March 1777

whether it lay in my power to promote the end of it. I can thin [..]
of no Method at present but that of calling my Brethren together
by an advertisement The power of the civil Magistrate is but [..]
in cases of this kind and I have often lamented its inefficacy to [..]
present the profanation of the Sabbath However all that can be [..]
I will endeavour to do and shall be extremely happy if I can [..]
any way instrumental in promoting the interest of the Christi [..]
religion in the truth and excellence whereof I Count it a singne [..]
felicity to believe & confide

I have the honor to be
with all due reverence
Your Grace's
Devoted hble. Servt
John Hawkins< no role >

(B) 20 March 1777
To His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury

Sir John also laid before & submitted to the opinion of the
Meeting the following draft of an Order proper to be made and
published on the Occasion

The Right Reverend the Bishops having signified their Con [..]
at the increasing Neglect and irreligious disregard of Good Friday
and an earnest desire of the assistance of the Magistrates towards
remedy of so great an evil, His Majesty's Justices of the Peace
for this County, ever desirous to co-operate with our Spiritual Guide
and Governours in promoting religion and Virtue and ready to ad [..]
their authority and influence as well in the restraint, as the punished
of Prefaneness and Immorality. Do hereby order and require of al [..]
Victuallers and Keepers of Public Houses, exercising there callings
under the Licence of the said Justices, that on the approaching Fe [..]
Good Friday they suffer no resort of Persons their respective [..]
for the purpose of Drinking or Tipling; But that during the time
Divine Service, on that day, they Keep the same Street, as hath be [..]
accustomed on solemn Fast days, on pain of Forfeiture of their
Recognizances which bind them ti the observance of good Ru [..]
Order in their Houses. and the said Justices Do hereby further