Such of Abp. Laud's Visitation Articles as can be recovered, are here reprinted. The articles for the diocese of St. David's, corresponding in great measure with Abp. Abbot's articles for metropolitical visitation in 1616, were issued in 1622; and the copy in the Bodleian Library contains alterations in the Abp.'s own hand, apparently in preparation for re-issue in the visitation of 1625: the date in the title-page being thus altered. These alterations are here indicated in the foot notes, the marginal figures marking at the same time their re-arrangement, and distribution into shorter clauses. Two copies of articles were issued by the Abp. when occupying the see of London: one in 1628, and the other in 1631; the latter set differing from the former only by the insertion of two additional articles, as noticed in their proper places in this reprint. Those for the diocesan visitation of the diocese of Canterbury in 1634, and for the metropolitical visitation of the whole province in the following year, seem to have been the same, spaces having been left in most cases in the title-page for the insertion of the particular diocese or deanery for which, as well as of the date of the year in which, they were issued. In 1637 the Abp. again visited his diocese, and the articles issued for the deanery of Shoreham and other peculiars at that date appear the last of the series. ARTICLES to be inquired of in the first vifitation of the Right Reuerend Father in God, William L. Bishop of Saint Davids in the yeere of our Lord 1622. LONDON. Printed by John Haviland 1622. THE TENOR OF THE OATH TO BE MINISTERED TO THE CHURCHWARDENS AND SIDE-MEN. You shall swear, that you, and every of you, shall duly consider, and diligently enquire, of all and every of these articles given you in charge; and that all affection, favour, hatred, hope of reward and gain, or fear of displeasure, or malice set aside, you shall present all and every such person of, or within your parish, as hath committed any offence, or made any default mentioned in these, or any of these articles; or which are vehemently suspected or defamed of any such offence or default: wherein you shall deal uprightly and truly; neither presenting, nor sparing to present any, contrary to truth: having in this action God before your eyes, with an earnest zeal to maintain truth, and to suppress vice. So help you God, and the holy contents of this book. Concerning the Church, the Ornaments thereof, and the Church's possessions. 1. IMPRIMIS, have you in your several churches and chapels, the 1 whole Bible of the largest volume, and latest edition, 'anda the Book of Common Prayer, lately set forth by his majesty's authority, both fairely and substantially bound: 'ab font of stone, set up in the ancient 2 usual place: 'ad convenient and decent communion table, with a 3 carpet of silk, or some other decent stuff, continually laid upon the table at the time of divine service, and a fair linen cloth upon the same, at the time of the receiving of the holy Communion? 'And whether is the same table placed in convenient sort within the 4 chancel: and 'whether is it so used out of time of divine service 8, as is not agreeable to the holy use of it, 'and by sitting 'on it, throwing hats 'on it, writing on it, or is it abused to other profaner uses: 'and' are the Ten Commandments m set up on the east end of your 6 church or chapel, where the people may best see and read them: 'and other sentences of holy Scripture written on the walls likewise for that purpose". 2. Have you in your said church or chapel a convenient seat for 7 your minister to read service in 'together with a comely pulpit set up in a convenient place, with a decent cloth or cushion for the same, 'a comely large surplice P, a faire communion cup, with a cover of 5 silver, a flagon of silver, tin, or pewter, to put the wine in, whereby it may be set upon the communion table, at the time of the blessing and consecrating thereof, reserved and kept decently for that use only with all other things and ornaments necessary for the celebration of divine service, and administration of the Sacraments: "'and 9 |