ABSTRACT
The Restoration of Charles II saw at the same time the restoration of the Church as it was organized in 1640. Though the church courts were restored, the prerogative courts of High Commission and Star Chamber were not. This meant that the coercive power which had upheld and enforced the sentences imposed by the church courts was missing. Therefore sabbath breaking, profanity, and debauchery could only be punished by penance and excommunication.
