command_v none_o of_o the_o constable_n or_o other_o officer_n to_o swear_v against_o any_o and_o this_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o order_n in_o general_a that_o be_v it_o not_o a_o order_n of_o session_n it_o may_v be_v take_v to_o be_v a_o force_n upon_o man_n to_o swear_v and_o look_v something_o like_o a_o invitation_n to_o barratry_n or_o at_o least_o set_v up_o a_o new_a trade_n of_o swear_v and_o as_o to_o that_o part_n which_o command_v the_o constable_n to_o return_v the_o name_n to_o they_o at_o the_o session_n there_o be_v no_o pretence_n in_o the_o act_n to_o warrant_v such_o a_o command_n therefore_o as_o to_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o the_o session_n and_o their_o warrant_n thereupon_o to_o the_o constable_n send_v by_o the_o high_a constable_n wherein_o they_o be_v command_v to_o act_v according_a to_o that_o order_n i_o do_v here_o affirm_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n in_o the_o act_n for_o such_o order_n nor_o can_v the_o constable_n or_o headburrough_n answer_v the_o same_o in_o case_n they_o shall_v turn_v informer_n if_o question_v hereafter_o no_o more_o than_o some_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o middlesex_n can_v answer_v the_o stop_a indictment_n from_o be_v find_v by_o the_o grand_a jury_n at_o hick_n hall_n about_o three_o or_o four_o session_n ago_o which_o be_v so_o bold_a a_o attempt_n and_o stab_v to_o the_o common_a law_n that_o i_o dare_v affirm_v there_o never_o be_v so_o great_a a_o offence_n commit_v by_o any_o justice_n since_o the_o saxon_a race_n begin_v in_o england_n thus_o have_v give_v you_o my_o opinion_n of_o the_o order_n and_o compare_v the_o same_o a_o little_a with_o the_o act_n i_o shall_v go_v on_o a_o little_a further_o to_o show_v what_o the_o constable_n and_o officer_n duty_n be_v upon_o the_o act._n and_o first_o i_o do_v say_v where_o the_o constable_n receive_v a_o warrant_n to_o seize_v any_o person_n convict_v he_o ought_v to_o obey_v it_o and_o go_v with_o the_o informer_n to_o seize_v the_o person_n but_o nevertheless_o if_o the_o person_n be_v in_o any_o house_n that_o be_v shut_v and_o the_o door_n refuse_v to_o be_v open_v the_o constable_n have_v no_o power_n to_o break_v it_o open_v nor_o to_o stand_v by_o while_o it_o be_v do_v unless_o it_o be_v where_o there_o be_v a_o meeting_n and_o then_o no_o more_o but_o to_o get_v into_o the_o meeting_n if_o they_o be_v refuse_v entrance_n and_o no_o other_o way_n will_v the_o act_n bear_v they_o out_o in_o nor_o be_v it_o the_o constable_n work_n to_o be_v a_o informer_n but_o to_o keep_v the_o peace_n and_o if_o any_o constable_n have_v a_o warrant_n from_o a_o justice_n to_o go_v to_o such_o a_o place_n where_o there_o be_v a_o meeting_n to_o take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o people_n who_o will_v not_o give_v their_o name_n the_o constable_n nor_o justice_n can_v force_v they_o nor_o be_v they_o bind_v to_o be_v over_o forward_o in_o ask_v for_o the_o act_n appoint_v no_o such_o thing_n nor_o be_v the_o constable_n or_o any_o under_o officer_n oblige_v to_o enter_v into_o any_o meetinghouse_n to_o disturb_v they_o unless_o that_o first_o they_o have_v a_o certificate_n under_o the_o hand_n and_o seal_n of_o some_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o such_o meeting_n which_o appear_v plain_o in_o the_o 9th_o paragraph_n of_o that_o act._n but_o admit_v such_o a_o certificate_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o a_o meeting_n have_v or_o intend_v to_o be_v have_v 〈◊〉_d sect._n 〈◊〉_d consider_v how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n this_o will_v be_v to_o the_o constable_n or_o any_o under_o officer_n to_o seize_v person_n in_o the_o same_o meeting_n for_o how_o can_v he_o that_o come_v to_o seize_v the_o person_n tell_v but_o that_o those_o very_a people_n there_o meet_v be_v according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o the_o same_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v perform_v there_o in_o a_o peaceable_a manner_n as_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o it_o be_v most_o plain_a that_o the_o same_o be_v no_o conventicle_n and_o so_o not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o law_n now_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v use_v for_o service_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o first_o place_n prayer_n be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n both_o by_o the_o common-prayer-book_n and_o without_o in_o the_o pulpit_n then_o sing_v of_o psalm_n than_o a_o sermon_n now_o if_o the_o meeting_n do_v perform_v nothing_o but_o these_o exercise_n it_o can_v by_o this_o act_n be_v make_v a_o conventicle_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o meeting_n in_o england_n that_o do_v not_o all_o or_o the_o most_o of_o those_o duty_n then_o let_v the_o middlesex_n justice_n and_o constable_n do_v what_o they_o please_v with_o they_o and_o if_o they_o do_v all_o these_o exercise_n though_o one_o of_o they_o may_v be_v omit_v yet_o i_o think_v it_o can_v be_v make_v a_o conventicle_n for_o the_o word_n be_v viz._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 and_o how_o any_o officer_n can_v swear_v or_o prove_v that_o prayer_n preach_v and_o sing_v of_o psalm_n be_v not_o the_o practice_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o know_v not_o but_o must_v leave_v they_o to_o consider_v the_o consequence_n london_n print_v for_o ab._n green_n 1682._o
a_o answer_n to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o middlesex_n justice_n date_v the_o 20_o of_o december_n last_o touch_v the_o suppress_v of_o conventicle_n which_o order_n be_v here_o compare_v with_o the_o act_n of_o the_o 22d_o of_o this_o king_n on_o which_o the_o same_o be_v ground_v wherein_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o say_a order_n be_v lame_a and_o insufficient_a for_o any_o constable_n or_o other_o officer_n to_o act_n by_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o a_o letter_n receive_v from_o a_o friend_n in_o middlesex_n wherein_o be_v also_o lay_v down_o some_o direction_n to_o the_o officer_n touch_v the_o execution_n of_o that_o act_n according_a to_o the_o true_a intent_n and_o meaning_n of_o that_o law_n by_o d._n r._n sir_n have_v receive_v you_o with_o the_o enclose_v order_n of_o the_o middlesex_n justice_n in_o print_n concern_v the_o suppress_v seditious_a conventicle_n and_o have_v consider_v the_o same_o as_o far_o as_o my_o weak_a capacity_n will_v allow_v i_o i_o must_v give_v you_o this_o short_a answer_n as_o to_o the_o validity_n of_o the_o order_n and_o warrant_n issue_v out_o by_o those_o justice_n relate_v to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o 22d_o of_o this_o king_n hope_v that_o hereafter_o you_o may_v receive_v a_o more_o perfect_a answer_n from_o a_o lawyer_n more_o experience_v in_o those_o affair_n first_o for_o answer_n i_o must_v say_v as_o my_o judgement_n it_o can_v but_o be_v a_o wonder_n to_o considerate_a man_n that_o such_o a_o order_n and_o at_o this_o time_n a_o day_n shall_v be_v put_v forth_o in_o case_n the_o same_o do_v agree_v with_o that_o act_n which_o i_o whole_o deny_v it_o do_v if_o we_o consider_v but_o these_o two_o thing_n the_o one_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o nation_n declare_v by_o our_o representative_n in_o two_o or_o three_o late_a parliament_n wherein_o by_o their_o unanimous_a vote_n they_o have_v not_o only_o declare_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o dissent_v protestant_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o order_v bill_n to_o be_v bring_v in_o for_o repeal_n of_o all_o law_n make_v against_o they_o but_o have_v also_o vote_v it_o dangerous_a to_o the_o public_a safety_n of_o the_o kingom_n to_o prosecute_v any_o protestant_a dissenter_n upon_o any_o statute_n whatever_o or_o to_o that_o effect_n as_o you_o may_v see_v by_o the_o vote_n follow_v viz._n resolve_v â—â—â—an_n 〈◊〉_d 10._o â—â—â—an_n that_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o this_o house_n that_o the_o prosecution_n of_o protestant-dissenters_a 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_a interest_n a_o encouragement_n to_o popery_n and_o dangerous_a to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n now_o certain_o if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o the_o whole_a commons_o of_o england_n do_v vast_o differ_v for_o by_o this_o order_n of_o the_o justice_n you_o will_v find_v they_o look_v upon_o such_o as_o be_v protestant_a dissenter_n to_o be_v a_o danger_n to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o a_o disturbance_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o the_o justice_n by_o this_o order_n do_v seem_v to_o hint_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o danger_n but_o from_o they_o the_o papist_n have_v slip_v their_o neck_n out_o of_o the_o collar_n now_o sir_n this_o be_v the_o case_n the_o justice_n be_v of_o one_o opinion_n and_o the_o parliament_n of_o another_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o for_o those_o officer_n that_o execute_v those_o justice_n warrant_n to_o consider_v what_o may_v fall_v out_o hereafter_o however_o all_o i_o shall_v say_v be_v that_o i_o take_v the_o whole_a house_n of_o commons_o judgement_n to_o be_v of_o much_o more_o value_n than_o 500_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n though_o back_v by_o as_o many_o privy-counsellor_n but_o i_o know_v some_o person_n that_o love_v to_o undervalue_v parliament_n will_v ready_o tell_v you_o as_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v that_o vote_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o be_v no_o law_n till_o pass_v the_o house_n of_o peer_n and_o the_o royal_a assent_n we_o grant_v it_o true_a vote_n be_v no_o law_n but_o when_o a_o law_n be_v find_v burdensome_a and_o grievous_a to_o the_o nation_n as_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o think_v in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v then_o may_v not_o the_o parliament_n make_v a_o beginning_n to_o repeal_n they_o and_o if_o they_o want_v time_n to_o finish_v what_o they_o have_v so_o begin_v be_v not_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o before_o a_o few_o single_a man_n be_v they_o in_o what_o capacity_n they_o will_v certain_o heretofore_o vote_n in_o parliament_n be_v hold_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o sacred_a and_o it_o may_v be_v yet_o they_o may_v be_v find_v so_o hereafter_o remember_v the_o case_n of_o justice_n tressilian_n who_o be_v hang_v for_o put_v a_o law_n in_o execution_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o destructive_a to_o the_o well_o be_v of_o the_o people_n of_o england_n but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o order_n of_o the_o justice_n seem_v strange_a as_o to_o the_o time_v of_o it_o for_o now_o in_o all_o haste_n the_o fanatic_n must_v be_v prosecute_v upon_o this_o law_n though_o think_v by_o the_o last_o parliament_n to_o be_v a_o obsolete_a law_n and_o destructive_a in_o its_o self_n to_o the_o common_a good_a i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o these_o justice_n whether_o there_o be_v ever_o yet_o for_o this_o 20_o year_n last_o pass_v any_o jot_n or_o tittle_n of_o damage_n to_o the_o king_n and_o kingdom_n by_o connive_v or_o suffer_v the_o dissenter_n to_o meet_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o their_o own_o way_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o damage_n then_o whether_o it_o happen_v since_o the_o vote_n or_o before_o if_o since_o then_o i_o confess_v the_o vote_n ought_v to_o stand_v for_o nothing_o and_o the_o people_n punish_v that_o do_v the_o wrong_n but_o if_o none_o what_o can_v be_v say_v why_o all_o of_o a_o sudden_a it_o must_v be_v do_v now_o when_o we_o be_v afraid_a of_o be_v swallow_v up_o with_o popery_n every_o day_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o hasten_v popery_n by_o destroy_v the_o protestant_n for_o sure_o no_o honest_a man_n of_o common_a sense_n will_v say_v to_o beat_v down_o and_o suppress_v popery_n must_v be_v to_o tear_v in_o sunder_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o which_o i_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n have_v behave_v themselves_o as_o well_o towards_o the_o king_n and_o kingdom_n since_o the_o last_o parliament_n as_o they_o do_v before_o than_o i_o can_v see_v no_o reason_n for_o this_o eager_a order_n unless_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n to_o oppose_v the_o parliament_n and_o to_o fly_v in_o their_o face_n to_o let_v we_o see_v that_o we_o will_v bold_o fly_v in_o their_o face_n and_o tyrannize_v over_o they_o when_o they_o can_v vindicate_v themselves_o but_o let_v that_o rest_n for_o a_o while_n but_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n that_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n be_v the_o papist_n be_v very_o busy_a and_o appear_v disguise_v in_o every_o court_n and_o corner_n and_o will_v be_v ready_a enough_o to_o say_v by_o and_o by_o oh_o but_o it_o be_v a_o law_n and_o you_o must_v conform_v to_o the_o same_o and_o they_o that_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o law_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o live_v especial_o nonconformist_n the_o phenaticks_n such_o as_o go_v to_o conventicle_n etc._n etc._n now_o i_o will_v ask_v those_o loyallist_n as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o term_v themselves_o though_o they_o scarce_o know_v what_o the_o word_n mean_v if_o there_o be_v not_o more_o nonconformist_n among_o those_o that_o call_v themselves_o true_a regular_a conformist_n then_o there_o be_v of_o the_o other_o if_o all_o the_o law_n make_v against_o they_o shall_v be_v but_o as_o strict_o take_v notice_n of_o as_o the_o conventicle_n act_n be_v now_o by_o this_o order_n of_o the_o justice_n for_o to_o instance_n in_o but_o two_o or_o three_o law_n make_v about_o the_o clergy_n and_o the_o first_o be_v their_o nonresidence_n and_o plurality_n see_v the_o statute_n of_o 21_o h._n 8._o which_o say_v 8._o 〈◊〉_d 8._o they_o shall_v reside_v at_o the_o benefice_n etc._n etc._n which_o to_o obey_v to_o a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o be_v impossible_a for_o some_o of_o they_o have_v four_o or_o five_o benefice_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o live_v at_o all_o those_o place_n at_o once_o unless_o they_o can_v divide_v themselves_o as_o they_o can_v their_o text_n in_o the_o same_o statute_n it_o be_v ordain_v that_o no_o ecclesiastical_a person_n shall_v have_v more_o than_o one_o benefice_n yet_o we_o see_v they_o have_v many_o there_o be_v another_o statute_n of_o king_n james_n that_o command_v
upon_o a_o general_n warrant_v unless_o the_o justice_n mean_v by_o this_o order_n that_o the_o constable_n and_o churchwarden_n etc._n etc._n must_v be_v common_a barrator_n as_o well_o as_o turn_v informer_n neither_o of_o which_o by_o that_o act_n can_v they_o be_v compel_v unto_o which_o i_o shall_v demonstrate_v thus_o viz._n the_o act_n section_n 1_o enact_n 1._o 22_o car._n â—_o sect._n 1._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 of_o the_o county_n limit_n division_n corporation_n or_o liberty_n where_o the_o offence_n aforesaid_a shall_v be_v commit_v and_o such_o offence_n either_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o party_n or_o oath_n of_o two_o witness_n etc._n etc._n to_o make_v a_o record_n of_o every_o such_o offence_n under_o he_o and_o their_o hand_n and_o seal_n etc._n etc._n which_o record_n so_o make_v as_o aforesaid_a shall_v to_o all_o intent_n etc._n etc._n be_v take_v to_o be_v a_o full_a and_o perfect_a conviction_n and_o thereupon_o the_o say_a justice_n or_o magistrate_n etc._n etc._n shall_v impose_v on_o every_o such_o offender_n the_o sum_n of_o 5._o s._n for_o such_o first_o offence_n by_o which_o it_o plain_o appear_v in_o this_o clause_n that_o the_o party_n must_v be_v first_o convict_v before_o the_o constable_n or_o under-officer_n can_v execute_v the_o warrant_n for_o the_o first_o offence_n and_o if_o the_o record_n must_v be_v make_v than_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o person_n convict_v must_v be_v name_v but_o how_o this_o general_a order_n or_o general_a warrant_n will_v justify_v the_o constable_n i_o leave_v all_o man_n to_o judge_v and_o except_o the_o justice_n can_v support_v their_o order_n and_o such_o general_n warrant_v by_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o statute_n this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v so_o far_o from_o enable_v the_o constable_n to_o act_v according_a to_o law_n in_o the_o case_n that_o it_o have_v not_o the_o least_o semblance_n of_o it_o for_o by_o the_o act_n the_o witness_n must_v be_v the_o informer_n and_o give_v in_o the_o name_n in_o order_n to_o convict_v the_o party_n but_o in_o these_o proceed_n of_o the_o justice_n the_o constable_n etc._n etc._n must_v turn_v informer_n against_o their_o neighbour_n to_o find_v themselves_o work_v to_o seize_v they_o and_o their_o good_n which_o no_o constable_n or_o officer_n can_v do_v by_o this_o law_n unless_o we_o can_v find_v some_o other_o paragraph_n in_o the_o act_n that_o will_v suit_v that_o order_n therefore_o i_o shall_v proceed_v and_o consider_v another_o clause_n in_o the_o act_n which_o seem_v at_o first_o to_o be_v more_o press_v upon_o the_o constable_n 11._o sect._n 11._o etc._n etc._n that_o be_v section_n 11._o and_o be_v it_o further_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 etc._n etc._n hold_v within_o his_o precinct_n etc._n etc._n and_o shall_v not_o give_v information_n thereof_o to_o some_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n etc._n etc._n and_o endeavour_v the_o conviction_n according_a to_o his_o duty_n but_o such_o constable_n etc._n etc._n shall_v wilful_o omit_v the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o be_v thereof_o convict_v in_o manner_n aforesaid_a he_o shall_v forfeit_v for_o every_o such_o offence_n the_o sum_n of_o 5_o l._n to_o be_v levy_v upon_o his_o good_n and_o chattel_n etc._n etc._n now_o i_o conceive_v this_o clause_n which_o be_v all_o in_o the_o act_n that_o have_v any_o colour_n to_o press_v the_o constable_n to_o turn_v informer_n be_v far_o short_a of_o the_o thing_n design_v for_o by_o this_o clause_n it_o appear_v the_o constable_n etc._n etc._n must_v first_o be_v credible_o inform_v by_o other_o of_o a_o conventicle_n or_o meeting_n within_o their_o precinct_n before_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o take_v notice_n or_o look_v after_o they_o and_o this_o clause_n be_v far_o short_a of_o force_v the_o constable_n etc._n etc._n first_o to_o go_v about_o their_o precinct_n to_o seek_v for_o conventicle_n as_o if_o they_o want_v employment_n which_o by_o the_o session_n order_n they_o be_v suppose_v to_o do_v but_o further_a admit_v that_o a_o constable_n or_o other_o officer_n short_a of_o a_o justice_n shall_v whole_o neglect_v his_o duty_n contain_v in_o this_o clause_n yet_o i_o conceive_v he_o run_v no_o hazard_n at_o all_o as_o to_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o 5_o l._n before_o mention_v nor_o any_o other_o hazard_n upon_o this_o statute_n because_o the_o act_n do_v not_o prescribe_v how_o the_o constable_n shall_v be_v convict_v whether_o by_o the_o session_n the_o justice_n or_o by_o a_o jury_n nor_o in_o what_o manner_n the_o constable_n ought_v to_o be_v prosecute_v for_o the_o 5_o l._n mention_v in_o the_o act_n for_o not_o do_v what_o the_o act_n command_v and_o to_o show_v that_o the_o constable_n and_o other_o officer_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o go_v and_o enter_v into_o meet_v house_n unadvised_o 9_o sec_n 〈◊〉_d 9_o in_o the_o 9th_o sect._n of_o that_o act_n you_o will_v find_v that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o seize_v or_o break_v open_a any_o meeting_n or_o take_v any_o person_n thence_o not_o be_v aid_v until_o certificate_n be_v make_v to_o they_o respective_o under_o the_o hand_n and_o seal_n of_o any_o one_o justice_n of_o peace_n of_o his_o particular_a information_n or_o knowledge_n of_o such_o unlawful_a meeting_n so_o be_v the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o act_n but_o by_o the_o justice_n order_n here_o they_o seem_v to_o command_v the_o constable_n to_o do_v all_o without_o certificate_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o as_o the_o act_n direct_v but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n this_o order_n command_v the_o constable_n etc._n etc._n to_o take_v the_o christian_a name_n and_o surname_n and_o place_n of_o abide_v of_o those_o that_o have_v preach_v within_o a_o month_n last_o pass_v or_o shall_v preach_v before_o the_o next_o quarter_n session_n in_o any_o conventicle_n or_o unlawful_a meeting_n also_o the_o christian_a name_n and_o surname_n of_o the_o most_o considerable_a person_n that_o frequent_v the_o say_a conventicle_n now_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n this_o do_v not_o only_o command_v the_o constable_n and_o other_o to_o be_v informer_n but_o contradict_v both_o the_o act_n and_o itself_o for_o the_o act_n warrant_v no_o such_o thing_n the_o act_n allow_v no_o more_o but_o if_o there_o be_v sufficient_a witness_n than_o both_o the_o justice_n be_v to_o convict_v the_o officer_n to_o execute_v for_o the_o first_o offence_n 5_o s._n a_o piece_n the_o second_o conviction_n 10_o s._n a_o piece_n and_o in_o case_n in_o the_o second_o conviction_n insufficiency_n of_o the_o hearer_n then_o to_o the_o value_n of_o 10_o l._n upon_o such_o as_o be_v present_a instead_o of_o those_o not_o able_a but_o by_o the_o way_n and_o with_o the_o justice_n leave_n for_o the_o first_o offence_n by_o this_o act_n there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o levy_v than_o 5_o s._n upon_o poor_a or_o rich_a of_o the_o hearer_n nor_o shall_v any_o answer_n but_o for_o themselves_o till_o the_o second_o conviction_n and_o may_v it_o not_o be_v reply_v to_o the_o justice_n by_o the_o constable_n how_o shall_v they_o get_v these_o person_n to_o give_v they_o their_o name_n so_o exact_o before_o the_o next_o quarter_n session_n as_o the_o order_n direct_v so_o as_o the_o constable_n may_v deliver_v they_o true_o to_o the_o justice_n on_o their_o oath_n as_o be_v express_v in_o the_o order_n suppose_v wrong_a name_n be_v give_v to_o the_o constable_n must_v they_o swear_v to_o they_o to_o convict_v the_o metre_n and_o what_o if_o the_o person_n will_v not_o give_v they_o their_o name_n for_o that_o the_o law_n force_v no_o man_n to_o give_v his_o name_n to_o convict_v himself_o and_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v further_o that_o the_o constable_n if_o they_o turn_v informer_n must_v also_o swear_v that_o no_o part_n of_o divine_a service_n be_v read_v at_o that_o meet_v all_o the_o time_n of_o their_o be_v together_o which_o can_v well_o be_v swear_v unless_o by_o irish_a witness_n and_o without_o they_o do_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v no_o conventicle_n within_o the_o law_n in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o order_n command_v to_o make_v a_o true_a return_n of_o the_o name_n so_o take_v to_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o session_n in_o write_v of_o such_o person_n as_o preach_v and_o be_v at_o conventicle_n the_o day_n of_o the_o month_n and_o place_n where_o they_o be_v hold_v and_o the_o officer_n to_o prove_v it_o upon_o oath_n to_o the_o end_n such_o conventicle_n may_v be_v convict_v according_a to_o law_n now_o what_o law_n these_o gentleman_n mean_v i_o know_v not_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o can_v be_v the_o conventicle-act_n for_o that_o
that_o on_o the_o 5_o of_o november_n the_o act_n of_o parliament_n shall_v be_v read_v in_o every_o church_n by_o they_o at_z before_o or_o after_o divine_a service_n for_o celebrate_v the_o day_n of_o thanksgiving_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o powder_n plot._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o if_o the_o justice_n shall_v make_v a_o order_n for_o the_o punishment_n of_o all_o the_o clergy_n that_o have_v not_o observe_v to_o read_v that_o act_n in_o their_o church_n on_o the_o 5_o of_o november_n i_o very_o much_o question_n whether_o there_o will_v not_o be_v more_o nonconformist_a minister_n conform_v of_o the_o son_n of_o the_o church_n than_o those_o that_o be_v now_o to_o be_v prosecute_v for_o hold_v of_o conventicle_n but_o again_o as_o to_o the_o very_a act_n of_o uniformity_n make_v in_o this_o king_n reign_n 2._o 〈◊〉_d 2._o it_o be_v there_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 and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n annex_v yet_o if_o you_o please_v to_o look_v into_o the_o act_n and_o the_o book_n you_o will_v find_v that_o the_o conform_v clergy_n do_v not_o conform_v to_o that_o law_n neither_o for_o they_o use_v divers_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 witness_v their_o go_v up_o to_o the_o altar_n as_o they_o call_v it_o to_o read_v second_o service_n and_o give_v a_o reverend_a bow_n there_o then_o their_o come_n out_o of_o the_o pulpit_n after_o sermon_n as_o some_o of_o they_o do_v and_o read_v some_o prayer_n out_o of_o the_o book_n in_o the_o desk_n or_o at_o the_o altar_n again_o and_o give_v the_o blessing_n not_o in_o the_o pulpit_n at_o all_o then_o in_o their_o set_v the_o communion-table_n at_o the_o east-end_n of_o the_o church_n altarwise_a east_n and_o west_n in_o some_o place_n with_o glorious_a cover_v and_o rail_v in_o as_o a_o altar_n when_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v set_v north_n and_o south_n and_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n or_o convenient_a place_n with_o a_o clean_a linen_n cloth_n and_o then_o as_o to_o their_o turn_v their_o face_n all_o of_o a_o sudden_a to_o the_o east_n turn_v their_o breech_n upon_o god_n almighty_a and_o bow_v at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n yet_o not_o at_o the_o name_n of_o god_n or_o christ_n pray_v in_o what_o place_n may_v these_o thing_n be_v find_v in_o that_o act_n i_o will_v be_v very_o glad_a they_o will_v give_v a_o reason_n of_o this_o nonconformity_n or_o over-conformity_n which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o strictness_n but_o sir_n if_o you_o consider_v there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o nonconformity_n among_o the_o clergy_n in_o these_o point_n but_o also_o a_o nonconformity_n in_o divers_a of_o the_o lay_v man_n too_o as_o for_o instance_n c._n 1_o jacob._n cap._n 9.21_o jacob_n cap._n 7._o 1_o car._n c._n swear_v and_o drunkenness_n they_o be_v real_o against_o express_a law_n as_o well_o as_o conventicle_n and_o as_o much_o against_o the_o good_a of_o the_o king_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v and_o then_o in_o the_o next_o place_n all_o the_o alehouse_n and_o innkeeper_n in_o england_n be_v all_o nonconformist_n too_o against_o express_a statute_n both_o of_o king_n james_n king_n charles_n i_o and_o this_o king_n which_o law_n say_v that_o no_o alehousekeeper_n or_o victualer_n in_o england_n shall_v sell_v the_o best_a strong_a beer_n and_o ale_n for_o more_o than_o one_o penny_n for_o a_o full_a quart_n and_o two_o quart_n of_o small_a for_o one_o penny_n yet_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v scarce_o one_o this_o day_n in_o england_n obey_v those_o law_n though_o they_o be_v in_o as_o much_o force_n as_o the_o conventicle_n act_n and_o aught_o by_o the_o justice_n good_a leave_n to_o be_v as_o severe_o prosecute_v as_o well_o as_o divers_a other_o law_n which_o for_o brevity_n i_o forbear_v to_o mention_v therefore_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o of_o this_o matter_n but_o come_v to_o the_o order_n itself_o and_o consider_v how_o well_o it_o be_v suit_v with_o the_o act._n first_o the_o order_n tell_v you_o that_o whereas_o it_o be_v his_o majesty_n express_a order_n of_o the_o 14_o of_o december_n that_o all_o conventicle_n and_o meeting_n shall_v be_v suppress_v etc._n etc._n so_o will_v his_o majesty_n no_o doubt_n have_v all_o the_o other_o law_n put_v in_o execution_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n and_o they_o as_o justices_z aught_o to_o have_v know_v and_o do_v their_o duty_n if_o they_o have_v no_o such_o particular_a order_n as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o mention_v and_o to_o put_v all_o those_o other_o law_n against_o swear_v drunkenness_n popish_a recusant_n and_o against_o nonresidence_n and_o plurality_n and_o against_o clergyman_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o only_a son_n of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o have_v new_a invention_n that_o the_o act_n never_o hear_v of_o and_o also_o to_o take_v care_n that_o the_o law_n against_o victualler_n shall_v be_v put_v in_o execution_n and_o many_o other_o law_n as_o serviceable_a as_o this_o of_o prosecute_a conventicle_n can_v be_v but_o the_o order_n go_v on_o and_o tell_v we_o all_o unlawful_a meeting_n upon_o pretence_n of_o religious_a worship_n now_o i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n before_o i_o proceed_v any_o further_a to_o say_v that_o the_o act_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o disturb_v any_o person_n that_o meet_v true_o to_o worship_n god_n but_o such_o as_o pretend_v religious_a worship_n and_o under_o that_o notion_n disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o i_o never_o yet_o hear_v any_o of_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n ever_o do_v at_o their_o meeting_n and_o therefore_o a_o question_n will_v arise_v whether_o the_o act_n of_o the_o 22th_o of_o this_o king_n there_o be_v now_o no_o other_o in_o force_n against_o conventicle_n be_v a_o act_n that_o can_v disturb_v any_o that_o real_o do_v worship_n god_n in_o their_o meeting_n quiet_o and_o in_o reality_n and_o not_o make_v it_o a_o pretence_n of_o religious_a worship_n in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o order_n tell_v we_o viz._n it_o be_v this_o day_n ordered_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o law_n for_o suppress_v all_o conventicle_n and_o unlawful_a meeting_n upon_o pretence_n of_o religious_a worship_n within_o this_o county_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o say_v justice_n do_v use_v their_o utmost_a endeavour_n etc._n etc._n now_o i_o suppose_v that_o this_o order_n be_v make_v by_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o county_n themselves_o and_o for_o the_o same_o justice_n to_o desire_v themselves_o to_o do_v justice_n in_o my_o opinion_n be_v to_o put_v a_o doubt_n or_o a_o distrust_n upon_o their_o worship_n and_o that_o which_o seem_v most_o strange_a be_v the_o general_n order_v itself_o ground_v upon_o this_o act_n when_o in_o the_o act_n itself_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n nor_o warrant_n for_o any_o such_o general_n order_n but_o only_o that_o in_o case_n there_o be_v any_o unlawful_a meeting_n in_o any_o county_n precinct_n or_o division_n and_o be_v prove_v upon_o the_o oath_n of_o two_o witness_n to_o the_o justice_n in_o manner_n and_o form_n as_o by_o the_o act_n be_v direct_v than_o the_o justice_n shall_v grant_v their_o warrant_n to_o the_o constable_n etc._n etc._n to_o seize_v and_o levy_v the_o penalty_n but_o how_o this_o act_n will_v support_v such_o a_o general_n order_n make_v on_o supposition_n without_o any_o witness_n of_o particular_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v consider_v by_o the_o reader_n then_o the_o order_n go_v on_o viz._n and_o to_o the_o intent_n this_o good_a work_n may_v be_v effectual_o perform_v it_o be_v far_o order_v that_o warrant_n be_v make_v and_o direct_v to_o the_o constable_n etc._n etc._n within_o this_o county_n by_o name_n command_v they_o and_o every_o of_o they_o within_o their_o parish_n division_n and_o limit_n that_o they_o and_o every_o of_o they_o do_v make_v diligent_a inquiry_n of_o all_o the_o conventicle_n and_o unlawful_a meeting_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n etc._n etc._n now_o this_o order_n seem_v to_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o relation_n to_o the_o act_n or_o thing_n intend_v for_o the_o act_n give_v no_o such_o direction_n either_o to_o the_o justice_n or_o the_o constable_n to_o obey_v any_o such_o order_n for_o though_o the_o act_n command_v the_o officer_n that_o they_o shall_v execute_v any_o warrant_n send_v by_o a_o justice_n to_o seize_v any_o person_n or_o his_o good_n after_o the_o person_n be_v convict_v if_o the_o officer_n or_o constable_n have_v knowledge_n thereof_o by_o good_a information_n yet_o it_o say_v not_o one_o word_n that_o the_o constable_n shall_v execute_v any_o warrant_n or_o seize_v a_o person_n or_o his_o good_n at_o random_n