EIRENARCHA: or of The Office of the Justices of the Peace in foure Bookes. Gathered 1579: first published 1581: and now secondly revised, corrected, and enlarged agreeably to the reformed Commission of the Peace, in this 34. Yeare of the peaceable raigne of our most gratious queene Elizabeth… At London, Printed by Ralph Newberry. Cum Privilegio. Anno Domini, 1592. ++ Bound with: THE DUTIES OF CONSTABLES, BORSHOLDERS, TYTHINGMEN AND OTHER SUCH LOWE MINISTERS OF THE PEACE… First collected and penned by William Lambard of Lincolnes Inne Gent. 1582 and now enlarged by the same author,1587. Imprinted at London by Ralph Newberie. 1591. A book intended to instruct Churchwardens incl. Surveyors, Distributors of provisions for “noisome Foule and Vermin,” Overseers of the “Poore,” and “Wardeins and Collectors for the houses of Correction.” Various felonies are listed incl. “Conjuration of wicked spirits and witchcrafts, against the law of God and the Statute… Receiving of Jesuites, or Seminarie priestes…” and “Enditements concerning Ecclesiastical Causes” include, but are not limited to, “For extolling the authoritie of the pope,” “For saying and hearing of Masse,” “For being absent from the Church,” “Against a Schoolmaster not Licensed,” “For killing a man by Witchcraft,” and “For bewitching a Horse.” Small 8vo.
Old limp vellum coming loose from text block, some leaves loose. Some leaves have edgewear (mostly but not entirely at front/rear of the volume), some leaves have creasing/curling to corners (mostly but not exclusively at beginning and end of volume). Title has light surface soiling and rubbing. Pagination avail. upon request.