The Virginia Gazette

The Synod of Fife, in Scotland, having met in April last, took upon them to appoint a Day of Fasting and Humiliation thro' all their District, on Account of the Burden the Church of Scotland labours under by the Patronage Act not being removed, &c. And the Synods of Perth and Stirling took upon them the same Authority, by appointing likewise a Day of Fasting and Humiliation on the same Account, within their respective Districts.

This Day of Fasting and Humiliation was accordingly kept in the most solemn and respectful Manner by all the poor People in that Country; and what added to the Enthusiasm of the People, was, that about the same Time there happened a most terrible Earthquake in the Neighbourhood of Stirling, and along the Ochil Hills, which lie between that and Perth, there having been Two severe Shocks in the Forenoon, and Three more about Twelve o'Clock that Night, or between that Hour and One o'Clock next Morning; each of which was attended with a great Noise, under Ground, and some Houses were rent, and the People in many others so frightned, that they fled out of their Houses, for fear they should come tumbling down about their Ears.