to add that I have observed no disinclination or supineness, in discharging the duties of their office, but only a want of knowledge of the proper mode of doing it -especially in those more important parts which relate to the levying of church-rates and the disposal of church-sittings. It was a desire to supply this want of information which first suggested the following treatise and it is now offered in a plain and easy form, in the hope that it may in some degree answer the end proposed; and may also, perhaps, prevent some of those differences and contentions, among neighbours, which, in not a few instances, have arisen, I would gladly believe, from no worse a motive than a sort of determination not to submit any longer to that loose and irregular way in which, for a number of years, it has been the custom, in many places, for church-rates to be levied. All references and authorities, as well as all points which might give rise to perplexity and difficulty, have, it will be seen, been omitted in this work, as adding only to its expence without materially increasing its usefulness. Rectory, Halton, Lancaster, February 1812. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. ON THE OFFICE, APPOINTMENT, AND ADMISSION OF CHURCHWARDENS. Who may be appointed to that Office.. How chosen and admitted.. How chosen under the Acts for Building and CHAPTER II. ON THEIR DUTIES WITH RESPECT ΤΟ THE CHURCH GOODS, AND THE REPAIRS OF THE CHURCH AND CHURCHYARD As to the Goods of the Church... As to the Church and Churchyard ON THE PROCEEDINGS IN THE ECCLESIASTICAL COURTS ΤΟ ENFORCE THE PAYMENT OF PAGE. 655 7 CHAPTER VI. ON THEIR DUTIES WITH RESPECT TO PEWS Of a Possessory Right to a Sitting CHAPTER VII. ON THEIR DUTIES WITH RESPECT TO THEIR ACCOUNTS, SEQUESTRATIONS, AND PRESENT MENTS PAGE 56 64 As to their Accounts On Sequestrations. On Visitations and Presentments. CHAPTER VIII. ON SOME OTHER MATTERS CONNECTED WITH On their power to dispose of the goods of the As to Rights of Burial ... 75 73 On the power of Churchwardens to interfere in the Church Service On their duty as respects the Provision of On the Church Bells 77 78 INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHURCHWARDENS. CHAPTER I. On the Office, Appointment, and Admission of Churchwardens. CHURCHWARDENS are the ecclesiastical officers and legal representatives of the parish, and their duty is to see that due reverence and decorum be observed in the church and churchyard during the time of divine service and on all other occasions: they have also the custody and protection of the church and the fences of the churchyard; and are, from time to time, to restore and repair such parts of them as shew any failure or decay. They are, further, entrusted with the care of the church goods, and are so to manage them as may be best for the advantage of the parishioners; and, to this end, may purchase them for their use and benefit, B |