The history of the troubles and tryal of the Most Reverend Father in God and blessed martyr, William Laud, Lord Arch-Bishop of Canterbury. vol. 1 wrote by himself during his imprisonment in the Tower ; to which is prefixed the diary of his own life, faithfully and entirely published from the original copy ; and subjoined, a supplement to the preceding history, the Arch-Bishop's last will, his large answer to the Lord Say's speech concerning liturgies, his annual accounts of his province delivered to the king, and some other things relating to the history.

INSTRUCTIONS

Sent from the King to Arch-Bishop Abbot, in the Year: 1629.

Carolus Rex.

INstructions for the most Reverend Father in God, our right Tru∣sty, and right intirely well beloved Councellor, George Lord Arch-Bishop of Canterbury; concerning certain Articles to be observed, and put in execution by the several Bishops in his Province.

I: That the Lords the Bishops, be commanded to their several Sees to keep Residence, excepting those which are in necessary At∣tendance at Court.

II: That none of them Reside upon his Land or Lease that he hath Purchased, no ron his Commendam, if he should have any, but in one of the Episcopal Houses, if he have any. And that he waste not the Woods where any are left.

III: That they give charge in their Triennial Visitations, and all other convenient times, both by themselves, and the Arch-Deacons; that † the Declaration for the setling all Questions in difference, be ‖ chiefly observed by all Parties.

IV: That there be a special care taken by them all, that the Or∣dinations be Solemn, and not of unworthy Persons.

V: That they take great care concerning the Lecturers, in these special Directions following.

• 1: That in all Parishes the Afternoon Sermons may be turned into Catechizing by Questions and Answers, when, and wheresoever there is no great cause apparent to break this ancient and profitable Order.
• 2: That every Bishop Ordain in his Diocess, that every Lecturer do read Divine Service according to the Liturgy Printed by Authority, in his Surplice and Hood, before the Lecture.
• 3: That where a Lecture is set up in a Market-Town, it may be read by a company of Grave and Orthodox Divines near ad∣joyning, and in the same Diocess; and that they Preach in Gowns and not in Cloaks, as too many do use.
• ...

• 4: That if a Corporation maintain a single Lecturer, he be not suf∣fered to Preach, till he profess his willingness to take upon him a Living with cure of Souls within that Corporation; and that he actually take such Benefice or Cure, as soon as it shall be fairly procured for him.

VI: That the Bishops do countenance and encourage the Grave and Orthodox Divines of their Clergy; and that they use means by some of their Clergy, that they may have knowledge, how both Lecturers and Preachers behave themselves in their Sermons within their Diocess. That so they may take Order for any abuse accordingly.

VII: That the Bishops suffer none but Noblemen, and Men quali∣fied by Learning, to have any Private Chaplain in his House.

VIII: That they take special Care, that Divine Service be duly fre∣quented; as well for Prayers and Catechizing, as for Sermons: And take particular note of all such as absent themselves as Recusants, or otherwise.

IX: That every Bishop, that by our Grace, Favour, and good Opinion of his Service, shall be nominated by us to another Bishop∣rick, shall, from that Day of Nomination, not presume to make any Lease for Three Lives, or One and Twenty Years, or concurrent Lease; or any way make any Estate, or cut any Woods or Timber; but meerly receive the Rents due, and so quit the place: For we think it an hateful thing, that any Man, leaving the Bishoprick, should almost undo the Successor. And if any Man shall presume to break this Order, we will refuse him at our Royal Assent, and keep him at the Place which he had so abused.

X: We Command you to give us an Account every Year the Se∣cond Day of January, of the performance of these our Commands.

Dorchester.

Notes

• hold any. In∣struct. adLaud.
• †

  our. Id.
• ‖

  strictly. Id.
• their. Id.
• February. ex∣emplar aliud.