THE KEEPING OF THE SABBATH (1629).
The following Order of the Lord Mayor is an example of that Puritan spirit which exercised such a powerful influence on the lives of Englishmen during the first half of the seventeenth century. During Elizabeth's reign many serious and earnest attempts were made to effect certain changes in the doctrines and practices of the Established Church, with the idea of introducing a "purer" form of worship and ceremonial; and the Puritan spirit generally, although open to the charge of narrowness and intolerance, was based upon a sincere desire to bring the law of God into closer touch with life. It was characterised by a hearty hatred of that moral laxity and freedom which the Roman Church had frequently permitted, and consequently much of its activity appeared to depend upon various prohibitions and restrictions in matters of conduct, which frequently proved very irksome to those who did not sympathise with the Puritan ideals. London contained a strong Puritan element, and the Order for the better keeping of the Lord's Day well illustrates the typical activities of the City and the attitude of its rulers.
Source.—Rushworth's Collections, part ii., p. 22.
Whereas I am credibly informed, that notwithstanding divers good Laws provided for the keeping of the Sabbath-day holy, according to the express commandment of Almighty God, divers inhabitants and other persons of this City, and other places, having no respect of duty towards God, and his Majesty, or his Laws, but in contempt of them all, do commonly and of custom greatly profane the Sabbath-day, in buying, selling, uttering and vending their wares and commodities upon that day for their private gain: also innholders suffering markets to be kept by carriers, in most rude and profane manner, in selling victuals to hucksters, chandlers, and all other comers: also carriers, carmen, cloth-workers, water-bearers, and porters carrying of burdens, and watermen plying their fares; and divers others working in their ordinary callings: and likewise, that I am further informed, that vintners, alehouse-keepers, tobacco and strong-water sellers, greatly profane the Sabbath-day, by suffering company to sit drinking and bibbing in their houses on that day; and likewise by cursing and swearing and such-like behaviour, contrary to the express commandment of Almighty God, his Majesty's Laws in that behalf, and all good government: For the reformation whereof, I do hereby require, and in his Majesty's name straightly command all his Majesty's loving subjects whatsoever, and also all constables, head-boroughs, beadles, and all other officers whatsoever, to be aiding and assisting to J. S. the bearer hereof, in finding out and apprehending all and every such person and persons, as shall be found to offend in any of these kinds; and them and every of them to bring before me, or some other of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace, in answer to all such matters as shall be objected against them, and to put in good security for their good behaviour. Whereof fail you not, as you or any of you will answer at your peril.
April 20, 1629.
THE CITY'S PETITION TO CHARLES I. (1640).
The arbitrary government of Charles I. during the "eleven years' tyranny" sorely tried the loyalty of the citizens of London. We find that they were, as a rule, quite disposed to support the King's government, so long as their interests were safeguarded and their privileges maintained. But they could not tolerate the illegal exactions and unreasonable demands of the King without vigorous protest. The Petition of 1640 is particularly interesting as embodying the grievances which affected not only the trading and commercial interests of the capital, but indirectly the welfare of the whole country. It is pointed out that the ship-money had not been applied to its proper purpose of protecting the coasts and the merchant fleets, while royal interference continually hampered trade. The prevalent ill-feeling against Roman Catholics finds expression, and the Petition in general shows that the City was experiencing considerable difficulty in sustaining its position of loyal respect for the monarch.
Source.—Rushworth's Collections, part ii., p. 1263.
Most gracious Sovereign.
Being moved with the duty and obedience, which by the laws your petitioners owe unto your sacred Majesty, they humbly present unto your princely and pious wisdom the several pressing grievances following, viz.