath not onely had recourse to that great and divine majesty, who is the King of kings, in His private deuotions, to implore his mercy and favour to himself and His people; But according to the example of all good Kings in former ages in the times of common calamities, which equally concern both Prince and people, to command a solemn, a general, and a public Fast throughout all this whole Land, wherein the whole kingdom( as one man) may present to God their hearty and unfeigned thankes for His benefits already received, and may power out their supplications with strong cries unto Him, to sand a blessing vpon our endeavours, and to divert those punishments from us, which the sins of this Land haue worthily deserved.  
To this purpose, His most Excellent majesty,( moved thereunto, the rather by the good inclination of the Commons House of Parliament, lately assembled, who being the representative Body of this realm, and best knowing the necessities of them all, did intimate their desire thereof) hath consulted with His reverend Bishops, and resolved vpon a grave and religious form of solemnizing thereof, Which His royal Pleasure He doth hereby publish and declare to all His loving Subiects, And doth straitly charge and command, That on Wednesday next, being the fift day of july, this Fast be religiously and solemnly observed and celebrated in the Cities of London and Westminster, and places adjacent, wherein His majesty in His royal Person, and with His own family and royal household, will give an example to the rest of His people. And that on that day month, being the second of August, the like the kept and duly observed, throughout the rest of this whole realm of England and Dominion of Wales. And for the more orderly solemnizing thereof without confusion, His majesty, by the advice of His reverend Bishops, hath directed to be Composed, Printed, and Published, the form of such Prayers and public Exhortations, as He thinketh fit to be used in all Churches and places at these public meetings. And he hath given charge to His Bishops to disperse the same throughout His whole kingdom. All which, His majesty doth expressly charge and command, shall be reverently and devoutly performed by all His loving Subiects, as they tender the favour of Almighty God, and would avoid his just indignation against this Land; and vpon pain of such punishments, as His majesty can justly inflict vpon all such, as shall contemn, or neglect so religious a work.  
given at His majesties Court at White-Hall, the thirtieth day of june, in the second year of His majesties reign of Great britain, France, and Ireland.  
God save the King.   

¶ Imprinted at London by Bonham Norton and John Bill, Printers to the Kings most Excellent majesty. M.DC.XXVI.