21 - Bishop Matthew Wren's articles for Hereford diocese, 1635

Summary

Articles to be inquired of within the diocesse of Hereford: in the first visitation of the reverend father in God, Matthew, Lord Bishop of Hereford.

Concerning religion and doctrine.

Whether bee there any abiding in your parish, or resorting to it, who have wilfully maintained any heresies, erreurs, or false opinions, contrary to the faith of Christ and holy scripture? Or that doe impugne any of the 39 articles of religion, agreed upon in anno 1562 and established in the Church of England? And is the declaration which the kings maiesty prefixed before those 39 articles, concerning the setling of the questions in difference, duly observed by all within your parish, according to his maiesties commandement?

Whether be there any within your parish, that deny, or perswade any other to deny, withstand, or impugne, the kings maiesties authority, and supremacie, in causes ecclesiasticall within this realme?

Whether be there in your parish any that have beene, or is vehemently suspected to have beene present at any unlawfull assemblies, conventicles, or meetings, under colour or pretence of any exercise of religion? Or doe any affirme and maintaine such meetings to be lawfull?

Whether be there any abiding in, or resorting to your parish that are commonly reputed to be ill affected in matter of the religion, professed in our Church, or taken to be recusant papists, refusing to repaire unto the church, to heare divine service, and to receive the holy communion? Or that have or doe publish, sell or disperse any superstitious, seditious, or schismaticall bookes, libels, or writings, touching the religion, state, or ecclesiasticall governement of this kingdome of England? Present their names, qualities, and conditions, if you know or have heard of any.

Concerning publike prayer and administration of the holy sacraments.

Whether have any in your parish spoken, or declared any thing in derogation, or depravation of the forme of Gods worship, established in the Church of England, and the administration of the sacraments, rites, and ceremonies, set forth and prescribed in the booke of common prayer?