13 - Archbishop William Laud's metropolitical articles for Lincoln diocese, 1634

Summary

Articles to be enquired of in the metropoliticall visitation of the most reverend father, William, by Gods providence, Lord Arch-bishop of Canterbury, Primate of all England; and. Metropolitan: in and for the dioces of Lincolne in the yeere of our Lord God 1634, and in the first yeere of his graces translation.

Concerning the church, the ornaments thereof, and the churches possessions.

Whether have you in your severall churches, and chappels, the whole bible of the largest volume, and the booke of common prayer, both fairely and substantially bound. A font of stone, set up in the ancient usuali place: a convenient and decent communion table, with a carpet of silke, or some other decent stuffe, continually laid upon the same at time of divine service, and a faire linnen cloth thereon, at the time of the receiving of the holy communion. And whether is the same table placed in such convenient sort within the chancell or church, as that the minister may be best heard in his prayer and administration: and that the greatest number may communicate. And whether is it so used out of time of divine service, as is not agreeable to the holy use of it; as by sitting on it, throwing hats on it, writing on it, or is it abused to other prophaner uses: and are the ten commandements set upon the east end of your church or chappell where the people may best see and reade them, and other sen[ten]ces of holy scripture, written on the walles likewise for that purpose.

Whether are the afternoones sermons, in your severall parishes, turned into catechizing by question and answer; according to the forme prescribed in the booke of common praier? And whether doth every lecturer reade divine service, according to the liturgy printed by authoritie, in his surplice and hood before the lecture? And whether are his maiesties instructions in all things duly observed?

Whether have you in your said church or chappel, a convenient seat for your minister to reade service in, together with a comely pulpet set up in a convenient place, with a decent cloath or cushion for the same, a comely large surplice, a faire communion cup, with a cover of silver, a flagon of silver, tinne, or pewter,