31 - Archdeacon Ewers Gower's articles for Northumberland archdeaconry, 1639

Summary

Articles to be enquired of by the minister and church-wardens of every parish within the arch-deaconrie of Northumberland; which are given in charge in the annuali visitation of E. Gower, B. in Divinitie, late fellow of Jesus Colledge in Cambridge, and Arch-deacon of that jurisdiction

Concerning the ministers.

Whether doth any take upon him to reade prayers in any of your churches or chappels, who is not admitted into sacred orders, or otherwise hath a toleration from the lord bishop of the diocesse, for so doing? And being thus admitted, have you any one amongst you, who hath relinquished the same, and betaken himselfe to a course of life as a lay man?

Whether doth your minister reade prayers, according to the rubricke? Or doth he on his owne head, alter any prayers or collect in the publike liturgy; or doth he omit any appointed to be read in regard of preaching, or any other respect? And doth he weare a surplisse in time of the officiating?

Whether doth he on Wednesdayes and Fridayes resort to the church, and say the letany prescribed: and doth your clark or sexton give warning before by tolling of a bell?

Whether doth he, being a licensed preacher, preach every Sunday? Or not being a preacher, doth he procure monthly sermons, and reade the homilies of the Church; and once a yeare the canons of the Church?

Whether doth he duly administer the sacraments of the Church, according to the formes inioyned in the booke of common prayer: and in speciali, doth he use to signe the infants baptized, with the signe of the crosse?

Whether doth he give due warning before the celebrating of the communion, that the people may come better prepared? Doth he declare to the people every Sunday, whether there be any holy-daies or fasting-daies the weeke following: and doth he warne them to solemnize the fifth of November?

Whether doth he at such times, as through the number of communicants, new bread and wine are brought to the Lords table, consecrate those elements anew; and whether in so consecrating, doth he give the sacrament to everyone severally?