172 History of the 



After all, the Incumbent was only fulfilling the mandate of 

 James I., promulgated in his notorious " Book of Sports,"('0 which, 

 by the way, is said to date its inspiration from the King's famous 

 visit to Hoghton Tower, in the neighbourhood of Blackburn ; on 

 which occasion a petition was presented to His Majesty by certain 

 of his loyal subjects, complaining of the measures of the Puritans 

 in discouraging and suppressing the lawful recreations of the people, 

 and praying his Majesty to interfere in their behalf. 



In connection with St. Nicholas's Church is a National School, 

 which abuts on the churchyard, and was erected in 1829-30, at 

 a cost of ;^8oo ; of which sum ^500 was contributed by Robert 

 Haworth, Esq., of Warth. 



Holiness, held up his purple skirt a little higher, and stepping from the ranks 

 with an amazing levity, as if suddenly relieved of his burden of eighty years, 

 tossed the ball with his foot to the venerable capitular Homilist, equal to the 

 occasion. And then, unable to stand inactive any longer, the laity carried on 

 the game among themselves, with shouts of not too boisterous amusement ; the 

 sport continuing until the flight of the ball could no longer be traced along 

 the dusky aisles.'' — W.\lter P.\ter (Imaginary Portraits. Deiiys 

 L'Aiixcrreis.) 



(11) The " Book of Sports," published by command of James I., in the year 

 1618, amongst other things, proclaimed — "That for his good people's lawful 

 recreation, his pleasure was, that after the end of Divine Service, they be not 

 disturbed, letted, or discouraged, from any lawful recreation, such as dancing, 

 either men or women ; Archery for men, leaping, vaulting, or any such 

 harmless recreation ; nor from having of May games, Whitsonales, and 

 Morice- dances, and the setting-up of May-poles and other sports therewith 

 used ; so as the time be had in due and convenient time, without impediment 

 or neglect of divine service. And that women should have leave to carry 

 rushes to the church for the decorating of it according to the old custom." 

 It is proper to add, that " He did bar from this benefit and liberty all such 

 known recusants, either men or women, as did abstain from coming to church, 

 or divine service, they being unworthy of any lawful recreation, after the said 

 Service, that would not first come to the church and serve God." The latter 

 clause is a recognition of the doctrine of Works with a vengeance ! 



