Puritanism and Liberty (1603-1660): Third Edition — John Shaqi
Puritanism and Liberty (1603-1660): Third Edition
History
Puritanism and Liberty (1603-1660): Third Edition
Great Britain -- History -- Commonwealth and Protectorate, 1649-1660 -- Sources; Great Britain -- History -- Early Stuarts, 1603-1649 -- Sources
Our express pleasure therefore is, that the laws of our kingdom, and
canons of our church, be as well observed in that county, as in all
other places of this our kingdom; and, on the other part, that no
lawful recreation shall be barred to our good people, which shall
not tend to the breach of our aforesaid laws, and canons of our
church: which to express more particularly, our pleasure is, that
the bishops, and all other inferior churchmen, and churchwardens
shall, for their parts, be careful and diligent, both to instruct the
ignorant, and convince and reform them that are misled in religion;
presenting them that will not conform themselves, but obstinately
stand out, to our judges and justices; whom we likewise command to
put the law in due execution against them.
Our pleasure likewise is, that the bishop of that diocese take the
like strait order with all the Puritans and Precisians within the
same; either constraining them to conform themselves, or to leave
the county, according to the laws of our kingdom, and canons of
our church; and so to strike equally, on both hands, against the
contemners of our authority, and adversaries of our church. And
as for our good people's lawful recreation, our pleasure likewise
is, that after the end of divine service, our good people be not
disturbed, letted, or discouraged, from any lawful recreation, such
as dancing, either men or women; archery for men, leaping, vaulting,
or any such harmless recreation; nor from having of May-games,
Whitson-ales, and Morrice-dances; and the setting up of May-poles,
and other sports therewith used, so as the same be had in due and
convenient time, without impediment or neglect of divine service;
and that women shall have leave to carry rushes to the church, for
the decoring of it, according to their old custom. But, withal, we
do here account still as prohibited, all unlawful games to be used
upon Sundays only; as bear and bull baitings, interludes, and, at all
times, (in the meaner sort of people by law prohibited) bowling.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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