[88] Of some 8,800 parish churches in England in 1601 only 600, it was computed, afforded a competent living for a minister. Dr. James in debate in Parliament November 16th, 1601. Heywood Townshend, _Historical Collections or Proceedings in the last Four Parliaments of Elisabeth_ (ed. 1680), 218-19. Sir S. D'Ewes, _The Journals of all the Parliaments during the Reign of Elizabeth_ (ed. 1682), 640. How this came about see White Kennett, _Parochial Antiquities_ (ed. 1695), 433-45. [89] Examples will be found in the churchwardens' accounts of the period, the _Morebath_, (Devon) _Acc'ts_ for instance, which have been transcribed _in extenso_ up to 1573 by Rev. J. Erskine Binney (Exeter, 1904). The garrulous old vicar here, Christopher Trychay, who wrote the parish accounts himself for more than a generation, and always punctiliously styled himself "Sir," is a fascinating figure. Thanks to his chatty explanations on all subjects, bits of the daily life of this little Devonshire parish from Henry VIII's, from Edward VI's, from Mary's, and from Elizabeth's reigns are brought down to us with great vividness. Cf. James Stockdale, _Annals of Cartmel_ (1872), 58-9 (Custom of addressing minister as "Sir" lingering down to nineteenth century in Lancashire). [90] Lambard, _Duties of Constables, Borsholders_, etc. (ed. 1619 frequently made an appendix to his _Eirenarcha_), 67, says: "The ... Lawes, hauing imployment of many to make, hath borrowed some use in a few easie matters of spirituall Ministers, chiefly for the helpe and readinesse of their pen, which in many Parishes few, or none (besides they) can serue withall." [91] _Canterbury Visit_., xxv, 22 (1590); 23 (1593). _Dean of York's Visit_., 231 (1594); 315 (1595). [92] _Warrington Deanery Visit_., 184 (Farmer of advowson not repairing chancel); 186 ("Wm. Brereton of Hareford, Esquire," _ditto_); 188 (Executors of will of the late rector, _ditto_); 191 (Rector of Warrington); 192 (Rector of Wigan). _Canterbury Visit_., xxv, 32 (Dean and Chapter of Christ Church. 1583); 26 ("Mr. John Smyth, Esquire"). For not keeping in repair vicarages, barns, dove-houses, etc., see _ibid_., xxvi, 20, 32. Also _ibid_., xxvii, 222, etc. [93] Hale, _Crim. Prec_., 160 ("_Dominus injunxit dicto_ Simpson [rector of Pitsea, Essex] that he shall procure iiijor sermons in the yeare ..." 1575-6). _Canterbury Visit_., xxvi, 44 (Wardens present "they have no quarter sermons"). _Ibid_., 213 (1569); 214 (1574); 222 (1600). _Dean of York's Visit_., 222 (Wardens present "Mr. Deane for want of the quarter sermons." 1592). _Canterbury Visit_., xxv, 43 ("Sir Wm. Baldock our Vicar, himself unlicenced to preach, doth not provide a preacher for the sermons appointed by her Majesty's Injunctions." 1593). The _Queen's Injunctions of_ 1559, art. iv, provided that parsons should preach in their own persons at least one sermon in every quarter of the year.