The constitution of the convocation265

[1] In the name of our great Lord and Master, the Lord Jesus Christ, and to the glory and increase of his kingdom amongst men.

We, the bishop, archdeacon, vicars-general and clergy of this isle, who do subscribe these articles, that we may not stand charged with the scandals which wicked men bring upon religion while they are admitted to and reputed members of Christ['s] church, and that we may by all laudable means promote the conversion of sinners, and oblige men to submit to the discipline of the Gospel, and lastly, that we may provide for the instruction of the growing age in Christian learning and good manners, we have formed these following constitutions, which we oblige ourselves (by God's help) to observe, and to endeavour that all others within our several cures shall comply with the same:

1. First, that when a rector, vicar or curate shall have any number of persons under twenty of his parish desirous and fit to be confirmed, he shall give the lord bishop notice thereof, and a list of their names, and shall suffer none to offer themselves to be confirmed but such he has before instructed to answer in the necessary parts of Christian knowledge, and who, besides their church catechism, have learned such short prayers for morning and evening as shall be immediately provided for that purpose.

2. That no person be admitted to the holy sacrament till he has first been confirmed by the bishop (or in case of his lordship's absence or indisposition) to bring a certificate from the archdeacon or vicars-general that he is duly qualified for confirmation.

[2] 3. That no person admitted to stand as godfather or godmother, nor to enter into the holy state of matrimony, till they have received the holy sacrament of the Lord's Supper, unless being an orphan, there be a necessity for his speedy marriage; and this to be approved of and dispensed with by the ordinary for a limited time to fit himself for the sacrament; and where any of them are of another parish, they are to bring a certificate from their proper pastor.