House of Commons Journal Volume 7: 23 April 1657

Thursday, the 23d of April, 1657.

Latham's Estate.

A BILL enabling Hamlett Latham, and other Persons therein named, to sell certain Lands of the said Hamlett Latham, for Payment of his Debts, was this Day read the first Time, and, upon the Question, ordered to be read the second Time, on Monday Morning next.

Members to attend.

Ordered, That the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal, the Lords the Judges, and the Lawyers, Members of this House, be sent for by the Serjeant attending this House, to attend the Service of this House.

Protector's Answer.

The Lord Commissioner Whitelock reports from the Committee appointed to wait on his Highness the Lord Protector, according to an Order of the Ninth of this Month, the Proceedings of the said Committee therein; and the Substance of his Highness' Speech to them, on the One-and-twentieth of this Month; and Two Papers, delivered to the Committee by his Highness: Which the Reporter read; and afterwards were read by the Clerk.

Resolved, That this House doth approve of the Proceedings of the Committee in this Business.

The said Report was afterwards read by Parts: And the first Part being read;

Members of Parliament, &c.

Resolved, That it is necessary to exclude all those Scottish Men, and other Persons, who invaded England under Duke Hamilton, except they have since borne Arms for the Parliament, or his Highness the Lord Protector; or otherwise given some signal Testimony of their good Affection.

Resolved, That it be referred to a Committee, to consider of some Explanation to be made, touching signal Testimony; and to offer it to the House.

The Second Clause in the Paper was read:

Resolved, That this Clause be referred to the same Committee, to consider thereof; and in Case they find Cause, to bring in an Explanation to be made upon this Clause.

The Third Clause in the said Paper was read:

Resolved, That the Words "Public Preachers," in the Third Paragraph of the Fourth Article, be explained thus; "Such as have Maintenance for preaching, or are Pastors, or Teachers of Congregations."

The Fourth Clause in the Paper being read;

Resolved, That a Bill be brought in, for imposing a Fine of One thousand Pounds, upon every Person who shall sit as a Member of the House of Commons, in any future Parliament, being disabled by, or not qualified according to, the Qualifications in the humble Petition and Advice; and for their Imprisonment until such Fine be paid.

Resolved, That this Debate be adjourned till To-morrow Morning, Eight of the Clock; nothing to intervene.