418 Assembly Proceedings, July 1-10, 1696.

Original
Journal.

House met againe
And M^r Speaker and the Rest of the Members go up to
his Ex^cy and carry with them the aforesaid Bill for the Service
of Almighty God and the Establishment of the protestant
religion within this Province.
To which his Excellency on behalfe of his Majesty assented.
And the same was in presence of the house sealed with the
Broad Seale of this province.
After which his Ex^cy gave the house to understand that,
whereas the fleet was not yet arrived but shortly expected, he
prorogued them untill the 16^th day of September next.
At which tyme if there were no occasion of their coming he
would in convenient tyme give them notice, and by proclama-
tion further prorogue them,

W Bladen Clk. Assembly.

Examined by me
Thomas Laurence Secretary.

Lib. L. L. 2

Laws made in July
1696

An Act for Sanctifying & keeping holy the Lord's Day
Comonly called Sunday

Forasmuch as the Sanctifying and Keeping holy of the
Lords Day Comonly Called Sunday hath been and is
Esteemed by the present and all primitive Christians and
people to be a principal part of the Worship of Allmighty
God and the Hono^r which is due to his holy name. Be it

p. 112

enacted by the Kings most Excellent Majesty by and with the
Advice and Consent of this present Generall Assembly and by
the Authority of the same That from and after the publication
of this Law no person or persons whatsoever within this Prov-
ince shall work or do any bodily Labour or Occupation upon
the Lord's day Commonly Called Sunday nor shall Comand
or willfully suffer any of his her or theire Children Servants or
Slaves to work or Labour as aforesaid (the works of absolute
necessity and mercy Allways Excepted) nor shall Suffer or
Permitt any of his her or theire Children Servants or Slaves
or any other under their Authority to abuse or prophane the
Lords day as afores^d by drunkenness swearing Gameing fowl-
ing fishing hunting or any other Sports or pastimes or recrea-