10 - Archdeacon Elizeus Burgess's articles for Rochester archdeaconry, c. 1632

Summary

Articles to be inquired of, by the church-wardnes and sworn-men, in the visitation holden by the Arch-deacon of Rochester. In the yeere of our Lord Christ, 163[].

Constitutions ecclesiasticall.

Whether have you in your church or chappell, the booke of constitutions or canons ecclesiasticall, published by his highnes authority, under the great seale of England: and whether hath your minister read the same, or some part thereof, upon Sondaies and holidayes, in the afternoone before divine service, according to his maiesties pleasure in that behalfe, yea or no?

Divine service.

Whether is divine service diligently and distinctly read in your church or chappell (by your minister) at morning and evening praier, upon Sondayes and holidaies, and on weeke daies appointed, according to the prescript forme of the booke of common praier: and whether are the sacraments duly administred, and all things else (touching divine service) performed according to the said booke, and no otherwise?

Minister.

Whether doth your minister usually pray for the king and queenes maiesty, with addition of such titles and stiles, as are due to his highnes: and exhort the people to obedience to his maiesty, and the magistrates under him?

Whether is your minister a preacher licenced: if yea, then by whom: if he be no preacher, doth he then procure sermons to be preached among you monthly, by a licensed preacher: and when there is no sermon, doth he reade some one of the homilies allowed?

Whether hath your minister more benefices then one: if he hath, then at which doth he most abide: and whether doth he maintaine in the benefice where he doth not reside, a preacher licensed, and preach himselfe usually every sabbath in the place where he is resident: or in some other church or chappell neere adioyning, having no lawfull cause to the contrary?

Whether doe you know, or have heard say, that any who have heretofore beene admitted into the holy orders of deacon or preist, have afterwards voluntarily relinquished the same, and used himselfe in the course of his life as a lay-man?