The Act imprisoned without bail those over the age of sixteen who failed to attend Church; persuaded others to do the same; denied Queen Elizabeth I's authority in religious matters; and who attended unlawful religious meetings.

The Act fined those who harboured recusants £10 for every month hidden.

The Act stated that it would continue no longer than the end of the next session of Parliament.

[3] However, the Act was still in effect in 1661, when John Bunyan was tried and convicted for disobedience to it.

[4] Towards the end of 1680, during the Exclusion Crisis, Parliament passed a Bill for repealing the Act.