Note 1381 — Chapter X · RISE OF CIVIL MARRIAGE
Reading edition
The evil results of these blundering statutes are vigorously stated by Jeaffreson, Brides and Bridals, II, 167 ff., 130 ff., 84. The effects of 7 and 8 W. III., were especially bad. Before its enactment "it was in the power of any rogue married at a tavern-wedding to inform against the officiating clergyman, without rendering himself liable to punishment for his part in the irregular transaction. Any clerk or other person who assisted at a marriage without license or banns, could also with impunity turn informer against the lawless priest;" but by placing a penalty on all these persons "the mouths of individuals who were best qualified and most likely to give conclusive evidence against the peccant clergyman" were closed: ibid., 170, 171.