Synodalia: A Collection of Articles of Religion, Canons, and Proceedings of Convocations

Convocation of 1562–3

Matt. Parker. 4. 1562. Eliz. 5.

Convocatio prcelatorum et cleri Cantuariensis provincics, inchoata in domo capitulari ecclesice divi Pauli London, duodecimo die mensis Januarii, anno Domini juocta computationem ecclesicB Anglicance millcsimo, quingentesimo, sewagesimo secundo.

Sessio prima.

DUODECIMO die mensis Januarii, anno Domini prae-n dicto, hora nona ante meridiem ejusdem diei, in domo capitulari ecclesise cathedralis divi Pauli praxlict. in praesentia mei Johannis Incent notarii publici registrarii

Convocatio prcelatorum] To this memorable convocation, more than to any other, the reformed church of England is indebted for its existence and permanency, having derived from it, together with many important decisions on points of discipline and government, its thirtynine Articles of religion, its second book of Homilies, and dean Nowell's Catechism for the use of schools. To proceed in the words of Strype : " These things are but shortly set down in the acts of this synod ; but they will be greatly illustrated and explained by the following notable paper [from the Petyt collection] with marginal notes, some writ by the archbishop himself, some by others. But who the composer of this paper was, I cannot say."

" General notes of matters to be moved by the clergy in the next parliament and synod.

H8S.G. Petyt " ^ certain form of doctrine to be conceived in articles, and after to be published and authorized. " II. Matters worthy of reformation, concerning certain rites, &c. in the Book of Common Prayer.

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antedicti, praefatus venerabilis vir Robertus Weston, legum doctor, alma; curiae Cantuariensis officialis, judicialiter et pro tribunali sedens, ob reverentiam et honorem dicti reverendissimi patris domini Matthaei archiepiscopi Cantuariensis antedicti, onus commissionis ejusdem reve-5 rendissimi patris in se acceptavit, ac juxta vim formam et effectum ejusdem procedendum fore decrevit. Ac consequenter, authoritate sibi commissa, praesentem convocationem sive sacram synodum provincialem in statu quo nunc est, usque ad et in diem Mercurii proxime futurum, viz. decimumtertium diem prsesentis mensis Januarii hora octava ante meridiem ejusdem diei, atque ad domum capitularem praedictam cum ulteriori prorogatione dierum et horarum ex tunc sequentium, et locorum (si oporteat) continuavit et prorogavit in scriptis, prout in scbedulais per eum lecta plenius continetur, cujus quidem scbedulae tenor sequitur in hsec verba: In Dei nomine, Amen. Nos Robertus Weston, &c. prsesentibusque tunc et ibidem magistris Jolianne Butler clerico, canonico ecclesise Christi

" III. Ecclesiastical laws and discipline to be drawn, concerning both the clergy and laity.

" IV. To procure some augmentation of temporal commodities, for the supply of the exility of small benefices and livings.

" Concerning the Jirst, viz. the form of doctrine.

" First, A catechism is to be set forth in Latin. Which is already done by Mr. Dean of Paul's, and wanteth only viewing. These articles " Secondly, Certain articles, containing the principal with0speed.awn grounds of Christian religion, are to be set forth, (in the which also is to be determined the truth of those things which in this age are called into controversy :) much like to such articles as were set forth a little before the death of king Edward. Of which articles the most part may be used with addition and correction, as shall be thought convenient.

" Thirdly, To these articles also may be adjoined the Apology [writ by bishop Jewell] lately set forth, after it hath been once again revised, and so augmented or corrected, as occasion serveth.

Acts (Did Proceedings in. Convocation.

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Cantuariensis, Thoma Bolte canonico, Edmundo Weston in legibus Baccalaureo, ct Thoma Willet notario publico, testibus, &c.

Secunda sessio.

Die Mercurii, viz. 1 3°. die mensis Januarii anno Domini juxta computationem ecclesise Aiiglicanas millesimo quingentesimo sexagesimo secundo, reverendissimus in Cbristo pater dominus Matthseus, archiepiscopus Cantuariensis, &c. mane circa horam octavam ante meridiem dicti diei, Lambetha solvens in navicula sua vulgo nuncupata a i° barge, ad ripam vocatam Paul's Wharf, comitante eum reverendo patre domino Nicholao Lincoln episcopo, applicuit, ibique ab advocatis et procuratoribus et creteris ministris curioe sure Cantuariensis acceptus, pedibus ambulans, deductus fuit ad foras australes ecclesise cathe-15 dralis divi Pauli London, ibique ad ostium australe ejusdem decanus canonici et caeteri ministri ejusdem ecclesia: superpellitiis induti eum praestolabantur, ac ad vestiarium ejusdem ecclesise perduxerunt ; ibique amictu et habitu

a^'ctatrcle' " T^ese to joined in one book, and by common consent nnd collegiate, to be authorized, as containing true doctrine, and enjoined

and tn private 0 J

houses to be taught to the vouth in the universities and grammar-

Archbishop Par- 0 •

ker's own hand, schools throughout the realm.

" That whosoever shall preach, declare, write, or speak, any thing in derogation, depraving, or despising, of the said book, or any doctrine therein contained, and be thereof lawfully convicted before any ordinary, &c. he shall be ordered as in case of heresy ; or else shall be punished as is appointed for those that offend and speak against the Book of Common Prayer, set forth in the first year of the queen's majesty's reign that now is : that is to say, he shall for the first offence forfeit ] marks ; for the second offence, 400 marks ; and for the third offence, all his goods and chattels, and shall suffer imprisonment during life : with an addition, that if the person offending the first time be not worth in goods and land 1 marks, then he shall forfeit ail his goods and chattels ; and if the person offending the second time be not worth 400 marks, then he shall forfeit all his goods and chat-

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suis vestitus, ac chorum ipsius ecclesiae (comitantibus eum episcopis suffraganeis provincise suae Cantuariensis similibus habitibus indutis) ingressus, in stallo decani collocatus fuit, caeteris episcopis suffraganeis provincise Cantuariensis habitibus suis in hujusmodi negotio convoca-5 tionis solitis, indutis, in stallis praebendariorum ex utraque parte chori sedentibus ; ac consequenter decantata fuit per ministros ecclesiae Letania, in sermone vulgari, (juxta morem et ritum in libro nuncupato, the Book of Common Prayers, &c. descriptum.) Qua finita, ac hymno Veniio Creator, &c. per ministros ejusdem ecclesiae in vulgari solemniter decantato, magister Wilhelmus Daye, sacrae theologiae baccalaureus, praepositus collegii regalis de Eaton, babitu baccalaurei in theologia indutus, suggestum in medio chori positum ingressus fuit, ac ibidem concionem Latinam stilo venusto, ad patres et clerum ac populum praesentes habuit, acceptis pro themate hiis divi Petri verbis in quinto capitulo primae suae epistolae descriptis, viz. ' Pascite quantum in vobis est,' &c. finita vero concione ; ac psalmo primo (' Beatus vir,' &c.) in sermone

tels ; and for neither time of offence any pecuniary penalty to be redeemed with suffering imprisonment.

" Touching the second, that is to say, for rites, fyc. in the Book of Common Prayer.

" First, That the use of vestments, copes, and surplices, be from henceforth taken away.

" Secondly, That no private baptism be administered hereafter, but only by those that be ministers of the church.

" Thirdly, That the table from henceforth stand no more altarwise, but stand in such place as is appointed by the Book of Common 3° Prayer.

" Fourthly, The number of fasting- days and holy days to be by name expressed in the said book ; and the open observers of abrogated days to be punished.

" Fifthly, That the use of organs and curious singing be removed ; and that superfluous ringing of bells, and namely, at Allhallowtide and on All-Souls day, may be prohibited ; and that no peal after the death

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vulgari decantato, celebrata fuit sacra communio per reverendum patrem dominum Edmundum Grindale episcopum London, dictusque reverendissimus dominus ac caeteri omnes episcopi praesentes sacramentum corporis et sanguinis Domini communicabant. Finita vero communione, reverendissimus dominus archiepiscopus Cantuariensis chorum egressus, ac domum capitularem ingressus, comitantibus eum episcopi s, et caeteris cleri prselatis, ibidem pro tribunali sedebat, assidentibus secum undique episcopis suffraganeis suis, viz. domino Edmundo London, Roberto Winton, Wilhelmo Cicestren, Johanne Hereforden, Ricardo Elien, Edwino Wigorn, Rolando Bangor, Nicolao Lincoln, Johanne Sarum, Ricardo Meneven, Edmundo Roffen, Gilberto Bathon et Wellen, Thoma Coven et Lichen, Wilhelmo Exon, Johanne Norwicen, Edmundo Petriburgen, Thoma Asaphen, et Ricardo Glocestren, ac commendatar'. Bristolien, respective episcopis. Cui quidem reverendissimo sic pro tribunali sedenti praefatus reverendus dominus London episcopus exhibuit certificatorium suum super executioneso

of any person be above the space of one hour, and at the interment above half an hour.

" Sixthly, That in public baptism the godfathers and godmothers shall openly profess and recite the articles of the Christian faith, commonly called the Creed, and desire that the infant may be in that faith baptized, and received into the church of God. And that they shall not Expendatur. answer in the infant's name to such questions as heretofore have been demanded of them in that behalf.

Priests solemn- " Seventhly, That no dispensation be granted to marry,

izing matri- ,

mony without without the banns first asked thrice upon three several

testimonial of _, ii, aii t it t i r

banns, to suffer Sundays or holyclays. And that it shall be lawful to marry

grievous pun- ,, . . . . . .

ishment. at any time or the year without dispensation, except it be upon Christmas-day, Easter-day, and six days going before, and upon Pentecost-Sunday.

" Touching the third, that is, ecclesiastical laws and discipline. ^

" First, Petition is to be made to the queen's majesty and the parliament, that, according to a statute, anno 25 Henry VIII. thirty-two

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mandati monitorii alias sibi directi, tenorem infra scriptum continens, ' Reverendissimo in Christo patri,' &c. Quo quidem certificatorio per magistrum Tbomam Yale legum doctorem, dicti reverendissimi patris viearium in spiritualibus generalem, de mandate, ejusdem reverendissimi. publice perlecto, magister Gabriel Goodman, deeanus Westminster, eidem reverendissimo patri quandam protestationem in scriptis conceptam porrexit. ac ea protestatione salva, comparuit in bujusmodi sacra synodo sive convocatione, et Don aliter. Tenor vero dictae protestationis sequitur in hxc verba, ' Sub protestatione de non consentiendo in autboritatem reverendissimi patris Cantuariensis arcbie])iscopi quoad banc convocationem celebrand', nisi quatenus de jure ac statutis hujus regni Anglia? et privilegiis ecclesia? collegiatae sive collegii nostri Westminster teneor, neque de non infringend' aut diminuend' libertates et privilegia ejusdem nostri collegii sive ecclesia? collegiatae.' Quibus sic factis, reverendissimus dominus arcbiepiscopus Cantuariensis brevem quandam orationem eloquentia? plenam babuit ad patres2o

persons may be appointed to collect and gather ecclesiastical laws, and to view those that were gathered by commissioners appointed in king Edward's time.

" In the mean time, that these laws or orders, which hereafter follow, may be established.

" First, concerning the clergy. That all peculiar jurisdiction be extinguished ; that the whole jurisdiction of the churches in every diocese be restored to the bishop of the diocese.

Deiiberetur. Item, That in cases of correction, no appeal from the bishop of the diocese be admitted, nor no inhibitions granted, to hinder the said bishop to proceed in those cases.

" Item, That in every cathedral church there be a divinity lecture read in English thrice in the week by some able person ; of the common charge of the church, if no spiritual living have been of old time appointed for such purpose. And the ministers and singing-men of the same church to be present at the reading thereof.

" Item, That all the petty canons, vicars, or conducts of cathedral churches, which be priests or ministers, be enjoined to study some part

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et clerum ; per quam, inter alia, opportunitatem reformandarum rerum in ecclesia Anglicana jam oblatam esse apernit, ac propensos animos tam illustrissimae dominae nostrae reginae, quam aliorum niagnatum hujus regni ad hujusmodi reformationem habendam declaravit; hor-5 tando, praecipiendo et mandando praelatos et clerum inferioris domus in dicta do-mo capitulari, coram eo et reliquis patribus constitutos, quatenus ad conventus sui locum sese conferentes, uniim virum gravem, doctum et peritum de gremio suo provideant et eligant in eorum prolocutorem sive referendarium (commendans illis maxime decanum ecclesiae cathedralis divi Pauli London Alexamlrum Nowel), ipsumque sic electum exhibeant et praesentent coram eodem reverendissimo aut ejus locumtenente die sabbati proxime futuro, hora prima post meridiem in hoc loco. Deinde dictus reverendissimus pater commisit vices suas praefato magistro Thomae Yale cancellario suo, ac magistro Willielmo Drurie legum doctori commissario ad facilitates, ad recipiendum certificatoria episcoporum, ac ad inspicienduin procuratoria quorumcunque absentium, ac causas absentiarnm suarum

of the scripture. Which if they refuse to do, then, by the discretion of such as shall have jurisdiction over them, to be removed from their rooms.

" Item, That there be grammar-schools in every cathedral church. No adversary " Item, That the apparel of ministers may be uniform and SJneT8*' ' * limited, of what fashion it shall be, touching the cap and

beliberetur. garment<

" Item, That no parson, vicar, or curate, do serve two cures at once, upon pain of loss of his benefice, if he have any ; and of suspension from the ministry by the space of one year, if be have no benefice.

" Item, That none be admitted to any parsonage exceeding the yearly value of SI. or to any vicarage exceeding the value of marks, unless he do understand the Latin tongue well, and can answer to the catechism set forth in Latin.

"That none have any deanery, provostship, archdeaconry, or other dignity in any cathedral church, prebend, parsonage, or vicarage, and Deiibcretur. being no priest, shall retain and keep his spiritual promo-

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examinand' et approband*. Ac prseterea dictus reverendissimus pater prommtiavit oranes et singulos decanos, archidiaconos, capitula, ac cleri procuratores et caeteros quoscunque ad interessendum in hujusmodi sacra synodo, sive convocatione, monitos et citatos, ac per se aut procuratores suos idoneos minime comparentes, notorie contumaees ; poenas contumaciarum suarum hujusmodi usque in proximam sessionem reservand'. prout in schedula per eum lecta plenius continetur, cujus quidem schedulse verus tenor sequitur in hrec verba, ' In Dei nomine, Amen,' &c. Omnibus gestis, praefatus reverendissimus pater continuavit et prorogavit hujusmodi convocationem sive sacram synodum, ac omnia et singula certificatoria introducta et introducenda, in statu quo nunc sunt, usque in diem sabbati proxime futurum hora prima post meridiem, ad domum capitularem prsedictam ; prout in schedula per eum lecta tenorem subscriptum de verbo in verbum in se complectente, dilucidius apparet, ' In Dei nomine, Amen,' &c. Yale.

a Too much. tion or benefice any longer hereafter than one year3,

Archbishop . ,

Parker's hand, unless within the same year he be made priest ; any dispensation whatsoever heretofore granted, or hereafter to be granted, to the contrary notwithstanding.

"That none hereafter under the age of three and twenty years shall be enabled in law to receive any deanery, provostship, archdeaconry, dignity in any cathedral church, prebend, parsonage, or vicarage. And whosoever, being above three and twenty years of age, shall receive any such promotion or benefice, except within one year after he be made priest, he shall be deprived thereof ; any dispensation or privilege to the contrary heretofore granted, or hereafter to be granted, in any wise notwithstanding. Provided always, that it shall be lawful for any student in the universities, being above eighteen years of age, to receive one prebend in any cathedral church, where the local statutes be not repugnant to the same, if there be no cure annexed, or church impropriated to the same prebend : and to retain the same during the time he shall continue in any university, either within the realm or beyond the seas, and give himself wholly to study ; so that he be made priest when he shall come to four and twenty years of age.

" And also it shall be lawful for doctors and bachelors of the law, to

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Sessio tertia.

Die Sabbati, viz. 16°. die mensis Januarii, anno Domini praedicto, inter horam primam et secundam post meridiem ejnsdem diei, reverendissimus dominus Matthseus archiepiscopus Cantuariensis, ac reverendi patres domini5 Edmundus London, Robertus Winton, Johannes Hereforden, Richardus Elien, Edwinus Wigorn, Rolandus Bangor, Nicholaus Lincoln, Johannes Sarum, Richardus Meneven, Edmundus RofFen, Gilbertus Bathon et Wellen, Thomas Coven et Lichen, Wilhelmus Exon, Johannes 1° Norwicen, Edmundus Petriburgen, Thomas Asaphen, et Ricardus Glocestren, respective episcopi, in domo capitulari ecclesiae cathedralis divi Pauli London congregati, primum et ante omnia preces Deo optimo maximo effundebant, dicta publice ac alta et intelligibili voce per ipsum reverendissimum patrem Letania in sermone Latino una cum collectis assuetis ac oratione synodo provincial! dicenda, noviter (ut apparuit) edita, respondentibus aliis episcopis prsedictis ac prselatis et clero et

receive or retain one prebend or two, though they be no priests, in cathedral churches, where the local statutes will so permit.for so long time as they shall exercise under a bishop of this realm spiritual jurisdiction.

" That none be abled in law to receive any benefice, or other spiritual promotion, exceeding the yearly value of 30/. unless he be a preacher before he receive the same. By a preacher is meant such an one as hath preached before his ordinary, and hath his approbation under seal to be a preacher.

" That none from henceforth, having one benefice with cure of souls, be abled in law to receive any other benefice with like cure, by force of any dispensation, unless he be a preacher, and in degree of schools a doctor of divinity or law, a bachelor of divinity, or at the Consideretur, an least a master of arts ; and the one benefice not to be dis-

astringenaum

sit mi gradus. tant from the other above twelve miles : otherwise, as soon as he shall receive the second benefice, the first shall be void in law. And in this case of the permission of a preacher to have two benefices, the dispensation to be rated at some small sum.

" That none be suffered to have above two benefices with cure toge-

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populo astantibus. Finitis precibus, ac clero prsedicto ad locum conventus sui sese conferentes, prsefatus reverenclissimus, una cum aliis confratribus suis provincise suae Cantuariensis episcopis suffraganeis proenominatis, pro tribunali sedens, post intervallum temporis denuo ad eum accersiri jussit dictos pradatos et clerum domus inferioris ; cui copiose sese praesentantes exhiberi et sisti fecerunt venerabilem virum magistrum Alexandrum Nowell, ecclesiaj catliedralis divi Pauli London decanum, in prolocutorem sive referendarium domus inferioris electum. Quem eximii viri magistri Gabriel Goodman, decanus Westminster, et Thomas Sampson, decanus Exon, medium inter se ductum vice totius cleri, prsemissa oratione brevi Latina ab eodem magistro Gabriele Goodman, personam electam ac ejus virtutes et animiis dotes complectente, exhibuerunt. Qua finita, idem prolocutor per aliam orationem non inelegantem se variis de causis ad hujusmodi munus obeundum inidoneum declaravit : sed tandem ne opus tam pium effugere videatur, hujusmodi provinciam in se lubens acceptare promisit ; et

ther at one time, by force of any dispensation. And he that hath two Deiiberetur. benefices with cure together at one time, unless he be re-, sident continually at the one, (and yet so as at divers times he may be personally at the other, to preach there,) to be deprived of the benefice of the greater yearly value.

" That no patron of any benefice or spiritual promotion shall sell or assign any advowson to any person ; but shall bestow it himself upon some meet clerk, when the benefice or spiritual promotion is void.

" That all advowsons heretofore granted of any patron of any benefice, or other spiritual promotion, shall from henceforth be void ; and Deiiberetur. that hereafter no advowson or grant of the next vacation of any benefice or spiritual promotion shall be effectual and available in the law ; unless before the making thereof, either the incumbent be dead, or the benefice or spiritual promotion be otherwise void in law.

" That all parsons, vicars, or their curates, every Sunday and holyday, do openly and distinctly read, after the gospel, the Articles of our faith, the Ten Commandments of Almighty God, and the Lord's Prayer; and at afternoon offer themselves to teach the Catechism to the youth of the parish, and take witness thereof of the churchwardens

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tunc habito inter dictum reverendissimum patrem et confratres suos tractatu de idoneitate dicti prolocutoris, omnes unanimiter et concorditer ipsum magistrum Nowel ad dictum officium prolocutoris obeundum maxime idoneum esse asseruerunt et affirmarunt. Unde reverendissimus, cum patrum unanimi consensu, electionem hujusmodi de persona tarn digni viri factam, venusta oratione approbavit et confirmavit. Et tunc, dimisso clero inferioris domus, reverendissimus rogavit patres, quod unusquisque eorum citra proximam sessionem excogitare velit ea quae in eorum separalibus dioecesibus reformatione indigeant, ac in proxima sessione proponere dignaretur. Et tunc, liabita inter dictum reverendissimum patrem et confratres suos secreta quadam communicatione (semotis omnibus arbitris,) tandem dictus reverendissimus de consensu patrum continuavit et prorogavit hujusmodi convocationem sive sacram synoduni provincialem, omniaque et singula certificatoria introducta et introducenda, in statu quo nunc sunt, usque ad et in diem Martis proxime futurum hora prima post meridiem ejusdem diei ad eccle-20

and sidemen ; upon pain to forfeit for every time that they do neglect so to do, s. and 4c?. to be levied upon his goods or wages by the churchwardens and sidemen, to the use of the poor of the parish, without replevy to be admitted therein.

" I will name no more of these articles, though they run to the number of thirty-four, unless it be one more, namely, ' That in every deanery in the country there may be constituted by the bishop one grave Rural dean. and discreet priest, to be archipresbyter, or decamts ruratis : who shall not only oversee the priests of that deanery, but also have authority to call before him all such as offend against the ecclesiastical laws, and to examine them, and to certify the ordinary thereof : but the said dean not to determine any thing in those matters.'

" Concerning the fourth particular, viz. increase of ministers' livings. " [And here occur four evils to be remedied.] Addantur anno- " I- First of all, it is evident that impropriations are tua°nad dom.80 radix omnium malorum in this realm. Forasmuch as the secre anum. ^QQr man payetn ms tjtneSj ordained at the first to be given

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Acts and Proceedings m Convocation.

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siam collegiatam divi Petri "Westminster, prout in quadam schedula per eura lecta plenius eontinetur, cujus quidem schedule verus tenor sequitur, in haec verba, ' In Dei nomine, Amen,' &c. Deinde dictus reverendissimus posnas contnmaciarnm omnium et singulorum absentium, at prius, ad ejus arbitrium reservavit.

Quarto sessio.

Die Martis, viz. 19°. die mensis Januarii, anno Domini ] 562. hora secunda post meridiem in capella nuncupata, king Henri/ the Seventh's chapel, infra ecclesiam colle-t° giatam divi Petri Westminster situata, dictis primitus et publice recitatis per reverendissimum patrem dominum Matthsenm arcliiepiseopum Cantuariensem. et reliquos episcopos suftraganeos provincia? Cantuariensis precibus de quibus in superiori sessione fit mentio coram eodem reverendissimo patre pro tribunali sedente, assidentibus secum reverendis patribus dominis, &c. respective episcopis, comparuit personaliter magister Gabriel Goodman, decanus ecclesia? collegiata? divi Petri "Westminster pra?-

to a teacher, and now, as in the time of the abbeys, converted to other uses, and no sufficient portion left to the vicars.

" Remedies.

" First, Universal restitution were the best, but can hardly be hoped for.

Or after the ei- " K not that, then after the end of three years, all CSSnowta leases of parsonages, and all occupations of the same by force- any lay person, to cease and determine. And that

the said parsonages so impropriated shall be wholly united and annexed to the vicarages ; and the said vicarages after such unition to be made parsonages ; the said incumbents paying to the owners, by the wage of a yearly pension, the yearly rent of all such impropriations, according to the rate of the queen's majesty's records, and discharging the said proprietors of all charge incident to such impropriations, as by commission for that purpose to be appointed might be awarded. '* Provided always, that where the vicarages be so very small, that

dictao, ac vice sua et totius capituli (ut asseruit) ejusclem ecclesiae palam et publice protestatus fuit, ' Quod non intendit consentire ut hujusmodi sacra synodus in dicta ecclesia collegiata divi Petri Westminster celebretur, nisi quatenus per privilegia ejusdem ecclesiae liceat et5 non aliter, neque alio modo, quibus quidem privileges (ut asseruit) in aliquo derogare noluit, neque intendit, sed eis firmiter adhoerere ac pro posse suo illaesa in omnibus conservare.' Et tunc, habita inter dictum reverendissimum patrem, ac caeteros episcopos suos suffraganeos praenominatos communicatione sive disputatione de quibusdam articulis ad Christianam fidem facientibus; tandem dictus reverendissimus accersiri jussit ad se prolocutorem domus inferioris; qui quidem prolocutor, una cum sex aliis de clero dicta? domus inferioris coram patribus sui copiam faciens, proposuit et asseruit, quod quidam de dicta domo exhibuerant quasdam diversas schedas de rebus reformandis per eos respective excogitat. et in scriptis redact. Quae quidem schedae de communi consensu traditae sunt quibusdam viris gravioribus et doc-20

the annexing of the appropriation in form aforesaid will not make the vicarages sufficient, that in such case the commissioners may allot some portions of the rent for an augmentation.

" Provided also, that the benefices so restored shall not be leased by any incumbent, unless it be for one or two of the first years.

" Provided also, that the commissioners appointed shall have authority to determine, how many of the benefices, so augmented as aforesaid, are sufficient livings for learned men to keep hospitality ; and none to be admitted to such benefices, but those that are able to preach. Who shall also be bound to take no more livings ; and to be continually resident on the same, and keep hospitality, or else to be deprived.

" II. The second mischief is, that by avarice and practice of evil bishops, pastors, and priests, almost all benefices of any reasonable value are let out for many years, with the confirmation of the bishop and patron.

" Remedy.

" For remedy whereof, it were to be wished, that any lease hereafter

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tioribus de coetu dictae domus inferioris ad hoc electis perspiciend. et considerand. Quibus sic electis (ut asseruit) assignation est ut hujusmodi schedas in capitula redigant ac in proxima sessione exhibeant coram eodem prolocutore. Et ulterius proposuit, quod articuli ins synodo Londinensi, tempore nuper regis Edwardi Sexti (ut asseruit) editi, traditi sunt quibusdam aliis viris ex coetu dictae domus inferioris, ad hoc etiam electis, ut eos diligenter perspiciant, examinent, et considerent ; ac prout eis visum merit, corrigant et reforment, ac in proxima sessione etiam exhibeant. Et tunc reverendissimus hujusmodi negotia per dictum prolocutorem et clerum incsepta approbavit, ac in eisdem erga proxiinam sessionem juxta eorum determinationem procedere voluit et mandavit. Quibus sic expeditis, reverendissimus, &c. continuavit, &c. prout in schedula, &c. ' In Dei nomine, Amen,' &c.

Sessio quinta.

Die Mercurii, viz. 20°. die mensis Januarii, &c. inter horam secundam et tertiam post meridiem ejusdem diei, reverendissimus pater dominus Matthseus archiepiscopus

a Three years, to be made, more than for one year3, shall be of no validity in law. And that all leases heretofore granted and confirmed, b At the end of shall cease and determine at the end of three vears t>, and

the leases : no . .

force. return to the incumbents. And like view by commission

to be made of those benefices, how many are sufficient of themselves ; and then the incumbent to be bound to be resident, and to accept no more livings.

" III. The third inconvenience to be cured is the covetousness of

patrons ; who ought by their names to be patroni, and not prcedories, of

their churches.

" Remedies.

" And therefore strait penalties are to be made against those patrons which directly or indirectly take money, or make or accept siinoniacal pacts. And among other penalties, a patron convicted hereof, to lose his patronage during his life, and to be given that term by the queen's 3majesty, or by the ordinary of the diocese ; and the wicked priest, which gave or promised, to be deprived of all his livings, and made for ever unable to receive any more ecclesiastical livings.

509

Cantuariensis, &c. ac reverendi patres, &c. in capella nuper regis Henrici Septimi, infra ecclesiam collegiatam divi Petri Westminster, congregati, &c. de et snper quibusdam articulis sacrosanctam Christi religionem concernentibus, de quibus in actis hesterni diei fit mentio, per spacium trium horarum aut eirciter inter se tractarunt et commnnicarnnt. Ac tandem dictus reverendissimus, &c. continuavit, &c. prout in schedula, &c. ' In Dei nomine, Amen,' &c.

Sessio seaia.

Die Veneris, viz. xxii0. die mensis Januarii, circa horam octavam ante meridiem ejusdem diei, praefatus reverendissimus pater, dominus jMattha?us archiepiscopus Cantuariensis, ac reverendi patres, &c. in dome- capitulari ecclesiaj cathedralis divi Pauli London congregati, &c. secretam quandam communicationem per spacium trium horarum semotis arbitris inter se habuerunt ; ac tandem dictus reverendissimus pater, &c. continuavit, &c. usque in diem Luna?, &c. inter horas 1. et 2. post meridiem, &c. prout in schedula, &c. ' In Dei nomine, Amen,' &c.

" And for better trial hereof, that it may be lawful for every ordinary, upon true and just suspicion of simony committed, to examine both the priest suspected, and also the patron, or anv other person whatsoever, who is thought to know anv thing concerning such simony, by virtue of a corporal oath.

" And in case, where the suspicions of such simony be vehement, and yet by secret practices so covered, that it cannot perfectly be known, that the ordinary may put the priest so suspected to his purgation ; and to be purged only by ministers, whereof some to be preachers ; and if he fail in such purgation, to be deprived. But in this case the patron shall not lose his patronage.

" IV. The fourth inconvenience is the universal subtraction of privy or personal tithes. By means whereof, almost all cities, market-towns, boroughs, thoroughfares, where the greatest multitudes are, and those more ingenious and civil, are at this present destitute of learned men, and many have no service at all.

510

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Sessio septima.

Die Lunse, viz. 25°. die mensis Januarii, anno pranlicto, circa horam tertiam post meridiem ejusdem diei, reverendissimus in Christo pater dominus Matthams archiepiscopns Cantuariensis, &c. ac reverendi patres, &c. in capella nuper regis Henrici Septimi infra ecclesiam collegiatam divi Petri Westm. congregati, per spacium duarum horarum aut circiter secretam quandam communicationem inter se habuerunt : ac tandem reverendissimus, &c. continuavit, &c. usque ad et in diem Mercurii, &c. io inter horam 1. et 3. post meridiem, &c.

Sessio octava.

Die Mercurii, viz. 27°. die mensis Januarii, 1562, bora secunda post meridiem ejusdem diei in capella nuper regis Henrici Septimi, infra ecclesiam collegiatam divi Petri r5 Westminster, reverendissimus in Cbristo pater dominus Mattbaeus permissione divina Cantuariensis arcbiepiscopus, &c. ac reverendi patres domini, &c. respective episcopi, pro tribunali sedentes, per spacium triuui fere horarum

" Remedies. " Which must be remedied, either by rating of some certainty upon every person by a contribution or otherwise to a reasonable sum ; or else to appoint a rate according to the rent of their houses, as it is in London. That is, for every pound rent, to the parson or vicar two shillings and ninepence. " Then follows,

" Discipline of the laity.

" Item, It is to be wished that every nobleman [here is a

great chasm in the MS.] parents, and masters of households,

having children of eight years old and upwards, if upon examination to be had by their curate, or other appointed by the ordinary, it be found, that they cannot say by heart the Short Catechism in English set forth, and thereof convinced before the ordinary or his officers, shall pay for every such child 1 05. to the poor man's box ; unless the said parents can prove, by declaration of the curate, that they have continually, at

secrete inter se tractarunt et communicarunt. Ac tandem dictus reverendissimus, &c. continuavit, &c.

Sessio nona.

Die Veneris, viz. 29°. die mensis Januarii, 156*2, inter horarn octavam et nonam ante meridiem ejusdem diei, reverendissimo in Christo patre domino Matthseo archiepiscopo Cantuariensi, &c. nec non reverendis patribus, &c. respective episcopis in domo capitulari ecclesise cathedralis divi Pauli London congregatis, post tractatum aliquem inter eos habitum, tandem super quibusdam articulis orthodoxae fidei inter episcopos quorum nomina eis subscribuntur, unanimiter convenit, quorum quidem articulorum tenores sequuntur et sunt tales : ' Articuli de quibus,' &c„ ac deinde reverendi patres domini Edmundus London, Robertus Winton, Nicholaus Lincoln, et Johannes Hereforden, respective episcopi, per reverendissimum de consensu confratrum suorum pramominatorum electi fuerunt ad excogitand. qusedam capitula de disciplina in ecclesia liabend. Quibus sic gestis dictus reverendissimus, &c.

the days appointed for the catechism, brought their children to him, to be instructed therein; and the default is in the want of capacity in the youth. The said penalty to be levied by the churchwarden upon the goods of the offender, by way of distress ; only upon signification given to them in writing by the ordinary : which alone to be sufficient warrant for them. And that no replevy be granted or admitted in this case.

" The like penalty in form aforesaid to be extended against masters, who have servants or apprentices in their houses, being under the years of fourteen, and have continued in their houses above one whole year, and at the end of that one year cannot say the said catechism by heart.

" Every person of age and discretion sufficient to communicate, shall offer himself once a year, upon such days as shall be appointed, to be examined by his parson, vicar, or curate, whether he can say by heart the Articles of his faith, the Ten Commandments, and the Lord's Prayer ; upon pain to be excommunicate ipso facto. And before they be absolved, to pay unto the churchwardens, to the use of the poor, if the offender be a rich man or woman, 6s. 8d. and if the offender be a poor man or woman, 3s. \d. For which purpose every parson and vicar, by

512

[X.

continuavit, &c. usque ad et in diem Mercurii, &c. inter horam et post meridiem, &c.

Sessio decima.

Die Mercurii, viz. 3°. die mensis Februarii, 1562, in eapella regis Henrici Septimi infra eeclesiam collegiatam divi Petri Westminster situata, reverendissimus in Christo pater dominus Matthams archiepiscopus Cantuariensis, nec non reverendi patres domini, &c. respective episcopi, pro tribunali sedentes, secretam quandam communicationem sive tractatum per spacium trium horarum aut xo circiter inter se habuerant. Ac tandem dictus reverendissimus, &c. continuavit, &e. usque ad et in diem Veneris, <Sce. inter boras octavam et nonam antemerid. &c. prout in scbedula, &c.

Sessio zindecima. x5

Die Veneris, viz. 5°. die mensis Februarii, 1562, in domo capitulari ecclesias catbedralis divi Pauli London, coram reverendis patribus, &c. respective episcopis tunc

himself, or some sufficient curate, shall give his attendance to hear his parishioners every Wednesday, Friday, and holyday, during the foresaid time, upon pain of deprivation, and loss of his benefice : and every curate, upon pain to forfeit 40s. At which time the said parsons and vicars shall take occasion to give some private, godlv admonitions to their parishioners, if they know any faults or offences in them.

" What priest or minister soever, under colour hereof, shall practise auricular confession, shall be deprived of all his livings, and deposed from the ministry.

" Whosoever cannot by heart say the Articles of the faith, the Ten Commandments, and the Lord's Prayer, shall not be admitted to the communion, nor to be married, nor to be godfather or godmother at any baptism : saving, that there may be some consideration of those that be verv aged, bv discretion of the minister, for one or two years, and no longer.

" That everv parson, vicar, or curate of everv parish shall yearly make and exhibit unto the archdeacon or commissary of that circuit, in their visitation or synod, next after Easter, a book of all the names of their

513

ibidem congregatis, praesentatis per me Johannem Incent, notarium publicum registrarium principalem reverendissimi patris domini Matthaei arcliiepiscopi Cautuarieusis, &c. Uteris commissionalibus ejusdem reverendissimi patris, praefatis revereudis patribus dominis Edmundo London, Roberto Winton, Edwino Wigorn, et Nicliolao Lincoln, respective episcopis, ad tenendum locum ejusdem reverendissimi patris in dicta convocatione conjunctim et divisim, factis et concessis, ac per me notarium publicum praedictum publice perlectis, praefatus dominus Edmundus London, de consensu collegarum suorum hujusmodi, ob reverentiam et honorem dicti reverendissimi patris acceptavit in se onus dictarum literarum commissionalium, et decrevit procedendum fore juxta vim, formam, et effectum earundem. Deinde, post tractatum aliquem inter patres prsedictos liabitum, reverendi patres domini Jobannes Sarum, Thomas Coven et Lichen, Richardus Meneven, et Wilhelinus Exon, de unanimi consensu patrnm pracdictorum, assignati fuerunt ad examinandum librum vocatum The catechism. Et tunc babita inter

parishioners, both men and women, of the age of fourteen years and upward. Wherein he shall note who refuse to come to be examined, as afore is appointed ; who can say, and who cannot say the articles of the faith, &c. ; who also have not received the communion thrice that year ; and whose children or servants, which be appointed to learn the catechism, as is aforesaid, cannot say the same by heart.

" Such parson or vicar that refuseth or neglecteth to make and exhibit the said book in due form, by himself, or his sufficient curate, shall be deprived of his benefice. And such curate as refuseth or neglecteth to make and exhibit the same, as afore, shall be deposed from the ministry.

" That execution of penalties for not corning duly to divine service may be

better observed, and more easily executed. Penalties. " That such as do not communicate thrice a year at the least, be severely punished. And such as have not, nor will not communicate at all, to be as in case of heresy ; or else some grievous tine to be set upon them ; and to be increased, as the contumacy increaseth.

" That persons remaining excommunicate, for not obeying orders in

514

[X.

patres comnmnieatione et tractatu de subsidio dominse nostra? reginae per prselatos et clerum provincia? Cantuariensis concedendo, iidem patres accersiri fecerunt coram eis prolocutorem domus inferioris. Qui quidem prolocutor cum sex aliis de coetu domus inferioris, coram eisdem patribus sui copiam faciens, porrexit et exhibuit coram eisdem patribus quosdam articulos sive libellum de doctrina, &c. a reverendissimo domino arcbiepiscopo Cantuariensi et aliis reverendis patribus ad coetum ecclesiasticum dicta? domus inferioris, alias (ut asseruit) transmissos, ac per dictum coetum perspect'. et propriis manibus nonnullorum ejusdem coetus (ut apparuit) subscript', ac, nomine et consensu (ut asseruit) totius coetus ecclesiastici dictae domus inferioris, rogavit patres ut omnes qui hactenus articulis dicti libelli non subscripserunt, id l5 suis propriis manibus publice in frequenti coetu ecclesiastico dictae domus inferioris, aut (si id recusarint) coram eisdem reverendis patribus facere cogantur. Et tunc reverendi patres unanimi consensu decreverunt, ut omnia et singula nomina eorum qui supra-dictis articulis nominaao

religion six months without submission, or reconciliation to the church, &c. be taken as in cases of heresy.

" That adulterers and fornicators may be punished by strait imprisonment and open shame, if the offender be vile and stubborn, &c. as carting by the civil magistrate, &c. Some think banishment and perpetual prison to be meet for adulterers.

" When they be reconciled, the form of reconciliation appointed legibus ecclesiasticis Edwardi 6ti, to be used without respect of persons.

" De juramentis.

Oaths. " That in all men's houses some penalty be set upon them which use customarily to swear by God, or any part of Christ ; by his mass, &c. And that the owners of houses give good examples themselves.

" De matrimoniis.

Matrimony. " That all clandestine contracts be judged in law as no contracts. " That marriages made between young persons, without some reason-

515

sua propriis suis manibus non subscripserunt, a dicto domino prolocutore descripta ad eos perferantur in proxima sessione. Quibus sic gestis, praefatus reverendus dominus London episcopus, de consensu collegarum suorum et aliorum reverendorum patrum praenominatorum, continuavit, &c. usque in diem Mercurii, &c. inter horas primam et secundam post meridiem, &c. prout in schedula, &c.

Sessio duodecimo,.

Die Mercurii, viz. decimo die mensis Februarii, 1562, in capella regis Henrici Septimi infra ecclesiam collegiatam divi Petri Westminster, reverendus pater dominus Edmundus London episcopus, reverendissimi in Christo pat ris et domini domini Matthaei permissione divina Cantuariensis archiepiscopi, &c. locumtenens, reverendique ]>atres domini, &c. respective episcopi pro tribunali se-15 dentes, de rebus ecclesiae aliquandiu tractarunt. Ac tandem dominus prolocutor, cum octo aliis de coetu domus inferioris, coram dictis patribus comparens, prsesentavit et exhibuit quendam librum de subsidio dominae nostrac reginae per clerum provinciae Cantuariensis conce-20 dendo, in scriptis redactum ; ac penes eosdem patres

able consent of parents, if they be alive, or else of some other friend, as may be limited by this order, may be void in law.

" The consent of young women not to be judged sufficient, till they be come to the age of fifteen years.

'* It is also to be wished that some better order were taken for the marriage of wards, that they should be of some reasonable years afore they be contracted ; seeing such inconveniences daily ensue the order now in use.

" If any man steal or take away a maid from her parents without 3° their consent, or any orphan without the consent of her tutor, and do marry her, let it either be felony, or else be punished with grievous fine and imprisonment ; and the said matrimony be judged no matrimony in law, but to be dissolved again.

" The like penalty is to be extended against those, which, knowing a suit to be depending in any ecclesiastical courts between any woman and another man challenging contract, shall marry with any such

l 1

516

[X.

dimisit, ac etiam prscsentavit et exhibuit libellum articulormn de doctrina, &c. de quibus in ultima sessione fit mentio ; asserens, quod quidam de coetu dicta; domus citra ultimam sessionem dictis articulis manus suas subscripserunt, ac quidam alii nondum subscripserunt. Undes dicti patres voluerunt et mandarunt, quod nomina eorum, qui hactenus non subscripserunt, praesententur coram eis in proxima sessione. Deinde dictus dominus locumtenens, de consensu confratrum suorum prsedictorum, continuavit, &c. usque ad et in diem Veneris, &c. inter boras octavam et nonam ante meridiem, &c. prout in schedula, &c.

Sessio XIII.

Die Veneris, viz. 12°. die mensis Februarii, 1562, in domo capitulari ecclesiae cathedralis divi Pauli London, reverendus in Christo pater dominus Edwinus permis-15 sione divina Wigorn episcopus, acceptans in se onus commissionis reverendissimi, &c. juxta formam et effectum ejusdem procedendum fore decrevit. Ac deinde idem reverendus pater, authoritate sibi commissa continuavit,

woman, afore she be by sentence and order of law declared to be free, and at liberty."

These proceedings are reprinted from bishop Gibson's Synodus Anglic, and whence he obtained them may be learnt from the following observations of Dr. Bennet in his Essay on the Thirty-nine Articles, (p. 172.) "There is now in the possession of Charles Battely, esq. receiver of the church of Westminster, a 4to MS. volume, containing things of various natures, but especially transcripts from the records of convocation, and particularly the entire register of the upper house in 1562. This book did manifestly once belong to archbishop Parker ; for his handwriting appears in several places of it ; and his red lead pencil very frequently. From this volume a copy of the acts of the upper house was taken, from which transcript Dr. Gibson printed."

Comp. Burnet, II. R. vol. iii. p. 578. Neal, Pur. vol. i. p. i 19. Hist, of Conferences, pp. and 117. Strype, Parker, vol. i. p. 240. Fuller, Ch. Hist. cent. xvi. b. 9. p. 7 2. Collier, vol. ii. p. 486. Lingard, vol. v. p. 206. Heylin, Hist. Ref. p. 330. Wake, MSS. Misc. 40. p. 127.

i562.]

Acts a/if! Proceedings in Convocation.

517

&c. usque ad et in diem Sabbati, &c. inter lioras primam et secundam post meridiem, &c. prout in sehedula, he.

Sessio XIV.

Die Sabbati, viz. 13°. die mensis Februarii, 1562, bora secunda post meridiem ejusdem diei, reverendissimus in Cbristo pater dominus Matthseus archiepiscopus Cantuariensis, &c. necnon reverendi in Christo patres, &c. respective episcopi, in domo capitulari ecclesiae catbedralis divi Pauli London congregati, de subsidio dominse nostra) reginae per praelatos et clerum Cantuarien. concedend', i aliquamdiu tractarunt. Ac tandem dictus reverendissimus, &c. continuavit, &c. usque ad et in diem Lunge, &c. inter boras primam et tertiam post meridiem, &c. prout In scbedula, &c.

Sessio XV. i

Die Lunae, viz. 15°. die mensis Februarii, 1562, bora secunda post meridiem ejusdem diei in capella regis Henrici Septimi infra, &c. reverendissimus dominus Matthseus archiepiscopus Cantuariensis ac, &c. respective episcopi, pro tribunali sedentes, de subsidio dominse nostrae reginae concedendo inter se tractarunt. Ac tandem reverendissimus prsedictus dominus Matthseus archiepiscopus Cant, et dominus Robertus Winton episcopus recesserunt. Post quorum recessum, reverendi patres domini Edwinus Wigorn et Nicholaus Lincoln, dicti reve-2 rendissimi patris locumtenentes, ac caeteri reverendi patres prsenominati librum de hujusmodi subsidio in scriptis conceptum coram eis perlegi fecerunt. Quo lecto, dictus dominus Wigorn. episcopus de consensu patrum prsenominatorum continuavit, &c. prout in sehedula, Sic.

Sessio XVI.

Die Mercurii, viz. 17". die mensis Februarii, 1562, inter horas secundam et tertiam post meridiem ejusdem

518

[X.

diei in capella regis Henrici Septirni infra, &c. reverendus in Christo pater Nicliolaus permissione divina Lincoln episcopus, vice et anthoritate reverendissimi patris archiepiscopi Cantnariensis, &c. continuavit, &c. usque ad et in diem Veneris, &c. inter horas octavamS et nonam ante meridiem, &c. prout in scliedula, &c.

Sessio XVII.

Die Veneris, viz. 19°. die mensis Februarii, 1562, in domo capitulari ecclesiae cathedralis divi Pauli London, reverendissimns in Christo pater dominus Matthaeus ar-T° chiepiscopus Cantuariensis, &cc. una cum reverendis patribus dominis, &c. pro tribnnali sedens, accersiri fecit ad se prolocutorem domus inferioris. Cui quidem prolocutori et sex aliis de clero dicta? domus inferioris coram dicto reverendissimo et aliis reverendis patribus praenominatis is constitut' idem reverendissimus de et cum consensu confratrum suorum hujusmodi tradidit quosdam articulos in scriptis conceptos, mandando quatenus super contends in dictis articulis diligenter inquirant, ac quicquid inde invenerint, in scriptis redigant, ac dicto reverendissimo porri-20 gant et exhibeant. Et tunc dimissis dictis prolocutore et clero, ac habito secreto tractatu inter dictum reverendissimum patrem et confratres suos per spacium unius horse aut circiter, tandem praefatus reverendissimus de consensu confratrum suorum continuavit, &c. usque ad et2£ in diem Luna?, &c. inter horas et post meridiem, &c. prout in schedula, &c.

Articuli vero de quibus supra fit mentio, hie inferius describuntur.

First, whether if the writ of melius inquirend' be sent 3° forth, the likelihood be that it will turn to the queen's commodity ?

Item, whether some benefices rateable, be not less than they be already valued ?

Item, to enquire of the manner of dilapidations and other spoliations that they can remember to have passed upon their livings, and by whom?

Item, how they have been used for the levying of arrearage of tenths and subsidies, and for how many years past ?

Item, how many benefices they find that are charged with pensions of religious persons ?

Item, to certifie how many benefices are vacant in every diocese ?

Eodem die, venerabilis vir magister Thomas Yale, legum doctor, vicarius in spiritualibus generalis dicti reverendissimi patris, ac commissarius in hac parte specialiter deputatus, in capella beatae Mariae infra ecclesiam cathedralem divi Pauli London situat' domo viz. inferioris convocationis praedict. in praesentia, (ut dicebatur) magistri Wilhelmi Saye, notarii publici, dictae domus inferioris registrarii et actorum scribse, judicialiter sedens legit quandam schedulam contra omnes et singulos decanos, capitula, archidiaconos, et cleri procuratores, ac cae-20 teros quoscunque in dicta convocatione, juxta monitionem legitimam in hac parte factam, non comparentes, aut ab eadem sine licentia, &c. recedentes. Cujus quidem schedulae verus tenor sequitur, et est talis, ' In Dei nomine, Amen.' &c.

Sessio XVIII.

Die Lunae, viz. 22°. die mensis Februarii, 1562. rcverendissimus pater dominus Matthaeus Cantuariensis, ac reverendi patres domini, &e. respective episcopi, in capella regis Henrici Septimi infra, &c. congregati, et pro 3° tribunali sedentes, ac de subsidio dominaa nostra? reginae concedendo aliquandiu tractantes, tandem unanimiter convenerunt de hujusmodi subsidio eidem domin.Te nostrac reginae concedendo sub modo et forma ac conditionibus

[X.

ct provisionibus sequentibus, viz. 'The prelates and clergy of the province of Canterbury,' &c. Qnibus sic factis, dictns reverendissinms, &c. continuavit, &c. usque ad et in diem Mercnrii, &c. inter horas octavam et deciniam ante meridiem, &c. prout in schedula, &c.

Sessio XIX.

Die Mercurii, viz. 24. die mensis Febrnarii, &e. in capella regis Henrici Septimi infra, &c. reverendissinms, he. nec non reverendi patres, &c. respective episcopi, congregati, surrogatum prolocutoris (dicto prolocutore ab- io sente) et clerum domus inferioris, ad se accersiri jusserunt ; ac coram eis publice legi fecerunt librum de subsidio, dominae nostra? reginae concesso, de quo in actis proximo pmecedentis sessionis fit mentio, in pergameno conscript, ac sigillo dicti reverendissimi patris sigillat'. Cui quidem libro sic perlecto, ac omnibus et singulis concessionibus, conditionibus et provisionibus in eodem raentionatis sub modo et forma supra sjiecificatis, dictus clerus inferioris domus consensum et assensum suos unanimiter adhibuerunt.

Sessio XX.

Die Veneris, viz. 26. die mensis Febrnarii, &c. reverendissimus pater dominus ]\Iatthoous Cantuar. &c. in donio capitulari ecclesia? cathedralis divi Pauli London congregati, et pro tribunali sedentes, secretum quendam tractatum aliquandiu inter se habuerunt. Deinde prolocutor ct decern alii de coetu domus inferioris, viz. magister Georgius Carewe, decanus ecclesirc collegiataB sive capellai regiae de Winsor, magister Pedder decanus Wigorn, magister Salisburie decanus Norwicen, mag. Latimer decanus Petriburgen, mag. Cottrell archidiaconus Dorset, mag. Kennall archidiaconus Exon, mag. Chaundler archidiaconus Sarum, mag. Walker archidiaconus Stafford, mag. Hewitt praecentor Meneven. et mag.

521

Levar archkliaeonus Coven, coram clicto reverendissimo patro ac caeteris reverendis patribus prsenominatis personaliter comparentes, tarn noininibus suis propriis, quam vice et nomine totius coetus (ut asserunt) domus inferioris convocations prsedict. porrexerunt eisdem patribus quondam librum de disciplina, &c. in papiro. Cui quidem libro (ut asseruerunt) dictus coetus domus inferioris unanimiter consenserunt. Et tunc dictus liber, de consensu patrum proadictorum, commissus fuit reverendissimo domino Cantuar. ac reverendis dominis London, Winton, io Cicestren, Hereforden, et Elien, examinandus. Quibus sic gestis, dictus reverendissimus de consensu confratrum suorum continuavit, &c. usque ad et in diem Luna?, &c. inter boras primam et tertiam post meridiem, &c. prout in schedula, &c. ifi

Sessio XXI.

Die Lunge, viz. primo die mensis Martii, &c. reverendissimus pater dominus Matthoeus Cantuar. &c. ac reverendi patres domini, &c. respective episcopi, in capella regis Henrici Septimi infra ecclesiam collegiatam diviao Petri Westminster, pro tribunal! sedentes, per spacium duarum horarum aut circiter inter se secrete communicarunt. Et tunc comparuit coram eis prolocutor domus inferioris, et allegavit, quod coetus dicta? domus inferioris excogitavit quaxlam capitula additionalia ad librum de25 disciplina coram patribus ultima sessione porrectum, qua? quidem capitula dicto libro (ut asseruit) addi cupit. Unde dictus reverendissimus tradidit eidem domino prolocutori librum prsedictum, mandando quod additis bujusmodi capitulis sic excogitatis, ipsum librum, cum additionalibus3° praedictis, denuo exhibeat coram eodem reverendissimo et confratribus suis in proxima sessione. Deinde, dictus reverendissimus, &c. continuavit, &c. usque ad et in diem Mercurii, &c. inter horas primam et tertiam post meridiem, &c. prout in scliedula, &c.

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[X.

Sessio XXII.

Die Mercurii, viz. tertio die mensis Martii, 1562, coram reverendissimo patre domino archiepiscopo Cantuariensi, ac reverendis patribus dominis, &c. respective episcopis, in capella regis Henrici Septimi, &c. dominus prolocutors domus inferioris convocationis, ac mag. Thomas Sampson decanus ecclesise Christi Oxon, et Wilhelmus Deye prsepositus collegii regalis de Eaton, personaliter comparentes, nomine totius coetus dictae domus inferioris prsesentarunt eisdem patribus cpiendam librumnuncupatum'Catechismus puerorum,' cui (ut asseruerunt) omnes de coetu ejusdem domus unanimiter consenserunt. Quern quidem librum penes eosdem patres dimiserunt. Et tunc, dicto domino prolocutore, una cum prsefatis magistris Sampson et Deye ad domum inferiorem prsedictam sese conferentes, dictus reverendissimus cum confratribus suis praenominatis ac reverendis patribus dominis Roberto Winton, Johanne Hereforden, Nicholao Lincoln, et Thoma Coven et Lichen, respective episcopis, secretam quandam communicationem sive tractatum per spacium duarum horarum et ultra habuit. Ac postremo ipse reverendissimus pater, &c. continuavit, &c. usque ad et in diem Veneris, &c. inter boras octavam et nonam ante, &cc. prout in schedula, &c.

Sessio XXIII.

Die Veneris, viz. 5. die mensis Martii, 1562, in domo25 capitulari ecclesise cathedralis divi Pauli London, hora prius assignata, reverendissimus, &c. ac reverendi patres, &c. respective episcopi, pro tribunali sedentes, secrete inter se aliquandiu communicarunt. Ac tandem comparuit coram eis dominus prolocutor domus inferioris, ac3° magistri Johannes Warner decanus Winton, Johannes Salisburye decanus Norwicen, Thomas Watts archidiaconus Middlesex, et Robertus Weston unus procuratorum cleri dioeces. Lichen, et exhibuerunt coram eisdem patri-

1562.]

bus librum de disciplina, una cum quibusdam capitulis additionalibus ad eundem, viz. de adulterio, &c. et penes eosdem patres dimiserunt. Et dictus reverendissimus, &c. continuavit, &c. usque in diem Lunae, &c. inter horas primam et secundam post meridiem ejusdem diei, &c.5 prout in scliedula, &c.

Sessio XXIV.

Die Luna?, 8. viz. die mensis Martii, 1562, in eapella regis Henrici Septimi, &c. reverendus pater dominus Edmundus London episcopus, assidentibus secum reve-i° rendis patribus dominis, &c. respective episcopis, vice ac authoritate dicti reverendissimi patris, continuavit, &c. usque ad et in diem Mercurii, &c. inter horas primam et secundam, &c. ad hunc locum prout in schedula, &c.

Sessio XXV.

Die Mercurii, viz. decimo die mensis Martii, 1562, in eapella regis Henrici Septimi, &c. reverendissimus, &c. una cum reverendis patribus, &c. respective episcopis pro tribunali sedens, post tractatum aliquem cum eisdem confratribus suis per duarum horarum spacium secrete habitum continuavit, &c. usque ad et in diem Veneris, &c. inter horas octavam et nonam ante meridiem, &c. prout in schedula, &c.

Sessio XXVI.

Die Veneris, viz. 12°. die mensis Martii, &c. in domo25 capitulari ecclesia; cathedralis divi Pauli London, reverendissimus, &c. una cum reverendis patribus &c. respective episcopis, pro tribunali sedens, post secretum quendam tractatum cum eisdem confratribus suis per spacium duarum horarum habitum, &c. prorogavit, &c. usque ad et3° in diem Lunae, &c. inter horas primam et secundam post meridiem, &c. ad capellam regis Henrici Septimi, &c. prout in schedula, &c.

Sessio XXVII.

Die Lunae, viz. 15. die mensis Martii, &c. in quodam alto deambulatorio infra manerium domini arehiepiscopi Cant, apud Lambeth, reverendissimus, &c. in prsesentia mei Johannis Incent notarii publici, registrarii primarii5 dicti reverendissimi patris personaliter constitutus, coramisit vices suas reverendo in Christo patri domino Wilhelmo permissione divina Cicestrensi episcopo ad continuand. et prorogand. praefatam convoc. sive sacram synodnm provinc. in statu quo nunc est usque ad et in diem Mercurii prox. futurum, viz. 17- diem praesentis mensis Martii, inter boras primam et secundam post meridiem ejusdem diei, ad capellam regis Henrici Septimi infra, &c. ac postea de die in diem et de loco in locum, quoties ipsum reverendissimum patrem abesse contigerit ; ac cetera omnia et singula faciend. et expediend. quae in praemissis aut circa ea necessaria fuerint, seu quomodolibet opportuna. Et promisit de rat. &c. Deinde eodem die in capella regis Henrici Septimi super-mentionata, in pra?sentia mei proefati Johannis Incent notarii publici ac registrarii antedicti, dictus reverendus pater dominus Wilhelmus Cicesti'ensis episcopus acceptans in se onus commissionis praefati reverendissimi patris, juxta vim formam et effectum ejusdem procedendum fore decrevit. Ac mox, authoritate sibi commissa, continuavit, &c. usque ad et in diem Mercurii &c. inter boras primam et secundam post, &c. prout in scbedula, &c.

Sessio XXVIII.

Die Mercurii, viz. 17- die mensis Martii, &c. in capella regis Henrici Septimi infra, &c. venerabilis vir magisterso Tbomas Yale legum doctor, reverendissimi, &c. vicarius in spiritualibus generalis, et commissarius ad infra scripta sufficienter constitutus, vice et authoritate ejusdem reverendissimi patris continuavit, &c. usque ad et in diem

525

Veneris, &c. inter horas nonam et undeciraam ante meridiem, he. prout in schedula, &c.

Sessio XXIX.

Die Veneris, viz. 19- die mensis Martii, 1562, in domo capitulari ecclesire cathedralis divi Pauli London, reve-5 rendissimus, &c. pro tribunal! sedens, assidentibus sccum reverendis patribus, &c. respective episcopis, cum eisdem confratribus suis per spacium duarum horarum aut circiter secrete communicavit ; ac postea continuavit, &c. usque ad et in diem Lunge, &e. inter boras et post, &c. prout in schedula, &c.

Sessio XXX.

Die Lunae, viz. 22. die mensis Martii, &c. in capella regis Henrici Septimi infra, &c. reverendus pater Wilhelmus, &c. Cicestrensis episcopus, vice et authoritate reverendissimi domini, &c. continuavit, &c. usque ad et in diem Veneris, &c. inter horas octavam et undecimam ante, &c. prout in schedula, &c.

Sessio XXXI.

Die Veneris, viz. 26. die mensis Martii, 1563, bora nona ante meridiem, in domo capitulari ecclesiae cathedralis divi Pauli London, vonerabilis vir magister Valentinus Dale, legum doctor, vice et authoritate reverendissimi, &c. continuavit, &c. usque ad et inter horam priraam et tertiam post meridiem liujus diei ad hunc25 locum, prout in schedula, &c.

Eodem die, hora secunda post meridiem ejusdem diei in domo capitulari ecclesiae divi Pauli London, venerabilis vir magister Thomas Yale, legum doctor, vice et authoritate dicti reverendissimi patris, Sac. continuavit, Set'. 3°

526

Acts and Proceedi?)gs in Convocation. [X.

usque ad et in diem Veneris, &c. inter horas octavam et decimam ante. &e. prout in scliedula, &.c.

Sessio XXXII.

Die Veneris, viz. secundo die mensis Aprilis, 1563, in donio capitulari ecclesire catliedralis divi Pauli London, bora nona ante meridiem ejusdem diei, venerabilis vir m agister Thomas Yale legum doctor, vice et authoritate reverendissimi, &c. continuavit, &c. usque ad et in diem Luna1, &c. inter horas primam et tertiam post, &.c. prout in schedula, &c. i°

Sessio XXXIII.

Die Luna?, viz. 5. die mensis Aprilis, 1563, venerabilis vir magister Thomas Yale legum doctor, vice et authoritate reverendissimi, &c. continuavit, &c. usque ad et in diem Jovis, &c. inter horas primam et secundam, &c. prout in schedula, &.c.

Sessio XXXIV.

Die Jovis, viz. octavo die mensis Aprilis, &c. in capella regis Henrici Septimi, &c. pra?fatus magister Thomas Yale vice et authoritate dicti reverendissimi, &c. continuavit, &c. usque ad et in diem Sabbati, &c. inter horas primam et tertiam post, &c. prout in schedula, <kc.

Sessio XXXV.

Die Sabbati. viz. decimo die mensis Aprilis, 1563, in capella regis Henrici Septimi infra, &c. venerabilis vir magister Thomas Yale legum doctor, locum tenens antedictus. vice et authoritate reverendissimi, &c. continuavit. &c. ad et in diem Mercurii proxime futurum, viz. diem priesentis mensis Aprilis inter horas primam et tertiam post meridiem ejusdem diei ad hunc locum, prout in 3°

527

schedula per eum lecta tenore subscripto plenius continetur. 1 In Dei nomine, Amen,' &c.

Breve regium de convocatione proroganda. Elizabeth, Dei gratia, &c. reverendissimo in Christo patri Matthaeo eadem gratia Cant, archiepiscopo, &c.

Commissio archiepiscopi. Nos Matthseus Cantuariensis archiepiscopus, &c. habentes mandatum dominae nostrae de proroganda convocatione, &c.

Sessio XXXVI. IO

Die Mercurii, viz. 14. die mensis Aprilis, an. Dom. 1563, in capella regis Henrici Septimi, &c. in praesentia mei Johannis Incent notarii publici registrarii, &c. venerabilis vir magister Thomas Yale legnm doctor, pro tribunali sedens, acceptavit in se onus commissionis dicti reveren-15 dissimi patris domini Matthsei archiepiscopi Cant. &c. de convocatione prorogand. sibi factae, et decrevit procedend. fore juxta vim, formam, et effectum ejusdem. Et mox dictus Mr. Yale, vice et authoritate praofati reverendissimi patris, continuavit et prorogavit eandem convocationem in statu quo nunc est usque ad et in tertium diem mensis Octobris prox. futur. ad hunc locum, juxta tenorem brevis regii suprascript. eidem reverendo patri in hac parte direct, prout in schedula per eum lecta plenius continetur: cujus quidem schedulas verus tenor sequitur in hsec verba : ' In Dei nomine, Amen,' &c.