8 - Bishop Godfrey Goodman's articles for Gloucester diocese, 1631

Summary

Articles to be enquired of in the third visitation of the right reverend father in God, Godfrey, Lord Bishop of Gloucester, holden anno 1631.

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That every incumbent or curate, indeavour (as far forth as he can) especially in market townes, to reade short morning prayers at six a clock before men goe to their labours. Secondly, that preachers doe not intend so much, either long preaching, or often preaching, as painefull and profitable preaching. Thirdly, considering the miserable distractions of the Church, that they doe not labour to nourish and increase controversies in religion, but rather to reconcile them; and to this end, that they interpret all things to the best on every side, that in their prayers they use these, or words to the like effect; ‘Grant, O Lord that all they that doe professe thy holy name, may agree in the truth of thy holy word, and live in unitie, and godly love’: and that they instruct their auditors in poynts of devotion, pietie, charity, mortification, and such like necessary principles and articles of our faith, wherein all Christians agree; rather then in the niceties, curiosities, and subtilties of schoole-learning, wherein the differences doe most consist, and whereof the people are not so capable.

That the incumbent and church-wardens doe instantly present, what land belongs to their church, and what utensiles, and in whose hands and custody they are: and when any man is presented for a crime, if within five or six court-dayes after his presentment, the partie bee not put to some open punishment in the same parish, where the offence was committed; then it may be supposed, that he hath made a commutation; which, as it is wholy to be imployed in charitable workes, so my lord bishop is resolved, that hereafter it shall be bestowed in setting poore people on worke, wherein my lord will use the helpe of the incumbent, the church-wardens, and some other of the parish, who, sometimes taking the advice and direction of the next iustice of peace, may see it imployed to that purpose; and therefore my lord desires them to be carefull, as in presenting the crime, so in calling for the commutation.