August 1642
[24 August, 1642.]
Whereas the Kings most excellent Majesty upon the request
of the Lords and Commons in this present Parliament assembled
& by and with their advice and consent, considering the
lamentable and distressed condition of His good subjects in the
Kingdome of Ireland; (that there may be a generall humiliation
of all the estates of this Kingdome before Almighty God in
Fasting and Prayer) was graciously pleased to Command the
keeping of a monethly Fast; and to the end that all persons
might the better take notice thereof (and to leave such without
excuse as should not duly keep and observe the same) did
afterward by his Proclamation of the 8 of January 1641, appoint
that the same should be generally, publikely, and solemnely
holden and kept, as well by abstinence from food, as by publike
Prayers, Preaching, and Hearing of the Word of God, and other
Religious and Holy Duties, in all Cathedrals, Collegiate and
Parish Churches, and Chappels within the Kingdome of
England, and Dominion of Wales (without any exception) on
the last Wednesday of every Moneth, to continue during the
troubles in the said Kingdome of Ireland: All which his Majesty
did straitly charge and command should bee reverently and
devoutly performed by all his subjects, as they desire the blessing
of Almighty God, and would avoid his heavie indignation
against this Land and the People; and upon paine of such
punishments as may justly inflicted upon all such as shall
contemne or neglect so Religious a work and duty.
And whereas the Lords and Commons in both Houses of
parliament, have received divers Informations from severall
parts of this Kingdome and Dominion of Wales, of the great
neglect of the due observation and keeping of the said Fast upon
the daies appointed, and of the prophanations of the same by
many irreligious, ill-affected, loose, and scandalous persons, as
well of the Clergy as others, who are so farre from afflicting their
soules: and loosing the bands of wickednesse, as that they
provoke the Wrath of Almighty God, and make so pious a
meanes to procure his blessings, the occasion of greater
Judgements.
The people to be exhorted in all Churches, etc., to keep the Public Fast.; And not to use any Sport or Trade on the day thereof; Offenders names to be returned to the Knights of the County.
For the prevention whereof for time to come, the Lords and
Commons doe Order, Declare, Ordaine, that in all and every the
Cathedrals, Collegiate, and Parish Churches, and Chappels
within the Kingdome of England and Dominion of Wales,
(without any exception) upon every Lords day, next and
immediately before any the dayes appointed for the said publike
Fast, the Parson Vicar, Curate, or Minister, that upon that
day shall officiate, or exercise in any of the said Cathedrals,
Collegiate, Parish Churches, or Chappels respectively, of the
Fast-day next ensuing immediately after Sermon or Prayer
ended in the forenoon before the Congregation be dismissed,
earnestly exhorting and persuading all the people to the solemne
due keeping and religious observation of the whole day appointed
for the said Fast, and that they would repaire to some Church
or Chappell, there diligently and reverently to attend all such
holy Duties as shall be used in the observance of the same; that
they forbeare to use all manner of Sportes and Pastimes
whatsoever, and their ordinary Trades and Callings upon the
said day, as well Carriers, Waggoners, Carters, Waynemen,
Drovers, Butchers, Hucksters, Shop-keepers, Labourers, or any
other using and Art, Trade, Mystery, or Manuall Occupation
whatsoever, and that all Vintners, Taverners, Alehouse-keepers,
and keepers of Victualling-houses, doe forbeare to keep open
their Doors, Bulks, or Shops, or to sell or utter (except in cases
of extreame necessity) any Wine, Beere, Ale, or Victuall, till the
publike exercises, and religious duties of that day in the
respective Cathedrals, Collegiate, Parish Churches, and Chappels
be past and over. And lastly, all and every the Justices of the
Peace, Maiors, Bailiffes, Constables, Churchwardens, and other
Officers inhabiting or residing within the limits or precincts of
any such Cathedrall, Collegiate, Parish-Church or Chappell, are
hereby required to take speciall notice as well of such Parsons,
Vicar, Curate, or other Minister that ought to officiate in any of
the said Cathedrals, Collegiate, and Parish Churches or Chappels,
upon any such day appointed for any such Fast, that shall
either refuse or neglect to doe the same, or not doe or cause the
same to be done in that religious and solemne manner as it
ought to be, or that shall refuse to give notice of the Fast-day at
the time, and in the manner as aforesaid, and forthwith to
returne their names, and the names of all such (from time to
time) as shall wilfully offend herein, in contempt of the Lawes
His Majesty, and both Houses of Parliament, unto some one or
more of the Knights, Citizens, or Burgesses that serve for the
County where such offence is or shall be committed, that some
speedy course may be taken for the severe punishing of such as
shall offend hereby, according to the Laws.