Articles of visitation and enquiry concerning matters ecclesiasticall according to the laws and canons of the Church of England, exhibited to the ministers, church-wardens, and side-men of every parish within the diocese of Worcester / by the right Reverend Father in God, John, Lord Bishop of Worcester.

TITUL. I. Concerning Churches or Chappels, with the Orna∣ments and Furniture belonging to them. (Book 1)

I.IS your Church-Fabrick (or Chappel) with all things appertaining to it, kept in good repair within and without, with such cleanlinesse, decency and order, as beco∣meth the house dedicated to the Publick Worship and solemn service of God?

II. Hath any part of them, or any thing belonging to them, béen sold or embezelled? when? and by whom?

III. Is there in your Church or Chappel an handsome Font of Stone, standing in a convenient place, with a good cover to it, for the Administration of Baptisme? Is there also a decent Communion-Table, with a fair Carpet of Silk or fine Cloth, also a fine linnen covering to be used at the holy Administration of the Lords Supper? What Cup, Chalice, Patin, or Flagons have you belonging to that Service?

IV. Have you in your Church (or Chappel) a convenient Pew for your Minister to read Divine Service in? Also a Pulpit, with a decent Cloth and Cushion? Have you a

large Folio Bible of the last Translation, with two Books of Common-Prayer well bound, one for the Minister, the other for the Clark? Have you the Book of Homilies set forth by Authority; also the Book of Canons, and a Table of allowed deg••ée•• in Marriage?

V. Have you a Register Book of Parchment for all that are Christned, Married, and Buried in your Parish, in which are set down the names of the parties, with the Day, Moneth and Year of each Christning, Marriage, and Bu∣rial? Is the transcript of these every year within one moneth after March 25. brought in to the Bishops Registry?

VI. Have you a Paper-Book, in which the names of strangers that Preach or Officiate in your Church or Chappel are set down; and another Book for your Church-wardens accounts.

VII. Have you a fair Surplice and other Ornaments, according to his degrée, for your Minister to use in his Pub∣lick Administrations, onely for outward decency, order, and distinction?

VIII. Have you a strong Chest, with Locks and Keys, wherein the Plate and other Vessels, with the Books and Vestments belonging to the Church, may be safely and decently kept? Have you a Bier with a black Herse-cloth for the decent interment of the dead?