Whereas I have received certain intelligence of a late horrid and detestable conspiracy, against the sacred life of our Soveraign Lord King William, and of an intended invasion to be made into the Kingdom of England, upon the fatal intended blow: all which by the great and good Providence of Almighty God is wonderfully discovered and prevented to the great joy and content of all his Majestyes loving and loyal Subjects: I have therefore by advice of His Majestyes Council for this Province thought fit to appoint, thursday the 4th of June next ensuing be observed and kept a [?] day of thank giving; to render praises to Almighty God for his gracious and wonderful mercy and lovingkindness, in granting us this happy deliverance; and to supplicate for the continuation of his goodness and mercy towards us, in preserving His Majestyes Sacred Person, so frequently exposed to danger for the safety and welfare of his People, and to give success and Victory to his Majestyes arms at Sea and land. And all Ministers and Preachers of the word of God; and all other Persons whatsoever within this Province and dependancyes, are hereby required strictly to observe and keep the same in their Churches or publick meeting houses, as they will answer the contrary at their peril.
Given at his Majestys Fort in New York the 2nd day of May in the Eighth Year of the Reign of our Soveraign Lord WILLIAM the Thurd king of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith &c. Annoq; Domini 1696
Ben. Fletcher