House of Commons Journal Volume 6: 27 September 1650

Die Veneris, 27 Septembris, 1650.

Prayers.

Mr. Drury.

ORDERED, That the Trustees for Maintenance of Preaching Ministers, and other pious Uses, be authorized and required to pay unto Mr. John Drury Two hundred Pounds per Annum, together with the Arrears thereof from the Twenty-fifth of March last; and so to continue Payment thereof half-yearly, from thenceforth, till the House take further Order.

Religious Toleration.

An Act for Relief of religious and peaceable People from the Rigour of former Acts of Parliament, in Matters of Religion, was this Day read the Third time: And, after some Amendments at the Table, the same, being put to the Question, was passed; and ordered to be forthwith printed and published.

Translation of Psalms.

The humble Petition of Wm. Barton, Preacher of God's Word, was this Day read.

Ordered, That it be referred to Mr. Carill, Mr. Nye, Mr. Bond, Mr. Stronge, Mr. Sedgwick, and Mr. Byfield, or any Three of them, to peruse and consider of the Translation of the Psalms set out by Mr. Rous, and since viewed by the said Wm. Barton; and, if they shall approve of the same, then to license the Printing thereof.

Barbadoes, &c.

An Act prohibiting Trading and Commerce to the Barbadoes, Antigo, Virginia, and the Barmuthes, was this Day read the First and Second time; and, upon the Question, committed to the Committee of the Navy: And that they bring it in on Tuesday Morning next: And the special Care hereof is referred to Colonel Thompson.

Obnoxious Publications.

Mr. Weaver reports from the Committee for suppressing licentious and impious Practices, under Pretence of Religion, Liberty, &c. the Confession of Lawrence Clarkeson, touching the Making and Publishing of the impious and blasphemous Book, called, "The Single Eye:"And also Major Rainsborowe's Carriages.

Resolved, That Major Rainsborow be henceforth discharged and disabled of and from bearing or executing the Office or a Justice of Peace, in the County of Middlesex, or any other County within England and Wales.

Resolved, That the Parliament doth adjudge, That the said Lowrence Clarkson be forthwith sent to the House of Correction: there to be kept to Labour for one Month; and from that Time to be banished out of this Commonwealth, and the Territories, thereof, and not to return, upon Pain of Death.

Resolved, That the said Book, called, "The Single Eye," and all printed Copies thereof, be forthwith seized, and burnt by the Hand of the Common Hangman, in the New Palace at Westminster, and upon the Exchange: And that the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs of London and Middlesex, be required to cause the same to be done accordingly.

Resolved, That all and every Person and Persons whatsoever, who have in their or any of their Hands, or Custody, any of the Books, intituled, "The Single Eye," or printed Copies thereof, be and are required and enjointed forthwith to deliver the same to the next Justice of the Peace, where such Person or Persons live or inhabit; who are hereby required to cause the same to be publickly burned.

Resolved, That these Votes be forthwith printed and published.

Ordered, That it be referred to the same Committee, to examine Abiezer Copp, the reputed Author of the Book, called, "The Fiery Flying Roll;" and to find out the Author and Publisher thereof; and report the same to the House This-day-sevennight: And this Committee have Power to send for Persons and Witnesses.

The House, according to former Order, adjourned itself until Tuesday next, Eight of Clock.