Palaeography | Further practice

Transcript - document 40

Report from Oliver Cromwell dated 1650.

(Catalogue reference : SP 25/15 pages 54 and 55)

Report sent to S[i]r Hen[ry] Mildmay
The Councell haveing received severall
Informations that there was avery wilfull &
strict observation of the day com[m]only called
Christmasse day throughout the Cittyes of
London & Westm[inster] by agenerall keeping of
their shops shut up and that there were
Contemptuous speeches used by some in favour
thereof, which the Councell conceiveing to be
upon the old grounds of superstition and
malignancy and tending to the avowing of
the same and Contempt of the present
Lawes and governm[en]t have thought fit that
the Parlam[en]t be moved to take the same
into Consideration for such further provisions
and penaltyes for the abolishing & punishing
of those old superstitions observations and
meeting w[i]th such malicious contradiction
of offenders in that behalfe as their
wisedomes shall iudge fit, They have
likewise received informations of frequent
resort unto and exerciseing of the idolatrous
masse in severall places to the great dishono[u]r
of Almightie God, notorious breach of the
lawes and scandal of the governm[en]t wherein
according to notice given they have already
taken some Course and desire the parlam[en]t
will be pleased to take that matter alsoe
into their Consideration for further remedies
& suppression of that Idolatrie in such way
as to them shall seeme meet That it be
likewise reported to the Parl[amen]t that the Councell
is informed that there are still remaining
the Armes and pictures of the late King in
severall Churches Halls, upon the Gates
and in other publique places of the Citty of London
That the parl[amen]t bee moved to appoint whom they
shall thinke fitt to see the same armes & pictures
taken downe and defaced and to give an Account
of their executing the same w[i]thin such tyme
as they shall thinke fit to allow for that purpose
And S[i]r Henry Mildmay is desired to make
this report