AN ORDINANCE OF THE LORDS and COMMONS in Parliament assembled; For the better observation of the monthly FAST.  


Die Mercurii 24. August. 1642.  
It is this day Ordered that this Ordinance for the better observing of the Fast, bee forthwith printed and published.  
Hen. elsing, clear. Parl. D. come.    
LONDON, Printed for Laurence Blaiklock. August .26. 1642.   

An ORDINANCE OF THE LORDS and COMMONS in PARLIAMENT assembled.  
WHereas the Kings most excellent Majesty, upon the request of the Lords and Commons in this present Parliament assembled, and by and with their advice and consent, considering the lamentable and distressed condition of his good subjects in the Kingdom of Ireland;( that there might be a general humiliation of all the estates of this Kingdom before Almighty God in Fasting and Prayer) was graciously pleased to command the keeping of a monthly 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 8th of january 1641. appoint that the same should bee generally, publicly, and solemnly holden, and kept, as well by abstinence from food, as by public prayers, preaching, and hearing of the Word of God, and other Religious and holy duties, in all Cathedrals, Collegiate, and Parish Churches, and chapels▪ within the Kingdom of England and Dominion of Wales( without any exception) on the last wednesday of every month, to continue during the troubles in the said Kingdom of Ireland: All which his Majesty did straitly charge and command, should be reverently and devoutly performed by all his Subjects, as they desire the blessing of Almighty God, and would avoid his heavy indignation against this land and people; and upon pain of such punishments as may justly bee inflicted upon all such as shall contemn or neglect so religious a work and duty.  
And whereas the Lords and Commons in both Houses of Parliament, have received divers informations from several parts of this kingdom and Dominion of Wales, of the great neglect of the due observation and keeping of the said Fast upon the dayes appointed, and of the profanations of the same, by many irreligious, ill-affected, loose, and scandalous persons, as well of the clergy as others, who are so far from afflicting their souls and losing the bands of wickedness, as that they provoke the wrath of Almighty God, and make so pious a means to procure his blessings, the occasion of greater Judgements.  
For the prevention whereof for the time to come, the Lords and Commons do order, declare, ordain, that in all and every the Cathedrals, Collegiate and Parish Churches, and chapels within the Kingdom of England, and Dominion of Wales,( without any exception) upon every Lords day, next and immediately before any the dayes appointed for the said public Fast, the person, Vicat, Curate, or Minister, that upon that day shall Officiate, or exercise in any of the said Cathedrals, Collegiate, Parish Churches or chapels, shall give public notice in every of the said cathedrals, Collegiate, Parish Churches, or chapels respectively, of the Fast day next ensuing, immediately after Sermon, or prayer ended in the forenoon, before the Congregation bee dismissed, earnestly exhorting and persuading all the people to the solemn due keeping and religious observation of the whole day appointed for the said Fast, and that they would repair to some Church or chapel, there diligently and reverently to attend all such holy duties as shall be used in the observance of the same; that they forebeare to use all manner of sports and pastimes whatsoever,& their ordinary Trades and Callings upon the said day, as well Carriers, wagoners, Carters, Waynmen, Drovers, Butchers, Hucksters▪ Shop-keepers, Labourers; or any others using any Art, Trade, Mystery or mannuall Occupation whatsoever, and that all Vintners, Taverners, alehouse-keepers, and Keepers of Victualling-houses, do forbear to keep open their doors, Bulks, or Shops, or to sell or utter( except in cases of extreme necessity) any Wine, bear, Ale, or victual, till the public exercises and religious duties of that day in the respective Cathedrals, Collegiate, Parish Churches and chapels be past and over.  
And lastly, all and every the Justices of the Peace, Mayors, bailiffs, Constables, Church-Wardens, and other Officers inhabiting or residing within the limits or precincts of any such Cathedrall, Collegiate Parish Church, or chapel, are hereby required to take special notice as well of such person, Vicar, Curate, or other Minister that ought to officiate in any of the said Cathedrals, Collegiate, and Parish Churches or chapels, upon any such day appointed for the said Fast, that shall either refuse or neglect to do the same, or not do or cause the same to be done in that religious and solemn manner as it ought to be, or that shall refuse to give notice of the Fast day at the time and in manner as aforesaid, and forthwith to return their names and the names of all such( from time to time) as shall wilfully offend herein, in contempt of the laws, 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 herein according to the laws.  
FINIS.   

Die Mercurii 24 August. 1642.  
IT is this day Ordered, that this Ordinance for the better observing of the Fast be forthwith printed and published.  
Hen. elsing clear. Parl. D. come.