that_o do_v procure_v sentence_n of_o excommunication_n and_o bull_n instrument_n etc._n etc._n from_o rome_n against_o the_o king_n which_o touch_v the_o king_n his_o crown_n and_o regalty_n 5._o 16._o r._n 2._o c._n 5._o of_o praemunire_n judge_v cook_n instit_fw-la 3_o part_n fol._n 126._o the_o greatness_n of_o these_o punishment_n do_v show_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o offence_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o statute_n of_o 16_o r._n 2._o be_v strict_o pen_v against_o offender_n etc._n etc._n observe_v the_o prisoner_n have_v to_o plead_v that_o they_o be_v no_o such_o offender_n nor_o just_o chargeable_a with_o any_o such_o offence_n against_o the_o king_n his_o crown_n or_o regalty_n as_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o 16_o r._n 2._o c._n 5._o the_o exception_n against_o the_o de_fw-fr novo_fw-la tender_a of_o the_o oath_n argue_v it_o be_v a_o maxim_n in_o law_n that_o the_o penalty_n ought_v not_o to_o exceed_v the_o offence_n but_o to_o be_v secundum_fw-la qualitatem_fw-la &_o quantitatem_fw-la delicti_fw-la therefore_o to_o punish_v innocent_a person_n with_o the_o penalty_n of_o praemunire_n for_o not_o take_v the_o oath_n only_o upon_o a_o principle_n of_o conscience_n because_o they_o be_v afraid_a to_o swear_v in_o any_o case_n and_o not_o upon_o any_o principle_n of_o disloyalty_n equal_o with_o they_o who_o the_o law_n conclude_v disloyal_a and_o treasonable_a in_o their_o principle_n at_o least_o if_o not_o actual_o such_o and_o upon_o no_o other_o account_n can_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o refuse_v the_o say_a oath_n of_o allegiance_n this_o appear_v very_o unjust_a and_o neither_o secundum_fw-la qualitatem_fw-la nor_o secundum_fw-la quantitatem_fw-la delecti_fw-la suppose_v the_o case_n further_o argue_v and_o illustrate_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o penalty_n of_o praemunire_n be_v intend_v by_o the_o law_n for_o person_n guilty_a either_o of_o treasonable_a and_o seditious_a practice_n or_o principle_n against_o the_o king_n and_o government_n tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n thereof_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v presume_v they_o be_v at_o least_o such_o inhaerent_a traitor_n by_o disloyal_a and_o perfidious_a principle_n as_o that_o they_o be_v prepare_v and_o ready_a to_o be_v actual_o such_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o preamble_n of_o the_o 3_o jac._n 4._o 1_o st_o by_o the_o statute_n of_o 16_o r._n 2._o cap._n 5._o praemunire_n for_o procure_v bull_n sentence_n of_o excommunication_n etc._n etc._n from_o rome_n against_o the_o king_n his_o crown_n and_o regalty_n 2_o dly_z by_o the_o statute_n of_o 5_o eliz._n cap._n 1._o praemunire_n for_o hold_v with_o extol_v set_v forth_o maintain_v or_o defend_v the_o authority_n jurisdiction_n or_o power_n of_o the_o bishop_n or_o see_v of_o rome_n by_o write_v cypher_v print_v preach_a deed_n or_o act_n advise_o and_o witting_o etc._n etc._n 3_o dly_z by_o the_o statute_n of_o 13_o car._n 2._o cap._n 1._o entitle_v for_o his_o majesty_n person_n and_o government_n against_o treasonable_a and_o seditious_a practice_n wherein_o praemunire_n be_v for_o malicious_o and_o advise_o by_o write_v print_v preach_a or_o other_o speak_v etc._n etc._n declare_v or_o affirm_v that_o the_o parliament_n begin_v at_o westminster_n november_n 3_o anno_fw-la 1640._o be_v not_o yet_o dissolve_v or_o endeavour_v a_o change_n of_o government_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o be_v deem_v by_o law_n matter_n of_o fact_n seditious_a and_o treasonable_a to_o which_o the_o penalty_n of_o praemunire_n be_v suitable_o prepare_v 4_o thly_a by_o the_o title_n and_o preamble_n of_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o 3d_o of_o king_n james_n chap._n 4._o be_v a_o act_n for_o the_o discover_v and_o repress_v of_o popish_a recusant_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o 1_o st_z praemunire_n be_v intend_v by_o the_o lawmaker_n for_o such_o person_n as_o be_v popish_a recusant_n and_o infect_v by_o the_o wicked_a and_o devilish_a counsel_n of_o jesuit_n seminary_n etc._n etc._n 2_o dly_z and_o so_o far_o pervert_v in_o the_o point_n of_o their_o loyalty_n and_o due_a allegiance_n as_o that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o entertain_v and_o execute_v any_o treasonable_a practice_n instance_v that_o barbarous_a and_o horrible_a attempt_n of_o the_o gunpowder_n plot._n 3_o dly_z and_o for_o divers_a person_n popish_o affect_v who_o to_o cover_v and_o hide_v their_o false_a heart_n and_o to_o attend_v the_o opportunity_n to_o execute_v their_o mischievous_a design_n repair_v sometime_o to_o church_n to_o escape_v the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n etc._n etc._n which_o part_v of_o the_o preamble_n due_o consider_v two_o thing_n be_v natural_o deducible_a to_o render_v the_o penalty_n of_o praemunire_n suitable_a to_o the_o offence_n as_o all_o penalty_n of_o law_n ought_v to_o be_v 1_o st_o that_o the_o law_n look_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v inherent_o traitor_n or_o traitor_n in_o principle_n and_o thereby_o prepare_v for_o treasonable_a practice_n who_o just_o demerit_v that_o penalty_n 2_o dly_z that_o the_o lawmaker_n can_v intend_v or_o suppose_v the_o penalty_n just_o due_a to_o no_o other_o person_n than_o such_o as_o will_v refuse_v the_o oath_n of_o obedience_n with_o respect_n to_o such_o principle_n of_o disloyalty_n tend_v to_o rebellion_n and_o treason_n as_o be_v secret_o reserve_v in_o their_o false_a heart_n according_a to_o the_o preamble_n of_o the_o say_a act_n 3_o jac._n cap._n 4._o that_o these_o word_n in_o the_o 3d_o of_o k._n james_n cap._n 4._o viz._n or_o any_o other_o person_n whatsoever_o etc._n etc._n shall_v refuse_v to_o take_v the_o say_a oath_n be_v tender_v unto_o he_o or_o she_o by_o the_o justice_n of_o assize_n etc._n etc._n shall_v incur_v the_o danger_n and_o penalty_n of_o praemunire_n can_v rational_o be_v so_o large_o construe_v and_o urge_v as_o for_o their_o make_v a_o first_o tender_v thereof_o in_o the_o court_n of_o session_n to_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o stand_v accidental_o in_o court_n without_o any_o precedent_n and_o just_a cause_n of_o notorious_a evidence_n against_o they_o or_o conviction_n of_o be_v popish-recusants_a etc._n etc._n for_o these_o reason_n 1_o st_o because_o some_o person_n in_o court_n who_o be_v real_a protestant_n may_v conscientious_o scruple_n to_o swear_v or_o take_v any_o oath_n upon_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n matth._n 5._o and_o james_n 5._o upon_o which_o many_o primitive_a christian_n and_o martyr_n even_o protestant_a martyr_n refuse_v to_o take_v a_o oath_n in_o any_o case_n and_o not_o from_o any_o principle_n of_o disloyalty_n and_o rebellion_n which_o the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n be_v provide_v against_o 2_o dly_z because_o the_o word_n as_o construe_v vary_v from_o the_o order_n and_o course_n of_o proceed_v prescribe_v and_o allow_v even_o unto_o popish_a recusant_n i.e._n for_o a_o first_o tender_v to_o be_v make_v out_o of_o court_n and_o a_o second_o in_o court_n before_o a_o praemunire_n for_o refusal_n therefore_o it_o must_v intend_v any_o other_o person_n whatsoever_o be_v a_o popish_a recusant_n convict_v it_o will_v be_v very_o unequal_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o praemunire_n a_o protestant_n for_o once_o refusal_n in_o court_n upon_o a_o surprisal_n by_o a_o sudden_a tender_a and_o allow_v a_o popish_a recusant_n so_o much_o order_n of_o proceed_v and_o deliberation_n as_o a_o first_o tender_v out_o of_o session_n and_o a_o second_o in_o session_n and_o a_o refusal_n upon_o each_o before_o a_o praemunire_n howbeit_o woman_n covert_a be_v exempt_v from_o praemunire_n ☞_o 3_o d_o the_o word_n or_o any_o other_o person_n whatsoever_o be_v leave_v out_o in_o the_o 7_o jac._n cap._n 6._o in_o the_o recital_n of_o the_o same_o clause_n relate_v to_o the_o tender_a of_o the_o oath_n in_o the_o assize_n or_o general_a quarter-session_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v some_o cause_n for_o the_o leave_v out_o these_o word_n in_o the_o same_o clause_n and_o the_o latter_a act_n be_v in_o the_o same_o case_n more_o gentle_a in_o this_o point_n suppose_v the_o former_a too_o severe_a and_o therefore_o the_o word_n be_v leave_v out_o for_o if_o the_o first_o have_v be_v without_o fault_n what_o need_v of_o a_o second_o and_o its_o apparent_a that_o in_o the_o 7_o jac._n c._n 6._o the_o first_o tender_n of_o the_o oath_n by_o the_o justice_n be_v make_v out_o of_o session_n and_o the_o second_o in_o session_n and_o a_o refusal_n upon_o both_o before_o the_o judgement_n of_o praemunire_n observation_n the_o commission_n of_o the_o peace_n stand_v overburdened_a with_o divers_a statute_n some_o whereof_o say_v chief_z justice_z cook_n 171._o instit_fw-la 4._o part_n fol._n 171._o be_v stust_a with_o many_o vain_a and_o unnecessary_a repetition_n and_o many_o other_o corruption_n creep_v into_o it_o by_o mistake_v of_o clerk_n etc._n etc._n divers_a statute_n have_v be_v repeal_v and_o divers_a have_v expire_v etc._n etc._n he_o hereupon_o caution_n thus_o it_o be_v a_o good_a
against_o all_o which_o offence_n crime_n and_o treacherous_a action_n against_o the_o king_n his_o government_n and_o people_n we_o be_v so_o far_o clear_a and_o innocent_a of_o as_o that_o our_o very_a soul_n abhor_v they_o and_o who_o can_v charge_v or_o just_o impeach_v we_o therewith_o or_o with_o any_o of_o they_o we_o can_v challenge_v the_o whole_a world_n yea_o the_o worst_a of_o our_o adversary_n to_o detect_v or_o impeach_v we_o who_o be_v the_o people_n call_v quaker_n of_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n as_o 1_o st_z who_o just_o can_v charge_v we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o with_o any_o such_o correspondency_n either_o with_o the_o pope_n church_n or_o court_n of_o rome_n as_o there_o to_o purchase_v or_o procure_v any_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n or_o bull_n against_o the_o king_n etc._n etc._n 2_o dly_z or_o that_o can_v charge_v or_o impeach_v we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o with_o any_o treason_n conspiracy_n or_o plot_n against_o the_o king_n his_o government_n state_n parliament_n or_o people_n or_o that_o can_v charge_v or_o impeach_v we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o with_o any_o such_o hellish_a design_n attempt_v or_o conspiracy_n as_o either_o that_o of_o the_o gun-powder-plot_n or_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o government_n or_o with_o seek_v to_o introduce_v popery_n to_o destroy_v the_o real_a protestant_a religion_n or_o any_o part_n thereof_o profess_v in_o this_o or_o other_o nation_n or_o that_o can_v just_o charge_v we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o with_o any_o such_o pernicious_a destructive_a popish_a and_o antichristian_a principle_n position_n or_o practice_n as_o the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n be_v intend_v and_o provide_v against_o as_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o no_o man_n can_v just_o detect_v or_o impeach_v we_o in_o any_o of_o these_o how_o then_o can_v we_o either_o in_o point_n of_o conscience_n justice_n common_a equity_n or_o reason_n be_v run_v to_o such_o extreme_a penalty_n and_o suffering_n as_o to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o king_n protection_n or_o to_o forfeit_v our_o estate_n and_o liberty_n meet_o because_o we_o in_o point_n of_o conscience_n scruple_n or_o fear_n to_o swear_v to_o the_o declaration_n of_o our_o allegiance_n whilst_o we_o sincere_o perform_v the_o duty_n thereof_o by_o our_o harmless_a and_o peaceable_a conversation_n among_o man_n as_o our_o neighbour_n be_v eye_n witness_n both_o as_o christian_n and_o true_a protestant_a subject_n which_o true_o answer_v the_o intent_n and_o end_n of_o the_o law_n our_o dissent_n in_o point_n of_o conscience_n and_o worship_n be_v out_o of_o no_o respect_n to_o popery_n but_o the_o contrary_a for_o we_o real_o believe_v we_o be_v more_o clear_o reform_v protestant_n than_o those_o be_v from_o who_o we_o dissent_v where_o be_v then_o the_o proportion_n or_o equality_n between_o our_o suppose_a offence_n which_o be_v but_o circumstantial_a at_o most_o and_o the_o penalty_n there_o be_v no_o parity_n at_o all_o between_o they_o let_v the_o law_n of_o truth_n justice_n equity_n and_o conscience_n in_o all_o moderate_a magistrate_n and_o impartial_a man_n judge_v in_o this_o our_o case_n for_o to_o that_o we_o appeal_v and_o not_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o persecution_n envy_n revenge_n and_o partiality_n which_o without_o any_o due_a measure_n of_o thing_n and_o without_o all_o compassion_n seek_v occasion_n against_o we_o to_o destroy_v we_o which_o the_o righteous_a god_n and_o just_a judge_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n will_v plead_v with_o and_o judge_v let_v due_a measure_n be_v take_v of_o offence_n and_o penalty_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v suitable_a penalty_n ought_v not_o to_o exceed_v the_o offence_n but_o to_o be_v secundum_fw-la qualitatem_fw-la &_o quantitatem_fw-la delicti_fw-la nor_o those_o thing_n to_o be_v make_v offence_n which_o real_o be_v none_o let_v justice_n and_o right_o take_v place_n and_o equal_a law_n and_o execution_n of_o right_o be_v follow_v according_a to_o the_o fundamental_a law_n and_o right_n of_o english_a man_n and_o that_o which_o all_o the_o king_n justice_n and_o minister_n who_o under_o he_o be_v appoint_v for_o that_o end_n be_v oblige_v unto_o both_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o man_n as_o be_v under_o a_o severe_a obligation_n to_o minister_v justice_n and_o right_a to_o all_o his_o subject_n rich_a and_o poor_a without_o partiality_n norwich_n prison_n the_o 23d_o of_o the_o 2d_o month_n 1680._o here_o follow_v some_o exception_n which_o the_o say_v g.w._n and_o t.b._n prisoner_n have_v in_o readiness_n in_o court_n against_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o imprisonment_n by_o the_o sheriff_n without_o a_o warrant_n on_o the_o 21_o of_o the_o month_n call_v march_n 1679._o 706._o arrest_v explain_v dalt_n fol._n 706._o a_o arrest_n be_v the_o apprehend_n and_o first_o restrain_v of_o a_o man_n person_n deprive_v it_o of_o his_o own_o will_n and_o liberty_n and_o may_v be_v call_v the_o beginning_n of_o imprisonment_n see_v dalton_n fol._n 306._o exception_n 1._o 93._o dalt_n fol._n 304._o of_o warrant_n dyer_n 244._o 〈◊〉_d bar._n 248._o lamb._n 93._o if_o any_o officer_n do_v arrest_v a_o man_n for_o the_o peace_n or_o the_o like_a before_o that_o he_o have_v a_o warrant_n and_o then_o after_o do_v procure_v a_o warrant_n or_o a_o warrant_n come_v after_o he_o to_o arrest_v the_o party_n for_o the_o same_o cause_n yet_o the_o first_o arrest_n be_v wongful_a and_o the_o officer_n be_v subject_a to_o a_o action_n of_o false_a imprisonment_n see_v the_o statute_n 43_o eliz._n c._n 6._o see_v also_o dalt_v fol._n 307._o exception_n 2._o from_o the_o act_n make_v to_o prevent_v and_o suppress_v seditious_a conventicle_n 22_o car._n 2._o fol._n 10_o 11._o these_o passage_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v viz._n 11._o 23_o car._n 2._o fol._n 10_o and_o 11._o also_o the_o sheriff_n and_o other_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n of_o justice_n or_o any_o of_o they_o joint_o or_o several_o etc._n etc._n be_v to_o have_v certificate_n make_v to_o they_o respective_o under_o the_o hand_n seal_v of_o a_o justice_n of_o peace_n or_o chief_a magistrate_n of_o his_o particular_a information_n or_o knowledge_n of_o such_o unlawful_a meeting_n or_o conventicle_n hold_v or_o to_o be_v hold_v in_o their_o respective_a county_n or_o place_n and_o that_o he_o with_o such_o assistance_n as_o he_o can_v get_v together_o be_v not_o able_a to_o dissolve_v the_o same_o shall_v and_o may_v repair_v unto_o the_o place_n etc._n etc._n and_o take_v into_o their_o custody_n such_o and_o so_o many_o of_o the_o say_a person_n so_o unlawful_o assemble_v as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o the_o intent_n that_o they_o may_v be_v proceed_v against_o according_a to_o this_o act._n 11._o fol._n 11._o and_o the_o respective_a constable_n head-burroughs_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o have_v warrant_n from_o the_o justice_n justices_z or_o chief_a magistrate_n respective_o etc._n etc._n to_o take_v into_o their_o custody_n person_n unlawful_o assemble_v as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o the_o intent_n that_o they_o may_v be_v proceed_v against_o according_a to_o this_o act._n whence_o two_o thing_n be_v observable_a 1._o that_o person_n so_o meet_v as_o aforesaid_a be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v into_o custody_n by_o sheriff_n or_o other_o officer_n without_o warrant_n or_o certificate_n under_o the_o hand_n and_o seal_n of_o a_o justice_n of_o peace_n or_o chief_a magistrate_n 2._o that_o where_o person_n be_v so_o take_v into_o custody_n it_o be_v to_o the_o intent_n that_o they_o may_v be_v proceed_v against_o according_a to_o this_o act_n which_o intend_v not_o their_o commitment_n to_o goal_n but_o to_o fine_v they_o upon_o conviction_n therefore_o the_o prisoner_n if_o they_o be_v offender_n against_o this_o say_a act_n yet_o their_o be_v take_v and_o thrust_v into_o goal_n without_o such_o warrant_n or_o certificate_n under_o hand_n and_o seal_n etc._n etc._n and_o after_o be_v commit_v and_o detain_v in_o goal_n for_o not_o pay_v their_o fine_n be_v beside_o and_o contrary_n to_o the_o provision_n make_v in_o this_o very_a act._n what_o due_a process_n in_o law_n be_v explain_v due_a process_n explain_v a_o commitment_n by_o lawful_a warrant_n be_v account_v in_o law_n due_a process_n or_o proceed_v in_o law_n and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n as_o well_o as_o by_o process_n by_o force_n of_o the_o king_n writ_n cook_n 2_o part_n institut_fw-la fol._n 52._o exception_n against_o the_o warrant_n of_o commitment_n date_v the_o 21_o of_o march_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1679._o exception_n exception_n it_o appear_v illegal_a for_o these_o two_o reason_n 1_o st_o because_o it_o be_v make_v not_o in_o the_o king_n name_n but_o in_o francis_n bacon_n own_o name_n 2_o dly_z because_o it_o be_v make_v and_o serve_v on_o the_o 21_o day_n of_o march_n in_o the_o year_n abovesaid_a be_v the_o lord_n day_n common_o call_v sunday_n first_o reason_n for_o exception_n first_o for_o the_o
unto_o you_o as_o justices_z of_o the_o peace_n according_a to_o the_o statute_n make_v in_o the_o four_o year_n of_o k._n henry_n the_o seven_o cap._n 12._o which_o be_v worth_a your_o while_n to_o read_v over_o and_o serious_o to_o consider_v the_o tenor_n and_o purport_n thereof_o your_o friend_n and_o prisoner_n g._n w_n t.b._n from_o your_o city-goal_n the_o 19_o of_o the_o 4_o mon._n 1680._o for_o the_o mayor_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o city_n of_o norwich_n friend_n you_o be_v entreat_v to_o peruse_v the_o follow_a narration_n the_o great_a pretence_n for_o this_o our_o strict_a detention_n in_o your_o goal_n be_v the_o late_a order_n from_o session_n we_o think_v ourselves_o oblige_v for_o your_o sake_n as_o well_o as_o our_o own_o to_o re-mind_n you_o as_o hope_v you_o will_v give_v the_o oppress_a leave_n to_o offer_v their_o complaint_n that_o we_o esteem_v ourselves_o injure_v in_o that_o we_o be_v not_o suffer_v to_o be_v call_v into_o court_n the_o last_o day_n of_o your_o quarter-session_n for_o a_o opportunity_n to_o have_v make_v our_o exception_n which_o we_o conceive_v we_o have_v good_a ground_n for_o both_o in_o law_n and_o good_a conscience_n especial_o since_o we_o have_v promise_n of_o such_o a_o opportunity_n and_o that_o if_o it_o appear_v our_o commitment_n be_v contrary_a to_o law_n we_o shall_v be_v discharge_v this_o we_o understand_v be_v make_v to_o one_o of_o our_o friend_n who_o upon_o encouragement_n by_o some_o of_o the_o justice_n move_v for_o our_o liberty_n in_o court_n which_o not_o be_v grant_v then_o that_o we_o may_v be_v call_v into_o court_n but_o be_v prevent_v of_o both_o we_o be_v detain_v to_o our_o and_o our_o family_n great_a prejudice_n in_o divers_a respect_n our_o present_a restraint_n be_v also_o a_o deprive_v we_o of_o our_o right_n in_o the_o creation_n and_o to_o the_o impair_n of_o our_o health_n the_o late_a order_n from_o session_n for_o this_o our_o restraint_n without_o bail_n or_o mainprize_n be_v of_o francis_n bâ—con's_n order_v and_o we_o know_v no_o other_o law_n than_o that_o to_o detain_v we_o so_o severe_o until_o next_o session_n and_o no_o doubt_n you_o have_v power_n to_o reverse_v it_o before_o the_o termination_n of_o the_o last_o when_o the_o illegality_n thereof_o have_v be_v make_v appear_v which_o we_o endeavour_v a_o opportunity_n for_o as_o well_o as_o a_o error_n in_o process_n may_v the_o same_o term_n be_v reform_v in_o the_o same_o court_n 88_o wing_n body_n of_o the_o commonâ—_n law_n p._n 88_o but_o that_o session_n be_v over_o the_o opportunity_n be_v slip_v who_o omission_n be_v that_o not_o we_o we_o seek_v &_o earnest_o request_v for_o it_o in_o real_a love_n and_o good_a will_n as_o charitable_o think_v to_o find_v so_o much_o of_o humanity_n tenderness_n equal_a law_n and_o right_n among_o you_o towards_o we_o as_o not_o thus_o to_o delay_v we_o in_o prison_n upon_o the_o say_a order_n which_o we_o be_v real_o persuade_v will_v not_o redound_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o your_o city_n or_o court_n consider_v our_o innocency_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o person_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o and_o we_o can_v reasonaby_n suppose_v that_o such_o a_o order_n shall_v bind_v your_o conscience_n from_o answer_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n to_o do_v to_o other_o as_o you_o will_v be_v do_v by_o and_o the_o law_n of_o our_o nation_n not_o to_o deny_v defer_v or_o delay_v justice_n or_o right_n especial_o to_o any_o freeborn_a english_a man_n 182._o mag._n charta_fw-la cap._n 29._o j._n cook_n inst_z 4_o part_n fol._n 182._o illegal_a or_o unjust_a imprisonment_n more_o especial_o where_o prolong_v be_v account_v odious_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o law_n and_o that_o you_o may_v more_o direct_o and_o clear_o perceive_v that_o to_o detain_v we_o in_o persuance_n of_o francis_n bacon_n procedure_n and_o order_n against_o we_o will_v not_o redound_v to_o your_o reputation_n and_o honour_n either_o as_o civil_a magistrate_n or_o christian_n pray_v consider_v how_o irregular_o and_o arbitrary_o he_o have_v act_v towards_o we_o in_o his_o whole_a procedure_n 1_o st_o in_o his_o send_v the_o sheriff_n to_o apprehend_v and_o imprison_v we_o for_o be_v at_o the_o meet_v the_o 21_o of_o march_n so_o call_v 1679._o as_o he_o confess_v in_o session_n he_o do_v as_o you_o may_v remember_v by_o which_o mean_n we_o be_v turn_v into_o the_o goal_n by_o the_o sheriff_n like_o cattle_n into_o pinfold_n and_o their_o detain_v for_o some_o hour_n without_o examination_n or_o mittimus_fw-la other_o than_o francis_n bacon_n verbal_a commission_n how_o arbitrary_a and_o illegal_a be_v this_o you_o that_o be_v wise_a man_n judge_v what_o absolute_a monarch_n can_v have_v show_v more_o dominion_n in_o such_o a_o case_n consider_v the_o consequence_n of_o such_o proceed_n we_o hope_v your_o design_n in_o choose_v recorder_n be_v for_o a_o just_a and_o legal_a end_n to_o assist_v you_o as_o the_o king_n minister_n of_o equal_a law_n and_o justice_n and_o not_o to_o be_v as_o king_n and_o emperor_n over_o your_o city_n nor_o that_o any_o one_o shall_v assume_v such_o prerogative_n or_o pre-eminence_n so_o contrary_a to_o law_n and_o the_o king_n interest_n the_o king_n have_v a_o prerogative_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o injurious_a to_o the_o subject_a 2._o wing_n p._n 2._o but_o the_o late_a recorder_n do_v assume_v a_o prerogative_n or_o dominion_n injurious_a in_o this_o his_o proceed_n also_o 2_o dly_z in_o his_o inflict_v a_o two_o fold_v punishment_n for_o one_o suppose_a offence_n i._n c._n fine_v and_o imprison_v for_o be_v at_o a_o meeting_n contrary_a to_o that_o very_a act_n against_o conventicle_n 22_o car._n 2._o which_o be_v not_o make_v to_o commit_v the_o person_n to_o goal_n but_o only_o to_o fine_v they_o alâ—eâ—t_v our_o meeting_n be_v no_o otherwise_o design_v by_o we_o than_o for_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n when_o he_o first_o examine_v and_o commit_v we_o he_o tell_v â—s_n thus_o viz._n if_o you_o will_v neither_o pay_v your_o fine_n nor_o take_v the_o oath_n of_o aâ—…gâ—ance_n i_o must_v commit_v you_o to_o prison_n you_o may_v choose_v whether_o you_o â—ill_v pay_v your_o fine_n take_v the_o oath_n or_o go_v to_o prison_n to_o excuse_v these_o before_o mention_v proceed_n against_o we_o be_v all_o on_o the_o 2â—st_n of_o march_n 1679._o which_o be_v the_o lord_n day_n when_o we_o except_v against_o they_o as_o contrary_a to_o a_o late_a act_n of_o parliament_n for_o the_o better_a observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n 29_o car._n 2._o he_o allege_v that_o our_o meeting_n be_v against_o the_o peace_n and_o what_o fellow_n therefore_o he_o may_v first_o send_v the_o sheriff_n to_o apprehend_v and_o imprison_v we_o without_o mittimus_fw-la and_o after_o that_o fine_a we_o and_o tender_v we_o the_o oath_n the_o same_o day_n and_o if_o we_o will_v neither_o pay_v our_o fine_n nor_o take_v the_o oath_n then_o commit_v we_o to_o prison_n note_v that_o the_o say_a act_n for_o the_o better_a observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n prohibit_v the_o serve_v or_o execute_v any_o writ_n process_n warrant_v order_n judgement_n or_o decree_n except_v in_o case_n of_o treason_n felony_n or_o breach_n of_o the_o peace_n if_o in_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o case_n the_o require_v person_n to_o take_v the_o say_a oath_n and_o their_o take_n of_o it_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n to_o excuse_v they_o of_o such_o crime_n than_o that_o oath_n may_v be_v a_o cure_n for_o all_o disease_n or_o enormity_n against_o law_n of_o what_o different_a species_n or_o kind_n soever_o the_o justice_n need_v but_o require_v treasonable_a felonious_a fight_a and_o quarrelsome_a person_n to_o take_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o their_o take_n of_o it_o shall_v quit_v they_o of_o all_o pain_n and_o penalty_n but_o we_o hope_v you_o be_v so_o rational_a as_o to_o understand_v that_o legal_o to_o require_v the_o say_a oath_n be_v a_o distinct_a case_n or_o process_n from_o the_o case_n of_o treason_n felony_n or_o breach_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o require_v the_o say_a oath_n in_o any_o one_o of_o these_o case_n then_o in_o all_o of_o they_o 3_o thly_a in_o his_o lay_v our_o fine_n upon_o other_o person_n and_o imprison_v we_o for_o be_v at_o the_o say_a meeting_n and_o give_v out_o warrant_v to_o break_v open_a their_o door_n and_o distrain_v their_o good_n upon_o a_o false_a pretence_n of_o our_o poverty_n after_o we_o have_v plain_o signify_v the_o contrary_a to_o he_o both_z as_o to_o the_o competency_n of_o our_o estate_n and_o know_a habitation_n so_o as_o he_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o judge_v or_o think_v we_o unable_a but_o beside_o the_o illegality_n hereof_o pray_v what_o justice_n or_o
viz._n imprisonment_n and_o fine_n for_o one_o pretend_a offence_n let_v the_o follow_a ciâ—ation_n be_v a_o copy_n of_o one_o of_o his_o warrant_n for_o levy_v the_o fine_n be_v compare_v with_o his_o warrant_n of_o commitment_n before_o cite_v both_o which_o relate_v to_o the_o say_a meeting_n heâ—d_v the_o 21_o day_n of_o march_n so_o call_v 1679._o city_n and_o county_n of_o norwich_n forasmuch_o as_o thomas_n haward_n of_o the_o parish_n of_o st_n peter_n promountergate_n in_o norwich_n aforesaid_a worsted_n weaver_n do_v stand_v lawful_o convict_v before_o i_o francis_n bacon_n esquire_n justice_n of_o peace_n for_o the_o city_n and_o county_n aforesaid_a for_o be_v present_a with_o divers_a other_o person_n at_o a_o conventicle_n hold_v upon_o sunday_n the_o one_o &_o twenty_o day_n of_o march_n last_o pass_v in_o the_o house_n of_o john_n defrance_n in_o the_o parish_n of_o st_n gregory_n in_o norwich_n aforesaid_a schoolmast_a under_o colour_n or_o pretence_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o other_o manner_n than_o according_a to_o the_o lyturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o against_o the_o statute_n make_v in_o the_o two_o and_o twenty_o year_n of_o our_o present_a king_n reign_n to_o prevent_v and_o suppress_v seditious_a conventicle_n bacon_n fr._n bacon_n for_o which_o he_o the_o say_v thomas_n haward_n be_v fine_v by_o i_o the_o say_v francis_n bacon_n for_o his_o second_o offence_n ten_o shilling_n according_a to_o the_o say_a statute_n and_o whereas_o george_n whitehead_n of_o hounditch_n in_o london_n grocer_n and_o thomas_n burr_n of_o ware_n in_o hartfordshire_n manlster_n do_v also_o stand_v several_o convict_v before_o i_o the_o say_v francis_n bacon_n for_o take_v upon_o themselves_o several_o to_o teach_v in_o the_o say_a conventicle_n whereby_o they_o have_v several_o forfeit_v by_o the_o say_a act_n for_o this_o their_o first_o offence_n twenty_o pound_n a_o piece_n now_o for_o that_o i_o the_o say_v fran_n be_v bacon_n â—o_o in_o my_o judgement_n think_v the_o say_a george_n wâ—…tehead_n and_o thoma_n burr_n unable_a to_o pay_v their_o respective_a forfeiture_n these_o be_v therefore_o to_o authorize_v you_o and_o in_o the_o king_n maâ—…sties_n name_v to_o require_v you_o forthwith_o to_o go_v to_o the_o dwell_a house_n of_o the_o say_v thomas_n haward_n and_o demand_v the_o sum_n of_o ten_o shilling_n for_o his_o say_a second_o offence_n and_o ten_o pound_n be_v the_o moiety_n of_o twenty_o find_v of_o the_o say_v george_n whitehead_v forfeiture_n and_o charge_v upon_o he_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o say_v george_n whitehead_v poverty_n and_o if_o the_o say_v thomas_n haward_n shall_v refuse_v to_o paâ—_n the_o saeme_n or_o deny_v upon_o your_o demand_n to_o open_v his_o door_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o warrant_n then_o to_o break_v they_o open_a and_o enter_v into_o his_o house_n and_z leavy_z the_o say_a sum_n of_o ten_o pound_n and_o ten_o shâ—…ings_n by_o distress_n and_o sale_n of_o the_o good_n and_o chattel_n of_o the_o say_v thomas_n haward_n and_o the_o money_n so_o levy_v deliver_v and_o â—ay_n unto_o i_o the_o say_a francis_n bacon_n to_o be_v by_o i_o distribute_v according_a to_o the_o say_a statute_n and_o for_o your_o so_o do_v this_o shall_v be_v your_o warrant_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o diligent_a execution_n hereof_o fasl_v not_o at_o your_o peril_n give_v under_o my_o hand_n and_o seal_v the_o first_o day_n of_o april_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1680._o to_o the_o constable_n of_o the_o ward_n of_o north_n coniesford_n in_o norwich_n aforesaid_a and_o to_o either_o of_o they_o and_z to_z his_o and_o their_o assistant_n and_o assistant_n exception_n against_o the_o late_a recorder_n require_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n of_o george_n whitehead_n and_o thomas_n burr_n prisoner_n both_o when_o first_o commit_v and_o in_o court_n and_o his_o late_a commitment_n from_o session_n 1_o st_o as_o to_o the_o late_a recorder's_n pretend_v tender_a of_o the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n to_o the_o say_a prisoner_n before_o their_o first_o commitment_n the_o law_n do_v not_o give_v he_o power_n thereunto_o they_o not_o be_v under_o those_o precedent_a cause_n and_o circumstance_n prescribe_v in_o the_o statute_n in_o that_o case_n 95_o 7_o jac._n c._n 6._o dalt_n fol._n 94_o 95_o that_o be_v as_o stand_v indict_v or_o convict_v or_o complain_v of_o by_o the_o respective_a officer_n of_o their_o neighbourhood_n as_o therein_o mention_v nor_o be_v he_o any_o such_o justice_n oâ—_n peace_n near_o a_o join_n to_o the_o place_n of_o the_o say_a prisoner_n dwelling_n as_o the_o law_n also_o directethâ—_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o pâ—isoners_n neighbour_n both_o certain_a officer_n and_o other_o credible_a person_n have_v give_v certificate_n and_o testimony_n on_o their_o behalf_n that_o they_o have_v never_o be_v account_v nor_o repute_v jesuit_n nor_o papist_n nor_o popish_o affect_v 2_o dly_z his_o first_o require_v the_o oath_n of_o the_o say_a prisoner_n be_v make_v void_a and_o reverse_v by_o the_o late_a order_n of_o session_n discharge_v the_o prisoner_n of_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o their_o mittimus_fw-la and_o warrant_n be_v thereby_o make_v no_o tender_a be_v one_o of_o those_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o say_a warrant_n whereof_o the_o prisoner_n be_v discharge_v 3_o dly_z his_o put_v the_o say_a oath_n de_fw-fr novo_fw-la that_o be_v for_o a_o first_o tender_n in_o the_o qâ—arter-session_n to_o the_o say_a prisoner_n appear_v contra_fw-la sormam_fw-la statuti_fw-la against_o the_o form_n of_o the_o statute_n and_o order_n of_o law_n prescribe_v and_o limit_v both_o in_o the_o 3_o jac._n 4._o even_o in_o relation_n to_o popish_a recusant_n and_o 7_o jac._n 6._o more_o general_a whereby_o the_o first_o tender_a of_o the_o say_a oath_n be_v not_o direct_v to_o be_v make_v in_o one_o quarter-session_n and_o the_o second_o in_o another_o but_o contrariwise_o the_o fiâ—st_o tender_a out_o of_o session_n and_o a_o commitment_n of_o the_o person_n refuse_v to_o goal_n until_o the_o next_o assize_n or_o general_a quarter-session_n where_o the_o say_a oath_n shall_v be_v again_o require_v which_o again_o relate_v too_o the_o second_o tender_a in_o open_a assize_n or_o session_n after_o the_o first_o out_o of_o session_n see_v 3_o jac._n 4._o to_o which_o agree_v the_o statute_n of_o the_o 7_o jac._n 6._o in_o relation_n to_o the_o first_o tender_a be_v make_v out_o of_o session_n 209._o dalt_n fol._n 77._o and_o fol._n 209._o and_o the_o second_o in_o session_n in_o these_o word_n viz_o where_o the_o say_a oath_n shall_v be_v again_o in_o the_o say_v open_a session_n require_v etc._n etc._n which_o again_o likewise_o follow_v the_o commitment_n of_o the_o party_n for_o refuse_v on_o the_o first_o tender_v make_v out_o of_o session_n as_o the_o law_n direct_v 4_o thly_a also_o his_o order_v the_o say_a prisoner_n to_o be_v commit_v from_o session_n to_o the_o common_a goal_n there_o to_o remain_v till_o next_o quarter-session_n for_o not_o accept_v his_o de_fw-fr novo_fw-la tender_a in_o session_n appear_v illegal_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o form_n of_o the_o statute_n beforementioned_a and_o course_n of_o proceed_v thereby_o prescribe_v and_o limit_v see_v the_o judgement_n of_o council_n smith_n council_n i.e._n m._n smith_n in_o that_o case_n also_o concern_v the_o three_o warrant_n which_o be_v that_o from_o session_n in_o these_o word_n viz._n i_o conceive_v the_o three_o warrant_n be_v not_o good_a in_o the_o commitment_n for_o as_o it_o be_v true_a that_o act_n say_v the_o offender_n shall_v incur_v a_o praemunire_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o give_v they_o any_o power_n to_o commit_v the_o person_n and_o therefore_o and_o for_o that_o it_o be_v without_o bail_n or_o mainprize_n and_o to_o a_o certain_a time_n and_o not_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o law_n i_o conceive_v it_o be_v against_o law_n etc._n etc._n i_o believe_v the_o lawmaker_n intend_v only_a romish_a recusant_n 5_o thly_a the_o statute_n of_o the_o 3_o jac._n 4._o entitle_v a_o act_n for_o the_o discover_v and_o repress_v of_o popish_a recusant_n upon_o which_o that_o of_o the_o 7_o jac._n 6._o be_v ground_v as_o also_o the_o penalty_n of_o praemunire_n mention_v in_o the_o 16_o of_o r._n 2._o appear_v to_o be_v make_v and_o only_o intend_v against_o popish_a recusant_n and_o such_o agent_n as_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o king_n his_o crown_n and_o regalty_n which_o the_o say_a prisoner_n be_v not_o 1._o from_o the_o preamble_n concern_v the_o powder-plot_n 2._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o oath_n and_o those_o treasonable_a practice_n and_o principle_n thereby_o renounce_v and_o abjure_v 3._o from_o the_o statute_n of_o praemunire_n in_o the_o 16_o r._n 2._o rome_n 2._o entitle_v praemunire_n for_o purchase_v bull_n from_o rome_n and_o the_o penalty_n thereof_o be_v make_v against_o those_o agent_n
against_o they_o the_o say_a george_n whitehead_n and_o thomas_n burr_n be_v order_v to_o be_v discharge_v be_v commit_v by_o order_n of_o the_o last_o session_n to_o remain_v in_o prison_n until_o this_o session_n observe_v that_o although_o we_o must_v needs_o grant_v that_o after_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o prisoner_n case_n and_o suffering_n have_v impression_n upon_o the_o mayor_n release_v mayor_n i.e._n h.c._n who_o mayralty_n be_v out_o before_o the_o prisoner_n be_v release_v and_o justice_n of_o the_o say_a city_n the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v incline_v and_o desirous_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v discharge_v before_o session_n if_o they_o can_v have_v understand_v how_o it_o may_v have_v be_v regular_o do_v their_o eye_n be_v to_o the_o recorder_n advice_n in_o the_o case_n but_o some_o of_o they_o do_v as_o good_a as_o promise_v they_o shall_v be_v discharge_v at_o session_n howbeit_o in_o order_n to_o the_o more_o certain_a obtain_n thereof_o the_o christian_a care_n and_o great_a industry_n of_o some_o friend_n both_o at_o london_n and_o norwich_n on_o the_o say_a prisoner_n behalf_n be_v not_o to_o be_v forget_v and_o particular_o that_o of_o our_o dear_a friend_n william_n mead_n in_o his_o industrious_a endeavour_n and_o hard_a journey_n to_o norwich_n to_o visit_v the_o say_a prisoner_n and_o to_o solicit_v for_o they_o and_o see_v their_o discharge_n effect_v such_o labour_n of_o love_n and_o christian_a charity_n god_n be_v not_o unmindful_a of_o and_o bless_v be_v the_o true_a follower_n of_o christ_n that_o continue_v in_o the_o true_a christian_a spirit_n and_o unfeigned_a love_n one_o to_o another_o unto_o the_o end_n for_o herein_o be_v a_o true_a sympathize_v with_o and_o fellow-feeling_n of_o one_o another_o in_o all_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n the_o religion_n assembly_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n vindicated_n first_o from_o the_o charge_n of_o their_o be_v in_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n second_o from_o the_o charge_n of_o be_v seditious_a conventicle_n mention_v in_o the_o act_n of_o 22_o car._n 2._o three_o from_o the_o charge_n of_o be_v under_o colour_n of_o pretence_n of_o a_o exercise_n of_o religious_a worship_n in_o other_o manner_n thâ—n_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o liturgy_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 1._o to_o the_o first_o objection_n we_o may_v ask_v our_o adversary_n what_o matter_n of_o record_n 2._o record_n 5_o r._n 2._o c._n 7._o 15_o r._n 2._o c._n 2._o they_o can_v just_o make_v against_o we_o the_o say_a people_n of_o due_a conviction_n either_o from_o any_o notorious_a evidence_n of_o fact_n or_o testimony_n of_o credible_a person_n or_o confession_n of_o our_o own_o as_o the_o law_n provide_v of_o any_o formidable_a posture_n that_o we_o meet_v in_o as_o that_o of_o vi_o et_fw-la armis_fw-la or_o any_o menace_a word_n or_o threat_n make_v by_o we_o or_o of_o any_o contrivance_n of_o insurrection_n which_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o law_n and_o reason_n may_v be_v deem_v or_o construe_v to_o be_v in_o terrorem_fw-la populi_n or_o in_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n or_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o râ—ot_n if_o such_o shall_v not_o the_o matter_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o fact_n be_v specify_v upon_o such_o record_n as_o the_o law_n enjoynâ—_n but_o we_o utter_o deny_v that_o we_o ever_o meet_v in_o any_o such_o formidable_a posture_n as_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n or_o tendance_n of_o what_o the_o law_n deem_v in_o terrorem_fw-la populi_n we_o meet_v peaceable_o to_o wait_v upon_o and_o real_o to_o worship_n and_o serve_v the_o almighty_a god_n as_o our_o bind_a duty_n according_a to_o his_o grace_n light_n and_o understanding_n which_o he_o have_v give_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o second_o year_n of_o henry_n the_o 5_o chap._n 8._o it_o be_v provide_v that_o if_o any_o riot_n assembly_n or_o rout_n of_o people_n against_o the_o law_n be_v make_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o realm_n 8._o h._n 5._o c._n 8._o than_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n three_o or_o two_o of_o they_o at_o the_o least_o and_o the_o sheriff_n or_o under-sheriff_n of_o the_o county_n where_o such_o riot_n assembly_n or_o rout_n shall_v be_v make_v hereafter_o shall_v come_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o say_a county_n if_o need_n be_v to_o arrest_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v arrest_v and_o the_o same_o justice_n sheriff_z or_o under-sheriff_n to_o have_v power_n to_o record_v that_o which_o they_o have_v find_v so_o do_v in_o their_o presence_n against_o the_o law_n and_o that_o by_o record_n of_o the_o same_o justice_n sheriff_z or_o under-sheriff_n such_o trespessor_n or_o offender_n shall_v be_v convict_v in_o manner_n and_o form_n as_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o statute_n of_o forcible_o entry_n etc._n etc._n 2.2_o 5_o r._n 2.7_o 1_o r._n 2.2_o and_o in_o the_o same_o statute_n it_o be_v provide_v that_o like_a ordinance_n and_o pain_n shall_v hold_v place_n and_o take_v effect_n in_o city_n burrough_n and_o other_o place_n and_o town_n infranchize_v which_o have_v justice_n of_o the_o peace_n within_o they_o now_o let_v our_o adversary_n and_o persecutor_n answer_v we_o where_o can_v any_o of_o they_o ever_o just_o make_v any_o such_o legal_a and_o due_a conviction_n upon_o record_n against_o we_o for_o any_o such_o riotous_a meeting_n or_o unlawful_a assembly_n on_o our_o part_n as_o have_v be_v real_o in_o itself_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n and_o tendance_n aâ—_n aforesaid_a in_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n we_o positive_o deny_v that_o our_o assembly_n be_v of_o any_o such_o nature_n however_o misrepresent_v by_o our_o adversary_n ii_o objection_n if_o it_o be_v allege_v that_o our_o meeting_n or_o assembly_n be_v contrary_a to_o law_n and_o therefore_o in_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n query_n we_o question_v what_o law_n or_o statute_n they_o be_v contrary_a unto_o obj._n if_o it_o be_v answer_v they_o be_v coutrary_a to_o a_o act_n which_o be_v both_o mandatory_a and_o penal_a make_v in_o the_o two_o and_o twenty_o year_n of_o king_n charles_n the_o second_o entitle_v a_o act_n to_o prevent_v and_o suppress_v seditious_a conventicle_n we_o answer_v 1_o st_o that_o our_o assembly_n be_v no_o such_o as_o seditious_a conventicle_n i.e._n for_o sedition_n strife_n or_o rebellion_n against_o the_o government_n two_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a beg_v the_o question_n to_o term_v our_o assembly_n seditious_a no_o such_o thing_n have_v ever_o be_v prove_v against_o they_o as_o sedition_n that_o be_v explain_v be_v sedition_n explain_v a_o stir_v up_o to_o rebellion_n or_o discord_n a_o raise_v a_o faction_n or_o mutiny_n as_o phillipp_n in_o his_o new_a world_n of_o word_n explain_v it_o but_o our_o assembly_n be_v for_o no_o such_o design_n or_o end_v nor_o can_v ever_o any_o overt_a act_n of_o that_o kind_n or_o tendance_n be_v prove_v or_o just_o chaâ—ged_v against_o we_o in_o relation_n to_o our_o meeting_n or_o otherwise_o therefore_o they_o be_v no_o sedition_n conventicle_n or_o assembly_n three_o our_o assembly_n be_v make_v up_o of_o no_o such_o person_n or_o people_n as_o have_v commit_v any_o such_o dangerous_a practice_n against_o the_o government_n as_o mention_v in_o the_o preamble_n of_o the_o say_a act_n 22_o car._n 2._o though_o rude_a informer_n and_o disturber_n have_v come_v riotous_o and_o with_o violence_n against_o we_o into_o our_o meeting_n neither_o be_v we_o any_o such_o seditious_a sectary_n or_o disloyal_a person_n who_o under_o pretence_n of_o tender_a conscience_n have_v or_o may_v at_o their_o meeting_n contrive_v insurrection_n as_o also_o the_o preamble_n of_o the_o say_a act_n be_v specify_v we_o use_v no_o pretence_n of_o tender_a conscience_n for_o any_o such_o wicked_a end_n or_o design_n the_o all-seeing_a and_o heart-searching_a god_n know_v our_o innocence_n and_o clearness_n herein_o as_o also_o the_o nation_n be_v long_a experience_n can_v witness_v for_o we_o and_o if_o title_n and_o preamble_n of_o law_n be_v the_o key_n of_o law_n and_o do_v evince_n or_o show_v the_o nature_n and_o respective_a intention_n thereof_o than_o this_o say_a act_n against_o seditious_a conventicle_n where_o under_o pretence_n of_o tender_a conscience_n insurrection_n have_v be_v or_o may_v be_v contrive_v do_v not_o extend_v to_o we_o we_o pretend_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o real_o intend_v viz._n the_o spiritual_a worship_n and_o real_a service_n of_o almighty_n god_n who_o search_v our_o heart_n and_o who_o we_o sincere_o reverence_n and_o fear_n iii_o obj._n but_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n incur_v the_o fine_n and_o penalty_n of_o the_o say_a act_n against_o conventicle_n be_v our_o meeting_n under_o colour_n or_o pretence_n of_o a_o
exercise_n of_o religious_a worship_n in_o other_o manner_n than_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o in_o other_o manor_n than_o be_v allow_v thereby_o answ_n we_o answer_v 1_o st_z that_o the_o word_n colour_n or_o pretence_n have_v relation_n to_o the_o preamble_n as_o who_o under_o pretenve_v of_o tender_a conscience_n have_v or_o may_v at_o their_o meeting_n contrive_v insurrection_n as_o late_a experience_n have_v show_v but_o such_o pretence_n or_o colour_n of_o religious_a exercise_n for_o any_o such_o contrivance_n be_v abominable_a deceit_n and_o hypocrifie_n and_o never_o chargeable_a upon_o we_o or_o our_o assembly_n we_o can_v challenge_v the_o whole_a world_n to_o detect_v we_o herein_o 2_o dly_z we_o be_v not_o conscious_a to_o ourselves_o of_o any_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n commit_v in_o our_o assembly_n and_o on_o our_o part_n which_o the_o liturgy_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n allow_v not_o if_o we_o be_v herein_o charge_v let_v we_o know_v what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o have_v do_v in_o our_o assembly_n which_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n allow_v not_o of_o see_v the_o liturgy_n allow_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o we_o be_v sure_o allow_v of_o and_o enjoin_v christian_n assemble_v together_o to_o wait_v upon_o and_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o of_o the_o manner_n thereof_o as_o to_o the_o place_n whether_o in_o house_n or_o abroad_o in_o field_n or_o mountain_n which_o be_v our_o case_n both_z as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o our_o assembly_n obj._n if_o it_o be_v still_o object_v that_o our_o meeting_n be_v under_o colour_n and_o pretence_n of_o a_o exercise_n of_o religious_a worship_n in_o other_o manner_n than_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n answ_n we_o answer_v 1_o st_z what_o that_o exercise_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v that_o be_v in_o other_o manner_n than_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n shall_v be_v explain_v unto_o we_o and_o that_o according_a to_o law_n see_v this_o late_a act_n against_o conventicle_n do_v not_o explain_v what_o manner_n '_o it_o be_v but_o 2_o dly_a we_o find_v in_o a_o statute_n make_v in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n chap._n 2._o that_o that_o other_o manner_n be_v thus_o explain_v viz._n not_o viz._n what_o other_o manner_n the_o liturgy_n allow_v not_o that_o if_o any_o person_n or_o person_n whatsoever_o shall_v by_o open_a fact_n deed_n or_o shall_v by_o open_a threaten_n compel_v or_o cause_n or_o otherwise_o procure_v or_o maintain_v any_o parson_n vicar_n or_o other_o minister_n in_o any_o cathedrial_n or_o parish_n church_n chappel_n or_o in_o any_o other_o place_n to_o sing_v or_o say_v any_o common_a and_o open_a prayer_n or_o to_o minister_v any_o sacrament_n otherwise_o or_o in_o any_o other_o manner_n and_o form_n than_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o say_a book_n etc._n etc._n this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o reach_n our_o case_n we_o be_v not_o find_v guilty_a hereof_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o condemnable_a by_o the_o law_n in_o this_o case_n this_o concern_v the_o clergy_n not_o we_o and_o we_o neither_o threaten_v compel_v cause_n or_o any_o wise_a procure_v or_o maintain_v any_o parson_n vicar_n or_o any_o else_o to_o sing_v or_o say_v any_o common_a or_o open_a prayer_n or_o to_o minister_v any_o sacrament_n in_o any_o cathedrial_n or_o parish-church_n etc._n etc._n we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o that_o we_o compel_v no_o body_n to_o any_o form_n of_o sing_v or_o pray_v in_o god_n worship_n but_o persuade_v man_n to_o serve_v and_o worship_n god_n as_o he_o direct_v and_o for_o that_o end_n desire_v all_o may_v come_v to_o his_o divine_a grace_n and_o good_a spirit_n in_o their_o heart_n to_o guide_v they_o in_o his_o holy_a worship_n both_o as_o to_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o pray_v and_o praise_v his_o name_n that_o they_o may_v serve_v and_o worship_v he_o not_o in_o the_o oldness_n of_o the_o letter_n but_o in_o the_o newness_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o such_o he_o be_v even_o in_o our_o day_n seek_v to_o worship_v he_o as_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o such_o both_o pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o with_o understanding_n according_a to_o the_o ancient_a apostolical_a testimony_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a spiritual_a christian_n norwich_n a_o account_n of_o the_o people_n call_v quaker_n send_v to_o prison_n by_o francis_n bacon_n when_o he_o be_v steward_n and_o also_o since_o he_o be_v recorder_n and_o those_o mayor_n of_o the_o city_n of_o norwich_n who_o join_v with_o he_o since_o the_o late_a act_n against_o conventicle_n 22_o car._n 2._o come_v forth_o 1670._o 1670._o the_o 10_o of_o the_o month_n call_v july_n 1670._o thomas_n buddery_n john_n rust_n edward_n monk_n william_n waymor_n and_o anthony_n alexander_n be_v send_v to_o prison_n upon_o pretence_n of_o a_o riot_n for_o tell_v people_n as_o they_o pass_v to_o the_o mayor_n house_n there_o be_v the_o informer_n when_o people_n be_v inquisitive_a to_o know_v which_o they_o be_v by_o a_o warrant_n from_o the_o then_o mayor_n and_o francis_n bacon_n steward_n signify_v no_o crime_n in_o the_o warâ—…nt_n but_o till_o they_o can_v find_v surety_n for_o the_o behaviour_n where_o they_o be_v in_o prison_n till_o the_o session_n and_o a_o indictment_n bring_v against_o they_o for_o a_o riot_n but_o the_o grand_a jury_n be_v find_v better_a justice_n and_o will_v not_o find_v the_o bill_n they_o be_v detain_v prisoner_n about_o five_o week_n 1670._o 1670._o samuel_n duncon_n and_o anthony_n alexander_n in_o the_o year_n 1670._o make_v their_o appeal_n where_o in_o stead_n of_o have_v justice_n do_v they_o the_o say_a francis_n bacon_n be_v judge_n of_o the_o session_n do_v absolute_o surprise_v they_o by_o his_o illegal_a proceed_n refuse_v to_o give_v they_o a_o copy_n of_o the_o record_n and_o make_v one_o witness_n be_v also_o a_o party_n serve_v his_o turn_n and_o the_o act_n say_v there_o must_v be_v two_o for_o which_o they_o write_v to_o the_o mayor_n steward_z and_o court_n of_o alderman_n tell_v they_o of_o their_o injustice_n and_o for_o so_o do_v they_o be_v commit_v to_o prison_n by_o the_o say_a mayor_n till_o they_o shall_v find_v surety_n for_o their_o appearance_n at_o session_n upon_o pretence_n of_o scandalous_a expression_n in_o their_o say_a letter_n who_o be_v observe_v to_o tremble_v when_o he_o sign_v the_o mittimus_fw-la and_o for_o it_o they_o be_v keep_v prisoner_n about_o a_o year_n 1676._o 1676._o thomas_n atkins_n be_v take_v out_o of_o a_o meet_v the_o 17_o of_o the_o 5_o month_n 1676._o by_o constable_n and_o informer_n and_o be_v have_v before_o the_o mayor_n and_o fr._n bacon_n steward_n and_o several_a alderman_n in_o their_o council-chamber_n some_o of_o they_o be_v very_o bitter_a and_o cruel_a say_v he_o shall_v pay_v his_o 20_o l._n and_o they_o tender_v he_o the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o he_o refuse_v to_o swear_v they_o send_v he_o to_o prison_n where_o he_o be_v detain_v about_o fourteen_o week_n 1678._o 1678._o thomas_n murford_n have_v his_o door_n break_v open_a by_o a_o constable_n have_v a_o warrant_n from_o francis_n bacon_n recorder_n for_o 20_o l._n thomas_n be_v not_o at_o home_n who_o make_v his_o appeal_n when_o he_o come_v home_o but_o the_o recorder_n be_v judge_n and_o have_v a_o jury_n for_o his_o purpose_n carry_v the_o case_n and_o from_o the_o court_n commit_v thomas_n to_o prison_n where_o he_o be_v detain_v twenty_o week_n 1678._o 1678._o simon_n gogny_n be_v send_v to_o prison_n the_o 16_o of_o the_o one_a month_n 1678._o by_o francis_n bacon_n recorder_n till_o he_o shall_v find_v surety_n for_o his_o good_a behaviour_n because_o the_o say_a simon_n speak_v to_o he_o when_o he_o come_v himself_o to_o break_v our_o 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the_o minister_n petty-constable_n and_o churchwarden_n or_o any_o two_o of_o they_o shall_v complain_v to_o any_o justice_n of_o peace_n near_o where_o the_o party_n dwellâ—_n and_o the_o justice_n shall_v find_v cause_n of_o suspicion_n than_o he_o may_v tender_v and_o proceed_v as_o above_o but_o all_o this_o i_o conceive_v with_o clearness_n to_o be_v mean_v and_o intend_v popish_a recusant_n but_o admit_v it_o otherwise_o i_o conceive_v as_o this_o fact_n be_v now_o put_v the_o proceed_n be_v not_o warrantable_a by_o the_o abovesaid_a law_n nor_o any_o other_o for_o here_o be_v no_o such_o presentment_n conviction_n or_o indictment_n as_o the_o law_n requireâ—_n to_o warrant_v either_o the_o first_o or_o second_o tender_a of_o the_o oath_n and_o therefore_o i_o conceive_v the_o party_n grieve_v may_v be_v relieve_v etc._n etc._n thus_o far_o true_o transscribe_v out_o of_o councillor_n smith_n advice_n under_o his_o own_o hand_n the_o premise_n consider_v we_o real_o think_v it_o 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direct_v also_o by_o law_n pray_v view_v the_o statute_n of_o the_o 4_o hen._n 7._o c._n 12._o for_o it_o be_v a_o good_a one_o it_o be_v worth_a your_o read_n judge_v cook_n cite_v it_o 170._o see_v his_o instit_fw-la 4_o part_n fol._n 170._o and_o insist_o upon_o it_o as_o a_o necessary_a caveat_n to_o all_o justice_n of_o peace_n for_o that_o by_o the_o say_a statute_n provision_n be_v make_v for_o any_o subject_n that_o be_v hurt_v or_o grieve_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o remedy_n may_v not_o be_v delay_v or_o defer_v be_v direct_v to_o make_v complaint_n to_o the_o justice_n or_o justice_n and_o to_o desire_v remedy_n and_o if_o he_o have_v no_o remedy_n to_o show_v his_o complaint_n to_o the_o justice_n of_o assize_n if_o it_o be_v nigh_o the_o time_n of_o their_o come_n but_o if_o it_o be_v too_o long_o afore_o their_o come_n than_o the_o grieve_a to_o come_v to_o the_o king_n highness_n or_o his_o chancellor_n and_o show_v his_o grief_n whereupon_o the_o king_n shall_v send_v for_o the_o say_a justice_n to_o know_v the_o cause_n why_o his_o say_a subject_n be_v not_o ease_v and_o if_o he_o find_v any_o of_o they_o in_o default_n in_o these_o premise_n he_o shall_v do_v to_o he_o so_o offend_v to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o commission_n etc._n etc._n and_o now_o as_o we_o can_v in_o good_a conscience_n say_v we_o be_v person_n that_o refuse_v not_o to_o swear_v in_o favour_n to_o any_o principle_n of_o disloyalty_n or_o rebellion_n thus_o much_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o declaration_n of_o allegiance_n contain_v in_o the_o oath_n of_o obedience_n we_o do_v comprehensive_o and_o sincere_o propose_v and_o offer_v viz._n that_o fidelity_n and_o true_a allegiance_n to_o the_o king_n we_o do_v bear_v which_o in_o good_a conscience_n we_o believe_v be_v our_o duty_n in_o opposition_n to_o and_o utter_a abhorrence_n of_o all_o those_o horrid_a seditious_a and_o treasonable_a practice_n principle_n and_o position_n which_o be_v abjure_v and_o renounce_v in_o the_o say_a oath_n this_o declaration_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o he_o who_o search_v all_o heart_n we_o do_v real_o assent_v to_o and_o own_o and_o through_o his_o gracious_a assistance_n hope_v ever_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o fidelity_n and_o innocency_n towards_o the_o king_n who_o god_n preserve_v that_o become_v true_a protestant_a subject_n and_o peaceable-minded_n christian_n desire_v only_o to_o enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o peaceable_a and_o inoffensive_a exercise_n of_o our_o tender_a conscience_n towards_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n that_o he_o may_v direct_v you_o in_o righteousness_n and_o bless_v and_o preserve_v you_o and_o you_o be_v our_o prayer_n also_o your_o friend_n and_o prisoner_n for_o conscience_n sake_n towards_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n g.w._n t.b._n norwich_n goal_n the_o 21_o of_o the_o four_o month_n 1680._o to_o the_o recorder_n and_o steward_n of_o norwich_n the_o account_n of_o the_o prisoner_n case_n more_o comprehensive_o state_v love_v friend_n we_o desire_v you_o will_v take_v no_o exception_n or_o offence_n at_o our_o late_a request_n for_o our_o liberty_n for_o we_o design_v none_o towards_o you_o or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v unwilling_a to_o disoblige_v any_o person_n that_o have_v show_v civility_n to_o we_o in_o any_o kind_n as_o we_o acknowledge_v you_o have_v in_o admit_v we_o some_o discourse_n with_o you_o one_o reason_n of_o our_o say_a request_n be_v because_o the_o other_o justice_n late_o give_v consent_n to_o our_o enlargement_n if_o the_o recorder_n will_v consent_v or_o advise_v thereto_o as_o the_o messenger_n tell_v we_o we_o still_o real_o apprehend_v ourselves_o undue_o proceed_v with_o and_o wrongful_o detain_v by_o the_o late_a recorder_n mean_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o own_o innocency_n and_o of_o the_o injury_n and_o hurt_v we_o have_v divers_a way_n sustain_v by_o this_o our_o confinement_n for_o near_a four_o month_n past_a to_o the_o impair_n our_o health_n afflict_v our_o family_n and_o detriment_n to_o our_o concern_v and_o not_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a in_o point_n of_o law_n how_o unwarrantable_a the_o procedure_n be_v against_o we_o from_o first_o to_o last_o be_v also_o confirm_v in_o our_o weak_a apprehension_n therein_o by_o person_n learn_v in_o the_o law_n as_o council_n have_v late_o give_v it_o under_o hand_n that_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o irregular_a proceed_n throughout_o and_o that_o the_o late_a commitment_n by_o which_o we_o be_v detain_v be_v not_o good_a but_o against_o law_n and_o therefore_o its_o be_v give_v or_o plead_v as_o a_o order_n of_o session_n or_o as_o pro_fw-la curiam_fw-la can_v rational_o argue_v it_o to_o be_v a_o indispensible_a law_n you_o know_v better_o in_o law_n and_o logic_n doubtless_o these_o thing_n consider_v we_o do_v think_v ourselves_o in_o conscience_n oblige_v and_o concern_v as_o english_a man_n with_o respect_n to_o our_o birthrights_a to_o request_v our_o enlargement_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o this_o city_n howbeit_o we_o charitable_o hope_v that_o right_o be_v intend_v we_o when_o you_o be_v in_o statu_fw-la quo_fw-la i.e._n at_o next_o session_n which_o be_v the_o most_o as_o we_o can_v rational_o suppose_v can_v be_v allege_v for_o our_o detention_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n by_o the_o say_a order_n and_o according_a to_o your_o advice_n we_o have_v be_v and_o intend_v to_o be_v patient_a till_o your_o quarter-session_n see_v that_o before_o it_o be_v not_o think_v regular_a to_o discharge_v we_o so_o that_o then_o we_o hope_v no_o further_a occasion_n will_v be_v seek_v to_o prolong_v we_o in_o prison_n but_o that_o as_o prudent_a man_n you_o will_v better_o consider_v our_o right_n and_o your_o own_o repution_n we_o can_v but_o remember_v how_o little_a care_n of_o due_a method_n and_o regularity_n francis_n bacon_n have_v in_o get_v we_o into_o prison_n consider_v how_o much_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v now_o for_o our_o discharge_n 1_o st_o we_o be_v apprehend_v put_v in_o prison_n and_o detain_v for_o some_o hour_n upon_o his_o verbal_a order_n without_o any_o examination_n or_o mittimus_fw-la be_v send_v the_o sheriff_n to_o do_v it_o 2_o dly_z then_o we_o be_v have_v before_o he_o and_o fine_v on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o meeting_n 3_o dly_z then_o because_o we_o do_v not_o deposit_v the_o fine_n he_o commit_v we_o to_o goal_n for_o the_o same_o meeting_n by_o a_o warrant_n only_o in_o his_o own_o and_o not_o in_o the_o king_n name_n 4_o thly_a then_o he_o lay_v our_o fine_n upon_o other_o upon_o a_o false_a and_o groundless_a pretence_n of_o our_o poverty_n so_o he_o award_v two_o punishment_n for_o one_o suppose_a offence_n i.e._n imprisonment_n and_o fine_n contrary_a to_o the_o act_n in_o that_o case_n 22_o car._n 2._o which_o intend_v not_o imprisonment_n then_o observe_v his_o contradiction_n
the_o second_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a the_o first_o shall_v be_v insist_v on_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o latter_a consider_v that_o axiom_n or_o principle_n i.e._n benigna_fw-la &_o favorabilis_fw-la interpretatio_fw-la semper_fw-la praeferenda_fw-la est_fw-la praesertim_fw-la simateria_fw-la legis_fw-la sit_fw-la poenalis_fw-la &_o ediosa_fw-la i.e._n a_o gentle_a and_o favourable_a interpretation_n ought_v always_o to_o be_v prefer_v especial_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v penal_a or_o grievous_a to_o conclude_v on_o some_o question_n and_o consideration_n instead_o of_o a_o argument_n more_o absolute_a though_o the_o statute_n beforementioned_a i.e._n 3_o jac._n c._n 4._o and_o 7_o jac._n c._n 6._o be_v not_o actual_o repeal_v yet_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o they_o do_v give_v the_o justice_n power_n to_o require_v the_o say_a oath_n universal_o of_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o present_a king_n and_o to_o prosecute_v they_o to_o a_o praemunire_n thereupon_o for_o not_o take_v it_o 1_o st_o consider_v that_o the_o form_n of_o the_o say_a oath_n be_v limit_v and_o prescribe_v by_o the_o say_a statute_n to_o be_v take_v respective_o in_o king_n james_n his_o name_n and_o by_o his_o subject_n for_o the_o trial_n how_o they_o stand_v affect_v in_o point_n of_o their_o loyalty_n and_o due_a obedience_n and_o not_o mutatis_fw-la mutandis_fw-la in_o the_o name_n of_o king_n charles_n the_o second_o and_o by_o his_o subject_n in_o general_a or_o without_o exception_n it_o be_v king_n james_n his_o subject_n and_o not_o those_o of_o king_n charles_n the_o second_o after_o his_o decease_n that_o be_v by_o those_o law_n require_v to_o take_v it_o and_o thereby_o be_v bind_v to_o he_o and_o his_o heir_n the_o allegiance_n be_v to_o he_o and_o his_o heir_n but_o how_o do_v these_o empower_v the_o administer_a of_o that_o oath_n of_o king_n james_n to_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o heir_n that_o these_o law_n seem_v not_o to_o warrant_v therefore_o how_o can_v the_o say_a oath_n be_v legal_o require_v by_o the_o same_o law_n of_o the_o subject_n of_o king_n charles_n the_o second_o or_o any_o of_o they_o run_v to_o a_o praemunire_n thereupon_o without_o be_v reinforce_v or_o renew_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o can_v that_o be_v without_o mutatis_fw-la mutandis_fw-la king_n charles_n the_o second_o in_o the_o oath_n instead_o of_o king_n james_n etc._n james_n but_o it_o may_v be_v hope_v that_o after_o these_o many_o year_n experience_n more_o safe_a expedient_n may_v be_v find_v out_o for_o secure_v the_o king_n and_o government_n than_o this_o or_o other_o oath_n for_o those_o that_o be_v perfidious_a can_v easy_o break_v over_o such_o hedge_n and_o those_o that_o be_v know_v to_o be_v of_o peaceable_a conversation_n need_v they_o not_o nor_o be_v it_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o prince_n to_o be_v render_v jealous_a or_o suspicious_a of_o their_o peaceable_a subject_n by_o such_o tie_n and_o shakle_n which_o produce_v not_o a_o true_a natural_a allegiance_n for_o even_o the_o present_a king_n in_o his_o declaration_n dec._n 26_o 1662._o have_v declare_v his_o royal_a dignity_n and_o greatness_n much_o more_o happy_o &_o secure_o found_v on_o his_o clemency_n and_o his_o subject_n love_n than_o in_o their_o fear_n &_o his_o power_n further_n add_v these_o word_n the_o sole_a strength_n and_o security_n we_o shall_v ever_o confide_v in_o shall_v be_v the_o heart_n and_o affection_n of_o our_o subject_n endear_v and_o confirm_v to_o we_o etc._n etc._n observation_n for_o as_o judge_v cook_n say_v neither_o can_v any_o oath_n allow_v by_o the_o common_a law_n or_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n be_v alter_v but_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n etc._n etc._n 165._o cook_n instit_fw-la 3_o part_n fol._n 165._o as_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o king_n privy-council_n the_o justice_n the_o sheriff_n etc._n etc._n be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v alter_v and_o enlarge_v but_o that_o be_v do_v by_o authority_n of_o parliament_n for_o further_a proof_n whereof_o say_v he_o see_v the_o statute_n here_o quote_v and_o it_o shall_v evident_o appear_v that_o no_o old_a oath_n can_v be_v alter_v or_o new_a oath_n raise_v without_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n or_o any_o oath_n minister_v by_o any_o that_o have_v not_o allowance_n by_o the_o common_a law_n or_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n vide_fw-la 5_o r._n 2._o c._n 12._o 6_o r._n 2._o c._n 12._o 4_o h._n 4._o c._n 18._o 2_o h._n 5._o c._n 7._o 8_o e._n 4._o cap._n 2._o 1_o r._n 3._o c._n 6_o and_o 15._o 19_o h._n 7._o c._n 14._o 14_o h._n 8._o c._n 2._o 23_o h._n 8._o c._n 5._o 3_o h._n 8._o c._n 5._o 23_o h._n 8._o c._n 46._o 2_o e._n 6._o c._n 13._o 27_o eliz._n c._n 12._o 3_o jac._n 4._o mag._n char._n c._n 6._o stanf._n pr._n 17._o f._n n._n b._n 264._o w._n 1._o 3_o e._n 3._o c._n 40._o 18_o e._n 3._o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n it_o be_v resolve_v in_o parliament_n hold_v anno_fw-la 43_o eliz._n that_o the_o commission_n concern_v polices_fw-la of_o assurance_n can_v not_o examine_v upon_o oath_n because_o they_o have_v no_o warrant_n either_o by_o the_o common_a law_n or_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v enact_v at_o that_o parliament_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o the_o say_a commissioner_n to_o examine_v witness_n upon_o oath_n etc._n etc._n oath_n that_o have_v no_o warrant_n by_o law_n be_v rather_o nova_fw-la tormenta_fw-mi quam_fw-la sacramenta_fw-la and_o it_o be_v a_o high_a contempt_n to_o minister_v a_o oath_n without_o warrant_n of_o law_n to_o be_v punish_v by_o fine_a and_o imprisonment_n observe_v another_o instance_n 2_o dly_z in_o the_o 12_o year_n of_o the_o present_a king_n it_o be_v enact_v by_o the_o parliament_n 24._o 12_o car._n 2._o c._n 23_o 24._o that_o no_o person_n shall_v be_v employ_v in_o any_o office_n relate_v to_o the_o excise_n until_o they_o shall_v take_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o supremacy_n before_o two_o or_o more_o justices_z of_o peace_n together_o with_o the_o oath_n therein_o insert_v mutatis_fw-la mutandis_fw-la and_o likewise_o it_o be_v enact_v 14_o car._n 2._o c._n 3._o that_o no_o person_n be_v under_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o peer_n in_o this_o realm_n shall_v be_v capable_a of_o act_v as_o lieutenant_n deputy-lieutenant_n officer_n etc._n etc._n unless_o he_o or_o they_o shall_v first_o take_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o supremacy_n etc._n etc._n consider_v hence_o whether_o the_o make_v these_o new_a law_n in_o car._n 2._o do_v not_o argue_v the_o old_a law_n cite_v insufficient_a in_o the_o same_o case_n of_o require_v the_o say_a oath_n now_o by_o a_o act_n in_o the_o thirty_o year_n of_o the_o present_a king_n entitle_v a_o act_n for_o the_o more_o effectual_a preserve_v the_o king_n person_n and_o government_n 2._o 30_o car._n 2._o it_o be_v enact_v that_o no_o person_n shall_v vote_n or_o sit_v in_o the_o house_n of_o peer_n or_o house_n of_o commons_o until_o he_o first_o take_v the_o several_a oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o supremacy_n and_o observe_v that_o the_o refusal_n by_o these_o act_n do_v not_o incur_v a_o proemunire_n but_o only_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o their_o place_n or_o office_n and_o what_o necessity_n can_v there_o be_v of_o these_o act_n in_o king_n charles_n the_o second_o if_o these_o in_o king_n james_n be_v sufficient_a or_o not_o expire_v especial_o as_o to_o that_o severe_a penalty_n of_o paemunire_n meet_o for_o refuse_v of_o that_o oath_n as_o it_o be_v require_v in_o terminis_fw-la by_o those_o law_n of_o king_n james_n for_o in_o the_o 7_o jac._n cap._n 6._o the_o member_n of_o parliament_n be_v require_v to_o take_v the_o say_a oath_n as_o it_o be_v to_o king_n james_n and_o in_o his_o name_n if_o that_o be_v still_o in_o force_n and_o sufficient_a what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o any_o new_a law_n as_o before_o to_o require_v it_o of_o subject_n under_o the_o same_o circumstance_n now_o as_o then_o to_o conclude_v the_o penalty_n of_o praemunire_n be_v so_o severe_a that_o it_o be_v more_o suitable_a for_o rebel_n or_o person_n break_v their_o allegiance_n to_o the_o king_n than_o for_o person_n only_o refuse_v to_o swear_v it_o mere_o for_o conscience_n sake_n whilst_o they_o faithful_o perform_v their_o allegiance_n and_o intend_v no_o other_o but_o to_o demean_v themselves_o as_o peaceable_a mind_a christian_n and_o true_a protestant_a subject_n a_o more_o general_a plea_n in_o the_o prisoner_n case_n and_o behalf_n relate_v both_o to_o conscience_n reason_n and_o equity_n first_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n second_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o penalty_n of_o a_o praemunire_n according_a as_o both_o be_v clear_o specify_v in_o the_o title_n preamble_n and_o purport_n of_o the_o statute_n &_o in_o
the_o nature_n of_o the_o oath_n itself_o in_o that_o case_n make_v and_o provide_v i.e._n 3_o jac._n c._n 4._o and_o 7_o jac._n c._n 6._o and_o 16_o r._n 2._o c._n 5._o anno_fw-la tertio_fw-la jacobi_n regis_fw-la cap._n 4._o the_o title_n a_o act_n for_o discover_v and_o repress_v of_o popish_a recusant_n for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v find_v by_o daily_a experience_n that_o many_o his_o majesty_n subject_n that_o adhere_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o the_o popish_a religion_n by_o infection_n draw_v from_o thence_o and_o by_o the_o wicked_a and_o devilish_a counsel_n of_o jesuit_n seminary_n etc._n etc._n be_v so_o far_o pervert_v in_o the_o point_n of_o their_o loyalty_n and_o due_a allegiance_n unto_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o the_o crown_n of_o england_n as_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o entertain_v and_o execute_v any_o treasonable_a conspiracy_n and_o practice_n as_o evident_o appear_v by_o that_o more_o than_o barbarous_a and_o horrible_a attempt_n to_o have_v blow_v up_o with_o gunpowder_n the_o king_n queen_n prince_z lord_n and_o commons_o in_o the_o house_n of_o parliament_n assemble_v tend_v to_o the_o utter_a subvertion_n of_o the_o whole_a state_n late_o undertake_v by_o the_o instigation_n of_o jesuit_n and_o seminary_n and_o in_o advancement_n of_o their_o religion_n by_o their_o scholar_n teach_v and_o instruct_v by_o they_o to_o that_o purpose_n and_o divers_a person_n popish_o affect_v the_o better_a to_o cover_v and_o hide_v their_o false_a heart_n and_o with_o the_o more_o safety_n to_o attend_v the_o opportunity_n to_o execute_v their_o mischievous_a design_n repair_v sometime_o to_o church_n to_o escape_v the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n in_o that_o behalf_n provide_v from_o all_o which_o observe_v first_o who_o be_v intend_v appear_v by_o the_o title_n i.e._n popish_a recusant_n second_o that_o by_o the_o preamable_a here_o be_v more_o than_o a_o bare_a suspicion_n of_o many_o the_o king_n subject_n be_v by_o the_o devilish_a counsel_n of_o jesuit_n thus_o far_o pervert_v in_o those_o day_n that_o it_o be_v find_v by_o daily_a experience_n three_o that_o the_o effect_n and_o influence_n that_o such_o perversion_n have_v on_o they_o be_v that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o execute_v any_o treasonable_a conspiracy_n and_o practice_n four_o the_o discovery_n and_o experience_n of_o such_o treasonable_a conspiracy_n proceed_v from_o such_o perversion_n scil_n that_o horrible_a attempt_n to_o have_v blow_v up_o with_o gunpowder_n the_o king_n queen_n prince_z lord_n and_o commons_o in_o the_o house_n of_o parliament_n assemble_v by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o this_o be_v a_o manifest_a and_o most_o grievous_a occasion_n as_o it_o be_v specify_v and_o that_o of_o a_o very_a high_a nature_n in_o itself_o most_o barbarous_a criminal_a and_o treasonable_a which_o be_v chargeable_a upon_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o jesuit_n and_o seminary_n do_v so_o far_o render_v their_o follower_n suspicious_a that_o provision_n by_o this_o act_n and_o oath_n of_o obedienee_n be_v make_v and_o intend_v for_o their_o discovery_n and_o suppression_n now_o let_v honesty_n truth_n conscience_n and_o common_a reason_n judge_n in_o the_o case_n what_o equity_n and_o justice_n can_v there_o be_v to_o pursue_v the_o peaceable_a and_o innocent_a people_n call_v quaker_n upon_o this_o or_o any_o other_o act_n ground_v thereon_o and_o to_o run_v they_o to_o a_o praemunire_n to_o the_o utter_a forfeiture_n and_o loss_n of_o their_o estate_n and_o liberty_n or_o to_o make_v the_o say_a oath_n a_o mere_a snare_n to_o they_o for_o their_o scruple_v to_o take_v it_o pure_o upon_o a_o conscientious_a account_n and_o not_o upon_o any_o such_o wicked_a principle_n of_o disloyalty_n as_o be_v either_o treasonable_a or_o tend_v to_o the_o subvertion_n of_o the_o government_n or_o state_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o be_v clear_a and_o innocent_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o man_n from_o all_o such_o wicked_a principle_n attempt_n and_o practice_n and_o never_o chargeable_a in_o the_o least_o therewith_o since_o we_o be_v a_o people_n what_o great_a injustice_n both_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n angel_n and_o man_n be_v it_o for_o any_o that_o be_v appoint_v minister_n of_o justice_n and_o right_n to_o make_v the_o say_a oath_n a_o mere_a trap_n and_o a_o snare_n to_o run_v we_o out_o of_o our_o liberty_n property_n and_o estate_n on_o this_o occasion_n if_o king_n james_n be_v account_v a_o merciful_a prince_n not_o will_v the_o innocent_a shall_v share_v of_o the_o severity_n due_a to_o the_o guilty_a in_o signify_v that_o his_o intent_n in_o publish_v this_o oath_n be_v to_o make_v a_o separation_n between_o catholic_n of_o a_o peaceable_a disposition_n and_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n good_a subject_n as_o have_v be_v report_v and_o such_o catholic_n as_o maintain_v the_o rebellious_a principle_n of_o the_o powder_n trator_n according_a as_o he_o himself_o signify_v how_o much_o more_o ought_v there_o to_o be_v a_o distinction_n make_v between_o the_o peaceable_a protestant_n and_o such_o seditious_a and_o evil_a principled_a papist_n for_o who_o the_o oath_n and_o penalty_n of_o praemunire_n be_v first_o intend_v so_o as_o not_o to_o run_v they_o upon_o such_o protestant_n who_o be_v both_o of_o a_o peaceable_a disposition_n and_o conversation_n their_o dissent_v from_o the_o persecutor_n in_o point_n of_o worship_n be_v pure_o conscientious_a and_o tender_a towards_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o a_o real_a reformation_n from_o popery_n both_o as_o to_o the_o root_n branch_n and_o relic_n thereof_o which_o be_v clear_o our_o case_n if_o king_n james_n be_v not_o willing_a that_o pâ—aceable_a papist_n shall_v be_v run_v to_o a_o praemunire_n why_o shall_v peaceable_a protestant_n be_v more_o severe_o deal_v withal_o or_o run_v to_o a_o praemunire_n for_o their_o conscientious_o scruple_v only_o to_o swear_v allegiance_n religion_n allegiance_n allegiance_n king_n james_n apology_n for_o the_o oath_n of_o fidelity_n fâ—l_n i._o quod_fw-la non_fw-la tam_fw-la eo_fw-la fâ—ebat_fw-la etc._n etc._n i.e._n which_o be_v do_v or_o make_v not_o so_o much_o that_o subject_n of_o better_a note_n may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o rebel_n a_fw-la perduellibus_fw-la which_o deny_v just_a obedience_n to_o the_o king_n but_o especial_o that_o i_o may_v discern_v or_o sever_v secernerem_fw-la they_o who_o addict_v to_o the_o opinion_n of_o popery_n yet_o have_v not_o abjure_v fidelity_n from_o such_o who_o carry_v awaâ—_n with_o the_o whimsy_n or_o phanaticism_n vertigine_fw-la of_o the_o same_o zeal_n with_o the_o gunpowder_n traitor_n will_v not_o be_v hold_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o natural_a obediencâ—_n and_o believe_v that_o all_o plot_n and_o treasonable_a crime_n be_v excuse_v by_o the_o only_a disparity_n of_o religion_n and_o what_o proportion_n or_o equality_n can_v there_o be_v between_o our_o suppose_a offence_n and_o the_o penalty_n there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o our_o refuse_v to_o swear_v allegiance_n be_v out_o of_o disaffection_n to_o the_o king_n than_o that_o our_o refuse_v to_o swear_v in_o our_o own_o concern_v to_o preserve_v our_o just_a right_n be_v out_o of_o disaffection_n to_o ourselves_o the_o king_n lose_v nothing_o by_o our_o not_o swear_v allegiance_n to_o he_o whilst_o we_o perform_v it_o but_o we_o sometime_o suffer_v loss_n and_o detriment_n by_o not_o swear_v in_o our_o private_a concern_v therefore_o our_o scruple_v a_o oath_n and_o refuse_v to_o swear_v allegiance_n be_v pure_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o not_o from_o any_o principle_n of_o disloyalty_n to_o the_o king_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v from_o any_o disrespect_n to_o ourselves_o or_o our_o own_o interest_n it_o be_v not_o unknown_a but_o general_o believe_v that_o jesuit_n and_o pope_n agent_n in_o these_o day_n can_v equivocal_o take_v the_o say_a r.r._n say_a say_a the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n of_o great_a britain_n by_o g_z g._n on_o that_o year_n 1605._o p_o 272._o upon_o the_o make_n this_o act_n the_o pope_n dispatch_v two_o breves_fw-la into_o england_n prohibit_v all_o catholic_n to_o take_v this_o oath_n so_o destructive_a to_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n exhort_v they_o to_o suffer_v persecution_n and_o manful_o to_o endure_v martyrdom_n notwithstanding_o all_o which_o this_o oath_n be_v tender_v be_v general_o take_v by_o catholic_n without_o any_o scruple_n and_o particular_o gen._n black-well_a archpriest_n of_o the_o english_a be_v apprehend_v and_o cast_v into_o prison_n by_o take_v this_o oath_n wrought_v his_o own_o enlargement_n this_o oath_n be_v minister_v immediate_o after_o the_o put_v forth_o of_o a_o proclamation_n which_o command_v all_o seminary_n and_o jesuit_n to_o depart_v the_o land_n abide_v king_n james_n write_v a_o apology_n for_o the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n together_o with_o a_o premonition_n to_o all_o monarch_n king_n free_a prince_n and_o state_n