THat notwithstanding the many good Laws made for Retaining his Majesties Subjects in their due Obedience and Conformity to the Laws, and for the preventing of Conventicles, and unlawful Assem­blies, on pretence of Religious Worship, which have in all times been found Dangerous to the Government, and Nurseries of Rebellion; and of which we have lately seen the Cursed Effects in the late Conspiracy against the Sa­cred Life of our Lord the King, his Royal Brother and his most Ancient and most Excellent Monarchy. Notwithstanding these Laws many persons do yet absent themselves from their Parish Churches, and the use of the Sacra­ments of the Church, with Impunity. And frequent Conventicles are held, in which his Majesties Subjects are by Seditious and Disloyal Discourses with­drawn from their due Obedience.

Which mischiefes chiefly, as we conceive, arise by the general neglect of Church-Wardens, and Constables, who are entrusted by the Laws with the Prosecution of those Offences: And by reason of so many Nonconformists Preachers who walk, up and down the streets openly, and reside within the said City, contrary to the known Laws.

We do therefore earnestly Pray that this Honorable Court, would be pleased to take effectual care, that the said Laws be duly and strictly executed; And that the Constables and Church-war­dens be required for the future, faithfully and diligently, ac­cording to their respective capacities, to perform their Duties, according to their Oaths, and the Laws in that behalf provi­ded.

And we farther take notice of the too great and general abuse of the Lords-Day, by the great resort of persons to Taverns, Cof­fee-Houses, and Tippling-Houses, especially in time of Divine Ser­vice and Sermon. And therefore pray that you would be pleased to cause the said Officers to do their Duties therein likewise.