February, 1647
[4 February, 1646/7.]
Wednesday March 10 to be day of Public Humiliation; Ministers to publish this Ord.
Wee the Lords and Commons assembled in the Parliament of
England, having entered into a Solemne Covenant, to endeavour
sincerely, really, and constantly, the Reformation of Religion in
Doctrine, Discipline, and Worship, and the Extirpation of
Popery, Superstition, Heresie, Schisme, Prophanesse, and whatsoever shall be found contrary to sound Doctrine, and the power
of godlinesse, and having found the presence of God wonderfully
assisting us in this Cause, especially since our said engagement
in pursuance of the said Covenant: Have thought fit (lest we
partake in other men's sins, and thereby be in danger to receive
of their plagues) to set forth this our deepe sense of the great
dishonour of God, and perillous condition that this Kingdome is
in, through the abominable blasphemies, and damnable heresies,
vented and spread abroad therein, tending to the subversion of
the Faith, contempt of the Ministry and Ordinance of Jesus
Christ: and as we are resolved to imploy and improve the
utmost of Our Power, that nothing be said or done against the
Truth, but for the Truth, so we desire that both ourselves and
the whole Kingdome may be deeply humbled before the Lord,
for that great reproach and contempt which hath been cast upon
his name and Saving Truths, and for that swift distruction which
we may justly feare will fall upon the immortall Soules of such
who are, or may be drawne away, by giving heed to seducing
Spirits. In the hearty and tender compassion whereof, We the
said Lords and Commons doe Order and Ordaine, That Wednesday being the tenth day of March next, be set apart for a day of
publike humiliation for the growth and spreading of Errors,
Heresies, and Blasphemies, to be observed in all places within
the Kingdome of England and Dominion of Wales, and Town of
Barwick, and to seeke God for his direction and assistance for
the suppression and preventing the same. And all Ministers are
hereby enjoyned to publish this present Ordinance upon the
Lords day preceding the said tenth day of March.