Causes of a public Fast, and solemn Humiliation to be kept throughout the Church of Scotland upon the last Sabbath of this instant month of July, being the 25. day thereof 1647.  
THat notwithstanding of our solemn engagement, in the Covenant, our Obligations from great and singular mercies, and our many warnings from judgements of all sorts; Yet not only do we come far short of that sobriety, righteousness and holiness that becometh the gospel of Jesus Christ, but ungodliness and worldly lusts abound everywhere throughout the Land, unto the grieving of the Lord's Spirit, and provoking the eyes of his glory to make him increase his plagues upon us, and to punish us seven times more, because we continue to walk contrary unto him.  
Secondly, That the Lord's hand is still stretched out against us, in the judgement of the Pestilence, which spreadeth not only in several places of the Country, but continueth and increaseth in many of the most eminent Cities in the kingdom.  
Thirdly, The great dangers that threaten Religion, and the work of Reformation, In these kingdoms from the number, Policy and power of the Sectaries in England, which are like not only to interrupt the progress of uniformity, and the establishing of the Ordinances of God in their beauty and perfection, but to overturn the foundation already laid, and all that hath been built thereupon, with the expenses of much blood and pains.  
First, And therefore we are earnestly to pray the Lord that the solemn League and Covenant may be kept fast and inviolable, notwithstanding of all the purpofes and endeavours of open enemies and secret underminers to the contrary.  
Secondly, We are to entreat the Lord on the behalf of the King's Majesty, that he may be reconciled to God, and that he may be now furnished with Wisdom and council from above, that he be not involved in new snares, to the endangering of himself and these kingdoms, but that his heart may incline to such resolution, as will contribute for settling of Religion and righteousness.  
Thirdly, We are also to entreat the Lord on the behalf of the Parliament of England of the Synod of Divines, and of all such in that Land as do unfeignedly mind the work of God, that they may not be discouraged or swerve in the day of temptation, but that each of them in their stations, and according to their places and callings may be furnished with light and strength from heaven for doing of their duty with faithfulness and zeal.  
Fourthly, We are to supplicate for direction to our Committee of Estates, that they may discern the times, and know what is fitting to be done, for securing ourselves and encouraging our Brethren.  
Fifthly, We are to pray for a spirit of light and of law unto our Assembly, that they may be instrumental in preserving the truth, and advancing holiness amongst ourselves, and for carrying on the work of God amongst our Neighbours.  
Finally, That the Lord would power out upon all sorts of persons in these kingdoms a spirit of grace and supplication, that it may repent us of all our iniquities, and that we may be reconciled to the Lord; that so all the threatens of his wrath may be removed from amongst us, and he may bless us with the sweet fruits of truth and peace.  
A. KER.   

Printed at Edinburgh by Evan Tyler, Printer to the Kings most Excellent majesty 1647.