s the
Reformed Churches; That he would pitie His oppressed People, the _French
Protestants_, and gather them out of all places, whither they have been
scattered in the cloudy and dark day; And that He would be the Defence,
Strength and Salvation of any of His People, who are in War or Danger by
Infidel or Popish adversaries, in _Europe_ or _America:_ And in
particular, that the Lord would be Gracious to _Ireland_, and sanctifie to
His People there, both their distress and Deliverance, and perfect what
concerneth them, that he would Convert the Natives there to the Truth,
Reduce that Land to Peace; And appoint Salvation for Walls and Bulwarks to
_Brittain_.

For all these Causes and Reasons, The General Assembly hath Appointed the
Second Thursday of _January_ next, to be Observed in all the Congregations
of this Church and Nation, as a day of Solemn Fasting and Humiliation, and
Prayer; Beseeching and Obtesting all, both Pastors and People, of all
Ranks to be sincere and serious, in Humiliation and Supplication, and
universal Reformation, as they would wish to find mercy of the Lord and
have deserved wrath averted, and would obtain the Blessing of the Lord
upon themselves and Posterity after them; And that the Lord may delight in
us, and our Land may be as Married to Him. And Ordains all Ministers,
either in Kirks or Meeting houses, to Read this present Act publickly from
the Pulpit, a Sabbath or two before the said Day of Humiliation: and that
the several Presbyteries take care, that it be carefully observed in their
Respective bounds. And where, in regard of Vacancies, the Day hereby
appointed, cannot be observed; The Assembly appoints the said Humiliation
to be kept some other Day with the first convenient opportunity. And
Appoints the Commission for Visitation, to apply to the Council for their
Civil Sanction to the Observation thereof.

XIII. _Act anent Sentences past against Ministers from the Year 1650. &c._

The General Assembly does hereby declare, all Sentences, past against any
Ministers _Hinc Inde_, by any Church Judicatory, upon the Account of the
late Differences among Presbyterians, from the Year 1650. Till the
Re-introduction of Prelacy, to be of themselves void and null, to all
Effects and Intents. And Siclike the General Assembly hereby Recommends,
to the Respective Presbyteries, to take care, that such of these
Ministers, as are not otherways disposed of by the Church, Return to the
exercise of