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found_v some_o woman_n in_o the_o house_n and_o he_o ask_v they_o how_o they_o come_v there_o and_o how_o or_o when_o or_o to_o what_o end_n they_o come_v how_o can_v he_o know_v mr._n hicks_n have_v a_o child_n very_o sick_a and_o they_o be_v with_o his_o wife_n in_o the_o chamber_n where_o the_o child_n lie_v and_o how_o this_o can_v be_v a_o notorious_a evidence_n and_o circumstance_n of_o fact_n that_o be_v such_o a_o circumstance_n that_o carry_v in_o it_o a_o certain_a demonstration_n of_o the_o fact_n come_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o axiom_n or_o maxim_n positâ_fw-la circumstantia_fw-la rei_fw-la ponitur_fw-la res_fw-la ipsa_fw-la for_o it_o be_v absurd_a otherwise_o to_o interpret_v the_o law_n the_o two_o former_a way_n of_o conviction_n viz._n confession_n of_o the_o party_n or_o the_o oath_n of_o two_o witness_n be_v certain_a quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la the_o last_o must_v be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n to_o he_o that_o there_o have_v be_v religious_a worship_n and_o 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conventicler_n shall_v suffer_v for_o every_o particular_a crime_n they_o express_v it_o why_o then_o shall_v we_o think_v much_o less_o absolute_o determine_v that_o see_v they_o have_v not_o express_v it_o with_o respect_n to_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n that_o they_o do_v certain_o intend_v it_o the_o jury_n have_v this_o charge_n give_v they_o after_o some_o time_n bring_v in_o their_o verdict_n to_o the_o judge_n chamber_n of_o two_o hundred_o pound_n for_o two_o neglect_v only_o at_o which_o he_o be_v high_o displease_v and_o will_v not_o receive_v their_o verdict_n till_o they_o bring_v it_o in_o for_o three_o mr._n bastard_n produce_v such_o full_a proof_n and_o clear_a evidence_n to_o acquit_v himself_o from_o one_o neglect_v he_o be_v charge_v with_o and_o sue_v for_o
a_o true_a and_o faithful_a narrative_n of_o the_o unjust_a and_o illegal_a suffering_n and_o oppression_n of_o many_o christian_n injurious_o and_o injudicious_o call_v fanatic_n hold_v all_o the_o fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o who_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v as_o consonant_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o they_o that_o persecute_v they_o under_o and_o by_o several_a of_o his_o majesty_n justice_n of_o peace_n and_o other_o who_o be_v no_o officer_n but_o informer_n in_o the_o county_n of_o devon_n since_o the_o ten_o of_o may_n 1670_o from_o a_o pretend_a zeal_n to_o put_v the_o law_n against_o conventicle_n in_o execution_n as_o also_o of_o the_o most_o malicious_a prosecution_n of_o nine_o innocent_a person_n to_o take_v away_o their_o life_n under_o a_o false_a pretence_n of_o murder_v a_o informer_n and_o of_o the_o trial_n that_o be_v betwixt_o matthew_n helena_n 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when_o he_o have_v power_n most_o incommiserate_v and_o incompassionate_a when_o other_o stand_v to_o his_o mercy_n and_o he_o see_v he_o can_v tread_v and_o trample_v upon_o they_o he_o be_v most_o revengeful_a when_o he_o have_v a_o opportunity_n which_o he_o be_v ever_o greedy_o wait_v for_o and_o what_o ever_o be_v indecotous_a for_o a_o man_n to_o do_v or_o unbecoming_a humanity_n that_o will_v he_o do_v or_o have_v still_o a_o innate_a habit_n or_o principal_a connatural_a with_o he_o to_o act_v he_o thereunto_o which_o will_v break_v forth_o and_o show_v itself_o if_o not_o curb_v or_o restrain_v by_o some_o foreign_a force_n or_o external_a power_n for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v always_o better_a to_o have_v a_o true_o valiant_a person_n â—or_a a_o enemy_n than_o a_o coward_n because_o if_o he_o conquer_v he_o will_v very_o tender_a of_o spill_v blood_n unless_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n that_o compel_v he_o to_o it_o if_o therefore_o this_o narrative_a can_v but_o have_v the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n to_o kiss_v the_o hand_n and_o be_v view_v with_o the_o eye_n of_o any_o true_o generous_a spirit_n which_o have_v such_o a_o law_n of_o nobleness_n enthrone_v in_o it_o as_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o can_v violate_v what_o ever_o persuasion_n he_o be_v of_o i_o know_v he_o can_v but_o high_o disdain_v the_o act_n of_o some_o and_o pity_v the_o the_o wrong_n and_o oppression_n of_o other_o why_o shall_v not_o sufferer_n hope_v our_o king_n be_v of_o that_o mansuete_fw-la mild_a and_o compassionate_a temper_n that_o if_o he_o do_v but_o read_v and_o have_v but_o a_o right_a information_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o narrative_a but_o alas_o there_o be_v too_o many_o which_o endeavour_v a_o prevention_n of_o their_o access_n unto_o and_o arrival_n at_o his_o ear_n and_o eye_n or_o represent_v they_o in_o a_o false_a glass_n and_o this_o be_v many_o time_n the_o
his_o entry_n and_o garden_n and_o leap_v over_o the_o hedge_n come_v to_o mr._n h._n his_o backdoor_n that_o they_o may_v forcible_o keep_v in_o the_o people_n which_o they_o suppose_v be_v there_o till_o a_o justice_n of_o peace_n come_v and_o apprehend_v the_o say_v mr._n h._n which_o a_o few_o day_n before_o one_o of_o the_o informer_n and_o that_o george_n bear_v if_o i_o mistake_v not_o say_v fifteen_o of_o they_o have_v engage_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o exam_n to_o do_v now_o let_v the_o reader_n know_v that_o these_o informer_n come_v as_o they_o do_v the_o sabbath-day_n before_o thus_o arm_v with_o sword_n and_o pistol_n without_o any_o warrant_n or_o authority_n from_o any_o justice_n of_o peace_n and_o without_o any_o officer_n with_o they_o the_o people_n therefore_o know_v there_o be_v no_o authority_n to_o restrain_v and_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o liberty_n resolve_v to_o go_v out_o at_o the_o backdoor_n be_v they_o find_v one_o john_n lucas_n a_o carpenter_n with_o a_o pistol_n in_o his_o hand_n cock_v and_o present_v to_o they_o which_o lucas_n be_v bind_v to_o the_o peace_n or_o good_a behaviour_n for_o beat_v the_o man_n the_o lordsday_n before_o of_o which_o a_o account_n be_v give_v yet_o thus_o they_o arm_v he_o when_o the_o pistol_n be_v first_o give_v he_o he_o quick_o and_o speedy_o run_v to_o the_o backdoor_n of_o mr._n h._n his_o house_n and_o then_o return_v hasty_o again_o cry_v our_o to_o his_o inform_a brothren_n yonder_o be_v the_o rogue_n but_o then_o say_v what_o shall_v i_o do_v with_o this_o pistol_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o upon_o which_o word_n one_o of_o the_o informer_n be_v see_v to_o deliver_v he_o something_o which_o he_o put_v into_o the_o pistol_n and_o haste_v towards_o the_o backdoor_n again_o say_v now_o i_o be_o fit_v for_o the_o rogue_n and_o when_o he_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n he_o be_v further_o hear_v to_o threaten_v that_o he_o will_v pistol_n those_o that_o come_v forth_o which_o cause_v two_o of_o the_o company_n viz._n nicholas_n huxome_a and_o john_n leech_n to_o disarm_v he_o to_o prevent_v his_o do_v mischief_n for_o he_o that_o have_v beat_v one_o the_o sabbath_n before_o may_v kill_v another_o now_o which_o when_o they_o have_v do_v several_a of_o the_o informer_n come_v as_o mr._n john_n bear_v his_o brother_n george_n the_o valiant_a tom_fw-mi ford_n etc._n etc._n to_o justify_v he_o in_o break_v of_o the_o peace_n and_o with_o draw_v sword_n and_o cock_v pistol_n they_o pursue_v some_o person_n threaten_v to_o kill_v they_o one_o of_o they_o set_v his_o point_n of_o his_o naked_a rapier_n to_o the_o breast_n of_o a_o woman_n who_o say_v she_o think_v it_o be_v george_n bear_n utter_v bloody_o and_o barbarous_o these_o word_n thou_o impudent_a jade_n or_o damn_a whore_n i_o can_v find_v in_o my_o heart_n to_o run_v thou_o through_o and_o if_o i_o shall_v do_v it_o i_o shall_v do_v god_n good_a service_n the_o say_v george_n bear_v set_v the_o point_n of_o his_o rapier_n to_o the_o breast_n of_o nicholas_n haâ—â—me_n and_o swear_v he_o will_v run_v he_o through_o likewise_o walter_n campion_n of_o who_o prodigious_a perjury_n hereafter_o a_o blacksmith_n in_o dadbrook_n near_o kingsbridg_n seize_v a_o young_a man_n in_o the_o street_n who_o have_v be_v long_o sick_a before_o and_o have_v recover_v a_o little_a strength_n now_o to_o come_v abroad_o and_o command_v he_o to_o go_v along_o with_o he_o which_o he_o refuse_v to_o do_v he_o forcible_o drag_v he_o along_o the_o other_o demand_v a_o warrant_n of_o he_o for_o so_o do_v he_o take_v a_o pistol_n out_o of_o his_o pocket_n and_o tell_v he_o that_o be_v his_o warrant_n threaten_v no_o less_o than_o death_n to_o he_o another_o of_o they_o high_o and_o terrible_o threaten_v a_o young_a woman_n bruise_v her_o arm_n by_o a_o forcible_o hail_v and_o pull_v she_o along_o whereby_o she_o be_v much_o affright_v and_o whereof_o she_o much_o complain_v these_o be_v some_o of_o their_o brutish_a carrige_n and_o savage_a action_n at_o that_o time_n after_o which_o john_n lucas_n who_o be_v disarm_v to_o be_v revenge_v accuse_v several_a for_o beat_v he_o whereof_o william_n gilberd_n of_o kingsbridg_n be_v one_o according_o he_o warrant_v be_v grant_v by_o mr._n helena_n upon_o the_o oath_n that_o the_o say_v lucas_n have_v take_v to_o convene_v the_o say_v w._n g._n before_o he_o who_o when_o he_o appear_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o same_o lucas_n acknowledge_v he_o be_v mistake_v after_o he_o have_v thus_o swear_v against_o he_o when_o the_o session_n come_v luâ—us_o who_o be_v bind_v over_o to_o they_o make_v his_o appearance_n but_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o session_n mr._n carâ—w_o will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o his_o break_v the_o peace_n but_o shameful_o acquit_v he_o justify_v he_o in_o what_o he_o do_v high_o countenance_n he_o the_o clerk_n of_o the_o peace_n refuse_v to_o take_v any_o fee_n of_o he_o whereby_o all_o encouragement_n be_v give_v he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o fraternity_n outrageous_o to_o abuse_v at_o their_o will_n and_o pleasure_n such_o as_o be_v call_v conventicler_n and_o fanatic_n and_o though_o this_o be_v so_o notorious_a a_o riot_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o england_n yet_o the_o least_o notice_n be_v not_o take_v of_o it_o have_v a_o heathen_a see_v with_o what_o partiality_n and_o favour_n towards_o one_o party_n all_o thing_n be_v manage_v and_o with_o great_a rigour_n injustice_n and_o cruelty_n towards_o the_o other_o that_o be_v those_o who_o lucas_n false_o accuse_v for_o beat_v he_o and_o one_o william_n march_v as_o wrongful_o for_o speak_v some_o seditious_a word_n who_o mr._n carew_n will_v not_o give_v any_o time_n to_o provide_v surety_n for_o the_o good_a behaviour_n but_o command_v with_o a_o most_o stern_a countenance_n and_o in_o a_o most_o wrathful_a manner_n which_o show_v how_o much_o his_o heart_n be_v fill_v and_o envenom_v with_o envy_n and_o malice_n the_o late_a present_o to_o take_v he_o he_o must_v needs_o have_v cry_v out_o that_o certain_o christianity_n eradicate_v and_o destroy_v common_a equity_n here_o the_o very_a scum_n of_o the_o country_n the_o most_o abject_a fellow_n and_o dross_n of_o mankind_n be_v by_o mr._n carew_n suffer_v to_o taunt_n vilify_v and_o set_v at_o naught_o some_o justice_n upon_o the_o bench_n as_o mr._n helena_n and_o mr._n bastard_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o favourit_n of_o fanatic_n and_o because_o they_o will_v not_o oppress_v their_o neighbour_n but_o more_o concern_v they_o in_o the_o subsequent_a part_n of_o the_o narrative_a as_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v worthy_a to_o wipe_v their_o shoe_n no_o check_n or_o control_v be_v give_v they_o but_o all_o be_v hear_v with_o much_o seem_a delight_n and_o complacency_n here_o every_o informer_n be_v suffer_v to_o talk_v as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v a_o justice_n of_o peace_n or_o a_o person_n of_o great_a honour_n among_o the_o rest_n the_o magnanimous_a tom_fw-mi ford_n take_v his_o place_n upon_o the_o bench_n aloud_o ask_v lucas_n if_o he_o want_v any_o money_n he_o shall_v have_v enough_o and_o because_o lucas_n after_o he_o have_v take_v a_o positive_a oath_n that_o william_n gilberd_n beat_v he_o acknowledge_v his_o error_n tom_n ford_n in_o open_a court_n aloud_o further_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o err_v the_o second_o time_n that_o if_o he_o that_o beat_v he_o have_v black_a hair_n than_o it_o be_v william_n gilberd_n but_o if_o he_o have_v yellow_a hair_n it_o be_v richerd_v his_o brother_n as_o if_o black_a and_o yellow_a put_v a_o characteristical_a difference_n betwixt_o they_o and_o all_o other_o man_n whereupon_o lucas_n at_o a_o venture_n swear_v it_o be_v richard_n that_o beat_v he_o which_o be_v notorious_o false_a and_o this_o desperate_a oath_n be_v take_v and_o the_o say_v richard_n be_v bind_v over_o to_o two_o assize_n of_o which_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o full_a narrative_a to_o come_v two_o lords-day_n more_o viz._n june_n the_o 19_o and_o 26_o these_o informer_n hunt_v eager_o but_o can_v find_v no_o game_n till_o july_n the_o 3d._n when_o mr._n george_n reynel_n be_v return_v into_o the_o country_n and_o then_o to_o work_v they_o go_v early_o in_o the_o mourn_a have_v the_o fresh_a scent_n of_o a_o conventicle_n in_o their_o nose_n at_o liuckham-hill-head_n near_o salcomb_n in_o the_o parish_n of_o malborough_n thither_o therefore_o they_o repair_v with_o all_o the_o strength_n they_o can_v make_v be_v about_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o horse_n and_o foot_n arm_v swear_v they_o will_v have_v hicks_n if_o he_o be_v above_o ground_n as_o they_o be_v go_v to_o the_o place_n they_o overtake_v a_o youngman_n of_o kingsbridg_n of_o who_o mr._n reynel_n demand_v where_o the_o meeting_n be_v he_o
conscience_n of_o these_o informer_n be_v so_o prodigious_o debauch_a and_o cauterize_v that_o they_o take_v their_o oath_n before_o mr._n bear_v and_o mr._n bruton_n that_o they_o see_v a_o great_a number_n of_o person_n go_v into_o the_o house_n and_o that_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o great_a number_n there_o mr._n bear_v who_o call_v his_o neighbour_n justice_n bruton_n to_o assist_v he_o one_o ready_a enough_o for_o such_o a_o undertake_n which_o make_v the_o fanatic_n in_o those_o part_n sometime_o behold_v to_o the_o rude_a bailiff_n go_v out_o of_o his_o own_o division_n to_o execute_v the_o law_n come_v therefore_o to_o mudbury_n a_o day_n or_o two_o after_o and_o make_v a_o warrant_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o whereas_o they_o be_v credible_o inform_v that_o now_o there_o be_v a_o conventicle_n at_o such_o a_o place_n these_o be_v therefore_o etc._n etc._n the_o informer_n accompany_v the_o officer_n to_o the_o farmer_n house_n this_o lie_n be_v forge_v and_o frame_v to_o attain_v their_o end_n and_o violent_o break_v open_v the_o door_n there_o not_o be_v one_o person_n within_o and_o enter_v the_o house_n which_o when_o they_o have_v do_v the_o informer_n show_v the_o officer_n another_o warrent_n immediate_o to_o take_v distress_n to_o work_v therefore_o they_o go_v and_o empty_a the_o man_n house_n of_o all_o his_o good_n leave_v he_o neither_o bed_n pot_n nor_o pan_n dish_n nor_o spoon_n they_o take_v away_o his_o cider_n and_o sell_v it_o for_o about_o four_o shilling_n a_o hogshead_n as_o they_o do_v all_o other_o thing_n at_o a_o under_o value_n and_o i_o hear_v likewise_o his_o very_a fuel_n which_o be_v for_o the_o twenty_o pound_n that_o be_v levy_v upon_o he_o by_o which_o the_o poor_a man_n be_v almost_o if_o not_o utter_o undo_v shall_v i_o write_v all_o the_o unjust_a and_o illegal_a act_n of_o this_o by_o a_o antiphrasis_n justice_n bear_v it_o will_v make_v these_o few_o sheet_n swell_v to_o a_o considerable_a volumn_n however_o i_o will_v epitomise_v a_o few_o more_o before_o i_o have_v finish_v this_o narrative_a and_o bring_v they_o within_o as_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o i_o can_v that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v how_o much_o his_o majesty_n be_v abuse_v and_o dishonour_v by_o such_o oppress_v and_o empty_a person_n who_o only_a prostitute_n authority_n to_o contempt_n and_o gratify_v a_o single_a particular_a interest_n which_o will_v be_v find_v too_o narrow_a a_o basis_n for_o our_o vast_a structure_n and_o too_o weak_a a_o leg_n for_o our_o great_a and_o bulky_a body_n politic_a to_o stand_v long_o upon_o i_o have_v in_o the_o precede_a part_n of_o this_o narrative_a tell_v the_o reader_n of_o fifteen_o informer_n or_o very_o near_o the_o number_n who_o as_o volunteer_n invade_v and_o beset_v in_o a_o most_o hostile_a manner_n mr._n h._n his_o house_n at_o kingsbridg_n the_o 12_o of_o june_n 1670._o among_o who_o there_o be_v one_o john_n lucas_n who_o stand_v at_o the_o backdoor_n with_o a_o pistol_n threaten_v to_o kill_v any_o that_o come_v out_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o he_o be_v disarm_v be_v bind_v before_o to_o the_o peace_n or_o good_a behaviour_n and_o deport_v himself_o so_o minacious_o without_o any_o authority_n this_o lucas_n in_o the_o month_n of_o december_n last_o sicken_v and_o die_v the_o beginning_n of_o january_n when_o he_o be_v dead_a his_o inform_a brethren_n mr._n bear_v and_o the_o rest_n threaten_v that_o some_o shall_v suffer_v for_o murder_v he_o mr._n h._n the_o latter_a end_n of_o august_n leave_v the_o country_n about_o eighteen_o week_n and_o near_o the_o time_n that_o the_o say_v lucas_n die_v his_o adversary_n conjecture_v he_o be_v return_v in_o devon_n they_o resolve_v to_o make_v he_o guilty_a of_o this_o horrid_a murder_n as_o they_o report_v it_o to_o be_v though_o while_n lucas_n be_v well_o and_o in_o health_n he_o never_o accuse_v he_o for_o beat_v or_o assault_v he_o at_o the_o time_n speak_v of_o or_o any_o time_n after_o justice_n bear_v be_v return_v from_o the_o session_n present_o inquire_v into_o the_o pretend_a bloody_a fact_n lucas_n his_o widow_n she_o swear_v before_o he_o who_o be_v then_o the_o head_n of_o this_o inform_a party_n that_o when_o he_o lie_v upon_o his_o sickbed_n he_o say_v that_o mr._n h._n come_v out_o in_o the_o head_n of_o threescore_o man_n or_o near_o that_o number_n and_o knock_v he_o down_o and_o that_o eight_o person_n more_o viz._n mr._n bevil_n bastard_n mr._n henry_n luke_n william_n and_o richard_n gilberd_n merrigame_n jâ—hn_n leech_n nicholas_n hexome_a and_o john_n bowen_n fall_v upon_o he_o and_o beat_v he_o so_o cruel_o than_o he_o be_v never_o well_o after_o but_o gradual_o languish_v which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o sickness_n and_o so_o of_o his_o death_n her_o father_n kisland_n a_o fellow_n that_o lucas_n be_v hear_v to_o say_v not_o long_o before_o he_o fall_v sick_a will_v for_o a_o groat_n betray_v or_o take_v away_o any_o man_n life_n or_o word_n to_o that_o purpose_n swear_v that_o when_o he_o be_v strip_v there_o be_v the_o impression_n of_o the_o blow_v which_o he_o call_v stripe_n upon_o his_o back_n this_o be_v do_v justice_n bear_n grant_v forth_o his_o warrant_n to_o apprehend_v all_o these_o person_n upon_o suspicion_n of_o murder_n they_o all_o yield_v themselves_o but_o mr._n h._n who_o be_v not_o at_o home_n nor_o have_v be_v for_o many_o month_n mr._n bear_v refuse_v to_o bail_v they_o though_o the_o case_n will_v admit_v thereof_o to_o the_o goal_n therefore_o they_o must_v go_v the_o mittimus_n of_o some_o of_o they_o be_v make_v but_o two_o other_o justice_n do_v bail_v they_o either_o not_o be_v so_o ignorant_a of_o the_o law_n or_o not_o so_o malicious_a as_o himself_o now_o though_o this_o justice_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o informer_n confident_o report_n and_o assert_v that_o this_o be_v a_o most_o bloody_a and_o barbarous_a murder_n yet_o they_o bury_v he_o never_o endeavour_v and_o it_o be_v likely_a never_o intend_v to_o have_v he_o crown_v a_o coroner_n indeed_o come_v not_o long_o after_o but_o do_v not_o his_o office_n i_o will_v not_o confident_o avere_v that_o mr._n bear_v or_o any_o other_o do_v tamper_v with_o he_o private_o to_o be_v go_v know_v that_o no_o stripe_n will_v be_v find_v upon_o his_o back_n but_o the_o accuse_v know_v their_o own_o pure_a and_o spotless_a innocency_n be_v resolve_v to_o have_v he_o crown_v and_o according_o send_v for_o a_o coroner_n who_o come_v and_o execute_v his_o office_n according_a to_o law_n when_o his_o jury_n be_v impanele_v witness_n on_o both_o side_n with_o impartiality_n be_v examine_v lucas_n his_o widow_n and_o her_o father_n swear_v as_o before_o the_o justice_n except_o as_o some_o say_v she_o accuse_v not_o mr._n h._n to_o who_o be_v add_v a_o new_a witness_n john_n bear_v a_o fellow_n that_o not_o long_o before_o take_v a_o oath_n before_o a_o justice_n of_o peace_n that_o mr._n john_n tripe_n of_o kingsbridg_n be_v at_o 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answer_v that_o this_o must_v be_v understand_v either_o so_o far_o as_o thing_n be_v or_o person_n act_n agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o common_a justice_n or_o right_a reason_n though_o all_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o act_n or_o else_o we_o must_v suppose_v his_o majesty_n and_o our_o legislator_n do_v intend_v and_o design_n nothing_o hereby_o but_o wrong_n and_o injustice_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v assert_v i_o hope_v all_o these_o thing_n in_o conjunction_n together_o serious_o weigh_v and_o consider_v may_v rational_o plead_v for_o his_o majesty_n interpose_v betwixt_o his_o distress_a and_o oppress_v subject_n and_o the_o violence_n and_o injustice_n of_o their_o oppresser_n if_o their_o purse_n who_o be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o considerable_a a_o wealthy_a party_n in_o this_o nation_n be_v thus_o evacute_v and_o exhaust_v and_o such_o a_o constant_a devoration_n and_o consumption_n make_v of_o their_o estate_n by_o those_o country_n 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misery_n of_o prince_n and_o a_o considerable_a cause_n of_o their_o miscarriage_n in_o government_n that_o they_o can_v hear_v with_o their_o own_o ear_n from_o those_o that_o will_v give_v a_o right_a information_n and_o true_a state_n of_o person_n and_o thing_n nor_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n what_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o view_n and_o lie_v open_a to_o the_o observation_n thereof_o but_o he_o will_v endeavour_v some_o speedy_a relief_n for_o the_o oppress_v if_o not_o grow_v big_a with_o royal_a indignation_n against_o the_o oppresser_n i_o shall_v not_o much_o concern_v myself_o whether_o this_o narrative_n be_v grateful_a or_o â—â—â—â—teful_a to_o the_o reader_n see_v it_o be_v compose_v of_o truth_n for_o what_o i_o have_v collect_v and_o publish_v i_o have_v do_v it_o with_o awful_a apprehension_n of_o the_o severe_a inspection_n of_o god_n all-seeing_a eye_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o wilful_o and_o witting_o send_v abroad_o falsehood_n to_o travel_v in_o the_o world_n neither_o will_v i_o deviate_v or_o vary_v from_o verity_n in_o the_o most_o minute_n and_o inconsiderable_a circumstance_n but_o if_o i_o shall_v as_o possible_o i_o may_v yet_o i_o hope_v i_o shall_v be_v pardon_v by_o the_o candid_a reader_n and_o that_o he_o will_v become_v a_o advocate_n for_o i_o see_v the_o best_a and_o true_a historian_n be_v obnoxious_a to_o such_o mistake_n so_o long_o as_o the_o substance_n be_v true_a which_o take_v as_o follow_v may_v the_o 29_o 1670_o mr._n george_n reynel_n of_o malson_n in_o the_o parish_n of_o sherford_n devon_n now_o a_o prisoner_n in_o the_o kingsbench_n one_o of_o his_o majesty_n justice_n of_o peace_n though_o a_o sufficient_a disturber_n thereof_o of_o which_o you_o have_v some_o signal_n instance_n in_o the_o follow_a narrative_n be_v inform_v by_o some_o infamous_a fellow_n employ_v for_o that_o end_n that_o there_o be_v a_o assembly_n of_o people_n at_o mr._n john_n hicks_n his_o house_n a_o 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arthur_n and_o some_o other_o below_n and_o inquire_v for_o the_o say_v mr._n h._n be_v suppose_v but_o not_o prove_v to_o have_v preach_v who_o not_o find_v most_o unbecoming_a a_o gentleman_n and_o a_o justice_n of_o peace_n before_o his_o wife_n revile_v and_o calumniates_n call_v he_o then_o and_o at_o the_o tavern_n after_o rebel_n rogue_n rascal_n town-bull_n whoremaster_n bastard-maker_n etc._n etc._n then_o he_o above_o and_o his_o brother_n below_o begin_v to_o take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o people_n who_o they_o find_v there_o but_o in_o vain_a be_v the_o assay_v for_o both_o their_o hand_n tremble_v so_o much_o which_o be_v obvious_a to_o the_o view_n and_o observation_n of_o many_o spectator_n who_o be_v ready_a now_o to_o attest_v it_o that_o they_o can_v not_o scarce_o write_v one_o name_n and_o so_o be_v forâ—â—t_a to_o desist_v what_o be_v productive_a or_o causative_a of_o this_o paralytical_a distemper_n i_o leave_v the_o intelligent_a and_o impartial_a reader_n to_o judg._n yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o say_a justice_n as_o if_o he_o will_v attempt_v a_o conquest_n over_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o will_v baffle_v and_o stifle_v the_o consternate_a conviction_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n proceed_v may_n the_o 30_o to_o a_o coviction_n of_o several_a person_n to_o suffer_v as_o he_o pretend_v according_a to_o the_o law_n make_v against_o conventicle_n first_o then_o though_o no_o minister_n be_v find_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v any_o muchless_a that_o mr._n hicks_n or_o any_o other_o minister_n do_v either_o preach_v or_o teach_v which_o be_v the_o crime_n that_o incur_v the_o penalty_n of_o twenty_o pound_n yet_o be_v levy_v twenty_o pound_n upon_o the_o say_v mr._n h._n for_o preach_v and_o issue_v forth_o his_o warrant_n to_o the_o constable_n of_o kingsbridg_n to_o take_v destress_n upon_o his_o good_n be_n judge_v and_o declare_v he_o upon_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o household_n good_n the_o sabbath-day_n sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v the_o law_n but_o he_o refuse_v to_o open_v his_o door_n the_o luâ—â—_n eat_v against_o law_n transfer_v the_o penalty_n from_o he_o to_o some_o of_o his_o suppose_a heaâ—eâ—s_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n he_o levi_v forty_o shilling_n upon_o one_o roger-bâ—â—â—rd_a who_o be_v not_o the_o lordsday_n before_o at_o mr._n h._n his_o house_n when_o the_o justice_n come_v and_o though_o he_o make_v his_o complaint_n to_o he_o of_o the_o wrong_n do_v he_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o relieve_v he_o twenty_o shilling_n he_o levy_v upon_o thomas_n cole_n of_o kingsbridg_n who_o refuse_v to_o pay_v it_o he_o as_o if_o he_o 〈◊〉_d be_v too_o merciful_a and_o compassionate_v before_o add_v fifteen_o shilling_n more_o to_o it_o and_o command_v the_o constable_n to_o destrain_v thirty_o sheep_n for_o it_o which_o be_v a_o most_o horrid_a oppression_n and_o high_a injustice_n contrary_a to_o all_o law_n as_o the_o 51._o hen._n 3._o which_o say_v that_o distress_n must_v be_v reasonable_a after_o the_o value_n of_o the_o debt_n and_o demand_v 52._o hen._n 3._o which_o say_v that_o destress_n shall_v be_v reasonable_a and_o not_o too_o great_a and_o he_o that_o take_v great_a and_o unreasonable_a destress_n shall_v be_v grievous_o amerce_v for_o the_o excess_n thereof_o so_o 28._o ed._n 1._o 12._o forty_o shilling_n further_o he_o levi_v upon_o chrispin_n collings_n who_o find_v himself_o aggrieve_v make_v his_o appeal_n according_a to_o law_n and_o now_o the_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n that_o he_o meet_v with_o at_o the_o session_n may_v be_v read_v first_o when_o he_o come_v up_o with_o witness_n to_o prove_v several_a thing_n of_o moment_n and_o have_v be_v at_o great_a charge_n he_o be_v not_o suffer_v to_o travers_n his_o appeal_n but_o as_o if_o on_o purpose_n to_o oppress_v he_o the_o more_o and_o because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o witness_n then_o get_v to_o prove_v he_o be_v at_o mr._n h._n his_o house_n make_v to_o enter_v into_o new_a recognizance_n to_o do_v it_o the_o next_o session_n after_o which_o when_o he_o come_v to_o do_v he_o find_v justice_n stand_v afar_o off_o and_o equity_n can_v not_o enter_v for_o there_o judgement_n principal_o pass_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o a_o ignorant_a fellow_n who_o swear_v he_o see_v he_o in_o the_o say_v mr._n h._n his_o house_n and_o when_o it_o be_v demand_v at_o what_o time_n he_o reply_v in_o the_o afternoon_n and_o yet_o the_o pretend_a conventicle_n that_o mr._n reynel_n will_v convict_v of_o be_v in_o the_o forenoon_n and_o though_o it_o can_v not_o be_v prove_v that_o mr._n h._n do_v at_o that_o time_n either_o preach_v or_o teach_v yet_o be_v the_o say_v c._n collings_n adjudge_v to_o part_n of_o the_o twenty_o pound_n beside_o the_o treble_a cost_n which_o be_v screw_v up_o to_o the_o height_n the_o most_o that_o can_v be_v attest_v be_v that_o the_o voice_n of_o mr._n h._n be_v hear_v and_o yet_o he_o that_o do_v swear_v this_o be_v at_o that_o distance_n from_o his_o house_n that_o it_o render_v it_o very_o difficult_a either_o to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o a_o man_n or_o so_o as_o to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o voice_n of_o one_o man_n and_o another_o and_o impossible_a to_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o one_o pray_v or_o preach_v by_o the_o most_o open_a and_o attentive_a ear_n yet_o this_o be_v valid_a and_o authentic_a enough_o to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v preach_v but_o as_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o a_o man_n that_o be_v usual_o of_o the_o petty_a jury_n for_o life_n and_o death_n in_o the_o county_n where_o he_o live_v and_o when_o evidence_n be_v not_o clear_a to_o the_o jury_n of_o a_o felonious_a fact_n will_v still_o say_v let_v we_o hang_v the_o man_n at_o a_o venture_n so_o be_v most_o of_o the_o justice_n at_o the_o session_n and_o the_o jury_n
not_o receive_v it_o and_o the_o first_o warrant_n mr._n bâ—ar_n have_v since_o force_v from_o the_o constable_n another_o conviction_n of_o his_o be_v as_o follow_v mr._n tooker_n a_o nonconforming_a minister_n live_v in_o the_o parish_n of_o west-altington_a in_o the_o county_n of_o devon_n have_v three_o gentlewoman_n at_o his_o house_n on_o a_o sabbath-day_n who_o visit_v his_o wife_n be_v much_o afflict_v for_o the_o death_n by_o drown_v at_o sea_n of_o her_o son_n and_o only_a child_n pray_v with_o they_o it_o be_v in_o the_o afternoon_n when_o there_o be_v no_o minister_n at_o the_o parish_n church_n and_o while_o he_o be_v engage_v in_o this_o christian_a work_n and_o duty_n come_v lucas_n campion_n arnel_n with_o leech_n the_o apostate_n and_o judas_n all_o of_o the_o inform_a crew_n with_o some_o other_o and_o beset_v the_o house_n to_o see_v that_o none_o shall_v pass_v in_o or_o out_o while_o they_o send_v for_o the_o constable_n and_o churchwarden_n of_o the_o parish_n before_o who_o come_v one_o of_o the_o gentlewomen_n servant_n come_v with_o a_o horse_n to_o carry_v she_o home_o but_o see_v the_o house_n beset_v return_v again_o immediate_o and_o when_o they_o come_v the_o door_n be_v present_o open_v to_o they_o who_o enter_v the_o house_n make_v a_o general_a search_n the_o informer_n assist_v they_o but_o find_v not_o one_o person_n beside_o the_o three_o aforesaid_a gentlewoman_n and_o the_o family_n this_o high_o discontent_n and_o enruge_v the_o informer_n because_o they_o mislead_v of_o their_o expect_a prize_n and_o prey_n however_o they_o say_v this_o shall_v not_o serve_v their_o turn_n but_o they_o will_v make_v a_o conventicle_n of_o the_o three_o gentlewomen_n being_n there_o according_o they_o immediate_o repair_v to_o the_o new_a inform_a justice_n bear_v and_o acquaint_v he_o that_o though_o there_o be_v but_o three_o person_n in_o the_o house_n beside_o the_o family_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o one_o of_o the_o gentlewomen_n who_o come_v ride_v thither_o and_o mr._n revil_n bastard_n who_o hear_v that_o the_o informer_n be_v there_o come_v to_o the_o house_n to_o see_v what_o they_o do_v although_o not_o until_o the_o officer_n have_v search_v the_o house_n and_o be_v go_v with_o joseph_n tripe_n who_o be_v then_o walk_v in_o his_o own_o ground_n where_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o hear_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o house_n and_o the_o informer_n be_v betwixt_o he_o and_o the_o house_n likewise_o and_o this_o mr._n bear_v judge_v to_o be_v notorious_a evidence_n and_o circumstance_n of_o fact_n sufficient_a to_o make_v it_o a_o conventicle_n and_o according_o the_o next_o morning_n without_o send_v for_o any_o of_o the_o person_n complain_v of_o to_o hear_v what_o they_o can_v say_v for_o themselves_o grant_v his_o warrant_n for_o distrain_v of_o mr._n tooker_n for_o 30_o pound_n and_o joseph_n tripe_n for_o 10_o pound_n the_o officer_n of_o the_o parish_n the_o same_o day_n come_v to_o mr._n tookers_n house_n and_o the_o informer_n with_o they_o without_o be_v require_v or_o command_v who_o pull_v and_o tore_n down_o all_o the_o good_n in_o his_o house_n and_o such_o be_v the_o inmanity_n and_o inhumanity_n of_o these_o rapacious_a harpy_n and_o voracious_a bird_n of_o prey_n i_o mean_v the_o informer_n that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o seize_v his_o bed_n and_o bed-clothes_n but_o the_o poor_a child_n wearing-clothe_n and_o the_o very_a victual_n that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n they_o leave_v no_o corner_n or_o place_n they_o can_v find_v unsearched_a for_o money_n neither_o his_o pocket_n nor_o the_o flesh-tub_n pigs-paile_n all_o sort_n of_o bottle_n nor_o yet_o the_o very_a close-stool_n as_o if_o the_o evacuated_a excrement_n of_o fanatic_n can_v be_v convert_v into_o coin_n or_o be_v rich_a bullion_n however_o these_o new-gold-finder_n judge_v that_o something_o more_o precious_a and_o odoreferous_a a_o partepost_n may_v drop_v from_o they_o than_o other_o person_n ten_o shilling_n they_o steal_v but_o who_o be_v the_o particular_a person_n that_o do_v it_o i_o know_v not_o but_o this_o i_o know_v that_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a actor_n among_o they_o be_v john_n bear_n or_o beer_n who_o by_o a_o nickname_n be_v call_v cocky_a bear_n in_o the_o country_n a_o cousin_n of_o the_o new_a justice_n that_o have_v sufficien_o experience_v the_o pinch_n of_o poverty_n before_o he_o take_v up_o this_o most_o disgraceful_a inform_v trade_n and_o now_o he_o with_o the_o rest_n live_v upon_o the_o spoil_v of_o the_o country_n josep_n tripe_n have_v his_o good_n destrain_v immediate_o repair_v to_o justice_n bear_v and_o acquaint_v he_o that_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o come_v to_o mr._n tookers_n house_n as_o that_o he_o shun_v and_o estrange_v himself_o from_o it_o there_o be_v a_o suit_n in_o law_n betwixt_o he_o and_o mr._n tooker_n upon_o her_o former_a husband_n account_n and_o further_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v within_o his_o house_n all_o that_o day_n until_o that_o time_n that_o the_o informer_n come_v mr._n bevil_n bastard_n and_o the_o gentlewoman_n servant_n prove_v the_o same_o upon_o which_o mr._n bear_v dismiss_v they_o and_o set_v their_o good_n aâ—_n liberty_n mr._n tookers_o be_v much_o spoil_a and_o damnify_v but_o he_o have_v not_o his_o money_n again_o which_o be_v steal_v from_o he_o and_o because_o mr._n tooker_n about_o half_a a_o year_n after_o complain_v of_o the_o damage_n do_v to_o his_o good_n and_o that_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o have_v satisfaction_n for_o it_o mr._n bear_n grant_v a_o new_a warrant_n to_o seize_v all_o his_o good_n and_o in_o case_n no_o good_n can_v be_v find_v then_o to_o apprehend_v his_o person_n which_o necessitate_v and_o enforce_v mr._n tooker_n to_o disperse_v his_o family_n and_o betake_v himself_o to_o a_o wander_v life_n to_o avoid_v his_o implacable_a wrath_n and_o malice_n september_n the_o 11_o this_o goring_n crew_n or_o plunderer_n go_v to_o mr._n burdwoods_n house_n a_o nonconformist_a in_o the_o parish_n of_o malborough_n where_o they_o find_v he_o sing_v a_o psalm_n with_o four_o of_o his_o neighbour_n beside_o his_o own_o family_n and_o have_v a_o mastiff-dog_n without_o at_o the_o door_n he_o bark_v at_o they_o a_o girl_n live_v near_o perceive_v this_o set_v on_o the_o dog_n its_o likely_a understanding_n that_o though_o these_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o species_n or_o kind_a with_o the_o dog_n yet_o that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o disposition_n which_o the_o people_n of_o the_o house_n hear_v present_o call_v off_o and_o open_v the_o door_n to_o let_v he_o in_o the_o girl_n be_v affright_v enter_v in_o too_o and_o the_o informer_n with_o she_o even_o upon_o her_o heel_n and_o this_o mr._n bear_n make_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n and_o reason_n to_o proceed_v on_o to_o a_o conviction_n of_o a_o conventicle_n notwithstanding_o that_o one_o of_o the_o informer_n do_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o girl_n go_v in_o when_o the_o door_n be_v open_v to_o the_o dog_n he_o levi_v therefore_o twenty_o pound_n upon_o mr._n burdwood_n for_o his_o house_n twenty_o pound_n more_o for_o preach_v and_o five_o shilling_n for_o each_o of_o the_o rest_n one_o chiswel_o of_o kingsbridg_n blacksmith_n owe_v mr._n burdwood_n three_o pound_n have_v a_o warrant_n send_v he_o from_o this_o new_a justice_n require_v he_o to_o detain_v the_o money_n in_o his_o hand_n which_o he_o through_o fear_n do_v another_o warrant_n he_o send_v to_o the_o constable_n of_o cornwoody_n for_o the_o seize_v of_o a_o estate_n which_o mr._n bardwood_n have_v there_o if_o they_o find_v it_o chattel_n for_o life_n or_o year_n april_n the_o 23d_o of_o this_o present_a year_n leech_n the_o judas_n and_o arnel_n his_o brother_n informer_n then_o expert_a and_o considerable_a set_v dog_n that_o mr._n bear_n be_v the_o master_n of_o hunt_v about_o the_o country_n for_o game_n both_o for_o their_o master_n and_o themselves_o and_o at_o last_o they_o come_v to_o a_o farmer_n house_n in_o a_o village_n call_v leigh_n in_o the_o parish_n of_o modbury_n about_o five_o or_o six_o mile_n distant_a from_o the_o place_n where_o they_o live_v and_o see_v some_o person_n pass_v into_o the_o farmer_n yard_n it_o be_v the_o forenoon_n one_o of_o they_o stop_v at_o the_o house_n to_o watch_v the_o other_o go_v to_o call_v the_o officer_n of_o the_o parish_n who_o come_v with_o all_o possible_a speed_n to_o the_o house_n and_o narrow_o search_v it_o but_o find_v not_o one_o person_n in_o the_o house_n or_o about_o it_o beside_o the_o family_n belong_v to_o it_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o people_n only_o pass_v through_o the_o court_n and_o go_v to_o some_o other_o place_n or_o about_o their_o occasion_n elsewhere_o while_o the_o farmer_n be_v pray_v with_o his_o family_n nevertheless_o the_o
he_o be_v not_o find_v guilty_a he_o shall_v have_v his_o liberty_n he_o will_v pâ—_n 〈…〉_o it_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o his_o innocency_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o give_v the_o 〈…〉_o full_o and_o impartial_o of_o the_o trial_n that_o be_v betwit_n 〈…〉_o â—n_v bastard_z esquire_n and_o mr._n edward_n râ—ynel_n and_o jâ—_n 〈…〉_o or_o bear_v for_o pretend_a neglect_v of_o put_v the_o act_n against_o conventicle_n in_o execution_n etc._n etc._n the_o first_o infomer_n sue_v mr._n helena_n for_o three_o neglect_v and_o so_o be_v in_o hope_n of_o have_v one_o moiety_n of_o three_o hundred_o pound_n however_o his_o majesty_n will_v dispose_v of_o the_o other_o its_o likely_a he_o be_v not_o without_o hope_n of_o it_o as_o the_o merit_v reward_n of_o his_o signal_n and_o eminent_a service_n now_o let_v the_o world_n know_v the_o ingratitude_n and_o disingenuity_n of_o edward_n reynel_n towards_o mr._n helena_n not_o only_o as_o he_o be_v his_o godson_n but_o as_o he_o at_o that_o time_n owe_v he_o several_a sum_n of_o money_n both_o on_o his_o own_o and_o father_n account_n his_o elder_a brother_n mr._n george_n reynel_n the_o prisoner_n in_o the_o kings-bench_n and_o the_o justice_n owe_v he_o likewise_o a_o hundred_o pound_n which_o his_o lady_n send_v for_o some_o year_n since_o to_o pay_v her_o physician_n with_o and_o have_v it_o from_o he_o only_o on_o her_o single_a letter_n without_o bill_n or_o bond_n and_o which_o be_v not_o pay_v to_o this_o day_n he_o be_v now_o resolve_v to_o requite_v mr._n he_o will_v well_o for_o all_o his_o civility_n and_o favour_n show_v to_o he_o and_o the_o family_n the_o other_o informer_n sue_v mr._n bastard_n for_o two_o neglect_v and_o now_o think_v to_o enrich_v himself_o with_o the_o share_n of_o the_o two_o hundred_o pound_n thereby_o to_o get_v above_o the_o disgrace_n and_o contempt_n of_o poverty_n non_fw-la habet_fw-la infaelix_fw-la paupertas_fw-la durius_fw-la in_o se_fw-la quam_fw-la quod_fw-la rediculos_fw-la homines_fw-la facit_fw-la in_o this_o account_n which_o i_o give_v i_o shall_v as_o before_o methodize_v and_o digest_v it_o into_o this_o order_n first_o to_o relate_v the_o perjury_n of_o the_o witness_n that_o swear_v against_o both_o the_o gentleman_n and_o the_o hard_a measure_n they_o meet_v with_o from_o the_o judge_n who_o set_v himself_o with_o that_o violence_n and_o vehemency_n against_o they_o that_o it_o be_v observe_v and_o speak_v of_o general_o with_o abhorrency_n and_o detestation_n when_o mr._n h._n trial_n be_v put_v forth_o after_o four_o day_n attendance_n on_o the_o assize_n and_o the_o jury_n call_v robert_n adam_n of_o malborough_n be_v the_o foreman_n of_o it_o be_v except_v against_o by_o mr._n bear_v the_o justice_n who_o be_v not_o long_o before_o the_o principal_a informer_n as_o a_o excommunicate_v person_n for_o which_o he_o take_v his_o oath_n in_o the_o court_n whereby_o the_o say_v r._n a._n be_v incapaciate_v to_o serve_v in_o the_o trial_n relate_v to_o mr._n h._n and_o mr._n b._n now_o the_o reader_n must_v know_v that_o the_o foresay_a person_n be_v suspect_v by_o the_o informer_n to_o favour_n or_o bear_v goodwill_n towards_o those_o they_o call_v fanatic_n and_o they_o can_v contrive_v no_o way_n to_o remove_v he_o but_o this_o to_o prove_v he_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o serve_v as_o a_o juror_n which_o by_o the_o law_n no_o excommunicate_v person_n be_v mr._n bear_v therefore_o he_o undertake_v for_o a_o expedient_a and_o that_o be_v to_o call_v the_o omniscient_a god_n and_o he_o that_o be_v essential_a and_o eternal_a truth_n to_o be_v a_o witness_n to_o a_o lye_n for_o since_o the_o assize_n it_o have_v be_v inquire_v into_o and_o find_v that_o robert_n adam_n be_v not_o then_o excommunicate_v m._n bear_v further_a swear_v to_o aggravate_v mr_n heel_n suppose_a neglect_v that_o the_o insolency_n of_o conventicler_n be_v grow_v to_o that_o height_n that_o all_o loyal_a subject_n have_v just_a cause_n to_o fear_v a_o rebellion_n that_o they_o speak_v of_o mr._n hicks_n and_o the_o people_n he_o preach_v too_o do_v not_o only_o usurp_v the_o pulpit_n of_o lawful_a minister_n but_o pull_v they_o out_o of_o their_o pulpit_n and_o lay_v churchwarden_n that_o come_v to_o suppress_v they_o flat_a on_o their_o back_n in_o the_o church_n and_o break_v open_a church_n door_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o thing_n if_o truth_n mr._n bear_n be_v never_o a_o eye-witness_n of_o but_o what_o notorious_a falsehood_n these_o be_v the_o whole_a country_n round_o about_o know_v it_o be_v strange_a and_o most_o inconsistent_a with_o reason_n that_o they_o who_o be_v continual_o attempt_v to_o bring_v mr._n hicks_n into_o trouble_n for_o preach_v shall_v never_o take_v â—o_o great_a and_o fair_a a_o advantage_n against_o he_o as_o hereby_o they_o have_v if_o mr._n bear_v can_v produce_v one_o churchwarden_n or_o any_o officer_n in_o a_o town_n or_o parish_n where_o mr._n h._n preach_v public_o that_o will_v affirm_v that_o either_o he_o oppose_v he_o or_o that_o any_o assault_n or_o the_o least_o violence_n and_o incivility_n be_v offer_v by_o he_o or_o any_o of_o his_o hearer_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o preach_a or_o can_v bring_v one_o minister_n to_o prove_v that_o ever_o mr._n h._n or_o any_o of_o his_o hearer_n do_v dispossess_v he_o of_o a_o pulpit_n when_o he_o be_v in_o it_o or_o that_o any_o church_n door_n be_v break_v open_a to_o possess_v the_o pulpit_n then_o will_v i_o engage_v mr._n hicks_n shall_v appear_v at_o any_o assize_n or_o any_o other_o time_n to_o suffer_v whatever_o any_o law_n in_o the_o utmost_a extremity_n can_v inflict_v upon_o he_o and_o promise_v never_o to_o indite_v mr._n b._n for_o perjury_n the_o jury_n be_v swear_v one_o witness_n upon_o oath_n swear_v that_o mr._n helena_n refuse_v to_o take_v information_n upon_o oath_n that_o there_o be_v a_o conventicle_n at_o mr._n hicks_n his_o house_n may_v the_o 19_o when_o another_o of_o they_o upon_o his_o oath_n do_v confess_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o mr._n helena_n do_v take_v their_o information_n which_o also_o several_a person_n of_o mr._n heel_n house_n do_v attest_v as_o for_o the_o other_o two_o neglect_v mr._n helena_n be_v charge_v with_o and_o sue_v for_o which_o be_v in_o one_o day_n june_n the_o 19_o 1670._o i_o shall_v speak_v nothing_o concern_v they_o till_o i_o relate_v the_o carriage_n of_o the_o judge_n in_o reference_n to_o they_o when_o the_o trial_n betwixt_o mr._n bastard_n and_o john_n bear_v be_v put_v on_o for_o two_o neglect_v the_o first_o be_v for_o the_o 29_o of_o june_n likewise_o one_o of_o the_o informer_n and_o the_o dog-whipper_n swear_v they_o come_v between_o twelve_o and_o one_o a_o clock_n to_o mr._n bastard_n house_n to_o inform_v of_o a_o conventicle_n near_o kingsbridg_n in_o mr._n h._n his_o house_n and_o that_o it_o be_v three_o mile_n betwixt_o gorston_n where_o mr._n bastard_n dwell_v and_o kingsbridg_n but_o the_o contrary_a to_o all_o that_o they_o affirm_v upon_o oath_n be_v so_o full_o prove_v that_o all_o who_o hear_v it_o might_n and_o most_o be_v convince_v what_o perjure_v miscreant_n they_o be_v campion_n swear_v that_o he_o see_v mistress_n bastard_n mr._n bastard_n wife_n at_o the_o same_o conventicle_n whereas_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v she_o be_v elsewhere_o by_o several_a witness_n shall_v i_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n all_o the_o false_a oath_n and_o voluminous_a perjury_n of_o these_o and_o other_o witness_n the_o narrative_n will_v break_v the_o bound_n and_o stretch_v itself_o far_o beyond_o the_o confine_n i_o intend_v it_o shall_v be_v keep_v within_o i_o shall_v now_o conclude_v all_o with_o the_o carriage_n of_o the_o judge_n who_o suffer_v without_o any_o check_n mr._n helena_n and_o mr._n bastard_n to_o be_v jeer_v and_o flout_v and_o high_a affront_v put_v upon_o they_o by_o such_o humuncio_n and_o dregs_o of_o humanity_n as_o campion_n the_o smith_n leech_n the_o judas_n that_o be_v glad_a of_o a_o day_n work_v in_o the_o country_n the_o dog_n whipper_n and_o other_o when_o campion_n swear_v he_o see_v mr._n bastard_n wife_n at_o a_o conventicle_n and_o the_o judge_n ask_v he_o how_o he_o know_v it_o be_v she_o he_o most_o saucy_o and_o impudent_o reply_v he_o can_v not_o tell_v whether_o she_o be_v marry_v to_o he_o or_o no_o but_o he_o have_v have_v several_a child_n by_o she_o etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o the_o judge_n do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o reprove_v he_o for_o or_o show_v the_o least_o dislike_n of_o his_o so_o shameful_o abuse_v person_n of_o that_o worth_n and_o honour_n they_o be_v know_v and_o esteem_v general_o to_o be_v when_o leech_n swear_v that_o if_o mr._n bastard_n have_v be_v so_o zealous_a in_o execute_v the_o king_n law_n as_o he_o be_v to_o maintain_v rebellion_n the_o conventicler_n have_v be_v all_o rout_v
he_o be_v resolve_v to_o make_v he_o guilty_a of_o the_o other_o therefore_o though_o mr._n bastard_n prove_v that_o he_o take_v all_o the_o information_n of_o the_o informer_n and_o every_o word_n that_o they_o say_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o same_o and_o every_o name_n of_o the_o person_n that_o they_o affirm_v be_v then_o present_a to_o which_o information_n likewise_o the_o several_a informer_n put_v their_o hand_n but_o without_o any_o proof_n that_o there_o be_v either_o preach_a or_o pray_v mr._n john_n bear_v upon_o his_o oath_n acknowledge_v he_o see_v or_o know_v of_o no_o manner_n of_o worship_n among_o the_o people_n and_o the_o rest_n that_o there_o be_v no_o worship_n contrary_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o notwithstanding_o this_o though_o mr._n bastard_n that_o he_o may_v not_o neglect_v his_o duty_n make_v a_o record_n hereof_o as_o a_o conventicle_n which_o be_v put_v in_o at_o the_o next_o session_n and_o the_o money_n return_v of_o those_o offender_n who_o then_o of_o the_o informer_n swear_v be_v there_o present_a so_o much_o as_o concern_v the_o king_n yet_o the_o judge_n declare_v it_o a_o neglect_v because_o the_o record_n be_v not_o date_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o session_n but_o the_o three_o whereupon_o mr._n bastard_n declare_v open_o and_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o court_n that_o he_o do_v not_o neglect_v his_o duty_n witting_o and_o wilful_o which_o be_v the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o act_n against_o conventicle_n for_o he_o can_v aswell_o have_v date_v it_o the_o first_o as_o the_o three_o day_n but_o he_o know_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a but_o that_o it_o be_v valid_a enough_o if_o enter_v and_o date_v any_o time_n during_o the_o session_n which_o be_v take_v in_o a_o general_a sense_n every_o particular_a day_n not_o be_v a_o new_a or_o distinct_a session_n and_o what_o unprejudiced_a person_n can_v rational_o think_v or_o judge_v otherwise_o however_o according_a to_o the_o direction_n give_v to_o the_o jury_n he_o be_v fine_v a_o hundred_o pound_n now_o if_o the_o reader_n be_v curious_o inquisitive_a to_o know_v what_o judge_n this_o be_v that_o so_o far_o deviate_v and_o swerve_v from_o all_o justice_n and_o equity_n lest_o any_o other_o shall_v be_v censure_v for_o he_o i_o must_v declare_v it_o be_v judge_n rainford_n who_o be_v profound_o wise_a and_o understanding_n in_o the_o law_n mildred_n compassionate_a and_o impartial_a in_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n here_o in_o england_n for_o aught_o i_o ever_o hear_v to_o the_o contrary_a except_o when_o the_o cause_n of_o those_o call_v fanatic_n come_v before_o he_o and_o then_o like_o naaman_n he_o must_v be_v pardon_v at_o ashbrenton_n near_o totness_n on_o or_o about_o june_n the_o 12_o one_o andrew_n helly_n with_o his_o son_n daughter_n and_o a_o friend_n be_v repeat_v a_o sermon_n in_o a_o barn_n of_o he_o about_o a_o mile_n from_o his_o house_n to_o which_o place_n just_a as_o they_o have_v end_v come_v james_n parrot_n and_o a_o private_a person_n the_o setting-dog_n be_v abroad_o scent_v and_o espy_v the_o game_n and_o rather_o than_o they_o will_v not_o be_v reward_v for_o their_o pain_n resolute_o swear_v he_o be_v the_o minister_n and_o so_o the_o number_n five_o be_v make_v up_o and_o consequent_o a_o meet_v prove_v and_o preach_v too_o logical_o conclude_v so_o parrot_n that_o be_v never_o near_o the_o place_n till_o all_o be_v do_v be_v fine_v twelve_o pound_n a._n h._n and_o his_o relation_n twenty_o eight_o pound_n and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o justice_n fowel_n and_o j._n kelland_n who_o make_v the_o evidence_n of_o informer_n that_o be_v party_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o conviction_n which_o be_v against_o all_o reason_n and_o law_n for_o suppose_v the_o barn_n part_n of_o the_o dwellinghouse_n which_o be_v about_o a_o mile_n distant_a from_o it_o then_o though_o j._n p._n have_v be_v present_a and_o a_o preacher_n too_o there_o can_v be_v no_o conventicle_n a._n h._n and_o his_o child_n be_v of_o the_o family_n let_v it_o be_v take_v otherwise_o yet_o parat_fw-la not_o be_v there_o there_o can_v be_v no_o conventicle_n the_o other_o not_o be_v a_o number_n above_o what_o the_o law_n allow_v so_o the_o place_n be_v not_o liable_a to_o twenty_o pound_n but_o grant_v that_o he_o be_v there_o yet_o not_o be_v a_o minister_n or_o if_o he_o be_v yet_o he_o neither_o preach_a nor_o teach_v no_o law_n do_v punish_v for_o twenty_o pound_n more_o but_o the_o justice_n be_v resolve_v to_o set_v this_o poor_a barn_n like_o a_o shepherd_n tent_n on_o wheel_n carry_v it_o home_o to_o the_o precinct_n of_o the_o dwellinghouse_n for_o the_o fine_v of_o that_o and_o then_o recarry_v it_o to_o the_o field_n for_o the_o fine_v of_o the_o people_n the_o aggrieve_v become_v appellent_n to_o the_o session_n where_o they_o find_v no_o relief_n or_o redress_v but_o great_a oppression_n instead_o of_o a_o plaster_n their_o head_n be_v break_v more_o they_o be_v cast_v and_o treble_n cost_v they_o must_v pay_v for_o their_o traverse_n which_o be_v always_o a_o hyperbole_n in_o the_o excess_n never_o in_o the_o defect_n at_o the_o session_n at_o silverton_n near_o exon_n justice_n sainthil_n seize_v some_o person_n with_o a_o nonconformist_a mr._n tregâ—ss_n i_o hope_v now_o after_o all_o his_o storm_n arrive_v at_o the_o haven_n of_o his_o everlasting_a rest_n in_o a_o private_a house_n about_o nine_o a_o clock_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o fine_v the_o house_n twenty_o pound_n and_o though_o he_o can_v not_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v any_o preach_v or_o teach_v as_o there_o be_v none_o yet_o some_o of_o the_o people_n be_v fine_v for_o the_o minister_n twenty_o pound_n more_o though_o he_o have_v a_o estate_n of_o his_o own_o which_o he_o acquaint_v the_o justice_n with_o and_o desire_v he_o may_v bear_v his_o own_o fine_a but_o the_o gentleman_n will_v not_o grant_v it_o the_o aggrieve_v appeal_n to_o the_o general_a session_n where_o they_o traverse_v with_o some_o good_a success_n touch_v the_o preacher_n fine_a his_o conviction_n not_o be_v record_v which_o the_o appellant_n advocate_n observe_v to_o advantage_n but_o yet_o the_o remedy_n be_v almost_o as_o bad_a if_o not_o worse_o than_o the_o disease_n for_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o the_o meeting_n though_o not_o of_o preach_v they_o be_v sentence_v by_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o session_n mr._n carew_n to_o pay_v treble_a cost_v as_o high_a as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v cast_v in_o both_o part_n at_o exon_n there_o live_v a_o old_a gentleman_n call_v mr._n butler_n a_o justice_n of_o peace_n in_o the_o city_n who_o have_v be_v a_o notorious_a conventicle-hunter_n many_o year_n the_o fame_n whereof_o be_v diffuse_v through_o all_o the_o west_n the_o ardour_n of_o who_o zeal_n and_o passion_n when_o he_o be_v to_o engage_v in_o this_o honourable_a employment_n so_o far_o transport_v he_o that_o many_o time_n he_o become_v a_o complete_a thâ—mobedlamus_n his_o gesture_n posture_n rave_n much_o resemble_v they_o who_o i_o have_v see_v bind_v in_o chain_n which_o the_o boy_n in_o the_o city_n can_v act_n and_o imitate_v with_o admirable_a dexâ—y_n though_o no_o doubt_n he_o deserve_v for_o they_o a_o canonization_n of_o saintship_n but_o by_o the_o romish_a church_n because_o he_o be_v never_o zealous_a for_o the_o five_o of_o november_n and_o a_o esteem_n of_o a_o great_a wit_n because_o what_o he_o have_v appear_v hereby_o to_o be_v mix_v with_o madness_n i_o may_v write_v voluminous_o hereof_o but_o i_o will_v omit_v and_o pass_v by_o all_o thing_n concern_v he_o except_o this_o one_o which_o the_o reader_n may_v be_v please_v to_o cast_v his_o eye_n upon_o thereby_o to_o take_v a_o measure_n and_o judge_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n one_o evening_n upon_o information_n give_v he_o by_o some_o of_o his_o familiars_n that_o there_o be_v a_o meeting_n of_o the_o fanatic_n at_o mr._n a._n jeffreys_n thither_o he_o hasten_v as_o the_o eagle_n to_o the_o prey_n when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o house_n the_o door_n without_o delay_n be_v open_v to_o he_o there_o he_o find_v about_o sixteen_o person_n most_o of_o they_o relation_n of_o the_o family_n and_o invite_v to_o supper_n but_o this_o quick-scented_n justice_n smell_v another_o feast_n in_o his_o conventicling-fancy_n and_o judge_v rather_o by_o number_n of_o the_o person_n than_o weight_n of_o reason_n after_o some_o wont_a rave_n and_o raging_n fines_n the_o house_n twenty_o pound_n for_o a_o suppose_a meeting_n and_o mr._n chrispin_n beside_o his_o own_o mulct_n and_o his_o wife_n be_v fine_v for_o several_a rich_a person_n direct_o contrary_a to_o law_n which_o make_v the_o rich_a to_o pay_v for_o the_o poor_a only_o not_o who_o a_o justice_n shall_v judge_n to_o be_v so_o
and_o so_o levy_v 40_o l._n upon_o he_o he_o find_v himself_o aggrieve_v become_v a_o appellant_n to_o the_o next_o general_n session_n which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o frying-pan_n into_o the_o fire_n for_o all_o justice_n be_v banish_v from_o the_o bench_n mr._n h._n be_v deny_v a_o jury_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n page_z 9_o of_o the_o act_n against_o conventicle_n mr._n p._n and_o other_o cry_v to_o the_o vote_n which_o be_v do_v and_o so_o not_o withstand_v all_o the_o strenuous_a and_o nervous_a endeavour_n of_o several_a justice_n there_o to_o make_v mr._n h._n his_o innocency_n a_o fence_n against_o the_o storm_n and_o flame_n of_o the_o other_o fury_n and_o to_o shelter_v he_o from_o oppression_n judgement_n by_o a_o illegal_a vote_n only_o pass_v against_o he_o and_o his_o appeal_n hereby_o be_v make_v unjust_a beside_o the_o 40_o l._n they_o give_v treble_a cost_n against_o he_o and_o most_o ignoble_o load_v he_o with_o soul_a revile_n and_o reproach_n never_o be_v there_o more_o monstrous_a and_o barbarous_a injustice_n act_v first_o that_o they_o shall_v deny_v the_o appellant_n that_o previledge_n which_o the_o law_n give_v and_o which_o be_v every_o englishman_n birthright_n viz._n his_o trial_n by_o a_o jury_n second_o that_o they_o shall_v judge_v he_o guilty_a of_o a_o conventicle_n when_o there_o be_v no_o more_o than_o four_o person_n of_o or_o above_o the_o age_n of_o 16_o year_n beside_o his_o family_n neither_o be_v he_o accuse_v of_o have_v more_o but_o however_o it_o hold_v to_o be_v a_o conventicle_n by_o a_o new_a nice_a and_o subtle_a distinction_n which_o like_o a_o ariadne_n fine_a spin_v thread_n help_n and_o conduct_n they_o out_o of_o the_o labyrinth_n they_o be_v in_o viz._n that_o though_o person_n under_o sixteen_o year_n of_o age_n be_v no_o conventicler_n yet_o be_v find_v with_o those_o that_o be_v of_o or_o above_o the_o same_o age_n constitute_v a_o conventicle_n whereas_o the_o old_a axiom_n be_v quicquid_fw-la effecit_fw-la tale_n est_fw-la magis_fw-la tale_n these_o new_a philosopher_n can_v make_v nonentities_a productive_a of_o reality_n child_n must_v make_v man_n guilty_a and_o yet_o themselves_o remain_v innocent_n still_o a_o thousand_o under_o the_o age_n of_o sixteen_o year_n be_v nullity_n in_o law_n but_o in_o the_o execution_n thereof_o make_v other_o criminal_n and_o penal_n too_o these_o new_a oracle_n of_o law_n make_v the_o former_a criminal_n but_o not_o expose_v to_o penalty_n though_o they_o expose_v other_o and_o so_o make_v the_o law_n in_o this_o respect_n a_o ineffectual_a vanity_n suppose_v it_o to_o make_v offender_n without_o a_o sanction_n and_o allotment_n of_o punishment_n for_o they_o these_o new_a arithmetician_n can_v make_v cipher_n cast_a figure_n four_o above_o the_o family_n in_o law_n be_v nothing_o ten_o thousand_o under_o sixteen_o year_n be_v nothing_o but_o now_o according_a to_o their_o rule_n add_v nothing_o to_o nothing_o and_o you_o make_v five_o or_o more_o but_o their_o definitive_a sentence_n and_o final_a determination_n by_o vote_n to_o which_o he_o must_v stand_v shall_v make_v all_o sound_a philosophy_n good_a law_n and_o true_a arithmetic_n three_o that_o they_o shall_v convict_v he_o of_o and_o punish_v he_o for_o preach_v when_o none_o can_v prove_v it_o suppose_v he_o guilty_a of_o keep_v a_o conventicle_n neither_o be_v there_o the_o least_o circumstance_n to_o be_v demonstrative_a of_o it_o it_o be_v true_a our_o legislator_n have_v make_v notorious_a evidence_n and_o circustance_n of_o fact_n to_o prove_v a_o conventicle_n but_o no_o such_o thing_n to_o prove_v preach_v or_o teach_v for_o it_o can_v scarce_o possible_o admit_v of_o any_o proof_n thereby_o for_o grant_v a_o minister_n be_v find_v among_o a_o people_n above_o the_o number_n of_o five_o what_o notorious_a evidence_n can_v result_v from_o this_o that_o he_o preach_v for_o it_o may_v only_o be_v as_o often_o it_o be_v to_o pray_v or_o his_o preach_v may_v be_v prevent_v or_o grant_v he_o be_v sound_a with_o his_o bible_n and_o note_n in_o it_o yet_o this_o can_v evince_v clear_o he_o do_v preach_v it_o may_v indeed_o beget_v a_o suspicion_n that_o either_o he_o do_v or_o intend_v to_o do_v it_o but_o be_v it_o legal_a or_o rational_a to_o punish_v person_n upon_o so_o slender_a a_o ground_n as_o this_o to_o inflict_v the_o law_n upon_o he_o from_o a_o jealousy_n of_o his_o intention_n be_v to_o make_v such_o a_o act_n of_o he_o or_o another_o nonconformist_a worse_o than_o murder_n or_o theft_n etc._n etc._n for_o no_o man_n be_v punish_v as_o a_o felon_n for_o intend_v though_o it_o be_v manifest_v by_o attempt_v felony_n when_o it_o be_v not_o actual_o commit_v and_o to_o punish_v he_o for_o have_v do_v it_o when_o it_o do_v not_o so_o appear_v be_v equal_o unjust_a and_o unreasonable_a for_o de_fw-fr non_fw-la apparentibus_fw-la &_o non-existentibus_a eadem_fw-la est_fw-la ratio_fw-la do_v our_o law_n condemn_v any_o felon_n from_o a_o naked_a abstract_a jealousy_n that_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o crime_n he_o stand_v charge_v with_o when_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n to_o prove_v the_o same_o our_o law_n therefore_o be_v most_o just_a that_o juror_n must_v proceed_v secundum_fw-la allegata_fw-la and_o probata_fw-la and_o that_o every_o conviction_n of_o gild_n and_o judicial_a sentence_n must_v be_v found_v and_o bottom_v upon_o the_o same_o but_o here_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o basis_n of_o the_o determination_n at_o this_o session_n by_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o bench_n against_o mr._n h._n they_o be_v therefore_o so_o uncertain_o fluctuate_a and_o dubious_a whether_o he_o preach_v yea_o or_o no_o for_o want_v of_o clear_a demonstrative_a evidence_n that_o in_o the_o record_n of_o the_o offence_n it_o be_v express_v disjunctive_o that_o mr._n h._n do_v preach_v or_o pray_v and_o not_o copulative_o that_o he_o do_v both_o or_o positive_o and_o absolute_o he_o do_v the_o first_o his_o council_n plead_v to_o this_o and_o open_v the_o law_n full_o to_o they_o show_v they_o their_o gross_a mistake_n but_o all_o be_v to_o they_o like_o beat_v the_o air_n for_o neither_o law_n nor_o the_o strong_a reason_n can_v be_v a_o impregnable_a bulwark_n against_o their_o envenom_a and_o virulent_a malice_n which_o be_v so_o oppress_o disgorge_v upon_o mr._n h._n thus_o reader_n thou_o see_v how_o illegal_o not_o only_o in_o devon_n but_o cornwall_n many_o justice_n act_n and_o that_o the_o new_a chancery_n or_o court_v of_o appeal_n which_o shall_v be_v a_o cherish_a bosom_n to_o the_o oppress_a be_v make_v a_o ponderous_n and_o pressing-stone_n for_o such_o as_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o the_o unjust_a conviction_n of_o one_o or_o more_o private_a justice_n thus_o poor_a distress_a aggrieve_v conventicler_n like_o unweary_a bird_n fly_v from_o the_o hawk_n into_o the_o fowler_n hand_n so_o that_o henceforth_o the_o philosopher_n must_v be_v the_o appellant_n best_o councillor_n who_o have_v his_o head_n break_v and_o be_v by_o a_o friend_n advise_v to_o go_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o get_v the_o violent_a fellow_n punish_v nay_o say_v he_o it_o be_v better_a to_o go_v to_o the_o surgeon_n to_o get_v my_o head_n heal_v the_o best_a remedy_n for_o sufferer_n be_v to_o cry_v to_o that_o god_n who_o have_v his_o throne_n as_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o establish_v in_o righteousness_n and_o justice_n and_o judgement_n for_o the_o habitation_n thereof_o that_o execute_v judgement_n for_o the_o oppress_v that_o for_o the_o cry_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o sigh_v of_o the_o needy_a will_v arise_v and_o from_o who_o their_o cry_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o oppression_n can_v be_v debar_v that_o will_v bring_v forth_o their_o righteousness_n as_o the_o light_n and_o their_o judgement_n as_o the_o noonday_n who_o ordain_v his_o arrow_n against_o the_o persecutor_n of_o his_o people_n to_o that_o essential_o and_o eternal_o just_a and_o righteous_a god_n be_v glory_n for_o evermore_o amen_n a_o postscript_n though_o i_o have_v give_v a_o account_n to_o the_o world_n of_o those_o miserable_a and_o deplorable_a oppression_n that_o very_o many_o in_o devon_n labour_n and_o groan_v under_o yet_o have_v i_o not_o make_v know_v all_o for_o want_v of_o a_o perfect_a and_o true_a relation_n thereof_o neither_o have_v i_o declare_v all_o the_o unjustifiable_a action_n of_o their_o oppressor_n as_o how_o mr._n bear_v vinâ—â—â—â—â—d_a â—eech_n the_o judas_n after_o he_o have_v robe_v a_o woman_n in_o the_o way_n as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d go_v home_o come_v towards_o she_o with_o his_o sword_n draw_v demand_v if_o her_o money_n which_o she_o dare_v not_o deny_v he_o how_o he_o have_v detain_v the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o money_n due_a to_o the_o poor_a of_o several_a â—â—â—shes_n where_o he_o have_v make_v several_a conviction_n of_o conuâ—_n and_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o
not_o continue_v long_o rich._n i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o demonstrate_v how_o the_o violent_a execution_n of_o the_o act_n against_o conventicle_n have_v more_o enervate_v and_o decay_a trade_n which_o will_v ever_o prove_v the_o strong_a and_o firm_a pillar_n for_o government_n to_o be_v support_v with_o and_o to_o project_n or_o assert_v the_o contrary_a will_v terminate_v indefeatable_o at_o last_o in_o a_o political_a solecism_n have_v pauparize_v and_o impoverish_v more_o person_n and_o family_n in_o this_o nation_n than_o any_o one_o thing_n yea_o more_o than_o many_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v judge_v burdensome_a and_o exhaust_v for_o these_o many_o year_n how_o loud_o a_o cry_n shall_v this_o have_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o his_o majesty_n for_o some_o indulgence_n and_o a_o relaxation_n of_o the_o rigorous_a execution_n of_o such_o a_o law_n against_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o his_o faithful_a subject_n and_o to_o blunt_v the_o edge_n of_o this_o sword_n that_o cut_v in_o piece_n and_o mangle_v so_o many_o member_n of_o that_o body_n that_o he_o be_v the_o royal_a and_o supreme_a head_n of_o which_o with_o much_o facility_n may_v be_v do_v not_o only_o by_o vacate_v and_o repeal_n the_o law_n or_o supercede_v it_o by_o his_o own_o prerogative_n but_o as_o he_o have_v all_o executive_a power_n of_o law_n to_o hinder_v the_o execution_n of_o it_o in_o a_o way_n subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o malice_n penury_n and_o avarice_n of_o many_o of_o his_o justice_n in_o the_o county_n which_o may_v be_v do_v and_o yet_o it_o remain_v a_o law_n by_o declare_v what_o be_v the_o proper_a genuine_a sense_n and_o construction_n of_o word_n and_o phrase_n in_o it_o and_o then_o to_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v execute_v in_o no_o other_o manner_n than_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o same_o as_o that_o though_o there_o be_v never_o so_o many_o under_o 16_o year_n of_o age_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o conventicle_n when_o there_o be_v no_o more_o than_o four_o of_o or_o above_o that_o age_n beside_o the_o household_n that_o no_o informer_n shall_v be_v authentic_a witness_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o conventicle_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n thereof_o be_v in_o other_o manner_n than_o according_a both_o to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v judge_v a_o notorious_a evidence_n and_o circumstance_n of_o fact_n but_o what_o can_v be_v as_o certain_a and_o clear_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o fact_n as_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o party_n or_o oath_n of_o two_o witness_n so_o as_o still_o to_o be_v consonant_a that_o axiom_n posita_fw-la circumstantia_fw-la rei_fw-la ponitur_fw-la res_fw-la ipsa_fw-la and_o not_o to_o leave_v it_o to_o every_o malicious_a indigent_a and_o awricious_a justice_n to_o judge_v what_o he_o please_v to_o be_v such_o a_o evidence_n and_o circumstance_n that_o no_o constable_n churchwarden_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o mulet_n of_o 5_o l._n for_o not_o execute_v warrant_n for_o distress_n see_v the_o act_n do_v not_o express_v it_o page_z 6._o the_o penalty_n of_o 5_o l._n refer_v only_o to_o such_o officer_n neglect_v of_o inform_v some_o magistrate_n when_o he_o know_v or_o be_v credible_o inform_v conventicle_n be_v hold_v within_o his_o precinct_n parish_n or_o limit_n and_o shall_v not_o endeavour_v the_o conviction_n of_o the_o party_n pag._n 11._o of_o the_o act_n against_o conventicle_n that_o when_o it_o be_v say_v pag._n 12._o that_o this_o act_n and_o all_o clause_n therein_o contain_v shall_v be_v construe_v most_o large_o and_o beneficial_o for_o the_o suppress_v of_o conventicle_n and_o for_o the_o justification_n and_o encouragement_n of_o all_o person_n to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o execution_n thereof_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o other_o law_n rule_n of_o justice_n and_o reason_n that_o no_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n or_o chief_a magistrate_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o beck_n of_o every_o informer_n to_o go_v to_o any_o house_n or_o place_n where_o he_o be_v inform_v a_o conventicle_n be_v or_o else_o forfeit_a the_o sum_n of_o 100_o pound_n the_o law_n not_o express_v it_o and_o that_o have_v pay_v one_o 100_o l._n he_o can_v forfeit_v no_o more_o by_o the_o law_n and_o that_o whoever_o forfeit_v one_o 20_o l._n for_o any_o house_n outhouse_n barn_n yard_n or_o backside_n shall_v be_v liable_a to_o no_o other_o forfeiture_n ever_o after_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o act_n it_o not_o express_v it_o that_o field_n not_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o act_n the_o owner_n of_o they_o can_v forfeit_v 20_o l._n pag._n 8._o notwithstanding_o meet_v in_o such_o place_n make_v a_o conventicle_n pag._n 4._o that_o no_o meeting_n in_o public_a church_n for_o religious_a exercise_n shall_v be_v adjudge_v conventicle_n a_o conventcile_a be_v proper_o a_o meeting_n of_o person_n together_o clande_o and_o in_o some_o private_a place_n for_o a_o evil_a end_n for_o though_o the_o law_n say_v pag._n 4._o that_o if_o the_o assembly_n 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 than_o the_o magistrate_n upon_o proof_n shall_v punish_v they_o yet_o the_o word_n place_n though_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o generical_a term_n it_o can_v rational_o comprehend_v a_o public_a church_n for_o we_o must_v suppose_v a_o law_n not_o to_o be_v make_v against_o reason_n and_o it_o be_v high_o irrational_a to_o judge_n a_o conventicle_n according_a to_o the_o proper_a notion_n and_o common_a acceptation_n of_o it_o which_o be_v in_o so_o public_a a_o place_n that_o every_o one_o that_o please_v may_v come_v and_o both_o see_v and_o hear_v what_o be_v do_v and_o transact_v the_o word_n place_n must_v therefore_o be_v such_o as_o a_o house_n field_n etc._n etc._n that_o it_o be_v private_a in_o opposition_n to_o one_o of_o public_a use_n by_o authoratative_a appointment_n and_o last_o that_o no_o meeting_n be_v punish_v by_o law_n but_o at_o which_o under_o pretence_n of_o tender_a conscience_n seditious_a sectary_n and_o other_o disloyal_a person_n contrive_v insurrection_n for_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a any_o shall_v have_v the_o least_o favoux_fw-fr that_o be_v not_o of_o a_o peaceable_a deportment_n under_o his_o majesty_n government_n pag._n 3._o and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v whether_o any_o such_o wicked_a contrivance_n be_v at_o they_o let_v there_o be_v particular_a place_n for_o all_o party_n and_o persuasion_n to_o meet_v in_o and_o let_v his_o majesty_n appoint_v who_o he_o shall_v judge_v most_o fit_a to_o be_v present_a at_o their_o meeting_n to_o hear_v and_o what_o they_o preach_v pray_o and_o do_v and_o make_v a_o true_a report_n to_o he_o how_o far_o his_o majesty_n by_o his_o supremacy_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n which_o the_o act_n against_o conventicle_n do_v not_o invalidate_n or_o avoid_v can_v relieve_v his_o subject_n distress_v other_o way_n than_o by_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o act_n his_o own_o royal_a wisdom_n can_v sufficient_a dictate_v to_o he_o but_o if_o he_o shall_v judge_v it_o fit_a to_o do_v both_o the_o former_a and_o latter_a who_o can_v be_v so_o disloyal_a or_o disingenuous_a as_o to_o deny_v he_o heart_n hand_o or_o purse_n and_o not_o clap_v their_o hand_n and_o cordial_o say_v god_n save_o the_o king_n the_o epoch_n of_o that_o maxim_n no_o bishop_n no_o king_n be_v the_o reign_n of_o that_o profound_o wise_a and_o learned_a king_n james_n and_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v then_o a_o true_a political_a maxim_n because_o of_o that_o general_a interest_n they_o have_v in_o this_o nation_n whereby_o they_o can_v afford_v considerable_a support_n to_o the_o crown_n of_o england_n and_o it_o be_v very_o requisite_a that_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n of_o any_o christian_a nation_n shall_v have_v a_o catholic_n interest_n in_o the_o clergy_n because_o of_o the_o sway_v and_o prevail_a influence_n it_o have_v usual_o upon_o conscience_n when_o it_o be_v honourable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o people_n but_o when_o their_o interest_n be_v so_o debelitated_a and_o languish_v be_v at_o a_o low_a ebb_n and_o become_v a_o wane_a moon_n and_o set_v sun_n in_o the_o affection_n and_o esteem_v of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v most_o considerable_a for_o wisdom_n and_o wealth_n and_o whereof_o there_o be_v many_o thousand_o that_o do_v once_o revere_n and_o venerate_v they_o that_o they_o be_v incapacitate_v to_o do_v that_o service_n to_o royal_a majesty_n that_o former_o they_o can_v and_o there_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o clergy_n who_o interest_n be_v far_o more_o considerable_a among_o the_o people_n why_o shall_v it_o not_o become_v a_o new_a maxim_n in_o our_o english_a politic_n maxim_n of_o state_n many_o time_n vary_v with_o present_a circumstance_n and_o emergence_n unto_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v accountate_v few_o be_v calculate_v for_o all_o time_n unless_o such_o as_o have_v their_o foundation_n in_o universal_a truth_n no_o nonconformist_a no_o king_n let_v but_o his_o majesty_n try_v further_o how_o far_o they_o can_v be_v serviceable_a to_o he_o and_o grant_v they_o their_o public_a freedom_n and_o liberty_n to_o serve_v lord_n and_o he_o will_v find_v that_o with_o all_o unanimity_n and_o a_o joint_n concur_v consent_n they_o will_v say_v o_o king_n live_v for_o ever_o finis_fw-la