Extract from the Heads of the Proposals, 1647

Transcript

XII That there be a repeale of all Acts or Clauses in any Act, (from previous page (9), not shown.)

(10)

enjoyning (ordering) the use of the Book of Common Prayer, and imposing any penalties, for the neglect thereof, as also of all Acts or Clauses in any Act, imposing any penalty for not coming to Church, or for meetings elsewhere, for prayer, or other religious duties, exercises or Ordinances, and some provision to be made for the discovering of Papists and Popish recusants, and for disabling of them, and of all Jesuits, or Priests for disturbing the State.

XIII. That taking of the Covenant be not enforced upon any, nor any penalties imposed upon the Refusers, whereby men might be constrained to take it against their judgements, or consciences, but all Orders or Ordinances tending to that purpose be repealed.

XIV. That (the things here before proposed, being provided for settling and securing the Rights, Liberties, Peace and Safety of the Kingdome) his Majesties person, His Queen, and Royall issue, may be restored to a condition of safety, Honour, and freedom in this Nation, without diminution (reduction) to their personal Rights, or further limitation to the exercise of the Regall (royal) power the according to the particulars aforegoing. (previously explained.)

Source glossary

• Book of Common Prayer: Charles I wanted to align religious worship in England and Scotland by making Scottish Presbyterian practices closer to traditional Anglican liturgy. Therefore, he imposed the Book of Common Prayer in Scotland which was greeted by massive resistance.
• Popish recusants: Roman Catholics who refused to attend compulsory Church of England services
• Papists: offensive term used to describe Roman Catholics during the English Reformation.
• Jesuits: Order of Catholic priests established in 1534.
• Covenant: this means the Solemn League and Covenant, a 1643 religious and military alliance between the English Parliament and supporters of the Scottish Presbyterian Church.