Virginia House of Burgesses (November 3, 1647) ordinances of Jamestown:
<Upon divers information presented to this Assembly against several ministers for their neglects and refractory refusing after warning given them to read common prayer or Divine service upon the Sabbath days contrary to the cannons of the Church and acts of parliament therein established, for future remedy hereof:
Be it enacted by the Governor, Council and Burgesses of this Grand Assembly, That all ministers...upon every Sabbath day read such prayers as are appointed and prescribed unto them by the said book of common prayer, And be it further enacted as a penalty to such as have neglected or shall neglect their duty herein, That no parishioner shall be compelled either by distress or otherwise to pay any manner of tithes or duties to any unconformist as aforesaid.> 1647VA001
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American Quotations by William J. Federer, 2024, All Rights Reserved, Permission granted to use with acknowledgement.
Endnotes:
1647VA001. William J. Federer, American Quotations (2014). Virginia Ordinances, November 3, 1647, of House of Burgesses, Jamestown.