Journal of the House of Commons: February 1581

February 1581

On Wednesday the first day of February, Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill touching Partition of Lands between the Coheirs of John sometime Earl of Oxford, was read the first time.

Upon a Motion made unto this House by Mr. Norton, that two Porters of Serjeants-Inn in Fleetstreet have much misused him in his attending the service of this House, it is Ordered by this House that the Serjeant at Arms do forthwith fetch the same two Porters unto this House.

Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer in the name of the residue of the Committees for the Bill against counterfeit Instruments and Seals of Offices, and of himself declared unto the House, that they have upon consideration had amongst them thought good to make a new Bill for those purposes to be offered to this House; and so delivered in both the old Bill and the new.

Three Bills also had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill against slanderous words and rumors, and other seditious practices against the Queens Majesty was read the second time, and an Addition offered to this Bill by Mr. Norton was once read, and with the Bill committed unto all the Privy-Council being of this House, M^r Treasurer of the Chamber, all the Serjeants at Law of this House, and others. And the Bill was delivered to Mr. Treasurer who with the rest was appointed to meet upon Friday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon; and the Committee for Mr. Diggs his Motions are deferred till Saturday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the said Exchequer Chamber. Vide Febr. 14. following.

Nota, That here a new Addition (inserted into a Bill which had been twice read) was committed with the said Bill, although it had been read but once.

Mr. Serjeant Anderson and Mr. Dr. Barkley did bring from the Lords a Bill for avoiding of disorders and abuses in Sheriffs and Under-Sheriffs, and other like Ministers.

John Owld Porter of Serjeants-Inn in Fleetstreet and William Kenn his Servant being present here at the Bar and charged with their misbehaviour, rather excusing than submitting themselves, it is, upon good proof of their said misbehaviour testified by three Gentlemen of this House besides Mr. Norton, Ordered that both the Master and Servant be committed to the Serjeants Ward till further Order shall be taken; And that Mr. Speaker may in the mean time set the said William Kenn the Servant at Liberty, upon his Submission, if he shall so think good.

Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill against the multitude of common Inns and Ale-Houses, was read the first time and rejected.

It is Ordered, that M^r Speaker in the name of this House do require the Warden of the Fleet, being a Member of this House, that he do cause from henceforth two of his Servants to attend at the Stair-head near unto the outer Door of this House, and to lay hands upon two or three of such disordered Serving-men or Pages as shall happen to use such lewd disorder and outrage as hath been accustomed to be exercised there this Parliament time, to the end they may thereupon be brought into this House and receive such punishment as to this House shall seem meet.

On Thursday the second day of February it seemeth that neither House sate, for in the Journal of the House of Commons there is no mention at all of the day or of any passages in it; And that the Upper House sate not it is most certain, for on the Wednesday foregoing, being the first day of this instant February, Sir Thomas Bromley the now Lord Chancellor Adjourned the Parliament unto Saturday following, being the 4^th day of this instant Month.

On Friday the third day of February, Eight Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the seventh being the Bill against slanderous Libelling, was upon the second reading committed to M^r Vice-Chamberlain, M^r Chancellor of the Exchequer, M^r Chancellor of the Dutchy, Sir Henry Knivett, M^r Attorney of the Dutchy, M^r Serjeant Fenner and others, to meet in the Exchequer Chamber at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

M^r Treasurer brought in a Bill touching Children of Strangers born in England, and a new Bill devised by the Committees for that purpose, which Bill had its first reading.

John Owld Porter of Serjeants-Inn in Fleetstreet, who on Wednesday last past being the first day of this instant February, had been by Order of this House committed to the Serjeants Ward for his miscarriage towards M^r Norton a Member of this House, being this day brought to the Bar, upon his humble submission and acknowledgment of his fault was set at liberty paying his Fees.

On Saturday the 4^th day of February, Six Bills had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill for Cloths called Tauntons, Bridgewaters and Charde, was upon the second reading committed unto M^r Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir George Speake, Sir William Moore, M^r Norton and others, who were appointed to meet on Wednesday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

Sir Thomas Scott one of the Committees in the Bill for preservation of Woods, offered a new Bill for that purpose to this House, drawn by the privity and assent of himself and of the residue of the said Committees.

M^r Serjeant Anderson and M^r Doctor Clark did bring word from the Lords, that their Lordships do require a Conference with some of this House in the Council Chamber at the Court on Tuesday next in the Afternoon, touching the Bill passed this House for avoiding of certain Incumbrances against Purchasers. Whereupon are appointed all the Privy-Council being of this House, Sir Thomas Sampoole, M^r Attorney of the Dutchy, M^r Recorder of London, M^r Serjeant Flowerdence, M^r Serjeant Fenner, M^r Colbie, M^r Yelverton, M^r Sands and M^r Dalton.

The Bill for reformation of disorders in Sheriffs, &c. was read and committed to M^r Vice-Chamberlain, M^r Comptroller, M^r Chancellor of the Exchequer, M^r Osborne and others, who were appointed to meet at the Exchequer Chamber upon Thursday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon, and withal to consider of the former Bills of like effect offered to this House now or heretofore.

Upon a Motion made to this House by M^r Norton, in which he declared that some person of late had caused a Book to be set forth in print, not only greatly reproachful against some particular good Members of this House of great Credit, but also very much slanderous and derogatory to the general Authority, Power and State of this House, and prejudicial to the validity of the Proceedings of the same, in making and establishing of Laws, charging this House with Drunkenness as Accompanied in their Councils with Bacchus, and then also with Choler, as those which had never failed to Anticyra, and the Proceedings of this House to be opera tenebrarum; and further that by the circumstance of the residue of the Discourse of the said Book he conjectured the same to be done and procured by Mr. Arthur Hall one of this House, and so prayed thereupon the said Mr. Hall might be called by this House to Answer, and the matter further to be duly examined as the weight thereof, in due consideration of the gravity and wisdom of this House and of the Authority, State and Liberty of the same requireth. It is resolved that the said Mr. Hall be forthwith sent for by the Serjeant at Armes attending upon this House, to make his appearance here in that behalf accordingly.

And then immediately Mr. Secretary Wilson did thereupon signifie unto this House, that the said Mr. Hall had upon his Examination therein, before the Lords of the Council, heretofore confessed in the hearing of the said Mr. Secretary, that he did cause the said Book to be printed indeed; Upon relation whereof and after some Speech then also uttered unto this House by Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, of the dangerous and lewd contents of the Book, the Serjeant was forthwith by Order of this House sent to apprehend the said Arthur Hall, and presently assisted for that purpose with Sir Thomas Scott and Sir Thomas Browne, by the appointment of this House.

A Commission was also given by this whole House unto Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Secretary Wilson, Mr. Treasurer of the Chamber, Sir Henry Lea, Sir Thomas Cecill, Sir William fitz Williams, and Sir Henry Gate, to send for the Printer of the said Book, and to examine him touching the said matter, and afterwards to make report thereof to this House accordingly. And also to take Order and advice further for the sending for and apprehending of the said Arthur Hall, if it should so fall out that he did withdraw himself or depart out of Town before such time as the said Serjeant could find him; with this further Resolution also, that any such Member of this House as should happen first to see him or meet him, might and should in the name of this whole House stay him and bring him forth to Answer the said matter forthwith before the whole House with all possible speed. Vide concerning this matter on Wednesday the 14^th of this instant February following, and also on Saturday the 18^th day of March next following.

On Monday the 6^th day of February the Bill for ratifying of an award for certain Copyholders in the County of Worcester, and the Bill for Partition of Lands amongst the Coheirs of the late Lord Latimer, were each of them read the second time and committed unto M^r Recorder of London, Mr. Serjeant Fenner, Mr. Sands, Mr. Grevill, Mr. Christmas, Mr. Boyes, Mr. Cromwell, and Mr. Newdigate.

Mr. Henry Knolles the younger and Mr. Townesend were appointed to be with Mr. Speaker at this House at two of the Clock this Afternoon to examine the matter of Outlawry pretended against Walter Vaughan Esquire, Knight for the County of Caermarthen; And that the said Mr. Vaughan be then there present to Answer therein for himself as well as he can, and the said Committees to make report unto this House of the state of the Case, to the end this House may thereupon proceed to order accordingly. Vide concerning this matter on the 18^th day of this instant February following.

Mr. Secretary Wilson declaring the travel of the Committees in Examining of the Printer that did Print Mr. Halls Book, signified unto this House, that the said Printer, whose name is Henry Bynnyman, upon his Examination before the Committees said, that one John Wells a Scrivener in Fleetstreet did deliver the written Copy to him; and when the Book was Printed he delivered one Book to Henry Shirland in Fridaystreet Linnen-Draper, to be sent to Mr. Hall, and that afterwards about a year past he delivered to Mr. Hall six of the said Books, and at Michaelmas Term last six other of the said Books, and one more to Mr. Halls man shortly after; and said, that Mr. Hall promised to get him a Priviledge, whereupon he adventured (he saith) to Print the Book, and saith that the Copy was written by Wells the Scrivener, and that he received of the said Shirland Linnen-Cloth to the value of 6¹ 13^s 4^d. for Printing the said Book. And that he staid of his own accord the publishing of the said Books till he were paid, where Mr. Hall was contented that they should have been put to sale presently. Which report so made by Mr. Secretary, and withal that Mr. Hall and the Printer were both then at the Door, the said Mr. Hall thereupon was brought to the Bar, and being charged by Mr. Speaker in the behalf of the whole House, with the setting forth the said Book containing very lewd and slanderous reproach, not only against some particular Members of this House, but also against the general State and Authority of this whole House, denied not the setting forth of the said Book, protesting the same to be done by him without any malicious intent or meaning, either against the State of this House, or against any Member of the same; praying this whole House (if he had offended in so doing) they would remit and pardon him; affirming withal very earnestly that he never had any more than one of the said Books: and upon due consideration of his own rashness and folly therein, willed that all the said Books should be suppressed, and then was Mr. Hall sequestred.

Henry Bynnyman the Printer was brought to the Bar, who affirmed in all things as Mr. Secretary Wilson before reported; and further, that he had Printed sourscore or an hundred of the said Books, and was thereupon sequestred.

Henry Shirland was brought to the Bar, who there confessed that Mr. Hall did write a Letter unto him and sent the said Book unto him, willing him to get it Printed. And that thereupon he delivered the Book to the said Bynnyman to have it Printed, Wells the Scrivener being present with him; and said further that Mr. Hall had paid him again the twenty Nobles which he before had paid the Printer; and so he was then sequestred.

And the said Wells brought to the Bar upon his Examination saith, that when he was Apprentice with one Mr. Dalton a Scrivener in Fleetstreet, the said Mr. Hall lying then about Pauls-Wharf, sent unto his said Master to send one of his Men unto him, and that thereupon his said Master sent him unto the said Mr. Hall, who when he came delivered to him a Book in written hand, willing him to carry it home with him and Copy it out, and said, that when he had shewed it to his Master, his Master Commanded him to write part of it, and his Fellows some other part of it; and his said Master as he remembreth did write the rest of it. What his Master had for the writing of it, he knoweth not. And being further Examined saith, that yesterday last past he delivered one of the said Books to Sir Randal Brierton from the said Mr. Hall, and then the said John Wells was sequestred. And afterwards all the Privy-Council being of this House, Mr. Knight Marshal, Mr. Recorder of London, Mr. Serjeant Flowerdewe, Mr. S^t Leiger, Mr. Cromwell, Mr. Atkins the Master of the Jewel-House, Sir Thomas Browne, Sir Thomas Scott, Mr. Nathanael Bacon, Mr. Beale, Mr. Norton and Mr. Alford, were added to the former Committees for the further proceeding to the Examination of the matter touching Mr. Hall the Printer, the Scrivener and all other persons, Parties or privy to the publishing of the said Book, set forth in Print by the means and procurement of the said Mr. Hall, and to meet upon Wednesday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

Which done Mr. Hall being brought to the Bar again, Mr. Speaker declared unto him that this House mindeth further to examine the particularities of the matter wherewith they have charged him, and do therefore commit him to the Serjeants Ward with this Liberty, that upon Wednesday next in the Afternoon being accompanied with the Serjeant he may attend at the Exchequer Chamber upon the Committees in the Cause, and was thereupon had out of the House.

Henry Bynnyman the Printer, John Wells the Scrivener, and Henry Shirland Linnen-Draper being brought all three to the Bar, were by Mr. Speaker injoined in the name of the whole House to give their attendance upon the said Committees at the time and place aforesaid, and also at all times in the mean season thereof if they shall happen to be called by them or any of them, and so were had out of the House.

And further it is Ordered by this House, that Mr. Speaker do send the Serjeant for John Dalton late Master of the said John Wells, and to charge him also to attend upon the said Committees at the said time and place in like manner. Vide concerning this matter on Tuesday the 14^th day of this instant February following.

On Tuesday the 7^th day of February, the Bill for the Cloth-Workers of London was read the second time and committed to the former Committees in the Bill for Cloths called Tauntons and Bridgwaters (who were appointed on Saturday the 4^th day of this instant February foregoing.)

Mr. Treasurer one of the Committees for the great causes, brought in a Bill for restraint of disobedient Subjects, and also Articles for the granting of the Subsidy, which Articles were then read by the Clerk, and agreed by the whole House to be delivered by Mr. Speaker to Mr. Attorney General, to draw a Bill according to the same Articles, to be read and passed in this House accordingly.

Upon a Motion made by Mr. Norton it is Ordered, that such persons as shall be appointed by this House at any time to have Conference with the Lords, shall and may use any reasons or perswasions they shall think good in their discretions, so as it tend to the maintenance of any thing done or passed this House before such Conference had and not otherwise. But that any such persons shall not in such wise yield or assent to any such Conference to any new thing there propounded, until this House be first made privy thereof, and give such Order.

The Bill that Children of Aliens not being Denizens and born in England shall not be reputed English, was read the third time, and after many Arguments committed unto Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Serjeant Flowerdewe, Mr. Sands, Mr. Cromwell, Mr. Dalton, Mr. Cowper and Mr. Norton, to set down in Paper such words for amendment unto the said Bill against to Morrow Morning, to be offered unto this House for their better satisfaction of passing of the same Bill as may Answer the meaning and intent of this House gathered upon the said Arguments accordingly.

On Wednesday the 8^th day of February, Three Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill touching Kersies, defaults of Weavers and the abuses of Searchers and Alneagers, was read the second time and committed to the former Committees, and Sir John S^t Leger, and Sir Arthur Bassett, were added to the same former Committees.

The Bill for Obedience to the Queens Majesty against the See of Rome was read the first time, and then. . . .

Upon a Motion made by Mr. Vice-Chamberlain that the Lords have a Bill once read amongst them in the Upper House, much tending to many of the things contained in this Bill, and that therefore he thought good (if the House should so like of it) that a Committee of this House were appointed to have Conference with the Lords in those matters, which course he thought would much expedite and further the good proceedings and meanings both of their Lordships and also of this House in that behalf; It is agreed upon the Question by the whole House, that all the former Committees which travelled in the drawing of the said Bill last read in this House, should likewise be appointed for the said Conference, and that all the Privy-Council being of this House, with a convenient number of others, should now presently repair unto the Lords to pray the said Conference in the name of this whole House. Whereupon M^r Treasurer, M^r Vice-Chamberlain, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer and Mr. Secretary Wilson, with divers others of this House went up to the Lords, and brought Answer again, that they had delivered unto their Lordships the Message of this House which they had in Charge, and that their Lordships Answered they would consider of the request of this House therein, and then make further Answer.

Mr. Comptroller declared that he and divers others of the Committees appointed to have Conference with the Lords yesterday in the Afternoon at the Court, touching the Bill before-passed in this House for avoiding of certain Incumbrances against Purchasers, were there present with their Lordships, and that their Lordships upon the Conference liked well of the intent and meaning of this House in the said Bill; but that their Lordships were of opinion that it were meet to have some other words added to the said Bill, the better to explain and carry the effect of the intent of the said Bill, as (said he) those of the said Committees towards the Law could better declare. Whereupon after some further Speeches thereof used by Mr. Serjeant Flowerdewe and Mr. Serjeant Fenner, the said Serjeants were further advised and required, that as of themselves and not by appointment of the House they should offer some such course of amendment thereof to their Lordships as might give good furtherance to the passing of the said Bill.

Three Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for Examination of Witnesses in Towns Corporate was read the first time.

M^r Serjeant Anderson and Mr. Doctor Clark did bring word from the Lords that their Lordships upon the request made unto them by this House, have appointed eighteen of themselves to meet at the Court this Afternoon in the Council Chamber immediately after Dinner, to have Conference with such of this House as it shall please this House to appoint for that purpose to meet there with them touching matters of Religion. Whereupon all the said former Committees of this House were Commanded to give their attendance this Afternoon at the Court for that purpose accordingly.

And it is Ordered, that M^r Halls matter be Examined by the Committees to Morrow in the Afternoon, for that the same cannot be dealt in this day by reason of the Conference to be had with the Lords this Afternoon at the Court touching matters of Religion. Vide February 14. being Tuesday following.

The Bill for ratifying an Award for certain Copyholders in the County of Worcester, and the Bill for Partition of Lands between the Coheirs of the late Lord Latimer, are appointed to be considered of by the Committees upon Friday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

It is Ordered that three Bills touching Cloths which are before committed all to one Committee be deferred until to Morrow next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

Further day is given to the Committees in the Bill against Libelling till Friday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

Upon Declaration this day made by Mr. Speaker unto this House touching the Case of M^r Walter Vaughan Knight for the County of Caermarthen supposed to be out-lawed, that upon Examination had by the Order and appointment of this House of the Actions brought against him in the same Suits it appeareth that they were all grown by Suretiship for other persons and not for his own debts or causes, and withal that yet nevertheless he had to his own great charge and hindrance very honestly compounded and taken order for all or the most part of them already; It was then agreed by the whole House that he should stand and continue as in his former Estate of the good opinion of this whole House sufficiently purged and discharged of the said suspitions before in Question. Vide concerning this matter on Monday this 6^th day of this instant February foregoing.

On Thursday the 9^th day of February, the Bill against unlawful Hunting of Conies was read the second time and committed unto M^r Lieutenant of the Tower, Sir Thomas Scott, Sir Thomas Browne, Sir William Moore, M^r Crooke, M^r Tilney, M^r Newdigate and M^r Cowper, to consider presently of the Bill in the Committee Chamber of this House.

Three other Bills also of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for addition for paving the street without Aldgate was read the second time and committed to M^r Secretary Wilson, M^r Lieutenant of the Tower, Sir William Winter, Sir Rowland Hayward, Mr. Robert Wroth and Mr. Aldersey, who were appointed to meet on Saturday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon at the Court in Mr. Secretaries Chamber.

Mr. Doctor Lewes and Mr. Doctor Gibbon did bring from the Lords a Bill touching the Hospital of Ledbury in the County of Hereford.

Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for Explanation of the Statute against the forging of Deeds and Evidences, &c. was read the second time and Ordered to be ingrossed.

Mr. Treasurer moved that the Committees of this House, which were yesterday with the Lords, might meet together at two of the Clock this Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

The Bill against counterfeit Instruments and counterfeit Seals of Offices was read the third time; and after many Arguments both against the Bill and with the Bill was referred to further Argument till to Morrow next.

On Friday the 10^th day of February, Six Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first touching Gavelkind Land within the City of Exeter, and the last being the Bill for granting of one Subsidy, two Fifteenths and Tenths, had each of them their first reading.

On Saturday the 11^th day of February, Three Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for the true making of Woollen-Cloths, and the Bill for the abolishing of certain deceitful stuffs used in dying of Cloths were each of them read the second time and committed to the former Committees for Cloths, who were appointed on Saturday the 4^th day of this instant February foregoing.

After sundry further Arguments upon the Bill touching counterfeit Seals, it was upon the Question Ordered that Committees be appointed to consider of the Bill as it standeth only in the matter of the Seals of Corporations to be holpen with a Proviso. And thereupon also Authority was given unto the former Committees, and unto Mr. Thomas Sampoole, Sir Thomas Scott, Mr. Recorder, Mr. Carleton, Mr. Norton, Mr. S^t Leiger, Mr. Lewkenor, Mr. Cromwell and Mr. Atkins, who were appointed to meet upon Monday next in the Morning at seven of the Clock in the Committee Chamber of this House.

The Bill for Explanation of the Statute for forging of Evidences and Writings was read the third time and passed upon the Question, after the amendment of certain words likewise three times read.

Four Bills also of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill against inordinate selling of Wooll and Yarn, was read the second time and committed unto Sir Thomas Bointon, Sir William Moore, M^r George Speak, M^r Layton, M^r Keale and others, who were appointed to meet at two of the Clock this Afternoon at the Guild-Hall.

Mr. Cromwell one of the Committees in the Bill for ratification of an award for certain Copyholders in the County of Worcester (who were appointed on Monday the 6^th day of this instant February foregoing) brought in the Bill with the amendment of one Letter in a mans name, viz. Dallowe for Ballowe, and also with an Addition of a general saving. Which being twice read, the Bill upon the Question was Ordered to be ingrossed.

M^r Secretary Wilson one of the Committees for the paving of a Street without Aldgate (who were appointed on Thursday the 9^th day of this instant February foregoing) brought in the Bill; which being amended in these words put out, viz. [the same] and these words put in, viz. [the lately paved] which words being twice read, the Bill was upon the Question Ordered to be ingrossed.

The new Bill against the Erecting of Iron Mills near the City of London and River of Thames was read the first time.

Mr. Serjeant Anderson and Mr. Doctor Barkley did bring word from the Lords, that their Lordships do desire that the Committees of this House appointed to meet with their Lordships in the Bill for Religion, do meet with them to Morrow at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the StarChamber. Whereupon the House being moved, it was resolved they should so do, and so it was Answered unto the said Mr. Serjeant Anderson and Mr. Doctor Barkley accordingly.

Mr. Serjeant Anderson and Mr. Doctor Clark did bring from the Lords a Bill touching the fortifying of the Borders towards Scotland.

After sundry Arguments made to the Bill last read, it is upon the doubtfulness in the Answer to the Question resolved upon the Division of the House, Question resolved upon the Division of the House, that the Bill to be drawn by the Committees shall contain the number of eighteen Miles distant from the City of London by the difference of forty three persons.

And upon another Question clearly resolved that the same Bill so to be drawn shall contain but eight Miles from the River of Thames.

And upon another Question it is Ordered, that the House be called upon Thursday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

Nota, That there is no mention made of Monday the 13^th day of this instant February or of any Passages thereof in the House of Commons in the Original Journal-Book of the same House; and it may thereupon be very probably concluded, that the said House sate not upon the said day, which may seem the more strange also because the Lords of the Upper House did sit.

On Tuesday the 14^th day of February, the Bill for ratification of an award made between William Hide Esq; and William Darrell Esquire, was read the second time, and committed unto Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Serjeant Flowerdewe, Mr. Cromwell, Mr. Boyes and Mr. Norton, and the Bill was delivered to Mr. Norton.

Two Bills also of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for Explanation of the Statute of 32 H. 8. for limitation of prescription, was read the second time, and committed unto Mr. Serjeant Fenner, Mr. Serjeant Flowerdewe and Mr. Cromwell, and the Bill was delivered to the said Mr. Cromwell.

M^r Vice-Chamberlain for himself and the residue of the Committees appointed to Examine M^r Hall, the Printer, the Scrivener, and all other persons privy to the setting forth and publishing of the Book, declared that they had charged the said M^r Hall with contempt against this House the last Session, in that being injoined by this House to appear, he departed out of Town in contempt of the Court; and afterwards testified the same his wilful contempt by an unseemly Letter addressed by him to this House; and charged him further with divers Articles of great importance selected by the said Committees out of the said Book; as first, with publishing the Conferences of this House abroad in Print, and that in a Libel with a counterfeit name of the Author, and no name of the Printer, and containing matter of infamy of sundry good particular Members of the House, and of the whole State of the House in general, and also of the Power and Authority of this House, affirming that he knew of his own knowledge that this House had de facto judged and proceeded untruly.

And was further charged, that he had injuriously impeached the memory of the late Speaker deceased, and had impugned the Authority of this House in appointing Committees without his assent; and that in defacing the credit of the Body and Members of this House, he practised to deface the Authority of the Laws and Proceeding in the Parliament, and so to impair the Ancient Orders touching the Government of the Realm and Rights of this House and the form of making Laws, whereby the Subjects of the Realm are governed. And further was charged, that since his being before the Lords of the Council for his said offence and after that he had received rebuke of them for the same, and had offered some form of a submission, he had eftsoon again published the said Book, and that whereas upon his Examination in the House he had denied the having any more than one of the said Books, it was yet proved he had twelve or thirteen, and six of them since the time he was called before the said Lords of the Council.

Unto all which things as the said M^r Hall could make no reasonable Answer or denial, so the said M^r Vice-Chamberlain very excellently setting forth the natures and qualities of the said offences in their several degrees, moved in the end, that M^r Hall being without at the Door might be called in to Answer unto those points before the whole House, and so thereupon to proceed to some end; and therewithal perswading a due consideration of spending the time, as much as might be, in matters of greatest moment, wherein much less hath been done this Session than in any other these many years in like quantity of time. And thereupon after divers other Motions and Speeches had in the said matter, the Printer was brought to the Bar, and being Examined, avowed, that M^r Hall after that he had been before the Lords of the Council, came to him and told him that he had Answered the matter for the Books before the Council, and that therefore the Printer might deliver the said Books abroad; and also where the said Printer wished unto the said M^r Hall since his last committing, that all the said Books had been burned before he medled with them, M^r Hall should say to him again, he would not for a hundred pound. And then being sequestred,

M^r Hall was brought to the Bar, where after some reverence done by him, though not yet in such humble and lowly wise as the state of one in that place to be charged and accused requireth whereof being admonished by M^r Speaker, and further by him charged with sundry of the said parts collected out of the said Book, he submitted himself to the House, refusing to make any Answer or defence at all in the matter, but acknowledging his errour prayed pardon of the whole House with all his heart; and that done, was sequestred.

After which upon sundry Motions and Arguments had touching the quality and nature of his faults, and of some proportionable forms of punishment for the same, as Imprisonment, Fine, banishment from the Fellowship of this House, and an utter Condemnation and retractation of the said Book; it was upon the Question resolved by the whole House without any one negative voice, that he should be committed to Prison.

And upon another Question likewise resolved, that he should be committed to the Prison of the Tower, as the Prison proper to this House.

And upon another Question it was in like manner resolved, that he should remain in the said Prison of the Tower by the space of six Months, and so much longer as until himself should willingly make a Retractation of the said Book to the satisfaction of this House, or of such Order as this House shall take for the same during the continuance of this present Parliament.

And upon another Question it was also in like manner resolved, that a Fine should be assessed by this House to the Queens Majesties use, upon the said M^r Hall, for his said offence.

And upon another question it was also resolved in like manner, that the said Fine should be five hundred Marks.

And upon another Question also it was likewise resolved, that the said M^r Hall should presently be severed and cut off from being a Member of this House any more during the continuance of this present Parliament, and that M^r Speaker by Authority of this House should direct a Warrant from this House to the Clerk of the Crown-Office in the Chancery, for awarding of the Queens Majesties Writ to the Sheriff of the said County of Lincoln, for a new Burgess to be returned into this present Parliament for the said Borough of Grantham, in lieu and stead of the said Arthur Hall, so as before disabled any longer to be a Member of this House.

And upon another Question it was also in like manner resolved, that the said Book and slanderous Libel should and shall be holden, deemed, taken and adjudged to be utterly false and erroneous, and that the same shall be publickly testified, affirmed and set forth to be false, seditious and erroneous in such sort, order and degree as by this House shall be during this Session of Parliament further determined in that behalf.

Which done the said M^r Hall was brought in again to the Bar, unto whom M^r Speaker in the name of the whole House pronounced the said Judgment in form aforesaid, and so the Serjeant Commanded to take charge of him and convey him to the said Prison of the Tower, and to deliver him to M^r Lieutenant of the Tower by Warrant from this House to be directed and signed by M^r Speaker for that purpose. Which done and the said M^r Hall being had away by the Serjeant, it was agreed (upon a Motion made by M^r Speaker) that the whole course and form of the said Proceedings and Judgment of this House against the said M^r Hall should be afterwards orderly digested and set down in due form to be first read in this House, and then so Entred by the Clerk as the residue of the Orders and Proceedings of this House in other Cases are used to be done, and so it was afterwards drawn into form, read unto the House and Entred by the Clerk accordingly in hæc verba, viz.

Where it was informed unto this House upon Saturday being the fourth day of this present February, that Arthur Hall of Grantham in the County of Lincoln Esq; had sithence the last Sefsion of this Parliament made, set forth in Print, and published a Book Dedicated unto Sir Henry Knivett Knight a good Member of this House, without his Privity, liking or allowance in part, tending greatly to the slander and reproach not only of Sir Robert Bell Knight deceased, late Speaker of this Parliament, and of sundry particular Members of this House, but also of the Proceedings of this House in the same last Session of Parliament in a Cause that concerned the said Arthur Hall and one Smalley his Man. And that there was also contained a long Discourse tending to the diminishment of the ancient Authority of this House. And that thereupon by Order of this House the said Arthur Hall was sent for by the Serjeant of this House to appear upon Monday following, which he did accordingly. Whereupon being called to the Bar and charged by the Speaker with the information given against him, he confessed the making and setting forth thereof. Whereupon the said Arthur Hall being sequestred, the House did presently appoint divers Committees to take a more particular Examination of the said Cause, and of all such as had been doers therein. Which Examination being finished by the said Committees, they informed this House that they had charged the said Arthur Hall with contempt against this House the said last Session, In that being enjoined by this House to appear there at a time by this House prefixed, he departed out of the Town in contempt of the Court, and afterwards testified and inforced the same his wilsul contempt by an unseemly Letter addressed by him to this House, and charged him also with publishing the Conferences of this House abroad out of the House, and that also in Print in manner of a Libel, with a counterfeit name of the Author, and without any name of the Printer, in which Book or Libel was contained matter of reproach and infamy to sundry good Members of this House in particular, and of the whole State of the House in general, reproaching and imbasing what in him lay, the Power and Authority of this House, and untruly reporting the Orders of this House, affirming amongst other great teproaches that he knew of his own knowledge that this House had proceeded and judged untruly. And further charged him that he had therein also injuriously impeached the memory of the late Speaker deceased, affirming that the Orders of this House were not by him truly delivered or set down, but altered and changed.

And not herewith satisfied hath in some part thereof contained a false and slanderous Discourse against the Antiquity and Authority of the Commons House, or third Estate of the Parliament, wherein he hath falsly sought as much as in him is to impugne, deface, blemish and diminish the Power, Antiquity and Authority of this House, and the interest that it hath always, and in all Ages had, to the great impeachment of the ancient Order and Government of this Realm, the Rights of this House and the form of making Laws; And that since his being before the Lords of the Council for his said offence, and after he had received rebuke of them for the same, and had offered some form of submission in that behalf, he had eftsoons again published the said Book; and that upon his Examination in this House he had denied the having of any more than one of the said Books, yet it was proved that he had twelve or thirteen of them, and six of them since the time he was called before the Lords of the Council, and that he had by his Letters given Order to have of those Books Printed, which was done accordingly with more, and that he had caused one of the same Books sithence this Session of Parliament, to be sent to Sir Randal Brierton Knight.

Unto all which as the said Arthur Hall could make no denial or sufficient Answer, so the said Committees setting forth the nature and quality of the said offences in their several degrees, moved in the end that the said Arthur Hall might be called into the House to Answer unto those points before the whole House, and so thereupon to proceed to some speedy end, perswading therewithal a due consideration to be had of spending the time, as much as might be, in such matters of the Realm for which this Parliament was chiesly called. Whereupon after divers other Motions and Speeches had in the said matter the said Printer was brought to the Bar, and being Examined, avowed, that Arthur Hall after that he had been before the Lords of the Council came to him and told him, that he had Answered the matter for the said Books before the Council, and that therefore the said Printer might deliver the said Books abroad; affirming also that where the said Henry Bynnyman the Printer sithence this Session of Parliament, and since his last committing, wished unto the said Arthur Hall that all the said Books had been burned before he medled with them; That Arthur Hall should say to him again, he would not so for one hundred pounds. And then he being sequestred, Arthur Hall was brought to the Bar, where some mean reverence was by him done, though not in such humble and lowly wise as the state of one in that place to be charged and accused required. Whereof being admonished by the Speaker, and further by him charged, as well with the said parts collected out of the said Book, as with other his misdemeanors and contempts aforesaid, he in some sort submitted himself to the House, acknowledging in part the matters wherewith he was charged, and in some other parts denied the same; but not making any defence in the matter, but acknowledging in part his errors, imputing it for the most part to his misprision, and that in other parts the matters were gathered otherwise than he meant, he thereupon prayed pardon of the House, and that done was sequestred. After which upon sundry Motions and Arguments had touching the quality and nature of his fault, and of some proportionable forms of such punishment for such grievous offences, it was upon the Question resolved and Ordered by the whole House without any one negative Voice, that he should be committed to Prison.

And upon another Question likewise resolved and Ordered, that he should be committed to the Prison of the Tower, as the Prison usual for Offenders to be committed unto by this House.

And upon another Question it was in like manner resolved and Ordered, that he should remain in the said Prison of the Tower by the space of six Months, and so much longer as until himself should willingly make a particular Revocation or Retractation under his hand in writing of the said errors and slanders contained in the said Book, to the satisfaction of this House, or of such Order as this House shall take for the same, during the continuance of this present Session of Parliament.

And upon another Question it was also in like manner resolved and Ordered, that a Fine should be assessed by this House to the Queens Majesties use upon the said Arthur Hall for his said offence.

And upon another Question it was resolved and Ordered in like manner, that the same Fine should be five hundred Marks.

And upon another like question it was likewise resolved and Ordered, that the said Arthur Hall should presently be removed, severed and cut off from being any longer a Member of this House during the continuance of this present Parliament, and that the Speaker by Authority from this House should direct a Warrant from this House to the Clerk of the Crown-Office in the Chancery for awarding of the Queens Majesties Writ to the Sheriff of the said County of Lincoln for a new Burgess to be returned into this present Parliament for the said Borough of Grantham, in the lieu and stead of the said Arthur Hall so as before disabled any longer to be a Member of this House.

And upon another question it was also in like manner resolved and Ordered, that the said Book and Libel was and should be holden, deemed, taken and adjudged to be for so much as doth concern the errors aforesaid condemned.

Which done, the said Arthur Hall was brought in again to the Bar, unto whom the Speaker in the name of the whole House pronounced the said Judgment in form aforesaid, and so the Serjeant Commanded to take Charge of him and convey him to the said Prison of the Tower, and to deliver him to the Lieutenant of the Tower by Warrant from this House to be directed and signed by the said Speaker for that purpose. Vide concerning this matter on Saturday the 4^th day, Monday the 6^th day, and Wednesday the 8^th day of this instant February foregoing.

On Wednesday the 15^th day of February, Four Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill for granting of one Subsidy, two Fifteenths and Tenths was read the second time and Ordered to be ingrossed.

On Thursday the 16^th day of February, the Bill against the Family of Love, was read the second time, and committed unto Sir Thomas Scott, Sir William Moore, Sir John Brockett, M^r Beale and others, who were appointed to meet this Afternoon at two of the Clock in the Exchequer Chamber.

M^r Vice-Chamberlain one of the Committees in the Bill for counterfeit Seals (who were appointed on Thursday the 26^th day of January foregoing) brought in the old Bill amended by the Committees, and a new Bill drawn by the said Committees according to the same amendments, whereupon the same new Bill was twice read and Ordered to be ingrossed.

The Bill for punishment of unlawful Marriages which was delivered to M^r Doctor Dale and other Committees, was this day brought in by M^r Grimsditch one other of the Committees, and a new Bill for that purpose made by the consent of the same Committees.

After sundry Speeches used against Sir Rowland Hayward one of the Committees in the Bill against Iron-Mills for an error by him done in preferring a new Bill for that purpose to the House, not agreed upon by the more part of the residue of the Committees, urging some infliction to be laid upon him, or at least his Submission with an acknowledgment of his said error therein to the House, it was upon a Motion made by M^r Speaker, and his Declaration of the Proceeding of the said Sir Rowland Hayward with him in the bringing in of the said latter Bill, Ordered by the House, that the matter of the said Prosecution should be no further dealt in or medled with, as a thing of too small moment for this House to be troubled with or spend time in.

Three Bills also of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the last being the Bill for ratification of an award for certain Copyholders in the County of Worcester, was read the third time and passed upon the Question.

The Calling of this House appointed to have been this Afternoon is for greater causes deferred till another time.

On Friday the 17^th day of February, Five Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the fourth being the Bill for limitation of Formedon in the Descender, and the fifth being the Bill against the excessive multitude of Attornies in the Court of CommonPleas, was read the second time, and with the former committed unto both Masters of the Requests, M^r Lieutenant of the Tower, Sir Thomas Sampoole, M^r Attorney of the Dutchy, M^r Sands, M^r Carleton, M^r Layton, M^r Grimpston, M^r Vanghan, M^r Dalton, M^r Boyes, and M^r Grimsditch, and both the Bills were delivered to M^r Doctor Dale Master of the Requests, who with the rest was appointed to meet in the new Hall in the Temple, at two of the Clock this Afternoon.

The Bill touching the Children of Aliens and Strangers was once more read with the former amendments, and other amendments now presently inserted three times first read, was pailed upon the Question, after many Arguments first had and made.

Francis Drake Esquire was Licensed this day by M^r Speaker to depart for certain his necessary business in the service of her Majesty.

Francis Vaughan Esquire one of the Burgesses for the Borough of Wilton in the County of Wiltshire, was this day Licensed by M^r Speaker to be absent for his necessary business at the Assizes.

On Saturday the 14^th day of February, Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for the naturalizing of certain English mens Children born beyond the Seas, was read the first time.

The Bill for the repealing of certain branches of certain Statutes touching the making of Woollen-Cloths, and another Bill touching the Shipping of Cloths, were each of them committed upon the first reading unto the former Committees for Cloths (who were appointed on Saturday the 4^th day of this instant February foregoing.)

The Bill for preservation of Pheasants and Partridges was read the second time, and committed unto M^r Chancellor of the Dutchy, M^r Knight Marshal, Sir Thomas Cecil, Sir Thomas Scott, M^r Beamond and others, who were appointed to meet at M^r Chancellors of the Dutchy at two of the Clock in the Afternoon upon Monday next.

The Bill for Gavelkind Land within the City of Chester was read the third time.

The four Bills last past before this present day were sent up to the Lords by M^r Treasurer and others.

The Bill against unlawful Hunting of Conies was read the second time, and after many Arguments rejected upon the question of ingrossing.

M^r Chancellor of the Exchequer declared that the Committees appointed by this House to have Conference with the Lords touching the Bill for Religion, have sundry times met together with their Lordships about the same Bill, and that the same Bill is by the said Committees in some parts altered, changed and amended, and in some other parts abridged, and some others added unto, and so delivered in the some Bill so amended, requiring that the same should now be presently read as for the first reading thereof. Whereupon the said Bill was read accordingly for the first reading.

The Committees in M^r Hydes Bill are appointed to meet on Monday Morning next in the Treasury Chamber.

It is Ordered that the House be called upon Monday next in the Afternoon.

On Monday the 20^th day of February, Five Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the fourth being the Bill for the paving a Street without Aldgate was read the third time and passed upon the Question.

The Bill for Explanation of the Statute of Limitation made in the 37^th year of H. 8. was brought in by M^r Cromwell one of the Committees with some amendments.

The Bill for ratification of a Decree between Mr. Hyde and Mr. Darrell was brought in by the Committees, and the amendments being twice read, the Bill was Ordered to be ingrossed.

Sir Thomas Scott one of the Committees in the Bill against the Family of Love (who were appointed on Thursday the 16^th day of this instant February foregoing) brought in the old Bill with a new Bill also for that purpose drawn by the said Committees, but (he protested) not assented unto only by himself, and that for one only Article in the same new Bill contained.

Mr. Serjeant Flowerdewe, Mr. Beale, Mr. Topcliffe, Mr. Cromwell, Mr. Newdigate, Mr. Alford and Mr. Layton were added to the former Committees in the Bill touching the Attornies, and appointed to meet in the Inner-Temple Hall at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

The Bill for the relief of the Creditors of Sir Thomas Gresham Knight Deceased, was read the second time.

The Bill against slanderous Speeches and rumors, and other seditious practices against the Queens Majesty, was brought in by the Committees, with certain Amendments and Additions, all three times read and so now the Bill was read the third time and passed upon the Question, and was sent up to the Lords by Mr. Vice-Chamberlain and others, together with the other Bill passed this day, viz. the Bill for paving of the Street without Aldgate.

Mr. Treasurer, Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir William Moore, Mr. Recorder, Mr. Serjeant Flowerdewe, Mr. Wroth, Mr. Cromwell and others, were appointed to meet in the Exchequer-Chamber on Tuesday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon for the Bill touching the Creditors of Sir Thomas Gresham, and Licence given to all persons and parties whom it may concern, to bring their Learned Councel as well before the said Committees as also before this House, if it shall be so thought requisite.

The Bill touching coloured Cloths made in the Counties of Suff. and Essex was read the second time, and committed to the former Committees for Cloths, and the Bill was delivered to M^r Grimston.

On Tuesday the 21^th day of February, Six Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill for Explanation of the Statute of Limitation of prescription of 32 H. 8. with the Amendments, was twice read, and with the Bill Ordered to be ingrossed.

The Bill for Partition of the Lands late of the Lord Latimer Deceased, was brought in by the Committees, with a Proviso for the Earl of Oxford and Sir Thomas Tindale; the same Proviso being twice read, the Bill and Proviso were Ordered to be ingrossed by assent of both parties.

The Bill for Assize of Fewel and touching Iron-Mills were brought in by M^r Comptroller, with a new Bill for the Assize of Fewel, another touching Glass-Houses, and another for the Assize of Fewel within the City of Worcester.

The Bill last read was upon the Question and Division of the House passed with the advantage of the number of twelve Voices.

The three Bills last passed were sent up to the Lords by M^r Vice-Chamberlain and others.

Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being the new Bill for the punishing of the Family of Love, was read the first time.

M^r Serjeant Anderson and M^r Doctor Clark did bring word from the Lords, that their Lordships having considered of the Amendments and Additions of this House in a Bill touching slanderous Speeches and Rumors, and other seditious practices against the Queens Majesty, and minding to understand the meaning and intent of this House in some part of the same Amendments and Additions, have appointed twelve of themselves to have Conference with some of this House to Morrow at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Council Chamber at the Court, and did pray that a convenient number of this House might be appointed to meet with them at the said time and place for Conference with the Lords in that behalf accordingly. Whereupon were appointed for that purpose all those of this House which were in the former Committee of the same Bill before (whose names see on Wednesday the first day of this instant February foregoing.)

On Wednesday the 22^th day of February, Three Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill for the true making of Hats and Caps was read the second time, and committed unto M^r Lieutenant of the Tower, Sir Rowland Haywood, M^r Recorder, M^r Askwith, M^r Perry and others, and the Bill was delivered to M^r Lieutenant of the Tower, who with the rest was appointed to meet at Guildhall upon Friday next at two of the Clock in the Afternon.

On Thursday the 23^th day of February, the Bill against sowing of Lineseed or Hempseed within the County of Hertford by force of any penal Laws, was read the second time and committed unto Sir Henry Cock, Sir Henry Knivett, Sir Thomas Browne, Sir Thomas Scott, Sir James Harrington, Sir William More and others; and the Bill was delivered to Sir William More aforesaid, who with the rest was appointed to meet this Afternoon at two of the Clock in the Temple.

Two Bills also of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for the true folding and winding of Woolls was read the second time and committed unto Sir Rowland Hayward, Sir George Turpin, Sir James Barrington, M^r Keale, M^r Benbridge and others; and the Bill was delivered to M^r Benbridge, who with the rest was appointed to meet this Afternoon in the Middle-Temple Church at two of the Clock.

On Friday the 24^th day of February, Two Bills had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill for re-edifying of the Borough of New-Woodstock, was read the second time and Ordered to be ingrossed.

The Bill touching the Mayor, Bayliffs and Commonalty of the City of Coventry was brought in by M^r Grimsditch with Amendments agreed upon by all the Parties to the same Bill.

Two Bills also had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for the true melting and working of Wax, was read the second time, and committed unto M^r Comptroller, M^r Edgecombe, M^r Lieutenant, M^r Recorder and Mr. Cromwell, to consider presently in the Committee Chamber.

Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer brought in the Bill for Sheriffs with some Amendments and Additions, and also a new Bill touching the return of Jurors, which all were read.

Post Meridiem.

The House being called and some returned into the places of others Deceased since the last Session of this present Parliament, and yet some of them supposed to be living, some in place of others sick and diseased, and some in place of others imployed in the Queens Majesties Service, it is Ordered, that all the said returns of this Session be Examined, and the Orders and Precedents of this House in like Cases formerly used be also considered by some of this House, and thereupon report to be made to this whole House of the state of the said Returns and Precedents, to the end further order may be taken therein accordingly. Whereupon were appointed for that purpose M^r Treasurer, M^r Chancellor of the Dutchy, M^r Treasurer of the Chamber, Sir Thomas Shirley, Sir Edward Horsey, Sir William Moore, Sir Henry Gate, Sir John Hibbott, M^r Attorney of the Dutchy, M^r Diggs, M^r Cromwell and M^r Poole.

William Boreman Esq; one of the Burgess for the Town of Wells was Licensed by Mr. Speaker to be absent for his necessary Affairs at the next Assizes in the County of Somerset.

On Saturday the 25^th day of February, Two Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the second being the Bill for the Explanation of the Statute of 32 H. 8. for Limitation of prescription, was read the third time and passed upon the Question.

Tuesday next in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber is appointed for the Committees to meet together to examine the returns and defaults appearing upon the calling of the House.

The Bill for the better fortifying of the Borders and Frontiers towards Scotland was read the second time, and after many Arguments committed unto all the Privy-Council being Members of this House, M^r Treasurer of the Chamber, M^r Knight Marshal, Sir Thomas Cecil, Sir Henry Lea, Sir Henry Knivett and others, who were appointed to meet upon Monday next in the Exchequer Chamber at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

On Monday the 27^th day of February, Four Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the first being the Bill touching the Examination of Witnesses in Towns Corporate, was read the second time and Ordered to be ingrossed.

The two Bills which passed yesterday were now sent up to the Lords by M^r Comptroller and others.

The Bill touching Leases of Tenants in Tail was read the second time and committed unto Sir Thomas Sampoole, M^r Sandes, M^r Amerdeth, M^r Cromwell, M^r Edward Stanhope and M^r Shirley, who were appointed to meet this Afternoon at two of the Clock in the Exchequer Chamber.

The Bill for the City of Carliol was read the second time and committed unto Mr. Comptroller, Mr. Knight Marshal, Sir Henry Knivett, Sir John Dawney, Sir Edward Horsey, Sir Robert Stapleton, Sir Henry Gate and others; who were appointed to meet on Wednesday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon in the Exchequer Chamber.

Mr. Serjeant Anderson and Mr. Dr. Barkeley did bring from the Lords word that their Lordships have appointed to meet with the Committees of this House at the Court in the Council Chamber at two of the Clock in the Afternoon touching the Bill of disobedient Subjects.

It is Ordered thereupon for this time that the former Committees with some others now added and no more, shall attend the Lords to Morrow in the Afternoon according to the Message brought from their Lordships in the Bill for Religion.

The Bill for the punishment of Hereticks called the Family of Love, was read the second time and committed unto Mr. Comptroller, Mr. Vice-Chamberlain, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Secretary Wilson and others, who were appointed to meet upon Wednesday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

It was Ordered that the House should be called again upon Saturday next at two of the Clock in the Afternoon.

On Tuesday the 28^th day of February, Five Bills of no great moment had each of them one reading; of which the third being the Bill touching Clothes called Tauntons and Bridgewaters, was read the third time, and Ordered to be ingrossed.

Mr. Doctor Barkley and Mr. Doctor Ford did bring from the Lords a Bill touching the assurance of certain Lands to the Lord Compton.

The Bill against Moor-burning was read the second time.

The Bill touching Examination of Witnesses in Corporate Towns, and these words, viz. [without Commission or Warrant from some of her Majesties Courts or Councels] and these words [or nisi prius] are upon the Question Ordered to be put into the Bill, and the word [heretofore] already in the Bill was upon the division of the House after the doubtfulness of the Question, Ordered to remain in the Bill by the advantage of the number of nine persons, and the Bill so amended was passed upon the Question.