6 - Archbishop Samuel Harsnett's orders for York diocese, 1629

Summary

Orders set downe by the most reverend father in God, Samuel, by the providence of God Archbishop of Yorke his grace, Metropolitane of England, to bee presently published and affixed in all the parish churches within his said graces iurisdiction, for the better reforming of certaine abuses within the same.

The ancient and laudable use of visitations, have beene to reforme such abuses, as by tract of time have crept into the Church; the discovery of which abuses, as by a booke of articles is offered unto you, and you bound by a sacred oath to present the same; so for the refreshing of your memories, and discharge of mine owne conscience towards God, I thought fit to denote some in particular unto you.

First, I understand of a great irreverence, openly shewed in your churches and chappels during the time of divine service; which is, that yong men mis-led by the example of their elders, doe sit covered with their hats on their heads, neither regarding the holinesse of the house of God, nor the greatnesse of the divine Maiestie, which is to bee worshipped with feare and reverence: for a present remedie of this abuse, I require the churchwardens and side-men, at the beginning of divine service, to looke carefully upon the congregation, and if any of the elder sort offend in this kinde, I require them to goe personally unto them, and to desire them in gentle termes to remember themselves, and to sit uncovered: and if after gentle admonition they doe not forbeare, then I require that they bee presented at my next court day, holden in Yorke: and for the yonger sort, I require the churchwardens to goe personally unto them, in case they offend, and to rebuke them sharpely for their contempt, and if they persist, and will not obey by uncovering their heads, I will the churchwardens to pull off their hats, and I require the masters of such profane servants, and fathers of children, to give them such private chastisement, as the qualitie of their fact requireth.