Iniunctions geuen by the Quenes Maiestie, aswell to the Clergie as to the laitie of this Realme.
THe Queenes moste Royall Maiestie, by thaduise of her most honorable counsayle, intendyng thaduauncement of the true honour of almyghtye God, the suppression of supersticion, through all her hyghnesse Realme and dominions, and to plant true religion, to thertirpation of al hipocrisie, enormities, and abuses (as to her duetie apperteineth) doth minister vnto her louing subiectes these Godly iniunctions hereafter folowyng. All which Iniunctions, her highnesse wylleth and commaundeth her louyng subiectes obediently to receaue, and truely to obserue and kepe, euery man in theyr offices, degrees and states, as they wyll auoyde her hyghnesse displeasure, and the paynes of the same hereafter expressed.
[Page] THe first is, that all Deanes, Archedeacons, Persons, Vicars, Vsurped and forrayne auctoritie. and all other ecclesiasticall persons, shal faith fully kepe & obserue, and as farre as in them may lye, shal cause to be obserued and kept of other all and singuler lawes & statutes made for the restoring to the crowne the auncient iurisdiction ouer the state ecclesiasticall, and abolyshyng of all forrayne power repugnaunt to the same. And furthermore all ecclesiasticall persons, hauing cure of soule, shal to thuttermost of theyr wytte, knowledge, and learnyng, purely, sincerely, and without anye colour or dissimulation, declare, manifest & open foure tymes euery yere at the least in their Sermons and other collations, that al vsurped and forraine power hauyng no establyshement nor grounde by the lawe of God, is for moste iuste causes taken awaye and abolyshed. And that therefore no maner of obedience or subiection within her highnesse Realmes and dominions is due vnto any such forrayne power. And that the Quenes power within her Realmes and dominions, is the hyghest power vnder God, to whom all men within the same Realmes and dominions, by Gods lawes owe moste loyaltie and obedience, afore and aboue al other powers and potentates in earth.
Besydes this, to thintent that all superstition and hypocrysye, Images. crepte into dyuers mennes heartes, may vanyshe away, they shall not sette foorth or extoll the dignitie of any Images, Reliques, [Page] or miracles, but declaryng the abuse of the same, they shall teache that all goodnesse, health and grace ought to be both asked and loked for onely of God, as of the verye aucthour and geuer of the same, and of none other.
3 A sermō euery moneth. Item that they the persons aboue rehearsed shall preach in theyr Churches, and euery other cure they haue, one Sermon euery moneth of the yere at the least, wherein they shall purelye and sincerely declare the worde of God: and in the same exhorte theyr hearers to the workes of fayth, VVorkes of fayth. as mercye and charitie, specially prescrybed and commaūded in scripture, and that workes deuysed by mans phantasies besydes scripture: vvorks of mans deuice. As wandryng of Pylgrimages, settynge vp of Candels, praying vpon bedes, or such like superstition, haue not onely no promyse of rewarde in scripture for doing of them: but contrarywyse greate threatnynges and maledictions of God, for that they be thynges tendyng to Idolatry and superstition, which of al other offences, God almyghty doth most detest and abhorre, for that the same diminishe moste his honour and glory.
Quarter sermon or Homyly.Item that they the persons aboue rehearsed shall preach in theyr owne persons once in euery quarter of the yere at the least one Sermon beyng licenced specially therunto, as is specified hereafter: or els shall reade some Homelye prescribed to be vsed by the Quenes aucthoritie euery Sundaye at the least, vnlesse some other preacher sufficiētly lycensed as hereafter chaūce [Page] to come to the paryshe for the same purpose of preachyng.
5 The pater noster, Crede and ten commaundementes. Item that euery holy day through the yere, when they haue no Sermon, they shal immediatly after the Gospell, openly and playnely resyte to theyr paryshioners in the Pulpitte, the Pater noster, the Crede, and the ten commaundementes in Englyshe, to thintent the people may learne the same by heart, exhortyng all parentes and householders, to teach their children and seruauntes the same, as they are bound by the lawe of God and conscience to do.
6 The Bible and paraphrases, Also that they shall prouide within three monethes next after this visitacion at the charges of the paryshe, one booke of the whole Byble of the largest volume in Englishe. And within one xii. monethes next after the saide visitacion, the Paraphrases of Erasmus also in Englyshe, vpon the Gospels, and the same set vp in some conuenient place within the sayde Churche that they haue cure of, where as theyr paryshioners may most commodiously resort vnto the same, and reade the same, out of the tyme of common seruice. The charges of the Paraphrases shalbe by the person or proprietarie and paryshioners borne by equall portions. And they shall discorage no man frō the readyng of any part of the Byble, eyther in Latin or in Englyshe, but shal rather exhorte euery person to reade the same, with great humilitie and reuerence, as the very lyuely worde of God, and the speciall foode of mans soule, whiche all Chrystian persons are [Page] bounde to embrace, beleue, and followe, yf they looke to be saued: Whereby they maye the better knowe theyr dueties to God, to theyr Soueraigne Lady the Quene, and their neyghbour, euer gentely and charitably exhortyng them, & in her Maiesties name strayghtly chargynge and commaundyng them, that in the readynge therof, no man to reason or contende, but quietly to heare the reader.
7 Haunting of alehouses hy Ecclesiastical persons. Also the sayde Ecclesiasticall persons shall in no wyse at any vnlawefull tyme, nor for any other cause, then for theyr honeste necessities, haunt or resort to any Tauernes or Alehouses. And after theyr meates, they shal not geue them selues to drynkyng or ryot, spendyng their time idelly by daye or by nyght, at dyse, cardes, or tables playing, or any other vnlawfull game:
But at al tymes as they shall haue leysure, they shall heare or reade somewhat of holy scripture, or shall occupye them selues with some other honest studye or exercyse, and that they alwayes do the thynges whiche apperteyne to honestie, and endeuour to profyte the common wealth, hauyng alwayes in mynde that they ought to excell all other in puritie of lyfe, and shoulde be examples to the people to lyue well and Christianly.
8 preachers not lycensed. Also that they shall admitte no manne to preache within any theyr cures, but suche as shall appeare vnto them to be sufficientlye lycensed [Page] thereunto by the Quenes Maiestie, or the Archebyshoppe of Caunterburye, or the Archebishoppe of Yorke, in eyther theyr prouinces, or the Byshoppe of the Diocese, or by the Quenes Maiesties visitours: and such as shall be so lycensed, they shall gladlye receaue to declare the worde of God, at conuenient tymes, without any resystaunce or contradiction. And that no other be suffred to preache out of his owne cure or paryshe, than such as shalbe licensed, as is aboue expressed.
9 Letters of the vvord Also yf they do or shall know any man within theyr paryshe, or els where, that is a letter of the worde of God to be read in Englyshe, or sincerelye preached, or of thexecution of these the Quenes Maiesties Iniunctions, Favvtors of the vsurped povver. or a fawter of any vsurped and forrayne power, nowe by the lawes of this Realme iustly reiected and taken away, they shall detect and present the same to the Quenes Maiestie, or to her counsayle, or to the Ordinarye, or to the Iustyce of peace nexte adioynyng.
10 A regester Also that the Person, Vycar, or Curate and paryshyoners of euery paryshe within this Realme: shal in theyr Churches and Chappels kepe one booke or Regester, wherein they shall wryte the daye and yeare of euerye weddynge, Chrystenynge, and Buryall, made within the Paryshe, for theyr tyme, and so euerye manne succeadynge theym lykewyse, and [Page] also therein shall wryte euery personnes name that shalbe so wedded, chrystened, and buryed. And for the safe kepyng of the same booke, the Paryshe shalbe bounde to prouyde of theyr common charges one suer coffer with two lockes and keyes, wherof the one to remayne with the Person, Vicar, or Curate, and thother with the Wardens of euery paryshe Church or chappell, wherin the sayde booke shalbe layde vp, whiche booke they shall euery Sunday take foorth, and in the presens of the sayde Wardens or one of them, wryte and recorde in the same al the weddynges, chrystenynges, and buryals, made the whole weke before. And that done to lay vp the boke in the sayde coffer, as afore. And for euery tyme that the same shalbe omitted, the partie that shalbe in the fault therof, shall forfeite to the sayd Church .iii. s .iii. d. to be employed, the one halfe to the poore mens boxe of that Paryshe, the other halfe towardes the repayre of the Churche.
10 Distributiō of the xl. part. Furthermore, because the goodes of the Churche, are called the goodes of the poore, and at these dayes, nothyng is lesse seene then the poore to be sustayned with the same: All persons, Vicars, Pentionaries, Prebendaries, and other benefyced men within this Deanrye not beyng resydent vppon theyr benefyces, whiche may dispende yearely twenty pounde or aboue, eyther within this Deanry, or els where, shall distribute heareafter amonge theyr poore [Page] parishioners or other inhabitauntes there, in the presence of the churchwardens or some other honest men of the paryshe, the fortie part of the fruites and reuenues of theyr sayd benefice, lest they be worthely noted of ingratitude, whiche reseruynge so many partes to them selues can not vouchsafe to impart the fortie portion therof emonge the poore people of that parishe, that is so fruitefull and profitable vnto them.
12 Exhibition for scollers. And to thintent that learned men may hereafter spring the more for thexecution of the premisses, euery person, vycar, clerke, or benefyced man within this Deanry, hauyng yerely to dispende in benefyces and other promocions of the Church an hundreth poundes, shall geue .iii.li.vi. s .viii. d. in exhibicion to one scoler in any of the vniuersities, and for as many .C.li. more, as he may dispende, to so many scolers more shall giue like exhibicion in the vniuersitie of Oxford or Cambridge, or some gramer schole, which after they haue profyted in good learning, may be parteners of their patrones, cure and charge, as well in preachinge as otherwise in execution of theyr offices, or maye when neade shalbe otherwise profite the common weale, with theyr coū sayle and wisedome.
13 The fyft part for reparaciō. Also that all proprietaries, persons, vycars, and clearkes hauing churches, cappeles or mansions within this deanry, shall bestowe yearely heareafter vppon the same mansions or chaunselles of theyr churches, beynge in decay, the fift part of that theyr benefices, tyll they be fullye [Page] repayred, and shal alwaies kepe and maintaine in good estate.
14 Reading of the Iniunctions Also that the sayd persons, vycars, & clearkes shall once euery quarter of the yeare reade these Iniunctions geuen vnto them, openly and deliberatly before al theyr parishioners, at one time or at two seuerall times in one day, to thentent that both they may be the better admonyshed of theyr duetie, and theyr sayde parishioners the more moued to folowe the same for theyr part.
15 payment of Tithes Also forasmuche as by lawes established, euery man is bounde to pay his tithes, no man shal by colour of duetie omitted by theyr curates, deteyne theyr tythes, and so requite one wronge with another, or be his owne iudge: but shall truely pay the same, as he hath ben accustomed to theyr persons, vycars, and curates, without any restraynte or diminucion. And suche lacke and default as they can iustely fynde in theyr personnes and curates, to call for reformacion thereof, at theyr ordinaries & other superiours, who vpon complaint and due profe therof, shall reforme the same accordyngly.
16 The nevv Testamēt and paraphrasis. Also that euery personne, vycar, curate, and Stipendary priest, beynge vnder the degree of a master of art, shall prouyde and haue of hys owne within three monethes after thys visitacion, the newe Testament both in Latin and in Englysh with Paraphrases vpon the same, conferryng thone with thother. And the Byshops & other Ordinaries by them selues or theyr offycers [Page] in theyr Sinodes and visitations, shal examine the sayde Ecclesiasticall personnes, howe they haue profyted in the studye of holy scrypture.
17 Comfortable sentences for the sicke. Also that the vyce of damnable dispayre, may be clearely taken away, and that fyrme beliefe and stedfast hope may be surely conceaued of all theyr paryshioners beynge in a daunger, they shall learne and haue alwayes in a redynesse, such comfortable places and sentences of scripture, as do sette foorth the mercy, benefytes and goodnesse of almyghtie God, towardes all penitent and beleauynge persons, that they may at all tymes when necessitie shall require, promptlye comfort theyr flocke with the lyuely woorde of God, whiche is the onely staye of mans conscience.
18 procession to be left. Also to auoyde all contencion and stryfe which heretofore hath risen emong the Quenes Maiesties subiectes in sundrye places of her Realmes and dominions, by reason of fond curtesy, and chalengynge of places in procession: and also that they maye the more quietly heare that whiche is sayd or songe to theyr edyfyinge, they shall not from hencefoorth in anye paryshe Churche, at any tyme vse any procession about the Churche or Churche yarde, or other place, but immediatly before the time of Communion of the Sacrament, the Priestes with other of the Quyre, shall kneele in the myddes of the Church, and syng or say playnely and distinctly [Page] the Letany which is set forth in Englishe with al the Suffrages folowing, The Letany. to thintent the people may heare and answere, and none other procession or Letany to be had or vsed, but the sayd Letany in Englyshe, addynge nothinge thereto but as it is nowe appoynted. And in Cathedral or Collegiat Churches, the same shalbe done in suche places and in such sort, as our commissioners in our visitacion shall appoynt. And in the tyme of the Letany, of the cōmon prayer, of the Sermon, Let hearinge of diuine seruice. and when the priest readeth the scripture to the parishioners, no maner of personnes without a iust and vrgent cause shall vse anye walkyng in the Churche, ne shall depart out of the Church, and all ryngynge and knollynge of belles shalbe vtterly forborne for that tyme, except one bell in conuenient tyme to be ronge or knolled before the Sermon. But yet for the reteynyng of the perambulation of the Circuites of parishes, thei shal once in the yere at the time acustomed, with the curate and the substanciall men of the paryshe, walke about theyr paryshes as they were accustomed, and at theyr returne to the Church, make theyr common prayers.
19 perambulation of parishes. Prouyded that the curate in theyr saide common perambulations vsed heretofore in the daies of Rogations, at certein cōuenient places shall admonyshe the people to geue thankes to God in the beholdyng of Gods benefites for the encrease and aboundaunce of hys fruites vpon the face of the earth, with the sayinge the .C iii. Psalme: Benedic anima mea, &c. or such like, at which [Page] tyme also the same minister shall inculke these or such Sentences. Cursed be he whiche translateth the bondes and dolles of his neyghbour, or such other order of prayers as shalbe hereafter appointed.
20 Spending all the holy day. Item all the Quenes faythfull and louynge subiectes, shall from henceforth celebrate and kepe theyr holly day, accordynge to Gods holy wyll and pleasure: that is in hearyng the worde of god read and taught: in priuate and publique prayers: in knowledgyng theyr offences to God, and amendement of the same, in reconcylynge theyr selues charitably to theyr neyghboures, where displeasure hath bene, in oftentymes receauynge the Communion of the very body and bloud of Chryste, in visitinge of the poore and sicke, in vsinge all sobernesse and Godly conuersation: yet notwithstandinge all personnes, vycares and Curates, shal teache and declare vnto theyr parishioners, that they maye with a safe and quiet conscience after their common prayer in the tyme of haruest, laboure vppon the holly and festiuall dayes, and saue that thynge which God hath sent. And yf for any Scrupulositie or grudge of conscience, men shoulde supersticiously abstaine from workyng vpon those dayes: that then they should greuously offende and displease God.
21 Open cō tenders to be reconciled openlye. Also forasmuche as varyaunce and contencion is a thinge that moste displeaseth God, and is moste contrary to the blessed Communion of the body and bloud of our Sauiour Chryst, Curates [Page] shall in no wise admitte to the receauinge therof any of their cure or flocke, which be openly knowē to liue in sinne notorious without repentaunce, or who hath maliouslye and openlye contended with his neyghboure, vnlesse the same do fyrste charitably and openlye reconcyle him selfe agayne, remittynge all rancoure and mallyce, whatsoeuer controuersie hath bene betwene them, and neuerthelesse theyr iuste tytles and ryghtes, they may charitably prosecute before such as haue aucthoritie to heare the same.
22 Contemners of laudable ceremonies. Also that they shall instructe and teache in theyr cures, that no man ought obstinately and maliciouslye breake and violate the lawedable Ceremonyes of the Church cōmaunded by publique aucthoritie to be obserued.
23 The abolishment of thinges supersticious. Also that they shall take awaye, vtterlye extinct & destroy all shrynes, coueryng of shrynes, al tables, candelstickes, tryndalles, and rolles of waxe, pictures, paintinges, and all other monumentes of fayned myracles, pilgrimages, ydolatry and supersticion, so that there remayne no memory of the same in walles, glasses, wyndow or els where within theyr churches and houses, preseruyng neuerthelesse or repayryng both the walles and glasse wyndowes. And they shall exhorte all theyr paryshioners to do the lyke with in theyr seuerall houses.
24 The pulpit. And that the churchwardens at the common charge of the parishioners in euery Church shal prouyde a comely and honest Pulpit to be set in a conueniēt place within the same, & to be there [Page] semely kept, for the preachinge of Gods worde.
25 The chest for the poore. Also they shall prouyde and haue within thre monethes after this visitacion, a stronge cheste with a hole in the vpper part thereof, to be prouyded at the coste and charge of the paryshe, hauynge three keyes, whereof one shall remayne in the custody of the personne, vycar, or curate, and the other two in the custody of the churchwardens, or any other two honest menne, to be appoynted by the paryshe from yeare to yeare, whiche cheste you shall set and fasten in a moste conuenient place, to thintent the parishyoners shoulde putte into it theyr oblacions and almes for theyr poore neyghbours. And the personne, vycar, and curate, shall diligently from tyme to time, and specially when men make their Testamentes, call vppon, exhort and moue theyr neybours to conferre and geue, as they maye well spare, to the sayde cheste, declarynge vnto them, whereas heretofore they haue ben diligent to bestowe muche substaunce otherwyse than God commaunded, vpon pardons, pilgrimages, trentalles, deckynge of Images, offerynge of Candelles, geuynge to Fryers, and vpon other lyke blynde deuocions: they ought at thys tyme to be much more ready to helpe the poore and nedy, knowing that to relieue the poore is a true worshipping of God, required earnestly vpon payne of euerlaynge dampnation, & that also whatsoeuer is geuē for their comfort, is geuen to Christ him selfe, and so is accepted of him, that he wyll mercifully reward the same w t euerlastyng lyfe. [Page] The whiche almes and deuotion of the people, the kepers of the keyes, The distribution of the almes. shall at times conueniēt take out of the cheste, and distribute the same in the presence of the whole parysh or syxe of them, to be truely and faythfully delyuered to theyr most nedye neighbours, and yf they be prouided for, then to the reparacion of hygh wayes next adioynynge, or to the poore people of suche parishes nere, as shalbe thought best to the said kepers of the keyes. And also the money which ryseth of fraternities, guildes, and other stockes of the Church (except by the Quenes Maiesties aucthoritie it be otherwyse appoynted) shalbe put into the sayde chest, & conuerted to the sayde vse, and also the rentes of landes, the profite of cattaile, and money geuen or bequethed to obittes and diriges, or to the finding of torches. lightes, tapers and lampes, shalbe conuerted to the said vse, sauinge that it shalbe lawfull for them to bestowe part of the said profites vpon the reparacion of the said Churche, yf great nede require, and where as the paryshe is very poore, & not able otherwise to repayre the same.
26 Symony. Also to auoyde the detestable synne of Simonye, because buyinge and sellynge of benefyces is execrable before God, therefore all suche persons as buye any benefices, or come to them by fraude or deceite, shalbe depriued of suche benefices, and be made vnable at any tyme after, to receiue any other Spirituall promocion. And such as do sell them, or by any colour do bestowe them for theyr owne gayne and profite, shal lose [Page] theyr right and tytle of patronage, and presentment for that tyme, and the gyft therof for that vacation, shall appertayne to the Quenes Maiestie.
27 Homelies to be read Also because through lacke of preachers in many places of the Quenes Realmes and dominions, the people continue in ignoraunce and blyndnes, all Persons, Vicars, & Curates, shall reade in theyr Churches euery Sunday, one of the Homelies which are and shalbe set forth for the same purpose, by the Quenes aucthoritie, in suche sort as they shalbe appoynted to do in the preface of the same.
28 Cōtempt of ministers. Also whereas many indiscrete persons do at thys day, vncharitably contemne and abuse priestes and ministers of the Churche, because some of them (hauyng small learnynge) haue of longe tyme fauoured fonde phantasies, rather than Gods trueth: yet forasmuche as theyr offyce and function is appoynted of Godde: the Quenes Maiestie wylleth and chargeth all her louynge subiectes, that from hencefoorth they shall vse them charitablye and reuerently, for theyr offyce and ministracion sake, and especially suche as labour in the settynge forth of Gods holy worde.
29 Item although there be no prohibicion by the worde of God, nor any example of the prymatiue Churche, but that the priestes and ministers of the Church may lawefully, for the aduoydynge of fornication, haue an honest and sober wyfe, & that for the same purpose, the same [Page] was by act of Parliament in tyme of our deare brother king Edwarde the syxt, made lawefull, whervpon a great number of the clergie of this Realme were then maryed, and so yet continue. yet because there hath growen offence, and some slaunder to the Church, by lacke of discrete and sober behauyoure in manye ministers of the Churche, both in chosynge of theyr wyues, and in vndiscrete lyuynge with theym, the remedye wherof is necessary to be sought. It is thought therfore very necessary, that no maner of Priest or Deacon, shall hereafter take to his wife any maner of woman without the aduyce and allowaunce fyrst had vpon good examination by the Byshop of the same Diocesse, and two Iustices of peace of the same shyre, dwellynge next to the place where the same woman hath made her moste abode, before her marryge, nor without the good wyll of the parentes of the sayde woman, yf she haue any lyuyng, or two of the next of her kynsefolkes, or for lacke of knowledge of such, of her master or mastres where she serueth. And before he shalbe contracted in any place, he shal make a good and certeyn profe therof to the minister, or to the congregation assembled for that purpose, which shalbe vpon some holy day where dyuers may be present. And yf any shall do otherwyse: that then they shall not be permitted to minister eyther the worde, or the Sacramentes of the Churche, nor shalbe capable of anye Ecclesiasticall benefyce. And for the maner of mariages of any Byshoppes, the same [Page] shalbe allowed and approued by the Metropolitane of the prouince, and also by suche commissioners as the Quenes Maiestie shall therevnto appoynt. And yf any master or Deane, or any head of any colledge, shall purpose to mary, the same shall not be allowed, but by suche to whom the visitation of the same doth properly belonge, who shall in anye wyse prouyde that the same tende not to the hynderaunce of theyr house.
30 Of apparell of ministers. Item her Maiestie beynge desyrous to haue the Prelacye and Cleargie of thys Realme to be hadde aswell in outwarde reuerence, as otherwyse regarded for the woorthynesse of theyr ministeries, and thynkynge it necessary to haue them knowen to the people, in all places and assembles, both in the Churche and without, and thereby to receyue the honoure and estimacion due to the specyall messengers and mynysters of almyghtye Godde: wylleth and commaundeth that all Archebyshoppes and Bysshoppes, and all other that be called or admytted to preachynge or mynysterye of the Sacramentes, or that bee admytted into anye vocation Ecclesiasticall, or into anye societie of learning in eyther of the vniuersities, or els where, shall vse and weare suche semely habites, garmentes, and suche square cappes, and were mooste commonly and orderlye receyued in the latter yeare of the raygne of Kynge Edwarde the syxt, not thereby meanynge to attrybute [Page] any holynesse or speciall worthinesse to the sayde garmentes. But as saint Paule wryteth: Omnia decenter & secundum ordinem fiant. 1 Cor. 14. Cap.
31 Heresies. Item that no man shall wylfully and obstinately defende or mayntayne any heresies, errours or false doctrine, contrary to the fayth of Christ and his holy scripture.
32 Charmes. Item that no persons shall vse charmes, sorcery, enchauntmentes, witchcraftes, southsayinge, or any like deuelishe deuyse, nor shal resort at any time to the same for counsell or helpe.
33 Absence from common prayer. Item that no person shall, neglectynge theyr owne paryshe Church, resort to any other churche in tyme of common prayer or preaching, except it be by the occasion of some extraordinary sermon, in some paryshe of the same towne.
34 Inholders and ale-houses. Item that no Inneholders or ale house kepers shall vse to sell meate or drinke in the tyme of common prayer, preachynge, readynge of the Homelies or Scriptures.
35 Images in houses. Item that no personnes kepe in theyr houses any abused images, table, pictures, payntinges and other monumentes of fayned miracles, pylgrymages, Idolatry, or supersticion.
36 Disturbers of sermons or seruice Item that no man shall wyllyngly let or dysturbe the preacher in tyme of hys Sermon, or let or discourage any curate or minister to singe or say the diuine seruyce nowe sette foorth, nor mocke or rest at the ministers of such seruice.
37 Rashe talkers of scripture. Item that no man shall talke or reason of the holy scriptures, rashely or contentiouslye, [Page] nor maintayne any false doctrine or errour, but shal commune of the same when occasion is geuen, reuerently, humbly, & in the feare of God, for his comfort and better vnderstandinge.
38 Attendaunt to the seruice Item that no man, woman, or chylde, shalbe otherwise occupyed in the tyme of the Seruice, then in quiete attendaunce to heare, marke and vnderstande that is read, preached, and ministred.
39 The gramer of king Henry theight Item that euery scolemaster and teacher, shal teache the Gramer set foorth by king Henry the eyght of noble memorye, and contynued in the tyme of kyng Edward the syxt and none other.
40 Allovvaunce of scolemasters. Item that no man shall take vppon hym to teache, but such as shalbe allowed by thordinary, and founde meete, aswell for hys learnyng & dexteritie in teachinge, as for sober and honest conuersation, and also for ryght vnderstandyng of Gods true religion.
41 Duetie of scolemasters. Item that all teachers of chyldren shall stirre and moue them to the loue and due reuerence of gods true religion, now truely set forth by publyke aucthoritie.
42 sentences of scripture for scollers Item that they shall accustome theyr Scollers reuerently to learne such sentences of scriptures, as shalbe moste expedient to enduce them to all Godlynesse.
43 vnlearned priestes. Item forasmuche as in these latter dayes many haue ben made priestes, beynge chyldren, and otherwyse vtterly vnlearned, so that they coulde reade to say mattens and masse: The Ordinaryes [Page] shall not admit any suche to any cure or spirituall function.
44 The Cathechisme Item, euery Parson, Vycar, and Curate shal vpon euery holy day, and euery second Sunday in the yeare, heare and instruct all the youth of the paryshe, for halfe an houre at the least, before Euenynge prayer, in the ten commaundementes, the Articles of the beliefe, and in the Lordes prayer, and diligently examine theim, & teache the Cathechisme, set forth in the booke of publique prayer.
43 The boke of the afflictions for religiō Item that the Ordinaries do exhibite vnto our visitours theyr bookes, or a true copy of the same, conteynynge the causes why any person was imprysoned, famyshed, or put to death, for religion.
46 Ouerseers for seruice on the holy dayes. Item that in euery paryshe, three or foure discrete men which tender Gods glory, and hys true Religion, shalbe appoynted by the Ordynaries, diligently to see that all the paryshyoners duely resort to theyr Churche, vppon all Sundayes and holy dayes, and there to contynue the whole tyme of the Godly seruyce. And all suche as shalbe founde stacke or negligent in resortynge to the Churche, hauynge no greate nor vrgent cause of absence, they shall strayghtly call vppon them, and after due monicion, yf they amende not, they shall denounce them to the Ordinary.
47 Inuētories of Church goodes. Item that the Churchwardens of euery paryshe shal delyuer vnto our visitours the inuentories [Page] of vestmentes, copes, and other ornamentes, plate, bokes, and specially of Grayles, Couchers, Legendes, Processionalles, Hymnalles, Manuelles, Portuesses, and such lyke apperteynyng to theyr Church.
48 Seruice on vvednesdayes and frydayes. Item that weekely vppon Wednesdayes and Frydayes, not beynge holy dayes, the curate at the accustomed houres of seruyce, shall resort to Churche, and cause warnyng to be geuen to the people, by knollyng of the bell, and saye the Letany and prayers.
49 Continuaunce of synginge in the church. Item because dyuers Collegiate, and also some paryshe Churches heretofore, there hath ben lyuynges appoynted for the mayntenaunce of menne and chyldren, to vse syngynge in the Churche, by meanes whereof the lawdable scyence of musicke hath ben had in estimation, and preserued in knowledge: The Quenes Maiestie neyther meanynge in any wyse the decaye of any thynge that myght conueniently tende to the vse and continuaunce of the sayde science, neyther to haue the same in any parte so abused in the Churche, that thereby the common prayer shoulde be the worse vnderstande of the hearers: Wylleth and commaundeth, that fyrst no alteration be made of such assignementes of lyuynge, as heretofore hath bene appoynted to the vse of syngynge or musycke in the Churche, but that the same so remayne. And that there bee a modeste and destyncte songe so vsed, in all partes of the common prayers in the [Page] Churche, that the same may be as playnely vnderstanded, as yf it were read without synging. And yet neuerthelesse for the comforting of such as delite in musicke, it maye be permytted that in the beginninge, or in thend of common prayers, eyther at mornynge or euenynge, there may be songe an hymne, or suche lyke songe, to the prayse of almyghty God, in the beste sort of melodye, and musicke that maye be conueniently deuysed, hauynge respecte that the sentence of the hymne maye bee vnderstanded and perceyued.
50 Against slaūderus and infamus vvordes. Item because in al alteracions, and specially in rytes and Ceremonies, there happeneth dyscorde emonges the people, and thervpon slaunderous wordes and raylynges, wherby charitie the knot of all christian societie is loosed. The Quenes Maiestie beyng moste desyrous of al other earthly thynges, that her people shoulde lyue in charitie, both towardes God and man, and therein abounde in good woorkes: wylleth and straightly commaundeth al maner her subiectes, to forbeare al vayne and contencious disputacions in matters of Religion, and not to vse in despite or rebuke of any person, these conuitious wordes, papist, or papisticall hereticke, scismaticke, or sacramentary, or any suche lyke wordes of reproche. But yf any maner of person, shall deserue the accusation of anye suche, that fyrste he bee charitablye admonysshed thereof. And yf that shall not amende hym, [Page] then to denounce the offendours to the Ordinary, or to some higher power hauing aucthoritie to correcte the same.
51 Againste heriticall and sedicious bokes Item because there is a great abuse in the printers of bokes: which for couetousnes chiefly, regard not what thei print, so they may haue gayne, whereby arryseth great disorder by publication of vnfruitfull, vayne, and infamous bokes and papers: The Quenes maiestie straitly chargeth and commaundeth, that no maner of person shall print any maner of boke or paper of what sorte, nature, or in what language soeuer it be, except the same be first licensed by her maiestie by expresse wordes in writing, or by .vi. of her priuie counsel: or be perused & licensed by the archbyshops of Cantorbury and yorke, the byshop of London, the Chauncelours of both vniuersities, the bishop beyng Ordinary, & the Archdeacon also of the place where anye suche shalbe printed, or by two of them, wherof the ordinary of the place to be alwayes one. And that the names of such as shal alowe the same, to be added in thende of euery such worke, for a testimonye of the alowaunce thereof. And because many pampheletes, playes and balettes, be often times printed, wherin regard would be had that nothing therin should be eyther hereticall, sedicious, or vnsemely for Christian eares: Her maiestie likewise commaundeth, that no maner of person shall enterpryse to print any suche, except the same be to him licensed by such her maiesties commissioners, or .iii. of them, as be appointed [Page] appoynted in the citie of London to heare and determine diuers causes ecclesiasticall, tending to the execution of certayne statutes, made the last parliament for vniformitie of order in religion. And yf any shall sell or vtter any maner of bookes or papers, beyng not licensed as is abouesaid: that the same partie shalbe punyshed by order of the sayde commissioners, as to the qualitie of the fault shalbe thought meete. And touchyng all other bookes of matters of religion, or policie or gouernaunce, that hath bene prynted eyther on thisside the Seas, or on thother side, because the diuersitie of them is great and that there nedeth good consideration to be had of the particularities therof: her Maiestie referreth the prohibition or permission thereof to thorder which her sayd commissioners within the citie of London shall take, and notifie.
According to the which her Maiestie strayghtly commaundeth all maner her subiectes, and specially the Wardens & companye of Stacioners to be obedient.
Prouided that these orders do not extende to any prophane aucthours, and workes in anye language, that hath ben heretofore commonly receaued or allowed in anye the vniuersities or Scoles: but the same may be prynted and vsed as by good order they were accustomed.
52 Reuerēce at praiers. Item, although almyghtie God is at all tymes to be honoured with all maner of reuerence that maye be deuysed: yet of all other tymes, in tyme of common prayer, the same is [Page] most to be regarded. Therfore, it is to be necessarely receiued, that in tyme of the Letany, and of all other Collectes and common supplications to almyghty God, all maner of people shall deuoutly and humbly knele vpon their knees, Honor to the name of Iesus. and geue eare thereunto. And that whensoeuer the name of Iesus shalbe in any Lessō, Sermon, or otherwyse in the Church pronounced: That due reuerence be made of all persons yong and olde, with lowlynesse of cursye, and vncoueryng of heades of the men kynde, as thereunto doth necessarely belong, and heretofore hath ben accustomed.
53 Curats to reade dystinctly. Item that all ministers and readers of publique prayers, Chapiters and Homylies, shalbe charged to reade leysurely, playnly, & distinctly, and also such as are but meane readers, shall peruse ouer before once or twyse the Chapiters and Homylies, to thintent they may reade to the better vnderstandyng of the people, and the more encoragement to godlynesse.
An admonition to simple men, deceaued by malicious.
THe Quenes maiestie being informed that in certein places of this Realm, sundry of her natiue subiectes being called to Ecclesiasticall ministerye in the Churche, be by sinister perswasion and peruerse construction induced to fynde some scruple in the fourme of an othe, [Page] whiche by an Act of the last Parliament is prescribed to be required of diuers persons, for the recognitiō of theyr allegiaunce to her Maiestie, which certeinly neither was euer meant, ne by any equitie of wordes or good sence can be therof gathered: Would that all her louyng subiectes shoulde vnderstande, that nothyng was, is, or shalbe meant or intended by the same oth, to haue any other duetie, allegiaunce, or bonde required by the same othe, then was acknowleged to be due to the most noble kynges of famous memory kyng Henry theyght, her Maiesties father, or king Edward the .vi. her Maiesties brother.
And further her Maiestie forbyddeth all maner her subiectes to geue eare or credite to such peruerse and malicious persons, which most sinisterly and maliciously labour to notifie to her louyng subiectes, how by the wordes of the said othe, it may be collected y t the kynges or quenes of this Realme, possessours of the crowne, maye chalenge aucthoritie and power of ministery of diuine offices in the Church, wherein her sayde subiectes be much abused by such euyll disposed persons. For certeinly her Maiestie neyther doth, ne euer wyll chalenge any other aucthoritie, than that was chalenged and lately vsed by the sayde noble kynges of famous memory king Henry the .viii. and king Edward the .vi. which is and was of auncient tyme due to the Imperial crowne of this Realme. That is, vnder god to haue the soueraintie and rule ouer all maner [Page] persons borne within these her Realmes, dominions, and countreys, of what estate eyther Ecclesiasticall or temporall soeuer they be, so as no other forraigne power shall or ought to haue any superioritie ouer them. And yf any person that hath cōceaued any other sence of the forme of the said othe, shall accept the same othe with this interpretation, sence, or meaning, her Maiestie is well pleased to accept euery such in that behalfe, as her good and obedient subiectes, and shal acquite them of al maner penalties conteyned in the said act, against such as shall peremptoryly or obstinatly refuse to take the same oth.
For the tables in the Church.
WHereas her Maiestie vnderstandeth that in manye and sundrye partes of the Realme, the Alters of the Churches be remoued, and tables placed for ministration of the holy Sacrament, accordyng to the fourme of the law therfore prouided, and in some other places the Alters be not yet remoued, vpon opinion conceaued of some other order therin to be takē by her Maiesties visitours. In thorder wherof, sauing for an vniformitie, ther semeth no matter of great moment, so that the Sacrament be duely and reuerently ministred. Yet for obseruation of one vniformitie through the whole Realme, and for the better imitacion of the lawe in that behalfe, it is ordered [Page] that no alter be taken downe, but by ouersyght of the Curate of the Churche, and the Churchwardens, or one of them at the leaste, wherein no riotous or disordred maner to be vsed: and that the holy table in euery Church be decently made, and sette in the place where the Alter stoode, and there commonly couered as thereto belongeth, and as shalbe appoynted by the visitours, and so to stand, sauyng when the Communion of the Sacrament is to be distributed, at which tyme the same shalbe so placed in good sort within the Chauncell, as whereby the minister may be more conueniently hearde of the communicantes, in his prayer and ministration, and the communicantes also more conuenientlye and in more nomber communicate with the sayde minister, and after the Communion done, from tyme to tyme the same holy table to be placed where it stode before.
The sacramentall bread.Item where also it was in the tyme of kyng Edwarde the .vi. vsed to haue the sacramentall breade of common fine breade: It is ordered for the more reuerence to be geuen to these holy misteries, being the Sacramentes of the body and bloud of our sauior Iesus Christ, that the fame sacramentall bread be made and fourmed plain without any figure therupon, of the same finenesse and fashion rounde, though somwhat bigger in compasse and thickenesse, as the vsuall breade and wafer heretofore named syngyng cakes, whiche serued for the vse of the priuate masse.
The fourme of byddyng the prayers to be vsed generally in this vniforme sort.
YE shall pray for Christes holy Catholyke Churche, that is, for the whole congregation of Christen people, dispersed throughout the whole world, and specially for the Church of Englande and Irelande. And herein I require you moste specially to pray for the Quenes most excellent Maiestie, our soueraigne lady Elizabeth Quene of Englande, Fraunce and Ireland, defendour of the fayth, and supreme gouernour of this Realme, aswell in causes Ecclesiasticall as Temporall.
You shal also pray for the ministers of gods holy word and Sacramentes, aswel Archbyshops and Byshops, as other pastours and curates.
You shall also pray for the Quenes moste honorable counsayle, and for all the nobilitie of this Realme, that all and euery of these in their callyng, may serue truely and paynfully, to the glory of God and edifying of his people, remembryng thaccompt that they must make.
Also you shal pray for the whole commons of this Realme, that they may lyue in true fayth and feare of God, in humble obedience and brotherly charitie one to another.
Finally, let vs prayse God for all those whiche are departed out of this life in the faith of christ and pray vnto God, that we may haue grace so [Page] to direct our liues after their good example, that after this lyfe, we with them may be made partakers of the glorious resurrection, in the lyfe euerlastyng.
ALl whiche and singuler Iniunctions, the Quenes Maiestie ministreth vnto her clergie, and to all other her louyng subiectes, straightly charging and commaunding them to obserue and kepe the same, vpon payne of depriuation, sequestration of fruites and benefices, suspention, excommunication and suche other cohertion, as to Ordinaries or other hauynge Ecclesiasticall iurisdiction, whom her Maiestie hath apoynted, or shall appoynt for the due executiō of the same, shalbe sene conuenient. Chargyng and commaundyng them to see these Iniunctions obserued and kepte of all persons beyng vnder theyr iurisdiction, as they wyll aunswere to her Maiestie for the contrary. And her hyghnes pleasure is, that euery Iustice of peace beyng required, shall assiste the Ordinaries and euery of them, for the due execution of the sayde Iniunctions.