ARTICLES. 1, 2, 3, 4.

ARE there any in your Parish that are guilty of Blasphemy a­gainst the Majesty of God, or scoffers at Religion, or that teach that the Scriptures contain not all things necessary to salva­tion?

2. Is there any that deny the Church of England to be a true,Can. 3. and Apostolick Church, and to have in her all things necessary to salvati­on; or affirm the 39. Can. 5. Articles agreed upon by the Archbishops and Bishops, and whole Clergy, Anno Dom. 1562. to be erroneous in any part, or such as cannot with a good conscience be subscribed to?

3. Is there any that accuse the form of Gods Worship in the Church of England, contained in the Book of Common-Prayer, to be corrupt,Can. 4. superstitious, unlawful, or repugnant to the Scripture;Can. 7. or the form of Consecrating and Ordaining Bishops, Priests, and Deacons,Can. 8. to be Antichristian, or repugnant to the Scripture, or to the practice of the antient Catholick Church?

4. Is there any in your Parish that forsake the Meetings of the Con­gregations in the Church and publick Worship,Can. 9 10, 11, 12. and joyn themselves to Conventicles?

Concerning the Clergy and their Duty.

1. IS your Parson, Vicar, or Curate in Holy Orders by Episcopal Ordination according to Law?Act [...] U­niform [...]. hath he been legally institu­ted and inducted into his Benefice? Did he within two months after his Induction read the 39 Articles in time of Divine Service in the [Page 4]Church, and publickly declare his assent to them? Hath he read the Book of Common-Prayer, and declared publickly his assent and con­sent to the use of all things therein contained, in the time limited, and in the manner prescribed in the Act of Parliament last made for the Uniformity of Publick Prayer, and Printed before the Common-Prayer-Book? And hath he publickly read in your Church a Certificate of his subscription, declaring the unlawfulness of taking up Arms a­gainst the King, his conforming to the Liturgy of the Church, his disavowing the unlawful Oath commonly called, The Solemn League and Covenant, within such time, and in such manner as is required by the same Act?

2. Hath he obtained, or is he vehemently suspected to have procured his Benefice by many, or any Symoniacal Contract?

3. Is he resident upon his Benefice?Can. 47, 48. or if legally dispensed with, is his place supplied by a sufficient Curate, a Licensed Preacher, and one allowed by the Ordinary?

4. And hath such Curate a competent allowance according to the value of the Living? and if he be resident with a Curate, doth he himself once a month at least read Common-Prayer openly in the Church, and (if occasion be) administer each Sacrament in due man­ner and form as the Liturgy prescribes?

5. Is he a man of a sober,Can. 74.75. chaste, honest, and peaceable Conversa­tion? is he careful to procure peace, and make up breaches amongst his Neighbours? Doth he endeavour according to his talent to re­duce Popish Recusants, Sectaries, and all other refractory persons from their errors,Can 66. by seasonable applications, sober Conferences, and calling in the advice and direction of neighbour Ministers for his bet­ter assistance, when occasion requires?

Act of U­niformity. R. 6. Doth he read distinctly and reverently the Divine Service with­out diminution, addition, or alteration, on Sundays and Holy days, and all other times appointed by the Church? and if he have no rea­sonable hinderance, doth he (as commanded) every day tell a Bell, and invite the people to come and joyn in prayer with him,Rubr. after Preface. Rubrick. Can. 21. and espe­cially upon Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays read the Litany as is required? Doth he administer the Sacrament of Christs Body and Blood, so often at least, and at such times as that every Parishioner may communicate thrice at least in the year?

7. Doth he give the holy Communion to any that live in any noto­rious sin,Rubrick. Can. 26, [...]7. or open enmity to their Neighbours, shewing no sorrow or repentance for their faults? or to any that refuse to receive it kneel­ing? [Page 5]and doth he give an account of such abstained by him to his Or­dinary according to Law?

8. Doth he on the Sunday,Rubr. be­fore the first Ex­hortation. or Holy-day before the Communion give notice thereof in the Church, and read one of the Exhortations fit­ted for that purpose in the Common-Prayer-Book? and when he sees the people negligent in coming, doth he admonish them in the form there also fitted for that occasion?

9. Doth he administer holy Baptism at the Font publickly and not elsewhere, unless upon weakness of the Infant,Rubr. be­fore pri­vate Bapt. or very urgent oc­casion? Doth he exhort all to bring their Children to publick Baptism in the Church, unless in such cases of danger?

10. Doth he take care that no Infant in danger want it,Can. 68.69. that none depart unbaptized through his negligence or delay?

11. Doth he baptize any without God-fathers or God-mothers,Can. 29. or doth he admit any to answer as such, who have not received the holy Communion? Doth he duly observe all the Kites and directions pre­scribed in the Administration of this Sacrament by the Church in her Liturgy?

12. Doth he in all his Ministrations observe the rules, rites, and directions of the Church, and with reverence, decency, and gravity perform every office (as occasion requires) wearing his Surplice,Can 58. with a Hood (if a Graduate) as he is required by Authority and Customs of the Church?

13. Is he careful to visit the sick, of what condition or perswasion soever?Rubrick. Can. 67. Doth he endeavour to prepare them for the due reception of the Holy Communion, and exhort them to Charity and good works as the Church requires?

14. Doth he (having no lawful impediment) preach one Sermon every Lords day in his own Cure, or s [...]e other adjoyning;Can. 45. not vent­ing any new-fangled, seditious, or false Doctrine? Doth he in case there be no Sermon, read one of the Homilies allowed by the Church? and doth he before his Sermon, move the people in the same form at least (if not in the very words) laid down in the five and fiftieth Ca­non (declaring for what mercies they are to give God thanks, and for what blessings they are to pray) and exhort them to call upon God with him for them in the most comprehensive Prayer of our Lord?

15. Doth he diligently Catechise the Youth of the Parish every Sunday and Holy-day after the second Lesson in the afternoon,Can. 59. Rub. post Catechism by way of Question and Answer, and instruct them also in the sense and mean­ing he shall find requisite? Doth he by this and all other good means [Page 6]and admonitions prepare them for Confirmation, and himself either bring or send in writing under his own hand, the names of all such persons in his Parish, men, women (if any such want it) and chil­dren as he shall find fit to be presented to the Bishop, humbly to seek and ask the benefit of Confirmation from his hands?

16. Doth he bid and observe the Holy-days and Fasting-days,Can 64. Rub. post Symb. Ni­caenum. and days of abstinence and other solemn days, for which particular Servi­ces are appointed, giving notice of them to the Parishioners in time of Divine Service the Sunday next before?

17. Doth he in perambulation about your Parish use the Prayers, Thanksgivings and Homilies accustomed in Rogation Week?

18. Doth he celebrate Matrimony,Can. 62. without first publishing the Bans on three several Sundays or Holy-days in the Parish-Church where such parties dwell, or at any time by Law prohibited, without special License, or in any other place than the Church, or any other hours than between eight and twelve in the forenoon, or betwixt per­sons prohibited by the Law. or under the age of 21 years, without consent of their Parents or Guardians?

19. Doth your Minister admit any woman bringing forth the child of Adultery or Fornication to be Churched, without License from the Ordinary: or suffer any Excommunicate person to continue in the Church, during any part of Divine Service?

20 Doth he refuse to bury any brought to Church according to the form prescribed,Can 68. except such as die unbaptized, or are excommunicate Majori Excommunicatione, and no man able to testifie their repentance, or such as have laid violent hands on themselves?

21. Is there a Lecturer in your Parish?Can. 53.54. Act of U­niformity. is he Licensed by the Bi­shop? did he before his first Lecture read the whole Service appointed for the day; and doth he read it also upon his first Lecture day of eve­ry month, wearing his Surplice? Doth he any way endeavour to bring the Parson or Vicar of the place into disrepute with his Parishioners?

Kings Pro­clamation annexed to the Ca­nons. 22. Doth your Minister in the Parish-church where he hath charge read the Book of Canons once every year, dividing the Book so as it may be conveniently read on some two Sundays or Holy-days for in­formation of the people in the discipline and government of the Church, and their submission thereto?

23. Is there any man not in Holy Orders according to Law,Can. 76. that presumes openly to read the Common-Prayer, or execute any ministe­rial duty in your Church? or is there any Clergy-man in Holy Or­ders, that relinquishing his Orders, lives as a Lay-man without any [Page 7]care of the Church, or the duties undertaken and promised at his ad­mission into Holy Orders?

Enquiries concerning the Parishioners.

1. HAve you any in your Parish, who wilfully and without lawful impediment absent themselves from Morning,Primo Eliz. Can. 90. or Evening Prayer upon Sundays, or other days and times appointed by Law, or that come late, or depart before the Blessing? or are there any that upon those solemn days imploy themselves in their usual Trades or labours, or command or suffer their Servants so to do? Doth any Inn, or Ale house-keepers suffer any person to drink, play, or tarry in his house (except in case of sickness) in time of Divine Service? Do your Parishioners behave themselves reverently in the House of God, Men and Youth being uncovered, shewing reverence when the Name of the Lord Iesus is mentioned, standing, and kneeling, and in all things conforming to the orders, injunctions, and customs of the Church, with devotion and due attention?

2. Are there any that disturb holy duties, by walking, talking,Pri. Eliz. Can 111. Can. 90. or other rude or undecent behaviour?

3. Are there any among you of understanding unbaptized, or any that refuse to send their Children to Baptism in the Church publickly,Rub. of Baptism. unless in cases of necessity; and in such cases, are they careful to pro­cure them due Baptism at home?

4. Are any in your Parish not Confirm'd,Rub. after Catechism or any of years of discre­tion that upon any pretence refuse or neglect it? or any Parents, or Guardians that refuse to prepare their Children for, or to send them to Confirmation? Or are there any Confirmed, and of the age of 16. years, that come not to the Lords Supper three times in the year at least, of which the Feast of Easter to be one? or any that forsake their own Parish to receive it elsewhere?Can. 112.

5. Are there any Parents,Can. 59. or Masters of Families that refuse to send their Servants or Children to be instructed by their Minister in the Church Catechism according to order? Are there any Popish Re­cusants or Sectaries that keep private Conventicles? or any that en­tertain Sojourners or other guests that refuse to frequent the Church-Service, or the holy Sacraments as enjoyned? or that labour to se­duce and draw others from the Religion in this Church established,Can. 110.114. or that disperse Popish Books, or Writings of Sectaries, to make Fa­ctions, and pervert the people?

[Page 8] 6. Are there any in your Parish that injure the stock of the Church? Are there any Legacies (bequeathed to the Church or other pious uses) perverted or concealed, or otherwise imployed than intended by the Donor? Are there any Wills of Persons deceased concealed, or un­proved, or any goods of persons dying intestate administred without lawful authority?

7. Are there any that refuse to pay their rates to the repair of the Church,Can. 80. or the buying Books, or other Furniture requisite for the due performances of the several Offices and Services of the Church?

8. Are there any in the Parish that live in Fornication, Adultery, any Blasphemers, Depravers, or Impugners of the Christian Religi­on, or publick worship established; common Swearers, Drunkards, any Incestuous persons, any joyned in Marriage within the degrees pro­hibited, any Sorcerers, Witches, or resorters to them?

Concerning Church-Wardens, Side-men, Parish-Clerks and Sextons.

1. ARe your Church-Wardens yearly,Can. 89. and according to the use and custom of the Parish, chosen? Have the former Church-war­dens given up their accompts before the Minister, and delivered the mony, and whatever they had belonging to the Church, into your hands by Bill indented?

2. Do any molest you the Church-Wardens for presenting Offen­ders,Can. 115. or in the execution of any other part of your Office?

3. Are you the Church-Wardens careful to provide wholesom Wine, fine white Bread against every Communion, according to the number of the Communicants, with clean Vessels, Linen, and all Vtensils necessary for that sacred service? And do you take care to keep the Holy Table from prophane and vulgar usages?

4. Do you the Church-Wardens take notice of,Act [...] El. and admonish such as come late to the Church-Service, or depart before it be ended; and such also that absent themselves? and do you cause to be levied upon every one without just cause absenting himself, the sum of 12. pence for the use of the poor, according to the Law?

5. Have you a Parish-Clerk of the age of 21. years,Can. 91. of a sober, and honest behaviour, and sufficiently qualified to assist and attend your Minister in Reading, Writing, Singing, in answering the Hymns, and several Responsals in the Liturgy? Is he chosen by your Minister, and is he paid the accustomed wages, dues, and perquisites belonging to his place? Doth he keep the Church clean, and carefully [Page 9]look to the Books, and all things committed to his charge? Doth he upon notice given of any person passing out of this life, toll a Bell to summon devout and charitable persons, to recommend the soul of such dying persons to the grace and mercy of God?

Enquiries concerning the Church, its Possessions, Ornaments, and Utensils.

1. IS your Church or Chappel kept in good repair in all parts of it?Can. 85. is the Church-yard sufficiently fenced? Are there any in your Parish that hath converted to his own use, wood, stone, or any other materials belonging to the Church, or to the Parsonage, or Vicarage house?

2. Have you a decent Font of stone set in the antient and usual place, for administration of Baptism?Rubr. be­fore Bapt. Can. 81. Have you a decent Table commodiously placed in the Chancel, for the Celebration of the holy Communion, with a decent Carpet to cover it, and a fair linen Cloth over it at the Communion? Have you a silver Chalice with a Cover,Rubr. be­fore Com. a Flagon of Pewter, or of purer Metal for the Wine, with a Plate for the Bread, and a fair Linen Cloth for covering the Consecrated Elements?

3. Hath your Minister a decent Pew for reading Morning and E­vening Service, and a comely Pulpit for Preaching, and both conve­niently placed for the best advantage to the people? Have you a per­fect Bible of the largest Volume, and last Translation,Can. 18. two Books of Common-Prayer for the Minister and Clerk to use in all Divine Offices, the Book of Homilies, the Book of Canons and Constituti­ons: a Table of the Degrees of Marriage prohibited: A Parch­ment Register-Book for Christnings, Marriages, and Burials in your Parish? A Book for the Church-Wardens Accompts, and an Inven­tory of all things belonging to the Church?

4. Are the Ten Commandments and chosen Sentences of Scri­pture,Can. 8 [...]. the Lords Prayer, and Creed set up in your Church, according to the Canon?

5. Have you a strong Chest with three Locks and Keys,Can. 8 [...]. for the Alms of the Poor? and in one of those Keys in the custody of the Minister? And another Chest for keeping the Books and other Fur­niture of the Church?

6. Is the house of your Parson or Vicar, with all Out-house there­to belonging kept in good repair? Is any incroachment by any upon any part of the Glebe, or Demesus thereto belonging? Or have any [Page 8] [...] [Page 9] [...] [Page 10]Lands been alienated, or exchanged without sufficient Authority? Have you a perfect Terrier of all Lands,Can. 87. Meadows, Orchards, Gar­dens, Tenements, Cottages belonging to your Parsonage or Vicar­age? Or if there be none, do you the Church-Wardens and Side-men, with your Minister, and other knowing and antient men of the Parish, endeavour to make one in Parchment, signing and subscribing it to be kept by your Minister, with a Copy delivered into the Bishops Re­gistry?

Enquiries concerning School-Master, Physicians, and Midwives.

1. DOth any in your Parish take upon him the office of a School-Master,Can. 79. either publickly, or in any private house, without Li­cense from his Ordinary? Doth he cause his Scholars to come to Church duly, to the publick Worship of God by Law appointed? Doth he instruct them in the Catechism contained in the Book of Common-Prayer? Is he of parts and learning sufficient to perform this charge?

2. Do any in your Parish practise Physick, Chirurgery, or the Of­fice of a Midwife without License from the Ordinary?

Enquiries concerning Church-Officers.

1. ARE there any Ecclesiastical Officers,Can. 134.135, 138. as Advocate, Register, Proctor, Apparitor, or other Minister of the Ecclesiastical Court, that take or exact Gratuities, or unaccustomed fees for expe­dition, or any other way abuse their place, or agrieve his Majesties Subjects: or extort any greater fees, than such as are allowed by the Table of Fees ratified in the Year 1597? Is it set up in the Con­story Court, and Registers Office, and made publick to the view and perusal of all that destre it?

2. Hath any Apparitor been vexatious under a pretence of Autho­rity, by citing any illegally, or upon frivolous causes? Or hath he or the Register for any Reward or Fee excused any from appearance before the Ecclesiastical Court, or dismissed any person detected or ac­cused, without the knowledge, and consent of the Iudge, or otherwise neglected or abused his Office for his own advantage?

3. Hath any person paid any mony for Commutation of Penance for any Crime of Ecclesiastical Cognizance; and if so, how hath it been disposed of?

An Admonition to the Minister and Church-Wardens.

IF there be any other Crime not mentioned in the foregoing Enqui­ries,Can. 113. of Ecclesiastical Cognizance, you are to make presentment of it. The Minister may joyn with the Church-Wardens and Sides-men in the Presentment; and if they refuse or neglect their duty, then the Minister (as the person who hath the Cure of Souls, and therefore should use his best care for the suppressing of sin and wicked­ness in his Parish) may present alone, and may think himself in con­science obliged to do it, as he destres the reformation of his Parish, and the good of their souls. And as the faithful performance of this duty by the Minister, Church-Wardens, and Side-men is an especial means appointed for the prevention of disorders, sins, and impieties, so the guilt of its refusal and the sad consequences of it, viz. all the vi­ces, and disorders, and villanies of an unreformed Parish lies at the doors of such Officers, and for which they must give accompt to God the righteous Iudge Almighty, and for which also the sworn men are punishable in the Ecclesiastical Courts.

THE Ministers of every Parish are destred to give in the names of such in their several Parishes as they judge fit to receive Confirmation from the Bishop, and to present them to be Confirmed.