Conventicles

That's the first Lesson Women learn in Conventicles; Religion teaches those Maxims to our Sex, by this!

The Roundheads: or, The Good Old Cause 1682

The next year, 1670, an act of Parliament, in relation to "Conventicles," provided that any person who should be present at any meeting, under color or pretence of any exercise of religion, in other manner than according to the liturgy and practice of the Church of England, "should be liable to fines of from five to ten shillings; and any person preaching at or giving his house for the meeting, to a fine of twenty pounds: one third of the fines being received by the informer or informers."

Old Portraits, Part 1, from Volume VI., The Works of Whittier: Old Portraits and Modern Sketches John Greenleaf Whittier 1849

The next year, 1670, an act of Parliament, in relation to "Conventicles," provided that any person who should be present at any meeting, under color or pretence of any exercise of religion, in other manner than according to the liturgy and practice of the Church of England, "should be liable to fines of from five to ten shillings; and any person preaching at or giving his house for the meeting, to a fine of twenty pounds: one third of the fines being received by the informer or informers."

The Complete Works of Whittier John Greenleaf Whittier 1849

The next year, 1670, an act of Parliament, in relation to "Conventicles," provided that any person who should be present at any meeting, under color or pretence of any exercise of religion, in other manner than according to the liturgy and practice of the Church of England, "should be liable to fines of from five to ten shillings; and any person preaching at or giving his house for the meeting, to a fine of twenty pounds: one third of the fines being received by the informer or informers."

Old Portraits, Modern Sketches, Personal Sketches and Tributes Complete, Volume VI., the Works of Whittier John Greenleaf Whittier 1849

I believe he was charged with violating the Conventicles Act, but I agree that freedom of assembly was intended to include religion.

The Volokh Conspiracy » Public Opinion, Anti-Discrimination Law, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 2010

I believe he was charged with violating the Conventicles Act, but I agree that freedom of assembly was intended to include religion.

The Volokh Conspiracy » Public Opinion, Anti-Discrimination Law, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 2010

[139] A paper entitled, “The State of the Kingdom with respect to the present Bill against Conventicles,” was drawn up by Owen, and laid before the Lords by several eminent citizens; but without success.

Life of Dr Owen 1965

As specimens of the matter of Renwick's discourses delivered in the _Conventicles_, in the fields, amidst all dangers and incidents of weather, and by night as well as day, the following are selected from the published reports of his hearers: --

The Life of James Renwick A Historical Sketch Of His Life, Labours And Martyrdom And A Vindication Of His Character And Testimony Thomas Houston

The people were enjoined to attend their own parish church, warned against going to the Conventicles, and threatened with fines, imprisonment, and exile for frequenting what the king termed

Sketches of the Covenanters J. C. McFeeters

The Conventicles, held in these desolate resorts, were awe inspiring, especially the Communions.

Sketches of the Covenanters J. C. McFeeters