THE Kynges mooste royall Maiestie , by the aduise of his most dere vncle , the duke of Somerset , Lorde Protector of all his Realmes , Dominions , and subiectes , and Gouernor of his moste roiall persone , and the residewe of his moste honorable counsaill , intendyng th aduauncement of the true honor of almightie God the suppression of Idolatrie , and Supersticion , throughout all his Realmes and Dominions , and to plant true Religion , to the extirpacion of all Hypocrysy , enormities , and abuses , as to his duetie apperteineth : Doth minister vnto his louyng subiectes , these Godly Iniunccions , hereafter folowyng : Whereof , parte were geuen vnto theim heretofore , by aucthoritie of his moste derely beloued father , Kyng Henry the eighte , of moste famous memorie , and parte are nowe ministered and geuen by his Maiestie . All whiche Iniunccions , his highnes willeth and commaundeth his saied louyng subiectes , by his supreme aucthoritie , obediently to receiue , and truely to obserue and kepe , euery man in their offices , degrees , and states , as thei wil auoyde his displeasure , and the paynes in the same Iniunccions , hereafter expressed .

THE firste is , that all Deanes , Achedeacōs , Persones , Vicars , and other Ecclesiasticall persones , shall faithfully kepe and obserue , and as far as in them maie lie , shal cause to be obserued and kept of other , al & singuler lawes and statutes , made aswel for the abolishyng and extirpacion of the bishop of Rome , his pretensed and vsurped power and iurisdiccion , as for the establishement and confirmacion of the kynges authoritie , iurisdiccion and supremacie of the church of England , & Ireland . And furthermore , all ecclesiasticall persones , hauyng cure of soule , shall to the vttermoste of their wit , knowledge , and learnyng purely , syncerely , and without any colour or dissimulacion , declare , manifest , and open , iiij . tymes euery yere at the least , in their Sermons , and other collacions , that the bishop of Romes vsurped power and iurisdiccion , hauyng no establishement nor ground by the lawe of God , was of moste iust causes , taken awaie and abolished , and that therfore , no maner of obedience or subieccion , within his Realmes and Dominions , is dewe vnto hym . And that the Kynges power , within his Realmes and Dominions , is the highest power vnder GOD , to whom all men , within the same Realmes and Dominions , by Godes lawes owe moste loyaltie and obedience , afore and aboue all other powers and potentates in yearth .

BESIDES this , to the intent that all Supersticion and Hypocrisy , crept into diuerse mennes hartes , maie vanish awaie , thei shall not setfurthe or extoll any Images , Reliques , or miracles , for any Supersticion or lucre , nor allure the people by any inticementes , to the Pilgrimage of any sainct or ymage : but reprouyng the same , thei shall teache , that all goodnesse , healthe and grace , ought to be both asked and loked for onely of God , as of the verie aucthor and geuer of the same , and of none other .

ITEM , that thei , the persones aboue rehersed shall make or cause to bee made in their Churches , and euery other Cure thei haue , one Sermon , euery quarter of the yere at the least , wherin thei shall purely and syncerely , declare the woorde of GOD : and in the same , exhorte their hearers to the woorkes of Faithe , Mercie , and Charitie , specially prescribed and commaunded in scripture , and that woorkes deuised by mannes phantasies , besides scripture : as wanderyng to pilgrimages , offeryng of money , candelles or tapers , to Reliques , or Images , or kissyng and lickyng of the same , praiyng vpon Beades , or suche like supersticion , haue not onely no promise of reward in scripture , for doyng of them : but contrariwise , great threates & malediccions of God for that thei bee thynges , tendyng to Idolatrie and supersticion , whiche , of al other offences , god almightie doth most detest and abhorre for that the same diminishe moste his honor and glorie .

ITEM , that suche Images , as thei knowe in any of their Cures , to bee , or haue been so abused with pilgrimage or offrynges , of any thyng made thereunto , or shal bee hereafter censed vnto , thei ( and none other priuate persones ) shall , for the auoydyng of that moste detestable offence of Idolatrie , furthewith take doune or cause to be taken doune , and destroye the same , and shall suffre from hensefurthe , no Torches , nor Candelles , Tapers or Images of waxe , to be sette afore any Image or picture , but onely two lightes vpon the high aulter , before the Sacrament whiche , for the significacion , that Christe is the verie true light of the worlde , thei shall suffre to remain still : Admonishyng their parishioners , that Images serue for no other purpose , but to be a remembraunce , wherby , men maie be admonished , of the holy lifes and conuersacion of them that the saied Images doo represent : whiche Images , if thei do abuse for any other intent , thei commit Idolatrie in the same , to the great daungier of their soules .

ITEM , that euery holy daie throughout the yere , when thei haue no Sermon , thei shall immediatly after the Gospell , openly and plainly , recite to their parishioners in the pulpit : The Pater noster , the Credo , and the tenne Commaundementes in Englishe , to the intent the people maie learne the same by harte : exhortyng all parentes and housholders , to teache their children and seruauntes the same , as thei are bound by the lawe of God , and in conscience to do .

ITEM , that thei shall charge fathers and Mothers , Masters and gouernors , to bestowe their children and Seruauntes , euen from their childhode , either to learnyng , or to some honest exercise , occupacion or husbandrie : Exhortyng and counsailyng , and by all the waies and meanes thei maie , aswell in their Sermons and collacions , as otherwaies , perswadyng their saied Fathers and Mothers , Masters , and other Gouernors , diligentely to prouide and forsee , that the youthe bee in no maner of wise , brought vp in idlenes , least at any tyme afterward , for lacke of some craft , occupacion , or other honest meane to liue by , thei be driuen to fall to beggyng , stealyng , or some other vnthriftinesse : For asmuche as we maie daily se , through slothe and idlenes , diuerse valiaunt men fall , some to beggyng , and some to thefte and murdre , whiche after brought to calamitie and miserie , doo blame their parentes , frendes and gouernors , whiche suffered them , to be brought vp so idlely in their youthe , where , if thei had been well brought vp , in good learnyng , some occupacion , or crafte , thei should ( beeyng rulers of their awne housholde ) haue proffited aswell themselfes , as diuerse other persones , to the greate commoditie and ornament of the common wealthe .

ALSO , that the saied persones , Vicars , and other Curates , shall diligently prouide , that the Sacramentes , be duely and reuerently ministered in their Parishes . And if at any tyme it happen , theim in any of the cases expressed in the statutes of this Realme , or of speciall licence geuen by the Kynges Maiestie , to be absent from their benefices , thei shall leaue their Cure , not to a rude and vnlearned person , but to an honest wel learned and experte Curate , that can by his habilitie , teache the rude and vnlearned of their cure , holesome doctryne , and reduce theim to the right way that do erre , and whiche will also execute these Iniunccions , and doo their duetie otherwise , as thei are bounde to doo in euery behalfe : and accordyngly maie and will proflite their cure , no lesse with good example of liuyng , then with the declaracion of the woorde of God , or els their lacke and defaulte , shal bee imputed vnto them , who shall straightly aunswere for the same if thei do otherwise . And alwaies let theim see , that neither thei nor their Curates , doo seke more their awne proffite , promocion , or aduauntage , then the proffit of the soules , that thei haue vnder their Cure or the glory of God .

ALSO , that thei shall prouide , within three monethes , nexte after this visitacion , one booke of the whole Bible , of the largest volume in Englishe . And within one twelfe monethes , next after the saied visitacion , the Paraphrasis of Erasmus also in Englishe vpon the Gospelles , and the same sette vp , in some conuenient place , within the saied Churche , that thei haue cure of , whereas their parishioners may moste commodiously , resorte vnto the same , & reade the same . The charges of whiche bokes shal be ratably borne , betwene the Person or approprietary , and the parishioners aforesayd , that is to say , the one halfe by the Person or proprietary , & the other halfe , by the paryshyoners . And they shall discourage no man ( auctorised and licenced thereto ) from the readynge of any parte of the Bible , either in Latyn or in Englishe : But shall rather conforme and exhorte euery persone to reade the same , as the very liuely worde of God , and the speciall foode of mans soule , that all christian persones are bounde to embrace , beleue , & folowe , if they loke to be saued : Wherby they may the better knowe their dueties to God , to their souereigne lord the Kyng , and theyr neighbour , euer gentilly and charitably exhortynge theim , and in hys Maiesties name , straightly charginge and commaunding theim , that in the readynge therof , no man to reason or contende , but quyetly to heare the reader .

ALSO , the sayde Ecclesiasticall persons , shal in no wyse , at any vnlaufull tyme , nor for any other cause , than for their honest necessitie , haunte or resorte to any Tauernes , or Alehouses . And after their dynner and supper , they shal not geue them selfes to drinckyng or tyot , spendyng their tyme ydely , by day or by night , at dyse , cardes , or tables plaiyng , or any other vnlaufull game : But at all tymes , as they shall haue leasure , they shall heare or reade somwhat of holy scripture , or shall occupie them selfes with some other honest exercise , and that they alwayes do the thinges , whiche apperteyne to honesty , with endeuour to profite the common weale , hauynge alwayes in mynde , that they ought to excel all other , in puritie of lyfe , and shoulde be example to the people , to lyue well and christianly .

ITEM , that they shall in confessions euery Lent , examine euery person , that cometh to confession to theim , whether they can recite the articles of their Fayth , the Pater noster , and the tenne commaundementes in Englishe , & heare them saye the same particularlie , wherin , if they be not perfite , they shall declare then , that euery christian personne , oughte to knowe the sayde thynges , before they shoulde receyue the blessed Sacrament of the aulter , and monysh them to learne the said necessary thinges , more perfitely , or els they ought not to presume to come to Gods bourde , without perfite knowledge , and will to obserue the same : and if they do , it is to the great periel of their soules , and also to the worldly rebuke , that they might incurre hereafter by the same .

ALSO , that they shall admitte no man to preache , within any theyr cures , but suche as shall appeare vnto them , to be sufficiently licenced therunto , by the Kynges Maiestie , the lorde Protectors grace , the Archebishop of Canterbury , the Archebishop of Yorke in hys prouince , or the Byshop of the Dyocesse . And suche as shal be so licenced , they shall gladly receyue , to declare the woorde of God , without any resistence , or contradiction .

ALSO , if they haue heretofore declared to their paryshyoners any thynge , to the extollinge , or setting furth of pilgrimages , reliques or ymages , or lighting of candels , kissinge , kneling decking of the same ymages , or any suche supersticion , they shall now openly , before the same , recante , and reproue the same : shewynge them ( as the trueth is ) that they did the same vpon no grounde of scripture , but were ledde and seduced by a common error and abuse , crept into the churche , through the sufferaunce & auarice of suche , as felt profite by the same .

ALSO , if they do , or shall knowe any man within their parishe , or els where , that is a letter of the woorde of God , to be redde in Englishe , or syncerely preached , or of the execucion of these the Kynges matesties Iniunccions , or a fautor of the byshop of Romes pretensed power , now by the lawes of this realme , iustly reiected , extirped , and taken away vtterly , they shall detecte , and present the same , to the Kyng or hys counsaill , or to the iustice of peace nexte adioyninge .

ALSO , that the Persone , Vicar , or Curate , and parishyoners of euery paryshe , within this realme , shall in their Churches and Chapels , kepe one boke , or register , wherin they shal write the day and yere , of euery wedding , christenynge , and buryall , made within their parishe for their tyme , and so euery man succedynge theim lykewyse : and also therin shal wryte euery persons name , that shal be so wedded , christened , or buryed . And for the saufe keping of the same boke , the parishe shal be bounde to prouide of their common charges , one sure cofer , with two lockes and keyes , wherof , the one to remayne with the Person , Vicar , or Curate , & the other with the Wardeynes of euery parishe Churche or Chapel , wherin the sayde boke shal be layde vp : whiche boke they shall euery sondaye take furth , and in the presence of the sayde Wardeyns , or one of them , wryte & recorde in the same , al the weddinges , christenynges , and buryalles , made the whole weeke before , and that done , to lay vp the boke in the sayd cofer , as afore . And for euery tyme , that the same shal be omitted , the partye that shal be in the faulte therof , shall forfaicte to the sayde church .iii. s. iiii. d , to be employed to the poore mens boxe , of that parishe .

FVRTHERMORE , because the goodes of the churche , are called the goodes of the pore , and at these dayes , nothynge is lesse sene , then the pore to be susteyned with the same : al Persons , Vicars , Pencionaries , Prebendaries , & other beneficed men , within this deanry , not beynge resident vpon their benefices , whiche may dispende yerely .xx. l. or aboue , either within this deanry , or els where , shall distribute hereafter , emong their poore parishyoners , or other inhabitauntes there , in the presence of the church wardeyns , or some other honest men of the parishe , the fortye parte of the fruictes and reuenues of their sayde benefices , leaste they be worthely noted of ingratitude , whiche reseruinge so many partes to themselfes , cannot vouchesafe , to imparte the forty porcion therof , emong the poore people of that parishe , that is so fruicteful , and profitable vnto them .

AND to the intent , that learned men maye hereafter springe the more for the execucion of the premisses , euery Person , Vicar , clerke , or beneficed man , within thys deanry , hauynge yerely to dispende in benefices , and other promocions of the churche , an . C. l. shall geue competent exhibicion to one scholar : and for as many hundred poundes more , as he maye dispende , to so many scholars more , shal geue lyke exhibicion , in the vniuersitie of Oxford , or Cambridge , or some grammer schole , which after they haue proffited in good learning , may be parteners of their patrones cure and charge , aswell in preachynge , as otherwise in the execucion of their offices : or may when nede shal be , otherwise proffite the common weale , with their counsaill and wisedome .

ALSO , that all proprietaries , Persones , Vicars , and Clerkes , hauynge churches , chapels or mansions , within thys deanry , shal bestowe yerely hereafter , vpon the same mansions or Chauncelles of their churches , being in decaye , the fifth parte of that their benefices , till they be fullye repaired . And the same so repaired , shal alwayes kepe and mainteyne in good estate .

ALSO , that the sayde Persons , Vicars , and clerkes , shall once , euery quarter of the yere , reade these Iniunccions geuen vnto them openly and deliberately , before all their parishyoners , to the intent , that both they maye be the better admonished of their duetye , & theyr sayd parishyoners the more moued , to folowe the same for their parte .

ALSO , for asmuch , as by a lawe establisshed , euery man is bounde to pay hys tithes , no man shall by colour of duety omitted by their curates , deteigne their tithes , and so redubbe and requite one wronge with another , or be hys awne Iudge , but shall truely pay the same , as he hath been accustomed , to theyr persons , vicars , and curates , without any restrainte or diminucion . And suche lacke and default , as they can iustely fynde in their persons and curates , to cal for reformacion therof , at their ordinaries and other superiors handes , who , vpon complaint , and due profe therof , shall refourme the same accordingly .

ALSO , that no persone shall from hensfurth , altre or chaunge the ordre and maner of any fastyng daye that is commaunded , nor of common prayer or diuine seruice , otherwise then is specified in these Iniunccions , vntil such tyme as the same , shal be otherwise ordered and transposed , by the Kynges auctoritie .

ALSO , that euery Person , Vicar , Curate , Chauntry preeste and stipendarye , being vnder the degree of bachilar of Diuinitie , shall prouyde , and haue of hys awne , within three monethes after this visitacion , the new Testament , both in Latyn and in English , with Paraphrasis vpon the same of Erasmus , and diligently studye the same , conferringe the one with the other . And the Bishoppes , and other ordynaryes by them selfes . or their officers , in their synodes and visitacions , shall examyne the sayde ecclesiasticall persones , howe they haue proffited in the studye of holy scripture .

ALSO , in the tyme of highe masse , within euery churche , he that sayeth or singeth the same , shall reade , or cause to be redde , the Epistell and Gospell of that masse , in Englishe , & not in Latyn , in the pulpit , or in suche conuenient place , as the people may heare the same . And also euery Sondaye and holy daye , they shall playnely and distinctely , reade , or cause to be redde , one chapiter of the new testament in Englishe , in the sayde place at Matyns , immediately after the lessons , and at Euensonge , after Magnificat , one Chapyter off the olde Testament . And to the intent the premisses , may be more conueniently done : The Kynges maiesties pleasure is , that when . ix . lessons should be redde in the Churche , thre of them shal be omitted , and left out with their respondes . And at Euensonge tyme , the respondes with al the memories shal be left of , for that purpose .

ALSO , because those persones , whiche be sicke , and in perel of death , be oftentymes put in dispaire , by the craft and subtiltie of the deuill , who is then most busy , and specially with them , that lacke the knowledge , sure perswasion , and stedfast belief , that they maye be made partakes of the greate and infinite mercye , whiche almightye God , of his moste bountiful goodnes , and meere liberalitie , without oure deseruinge , hath offered frely to all persons , that putteth their full trust and confidence in him : Therfore , that this damnable vice of dispaire , maye be clerely taken awaye , and firme belefe , and stedfast hope , surely conceyued of all their parishyoners , beyng in any daungier , they shall learne , and haue alwayes in a redynes , suche confortable places and sentences of scripture , as do set furth the mercy , benefites and goodnes of almighty God , towardes all penitent , and beleuyng persones , that they may at all tymes , when necessitie shal require , promptly comfort their flocke , with the liuely woorde of God , whiche is the onely staye of mans conscience .

ALSO , to auoyde all contencion and strief , whiche hertofore hath risen , emong the kynges Maiesties subiectes , in sondrie places of his Realmes and dominions , by reason of fonde curtesie , and chalengyng of places in procession , and also that they maie the more quietely , heare that whiche is saied or song , to their edefiyng : they shall not from hensefurthe , in any parishe churche , at any time vse any procession , about the Churche or Churche yarde , or other place , but immediately before high Masse , the priestes with other of the queire , shal kneele in the middes of the Churche , and synge or saye , plainly & distinctly , the Letany , whiche is set furthe in Englishe , with al the Suffrages folowyng , and none other Procession , or Letany to be had or vsed , but the saied Letanie in English , addyng nothyng therto , but as the kynges grace , shall hereafter appoynt : and in Cathedrall or Collegiate churches , the same shal be doen in suche places , as our Commissaries in oure visitacion shall appoynte . And in the tyme of the Letanie , of the high Masse , of the Sermon , and when the priest readeth the scripture to the parishioners , no maner of persones , without a iuste and vrgent cause , shal departe out of the Churche : and all ringing and knowlynge of Belles , shal be vtterly forborne for that tyme , excepte one Belle , in conuenient time , to be rong or knowled before the Sermon .

ALSO , like as the people be commonly occupied on the worke day , with bodily labor , for their bodely sustenaunce : so was the holy daye at the firste beginninge Godly instituted and ordeined , that the people should that day , geue themselfes wholy to God . And wheras in oure tyme , God is more offended then pleased , more dishonored , then honored , vpon the holy daye , because of idlenes , pryde , drunckennesse , querellyng , and brawlyng , whiche are moste vsed , in suche dayes , people neuerthelesse , perswadinge themselfes , sufficiently to honor God on that daie , if thei heare Masse & seruice , though they vnderstande nothyng , to their edefiynge : therfore all the Kynges faithfull and louynge subiectes , shall from hensefurth celebrate , and kepe their holy daye , accordynge to Gods holy wil & pleasure , that is : in hearyng the worde of God redde and taughte : in priuate and publique praiers : in knowledging their offences to God , and amendement of the same : in reconcilynge their selfes charitably to their neighbors , where displeasure hath been : in often tymes receiuinge the communion , of the very bodie and bloudde of Christe : in visitynge of the poore & sicke : in vsyng all sobernes , and godly conuersacion , Yet notwithstandynge , all Persones , Vicars , and Curates , shall teache and declare , vnto their parishioners , that thei may with a saufe and quiete conscience , in the tyme of Harueste , labor vpon the holy and festiuall dayes , and saue that thyng whiche God hath sent . And if for any scrupulositie , or grudge of conscience , men should supersticiously , abstain from working vpon those daies , that then they should greuously offende and displease God .

ALSO , forasmuche as variaunce and contencion , is a thynge whiche moste displeaseth God , and is moste contrary to the blessed communion of the body and bloude of oure sauior Christe : Curates shall in nowise admitt to the receyuinge therof , any of their cure and flocke , who hath maliciously and openly contended with his neighbor , onles the same do firste charitably and openly , reconcile hym self agayne , remittynge all rancor and malice , whatsoeuer controuersie hath been betwene theim : and neuerthelesse , their iuste titles and rightes , they may charitably , prosecute before suche as haue aucthoritie to heare the same .

ALSO , that euery Deane , Archedeacon , Master of Collegiate churche , Master of Hospitall , and Prebendary , beynge Prieste , shall preache by himself personally , twise euery yere at the leaste , either in the place , where he is entituled , or in some Churche , where he hath iurisdiccion , or els whiche is to the said place appropriate , or vnited ,

ALSO , that they shal instructe and teache in their Cures , that no man ought obstinately , and maliciously , breake and violate , the laudable Ceremonies of the Churche , by the kyng commaunded , to be obserued , and as yet not abrogated . And on the otherside , that whosoeuer doth supersticiously abuse theim , doth the same to the greate periel and daungier of hys soule healthe : as in castinge holy Water vpon hys bedde , vpon Images , and other dedde thinges , or bearinge aboute hym holy breade , or sainct Ihons Gospell , or makynge Crosses of woodde vpon Palme Sundaye , in tyme of readinge of the Passion , or kepinge of priuate holy dayes , as Bakers , Brewers , Smithes , Shoomakers , & suche other do , or ringing of the holy Belles , or blessing with the holy candel , to th intent , therby to be discharged of the burden of synne , or to driue awaie Deuilles , or to put awaie dreames and phantasies , or in puttinge truste and confidence of healthe and saluacion , in the same Ceremonies : when they be onely ordeyned , instituted and made , to put vs in remembraunce of the benefites , whiche wee haue receyued by Christe . And if he vse theim for any other purpose , he greuously offendeth GOD .

ALSO , that they shall take awaye , vtterly extincte , and destroye , all shrines , couerynge of shrines , all tables , candelstickes , tryndilles or rolles of waxe , pictures , paintynges , and all other monumentes of fained miracles , pilgremages , Idolatry , and supersticion : so that there remain , no memory of the same , in walles , glasses , windowes , or els where , within their churches or houses . And they shall exhorte all their parishioners , to doo the lyke within their seuerall houses . And that the Churche Wardeynes , at the common charge of the parishioners in euery Churche , shall prouide a comely and honest pulpitte , to be set in a conuenient place within the same , for the preachynge of Gods woorde .

ALSO , thei shall prouide , and haue within three monethes after this visitacion , a stronge Cheste , with a hoole in the vpper parte therof , to bee prouided , at the coste and charge of the parishe , hauyng three keyes , whereof , one shall remayne in the custodie , of the Persone , Vycar , or Curate , and the other twoo , in the custodie of the Churche Wardeynes , or any other twoo honeste men , to be appoynted , by the parishe , from yere to yere . Whiche Cheste , you shall sette and fasten , nere vnto the highe aulter , to the intente , the Parishioners , shoulde putte into it , their Oblacion and almose , for their poore neighbours . And the Persone , Vicar , and Curate , shall diligently , from tyme to tyme , and specially , when men make their Testamentes , call vpon , exhorte , and moue their neighboures , to conferre and geue , ( as they maye well spare ) to the sayde Cheste : declaring vnto theim , whereas heretofore they haue been diligente , to bestowe muche substaunce , otherwyse then GOD commaunded , vpon Pardons , Pylgrymages , Trentalles , deckynge of Images , offerynge of Candelles , geuyng to Friers , & vpon other like blynd deuocions , they ought at this tyme , to be muche more ready to helpe the poore and nedy , knowyng that to releue the poore , is a true worshipping of God , required earnestly , vpon payn of euerlastyng dampnacion : and that also , whatsoeuer is geuen for their comforte , is geuen to Christ hym self , and so is accepted of hym , that he will mercifully , rewarde the same with euerlastinge life . The whiche almosse , and deuocion of the people , the kepers of the keyes , shall at tymes conuenient , take out of the Cheste , and distribute the same , in the presence of the whole parishe , or sixe of theim , to be truly and faithefully deliuered , to their moste nedy neighbors : and if they be prouided for , then to the reparacion of high waies , nexte adioynyng . And also the money whiche riseth of fraternities , guyldes , and other stockes of the Church ( except by the Kynges Maiesties aucthoritie , it be otherwise appoynted ) shal be put into the said chest , and conuerted to the said vse , and also the rentes of landes , the profite of cattaill , and money geuen or bequethed , to the findyng of torches , lightes , tapers , and lampes , shal be conuerted to the sayde vse , sauyng that it shal be lawfull for them , to bestowe parte of the sayd profites , vpon the reparacion of the Churche , if greate neede require , and whereas the Parishe is very poore , and notable otherwyse to repaire the same .

AND for asmuche as Priestes be publique ministers of the Churche , and vpon the holy daies , ought to applie theim selfes , to the common administracion of the whole parishe , they shall not be bounde to go to women liynge in chyld bedde , except in tyme of daungerous sickenes , and not to fetche any corse , before it be brought to the Churche yarde : & if the woman be sicke , or the corse brought to the Church , the Priest shall do his duetie accordingly , in visityng the woman , and buriyng the deed person .

ALSO , to auoide the detestable synne of symony , because biyng and sellyng of benefices , is execrable before God : Therfore , al such persones as bye any benefices , or come to them by fraude or deceipte , shal be depriued of suche benefices , and be made vnhable at any tyme after , to receyue any other spiritual promocion . And suche as do sell them , or by any colour do bestowe them , for their awne gain and profite , shall lose their righte and title of patronage , and presentement for that tyme , and the gifte therof for that vacacion , shall apperte in to the Kynges Maiestie .

ALSO , because through lacke of preachers in many places of the Kinges realmes and dominions , the people continue in ignoraunce and blyndenes : all Persones , Vicars , and Curates , shall reade in their Churches , euery Sondaye , one of the Homilies , whiche are and shal be sethfurthe , for the same purpose , by the Kynges aucthoritie , in suche sorte , as they shal be appoynted to doo , in the preface of the same .

ALSO , whereas many indiscrete persones , doo at this daye , vncharitably contempne and abuse priestes and ministers of the Church , because some of them , ( hauinge small learninge ) haue of long time fauoured phantasies , rather then Gods truthe : yet for asmuche , as their office and funccion , is appoynted of God : The Kynges Maiestie willeth and chargeth , al his louynge subiectes , that from hensefurthe , they shall vse theim charitably and reuerently , for their office and ministracion sake , and especially , all suche as labor in the settynge furth of Gods holy woorde .

ALSO , that all maner of persones , whiche vnderstande not the Latin toungue , shall pray vpon none other Primer , but vpon that , whiche was lately set furth in Englishe , by aucthoritie of Kynge Henry the . VIII . of moste famous memorie . And that no teacher of youth , shall teache any other , then the sayde Prymer . And all those , whiche haue knowledge of the latin toungue , shall pray vpon none other latin Primer , but vpon that , whiche is likewise setfurthe by the sayde aucthoritie . And that all graces to be sayde at dyner and supper , shal be alwaies sayde in the Englishe toungue . And that none other Grammer , shal be taught in any Schoole or other place , within the Kynges realmes and dominions , but onely that which is set furth by the sayde aucthoritie .

ITEM , that all Chauntrie Priestes , shall exercise them selfes , in teachyng youth to read and write , and bringyng them vp in good maners , and other vertuous exercises .

ITEM , when any Sermon or Homilye shal be had , the Pryme and Houres shal be omitted .