If such a person
persists, he shall be excommunicated.
Cromwell did not disapprove of activities prohibited because of
the recreation they provided, but thought that they had become too
central to people's lives. He did not close the taverns or ale
houses.
In 1653 it was required that public preachers be approved by a
commission nominated by the Lord Protector and Parliament because
there had been too many "weak, scandalous, popish, and ill-
affected" ones. In 1654 named persons were ejected as scandalous,
ignorant and insufficient ministers and schoolmasters.
In 1649 a corporation was established to teach the Gospel of Jesus
Christ in New England to Indians.
Because the poorer parishes of London were having problems
supporting their poor, a Corporation for the poor of London was
established in 1647 with authority to erect workhouses and houses
of correction.
Imprisoned debtors who had less than five pounds and less that
five pounds worth of trade tools and clothing and bedding for his
family were ordered released in 1649.
Wardship was abolished. Military tenures were abolished. Feudal
tenures were converted into freehold in 1646.
In 1653 those living in Crown forest land were given free socage
in that land. The game laws were not enforced, so people could eat
deer.
Enclosures were increasing and Parliament was disinclined to
protect copyholders against enclosures, favoring those with rights
of ownership.
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