Whereas I am credibly informed, that notwithstanding divers good Laws provided for the keeping of the Sabbath-day holy, according to the express commandment of Almighty God, divers inhabitants and other persons of this City, and other places, having no respect of duty towards God, and his Majesty, or his Laws, but in contempt of them all, do commonly and of custom greatly profane the Sabbath-day, in buying, selling, uttering and vending their wares and commodities upon that day for their private gain: also innholders suffering markets to be kept by carriers, in most rude and profane manner, in selling victuals to hucksters, chandlers, and all other comers: also carriers, carmen, cloth-workers, water-bearers, and porters carrying of burdens, and watermen plying their fares; and divers others working in their ordinary callings: and likewise, that I am further informed, that vintners, alehouse-keepers, tobacco and strong-water sellers, greatly profane the Sabbath-day, by suffering company to sit drinking and bibbing in their houses on that day; and likewise by cursing and swearing and such-like behaviour, contrary to the express commandment of Almighty God, his Majesty's Laws in that behalf, and all good government: For the reformation whereof, I do hereby require, and in his Majesty's name straightly command all his Majesty's loving subjects whatsoever, and also all constables, head-boroughs, beadles, and all other officers whatsoever, to be aiding and assisting to J. S. the bearer hereof, in finding out and apprehending all and every such person and persons, as shall be found to offend in any of these kinds; and them and every of them to bring before me, or some other of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace, in answer to all such matters as shall be objected against them, and to put in good security for their good behaviour. Whereof fail you not, as you or any of you will answer at your peril. _April 20, 1629._ THE CITY'S PETITION TO CHARLES I. (1640).