smell_v in_o history_n than_o that_o of_o a_o bonner_n they_o will_v sure_o steer_v another_o course_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v think_v well_o to_o weigh_v with_o themselves_o that_o of_o vis_fw-fr unita_fw-la est_fw-la fortior_fw-la and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o divide_a house_n while_o by_o a_o fatal_a disagreement_n with_o their_o brethren_n about_o outward_a form_n and_o unnecessary_a circumstance_n they_o render_v themselves_o less_o able_a to_o withstand_v the_o impetuosity_n of_o daily_a menace_v popery_n that_o be_v nothing_o the_o decree_n be_v go_v forth_o and_o must_v be_v obey_v and_o though_o the_o preamble_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v avoid_v the_o body_n of_o it_o more_o explanatory_n of_o itself_o admit_v no_o evasion_n for_o the_o law_n positive_o say_v that_o if_o any_o person_n or_o person_n above_o the_o age_n of_o sixteen_o year_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v present_a at_o any_o assembly_n conventicle_n or_o meet_v under_o colour_n or_o pretence_n of_o any_o exercise_n of_o religion_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 etc._n etc._n where_o there_o shall_v be_v five_o or_o more_o person_n assemble_v over_o and_o above_o those_o of_o the_o household_n etc._n etc._n as_o to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o word_n whoever_o shall_v be_v present_a at_o any_o assembly_n or_o meeting_n under_o pretence_n or_o colour_n of_o any_o exercise_n of_o religion_n etc._n etc._n some_o question_n do_v arise_v upon_o the_o fair_a account_n of_o reason_n and_o policy_n 1._o whether_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n extend_v themselves_o to_o such_o a_o exercise_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v true_o christian_a and_o according_a to_o the_o direct_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n 2._o or_o whether_o only_o such_o a_o religion_n as_o carry_v only_o a_o pretence_n and_o colour_n without_o any_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n as_o to_o the_o first_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o christian_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n carry_v with_o it_o a_o pretence_n and_o colour_n as_o well_o as_o the_o false_a one_o though_o it_o be_v only_o that_o of_o serve_v and_o perform_v our_o duty_n to_o god_n now_o than_o it_o can_v never_o be_v imagine_v that_o the_o intention_n of_o this_o law_n be_v ever_o to_o prevent_v the_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n and_o true_a piety_n let_v the_o place_n or_o the_o number_n be_v more_o or_o less_o in_o a_o rational_a proportion_n for_o if_o so_o the_o statute_n will_v be_v void_a in_o itself_o in_o regard_n that_o all_o unbiased_a casuist_n lawyer_n and_o divine_n agree_v that_o all_o humane_a law_n make_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la annul_v as_o to_o any_o obligation_n upon_o the_o conscience_n see_v therefore_o it_o can_v be_v think_v that_o this_o law_n intend_v the_o destruction_n of_o itself_o there_o must_v be_v a_o look_v backward_o to_o the_o reason_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o law_n which_o from_o the_o preamble_n be_v apparent_a to_o be_v only_o the_o prevention_n of_o disloyalty_n and_o insurrection_n for_o the_o repose_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o kingdom_n now_o then_o let_v a_o meeting_n be_v suppose_v though_o of_o more_o than_o five_o or_o ten_o yet_o if_o at_o this_o meet_v there_o be_v nothing_o do_v that_o tend_v to_o disloyalty_n insurrection_n or_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n the_o law_n have_v its_o end_n and_o can_v take_v no_o far_o notice_n there_o be_v no_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n and_o consequent_o no_o occasion_n of_o punishment_n and_o this_o be_v collect_v from_o reason_n itself_o for_o shall_v any_o other_o construction_n be_v put_v upon_o the_o word_n it_o will_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o intend_v to_o prevent_v the_o true_a and_o real_a worship_n of_o god_n under_o pretence_n of_o innovation_n and_o disloyalty_n a_o thought_n a_o intention_n which_o it_o be_v a_o crime_n to_o imagine_v such_o worthy_a and_o pious_a legislator_n ever_o dream_v of_o however_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v strain_v in_o the_o absence_n of_o its_o maker_n now_o that_o such_o a_o mean_v of_o the_o act_n as_o it_o be_v enforce_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v apparent_a from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o act_v 28._o and_o paul_n dwell_v two_o year_n in_o his_o hire_a house_n and_o receive_v all_o that_o come_v to_o he_o preach_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n no_o man_n forbid_v he_o 1_o tim._n 2._o i_o will_v therefore_o that_o man_n pray_v every_o where_o with_o several_a other_o nor_o will_v it_o serve_v as_o a_o objection_n to_o say_v that_o the_o time_n be_v otherwise_o now_o that_o there_o be_v such_o plenty_n of_o public_a church_n for_o if_o they_o be_v possess_v by_o such_o as_o will_v not_o admit_v their_o fellow-christians_a to_o come_v together_o without_o prejudice_n to_o their_o conscience_n it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o they_o as_o if_o those_o place_n be_v not_o at_o all_o which_o be_v a_o clear_a confirmation_n that_o god_n may_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n in_o any_o place_n or_o at_o any_o time_n it_o be_v as_o clear_v that_o the_o mean_v of_o this_o law_n can_v reach_v the_o exercise_n of_o real_a piety_n for_o if_o the_o worship_n in_o itself_o be_v evil_a it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v endure_v in_o four_o if_o consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o number_n of_o fourscore_o can_v render_v it_o criminal_a but_o here_o in_o regard_n there_o be_v so_o much_o insist_v and_o stress_n put_v upon_o the_o word_n conventicle_n it_o will_v be_v much_o to_o be_v clear_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o act_n to_o inquire_v in_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o word_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o take_v too_o unwary_o in_o a_o ill_a sense_n by_o those_o that_o will_v extend_v the_o reason_n and_o meaning_n of_o this_o act_n beyond_o its_o limit_n a_o conventicle_n then_o in_o the_o general_a sense_n be_v a_o certain_a place_n appoint_v for_o the_o assemble_v and_o come_v together_o of_o people_n to_o some_o purpose_n or_o other_o in_o the_o particular_a sense_n it_o signify_v the_o assembly_n itself_o there_o meet_v if_o then_o the_o purpose_n be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o divine_a worship_n it_o will_v be_v fit_a next_o to_o inquire_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o church-assemble_o and_o a_o conventicle-assemble_o that_o which_o constitute_v a_o church_n be_v a_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n of_o people_n call_v to_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n by_o prayer_n by_o teach_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o the_o due_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o this_o assembly_n be_v the_o holy_a trinity_n in_o general_a particular_o christ_n the_o form_n of_o this_o assembly_n consist_v in_o a_o double_a communion_n of_o the_o assembly_n with_o christ_n as_o the_o head_n and_o of_o the_o particular_a member_n among_o themselves_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o assembly_n be_v the_o person_n or_o several_a member_n call_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o end_n of_o this_o assembly_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o salvation_n the_o mark_n of_o the_o real_a christianity_n and_o legality_n of_o this_o assembly_n be_v the_o true_a preach_v the_o word_n and_o due_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n if_o then_o the_o same_o substantial_a efficient_a cause_n the_o same_o substantial_a matter_n the_o same_o substantial_a form_n the_o same_o substantial_a end_n the_o same_o substantial_a mark_n of_o a_o true_o christian_a assembly_n be_v find_v in_o a_o house_n or_o any_o other_o convenient_a place_n though_o not_o adorn_v with_o steeple_n or_o stone_n arch_n call_v they_o presbyterian_o or_o dissenter_n or_o what_o you_o please_v they_o centre_n the_o main_a fundamental_o of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n differ_v only_o in_o some_o slight_a and_o outward_a ceremony_n and_o be_v therefore_o a_o essential_a body_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o external_n circumstance_n in_o dispute_n they_o be_v to_o be_v argue_v and_o determine_v among_o themselves_o not_o by_o the_o arbitrary_a power_n of_o a_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n who_o be_v a_o officer_n only_o of_o the_o peace_n and_o not_o of_o the_o conscience_n so_o that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v think_v that_o the_o determination_n of_o christian_a prudence_n will_v ever_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v rational_a that_o this_o law_n be_v ever_o make_v for_o the_o prevention_n of_o such_o conventicle_n which_o must_v prove_v the_o suppression_n of_o much_o true_a piety_n and_o devotion_n this_o make_v some_o people_n think_v that_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v in_o a_o very_a weak_a condition_n and_o most_o deficient_a of_o itself_o when_o it_o be_v so_o earnest_a and_o clamorous_a after_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o indeed_o
it_o be_v easy_o demonstrable_a in_o story_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o advance_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o england_n than_o the_o weakness_n which_o henry_n 8._o perceive_v in_o the_o argument_n which_o the_o papist_n bring_v against_o the_o reformer_n in_o all_o their_o dispute_n and_o therefore_o a_o convocation_n dispute_v have_v be_v much_o more_o proper_a for_o this_o controversy_n than_o the_o destructive_a argument_n of_o distress_n and_o crown_n office_n writ_n which_o if_o it_o be_v put_v to_o the_o test_n there_o be_v many_o that_o question_n whether_o the_o law-provoker_n may_v not_o come_v by_o the_o worst_a for_o as_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v call_v the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o true_a worship_n true_a religion_n have_v none_o but_o what_o god_n have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n and_o they_o be_v look_v upon_o either_o as_o part_n or_o help_v to_o our_o devotion_n as_o part_n of_o devotion_n they_o consist_v in_o promulgation_n of_o the_o word_n the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n which_o require_v also_o decent_a composure_n of_o gesture_n and_o posture_n as_o help_v to_o devotion_n they_o be_v divide_v into_o fast_v and_o vow_n and_o these_o be_v all_o the_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n of_o true_a worship_n ceremony_n of_o form_n be_v apt_a to_o wander_v into_o superstition_n if_o not_o plain_a idolatry_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o some_o unbiased_a person_n not_o without_o reason_n fear_v that_o the_o dissenter_n who_o have_v abandon_v all_o will_v have_v much_o more_o argument_n on_o their_o side_n than_o they_o whoretain_v some_o it_o be_v thus_o apparent_a that_o the_o law_n be_v never_o intend_v to_o prevent_v such_o assembly_n who_o only_a end_n of_o meet_v be_v to_o worship_n and_o glorify_v god_n and_o that_o too_o according_a to_o the_o same_o fundamental_o which_o the_o statute_n enforcer_n profess_v it_o now_o remain_v to_o examine_v whether_o the_o evidence_n offer_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o dissenter_n guilty_a of_o the_o crime_n assign_v by_o the_o law_n viz._n disloyalty_n and_o insurrection_n first_o then_o as_o for_o colour_n and_o pretence_n they_o be_v only_a non-appearance_n lodge_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o be_v only_o disclose_v to_o the_o omniscience_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o to_o judge_v of_o colour_n and_o pretence_n appertain_v only_o to_o god_n and_o not_o to_o any_o law_n from_o whence_o arise_v that_o common_a maxim_n that_o de_fw-fr non_fw-fr apperentibus_fw-la the_o law_n take_v no_o cognizance_n much_o less_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o a_o informer_n to_o make_v oath_n of_o colour_n or_o pretence_n until_o colour_n and_o pretence_n break_v forth_o into_o some_o overt_a and_o apparent_a act_n which_o may_v afford_v matter_n for_o testimony_n and_o proof_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o unless_o there_o be_v due_a and_o sufficient_a proof_n make_v of_o false_a doctrine_n seditious_a word_n or_o contrivance_n tend_v to_o insurrection_n and_o disloyalty_n which_o be_v the_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n and_o law_n can_v never_o punish_v where_o there_o be_v no_o breach_n commit_v nor_o do_v the_o conscience_n of_o any_o magistrate_n oblige_v he_o to_o sine_fw-la and_o levy_v upon_o the_o bare_a information_n of_o colour_n or_o pretence_n as_o for_o the_o addition_n of_o those_o word_n do_v or_o may_v contrive_v it_o seem_v somewhat_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n that_o plot_n and_o contrivance_n shall_v ever_o be_v carry_v on_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o woman_n and_o child_n so_o that_o the_o fear_n seem_v only_o to_o be_v of_o the_o teacher_n move_v the_o people_n to_o sedition_n but_o as_o for_o that_o one_o will_v think_v it_o shall_v be_v a_o argument_n rather_o for_o the_o permission_n of_o conventicle_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n far_o more_o easy_a to_o discover_v a_o man_n that_o preach_v open_a sedition_n than_o one_o that_o go_v from_o house_n to_o house_n clandestin_o insinuate_v the_o same_o doctrine_n nor_o be_v this_o branch_n independent_a but_o cast_v its_o influence_n into_o the_o whole_a crime_n describe_v and_o intend_v by_o the_o act_n thus_o embody_v if_o any_o person_n or_o person_n shall_v be_v present_a at_o any_o conventicle_n etc._n etc._n under_o colour_n or_o pretence_n of_o any_o exercise_n of_o religion_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 perhaps_o some_o person_n carry_v away_o with_o the_o present_a torment_n of_o unwary_a passion_n may_v from_o hence_o assent_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o exercise_n of_o religion_n that_o can_v be_v true_o real_a and_o sincere_a but_o only_o colourable_a and_o pretend_a which_o be_v not_o perform_v in_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o liturgy_n according_a to_o the_o common_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n in_o england_n to_o which_o though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o answer_n to_o be_v give_v yet_o the_o consequent_a word_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n clear_o contradict_v such_o a_o uncharitable_a paraphrase_n for_o that_o in_o all_o parochial_a church_n it_o be_v the_o general_a custom_n to_o pray_v both_o before_o and_o after_o sermon_n but_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o word_n liturgy_n be_v due_o consider_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o liturgy_n be_v not_o more_o than_o the_o office_n of_o prayer_n the_o compiler_n themselves_o call_v the_o english_a liturgy_n a_o order_n for_o morning_n and_o evening_n prayer_n or_o a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n whereby_o it_o become_v only_o a_o species_n of_o the_o grand_fw-fr genus_fw-la prayer_n or_o oration_n by_o which_o with_o a_o true_a and_o humble_a contrition_n of_o heart_n we_o address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n concern_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v consentaneous_a to_o his_o holy_a will_n and_o this_o divide_a into_o two_o part_n invocation_n and_o thanksgiving_n now_o suppose_v that_o the_o liturgy_n of_o england_n now_o the_o most_o exact_a liturgy_n in_o the_o world_n as_o most_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o it_o can_v be_v think_v that_o the_o dissenter_n be_v oblige_v by_o this_o statute_n to_o use_v no_o other_o prayer_n than_o what_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o liturgy_n for_o then_o the_o law_n enforcer_n may_v be_v presume_v to_o lie_v under_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o statute_n themselves_o who_o after_o the_o full_a performance_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v order_v in_o the_o liturgy_n both_o for_o morning_n and_o evening_n service_n if_o it_o may_v not_o be_v say_v out_o of_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o liturgy_n yet_o somewhat_o to_o the_o discredit_n of_o the_o liturgy_n be_v never_o satisfy_v till_o they_o have_v give_v it_o the_o supplement_n of_o their_o tedious_a and_o vain_o ostentatious_a addition_n of_o superexcellent_a and_o super-fine_a which_o after_o a_o full_a performance_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o innovation_n and_o thanksgiving_n seem_v in_o they_o a_o kind_n of_o tautology_n forbid_v in_o scripture_n however_o because_o the_o dissenter_n use_v the_o same_o form_n of_o prayer_n though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o word_n avoid_v that_o inconvenience_n therefore_o they_o must_v be_v reduce_v into_o obedience_n to_o something_o not_o well_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v by_o constable_n and_o informer_n but_o there_o be_v a_o more_o exquisite_a liturgy_n yet_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o liturgy_n prescribe_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o which_o though_o out_o of_o veneration_n it_o be_v reduce_v into_o one_o prayer_n for_o general_a use_n yet_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n teach_v heedless_a mortal_n who_o may_v else_o be_v extravagant_a in_o their_o petition_n the_o true_a matter_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v what_o we_o be_v to_o implore_v from_o god_n and_o what_o we_o be_v to_o give_v thanks_o for_o as_o enjoy_v examine_v then_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o dissenter_n and_o if_o they_o differ_v either_o in_o the_o cause_n the_o matter_n the_o form_n or_o end_n from_o the_o english_a liturgy_n of_o man_n mention_v in_o the_o act_n or_o the_o heavenly_a liturgy_n of_o christ_n let_v they_o be_v deliver_v over_o to_o all_o deserve_a punishment_n but_o if_o their_o prayer_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o prescribe_v form_n of_o both_o nay_o if_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o celestial_a liturgy_n though_o not_o according_a to_o the_o verbatim_o of_o the_o establish_v liturgy_n of_o england_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a case_n that_o they_o shall_v by_o any_o statute_n be_v adjudge_v not_o to_o exercise_v such_o a_o religion_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o notion_n of_o many_o be_v abortive_a and_o through_o weakness_n may_v deserve_v reprehension_n there_o be_v a_o easy_a way_n to_o remedy_v those_o error_n by_o impose_v a_o more_o equal_a injunction_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o church_n discipline_n that_o no_o person_n shall_v
presume_v to_o ascend_v the_o pulpit_n with_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la rapture_n for_o confirmation_n then_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o use_v of_o form_n and_o order_n so_o the_o matter_n be_v the_o same_o there_o be_v many_o of_o the_o disciple_n prayer_n record_v in_o scripture_n and_o there_o be_v no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o they_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o read_v they_o use_v the_o absolute_a form_n prescribe_v by_o our_o saviour_n but_o express_v themselves_o in_o other_o word_n though_o altogether_o agree_v for_o matter_n upon_o the_o whole_a suppose_v this_o question_n shall_v be_v put_v whether_o the_o apostle_n do_v use_v any_o other_o form_n than_o that_o which_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o answer_n will_v be_v they_o do_v not_o put_v then_o this_o question_n to_o the_o informer_n do_v the_o dissenter_n use_v any_o other_o prayer_n than_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v ten_o thousand_o to_o one_o whether_o he_o be_v a_o competent_a judge_n if_o he_o be_v not_o he_o stake_v his_o conscience_n at_o a_o dreadful_a hazard_n for_o it_o behoove_v he_o to_o swear_v positive_o in_o the_o affirmative_a or_o else_o in_o justice_n his_o information_n and_o all_o his_o hope_n of_o gain_n be_v lose_v and_o thus_o by_o a_o rigid_a prosecution_n of_o uncharitable_a severity_n a_o necessitous_a and_o greedy_a wretch_n be_v bring_v to_o this_o tempt_a dilemma_n either_o to_o perjure_n himself_o or_o lose_v his_o expectation_n again_o the_o liturgy_n itself_o be_v not_o always_o read_v altogether_o but_o on_o some_o day_n more_o on_o some_o day_n less_o the_o dissenter_n perhaps_o use_v least_o of_o all_o yet_o they_o use_v some_o for_o they_o read_v the_o read_n psalm_n a_o first_o and_o second_o lesson_n and_o afterward_o make_v use_n of_o sing_v psalm_n so_o than_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o degree_n of_o comparison_n do_v not_o annihilate_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o comparison_n it_o may_v be_v presume_v that_o the_o dissenter_n be_v present_a at_o their_o conventicle_n positive_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o thing_n not_o be_v consider_v how_o uncharitable_o do_v they_o fall_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o lavish_a and_o inveterate_a pulpit_n in_o the_o last_o place_n though_o it_o will_v be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o disallow_v what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v yet_o shall_v it_o be_v contradict_v the_o next_o word_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n will_v certain_o give_v relief_n for_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o read_v and_o sing_v the_o psalm_n of_o david_n to_o read_v the_o first_o and_o second_o lesson_n and_o so_o do_v the_o dissenter_n many_o of_o they_o also_o militate_v under_o the_o same_o ordination_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o do_v not_o it_o be_v presume_v they_o may_v soon_o be_v better_o advise_v the_o refusal_n deserve_v reproof_n if_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v be_v certain_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o obstinate_a piece_n of_o weakness_n but_o which_o be_v more_o as_o to_o the_o harmony_n of_o practice_n they_o use_v the_o same_o sacrament_n though_o perhaps_o with_o some_o small_a difference_n in_o the_o form_n and_o ceremony_n of_o administration_n which_o one_o will_v think_v may_v be_v easy_o reconcile_v without_o all_o this_o combustion_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o to_o be_v consider_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o moral_a equity_n that_o though_o the_o act_n of_o uniformity_n make_v in_o this_o his_o majesty_n reign_n it_o be_v here_o express_o declare_v that_o no_o other_o form_n or_o ceremony_n shall_v be_v use_v but_o what_o be_v prescribe_v in_o that_o act_n or_o in_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n yet_o both_o by_o the_o act_n and_o the_o book_n it_o plain_o appear_v that_o the_o prosecutor_n of_o the_o dissenter_n make_v no_o scruple_n to_o dissent_v from_o what_o be_v there_o enact_v while_o they_o use_v several_a ceremony_n that_o be_v not_o there_o and_o omit_v much_o of_o what_o be_v there_o as_o their_o go_v up_o and_o bow_v to_o the_o altar_n and_o read_v second_o service_n there_o their_o come_n out_o of_o the_o pulpit_n and_o read_v part_n of_o the_o communion_n service_n in_o their_o desk_n or_o at_o the_o altar_n again_o and_o give_v no_o blessing_n at_o all_o in_o pulpit_n their_o set_v the_o communion_n table_n altarwise_a rich_o adorn_v at_o the_o east_n end_n of_o the_o church_n whereas_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v place_v either_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n or_o in_o some_o convenient_a place_n cover_v with_o a_o clean_a linen-cloth_n their_o turn_v their_o face_n all_o of_o a_o sudden_a to_o the_o east_n and_o bow_v to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o not_o at_o the_o name_n of_o god_n or_o christ_n these_o dispensation_n argue_v a_o apparent_a nonconformity_n or_o over-conformity_n the_o same_o thing_n in_o strickness_n and_o partiality_n one_o among_o another_o so_o that_o it_o seem_v a_o transgression_n not_o only_o against_o charity_n but_o against_o common_a justice_n to_o prosecute_v those_o that_o do_v no_o more_o than_o only_o non-conform_a to_o those_o very_a ceremony_n which_o they_o themselves_o regard_v less_o of_o a_o public_a statute_n either_o neglect_n or_o over_o act_n at_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o for_o a_o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o nonconformity_n of_o our_o most_o regular_a so_o pretend_v themselves_o conformist_n point_v blank_a even_o against_o the_o very_a law_n of_o the_o land_n let_v they_o that_o please_v but_o consider_v how_o many_o there_o be_v that_o dispense_n with_o nonresidence_n and_o plurality_n to_o the_o deteriment_n of_o many_o deserve_a person_n that_o want_v and_o positive_o against_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o 21_o of_o h._n 8._o and_o yet_o no_o question_n but_o they_o will_v think_v it_o hard_a measure_n to_o be_v prosecute_v upon_o that_o law_n so_o partial_a be_v a_o man_n to_o forgive_v those_o fail_n in_o himself_o which_o he_o prosecute_v in_o other_o however_o because_o all_o the_o meekness_n of_o persuasion_n and_o argument_n will_v not_o stop_v the_o career_n of_o some_o man_n impetuosity_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o act_n it_o will_v not_o be_v from_o the_o purpose_n to_o cast_v a_o eye_n upon_o the_o executive_a part_n of_o the_o statute_n in_o order_n to_o which_o the_o most_o considerable_a instruction_n be_v couch_v in_o the_o first_o and_o eleven_o section_n the_o instruction_n of_o the_o first_o section_n run_v thus_o that_o it_o shall_v and_o may_v be_v lawful_a to_o and_o for_o any_o one_o or_o more_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n within_o the_o limit_n etc._n etc._n where_o such_o offence_n shall_v be_v commit_v or_o for_o the_o chief_a magistrate_n of_o the_o place_n or_o corporation_n and_o upon_o proof_n of_o such_o offence_n either_o by_o the_o confession_n or_o oath_n of_o two_o witness_n or_o by_o notorious_a evidence_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o fact_n to_o make_v a_o record_n under_o their_o hand_n and_o seal_n which_o record_n shall_v to_o all_o intent_n etc._n etc._n be_v take_v to_o be_v a_o full_a conviction_n that_o thereupon_o the_o say_a justice_n etc._n etc._n shall_v impose_v the_o sum_n of_o etc._n etc._n from_o which_o word_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o by_o this_o clause_n no_o power_n be_v give_v to_o any_o magistrate_n to_o make_v out_o any_o general_a warrant_n upon_o this_o act_n till_o after_o conviction_n by_o two_o witness_n or_o confession_n of_o the_o offender_n neither_o have_v any_o constable_n to_o do_v with_o any_o such_o general_a warrant_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o act_n unless_o the_o warrant_v ground_v upon_o such_o a_o record_n as_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o act_n upon_o confession_n or_o proof_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o party_n by_o two_o witness_n be_v give_v into_o his_o hand_n whence_o arise_v this_o question_n whether_o any_o constable_n or_o head-borough_n that_o act_n in_o relation_n to_o this_o statute_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o power_n not_o authorize_v by_o the_o literal_a word_n of_o the_o law_n do_v not_o act_v at_o his_o own_o peril_n 2._o whether_o he_o shall_v incur_v any_o penalty_n for_o not_o do_v that_o which_o the_o law_n require_v not_o at_o his_o hand_n for_o by_o this_o part_n of_o the_o law_n it_o be_v require_v only_o that_o the_o witness_n shall_v be_v the_o informer_n but_o by_o general_a warrant_n the_o constable_n etc._n etc._n be_v compel_v to_o turn_v informer_n themselves_o and_o to_o find_v themselves_o work_v to_o accuse_v their_o neighbour_n on_o purpose_n to_o find_v themselves_o yet_o more_o work_n to_o disturb_v and_o distrain_v upon_o their_o good_n and_o person_n a_o duty_n which_o the_o literal_a sense_n
of_o this_o paragraph_n do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o impose_v upon_o they_o but_o the_o eleven_o section_n be_v more_o particular_a in_o these_o word_n and_o be_v it_o far_o enact_v etc._n etc._n that_o if_o any_o constable_n etc._n etc._n who_o shall_v know_v or_o be_v credible_o inform_v of_o any_o such_o meeting_n hold_v within_o his_o precinct_n and_o shall_v not_o give_v information_n thereof_o etc._n etc._n according_a to_o his_o duty_n and_o endeavour_v the_o conviction_n of_o the_o party_n but_o shall_v wilful_o omit_v the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o act_n and_o shall_v be_v convict_v thereof_o shall_v forfeit_v the_o sum_n of_o five_o pound_n by_o this_o paragraph_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a indeed_o that_o if_o the_o constable_n do_v either_o know_v of_o himself_o or_o be_v credible_o inform_v and_o do_v not_o do_v his_o duty_n he_o forfeit_v 5_o l._n but_o still_o if_o he_o neither_o know_v nor_o be_v credible_o inform_v he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o be_v so_o sedulous_a as_o to_o go_v upon_o the_o hunt_n but_o suppose_v the_o constable_n etc._n etc._n shall_v either_o know_v of_o himself_o and_o be_v credible_o inform_v and_o shall_v do_v his_o duty_n that_o be_v give_v information_n and_o shall_v receive_v a_o warrant_n to_o break_v open_a the_o house_n and_o enter_v yet_o find_v nothing_o of_o resistance_n he_o be_v still_o but_o where_o he_o be_v in_o regard_n that_o not_o have_v be_v there_o from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n he_o can_v be_v positive_a whether_o the_o person_n there_o assemble_v do_v exercise_v a_o religion_n according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o not_o which_o if_o they_o do_v he_o have_v no_o power_n either_o to_o take_v their_o name_n or_o apprehend_v their_o person_n unless_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o imprudent_a as_o to_o make_v resistance_n and_o give_v a_o occasion_n for_o their_o military_a power_n to_o be_v raise_v for_o their_o suppression_n for_o then_o as_o mutineer_n and_o seditious_a person_n they_o break_v their_o own_o peace_n by_o disturb_v the_o king_n and_o by_o make_v it_o appear_v they_o be_v the_o person_n intend_v by_o this_o act_n render_v themselves_o obnoxi_fw-la we_o not_o only_o to_o the_o penalty_n of_o this_o but_o of_o much_o more_o severe_a law_n from_o which_o enjoin_v of_o the_o military_a officer_n to_o be_v aid_v and_o assist_v to_o the_o constable_n with_o arm_a force_n reason_n may_v not_o improper_o collect_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o act_n to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o have_v be_v already_o presume_v for_o arm_a force_n and_o constable_n can_v never_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o law_n against_o passive_a submission_n and_o obedience_n naked_a sword_n and_o constable_n staff_n can_v never_o be_v intend_v by_o christian_a legislator_n to_o compel_v the_o compliance_n of_o sincere_a and_o upright_a conscience_n to_o thing_n of_o small_a concernment_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o fundamental_o wherein_o the_o prosecutor_n and_o the_o prosecute_v both_o agree_v and_o therefore_o while_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v take_v such_o extraordinary_a care_n for_o the_o public_a safety_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o nation_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v the_o aim_n of_o other_o to_o carve_v out_o for_o they_o their_o care_n the_o support_n and_o maintenance_n of_o any_o by_o interest_n whatever_o a_o aim_n too_o apparent_a by_o their_o public_a dissatisfaction_n and_o open_a exclaim_n against_o that_o noble_a act_n of_o his_o majesty_n most_o royal_a goodness_n his_o declaration_n for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n too_o unhappy_o severe_a those_o counsel_n that_o remove_v the_o landmark_n of_o his_o regal_a benignity_n a_o presumption_n that_o they_o believe_v themselves_o more_o worthy_a or_o more_o able_a to_o manage_v that_o part_n of_o prerogative_n themselves_o and_o grutch_v he_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o right_n whereas_o the_o legislator_n with_o more_o duty_n provide_v that_o nothing_o in_o their_o act_n shall_v extend_v to_o invalidate_v or_o avoid_v his_o majesty_n supermacy_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n but_o the_o dissent_v protestant_n acknowledge_v their_o sovereign_n to_o be_v both_o king_n and_o priest_n a_o king_n as_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o government_n a_o priest_n as_o the_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o as_o their_o lawful_a sovereign_n and_o head_n of_o the_o government_n as_o they_o have_v be_v always_o ready_a to_o yield_v the_o utmost_a of_o their_o obedience_n so_o shall_v they_o never_o withdraw_v from_o he_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o fidelity_n and_o from_o who_o priestly_a office_n they_o have_v yet_o hope_n to_o feel_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o former_a grace_n and_o mercy_n when_o their_o cause_n shall_v be_v better_o examine_v for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o exasperation_n of_o the_o pen_n of_o wicked_a man_n continual_o scribble_a division_n nor_o the_o subornation_n of_o popery_n to_o fix_v imaginary_a plot_n and_o load_v their_o innocence_n with_o the_o guilt_n and_o villainy_n of_o other_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o their_o upright_a walk_n before_o god_n and_o man_n which_o they_o hope_v will_n at_o length_n turn_v the_o reproach_n and_o calumny_n of_o their_o enemy_n upon_o their_o own_o head_n it_o be_v union_n which_o all_o true_a protestant_n desire_v which_o they_o daily_o implore_v from_o god_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o union_n want_v in_o this_o rich_a and_o plentiful_a land_n which_o as_o it_o be_v only_o obstruct_v by_o papist_n or_o person_n papistical_o affect_v as_o it_o be_v apparent_a by_o their_o daily_a machination_n and_o contrivance_n to_o unsettle_v and_o weaken_v the_o true_a protestant_a interest_n so_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a argument_n for_o protestant_n to_o unite_v with_o protestant_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n of_o their_o religion_n from_o these_o and_o ground_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n there_o be_v some_o who_o have_v draw_v this_o general_a conclusion_n that_o it_o will_v be_v more_o conduce_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n that_o the_o penal_a law_n against_o nonconformist_n in_o reference_n to_o difference_n of_o religion_n may_v not_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n but_o forbear_v till_o our_o most_o gracious_a sovereign_n and_o his_o great_a council_n the_o parliament_n shall_v take_v the_o state_n of_o divide_a protestant_n into_o their_o wise_a consideration_n and_o reduce_v thing_n to_o a_o happy_a legal_a establishment_n eor_fw-la proof_n of_o which_o it_o may_v not_o be_v altogether_o improper_a to_o give_v a_o short_a recapitulation_n of_o the_o reason_n bring_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o position_n 1._o that_o it_o can_v be_v good_a to_o execute_v the_o 35_o of_o eliz._n which_o the_o whole_a parliament_n think_v dangerous_a to_o the_o whole_a protestant_a interest_n in_o england_n and_o do_v as_o far_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v disannul_v 2._o it_o can_v be_v proper_a to_o execute_v that_o law_n upon_o they_o who_o can_v proper_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o crime_n at_o which_o the_o law_n aim_v 3._o it_o can_v be_v proper_a to_o execute_v any_o law_n upon_o dissent_v protestant_n which_o be_v promote_v by_o man_n popish_o incline_v and_o which_o since_o appear_v to_o be_v papist_n as_o be_v the_o five_o mile_n act._n 4._o because_o it_o seem_v somewhat_o preposterous_a to_o rid_v the_o land_n of_o dissent_v protestant_n person_n profess_v true_a religion_n and_o loyalty_n yet_o leave_v the_o papist_n the_o enemy_n of_o the_o king_n and_o church_n to_o stay_v behind_o 5._o because_o the_o penal_a law_n be_v to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o the_o proper_a object_n as_o seditious_a sectary_n disloyal_a person_n hypocrite_n that_o make_v religion_n a_o cloak_n and_o pretence_n to_o install_v principle_n of_o schism_n and_o sedition_n not_o upon_o meeting_n where_o there_o be_v no_o tendency_n to_o any_o such_o design_n 6._o a_o six_o argument_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o piety_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n principle_n and_o the_o peaceableness_n of_o their_o behaviour_n find_v so_o to_o be_v from_o the_o experience_n of_o many_o year_n 7._o because_o they_o be_v protestant_n and_o it_o seem_v not_o so_o well_o do_v to_o use_v protestant_n the_o kingdom_n friend_n and_o strength_n worse_o than_o papist_n the_o enemy_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o protestant_n religion_n 8._o because_o it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o execute_v the_o law_n with_o a_o heavy_a hand_n upon_o all_o and_o every_o offender_n without_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o one_o man_n and_o another_o between_o one_o offence_n and_o another_o 9_o because_o by_o their_o public_a preach_v their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n be_v best_a discover_v and_o be_v in_o the_o head_n of_o the_o young_a dissenter_n they_o be_v as_o direction_n and_o example_n to_o they_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o
prevent_v all_o such_o unlawful_a meeting_n and_o take_v into_o their_o custody_n such_o of_o those_o person_n so_o unlawful_o assemble_v as_o they_o shall_v judge_n to_o be_v the_o leader_n and_o seducer_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o such_o other_o as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v proceed_v against_o according_a to_o law_n for_o such_o their_o offence_n 11._o and_o be_v it_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o every_o person_n who_o shall_v witting_o and_o willing_o suffer_v any_o such_o conveticle_n house_n unlawful_a assembly_n or_o meet_v aforesaid_a to_o be_v hold_v in_o his_o or_o her_o house_n outhouse_n barn_n or_o room_n yard_n or_o backside_n wood_n or_o ground_n shall_v incur_v the_o same_o penalty_n and_o forfeiture_n as_o any_o other_o offender_n against_o this_o act_n ought_v to_o incur_v and_o be_v proceed_v against_o in_o all_o point_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o any_o other_o offender_n against_o this_o act_n ought_v to_o be_v proceed_v agianst_a 12._o provide_v also_o and_o be_v it_o enact_v by_o the_o authhrity_n aforesaid_a that_o if_o any_o keeper_n of_o any_o goal_n or_o house_n of_o correction_n large_a shall_v suffer_v any_o person_n commit_v to_o his_o custody_n for_o any_o offence_n against_o this_o act_n to_o go_v at_o large_a contrary_a to_o the_o warrant_n of_o his_o commitment_n according_a to_o this_o act_n or_o shall_v permit_v any_o person_n who_o be_v at_o large_a to_o join_v with_o any_o person_n commit_v to_o his_o custody_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o act_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n disfer_v from_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n then_o every_o such_o keeper_n of_o a_o goal_n or_o house_n of_o correction_n shall_v for_o every_o such_o offence_n forfeit_v the_o sum_n of_o 10._o penalty_n l._n to_o be_v levy_v raise_v and_o dispose_v by_o such_o person_n and_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o the_o penalty_n for_o the_o first_o and_o second_o offence_n against_o this_o act_n be_v to_o be_v levy_v raise_v and_o dispose_v 13._o provide_v always_o that_o no_o person_n shall_v be_v punish_v for_o any_o offence_n against_o this_o act_n prosecute_v unless_o such_o offender_n be_v prosecute_v for_o the_o same_o within_o three_o month_n after_o the_o offence_n commit_v and_o that_o no_o person_n who_o shall_v be_v punish_v for_o any_o offence_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o act_n shall_v be_v punish_v for_o the_o same_o offence_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o other_o act_n or_o law_n whatsoever_o 14._o provide_v also_o and_o be_v it_o enact_v punish_v that_o judgement_n of_o transportation_n shall_v not_o be_v give_v against_o any_o feme_fw-fr covert_n unless_o her_o husband_n be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n under_o the_o like_a judgement_n and_o not_o discharge_v by_o the_o payment_n of_o money_n as_o aforesaid_a but_o that_o instead_o thereof_o she_o shall_v by_o the_o respective_a court_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o goal_n or_o house_n of_o correction_n there_o to_o remain_v without_o bail_n or_o mainprize_n for_o any_o time_n not_o exceed_v 12_o month_n unless_o her_o husband_n shall_v pay_v down_o such_o sum_n not_o exceed_v 40_o l._n to_o redeem_v she_o from_o imprisonment_n as_o shall_v be_v impose_v by_o the_o say_a court_n the_o say_a sum_n to_o be_v dispose_v by_o such_o person_n and_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o the_o penalty_n for_o the_o first_o and_o second_o offence_n against_o this_o act_n be_v to_o be_v dispose_v 15._o conventicle_n provide_v also_o and_o be_v it_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o chief_a magistrate_n respective_o impower_v as_o aforesaid_a to_o put_v this_o act_n in_o execution_n shall_v and_o may_v with_o what_o aid_n force_v and_o assistance_n they_o shall_v think_v fit_a for_o the_o better_a execution_n of_o this_o act_n after_o refusal_n or_o denial_n enter_v into_o any_o house_n or_o other_o place_n where_o they_o shall_v be_v inform_v any_o such_o conventicle_n as_o aforesaid_a be_v or_o shall_v be_v hold_v 16._o provide_v peer_n that_o no_o dwellinghouse_n of_o any_o peer_n of_o this_o realm_n while_o he_o or_o his_o wife_n shall_v be_v there_o resident_n shall_v be_v search_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o act_n but_o by_o immediate_a warrant_n from_o his_o majesty_n under_o his_o sign_n manual_n or_o in_o the_o prefence_n of_o the_o lieutenant_n or_o one_o of_o the_o deputy-lieutenant_n or_o two_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n whereof_o one_o to_o be_v of_o the_o quorum_fw-la of_o the_o same_o county_n or_o ride_v nor_o shall_v any_o other_o dwellinghouse_n of_o any_o peer_n or_o other_o person_n whatsoever_o be_v enter_v into_o with_o force_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o act_n but_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o one_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n or_o chief_a magistrate_n respective_o except_o within_o the_o city_n of_o london_n where_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o any_o such_o other_o dwellinghouse_n to_o be_v enter_v into_o as_o aforesaid_a in_o the_o presence_n of_o one_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n alderman_n deputy-alderman_n or_o any_o one_o commissoner_n for_o the_o lieutenancy_n for_o the_o city_n of_o london_n 17._o provide_v also_o and_o be_v it_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a correction_n that_o no_o person_n shall_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o act_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o house_n of_o correction_n that_o shall_v satisfy_v the_o say_a justice_n of_o the_o peace_n or_o chief_a magistrate_n respective_o that_o he_o or_o she_o and_o in_o case_n of_o a_o feme_fw-fr covert_n that_o her_o husband_n have_v a_o estate_n of_o freehold_n or_o copyhold_n to_o the_o value_n of_o 5_o l._n per_fw-la annum_fw-la or_o personal_a estate_n to_o the_o value_n of_o 50_o l._n any_o thing_n in_o this_o act_n to_o the_o contrary_a notwithstanding_o 18._o and_o in_o regard_n a_o certain_a sect_n call_v quaker_n and_o other_o sectary_n be_v find_v not_o only_o to_o offend_v in_o the_o matter_n provide_v against_o by_o this_o act_n ca._n but_o also_o obstruct_v the_o proceed_n of_o justice_n by_o their_o obstinate_a refusal_n to_o take_v oath_n lawful_o tender_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o law_n therefore_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o if_o any_o person_n or_o person_n be_v due_o and_o legal_o serve_v with_o process_n or_o other_o summons_n to_o appear_v in_o any_o court_n of_o record_n except_o court-leet_n as_o a_o witness_n or_o return_v to_o serve_v of_o any_o jury_n or_o order_v to_o be_v examine_v upon_o interrogatory_n or_o be_v present_a in_o court_n shall_v refuse_v to_o take_v any_o judicial_a oath_n legal_o tender_v to_o he_o by_o the_o judge_n or_o judge_n of_o the_o same_o court_n have_v no_o legal_a plea_n to_o justify_v or_o excuse_v the_o refusal_n of_o the_o same_o oath_n or_o if_o any_o person_n or_o person_n be_v due_o serve_v with_o process_n to_o answer_v any_o bill_n exhibit_v against_o he_o or_o they_o in_o any_o court_n of_o equity_n or_o any_o suit_n in_o any_o court_n ecclesiastical_a shall_v refuse_v to_o answer_v such_o bill_n or_o suit_n upon_o his_o or_o their_o corporal_a oath_n in_o case_n where_o the_o law_n require_v such_o answer_n to_o be_v put_v in_o upon_o oath_n or_o be_v summon_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n in_o any_o such_o court_n or_o order_v to_o be_v examine_v upon_o interrogatiory_n shall_v for_o any_o cause_n or_o reason_v not_o allow_v by_o law_n refuse_v to_o take_v such_o oath_n as_o in_o such_o case_n be_v require_v by_o law_n that_o then_o and_o in_o such_o case_n the_o several_a and_o respective_a court_n wherein_o such_o refusal_n shall_v be_v make_v shall_v be_v and_o be_v hereby_o enable_v to_o record_n enter_v or_o register_v such_o refusal_n which_o record_n or_o entry_n shall_v be_v and_o be_v hereby_o make_v a_o conviction_n of_o such_o offence_n and_o all_o and_o every_o person_n and_o person_n so_o aforesaid_a offend_v shall_v for_o every_o such_o offence_n incur_v the_o judgement_n and_o punishment_n of_o transportation_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o be_v appoint_v by_o this_o act_n for_o other_o offence_n 19_o provide_v always_o that_o if_o any_o person_n or_o person_n aforesaid_a shall_v come_v into_o such_o court_n and_o take_v he_o or_o their_o oath_n in_o these_o word_n i_o do_v swear_v acquit_v that_o i_o do_v not_o hold_v the_o take_n of_o a_o oath_n to_o be_v unlawful_a nor_o refuse_v to_o take_v a_o oath_n on_o that_o account_n 20._o which_o oath_n the_o respective_a court_n or_o court_n aforesaid_a be_v hereby_o authorize_v and_o require_v forthwith_o to_o tender_v administer_v and_o register_n before_o the_o entry_n of_o the_o conviction_n aforesaid_a or_o shall_v take_v such_o oath_n before_o some_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n who_o be_v hereby_o authorize_v and_o require_v to_o administer_v the_o same_o to_o be_v return_v into_o such_o court_n such_o oath_n so_o make_v shall_v
acquit_v he_o or_o they_o from_o such_o punishment_n any_o thing_n herein_o to_o the_o contrary_a notwithstanding_o 21._o provide_v always_o that_o every_o person_n convict_v as_o aforesaid_a in_o court_n aforesaid_a other_o than_o his_o majesty_n court_n of_o kings-bench_n or_o before_o the_o justice_n of_o assize_n or_o general_a goal-delivery_n shall_v by_o warrant_n contain_v a_o certificate_n of_o such_o conviction_n under_o the_o hand_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o respective_a judge_n or_o judge_n before_o who_o such_o conviction_n shall_v be_v have_v be_v send_v to_o some_o one_o of_o his_o majesty_n goal_n in_o the_o same_o county_n where_o such_o conviction_n be_v have_v there_o to_o remain_v without_o bail_n or_o mainprize_n until_o the_o next_o assize_n or_o general-goal-delivery_n where_o if_o such_o person_n so_o convict_v shall_v refuse_v to_o take_v the_o oath_n aforesaid_a be_v tender_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o â—ustice_n or_o justice_n of_o assize_n or_o goal-delivery_n than_o such_o justice_n or_o justice_n shall_v cause_v judgement_n of_o transportation_n to_o be_v execute_v in_o such_o manner_n as_o judgement_n of_o transportation_n by_o this_o act_n be_v to_o be_v execute_v but_o in_o case_n such_o person_n shall_v take_v the_o say_a oath_n than_o he_o shall_v thereupon_o be_v discharge_v 22._o provide_v always_o against_o and_o be_v it_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o if_o any_o peer_n of_o this_o realm_n shall_v offend_v against_o this_o act_n he_o shall_v pay_v 10_o l._n for_o the_o first_o offence_n and_o 20_o l._n for_o the_o second_o offence_n to_o be_v levy_v upon_o his_o good_n and_o chattel_n by_o warrant_n from_o any_o two_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n or_o chief_a magistrate_n of_o the_o place_n or_o division_n where_o such_o peer_n shall_v dwell_v and_o that_o every_o peer_n for_o the_o three_o and_o every_o further_a offence_n against_o the_o tenor_n of_o this_o act_n shall_v be_v try_v by_o his_o peer_n and_o not_o otherwise_o 23._o provide_v also_o and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o this_o act_n shall_v continue_v in_o force_n for_o three_o year_n after_o the_o end_n of_o this_o present_a session_n of_o parliament_n act_n and_o from_o thence_o forward_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o next_o session_n of_o parliament_n after_o the_o say_v three_o year_n and_o no_o long_o since_o this_o be_v finish_v i_o find_v in_o the_o london_n gazette_n publish_v thursday_n april_n 21._o 1681._o this_o paragraph_n viz._n to_o undeceive_v the_o king_n loyal_a subject_n who_o may_v be_v mislead_v into_o error_n by_o a_o pamphlet_n call_v the_o history_n of_o the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o 35_o eliz._n these_o be_v to_o inform_v they_o that_o that_o act_n among_o other_o be_v continue_v 1_o jac._n until_o the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o session_n of_o the_o next_o parliament_n there_o be_v four_o session_n in_o that_o parliament_n the_o last_o whereof_o end_v 7_o jac._n but_o the_o act_n be_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o first_o session_n of_o the_o next_o parliament_n and_o though_o every_o session_n to_o some_o purpose_n be_v as_o a_o several_a parliament_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o such_o parliament_n which_o can_v have_v a_o first_o session_n and_o be_v never_o in_o act_n of_o parliament_n style_v the_o next_o parliament_n the_o next_o parliament_n summon_v be_v 12_o jac._n but_o because_o nothing_o be_v do_v therein_o it_o be_v hold_v no_o parliament_n then_o a_o parliament_n be_v summon_v 18_o jac._n wherein_o pass_v only_a subsidy_n grant_v by_o the_o spiritualty_n and_o temporalty_n hence_o a_o question_n arise_v 20_o jac._n whether_o 35_o eliz._n be_v not_o discontinue_v upon_o this_o ground_n that_o 18_o jac._n be_v a_o session_n by_o pass_v the_o subsidy_n act_n which_o be_v refer_v to_o all_o the_o judge_n nine_o of_o they_o be_v of_o opinion_n 35_o eliz._n with_o the_o other_o law_n continue_v 1_o jac._n be_v thereby_o discontinue_v to_o prevent_v which_o mischief_n the_o parliament_n 21_o jac._n not_o only_o revive_v 35_o eliz._n and_o those_o other_o law_n in_o all_o 58._o but_o enact_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v ad_fw-la udge_v ever_o since_o the_o session_n of_o parliament_n 7_o jac._n to_o have_v be_v of_o such_o force_n and_o effect_v as_o the_o same_o be_v the_o last_o day_n of_o that_o session_n and_o it_o be_v undoubted_a they_o all_o be_v then_o in_o force_n by_o virtue_n of_o 1_o jac._n and_o the_o latter_a continuance_n run_v clear_a without_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o declaratory_a law_n of_o 16_o car._n 2._o and_o though_o this_o conventicle_n act_n of_o 16_o car._n 2._o be_v expire_v yet_o there_o be_v another_o of_o great_a force_v 22_o of_o the_o king_n yet_o in_o be_v and_o have_v therein_o mention_v the_o act_n of_o the_o 22_o of_o his_o present_a majesty_n i_o think_v i_o can_v not_o just_o acquit_v myself_o of_o what_o i_o have_v undertake_v viz._n impartial_o and_o full_o to_o let_v down_o all_o that_o may_v any_o way_n have_v relation_n to_o this_o 35._o eliz._n c._n 1._o without_o give_v you_o that_o statute_n at_o large_a whereby_o the_o judicious_a reader_n may_v fee_v how_o far_o it_o prove_v the_o 35_o eliz._n still_o to_o be_v in_o force_n a_o act_n to_o prevent_v and_o suppress_v seditious_a conventicle_n for_o provide_v further_o and_o more_o speedy_a remedy_n against_o the_o grow_a and_o dangerous_a practice_n of_o seditious_a sectary_n and_o other_o disloyal_a person_n 61._o who_o under_o pretence_n of_o tender_a conscience_n 4._o 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 be_v it_o enact_v by_o the_o king_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n by_o and_o with_o the_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o lord_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a and_o commons_o in_o this_o present_a parliament_n assemble_v 1670._o and_o by_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o that_o if_o any_o person_n of_o the_o age_n of_o 16_o year_n or_o upward_o be_v a_o subject_a of_o this_o realm_n at_o any_o time_n after_o the_o ten_o day_n of_o may_n next_o shall_v be_v present_a at_o any_o assembly_n conventicle_n or_o meeting_n under_o colour_n or_o pretence_n of_o any_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o other_o manner_n then_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o any_o place_n within_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n dominion_n of_o wales_n or_o town_n of_o berwick_n upon_o tweed_n at_o which_o conventicle_n meet_v or_o assembly_n there_o shall_v be_v five_o person_n or_o more_o assemble_v together_o over_z and_o beside_o those_o of_o the_o same_o household_n if_o it_o be_v in_o a_o house_n where_o there_o be_v a_o family_n inhabit_v or_o if_o it_o be_v in_o a_o house_n field_n or_o place_n where_o there_o be_v no_o family_n inhabit_v then_o where_o any_o five_o person_n or_o more_o be_v so_o assemble_v as_o aforesaid_a it_o shall_v and_o may_v be_v lawful_a to_o and_o for_o any_o one_o or_o more_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o county_n convict_v limit_v division_n corporation_n or_o liberty_n wherein_o the_o offence_n aforesaid_a shall_v be_v commit_v or_o for_o the_o chief_a magistrate_n of_o the_o place_n where_o the_o offence_n aforesaid_a shall_v be_v commit_v and_o he_o and_o they_o be_v hereby_o require_v and_o enjoin_v upon_o proof_n to_o he_o or_o they_o respective_o make_v of_o such_o offence_n either_o by_o confession_n of_o the_o party_n or_o oath_n of_o two_o witness_n which_o oath_n the_o say_a justice_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o chief_a magistrate_n respective_o be_v hereby_o empower_v and_o require_v to_o administer_v or_o by_o notorious_a evidence_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o fact_n to_o make_v a_o record_n of_o every_o such_o offence_n under_o he_o or_o their_o hand_n and_o seal_n respective_o which_o record_n so_o make_v as_o aforesaid_a shall_v to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n be_v in_o law_n take_v and_o adjudge_v to_o be_v a_o full_a and_o perfect_a conviction_n of_o every_o such_o offender_n for_o such_o offence_n and_o thereupon_o the_o say_a justice_n offence_n justices_z and_o chief_a magistrate_n respective_o shall_v impose_v on_o every_o such_o offender_n so_o convict_v as_o aforesaid_a a_o fine_a of_o 5_o s._n for_o such_o first_o offence_n which_o record_n and_o conviction_n shall_v be_v certify_v by_o the_o say_a justice_n justices_z or_o chief_a magistrate_n at_o the_o next_o quarter_n session_n of_o the_o peace_n for_o the_o county_n or_o place_n where_o the_o offence_n be_v commit_v 2._o and_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o if_o such_o offender_n so_o convict_v as_o aforesaid_a shall_v at_o any_o time_n again_o commit_v the_o like_a offence_n or_o offence_n contrary_a to_o this_o act_n and_o be_v thereof_o in_o manner_n aforesaid_a convict_v then_o such_o offender_n so_o convict_v of_o such_o
dangerous_a excursion_n 10._o because_o that_o when_o pious_a and_o good_a man_n have_v their_o public_a liberty_n and_o make_v use_n of_o that_o liberty_n only_o to_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o the_o king_n etc._n etc._n one_o chief_a end_n of_o the_o magistrate_n care_v of_o the_o state_n be_v obtain_v which_o be_v to_o maintain_v sound_a doctrine_n 11._o because_o thereby_o they_o will_v be_v better_o enable_v and_o encourage_v to_o perform_v other_o good_a office_n to_o the_o king_n and_o state_n 2._o then_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o church_n these_o reason_n be_v add_v 1._o because_o agree_v in_o fundamental_o with_o their_o prosecutor_n they_o be_v a_o great_a addition_n of_o strength_n against_o the_o force_n and_o subtlety_n of_o rome_n 2._o because_o thereby_o schism_n will_v come_v to_o a_o great_a closure_n when_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v in_o their_o profitable_a doctrine_n and_o peaceable_a behaviour_n which_o will_v create_v a_o great_a desire_n of_o peace_n and_o union_n 3._o because_o by_o this_o public_a preach_v multitude_n of_o poor_a soul_n that_o will_v go_v no_o where_o else_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o which_o some_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v so_o deep_o sensible_a that_o they_o treat_v the_o nonconformist_n as_o friend_n and_o fellow_n labourer_n all_o which_o reason_n be_v more_o at_o large_a discuss_v in_o the_o conformist_n plea_n for_o the_o nonconformist_n to_o which_o the_o reader_n be_v refer_v there_o remain_v now_o no_o more_o than_o only_a the_o humble_a proposal_n of_o some_o few_o query_n and_o so_o to_o conclude_v first_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o church_n 1._o whether_o a_o dissenter_n may_v be_v lawful_o prohibit_v from_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n at_o any_o time_n or_o in_o any_o place_n 2._o whether_o by_o the_o blessing_n and_o reward_n that_o be_v promise_v to_o those_o that_o propagate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o do_v it_o 3._o whether_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n do_v not_o admit_v of_o preach_v in_o house_n street_n and_o field_n to_o more_o than_o five_o in_o a_o company_n 4._o whether_o it_o be_v not_o something_a erroneon_n for_o the_o law_n of_o man_n to_o contradict_v the_o law_n 5._o whether_o the_o passive_a obedience_n of_o person_n prohibit_v by_o a_o law_n from_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o destructive_a to_o the_o propagation_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 2._o in_o reference_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n 1._o whether_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o commons_o of_o england_n that_o the_o prosecution_n of_o protestant_a dissenter_n upon_o the_o penal_a law_n be_v at_o this_o time_n grievous_a to_o the_o subject_a a_o weaken_n of_o the_o protestant_n interest_n and_o a_o encouragement_n to_o popery_n and_o dangerous_a to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v take_v into_o a_o more_o serious_a consideration_n 2._o whether_o the_o prosecution_n of_o dissenter_n do_v not_o seem_v a_o little_a strange_a as_o to_o the_o present_a time_v of_o it_o when_o the_o papist_n lie_v under_o several_a conviction_n of_o seek_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o protestant_n religion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o when_o the_o kingdom_n be_v under_o such_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n of_o the_o predominancy_n of_o their_o abettor_n 3._o whether_o it_o be_v not_o more_o proper_a to_o begin_v with_o popery_n before_o they_o go_v about_o to_o extirpate_v nonconformity_n 4._o whether_o they_o who_o have_v with_o so_o much_o inveteracy_n rake_v into_o the_o forget_a and_o pardon_v miscarriage_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o have_v not_o better_o have_v spare_v their_o pain_n as_o nothing_o at_o all_o to_o the_o purpose_n except_o to_o what_o be_v unbecoming_a either_o peaceable_a or_o wise_a man_n 5._o five_o whether_o a_o law_n that_o create_v arbitrary_a distress_n and_o imprisonment_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o fundamental_o of_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la 3._o in_o reference_n to_o the_o law_n of_o scripture_n and_o nature_n 1._o whether_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o law_n enforcer_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n whatever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o even_o the_o same_o unto_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n 2._o whether_o it_o be_v according_a to_o scripture_n for_o protestant_n acknowledge_v the_o same_o jesus_n the_o same_o scripture_n and_o agree_v in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n only_o for_o difference_n in_o human_a ceremony_n to_o tear_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o 3._o whether_o in_o point_n of_o appeal_n to_o make_v party_n themselves_o judges_n be_v a_o thing_n usual_a 4._o whether_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o protestant_n by_o protestant_n to_o make_v use_n of_o informer_n and_o promoter_n which_o the_o lord_n cook_n call_v turbiolum_fw-la hominum_fw-la genus_fw-la instead_o of_o christian_a advice_n and_o solid_a argument_n be_v according_a to_o scripture_n 4._o in_o point_n of_o policy_n 1._o whether_o it_o be_v not_o against_o the_o rule_n of_o policy_n for_o englishman_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n by_o cruelty_n and_o severity_n to_o destroy_v one_o another_o which_o must_v of_o necessity_n weaken_v the_o force_n and_o destroy_v the_o trade_n of_o the_o nation_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o lord_n cook_n be_v maxim_n that_o a_o king_n can_v never_o be_v poor_a when_o his_o subject_n be_v rich_a and_o therefore_o 2._o whether_o it_o be_v not_o against_o the_o rule_n of_o policy_n to_o set_v up_o a_o law_n for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o vexatious_a informer_n who_o under_o the_o reverend_a mantle_n of_o love_n and_o justice_n to_o use_v the_o lord_n cook_n be_v own_o word_n institute_v for_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o innocent_a and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o commonwealth_n vex_v and_o depauperize_v the_o subject_a for_o malice_n and_o private_a end_n never_o for_o love_v of_o justice_n 3._o whether_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o prudence_n to_o make_v attempt_n in_o fruitless_a undertake_n since_o it_o be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o persecution_n rather_o increase_v than_o appease_v enmity_n and_o the_o common_a maxim_n be_v that_o sanguis_fw-la martyrum_fw-la est_fw-la semen_fw-mi ecclesiae_fw-la 4._o whether_o forbearance_n and_o mildness_n will_v not_o absolute_o remove_v the_o scandal_n give_v to_o the_o protestant_n church_n abroad_o and_o endear_v we_o to_o our_o foreign_a protestant_n alliance_n 5._o whether_o it_o be_v prudence_n to_o afflict_v protestant_n at_o home_n when_o we_o entertain_v afflict_a protestant_n from_o abroad_a 6._o whether_o by_o these_o unnatural_a division_n the_o necessary_a league_n and_o tie_v of_o friendship_n and_o acquaintance_n common_a trust_n and_o confidence_n among_o man_n may_v not_o in_o time_n be_v break_v to_o the_o ruin_n of_o all_o society_n 7._o whether_o the_o wicked_a distinction_n of_o tory_n and_o whigg_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o set_v on_o foot_n to_o increase_v the_o dissension_n between_o protestant_n and_o whether_o the_o invention_n and_o the_o malicious_a continuance_n of_o they_o do_v not_o deserve_v a_o punishment_n equal_a to_o the_o worst_a of_o felony_n 5._o in_o reference_n to_o the_o executive_a part_n 1._o whether_o the_o issue_v out_o of_o general_a warrant_n by_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n not_o authorize_v by_o the_o statute_n do_v not_o render_v they_o obnoxious_a to_o other_o law_n 2._o whether_o it_o be_v not_o almost_o moral_o impossible_a to_o swear_v a_o dissenter_n meet_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o liturgy_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n where_o there_o be_v no_o overt_a act_n of_o public_a disturbance_n or_o seditious_a doctrine_n 3._o whether_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o law_n do_v not_o afford_v several_a advantage_n to_o the_o spiteful_a and_o revengeful_a to_o reck_v their_o spleen_n upon_o their_o neighbour_n upon_o every_o slight_a disgust_n or_o fall_v out_o 4._o whither_o it_o do_v not_o afford_v great_a opportunitis_n of_o combination_n between_o some_o needy_a justice_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o their_o more_o needy_a associate_n the_o informer_n to_o prosecute_v unlawful_a gain_n it_o be_v the_o general_a complaint_n of_o treble_a distress_n make_v without_o any_o return_n 5._o whether_o the_o constable_n not_o be_v authorize_v to_o break_v open_a any_o door_n or_o force_n and_o gate_n or_o hedge_n if_o the_o informer_n be_v so_o foolhardy_a as_o to_o do_v either_o and_o the_o constable_n follow_v he_o the_o constable_n and_o the_o informer_n be_v not_o liable_a to_o the_o law_n 6._o whether_o there_o be_v any_o penalty_n above_o 5_o l._n direct_v by_o this_o act_n to_o be_v lay_v upon_o a_o constable_n that_o shall_v be_v negligent_a in_o make_v distress_n pursuant_n