[1640 reference to the Pilgrims] Constitutions and Canons Ecclesiasticall; treated upon by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, Presidents of the Convocations for the respective Provinces of Canterbury and York, and the rest of the Bishops and Clergie of those Provinces; and agreed upon with the Kings Majesties Licence in their severall Synods begun at London and York. 1640

Unpaginated. 10 + 42 unnumbered pages. Spine glued tight, with newer endpapers at the rear; nothing at the front. Remains of binding linen on the spine. The Canons published here are: I concerning Regall power. II For the better keeping of the day of his Majesties most happy inauguration. III For suppressing the growth of Popery. IV Against Socinianisme. V Against Sectaries. VI An Oath injoynd for the preventing of all Innovations in Doctrine and Government. VII A Declaration concerning some Rites and Ceremonies. VIII Of preaching for Conformity. IX One Book of Articles of inquiry to be used at all Parochial Visitations. X- Concerning the Converssation of the Clergie. XI Chancellours Patents. XII- Chancellours alone not to Censure any of the Clergie in sundry cases. XIII Excommunication and absolution not to be pronounced but by a Priest. XIIII Concerning Commutations, and the disposing of them. XV Touching concurrent Jurisdictions. XVI Concerning Licences to Marrie. XVII Against vexatious Citations. In all, a resounding official tightening of the rules against what we now know as Puritanism. Requires the clergy to take the names of those who do not show proper allegiance to the church. Specific mention is made of those who cunningly elude this decree by sending their children to bee bred beyond the seas. Published while Bradford still controlled the original Pilgrim colony in America, the Church of England seeks to tighten its grip. With some wear to page edges, but overall good condition. Some pencil underlining.…