practice_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o suppose_v any_o courtier_n lawyer_n clergyman_n or_o magistrate_n shall_v by_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v lead_v into_o high_a crime_n against_o the_o king_n and_o government_n it_o will_v be_v high_a injustice_n to_o charge_n or_o reflect_v upon_o all_o person_n of_o such_o rank_n and_o degree_n as_o be_v concern_v with_o such_o horrid_a crime_n therefore_o let_v man_n learn_v that_o bless_v doctrine_n of_o christ_n viz._n do_v unto_o other_o as_o you_o will_v they_o shall_v do_v unto_o you_o the_o three_o particular_a in_o the_o aforesaid_a act_n to_o be_v consider_v viz._n the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o be_v punish_v and_o they_o be_v all_o person_n of_o the_o age_n of_o sixteen_o year_n or_o upward_o be_v subject_n of_o this_o realm_n who_o shall_v be_v present_a at_o any_o assembly_n conventicle_n or_o meet_v under_o colour_n or_o pretence_n of_o any_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o other_o manner_n than_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o be_v in_o number_n five_o or_o more_o beside_o the_o family_n or_o household_n and_o if_o it_o be_v in_o a_o place_n where_o there_o be_v no_o family_n inhabit_v than_o the_o number_n of_o five_o or_o more_o be_v deem_v offender_n from_o hence_o observe_v these_o thing_n observe_v 1._o that_o such_o who_o this_o act_n account_v offender_n be_v they_o which_o meet_v and_o assemble_v together_o under_o colour_n and_o pretence_n of_o exercise_n of_o religion_n which_o word_n suppose_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n be_v but_o pretend_v and_o some_o bad_a design_n be_v resolve_v uâ—z_n contrive_v insurrectâ—ons_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o so_o to_o colour_v that_o design_n make_v a_o show_n of_o religion_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o dissent_v protestant_n they_o do_v not_o design_v any_o other_o thing_n than_o the_o real_a performance_n of_o religion_n in_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n to_o promote_v godliness_n among_o themselves_o and_o other_o that_o god_n may_v be_v serve_v and_o they_o may_v be_v save_v according_a to_o the_o precept_n and_o promise_n in_o the_o bless_a gospel_n of_o christ_n observe_v 2._o the_o person_n account_v offender_n be_v such_o as_o thus_o under_o pretence_n exercise_n religion_n in_o other_z manner_n than_o according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n now_o these_o word_n in_o other_o manner_n may_v be_v fair_o understand_v such_o exercise_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v direct_o contrary_a and_o opposite_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o main_a and_o substantial_a part_n thereof_o but_o that_o exercise_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o and_o correspond_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o main_a and_o substantial_a part_n thereof_o may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v according_a to_o it_o every_o small_a variation_n must_v not_o be_v count_v a_o contradiction_n for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v vary_v in_o some_o thing_n from_o each_o other_o in_o their_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o some_o place_n they_o have_v organ_n and_o in_o some_o they_o have_v none_o in_o some_o they_o have_v sing_v man_n and_o sing_v boy_n and_o in_o otherplace_n they_o have_v none_o observe_v 3._o that_o this_o act_n do_v not_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v a_o crime_n if_o any_o assembly_n of_o people_n have_v not_o the_o book_n call_v the_o liturgy_n among_o they_o or_o because_o they_o do_v not_o read_v it_o in_o their_o assembly_n but_o it_o do_v require_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n among_o they_o shall_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 therefore_o let_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o among_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n be_v well_o consider_v and_o compare_v together_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v see_v whether_o it_o be_v contradictious_a or_o harmnious_a in_o the_o main_a and_o substantial_a part_n 1._o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o liturgy_n and_o as_o it_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v consist_v of_o prayer_n to_o almighty_a god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o only_a son_n for_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n in_o their_o meeting_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v use_v extempore_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o the_o dissenter_n 2_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n do_v give_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o mercy_n receive_v and_o so_o do_v the_o protestant_a dissenter_n in_o their_o meeting_n 3._o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v instruct_v soul_n from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n viz._n from_o the_o law_n of_o mâ—ses_n from_o the_o prophet_n and_o from_o the_o epistle_n and_o gospel_n and_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n in_o their_o meeting_n for_o which_o they_o be_v prosecute_v 4._o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v perform_v in_o english_a and_o so_o it_o be_v among_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n that_o all_o person_n may_v hear_v and_o understand_v what_o they_o say_v 5._o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o allow_v pray_v to_o the_o virgin_n mary_n nor_o prayer_n for_o soul_n in_o purgatory_n but_o deny_v a_o purgatory_n they_o allow_v but_o of_o two_o sacrament_n viz._n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n they_o also_o allow_v the_o cup_n as_o well_o as_o the_o bread_n to_o the_o lay-people_n in_o remember_v the_o death_n of_o their_o redeemer_n these_o thing_n be_v the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n 6._o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v declare_v in_o her_o article_n of_o religion_n that_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o company_n of_o faithful_a man_n in_o which_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n be_v due_o minister_v according_a to_o christ_n ordinance_n in_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o of_o necessity_n be_v requisite_a to_o the_o same_o see_v article_n 19_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n profess_v and_o declare_v the_o very_a same_o principle_n 7._o the_o church_n of_o england_n declare_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o the_o church_n to_o ordain_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o god_n word_n write_v neither_o may_v it_o so_o expound_v one_o place_n of_o scripture_n repugnant_a to_o another_o see_v article_n 20._o this_o be_v also_o solemn_o process_v by_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n observe_v 4._o that_o if_o any_o dissenter_n shall_v have_v the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o read_v it_o all_o over_o in_o their_o meeting_n and_o shall_v mingle_v sedition_n with_o or_o contrive_v insurrection_n against_o the_o government_n that_o service-book_n will_v not_o save_v they_o from_o the_o punishment_n provide_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a act_n because_o than_o they_o will_v be_v seditious_a conventicle_n not_o withstand_v the_o seruâ—â—â—-book_n observe_v 5._o that_o such_o as_o real_o and_o visible_o perform_v the_o exercise_n of_o religâ—â—â—_n in_o pray_v to_o god_n praise_v of_o god_n hear_v and_o preach_v the_o word_n god_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v punish_v by_o the_o aforesaid_a act_n for_o as_o much_o as_o theâ—â—_n thing_n be_v according_a to_o the_o liturgy_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n four_o particular_a to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a act_n be_v the_o manner_n way_n of_o proceed_n against_o the_o offender_n mention_v in_o the_o say_a act_n viâ—_n any_o justice_n of_o peace_n or_o chief_a magistrate_n where_o such_o offence_n aforesaid_a shall_v be_v commit_v be_v require_v and_o enjoin_v upon_o oath_n of_o two_o witness_n or_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o party_n or_o notorious_a evidence_n of_o the_o fact_n to_o make_v record_n of_o every_o such_o offence_n under_o his_o hand_n and_o seal_n which_o shall_v 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 and_o thereupon_o the_o say_a justice_n or_o magistrate_n shall_v impose_v on_o every_o such_o offender_n so_o convict_v as_o aforesaid_a the_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 or_o chief_a magistrate_n at_o the_o next_o quarter-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 from_o this_o part_n of_o the_o act_n observe_v these_o thing_n observe_v 1._o that_o justice_n or_o chief_a magistrate_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o make_v it_o their_o own_o business_n to_o hunt_v after_o such_o conventicle_n but_o if_o proof_n be_v make_v to_o they_o of_o such_o meeting_n than_o
they_o be_v empower_v and_o require_v to_o convict_v such_o offender_n observe_v 2._o that_o one_o way_n or_o another_o substantial_a proof_n must_v be_v make_v of_o the_o offence_n and_o offender_n viz._n either_o confession_n of_o the_o party_n or_o oath_n of_o two_o witness_n or_o notorious_a evidence_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o fact_n now_o these_o word_n notorious_a evidence_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o fact_n must_v be_v some_o thing_n or_o thing_n that_o be_v equivalent_a with_o confession_n of_o the_o party_n or_o oath_n of_o witness_n it_o be_v not_o every_o justice_n or_o constable_n think_v suppose_v or_o dream_v that_o there_o be_v such_o meeting_n but_o it_o must_v be_v notorious_a evidence_n of_o the_o fact_n observe_v 3._o that_o though_o a_o justice_n may_v convict_v and_o fine_a the_o sum_n of_o five_o shilling_n for_o the_o first_o offence_n yet_o here_o be_v no_o direction_n give_v to_o make_v distress_n and_o sale_n of_o the_o offender_n good_n and_o chattel_n for_o the_o first_o offence_n but_o a_o record_n must_v be_v make_v of_o the_o offence_n and_o offender_n and_o certify_v to_o the_o next_o quarter_n session_n five_o particular_a to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o offender_n repeat_v the_o offence_n and_o if_o such_o offender_n shall_v again_o commit_v the_o like_a offence_n and_o be_v thereof_o convict_v as_o in_o manner_n aforesaid_a than_o he_o shall_v be_v fine_v the_o sum_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 such_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 in_o case_n of_o the_o poverty_n of_o the_o say_a offender_n upon_o the_o good_n and_o chattel_n of_o any_o other_o offender_n who_o shall_v be_v then_o convict_v in_o manner_n aforesaid_a so_o as_o the_o sum_n do_v not_o amount_v to_o abâ—â—â—_n the_o sum_n of_o ten_o pound_n from_o hence_o observe_v these_o thing_n observe_v 1._o that_o upon_o the_o second_o offence_n a_o distress_n may_v be_v make_v upon_o the_o offender_n good_n and_o chattel_n for_o the_o first_o as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o second_o offence_n observe_v 2._o that_o it_o be_v somewhat_o strange_a that_o one_o man_n shall_v suffer_v for_o the_o fault_n of_o another_o yea_o one_o man_n for_o the_o fault_n of_o a_o great_a many_o observe_v 3._o that_o justice_n have_v need_n be_v careful_a that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o person_n convict_v who_o five_o or_o ten_o shilling_n do_v amount_v to_o the_o sum_n of_o ten_o pound_n if_o they_o levy_v the_o sum_n of_o ten_o pound_n upon_o any_o one_o man_n for_o the_o default_n of_o other_o and_o that_o they_o be_v sure_o such_o be_v not_o able_a to_o pay_v their_o five_o or_o ten_o shilling_n fine_n six_o particular_a to_o be_v consider_v it_o be_v also_o provide_v by_o the_o aforesaid_a act_n that_o such_o officer_n as_o go_v to_o make_v distress_n upon_o the_o good_n and_o chattel_n of_o the_o offender_n shall_v have_v a_o warrant_n under_o the_o hand_n and_o seal_n of_o some_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n or_o chief_a magistrate_n so_o to_o do_v and_o the_o money_n levy_v to_o be_v forthwith_o deliver_v to_o the_o same_o justice_n or_o chief_a magistrate_n and_o so_o by_o they_o to_o be_v distribute_v one_o three_o part_n to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o king_n the_o other_o three_o part_n to_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o parish_n and_o the_o other_o three_o part_n to_o the_o informer_n and_o to_o such_o person_n as_o the_o say_a justice_n of_o peace_n shall_v appoint_v have_v regard_n to_o their_o diligence_n and_o industry_n in_o discover_v and_o disperse_v and_o punish_v such_o conventicle_n from_o hence_o observe_v these_o thing_n observe_v 1._o that_o though_o person_n be_v convict_v yet_o constable_n have_v no_o power_n to_o make_v distress_n upon_o any_o man_n good_n without_o a_o warrant_n under_o the_o hand_n and_o seal_n of_o some_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n or_o chief_a magistrate_n observe_v 2._o that_o when_o constable_n have_v a_o warrant_n to_o make_v distress_n this_o act_n do_v not_o empower_v they_o to_o break_v open_a any_o man_n door_n that_o so_o they_o may_v take_v away_o his_o good_n neither_o do_v it_o require_v they_o to_o lurk_v about_o man_n house_n to_o find_v opportunity_n that_o they_o may_v surprise_v man_n house_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v officer_n of_o the_o peace_n aught_o to_o depart_v in_o peace_n observe_v 3._o that_o such_o officer_n must_v be_v sure_a that_o when_o they_o make_v distress_n it_o be_v upon_o the_o offender_n own_o good_n and_o not_o the_o good_n of_o other_o man_n which_o may_v be_v in_o the_o offender_n hand_n lest_o they_o meet_v with_o such_o trouble_n as_o they_o may_v not_o easy_o defend_v by_o law_n observe_v 4._o that_o the_o three_o part_n of_o such_o fine_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o diligent_a assister_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o informer_n so_o that_o the_o informer_n may_v have_v but_o poor_a wage_n if_o the_o justice_n shall_v appoint_v any_o other_o person_n to_o be_v helpful_a in_o the_o same_o work_n and_o the_o three_o part_n of_o fine_n distribute_v as_o aforesaid_a seven_o particular_a to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a act_n be_v the_o penalty_n of_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 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 and_o if_o such_o offender_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n again_o commit_v the_o like_a offence_n and_o be_v convict_v thereof_o in_o manner_n aforesaid_a shall_v 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 his_o name_n and_o habitation_n not_o know_v or_o be_v flee_v and_o can_v be_v find_v or_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o justice_n or_o chief_a magistrate_n think_v unable_a to_o pay_v than_o they_o may_v levy_v the_o same_o by_o warrant_n 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 from_o hence_o observe_v observe_v 1._o that_o to_o preach_v or_o teach_v in_o any_o meeting_n be_v not_o a_o crime_n to_o be_v punish_v by_o this_o act_n but_o to_o preach_v or_o teach_v in_o any_o such_o meeting_n assembly_n or_o conventicle_n which_o word_n such_o meeting_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o what_o be_v aforesaid_a viz._n a_o seditious_a meeting_n and_o that_o contrive_v insurrection_n and_o so_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o preach_v seditious_a doctrine_n and_o foment_v or_o promote_a insurrection_n against_o his_o majesty_n government_n and_o preach_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o at_o all_o consistent_a with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n observe_v 2._o that_o such_o as_o meet_v peaceable_o together_o without_o do_v any_o harm_n to_o the_o person_n of_o his_o majesty_n subject_n and_o who_o preacher_n teach_v repentance_n for_o sin_n faith_n in_o christ_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o honour_v the_o king_n suitable_a to_o a_o right_n fear_v of_o god_n and_o love_n to_o their_o neighbour_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v prosecute_v or_o punish_v by_o this_o act_n for_o as_o much_o as_o this_o doctrine_n be_v according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n eight_o particular_a to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o penalty_n of_o those_o that_o admit_v and_o entertain_v witting_o and_o willing_o such_o meeting_n or_o unlawful_a assembly_n aforesaid_a in_o his_o or_o her_o house_n outhouse_n barn_n yard_n or_o backside_n 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 and_o in_o case_n of_o poverty_n of_o the_o person_n then_o to_o be_v levy_v upon_o the_o good_n and_o chattel_n of_o such_o person_n as_o shall_v be_v convict_v of_o be_v present_a at_o the_o same_o conventicle_n from_o hence_o observe_v observe_v 1._o that_o such_o only_o be_v offender_n by_o this_o act_n as_o admit_v and_o entertain_v such_o unlawful_a assembly_n as_o aforesaid_a viz._n seditious_a and_o contrive_v insurrection_n observe_v 2._o that_o but_o one_o twenty_o pound_n as_o a_o penalty_n or_o forfeit_n be_v mention_v for_o the_o witting_o suffer_v such_o a_o meeting_n it_o be_v not_o say_v twenty_o pound_n for_o the_o first_o offence_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v again_o commit_v the_o like_a offence_n than_o the_o same_o or_o a_o great_a sum_n they_o shall_v forfeit_v for_o every_o such_o offence_n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o hearer_n or_o preacher_n offence_n nine_o particular_a to_o be_v consider_v provide_v also_o that_o in_o all_o case_n of_o this_o act_n where_o the_o penalty_n shall_v 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 penalty_n shall_v be_v pay_v or_o levy_v to_o appeal_v in_o write_v from_o the_o justice_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-session_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 provide_v always_o that_o every_o such_o appeal_n shall_v be_v leave_v with_o the_o person_n or_o person_n convict_v as_o aforesaid_a and_o the_o appellant_n to_o enter_v into_o recognizance_n to_o prosecute_v with_o effect_n from_o hence_o observe_v observe_v 1._o that_o the_o lawmaker_n do_v foresee_v and_o be_v apprehensive_a of_o some_o damage_n and_o injury_n that_o may_v sometime_o happen_v to_o some_o of_o his_o majesty_n subject_n by_o the_o ill_a prosecution_n of_o this_o act_n through_o a_o misunderstanding_n thereof_o by_o the_o prosecutor_n observe_v 2._o that_o the_o best_a and_o most_o legal_a way_n to_o determine_v offencest_n against_o the_o law_n in_o matter_n between_o the_o king_n and_o the_o subject_a and_o between_o man_n and_o man_n be_v by_o juries_n of_o wise_a and_o honest_a man_n and_o therefore_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n by_o this_o act_n have_v not_o give_v the_o whole_a and_o sole_a determine_v of_o the_o case_n therein_o contain_v to_o any_o justice_n of_o peace_n or_o chief_a magistrate_n ten_o particular_a to_o be_v consider_v it_o be_v further_a provide_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o chief_a magistrate_n respective_o or_o the_o constable_n head-borough_n and_o tything-man_n by_o warrant_n from_o the_o say_a justice_n or_o chief_a magistrate_n respective_o shall_v and_o may_v take_v with_o they_o such_o aid_n and_o force_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o break_v open_a and_o enter_v any_o house_n or_o other_o place_n after_o refusal_n or_o denial_n and_o that_o the_o lieutenant_n or_o deputy-lieutenant_n or_o any_o commissionated_a officer_n of_o the_o militia_n or_o other_o of_o his_o majesty_n force_n off_o horse_n and_o foot_n and_o also_o the_o sheriff_n and_o other_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n o_o justice_n or_o any_o of_o they_o joint_o or_o several_o on_o certificate_n 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 the_o peace_n or_o chief_a magistrate_n of_o his_o particular_a information_n or_o knowledge_n of_o such_o unlawful_a meeting_n or_o conventicle_n hold_v or_o to_o be_v hold_v shall_v by_o the_o best_a mean_n they_o can_v dissolve_v dissipate_v or_o prevent_v all_o such_o unlawful_a meeting_n and_o take_v into_o their_o custody_n such_o person_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o the_o intent_n they_o may_v be_v proceed_v against_o according_a to_o this_o act._n from_o hence_o observe_v observe_v 1._o that_o constable_n and_o other_o officer_n be_v not_o bind_v nor_o require_v to_o go_v to_o such_o meeting_n without_o warrant_n from_o some_o justice_n or_o chief_a magistrate_n observe_v 2._o that_o the_o aid_n and_o force_n to_o assist_v they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o they_o but_o such_o as_o be_v call_v and_o choose_v by_o they_o as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a observe_v 3._o that_o officer_n have_v no_o power_n to_o make_v a_o forcible_n entry_n into_o any_o house_n or_o place_n without_o first_o a_o denial_n or_o refusal_n of_o entrance_n which_o therefore_o ought_v first_o to_o be_v fair_o demand_v observe_v 4._o that_o the_o officer_n must_v first_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o meeting_n or_o conventicle_n as_o be_v aforesaid_a viz._n seditious_a and_o that_o contrive_v insurrection_n observe_v 5._o that_o whereas_o lieutenant_n deputy-lieutenant_n sheriff_n commissionated_a officer_n of_o the_o militia_n and_o other_o his_o majesty_n force_n of_o horse_n and_o foot_n and_o other_o magistrate_n joint_o or_o several_o be_v mention_v to_o assist_v in_o this_o work_n of_o prevent_v and_o suppress_v such_o meeting_n they_o be_v not_o to_o run_v in_o this_o work_n of_o their_o own_o accord_n but_o he_o call_v thereunto_o by_o certificate_n under_o the_o hand_n and_o seal_n of_o some_o justice_n or_o chief_a magistrate_n observe_v 6._o that_o such_o certificate_n must_v proceed_v from_o some_o particular_a information_n give_v to_o such_o justice_n or_o from_o his_o own_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o such_o meeting_n hold_v or_o to_o be_v hold_v that_o so_o the_o country_n may_v not_o be_v put_v to_o trouble_v and_o his_o majesty_n subject_n amaze_v without_o just_a cause_n observe_v 7._o magistrate_n and_o other_o officer_n have_v need_n remember_v and_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o act_n of_o parliament_n since_o this_o against_o conventicle_n which_o forbid_v the_o execution_n of_o any_o writ_n warrant_v process_n order_n judgement_n or_o decree_n upon_o the_o lordsday_n except_o in_o case_n of_o treason_n felony_n or_o breach_n of_o the_o peace_n if_o any_o shall_v presume_v to_o say_v that_o the_o peaceable_a meeting_n of_o protestant_a dissenter_n who_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o pray_v to_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o that_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n whereby_o the_o best_a peace_n be_v maintain_v in_o family_n city_n and_o kingdom_n be_v a_o breach_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o this_o kingdom_n it_o may_v be_v safe_o conclude_v that_o such_o man_n do_v not_o well_o understand_v god_n law_n nor_o the_o king_n law_n eleven_o particular_a to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o prosecution_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a act_n against_o a_o peer_n of_o this_o realm_n who_o be_v a_o offender_n provide_v that_o no_o peer_n of_o this_o realm_n shall_v have_v his_o house_n search_v where_o he_o or_o his_o wife_n shall_v be_v then_o resident_n but_o by_o immediate_a warrant_n from_o his_o majesty_n under_o his_o sign_n manual_n or_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lieutenant_n or_o deputy-lieutenant_n or_o two_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n whereof_o one_o to_o be_v of_o the_o quorum_fw-la of_o the_o same_o county_n or_o ride_v observe_v this_o part_n of_o the_o act_n show_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o prosecute_n of_o a_o peer_n and_o a_o commoner_n a_o peer_n house_n can_v be_v search_v without_o a_o immediate_a warrant_n from_o the_o king_n or_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lieutenant_n or_o deputy-lieutenant_n or_o two_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n whereof_o one_o to_o be_v of_o the_o quorum_fw-la and_o no_o mention_n make_v of_o break_v open_a of_o a_o peer_n door_n but_o a_o commoner_n may_v have_v his_o door_n break_v open_a by_o constable_n if_o they_o have_v a_o warrant_n from_o one_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o be_v deny_v entrance_n they_o know_v there_o be_v such_o a_o conventicle_n as_o aforesaid_a twelve_o particular_a to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o default_n of_o constable_n and_o other_o officer_n that_o if_o any_o constable_n head-borough_n tythingman_n churchwarden_n or_o overseer_n of_o the_o poor_a who_o shall_v know_v or_o be_v credible_o inform_v of_o any_o such_o meeting_n or_o conventicle_n hold_v wiehin_n his_o precinct_n parish_n or_o limit_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 or_o chief_a magistrate_n and_o endeavour_v the_o conviction_n of_o the_o party_n or_o if_o any_o person_n lawful_o call_v in_o aid_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a officer_n shall_v wilful_o and_o witting_o omit_v the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o act_n and_o be_v thereof_o convict_v in_o manner_n aforesaid_a shall_v forfeit_v for_o every_o such_o offence_n the_o sum_n of_o five_o pound_n to_o be_v levy_v upon_o his_o good_n and_o chattel_n as_o aforesaid_a from_o this_o part_n of_o the_o act_n observe_v these_o thing_n observe_v 1._o that_o constable_n and_o other_o officer_n be_v to_o have_v certain_a knowledge_n of_o such_o meeting_n before_o they_o proceed_v to_o prosecute_v this_o law_n against_o they_o observe_v 2._o that_o this_o knowledge_n must_v be_v such_o as_o may_v reach_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o offender_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v so_o know_v as_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o swear_v matter_n of_o fact_n express_v in_o this_o act._n observe_v 3._o that_o they_o can_v so_o know_v of_o the_o aforesaid_a meeting_n with_o out_o they_o be_v present_a there_o and_o take_v notice_n who_o it_o be_v that_o preach_v and_o the_o matter_n that_o be_v preach_v whether_o it_o be_v seditious_a and_o promote_v insurrection_n observe_v 4._o that_o this_o act_n do_v not_o require_v the_o aforesaid_a officer_n to_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o seek_v out_o and_o hunt_v after_o such_o meeting_n so_o as_o to_o neglect_v their_o own_o be_v at_o church_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o welfare_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n observe_v 5._o
for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n the_o officer_n be_v require_v to_o proceed_v upon_o credible_a information_n not_o every_o or_o any_o kind_n of_o information_n but_o credible_a information_n and_o that_o be_v such_o as_o this_o act_n require_v viz._n the_o oath_n of_o two_o witness_n before_o a_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n or_o chief_a magistrate_n observe_v 6._o that_o if_o after_o all_o this_o the_o aforesaid_a officer_n shall_v willing_o and_o witting_o omit_v their_o duty_n and_o be_v convict_v as_o in_o manner_n aforesaid_a than_o they_o shall_v forfeit_v for_o every_o such_o offence_n the_o sum_n of_o five_o pound_n to_o be_v levy_v upon_o their_o good_n and_o chattel_n and_o dispose_v of_o in_o manner_n aforesaid_a observe_v 7._o that_o the_o officer_n must_v be_v convict_v of_o their_o offence_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o that_o be_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o two_o witness_n thirteen_o particular_a to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o fault_n and_o punishment_n mention_v in_o this_o act_n of_o the_o justice_n or_o chief_a magistrate_n if_o they_o shall_v wilful_o and_o witting_o omit_v their_o duty_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o act_n than_o the_o justice_n or_o chief_a magistrate_n shall_v forfeit_v the_o sum_n of_o one_o hundred_o pound_n the_o one_o moiety_n to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n the_o other_o moiety_n to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o informer_n to_o be_v recover_v by_o action_n suit_n bill_n or_o plaint_n in_o any_o of_o his_o majesty_n court_n at_o westminster_n from_o hence_o observe_v observe_v 1._o that_o but_o one_o hundred_o pound_n be_v mention_v as_o the_o forfeit_n of_o a_o justice_n or_o chief_a magistrate_n it_o be_v not_o say_v for_o every_o such_o offence_n or_o if_o at_o any_o time_n such_o justice_n shall_v again_o commit_v the_o like_a offence_n he_o shall_v forfeit_v one_o hundred_o pound_n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o offence_n of_o the_o metre_n and_o officer_n observe_v 2._o that_o the_o say_v one_o hundred_o pound_n be_v not_o to_o be_v levy_v upon_o the_o good_n and_o chattel_n of_o the_o say_a justice_n of_o peace_n or_o chief_a magistrate_n but_o it_o must_v be_v recover_v by_o action_n suit_n bill_n or_o plaint_n in_o any_o of_o his_o majesty_n court_n at_o westminster_n where_o such_o justice_n or_o chief_a magistrate_n thus_o inform_v against_o and_o prosecute_v will_v have_v the_o great_a benefit_n of_o a_o company_n of_o their_o fellow_n subject_n call_v good_a man_n and_o true_a viz._n a_o jury_n to_o hear_v and_o determine_v the_o whole_a matter_n who_o will_v without_o doubt_n inquire_v whether_o the_o meeting_n inform_v against_o be_v for_o godly_a instruction_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v seditious_a conventicle_n to_o contrive_v insurrection_n or_o such_o meeting_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n observe_v 3._o that_o if_o upon_o proof_n of_o such_o meeting_n the_o one_o hundred_o pound_n be_v recover_v than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v divide_v between_o the_o king_n and_o the_o informer_n observe_v 4._o that_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o parish_n be_v quite_o shut_v out_o from_o have_v any_o benefit_n of_o the_o say_v hundred_o pound_n but_o let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o fourtenth_n particular_a to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o act_n that_o if_o any_o person_n be_v sue_v for_o put_v in_o execution_n any_o of_o the_o power_n contain_v in_o this_o act_n otherwise_o then_o upon_o appeal_n allow_v by_o this_o act_n such_o person_n shall_v plead_v the_o general_n issue_n and_o give_v the_o special_a matter_n in_o evidence_n and_o if_o the_o plaintiff_n be_v nonsuit_n or_o a_o verdict_n pass_v for_o the_o defendant_n or_o if_o the_o plaintiff_n discontinue_v his_o action_n or_o if_o upon_o demurrer_n judgement_n be_v give_v for_o the_o defendant_n every_o such_o defendant_n shall_v have_v his_o full_a â—â—eble_a cost_n from_o this_o part_n of_o the_o act_n observe_v these_o thing_n observe_v 1._o that_o such_o as_o put_v in_o execution_n the_o power_n contain_v in_o this_o act_n may_v be_v sue_v for_o the_o same_o otherwise_o then_o by_o appeal_n allow_v by_o this_o act_n viz._n by_o other_o law_n observe_v 2._o that_o such_o person_n so_o sue_v may_v plead_v the_o general_a issue_n and_o give_v the_o special_a matter_n in_o evidence_n and_o that_o be_v the_o particular_a crime_n express_v in_o this_o act_n viz._n seditious_a conventicle_n contrive_v insurrection_n observe_v 3._o if_o the_o plaintiff_n be_v nonsuit_n or_o discontinue_v his_o action_n or_o if_o a_o verdict_n pass_v for_o the_o defendant_n or_o upon_o demurrer_n judgement_n be_v give_v for_o the_o defendant_n every_o such_o defendant_n shall_v have_v his_o treble_a cost_n observe_v 4._o that_o such_o as_o will_v venture_v a_o trial_n at_o law_n with_o the_o dissent_v protestant_n as_o the_o transgressor_n of_o this_o act_n in_o hope_n to_o have_v treble_a cost_n may_v meet_v with_o a_o great_a disappointment_n if_o there_o be_v a_o wise_a and_o honest_a jury_n who_o understand_v law_n and_o good_a reason_n fifteen_o particular_a to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a act_n that_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 encouragement_n of_o all_o person_n to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o execution_n thereof_o from_o hence_o observe_v these_o thing_n observe_v 1._o that_o these_o large_a expression_n be_v not_o a_o licence_n to_o commit_v violence_n either_o upon_o the_o person_n or_o the_o good_n of_o any_o of_o his_o majesty_n subject_n contrary_a to_o other_o law_n especial_o that_o law_n call_v magna_fw-la charta_fw-la observe_v 2._o that_o if_o any_o person_n under_o pretence_n of_o prosecute_a this_o act_n shall_v commit_v violence_n viz._n shall_v wound_n or_o beat_v any_o of_o his_o majesty_n peaceable_a subject_n may_v be_v indict_v for_o a_o riot_n or_o if_o they_o shall_v kill_v any_o of_o they_o such_o prosecutor_n may_v be_v indict_v for_o murder_n or_o if_o they_o shall_v violent_o break_v open_a man_n house_n to_o force_v away_o their_o good_n such_o may_v be_v indict_v of_o felony_n notwithstanding_o the_o large_a and_o beneficial_a construe_v of_o the_o aforesaid_a act._n observe_v 3._o the_o best_a way_n to_o escape_v harm_n be_v not_o to_o do_v harm_n and_o therefore_o the_o prosecutor_n of_o this_o and_o another_o law_n have_v need_n take_v heed_n that_o they_o do_v not_o run_v upon_o strange_a interpretation_n but_o act_n according_a to_o the_o plain_a expression_n in_o the_o law_n sixteenth_o particular_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o in_o case_n any_o person_n offend_v against_o this_o act_n shall_v be_v a_o inhabitant_n in_o any_o other_o county_n or_o corporation_n or_o fly_v into_o any_o other_o county_n or_o corporation_n after_o the_o offence_n commit_v the_o justice_n or_o chief-magistrate_n that_o convict_v the_o aforesaid_a person_n shall_v certify_v the_o same_o under_o his_o hand_n and_o seal_n to_o any_o justice_n or_o chief_a magistrate_n of_o such_o other_o county_n or_o corporation_n which_o say_v justice_n or_o chief_a magistrate_n be_v hereby_o authorize_v and_o require_v to_o levy_v the_o penalty_n or_o penalty_n in_o this_o act_n mention_v from_o hence_o it_o do_v plain_o appear_v that_o though_o a_o offender_n be_v a_o inhabitant_n in_o some_o other_o county_n or_o corporation_n yet_o he_o ought_v to_o suffer_v the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n himself_o if_o he_o be_v able_a and_o can_v be_v find_v and_o therefore_o a_o justice_n or_o chief_a magistrate_n ought_v not_o to_o levy_v such_o a_o one_o fine_n upon_o any_o other_o person_n seventeen_o particular_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o no_o person_n shall_v be_v punish_v for_o any_o offence_n against_o this_o act_n unless_o such_o a_o offender_n be_v prosecute_v for_o the_o same_o within_o three_o month_n after_o the_o offence_n commit_v and_o that_o no_o person_n who_o shall_v be_v punish_v for_o any_o offence_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o act_n shall_v be_v punish_v for_o the_o same_o offence_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o other_o act_n or_o law_n whatsoever_o from_o hence_o observe_v observe_v 1._o that_o no_o offender_n of_o this_o act_n can_v be_v prosecute_v by_o this_o act_n after_o three_o month_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o offence_n commit_v observe_v 2._o this_o act_n suppose_v there_o be_v other_o law_n against_o the_o same_o offence_n mention_v in_o this_o act._n observe_v 3._o that_o such_o as_o be_v punish_v by_o this_o law_n for_o the_o offence_n therein_o mention_v be_v free_v from_o the_o punishment_n provide_v by_o other_o law_n for_o such_o offence_n eighteen_o particular_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o every_o alderman_n of_o london_n shall_v have_v the_o same_o power_n and_o authority_n within_o london_n and_o the_o liberty_n thereof_o for_o the_o examine_v convict_v and_o punish_v of_o all_o offence_n within_o this_o
act_n commit_v within_o london_n which_o any_o justice_n of_o peace_n have_v by_o this_o act_n in_o any_o county_n of_o england_n and_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o penalty_n and_o punishment_n for_o not_o do_v that_o which_o by_o this_o act_n be_v direct_v to_o be_v do_v by_o any_o justice_n of_o peace_n in_o england_n observe_v 1._o that_o every_o alderman_n of_o london_n whether_o past_o the_o chair_n or_o not_o be_v empower_v by_o this_o act_n to_o act_v as_o a_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n in_o examine_v convict_a and_o punish_v all_o offence_n against_o this_o act_n commit_v within_o london_n observe_v 2._o that_o forasmuch_o as_o all_o the_o alderman_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n be_v not_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n so_o as_o to_o act_v in_o all_o case_n of_o the_o law_n in_o general_a therefore_o he_o that_o have_v only_o a_o power_n to_o act_v by_o this_o law_n have_v need_n take_v the_o great_a care_n that_o he_o do_v not_o act_n contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n plain_o express_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a act_n viz._n that_o he_o do_v not_o prosecute_v godly_a meeting_n instead_o of_o seditious_a meeting_n nor_o prosecute_v quiet_a and_o peaceable_a meeting_n as_o if_o they_o be_v contriver_n of_o insurrection_n ninteenth_n particular_a to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a act_n that_o if_o a_o feme-covert_n cohabit_v with_o her_o husband_n be_v the_o offender_n and_o be_v eonvict_v as_o afore_o say_v the_o penalty_n of_o five_o and_o ten_o shilling_n shall_v be_v levy_v upon_o the_o good_n and_o chattle_n of_o the_o husband_n observe_v that_o no_o high_a than_o ten_o shilling_n fine_a can_v be_v impose_v upon_o a_o wife_n live_v with_o her_o husband_n the_o sum_n of_o ten_o pound_n can_v be_v impose_v and_o levy_v upon_o the_o husband_n good_n and_o chattle_n for_o the_o offence_n of_o other_o person_n twenty_o particular_a provide_v that_o no_o peer_n of_o this_o realm_n shall_v be_v attach_v or_o imprison_v by_o virtue_n or_o force_n of_o this_o act._n observe_v this_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o favour_n to_o the_o person_n of_o a_o peer_n more_o than_o to_o the_o person_n of_o a_o commoner_n as_o be_v also_o extend_v to_o the_o house_n of_o a_o peer_n in_o another_o part_n of_o this_o act._n one_o and_o twenty_o particular_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o neither_o this_o act_n nor_o any_o thing_n contain_v therein_o shall_v extend_v to_o invalidate_v or_o avoid_v his_o majesty_n supremacy_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n observe_v from_o hence_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n be_v very_o careful_a to_o preserve_v the_o supremacy_n or_o power_n of_o his_o majesty_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n and_o therefore_o none_o ought_v to_o improve_v stretch_v or_o strain_v any_o expression_n in_o this_o act_n so_o as_o to_o entrench_v upon_o that_o power_n of_o the_o king_n as_o may_v be_v more_o full_o understand_v in_o the_o follow_a and_o conclude_v word_n of_o this_o act._n two_o and_o twenty_o particular_a but_o that_o his_o majesty_n and_o his_o heir_n and_o successor_n may_v from_o time_n to_o time_n at_o all_o time_n hereafter_o exercise_n and_o enjoy_v all_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n as_o full_o and_o as_o ample_o as_o himself_o or_o any_o of_o his_o predecessor_n have_v or_o may_v have_v do_v the_o same_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o act_n notwithstanding_o from_o hence_o observe_v observe_v 1._o that_o this_o act_n do_v own_o and_o allow_v his_o majesty_n have_v power_n and_o authority_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n observe_v 2._o that_o his_o majesty_n may_v from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o at_o all_o time_n hereafter_o exercise_v this_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n as_o full_o and_o as_o ample_o as_o himself_o or_o any_o of_o his_o predecessor_n have_v or_o may_v have_v do_v now_o this_o power_n of_o his_o majesty_n be_v not_o only_o a_o power_n to_o bestow_v and_o confer_v ecclesiastical_a dignity_n and_o preferment_n on_o whosoever_o his_o majesty_n shall_v think_v sit_v but_o it_o be_v also_o a_o power_n of_o abate_v restrane_n or_o suspend_v the_o severity_n of_o proceeding_n in_o respect_n to_o matter_n of_o conscience_n which_o his_o majesty_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o declare_v as_o his_o royal_a mind_n in_o his_o declaration_n from_o breda_n april_n 4._o 14._o 1660._o in_o these_o very_a word_n we_o do_v declare_v a_o liberty_n to_o tender_a conscience_n and_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v disquiet_v or_o call_v in_o question_n for_o difference_n of_o opinion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o do_v not_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o consent_v to_o such_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n as_o upon_o mature_a deliberation_n shall_v be_v offer_v to_o we_o for_o the_o full_a grantiog_n that_o indulgence_n but_o beside_o this_o royal_a promise_n of_o his_o majesty_n from_o breda_n and_o since_o the_o act_n against_o seditious_a conventicle_n have_v be_v make_v and_o too_o fierce_o prosecute_v against_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n his_o majesty_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o take_v into_o his_o princely_a compassionate_a consideration_n the_o severity_n his_o love_a subject_n have_v long_o labour_v and_o groan_v under_o and_o therefore_o do_v assert_v and_o resolve_v the_o excercise_n of_o his_o power_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n as_o may_v be_v plain_o see_v in_o his_o majesty_n declaration_n to_o all_o his_o love_a subject_n publish_v by_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o privy_a council_n march_v 15_o 1676._o in_o these_o very_a word_n page_n 1_o but_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o sad_a experience_n of_o twelve_o year_n that_o there_o be_v very_o little_a fruit_n of_o all_o those_o forceable_a course_n we_o think_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o supreme_a power_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n which_o be_v not_o only_o inherent_a in_o we_o but_o have_v be_v declare_v and_o recognise_v to_o be_v so_o by_o several_a statute_n and_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v issue_v this_o our_o declaration_n as_o well_o for_o the_o quiet_v the_o mind_n of_o our_o good_a subject_n in_o these_o point_n as_o for_o invite_a stranger_n in_o this_o conjuncture_n to_o come_v and_o live_v under_o we_o and_o for_o the_o better_a encouragement_n of_o all_o to_o a_o cheerful_a follow_v their_o trade_n and_o calling_n from_o whence_o we_o hope_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n to_o have_v many_o good_a and_o happy_a advantage_n to_o our_o government_n and_o in_o page_n 5._o of_o the_o aforesaid_a declaration_n the_o king_n be_v please_v to_o declare_v as_o follow_v we_o do_v in_o the_o next_o place_n declare_v our_o will_n and_o pleasure_n to_o be_v that_o the_o execution_n of_o all_o and_o all_o manner_n of_o penal_a law_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a against_o whatsoever_o sort_n of_o nonconformist_n or_o recusant_n be_v immediate_o suspend_v and_o they_o be_v suspend_v and_o all_o judge_n judge_n of_o assiize_n and_o gaol-delivery_n sheriff_n justice_n of_o the_o peace_n mayor_n bailiff_n and_o other_o officer_n whatsoever_o whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a be_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o pay_v due_a obedience_n thereunto_o and_o beside_o all_o this_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n do_v late_o take_v into_o their_o wise_a consideration_n the_o distress_n of_o many_o of_o his_o majesty_n protestant_a subject_n who_o to_o their_o great_a damage_n have_v great_o suffer_v by_o the_o prosecution_n of_o the_o 36_o elizabeth_n and_o have_v prepare_v a_o bill_n to_o free_v his_o majesty_n protestant_a subject_n from_o be_v prosecute_v by_o that_o law_n but_o that_o bill_n unhappy_o miscarry_v and_o come_v not_o to_o his_o majesty_n hand_n and_o so_o his_o majesty_n miss_v of_o the_o opportunity_n to_o make_v a_o great_a performance_n of_o what_o he_o have_v so_o long_o ago_o promise_v at_o breda_n to_o give_v his_o royal_a assent_n by_o consent_n of_o parliament_n to_o such_o act_n as_o may_v be_v for_o relieve_v his_o subject_n of_o tender_a conscience_n therefore_o to_o conclude_v let_v these_o few_o thing_n be_v sober_o inquire_v into_o 1._o whether_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n have_v not_o now_o as_o much_o need_n of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n as_o when_o his_o majesty_n do_v promise_v it_o from_o breda_n 2._o whether_o the_o grant_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n now_o will_v not_o be_v as_o much_o for_o the_o encourage_v of_o stranger_n to_o come_v under_o his_o majesty_n government_n and_o for_o the_o quiet_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o majesty_n subject_n as_o also_o for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o trade_n in_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n as_o when_o his_o majesty_n declare_v a_o indulgence_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o his_o protestant_a subject_n in_o the_o year_n seventy_o one_o 3._o whether_o it_o be_v not_o more_o feizable_a now_o see_v the_o lord_n and_o commons_o late_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n be_v willing_a to_o walk_v in_o this_o good_a path_n which_o his_o majesty_n so_o long_o ago_o show_v his_o willingness_n to_o lead_v they_o 4._o whether_o the_o succor_n and_o protect_v of_o the_o persecute_a french_a protestant_n and_o prosecute_n of_o english_a protestant_n do_v harmonise_v and_o agree_v together_o 5._o whether_o protestant_n persecute_v of_o protestant_n in_o england_n 〈◊〉_d the_o best_a way_n to_o convince_v the_o french_a papist_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o persecute_v the_o protestant_n in_o france_n 6._o whether_o the_o conform_v protestant_n in_o england_n if_o they_o 〈◊〉_d faithful_a to_o protestant_a principle_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o same_o misery_n viâ—â—â—â—nging_v â—â—â—nging_z and_o burn_v as_o the_o nonconforming-protestants_a may_n if_o ever_o 〈◊〉_d shall_v get_v uppermost_a in_o england_n 7._o whether_o it_o be_v not_o best_o for_o all_o such_o as_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o 〈◊〉_d â—_o bloody_a enemy_n to_o live_v together_o and_o love_v one_o another_o as_o brethren_n london_n print_v for_o richard_n janeway_n 1682._o
the_o magistrate_n monitor_n or_o several_a consideration_n &_o observation_n upon_o the_o act_n against_o seditious_a conventicle_n humble_o offer_v to_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o all_o judge_n justice_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o other_o inferior_a officer_n concern_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o protestant_a dissenter_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o conform_v and_o nonconform_v protestant_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o aforesaid_a act_n have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v vigorous_o prosecute_v against_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n to_o the_o very_a great_a damage_n of_o many_o good_a family_n who_o be_v his_o majesty_n peaceable_a subject_n of_o who_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v there_o be_v no_o matter_n against_o they_o except_o it_o be_v concern_v the_o law_n of_o their_o god_n as_o it_o be_v say_v heretofore_o concern_v daniel_n therefore_o in_o order_n to_o a_o better_a understanding_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a act_n let_v the_o several_a particular_n thereof_o be_v wary_o and_o sober_o consider_v with_o some_o observation_n upon_o it_o first_o consider_v the_o title_n of_o the_o say_a act_n which_o be_v call_v a_o act_n to_o prevent_v and_o suppress_v seditious_a conventicle_n now_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o title_n of_o act_n be_v as_o key_n to_o open_v the_o say_v act_n and_o by_o the_o title_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a act_n it_o doâ—â—_n plain_o appear_v that_o any_o assembly_n or_o every_o gather_n together_o of_o people_n be_v not_o intend_v by_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n but_o such_o assembly_n as_o in_o express_a word_n be_v mention_v viz._n seditious_a conventicle_n and_o therefore_o whosoever_o stretch_v the_o law_n beyond_o the_o express_a word_n thereof_o agreeable_a to_o sound_v reason_n will_v not_o only_o abuse_v his_o majesty_n subject_n but_o the_o law_n also_o and_o instead_o of_o look_v on_o the_o law_n as_o a_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o make_v it_o a_o engine_n of_o ruin_n therefore_o let_v these_o word_n seditious_a conventicle_n be_v well_o inquire_v into_o lest_o they_o be_v apply_v unto_o such_o meeting_n of_o his_o majesty_n subject_n as_o be_v not_o guilty_a thereof_o especial_o consider_v that_o in_o age_n past_a such_o have_v be_v charge_v with_o sedition_n when_o they_o be_v innocent_a of_o such_o a_o crime_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o the_o jew_n go_v about_o to_o build_v the_o wall_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o house_n of_o their_o god_n rehum_n the_o chancellor_n and_o shimshai_n the_o scribe_n or_o secretary_n write_v to_o the_o great_a king_n artaxerxes_n charge_v they_o with_o rebellion_n and_o sedition_n and_o they_o call_v jerusalem_n the_o rebellious_a and_o bad_a city_n see_v ezra_n 4._o 9_o 12_o 15._o and_o the_o bless_a apostle_n paul_n when_o he_o stand_v before_o most_o noble_a faelix_fw-la a_o certain_a orator_n name_v tertullus_n vehement_o accuse_v paul_n that_o he_o be_v a_o pestilent_a fellow_n and_o a_o mover_n of_o sedition_n pray_v see_v act_n 24._o 1_o 5._o whereas_o paul_n do_v but_o preach_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n to_o any_o number_n of_o people_n that_o will_v assemble_v together_o and_o hear_v the_o bless_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n that_o the_o dissent_v protestant_n desire_v to_o follow_v and_o therefore_o let_v it_o be_v sober_o inquire_v into_o 1_o whether_o any_o number_n of_o people_n quiet_o and_o solemn_o assemble_v together_o to_o preach_v and_o hear_v salvation_n by_o the_o bless_a merit_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o holy_a conversation_n according_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n can_v be_v indeed_o and_o in_o truth_n a_o seditious_a conventicle_n 2_o whether_o the_o aforesaid_a matter_n viz._n preach_v and_o hear_v of_o salvation_n by_o the_o bless_a merit_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o holy_a conversation_n according_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n in_o all_o their_o meeting_n if_o any_o shall_v say_v they_o can_v tell_v whether_o this_o be_v their_o practice_n because_o they_o do_v not_o go_v to_o any_o of_o their_o meeting_n let_v such_o take_v heed_n they_o do_v not_o lay_v other_o thing_n to_o their_o charge_n they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o meeting_n and_o let_v such_o as_o daily_o attend_v their_o meeting_n be_v witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n either_o for_o they_o or_o against_o they_o as_o they_o will_v answer_v it_o before_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o therefore_o from_o the_o title_n of_o this_o act_n these_o thing_n be_v consider_v these_o observation_n be_v humble_o propose_v observe_v 1._o that_o such_o meeting_n of_o people_n as_o have_v no_o seditious_a speech_n nor_o seditious_a practice_n be_v not_o seditious_a conventicle_n observe_v 2._o that_o protestant_a dissenter_n promote_a the_o protestant_a religion_n in_o their_o meeting_n viz._n faith_n in_o a_o crucify_a christ_n repentance_n for_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o a_o godly_a life_n in_o this_o world_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v charge_v with_o seditious_a conventicle_n observe_v 3._o that_o such_o as_o can_v be_v prove_v guilty_a of_o seditious_a meeting_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v prosecute_v by_o the_o aforesaid_a act._n second_o consider_v the_o good_a design_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a act_n and_o that_o be_v to_o provide_v 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 page_n 1_o from_o this_o part_n of_o the_o act_n these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v observe_v 1._o that_o seditious_a sectary_n and_o other_o disloyal_a person_n be_v the_o only_a offender_n intend_v by_o this_o act_n and_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n do_v abhor_v to_o be_v such_o and_o can_v comfortable_o appeal_v to_o god_n and_o the_o king_n they_o be_v not_o such_o and_o have_v give_v sufficient_a demonstration_n of_o this_o matter_n by_o a_o peaceable_a subjection_n to_o his_o government_n in_o all_o part_n of_o england_n in_o pay_v all_o tax_n levy_v by_o law_n and_o in_o a_o patient_a suffering_n for_o conscience_n sake_n be_v many_o time_n in_o prison_n and_o have_v suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o their_o good_n observe_v 2._o furthermore_o it_o be_v declare_v by_o this_o act_n that_o the_o person_n intend_v as_o offender_n be_v such_o who_o at_o their_o meeting_n contrive_v insurrection_n now_o all_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n will_v with_o one_o voice_n say_v he_o or_o they_o that_o be_v thus_o guilty_a let_v they_o suffer_v according_a to_o this_o or_o any_o other_o law_n but_o it_o be_v deny_v that_o they_o be_v at_o all_o guilty_a of_o this_o horrid_a crime_n observe_v 3._o that_o as_o their_o meeting_n be_v and_o have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n be_v public_a and_o they_o desire_v they_o may_v be_v so_o still_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o contrive_v insurrection_n for_o as_o much_o as_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n woman_n as_o well_o as_o man_n young_z people_z as_o well_o as_o old_a may_v come_v among_o they_o and_o see_v and_o hear_v all_o that_o they_o do_v and_o such_o as_o do_v attend_v the_o dissenter_n meeting_n day_n after_o day_n for_o a_o long_a time_n who_o be_v not_o join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o particular_a fellowship_n can_v witness_v for_o they_o that_o in_o all_o their_o meeting_n they_o concern_v themselves_o only_o with_o matter_n of_o godly_a instruction_n and_o not_o at_o all_o with_o disloyal_a consultation_n now_o if_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o disingenuous_a as_o to_o remember_v and_o repeat_v that_o desperate_a insurrection_n by_o venner_n party_n in_o the_o year_n 60._o and_o so_o reflect_v upon_o and_o reproach_v the_o protestant_a dissenter_n in_o general_a it_o be_v humble_o desire_v they_o will_v consider_v these_o few_o follow_a thing_n 1._o that_o action_n be_v do_v but_o by_o a_o few_o man_n about_o thirty_o be_v the_o whole_a number_n 2._o that_o action_n and_o practice_n be_v and_o be_v detest_v by_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n in_o all_o part_n of_o england_n 3._o they_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o bloody_a crime_n have_v suffer_v the_o punishment_n of_o the_o law_n 4._o consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o fair_a deal_n to_o charge_v a_o people_n in_o general_n for_o the_o folly_n and_o madness_n of_o a_o few_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o many_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v frequent_o guilty_a of_o horrid_a crime_n against_o the_o peace_n of_o their_o sovereign_a lord_n the_o king_n as_o also_o against_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n viz._n rob_v upon_o the_o highway_n break_v open_a house_n in_o town_n and_o city_n and_o many_o horrid_a murder_n for_o which_o they_o be_v hang_v but_o it_o will_v be_v very_o abominable_a to_o charge_v these_o abominable_a