therein we must make use, amongst others, of the weakest of themselves to move
and out-Vote, with the help of our friends, our more knowing opposers; and
if our designs thus take, we shall make it good, that we are not Levellers, by
which we mean, we are not as happy in out thoughts, that others are below us,
as unhappy, and therein justly displeased that others should be before us. For
Our thoughts are lofty, proud, and full of ire.
we can be good, or bad, as times require.
Saturday, April 14.
The many complaints made in most Counties (and those that make not the
same have the same cause) of the sufferings of well-affected by the dis-affected,
being in places of Trust, and that of Justices of Peace, having proved very vexatious,
The House ordered, That the Judges of several Circuits receive all Complaints
against such as are dis-affected, and they are impowered to remove them
upon proof and information, and put others in their room. Its hoped, that now
they have this fair way open they will not be backward in so necessary a work,
but as they desire this liberty of Complaint, so they will make use of it. Like
wife the many Ministers that (besides their Calling) in preaching villi[unr] authority
of Parliament: A Committee was appointed to receive Complaints of that
nature.
The Ginny Ship mentioned in my last that brought over much gold, it being
informed the House, they refer it to the Councel of State, to find out the best
way of Coyn for advantage of the State and Merchants; also consideration
hereupon was had of the transporting gold and silver into forraign parts, and
referred it to the Councel of State, to put the Statutes concerning that, as also
the melting of Coyn, into careful and speedy execution. An Act was read for
the appointed Commissioners and Treasurers for adjudging and receiving prize
Goods, and disposing of prohibited Commodities. The want of Judges in Courts
of Justice occasioned the Commissioners of the Seal to be put upon running facts
persons as they conceived most fit.
Die Sabbathi, 14 Aprilis, 1649.
Ordered by the Commons assembled in Parliament, That upon any Action
or Suit commenced before the Lords Commissioners of the great Seal, or in any
the Courts of Westminster, against any Member of Parliament; The said Lords
Commissioners, Judges and Barons of the several Courts respectively, or any.
One of them, that by writing under his or their Hands and Seals, give notice those
of to every such Member; whereupon the Member is enjoyned to give appearance,
and proceed as other Defendants in Cafe of like Suits or Actions ought to
do; or in default thereof, both their Estates and Persons shall be lyable to any
proceeding in Law or Equity, as other Members of this Common-Wealth.
Hen. Scobel, clerit, Parliamenti
Monday, April 15.
Colonel Poyer petitioned the Parliament for his life. The Heads were his former
Services, as one of the first in those parts that appeared in Arms, and at his
particular charge fortified Penbrook Castle, &c. First Services are made warse
by Apoftacy, for he that runs to the end shall have the Crown.
The Parliament took into Consideration the Ordinance in powering the Admiralty
to punish such causes as are criminal.