Appendix 2 - Orders to be observed in the government of the church

Summary

• 1. Imprimis, that the ministers in every diocese be exercised with the study and practice of the Scriptures continually in such sort as hath been accustomed in every several diocese, and that they render an account of their studies and labours to their ordinary so often as they shall be required, till farther order be taken in his grace’s metropolitical visitation.

• 2. Item, that the said ministers do use all painful diligence in catechizing the youth and others of their parish, according to her majesty’s injunctions, and other godly canons in that behalf provided, or else to be censured by their ordinaries as the quality of the offence requireth.

• 3. Item, all non-residents to be called home and constrained to residence upon their charge, so far as the law will warrant. And all those who be lawfully absent from their benefices, to maintain and keep a godly preacher there during the time of their absence, at the discretion of their ordinary, if the living be able to bear it.

• 4. Item, every preacher or expounder of the Word in any church or congregation to be present at common prayer in the said church or congregation, and to receive the communion there four times in the year at the least.

• 5. Item, if any minister be known not to observe the orders of the book of common prayer, in saying the service and administering the sacraments and other rites and ceremonies therein contained, that he be sent for presently and enjoined to reform his disorder, and to certify his said reformation; which if he do not, then ordinary proceeding to be used against him according to law.

• 6. Item, all recusants and specially those of the best sort, to be proceeded against effectually and speedily, so far as the law will yield power.

• 7. Item, those that do not communicate to be dealt withal by the ordinary in such wise and godly manner as shall seem best unto them for their reformation.

• 8. Item, no permutation of any penance to be made by any officer whatsoever without special licence from the ordinary under his hand.