Order that the Declaration of Indulgence be Read, May 4, 1688

In the days before widespread literacy and the advent of radio and television, one of the few ways that the government could ensure that people were informed of government policy was to have a declaration read on Sunday in all parish churches.

Two weeks after this ordered was published, seven bishops (including the Archbishop of Canterbury) petitioned against this order.

A printed version of the text can be found in issue 2344 of The London Gazette, May 3 - 7, 1688.

At the Court at Whitehall, the fourth of May, 1688.

By the King's Most Excellent Majesty, and the Lords of His Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council.

It is this day ordered by His Majesty in Council, that His Majesty's late Gracious Declaration, bearing date the 27th of April last, be read at the usual time of Divine Service, upon the 20th and 27th of this month in all churches and chapels within the Cities of London and Westminster and ten miles thereabout, and upon the 3rd and 10th of June next in all other churches and chapels throughout this kingdom. And it is hereby further ordered that the Right Reverend the Bishops cause the said Declaration to be sent and distributed throughout their several and respective dioceses to be read accordingly.

W. Bridgeman