House of Lords Journal Volume 6: 15 July 1644

DIE Lunæ, 15 die Julii.

PRAYERS, by Mr. Bond.

Ds. Grey de Warke, Speaker.

Answers from the H. C.

Mr. Serjeant Fynch and Mr. Serjeant Whitfield return with this Answer from the House of Commons:

That they agree in taking off the Sequestration of the Earl of Bedford.

Sir Rob't Rich and Mr. Page, sent on Saturday last with a Message to the House of Commons, return with this Answer:

That they agree to the Ordinance concerning the Day of Thanksgiving. (Here enter it.) And concerning the Petition of the Countess of Dorsett and Mr. Serjeant Fynch, and the Letter of the Lord Admiral concerning Captain Fletcher, and Mr. Fortescue's Letter, they will take them into Consideration, and send an Answer by Messengers of their own.

Lord Hunsdon's Goods not to be seized.

A Petition of the Lord Hunsdon was read; desiring "That his Goods may not be seized upon by the Sequestrators, nor his Woods cut down." (Here enter it.) And it is Ordered, That an Order be drawn, according to the Desire of the Petition, and sent down to the Committee.

Murray & al. a Pass, to carry Cloaths to the King, Prince, &c.

Upon reading a Petition of David Murray, David Cunningham, and Hugh Rosse; shewing,

"That they being sent from Oxford, for Cloaths, Linen, and other Necessaries, for His Majesty, the Prince, and the Duke of Yorke, which Things are now provided and made ready;

"They desire that they may have Leave safely to pass, with the Necessaries, being first searched and sealed by such as this House think fit to appoint."

Hereupon the House Ordered the same accordingly.

Ordinance for cutting Peat.

The Ordinance for cutting of Peat was read the Second Time, and committed to these Lords following:

Any Three, to meet this Afternoon.

Message from the H. C. with Names of Lords Lieutenants;

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Sir Rob't Pye Knight, &c.

To desire their Lordships Concurrence in these Particulars following:

1. That the Earl of Pembrooke be Lord Lieutenant of the County of Somerset.

Agreed to.

2. That the Lord Robertes be Lord Lieutenant of the County of Devon, and of the County and City of Exon.

Agreed to.

with an Order;

3. An Order to pay Two Thousand Pounds to the Town of Southhampton. (Here enter it.)

Agreed to.

with a Letter to the associated Counties;

4. A Letter to be sent to the respective Counties of the Earl of Manchester's Association. (Here enter it.)

Agreed to.

and with Names of High Sheriffs.

5. That Sir John Horner be High Sheriff for the County of Somersett.

Agreed to.

6. That John Luttrell Esquire be High Sheriff of the County of Devon.

Agreed to.

7. That John St. Aubin Esquire be High Sheriff of the County of Cornwall.

Agreed to.

The Answer returned was:

Answer.

That this House agrees to all the Particulars now brought up.

Lord Hunsdon, Leave to take the Air, and see his Friends.

Ordered, That the Lord Hunsdon shall have Liberty to take the Air for his Health, provided it be in the Company of the Gentleman Usher, or such as he shall appoint; and that any Friend may have Liberty to visit him.

Message from the H. C. with a Letter to some Counties.

A Message was brought from the House of Commons, by Mr. Samuell Browne:

To desire their Lordships Concurrence in a Letter to to be sent to the several Counties which are to be contributary to the Garrison of Newport Pannell. (Here enter it.)

Read, and Agreed to.

The Answer returned was:

Answer.

That this House agrees to the Letter now brought up.

Archbishop of Cant's Trial.

Ordered, That the Trial of the Archbishop of Canterbury is deferred till Wednesday Morning next, at Nine of the Clock peremptorily.

Message to the H. C. that it is deferred.

A Message was sent to the House of Commons, by Mr. Serjeant Whitfield and Sir Edward Leech:

To let them know, that the Trial of the Archbishop of Canterbury is put off till Wednesday Morning next, at Nine of the Clock.

Ordinance concerning the Isle of Wight.

Next, the Ordinance concerning the Isle of Wight was read the First, Second Time, and Third Time, and Agreed to.

Ordinance for raising Forces in Wiltshire.

Next, the Ordinance concerning the raising of Forces in the County of Wilts was read the Second Time, and Ordered to be re-committed to (fn. 1) the same Committee as is appointed for the Ordinance concerning Turf and Peat.

States Ambassadors Papers.

Ordered, That this House will take into Consideration the Paper of The Sates Ambassadors on Friday Morning next.

Paper from the Spanish Ambassador, desiring Assistance to prevent the French taking Gravelin.

Next, a Paper of the Spanish Ambassador was read; desiring "That the Parliament would give Assistance to the King of Spaine, in preventing the taking of Graveling, which is besieged by the French."

And the House Resolved, To refer this Paper to the Committee of both (fn. 1) Kingdoms, to draw up an Answer to the same; with a Signification of the Sense of this House, That, in regard of the many Affairs which the Parliament are now engaged in, they think it not fit to engage this Kingdom in this Business: And it is further Resolved, To send this Paper to the House of Commons, to desire them to join in referring this Paper to the said Committee, to prepare an Answer, and present the same to this House.

Message to the H. C. to refer it to the Committee of both Kingdoms.

And accordingly a Message was sent to the House of Commons presently, by Serjeant Whitfield and Sir Edward Leech.

Committee to examine the Differences between Messrs. Griffith and Moore, and to prevent their Fighting.

The House was informed, "That there is a Falling out between Mr. Griffith and Mr. Moore; and they carry Pistols and other Weapons about, to do Mischief one to another, if they meet:" Hereupon this House appointed these Lords following to examine the Business and Difference between (fn. 1) them, and to settle and compose the Difference, else to report the Particulars to this House; and that the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod do forthwith signify to them, "That it is the Pleasure of this House, that they keep [ (fn. 2) their Lodgings] until the Examination of the Business; and that, in the mean Time, their Servants be commanded not to wear any Weapons or Pistols when they go abroad:"

Any Three, to meet when they please; and have Power to send for the Parties, and such Witnesses as they think fit.

Ordinance concerning Wiltshire.

Next, the House was adjourned into a Committee during Pleasure, to consider of the Ordinance concerning Wilshire.

And the House being resumed;

The said Ordinance was read the Third Time and Agreed to. (Here enter it.)

L. Hunsdon's (Viscount Rochford's) Petition, to prevent his Estate from Sequestration.

"To the Right Honourable the Lords in the High Court of Parliament assembled.

"The humble Petition of John Lord Viscount Rochford;

"Humbly shewing,

"That, since your Petitioner's sad Misfortune of falling into your Displeasure, he is certainly informed that the Committee for Sequestrations in Hertfordshire do intend to seize upon the Goods and Household Stuff at Hunsdon (which, if not speedily prevented, will prove to the utter Ruin and Undoing of Your Petitioner, his Wife, and Children); and hoping that it will be agreeable to your Justice, to afford him your Favour in the Protection of them, as also of all his Goods here in London, during the Time of this Imprisonment, until he shall come to his Trial, wherein he hopes to give so good an Account of his Innocency from this heavy Charge against him, that he shall stand right again in your good Opinions, which he valueth above any other Consideration whatsoever.

"And he shall daily pray for your Healths and Happiness, and rest

"Your Lordships
Humble Servant,
Jo. Rochford."

His Estate to be secured to him till further Order.

"Upon the humble Petition of John Lord Hunsdon read this Day in the House: It is Ordered, by the Lords in Parliament assembled, That the Committee for Sequestrations at Habberdashers Hall, London, nor any other Committee or Persons whatsoever, shall inventory, sequester, or seize, any the Goods, Household Stuff, Chattels, House, or Lands, of the said Lord Hunsdon, at Hunsdon, in the County of Hertford; neither shall any Person inventory, sequester, or seize, any the Goods or Household Stuff of the Lord Hunsdon, in or about London, until he shall be evicted before the Lords in Parliament upon the Impeachment brought up from the House of Commons against him or the Pleasure of this House be further signified in this Particular."

Order for a Public Thanksgiving, for the Victory near York.

"The Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled, having certain Information of the great Mercy of our Lord God, in the happy Success of the Forces of both Kingdoms against our Enemies near Yorke, the 2d of this Instant July, do, in their Acknowledgement of God's Mercy herein, Order, That, upon Thursday next, which will be the 18th of this Month Instant, Public Thanks be given in all Churches and Chapels within the Cities of London and Westm. and the Lines of Communication, unto the Lord of Hosts, that giveth all Victory, for these seasonable and extraordinary Blessings, whereby the Armies under the Command of Prince Rupert and the Earl of Newcastle were totally routed and overthrown; and all Ministers, in their respective Churches and Chapels, are hereby directed and commanded to give Notice hereof, and to excite and exhort their People to acknowledge and implore His great Blessing in a Spiritual Way, that, as this Mercy was bestowed upon us of His meer Grace and Goodness, so God may have the sole Honour and Glory of it in Praises of Thanksgiving; and that the like Thanksgiving shall be made in all other the Churches and Chapels throughout the whole Kingdom, on Thursday the 25th of this Instant July."

Order for 2000 l. for the Town of South'ton.

"It is this Day Ordered, by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, That, out of the First Monies that shall be paid into the Chamber of London, upon any Accompts determined, or that shall be determined, by the Committee for taking the Accompts of the Kingdom, the Sum of Two Thousand Pounds, taken up by Bill of Exchange of the Inhabitants of the Town of Southampton, upon Letters to them sent from the House of Commons and the Lord General, with Interest for the same at Eight per Cent. from the 25th Day of December, 1642, shall be paid unto George Gollop and Edward Exton, Members of the House of Commons serving for the said Town; and their Acquittance or Acquittances, together with this Order, shall be a sufficient Discharge for the Payment and Allowance of the same."

Letter to the Counties of Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, &c. associated under the E. of Manchester, to send Supplies for his Forces.

"Gentlemen,

"We have understood, by a Letter from the Generals before Yorke, the great and happy Victory it hath pleased God to give their Armies, for whose Encouragement the Houses have resolved that speedy Supplies of Money shall be sent to the Scotts and Lord Fairefaxe's Forces; and, considering the Earl of Manchester's Forces (who have so well deserved in this Action) are to be paid by your Counties, do earnestly desire you, that with all Speed Supply may be sent to that Army. They have done their Parts in the Service; and it will be a great Discouragement, and may be of ill Consequence, if they only should be forgotten, whose Necessities must needs press them much. The Employment of your Forces in the Northern Parts hath been for the Honour and Safety of your Association, and of great Advantage to the whole Kingdom; the Counties have therefore Reason to be forward in their Payment. The Houses expect your Care herein; and we remain."

Letter to the Counties of Bucks, &c. to send Supplies to Newport Pagnell.

"Gentlemen,

"The Houses have received several Informations, as well from the Committee of both Kingdoms, as from Sir Samuell Luke, Governor of Newport Pagnell, of the great Wants of that Garrison, both of Men and Money, occasioned by your not sending thither the Proportions to which you are bound by the Ordinance of Parliament: They are very sensible of the great Consequence of that Garrison, both for the Association of my Lord of Manchester, and for the City of London; and of the great Danger that may happen in case you do not speedily send in your Proportions of armed Men and Money, for the Works there, and for the Payment of the Soldiers according to the said Ordinance: They have, therefore, commanded us to require you immediately to put the Ordinance in Execution, by sending thither your Proportions of armed Men and Money unto the Governor there; and that you take Care also to send in thither an able sufficient Man, to be of the Committee there, to see your Money distributed amongst your Soldiers, from Time to Time, as you shall send it. The Houses take Notice of your former Failings therein. They now expect your speedy Performance; which when you have done, those of your associated Forces which are now there may be useful in some other Service. This is all that we have in Command to require of you; which hoping you will perform, we rest."

This Letter sent to these Counties, Buckinham, Bedford, North'ton, Huntington, Cambridge, Norffolke, Suffolk, Essex, Hertford.

Letter to the Generals of the Forces about York, thanking them for their Services.

"My Lords,

"The Parliament, having Notice, by a Letter from your Lordships to the Committee of both Kingdoms, of the Battle lately fought betwixt the Armies under your Command, and the Forces of Prince Rupert and the Earl of Newcastle, together with your great and happy Victory, do join with your Lordships in acknowledging the wonderful Goodness of Almighty God, and ascribing all the Honour to Him, who in so extraordinary a Manner appeared for us; and have appointed Thursday the 18th of this Instant July a Day of general and solemn Thanksgiving throughout the whole Kingdom. We are also commanded, in the Name of both Houses, to return their most hearty Thanks to your Lordships, for the great Service done herein to this Kingdom; which, being improved, will, by the Blessing of God, put a speedy End to our sad and miserable Distractions; and to assure your Lordships, that their utmost Endeavours shall not be wanting for the Encouragement and Supply of those Armies, who, with their gallant Commanders, have deserved so well of the Public; for which Purpose, the Houses have already resolved that a Month's Pay shall be forthwith prepared, and sent down to the Scotts and the Lord Fairefaxe's Armies; and have written their Letters to the Earl of Manchester's Association, earnestly pressing them to send speedy Supply to those Forces, and acquainting them with the great Advantage which the Kingdom and their Association have received by the Earl of Manchester's being in the Northern Parts. Captain Stewart arrived here on Wednesday last, and presented Prince Rupert's and many other Colours, with the Earl of Newcastle's Commissions and other Papers, which are undoubted Testimonies of the Honour won by your Lordships, and congratulated by

"Your."

Ordinance for Defence of the Isle of Wight.

"The Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament do Order, Establish, and Ordain, That Sir Henry Worsley Baronet, Sir Wm. Lisle, Colonel Thomas Carne, John Lisle, John Button, John Bulkley, John Hobson, Edward Cheeke, William Boreman, Bartho. Mieux, and Thomas Boreman, Esquires, Sir John Leigh, Captain Thomas Mavell, Captain Baxter, Mr. Mathewes of Newport, Mr. William Maynard, and Sir Gregory Norton, or any Five of them, shall be, and are hereby authorized and appointed to be, a Committee, to put all Ordinances of Parliament in Execution concerning the Isle of Wight; and they, or any Five of them, shall be and are hereby appointed, in the Absence of Phillip Earl of Pembrooke and Mountgom'y, Governor of the said Island, to take the Care and Trust of the said Island upon them, and of all the Forts, Castles, and Magazines in the said Island; and are hereby required to perform the same accordingly, and to do and perform all Acts and Things for the securing of the same, and shall observe and execute all such further Directions, for securing of the said Isle, as shall from Time to Time be given them by both Houses of Parliament, or the Committee of both Kingdoms, or from the said Earl, Governor of the said Isle; and they, or any Five of them, shall have Power to raise more Forces and Companies in the said Island, and to place and displace Captains and Officers over them, and to reduce those Companies already raised, as they shall think fit: And be it further Ordained, by the Authority aforesaid, That the said Committee, or any Five of them, shall have Power and Authority, from Time to Time, to raise any Sums of Money in the said Island, for the Payment of the Forces and Companies already raised, or to be raised, as aforesaid, and for fortifying the said Island, by an equal Assessment, in such Manner as they shall think fit, the said Assessment not to exceed the Sum of Fifty Pounds by the Week; and if any Person or Persons assessed towards the Payment of the same shall not pay the Assessment upon him or them imposed, within Five Days after Notice given of the said Assessment, that then it shall and may be lawful to and for such Person or Persons, by the said Committees authorized, to distrain and take the Goods and Chattels of the said Persons so assessed, and, for Default of Payment within Five Days after the Distress taken, then to make Sale of the said Goods so taken, whereby to satisfy the said Assessment; and, out of the Value of the Goods so sold, to pay the Sum assessed upon him or them, to Thomas Wavill and John Hall, Treasurers appointed of such Monies as shall be raised by virtue of this present Ordinance; and, if any Overplus shall be upon the said Sale, then to return the same to the Party so distrained.

"And whereas all the Receipts of the Excise in the said Island (excepting the Excise of Flesh and Salt) are granted for and towards the Payment of the Forces of the said Island, it is hereby Ordered and Declared, by the Authority aforesaid, That the Receipt or Receipts of the said Excise (except the Excise of Flesh and Salt), upon an Acquittance under the Hands of the said Committee, or any Five of them, for the Use of the Forces within the said Island, shall from Time to Time be a sufficient Discharge unto the Commissioners of Excise for so much Money as shall be paid by their Sub-commissioners within the Island, until both Houses take further Order: And be it further Ordained, by the Authority aforesaid, That it shall and may be lawful to and for the said Committee, or any Five of them, to take and receive any Complaints or Informations against any Minister whatsoever, inhabiting or officiating within the said Island, and which is or shall be infamous or scandalous either in Life or Doctrine; and, after such Complaints and Informations made, the said Committee, or any Five of them, shall have hereby Power and Authority, as well to send for and call before them any Witnesses, Inhabitants within the said Island, who may make a Proof of the said Complaints, as to use all other Ways and Means for the Discovery of the Truth thereof; and, after a sufficient Proof and Evidence of the same, then the said Committee, or any Five of them, are hereby required to make a Certificate to the Honourable Committee appointed to provide for plundered Ministers, who are hereby authorized to proceed and give Judgement thereupon, as if the said Complaints, Informations, and Proceedings thereupon, had been first made to the said Committee for plundered Ministers; and all Persons whatsoever in the said Island are hereby required to yield Obedience and to be assistant to the said Committee hereby appointed for the Isle of Wight aforesaid: Provided nevertheless, That no Person or Persons nominated a Committee in this present Ordinance shall execute any Power or Authority in the said Island, by virtue hereof, or of any other Ordinance of Parliament, until (fn. 3) he or they have taken, in the Presence of Five at the least of the aforesaid Committee, the late Solemn National Covenant Ordained to be taken by Ordinance of both Houses of Parliament; and the said Committee, or any Five of them, have full Power hereby given to tender the said Covenant to any of the said Committee.

"And be it also Provided, That this Ordinance shall continue for Four Months from the Time of passing this Ordinance, and no longer."

"Die Lunæ, 15 Julii, 1644.

(fn. 4) "An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, for the speedy raising and maintaining of a competent Number of Horse and Foot, for the Defence and Preservation of the County of Wilts, and the Garrison of Malmsbury; with the Names of the Committees appointed to put in Execution the several Ordinances of this present Parliament; and that they shall have Power to set and let the Lands, Tenements, and Hereditaments, of all Malignants, Delinquents, and Papists Estates in that said County.

Ordinance for maintaining Forces, for Preservation of Wilts, and the Garison of Malmsbury.

"Whereas the said County of Wilts, and the Inhabitants thereof, for the Space of almost Two Years now last past, have lain under the intolerable Pressures, Taxes, Impositions, and Plunderings, of the Enemies Forces, by Means whereof they are now in a very sad Condition; for Remedy whereof, there is great and urgent Necessity that such a competent Number of Horse, Foot, and Arms, should be forthwith raised, as may defend and preserve the said County, and maintain the Garrison of Malmsbury: The Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled, taking the Premises into their serious Consideration, do Declare, Order, and Ordain, and be it hereby Ordered, Declared, and Ordained, That Philip Earl of Pembroke and Montgomery, William Earl of Salisbury, Philip Lord Herbert, Charles Lord Cramborne, Denzell Hollis Esquire, Sir Edward Hungerford Knight of the Bath, Sir Francis Popham, Sir Nevill Poole Knight, Sir Edward Baynton Knight, Edward Baynton, Alexander Popham, Walter Long, Edward Poole, Robert Jennour, Thomas Hodges, Richard Whitehead, Thomas Moore, John Ash, Robert Nicholas, William Wheeler, Philip Smith, and Edward Ash, Esquires, Sir John Danvers Knight, Edmund Ludlow Senior, Edmund Ludlow Junior, Alexander Thistlethwaite, William Sadler, Edward Goddard, Thomas Bennet of Norton, Robert Hippisley, and Edmund Warneford, Esquires, John Goddard, Edward Martin, Gabriel Martin, Robert Long of Whaddon, Tho. Goddard, Edward Stokes, Richard Talboys, Richard Gifford, William Jesse, Humphrey Ditton, Thomas Bayly, Robert Good, and Robert Browne, Gentlemen, shall be, and hereby are, nominated a Committee of and for the said County; and that they, or any Three or more of them, shall hereby have full Power and Authority to take the Subscriptions of all such Persons as will voluntarily lend or contribute any Sum or Sums of Money, Plate, Horse, or Arms, towards the Supplies and Provisions aforesaid, and other Necessaries for the Advancement of the said Service; which Sum or Sums of Money, Plate, Horse, or Arms, to be subscribed, lent, and contributed as aforesaid, the said Committees, or any Three or more of them, shall and may receive and employ to and for the Service aforesaid, and give Notes or Acquittances for the several Sums of Money, Plate, Horse, or Arms, so received (which said Notes or Acquittances shall be a sufficient Specialty for the several Persons that shall lend or contribute any Money, Plate, Horse, or Arms, as aforesaid, to demand Re-payment thereof, or the Value thereof, with such Increase as shall be agreed upon, so as the same shall not exceed Eight Pounds per Centum): And, for the better enabling the said Committees to make Re-payment of such Monies, and the Value of such Plate, Horse, and Arms, as shall be lent for the Purposes aforesaid, and for the Raising, Maintenance, and Supplies of the Forces raised, and to be raised, for the Purposes aforesaid, from Time to Time, as Need shall require, be it further Ordained, by the Lords and Commons, That the said Committees, or any Three or more of them, shall have Power and Authority to put in Execution, within the said County, the several Ordinances of this present Parliament hereafter mentioned; that is to say, the Ordinances for Sequestration of Malignants, Delinquents, and Papists Estates, the Ordinances for raising of Money by taxing such as have not at all contributed, or not according to their Estates, the Ordinance for Weekly Assessments, and all other Ordinances made this present Parliament for Advance of Money through the whole Kingdom of England, and Dominion of Wales, for the Service of the King and Parliament, so far forth as any of them have not been already fully executed within the County afore said, except the Ordinance for Excise and new Impost, the Proceed of all which Excise and new Impost raised, and to be raised, within the said County, shall be paid unto the said Committee, or any Three or more of them, to be issued and laid forth for the Uses and Purposes aforesaid, which shall be a sufficient Discharge to the Commissioners of Excise in that Behalf; and the Commissioners of Excise are authorized, and hereby required, from Time to Time, to issue their Warrants to their inferior Officers, within the said County, for Payment of the said Monies accordingly; and that the said Committees, or any Three or more of them, take Care of the full and due Execution of the said Ordinances, according to the Tenor and true Meaning of the same respectively: And, for the more speedy raising of Monies for the Re-payment of such Sums, and the Value of such Plate, Horse, or Arms, as shall be brought in by Subscriptions as aforesaid, be it Ordained, by the Lords and Commons, That the said Committees, or any Three or more of them, shall have hereby full Power and Authority to set and let the Lands, Tenements, and Hereditaments, of all Malignants, Delinquents, and Papists, which shall be seized and sequestered, according to the Ordinance of Parliament for Sequestrations, within the said County, from Year to Year, or by Lease or Leases, for the Intents and Purposes aforesaid, so long as the said Sequestration shall continue; and in case the said Subscribers or Lenders shall not receive full Satisfaction of their Principal Money and Interest, to be lent and subscribed as aforesaid, out of the Estates of Malignants, Delinquents, and Papists, and other Provision as aforesaid, that then the said Subscribers and Lenders, and every of them, are, by virtue of this Ordinance, to have the Public Faith of the Kingdom for Re-payment of such Sum and Sums as shall be due unto them.

"And be it further Ordained, That the said Committees, or any Three or more of them, shall have full Power and Authority to name and appoint such Solicitors, Treasurers, Collectors, and other Officers within the said County, as they shall think fit and convenient, for the better putting in Execution of all and every the aforesaid Ordinances of Parliament, and of this present Ordinance of Parliament, as well for the more speedy and better putting in Execution of the said Ordinances, and the receiving of all or any the said Monies, as also for issuing out of the same for the Purposes aforesaid, by Warrants under the Hands of the said Committee, or any Three or more of them they shall appoint; and to call to an Accompt, from Time to Time, upon Oath, all such Solicitors, Collectors, and other Persons, who shall receive any Monies, Plate, Horse, or Arms, by virtue of this present Ordinance of Parliament, for the Services aforesaid; and to give such fitting and reasonable Allowances unto such Persons as shall be employed in the Execution of the Ordinances aforesaid, and of this present Ordinance, or any of them, for their Charges and Pains therein, as the said Committees, or any Three or more of them, shall think fit; provided that such Allowance shall not exceed the respective Rates allowed by the said several Ordinances in other Counties of the Kingdom, for putting the said Ordinance in Execution.

"And the said Committees, or any Three or more of them, are hereby enabled and authorized to call to Accompt, upon Oath, all such Person and Persons of the said County, as have received any Monies by Authority of Parliament, which they have not yet fully accounted for, and made even Payment of; and the said Committees, or any Three or more of them, are also hereby authorized to administer the several Oaths specified in the former Ordinances, to such Commissioners or Persons as have not already taken the same.

"And be it further Ordained, by the Lords and Commons, That the said Committees, or any Three or more of them, shall hereby have full Power and Authority to take and survey the Musters of all such Soldiers, their Horse and Arms, as shall be raised and employed in the Service of the Parliament, within the said County; and that every Soldier and Trooper shall make good and be responsible for all their Horse and Arms, unless the same shall be lost in the Service of the Parliament.

"And be it further Ordained, by the Lords and Commons, That the said Committees, or any Three or more of them, shall have Power and Authority, and are hereby required, to administer the late National Covenant, appointed to be taken by the Three Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland, to all Persons within the said County who ought to take the same by the late Ordinance and Instructions for that Purpose, and have not already taken it; and shall also hereby have Power to put in Execution the late Ordinance made for the better Observation of the Lords-day.

"And be it further Ordained, by the Lords and Commons, That the said Committee, or any Three or more of them, shall have Power to call before them all Ministers and School-masters within the said County, that are Malignants, or scandalous in their Lives, or Fomentors of this unnatural War, or shall wilfully refuse Obedience to the Parliament, or shall have deserted their ordinary Place of Residence, not being employed in the Service of the King and Parliament; and they shall have Power to send for any Witnesses, and examine any Complaint, or receive any Testimony against them, upon Oath of any Persons that shall be produced to give Evidence against them; and, upon such Proofs of the aforesaid Crimes, the said Committees, or any Three or more of them, have hereby Power to remove and eject all such scandalous Ministers and School-masters, and, in their Places, to nominate and appoint such learned, able, and godly Persons, as they with the Approbation of the Assembly of Divines shall think fit; and shall cause all such Ministers and School-masters, so nominated, appointed, and placed, to be put in Possession of the said several Churches and Schools, who shall and may respectively take and receive, to their own Use, the Profits and Revenues belonging to the said several Churches and Places, in as large and ample Manner as the several Ministers and Persons in the said several Places have formerly used to do; and all Mayors, Sheriffs, Constables, and other His Majesty's Officers and Ministers, are hereby required to be aiding and assisting to the said Committee as aforesaid, in the Execution of this Service.

"And it is lastly Ordered, Declared, and Ordained, That the good Endeavours of the said Committees in the Execution of the Premises are, and shall be, taken as real and public Testimonies to the Public Weal; and themselves and such others as shall act and be aiding and assisting to them, according to the true Meaning of this present Ordinance, shall be, for so doing, saved harmless and indemnified by the Power of Parliament.

"Die Lunæ, 15 Julii, 1644.

"Ordered, by the Lords in Parliament assembled, That this Ordinance shall be forthwith printed and published.

"Joh. Browne, Cler. Parliamentorum."