It established a system of fines payable for "suppressing prophane Cursing and Swearing".

The Act provided that any person who profanely swore or cursed in the presence of a justice of the peace, or a town mayor, and was convicted on the oath of one witness or by their own confession, was to pay a fine.

Any justice or magistrate who avoided carrying out their duties under the Act were to be fined 5l, half going to the informant.

All convictions were to take place within ten days of the offence, and be recorded in a special book kept for the purpose.

The Act was to be read four times a year in all parish churches and public chapels, with the parson or curate liable to a fine of 20s if this duty was neglected.