3 - Archdeacon Thomas Paske's order for London archdeaconry, 1627

Summary

To my very loving brethren the ministers, and to the church-wardens, and sidemen, of every parish, and precinct, within my archdeaconry of London.

Whereas, for the greater honour, and worship of Gods holy Maiestie, it was anciently ordayned in the Church of England, that on Wednesdayes, and Frydayes weekely, the ministers, and people, should assemble themselves, in their parish churches, there to offer their humble thankesgivings, and prayers, according to the forme prescribed in the booke of common prayer, established by the lawes of this kingdome of England: and upon iust complaint, of the great neglect of that religious ordinance, with humble desire of reformation therein: it hath pleased the right reverend father in God, my lord Bishop of London, our diocesan, to give in charge to me, that (with all care) I do speedily endeavour that reformation, within my archdeaconry, according to the lawes, and canons, in that behalfe provided.

I therefore (according to his lordships charge, imposed on me) do pray, and require you the ministers, to give public wanning, in your full congregations, assembled in your parish churches, on the next ensuing Sunday, (with religious, and zealous exhortations to the same) that every housholder of your parishes, do duely from henceforth, come in person, or else send some, or one (at the least) of his family, to your severall parish churches, there to ioyne with you, in thankesgivings, and prayers, to almighty God, in that holy and religious manner, commanded in the sayd booke of common prayer; and you the church-wardens, and side-men, or some of you, to bee alwaies present at those weekely divine exercises, whereby you may not onely give good example to others, but also observe those that bee negligent, and admonish them to do their dutie therein; and that not prevailing with them, to present the transgressors unto me, or my officiall, who will (to Gods glory) use the best meanes of our authority, in reducing the offenders unto die performance of that Christian duty. And so (hartily desiring your due consideration of, and care in the premisses) I commend you to the grace of the Almighty. London, this tenth day of December anno domini 1627.