observation_n upon_o the_o statute_n of_o 22_o car._n ii_o cap._n 1._o entitle_v a_o act_n to_o prevent_v and_o suppress_v seditious_a conventicle_n by_o sir_n edmund_n saunders_n kt._n late_a lord_n chief_a justice_n of_o england_n london_n print_v for_o tho._n dring_n at_o the_o corner_n of_o chancery-lane_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1685._o to_o the_o reader_n to_o recommend_v this_o small_a treatise_n to_o thy_o perusal_n there_o need_v no_o more_o than_o the_o title_n with_o the_o author_n name_n who_o loyalty_n integrity_n and_o profound_a learning_n in_o all_o the_o law_n of_o this_o realm_n be_v so_o eminent_a and_o conspicuous_a both_o while_o he_o be_v at_o the_o bar_n and_o after_o his_o deserve_a advancement_n to_o the_o bench_n that_o it_o will_v be_v impertinent_a to_o tell_v thou_o what_o a_o reverence_n be_v always_o pay_v to_o his_o opinion_n his_o memory_n be_v so_o fresh_a that_o i_o can_v suppose_v thou_o ignorant_a of_o the_o same_o or_o void_a of_o a_o profound_a respect_n to_o his_o very_a name_n for_o the_o continuance_n of_o which_o this_o manual_n be_v publish_v as_o also_o for_o the_o public_a good_a of_o the_o realm_n which_o be_v his_o end_n in_o its_o composition_n the_o immediate_a occasion_n of_o write_v these_o observation_n be_v to_o gratify_v the_o request_n of_o divers_a of_o his_o majesty_n justice_n of_o the_o peace_n for_o the_o county_n of_o middlesex_n who_o desire_v his_o opinion_n in_o sundry_a point_n upon_o this_o statute_n for_o the_o better_a government_n of_o themselves_o in_o the_o execution_n hereof_o with_o safety_n from_o the_o malicious_a suit_n of_o the_o dissent_v party_n who_o be_v and_o always_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v advantage_n of_o the_o least_o slip_n or_o mistake_v of_o any_o of_o the_o king_n officer_n of_o the_o peace_n the_o lord_n saunders_n be_v sensible_a thereof_o as_o likewise_o of_o the_o great_a use_n of_o this_o law_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o its_o prosecution_n in_o order_n to_o preserve_v the_o public_a peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o kingdom_n do_v write_v this_o explanation_n of_o it_o even_o while_o he_o be_v lord_n chief_a justice_n of_o england_n it_o be_v all_o of_o his_o own_o handwriting_n so_o far_o as_o page_n 79._o where_n you_o will_v see_v the_o additionals_n print_v with_o this_o mark_n before_o they_o '_o the_o great_a multiplicity_n of_o business_n in_o his_o place_n and_o the_o unhappy_a indisposition_n of_o his_o body_n do_v prevent_v the_o completion_n thereof_o he_o often_o wish_v for_o but_o a_o few_o hour_n time_n to_o perfect_v it_o for_o the_o residue_n as_o it_o have_v not_o the_o same_o author_n so_o neither_o do_v it_o expect_v the_o same_o authority_n it_o be_v add_v as_o a_o essay_n to_o supply_v what_o be_v leave_v undo_v and_o yet_o the_o supplement_n may_v be_v not_o without_o its_o use_n be_v make_v as_o near_o as_o possible_a to_o the_o lord_n saunders_n sense_n in_o other_o paragraph_n and_o according_a to_o his_o method_n and_o rule_n be_v the_o construction_n make_v even_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o may_v most_o advance_v the_o remedy_n and_o suppress_v the_o mischief_n intend_v by_o this_o law_n and_o be_v most_o ground_v upon_o approve_a opinion_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o judge_n on_o this_o law_n and_o other_o law_n of_o this_o nature_n for_o the_o subject_a it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o this_o act_n never_o receive_v any_o public_a animadversion_n and_o yet_o do_v perhaps_o need_v a_o explanation_n as_o much_o as_o those_o against_o recusancy_n on_o which_o there_o have_v be_v observation_n make_v and_o print_v and_o not_o without_o approbation_n for_o the_o seasonableness_n of_o this_o publication_n there_o need_v no_o other_o apology_n than_o what_o the_o age_n we_o live_v and_o the_o book_n itself_o do_v bespeak_v and_o if_o it_o may_v prove_v any_o way_n serviceable_a to_o the_o public_a by_o be_v helpful_a to_o the_o justice_n and_o other_o officer_n of_o the_o king_n peace_n the_o reverend_a author_n design_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o the_o publisher_n will_v both_o be_v accomplish_v some_o book_n print_v for_o thomas_n dring_n over_o against_o the_o inner-temple_n gate_n in_o fleetstreet_n law_n in_o folio_n the_o statute_n at_o large_a from_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la to_o this_o present_a year_n 1682._o in_o paragraph_n and_o section_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n and_o a_o exact_a table_n by_o joseph_n keble_n of_o grays-inn_n esq_n in_o folio_n keble_v assistance_n to_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n for_o the_o easy_a performance_n of_o their_o duty_n collection_n entry_n etc._n etc._n by_o william_n rastall_a fol._n the_o lord_n coke_n book_n of_o entry_n his_o commentary_n on_o littleton_n be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o institutes_n his_o commentary_n on_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la etc._n etc._n or_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o institutes_n his_o plea_n of_o the_o crown_n or_o three_o part_n of_o the_o institutes_n his_o jurisdiction_n of_o court_n or_o four_o part_n of_o the_o institutes_n his_o 11_o report_n in_o french_a with_o a_o table_n and_o the_o twelve_o and_o thirteen_o in_o english_a a_o abridgement_n of_o case_n and_o resolution_n of_o law_n contain_v as_o well_o in_o the_o law-book_n statute_n and_o record_n as_o of_o modern_a judgement_n in_o the_o court_n of_o westminster_n by_o h._n roll_n sergeant_n at_o law_n publish_v by_o the_o lord_n chief_a justice_n hales_n the_o year_n book_n in_o 10_o volume_n the_o last_o edition_n with_o new_a note_n and_o table_n to_o they_o all_o origines_fw-la juridiciales_fw-la or_o a_o account_n of_o the_o english_a law_n court_n of_o justice_n form_n of_o trial_n punishment_n in_o case_n criminal_a law-writer_n law-book_n grant_n and_o settlement_n of_o estate_n etc._n etc._n also_o a_o chronology_n of_o the_o lord_n chancellor_n keeper_n treasurer_n justice_n itinerant_a judge_n baron_n master_n of_o the_o roll_n king_n attorney_n and_o solicitor_n and_o sergeant_n at_o law_n by_o sir_n william_n dugdale_n knight_n table_n to_o most_o of_o the_o print_a prosident_n of_o plead_n writ_n and_o return_v of_o writ_n at_o the_o common-law_n collect_v by_o george_n townsend_n anno_fw-la xxii_o caroli_n ii_o regis_n a_o act_n to_o prevent_v and_o suppress_v seditious_a conventicle_n for_o provide_v far_o and_o moré_fw-it speedy_a remedy_n against_o the_o grow_a and_o dangerous_a practice_n of_o seditious_a sectary_n and_o other_o disloyal_a person_n who_o under_o pretence_n of_o tender_a conscience_n have_v or_o may_v at_o their_o meeting_n contrive_v insurrection_n as_o late_a experience_n have_v show_v be_v it_o enact_v by_o the_o king_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n by_o and_o with_o the_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o lord_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a and_o commons_o in_o this_o present_a parliament_n assemble_v and_o by_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o that_o if_o any_o person_n of_o the_o age_n of_o sixteen_o year_n or_o upward_o be_v a_o subject_a of_o this_o realm_n at_o any_o time_n after_o the_o ten_o day_n of_o may_n next_o shall_v be_v present_a at_o any_o assembly_n conventicle_n or_o meeting_n under_o colour_n or_o pretence_n of_o any_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o other_o manner_n than_o according_a to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o any_o place_n within_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n dominion_n of_o wales_n or_o town_n of_o berwick_n upon_o tweed_n at_o which_o conventicle_n meet_v or_o assembly_n there_o shall_v be_v five_o person_n or_o more_o assemble_v together_o over_z and_o beside_o those_o of_o the_o same_o household_n if_o it_o be_v in_o a_o house_n where_o there_o be_v a_o family_n inhabit_v or_o if_o it_o be_v in_o a_o house_n field_n or_o place_v where_o there_o be_v no_o family_n inhabit_v then_o where_o any_o five_o person_n or_o more_o be_v so_o assemble_v as_o aforesaid_a it_o shall_v and_o may_v be_v lawful_a to_o and_o for_o any_o one_o or_o more_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o county_n limir_n division_n corporation_n or_o liberty_n wherein_o the_o offence_n aforesaid_a shall_v be_v commit_v or_o for_o the_o chief_a magistrate_n of_o the_o place_n where_o such_o offence_n aforesaid_a shall_v be_v commit_v and_o he_o and_o they_o be_v hereby_o require_v and_o enjoin_v upon_o proof_n to_o he_o or_o they_o respective_o make_v of_o such_o offence_n either_o by_o confession_n of_o the_o party_n or_o oath_n of_o two_o witness_n which_o oath_n the_o say_a justice_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o chief_a magistrate_n respective_o be_v hereby_o impower_v and_o require_v to_o administer_v or_o by_o nororious_a evidence_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o fact_n to_o make_v a_o record_n of_o every_o such_o offence_n under_o he_o or_o their_o hand_n and_o seal_n respective_o which_o record_v so_o make_v as_o aforesaid_a shall_v to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n be_v in_o law_n take_v and_o adjudge_v to_o be_v a_o full_a and_o
perfect_a conviction_n of_o every_o such_o offender_n for_o such_o offence_n and_o thereupon_o the_o say_a justice_n justice_n and_o chief_a magistrate_n respective_o shall_v impose_v on_o every_o such_o offender_n so_o convict_v as_o aforesaid_a a_o fine_a of_o five_o shilling_n for_o such_o first_o offence_n which_o record_n and_o conviction_n shall_v be_v certify_v by_o the_o say_a justice_n justice_n or_o chief_a magistrate_n at_o the_o next_o quarter_n session_n of_o the_o peace_n for_o the_o county_n or_o place_n where_o the_o offence_n be_v commit_v and_o be_v it_o far_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o if_o such_o offender_n so_o convict_v as_o aforesaid_a shall_v at_o any_o time_n again_o commit_v the_o like_a offence_n or_o offence_n contrary_a to_o this_o act_n and_o be_v thereof_o in_o manner_n aforesaid_a convict_v then_o such_o offender_n so_o convict_v of_o such_o like_a offence_n or_o offence_n shall_v for_o every_o such_o offence_n incur_v the_o penalty_n of_o ten_o shilling_n which_o fine_a and_o fine_n for_o the_o first_o and_o every_o other_o offence_n shall_v be_v levy_v by_o distress_n and_o sale_n of_o the_o offender_n good_n and_o chattel_n or_o in_o case_n of_o the_o poverty_n of_o such_o offender_n upon_o the_o good_n and_o chattel_n of_o any_o other_o person_n or_o person_n who_o shall_v be_v then_o convict_v in_o manner_n aforesaid_a of_o the_o like_a offence_n at_o the_o same_o conventicle_n at_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o say_a justice_n justice_n or_o chief_a magistrate_n respective_o so_o as_o the_o sum_n to_o be_v levy_v on_o any_o one_o person_n in_o case_n of_o the_o poverty_n of_o other_o offender_n amount_v not_o in_o the_o whole_a to_o above_o the_o sum_n of_o ten_o pound_n upon_o occasion_n of_o any_o one_o meet_v as_o aforesaid_a and_o every_o constable_n head-borough_n tythingman_n churchwarden_n and_o overseer_n of_o the_o poor_a respective_o be_v hereby_o authorize_v and_o reavire_v to_o levy_v the_o same_o according_o have_v first_o receive_v a_o warrant_n under_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o sald_a justice_n justice_n or_o thief_n magistrate_n respective_o so_o to_o do_v the_o say_v money_n so_o to_o be_v levy_v to_o be_v forthwith_o deliver_v to_o the_o same_o justice_n justice_n or_o chief_a magistrate_n and_o by_o he_o or_o they_o to_o be_v distribute_v the_o one_o three_o part_n thereof_o to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n his_o heir_n and_o successor_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o high_a sherift_n of_o the_o county_n for_o the_o time_n be_v in_o manner_n follow_v that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o justice_n or_o justice_n of_o peace_n shall_v pay_v the_o same_o into_o the_o court_n of_o the_o respective_a quarter_n session_n which_o say_v court_n shall_v deliver_v the_o same_o to_o the_o sheriff_n and_o make_v a_o memorial_n on_o record_n of_o the_o payment_n and_o delivery_n thereof_o which_o say_v memorial_n shall_v be_v a_o sufficient_a and_o final_a discharge_n to_o the_o say_a justice_n and_o justice_n and_o a_o charge_n to_o the_o sheriff_n which_o say_v discharge_v and_o charge_n shall_v be_v certify_v into_o the_o exchequer_n together_o and_o not_o one_o without_o the_o other_o and_o no_o justice_n shall_v or_o may_v be_v question_v or_o accountable_a for_o the_o same_o in_o the_o exchequer_n or_o elsewhere_o than_o in_o quarter_n session_n another_o three_o part_n thereof_o to_o and_o for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o parish_n where_o such_o offence_n shall_v be_v commit_v and_o the_o other_o three_o part_n thereof_o to_o the_o informer_n and_o informer_n and_o to_o such_o person_n and_o person_n as_o the_o say_a justice_n justice_n or_o chief_a magistrate_n respective_o shall_v appoint_v have_v regard_n to_o their_o diligence_n and_o industry_n in_o the_o discovery_n disperse_v and_o punish_v of_o the_o say_a conventicle_n and_o be_v it_o far_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o every_o person_n who_o shall_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o preach_v or_o teach_v in_o any_o such_o meeting_n assembly_n or_o conventicle_n and_o shall_v thereof_o be_v convict_v as_o aforesaid_a shall_v forfeit_v for_o every_o such_o first_o offence_n the_o sum_n of_o twenty_o pound_n to_o be_v levy_v in_o manner_n aforesaid_a upon_o his_o good_n and_o chattel_n and_o if_o the_o say_a preacher_n or_o teacher_n so_o convict_v be_v a_o stranger_n and_o his_o name_n and_o habitation_n not_o know_v or_o be_v flee_v add_v can_v be_v find_v or_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o justice_n justice_n or_o chief_a magistrate_n before_o who_o he_o shall_v be_v convict_v shall_v be_v think_v unable_a to_o pay_v the_o same_o the_o say_a justice_n justice_n or_o chief_a magistrate_n respective_o be_v hereby_o impower_v and_o require_v to_o levy_v the_o same_o by_o warrant_n as_o aforesaid_a upon_o the_o good_n and_o chattel_n of_o any_o such_o person_n who_o shall_v be_v present_a at_o the_o same_o conventicle_n any_o thing_n in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o act_n law_n or_o statute_n to_o the_o contrary_a notwithstanding_o and_o the_o money_n so_o levy_v to_o be_v dispose_v of_o in_o manner_n aforesaid_a and_o if_o such_o offender_n so_o convict_v as_o aforesaid_a shall_v at_o any_o time_n again_o commit_v the_o like_a offence_n or_o offence_n contrary_a to_o this_o act_n and_o be_v thereof_o convict_v in_o manner_n aforesaid_a than_o such_o offender_n so_o convict_v of_o such_o like_a offence_n or_o offence_n shall_v for_o every_o such_o offence_n incur_v the_o penalty_n of_o forty_o pound_n to_o be_v levy_v and_o dispose_v as_o aforesaid_a and_o be_v it_o far_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o every_o person_n who_o shall_v witting_o and_o willing_o suffer_v any_o such_o conventicle_n meet_v or_o unlawful_a assembly_n aforesaid_a to_o be_v hold_v in_o his_o or_o her_o house_n outhouse_n barn_n yard_n or_o backside_n and_o be_v convict_v thereof_o in_o manner_n aforesaid_a shall_v forfeit_v the_o sum_n of_o twenty_o pound_n to_o be_v levy_v in_o manner_n aforesaid_a upon_o his_o or_o her_o good_n and_o chattel_n or_o in_o case_n of_o he_o or_o her_o poverty_n or_o inability_n as_o aforesaid_a upon_o the_o good_n and_o chattel_n of_o such_o person_n who_o shall_v be_v convict_v in_o manner_n aforesaid_a of_o be_v present_a at_o the_o same_o conventicle_n and_o the_o money_n so_o levy_v to_o be_v dispose_v of_o in_o manner_n aforesaid_a provide_v always_o and_o be_v it_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o no_o person_n shall_v by_o any_o clause_n of_o this_o act_n be_v liable_a to_o pay_v above_o ten_o pound_n for_o any_o one_o meeting_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o poverty_n of_o any_o other_o person_n or_o person_n provide_v also_o and_o be_v it_o far_o enact_v that_o in_o all_o case_n of_o this_o act_n where_o the_o penalty_n or_o sum_n charge_v upon_o any_o offender_n exceed_v the_o sum_n of_o ten_o shilling_n and_o such_o offender_n shall_v find_v himself_o aggrieve_v it_o shall_v and_o may_v be_v lawful_a for_o he_o within_o one_o week_n after_o the_o say_a penalty_n or_o maney_n charge_v shall_v be_v pay_v or_o levy_v to_o appeal_v in_o write_v from_o the_o person_n or_o person_n convict_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n in_o their_o next_o quarter_n session_n to_o who_o the_o justice_n or_o justice_n of_o peace_n chief_a magistrate_n or_o alderman_n that_o first_o convict_v such_o offender_n shall_v return_v the_o money_n levy_v upon_o the_o appellant_n and_o shall_v certify_v under_o his_o and_o their_o hand_n and_o seal_n the_o evidence_n upon_o which_o the_o conviction_n pass_v with_o the_o whole_a record_n thereof_o and_o the_o say_a appeal_n whereupon_o such_o offender_n may_v plead_v and_o make_v defence_n and_o have_v his_o trial_n by_o a_o jury_n thereupon_o and_o in_o case_n such_o appellant_n shall_v not_o prosecute_v with_o effect_n or_o if_o upon_o such_o trial_n he_o shall_v not_o be_v acquit_v or_o judgement_n pass_v not_o for_o he_o upon_o his_o say_a appeal_n the_o say_a justice_n at_o the_o session_n shall_v give_v treble_a cost_n against_o such_o offender_n for_o his_o unjust_a appeal_n and_o no_o other_o court_n whatsoever_o shall_v intermeddle_v with_o any_o cause_n or_o cause_n of_o appeal_n upon_o this_o act_n but_o they_o shall_v be_v final_o determine_v in_o the_o quarter_n session_n only_o provide_v always_o and_o be_v it_o far_o enact_v that_o upon_o the_o delivery_n of_o such_o appeal_n as_o aforesaid_a the_o person_n or_o person_n appellant_n shall_v enter_v before_o the_o person_n or_o person_n convict_v into_o a_o recognizance_n to_o prosecute_v the_o say_a appeal_n with_o effect_n which_o say_v recognizance_n the_o person_n or_o person_n convict_v be_v hereby_o impower_v to_o take_v and_o require_v to_o certify_v the_o same_o to_o the_o next_o quarter_n session_n and_o in_o case_n no_o such_o recognizance_n be_v enter_v into_o the_o
may_v be_v impose_v upon_o any_o person_n present_a at_o the_o same_o conventicle_n though_o such_o person_n upon_o who_o it_o be_v impose_v be_v not_o convict_v for_o be_v present_a at_o the_o conventicle_n nor_o can_v be_v convict_v for_o be_v present_a as_o a_o alien_a or_o subject_a under_o 16_o year_n of_o age_n and_o the_o different_a pen_n of_o this_o and_o the_o precedent_n paragraph_n seem_v to_o make_v it_o clear_a for_o in_o the_o precedent_n paragraph_n the_o word_n be_v that_o the_o penalty_n there_o mention_v in_o case_n of_o poverty_n of_o such_o offender_n 12_o he_o be_v convict_v for_o be_v present_a at_o a_o conventicle_n shall_v be_v levy_v on_o the_o good_n and_o chattel_n of_o any_o other_o person_n or_o person_n who_o shall_v be_v then_o convict_v in_o manner_n aforesaid_a of_o the_o like_a offence_n at_o the_o same_o conventicle_n so_o the_o penalty_n there_o can_v be_v lay_v upon_o none_o but_o such_o as_o by_o this_o law_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v convict_v for_o be_v present_a at_o the_o same_o conventicle_n but_o a_o alien_a or_o subject_a under_o 16_o year_n can_v be_v convict_v for_o that_o offence_n but_o here_o the_o word_n of_o this_o paragraph_n say_v that_o the_o penalty_n of_o 20_o l._n here_o mention_v may_v be_v levy_v upon_o any_o such_o person_n who_o shall_v be_v present_a at_o the_o same_o conventicle_n whether_o convict_v or_o not_o and_o a_o alien_n may_v be_v present_a at_o a_o conventicle_n though_o he_o can_v be_v convict_v whereby_o to_o forfeit_n 5_o s._n as_o a_o subject_a may_v but_o the_o penalty_n impose_v on_o the_o preacher_n so_o far_o as_o 10_o l._n may_v be_v levy_v upon_o he_o and_o the_o non_fw-la obstante_fw-la in_o this_o paragraph_n do_v seem_v to_o confirm_v this_o construction_n 5._o and_o the_o money_n so_o levy_v to_o be_v dispose_v of_o in_o manner_n aforesaid_a etc._n etc._n that_o be_v as_o above_o direct_v by_o the_o next_o precedent_n paragraph_n viz._n one_o three_o to_o the_o king_n one_o other_o three_o to_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o parish_n where_o the_o offence_n be_v commit_v and_o the_o other_o three_o to_o the_o informer_n and_o such_o person_n as_o the_o justice_n shall_v appoint_v 6._o and_o if_o such_o offender_n so_o convict_v as_o aforesaid_a shall_v at_o any_o time_n again_o commit_v the_o like_a offence_n etc._n etc._n the_o commitment_n of_o the_o say_a offence_n must_v be_v after_o the_o conviction_n for_o the_o first_o see_v above_o §_o 2._o obs_n 1._o 7._o shall_v for_o every_o such_o offence_n incur_v the_o penalty_n of_o forty_o pound_n to_o be_v levy_v and_o dispose_v as_o aforesaid_a this_o penalty_n of_o 40_o l._n may_v be_v levy_v upon_o the_o preacher_n as_o the_o 20_o l._n penalty_n above_o and_o in_o case_n of_o inability_n of_o the_o preacher_n upon_o the_o good_n of_o other_o present_a at_o the_o same_o conventicle_n in_o like_a manner_n as_o the_o penalty_n of_o 20_o l._n might_n sect_n 4._o obs_n 1._o and_o be_v it_o far_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o every_o person_n who_o shall_v witting_o and_o willing_o suffer_v any_o such_o conventicle_n etc._n etc._n these_o word_n conclude_v alien_n as_o well_o as_o denizen_n and_o peer_n as_o well_o as_o commoner_n 2._o to_o be_v hold_v in_o his_o or_o her_o house_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v in_o the_o house_n or_o out_o house_n in_o he_o or_o her_o possession_n whereby_o he_o or_o she_o may_v have_v hinder_v the_o conventicle_n from_o be_v hold_v there_o for_o in_o this_o case_n the_o bare_a possession_n of_o the_o house_n though_o without_o any_o title_n make_v it_o to_o be_v his_o or_o her_o house_n within_o the_o intent_n of_o this_o law_n as_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o man_n enter_v upon_o i_o and_o put_v i_o out_o of_o possession_n of_o my_o house_n by_o wrong_n and_o keep_v i_o out_o of_o possession_n and_o in_o that_o time_n suffer_v a_o conventicle_n to_o be_v hold_v in_o the_o same_o house_n now_o he_o that_o have_v sell_v the_o possession_n of_o my_o house_n be_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o suffer_v a_o conventicle_n in_o his_o house_n though_o in_o truth_n the_o title_n of_o the_o house_n be_v i_o 3._o or_o in_o case_n of_o the_o poverty_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o peace_n convict_v as_o above_o in_o case_n of_o the_o preacher_n but_o the_o penalty_n in_o this_o case_n of_o poverty_n be_v only_o to_o be_v levy_v upon_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v convict_v for_o be_v present_a at_o the_o same_o conventicle_n and_o not_o upon_o alien_n who_o be_v not_o to_o be_v convict_v for_o be_v present_a at_o the_o conventicle_n the_o pen_n of_o this_o clause_n and_o the_o like_a clause_n in_o the_o second_o paragraph_n do_v exact_o agree_v but_o be_v both_o different_a from_o the_o clause_n in_o the_o three_o paragraph_n where_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o preacher_n in_o case_n of_o his_o poverty_n or_o inability_n be_v to_o be_v levy_v on_o any_o person_n present_a at_o the_o same_o conventicle_n though_o not_o convict_v sect_n 5._o 1._o this_o be_v clear_a yet_o it_o may_v be_v doubt_v whether_o more_o than_o ten_o pound_n may_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o one_o person_n for_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o preacher_n where_o his_o name_n or_o habitation_n be_v not_o know_v for_o that_o penalty_n be_v not_o impose_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o poverty_n or_o inability_n of_o the_o preacher_n but_o because_o he_o be_v not_o know_v so_o as_o the_o justice_n may_v judge_v whether_o he_o be_v able_a to_o pay_v the_o penalty_n or_o not_o the_o husband_n and_o wife_n co-habiting_a be_v both_o present_a at_o a_o conventicle_n and_o convict_a whereby_o the_o penalty_n of_o 5._o s._n impose_v upon_o the_o wife_n be_v to_o be_v levy_v on_o the_o husband_n be_v good_n yet_o the_o husband_n may_v be_v charge_v with_o 10_o l._n beside_o for_o and_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o poverty_n of_o another_o for_o the_o wife_n penalty_n of_o 5_o s._n be_v not_o lay_v upon_o the_o husband_n in_o regard_n of_o her_o poverty_n but_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o relation_n between_o they_o where_o there_o be_v a_o penalty_n of_o twenty_o pound_n or_o more_o to_o be_v impose_v in_o respect_n the_o justice_n may_v assess_v what_o sum_n he_o think_v fit_a upon_o each_o party_n liable_a so_o that_o no_o one_o be_v charge_v with_o more_o than_o 10_o l._n in_o regard_n of_o poverty_n etc._n etc._n act._n sect_n 6._o 1._o provide_v also_o and_o be_v it_o far_o enact_v that_o in_o all_o case_n of_o this_o act_n where_o the_o penalty_n or_o sum_n charge_v upon_o any_o offender_n exceed_v the_o sum_n of_o 10_o s._n this_o paragraph_n give_v a_o appeal_n to_o the_o offender_n in_o certain_a case_n whereupon_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o 1._o the_o person_n that_o may_v appeal_v must_v be_v a_o offender_n charge_v with_o above_o the_o sum_n or_o penalty_n of_o 10_o s._n for_o if_o he_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o sum_n or_o penalty_n of_o 10_o s._n only_o or_o under_o he_o be_v conclude_v by_o the_o conviction_n and_o can_v appear_v a_o constable_n convict_v upon_o the_o 11_o paragraph_n of_o this_o act_n may_v appeal_v 2._o the_o time_n when_o he_o may_v appeal_v and_o that_o must_v be_v within_o one_o week_n after_o the_o penalty_n above_o 10._o s._n be_v levy_v upon_o his_o good_n etc._n etc._n or_o else_o after_o the_o voluntary_a payment_n of_o such_o penalty_n either_o to_o the_o officer_n or_o justice_n convict_v so_o that_o before_o the_o whole_a penalty_n charge_v upon_o the_o offender_n be_v either_o levy_v or_o pay_v the_o offender_n can_v appeal_v neither_o can_v he_o appeal_v at_o all_o if_o a_o week_n be_v elapse_v after_o the_o penalty_n levy_v or_o pay_v and_o no_o appeal_n within_o that_o time_n but_o in_o such_o case_n the_o offender_n be_v for_o ever_o conclude_v by_o the_o conviction_n before_o the_o justice_n etc._n etc._n 3._o the_o manner_n of_o appeal_n must_v be_v in_o write_v from_o the_o person_n or_o person_n convict_v i._n e._n the_o justice_n or_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n but_o such_o writing_n need_v not_o be_v subscribe_v by_o the_o party_n appeal_n 4._o the_o judge_n to_o who_o judgement_n the_o appeal_n lie_v be_v the_o justice_n of_o peace_n in_o their_o next_o quarter_n sessions_n that_o be_v next_o after_o the_o appeal_n and_o not_o next_o after_o the_o levy_n or_o payment_n of_o the_o money_n and_o it_o must_v be_v the_o quarter_n session_n for_o the_o same_o county_n liberty_n or_o place_v where_o the_o offence_n be_v commit_v and_o the_o offender_n convict_v and_o not_o any_o other_o if_o it_o be_v in_o a_o corporation_n by_o the_o chief_a magistrate_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o corporation_n the_o certificate_n and_o return_n of_o
come_v to_o inform_v he_o of_o a_o conventicle_n that_o have_v be_v hold_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o give_v the_o informer_n his_o oath_n and_o it_o be_v no_o excuse_n for_o he_o that_o the_o informer_n do_v not_o require_v he_o to_o tender_v a_o oath_n for_o his_o come_n be_v imply_o a_o request_n it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o make_v a_o conviction_n and_o if_o he_o refuse_v or_o omit_v to_o give_v he_o his_o oath_n in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v a_o conviction_n he_o be_v punishable_a whether_o a_o conventicle_n be_v hold_v yea_o or_o no_o for_o be_v inform_v there_o be_v one_o he_o be_v a_o offender_n in_o not_o take_v the_o information_n upon_o oath_n and_o so_o be_v it_o resolve_v by_o the_o court_n of_o kings-bench_n mic._n 34_o car._n 2._o banco_n regis_fw-la on_o a_o motion_n in_o arrest_n of_o judgement_n in_o a_o action_n between_o smith_n qui_fw-la tam_fw-la etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la langham_n of_o northamptonshire_n the_o one_o moiety_n to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o informer_n etc._n etc._n although_o it_o be_v not_o express_o declare_v unto_o who_o the_o other_o moiety_n shall_v be_v give_v yet_o the_o king_n shall_v have_v it_o for_o wheresoever_o a_o forfeiture_n or_o penalty_n be_v give_v by_o any_o act_n of_o parliament_n upon_o any_o offence_n it_o be_v intend_v to_o be_v to_o the_o king_n his_o heir_n and_o successor_n though_o not_o particular_o name_v unless_o it_o be_v otherwise_o special_o order_v informer_n here_o be_v mean_v not_o he_o that_o inform_v the_o justice_n but_o he_o that_o sue_v for_o the_o 100_o l._n and_o so_o inform_v the_o king_n court_n of_o such_o a_o offence_n commit_v by_o such_o a_o justice_n for_o otherwise_o the_o justice_n may_v go_v unpunished_a by_o agree_v with_o he_o that_o be_v informer_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n beside_o if_o none_o but_o such_o informer_n may_v bring_v the_o action_n there_o will_v in_o all_o probability_n be_v a_o failure_n of_o proof_n in_o this_o case_n for_o none_o but_o those_o who_o inform_v the_o justice_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n capable_a of_o prove_v the_o justice_n refusal_n or_o neglect_v to_o do_v his_o duty_n although_o a_o moiety_n be_v here_o give_v to_o the_o informer_n yet_o if_o none_o will_v sue_v for_o the_o same_o the_o whole_a may_v be_v sue_v for_o at_o the_o king_n suit_n for_o there_o be_v a_o forfeiture_n create_v by_o the_o act_n and_o by_o the_o law_n give_v to_o the_o king_n the_o not_o sue_v by_o any_o informer_n for_o his_o part_n shall_v not_o prejudice_v the_o king_n the_o moiety_n go_v only_o to_o the_o informer_n i.e._n to_o he_o that_o will_v and_o do_v sue_v for_o the_o same_o if_o none_o will_v sue_v for_o it_o the_o whole_a be_v the_o king_n be_v and_o before_o any_o information_n action_n or_o popular_a suit_n bring_v he_o may_v pardon_v or_o release_v the_o whole_a penalty_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o good_a bar_n against_o all_o man_n but_o what_o if_o a_o offend_a justice_n within_o this_o law_n shall_v get_v a_o friend_n to_o file_v a_o information_n against_o he_o by_o consent_n to_o prevent_v and_o anticipate_v a_o real_a informer_n and_o such_o prior_n suit_n the_o offender_n shall_v plead_v to_o the_o real_a informer_n action_n to_o trice_n he_o thereof_o i_o answer_v that_o such_o plaintiff_n may_v by_o virtue_n of_o 4_o h._n 7._o cap._n 20._o aver_v the_o former_a suit_n to_o be_v by_o covin_z and_o collusion_n and_o such_o covin_z he_o may_v in_o his_o replication_n plead_v general_o and_o if_o the_o former_a suit_n be_v find_v to_o be_v by_o covin_z to_o evade_v the_o act_n and_o trice_n the_o present_a plaintiff_n the_o defendant_n shall_v suffer_v two_o year_n imprisonment_n and_o such_o averment_n the_o plaintiff_n may_v make_v though_o on_o the_o first_o suit_n there_o be_v a_o verdict_n for_o the_o defendant_n for_o want_v of_o evidence_n or_o the_o like_a nay_o though_o there_o be_v a_o recovery_n against_o he_o sect_n 12._o if_o any_o person_n be_v at_o any_o time_n sue_v for_o put_v any_o of_o the_o power_n of_o this_o act_n in_o execution_n etc._n etc._n whether_o it_o be_v for_o inform_v disturb_v search_a imprison_a or_o distrain_v etc._n etc._n by_o the_o seven_o and_o 21_o jac._n all_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n constable_n and_o several_a other_o officer_n have_v this_o privilege_n if_o sue_v for_o any_o thing_n do_v by_o colour_n of_o their_o office_n they_o may_v plead_v the_o general_a issue_n and_o give_v special_a matter_n for_o their_o excuse_n or_o justification_n in_o evidence_n but_o this_o act_n give_v the_o same_o advantage_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o person_n do_v any_o act_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o statute_n whether_o they_o be_v officer_n or_o no_o and_o the_o end_n be_v to_o prevent_v their_o be_v prejudice_v by_o a_o nicety_n of_o plead_v and_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o excuse_n may_v fair_o and_o clear_o appear_v upon_o evidence_n any_o informer_n or_o other_o person_n go_v in_o assistance_n of_o any_o officer_n for_o the_o execute_v any_o power_n give_v by_o this_o law_n have_v the_o same_o privilege_n and_o benefit_n every_o such_o defendant_n shall_v have_v his_o full_a treble_a cost_n etc._n etc._n i.e._n the_o cost_v give_v by_o the_o jury_n in_o case_n of_o trial_n and_o the_o cost_v likewise_o give_v by_o the_o court_n de_fw-fr incremento_fw-la be_v to_o be_v treble_v both_o such_o cost_v as_o the_o defendant_n will_v have_v in_o case_n this_o law_n be_v not_o he_o be_v now_o to_o have_v treble_a and_o in_o case_n the_o plaintiff_n be_v nonsuit_n if_o without_o evidence_n or_o after_o evidence_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v thrice_o so_o much_o cost_v as_o he_o otherwise_o shall_v have_v in_o such_o case_n sect_n 13._o and_o be_v it_o far_o enact_v by_o authority_n aforesaid_a 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_n 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 this_o clause_n show_v the_o deep_a sense_n our_o lawmaker_n have_v of_o the_o pernicious_a effect_n of_o such_o unlawful_a meeting_n which_o be_v emphatical_o express_v in_o the_o preamble_n of_o this_o act_n where_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o clause_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a act_n be_v declare_v viz._n for_o provide_v far_o and_o more_o speedy_a remedy_n against_o the_o grow_a and_o dangerous_a practire_n of_o seditious_a sectary_n and_o other_o disloyal_a person_n who_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o tender_a conscience_n have_v or_o may_v at_o their_o meeting_n contrive_v insurrection_n as_o experience_n have_v show_v and_o that_o experience_n have_v be_v much_o more_o abundant_a of_o late_a day_n and_o therefore_o the_o act_n continue_v as_o necessary_a as_o ever_o it_o be_v too_o well_o know_v that_o the_o person_n so_o pretend_v to_o a_o great_a tenderness_n of_o conscience_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v no_o less_o disaffect_v to_o the_o english_a government_n than_o they_o avow_v themselves_o to_o be_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o base_a reflection_n on_o the_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n of_o our_o lawmaker_n that_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o law_n shall_v be_v think_v unnecessary_a in_o the_o same_o age_n wherein_o it_o be_v make_v and_o the_o reason_n continue_v for_o which_o it_o be_v at_o first_o provide_v viz._n the_o danger_n of_o mutiny_n and_o sedition_n for_o the_o prevention_n and_o suppress_v whereof_o there_o be_v no_o better_a mean_n than_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o act_n which_o as_o this_o clause_n be_v ought_v to_o have_v the_o large_a and_o most_o beneficial_a construction_n imaginable_a i._n e._n such_o a_o equitable_a construction_n although_o it_o be_v a_o penal_a law_n as_o may_v best_o conduce_v to_o the_o suppression_n of_o such_o conventicle_n though_o perhaps_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o express_o within_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v construe_v within_o the_o intent_n as_o for_o instance_n suppose_v a_o certain_a number_n of_o man_n shall_v meet_v and_o assemble_v themselves_o together_o under_o the_o colour_n and_o pretence_n of_o exercise_v religion_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o formal_a preach_v and_o teach_v but_o only_o a_o extempore_o enthusiastical_a prayer_n yet_o the_o prolocutor_n or_o speaker_n in_o such_o assembly_n ought_v to_o be_v construe_v with_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o three_o section_n of_o this_o act_n and_o incur_v the_o penalty_n of_o 20_o l._n be_v certain_o within_o the_o intent_n though_o not_o within_o the_o precise_a letter_n of_o that_o clause_n the_o like_a of_o the_o quaker_n meeting_n though_o they_o can_v proper_o be_v within_o the_o three_o section_n when_o it_o be_v