FOr as much as the Lawes have not of late time been effectually put in Execution against Seminaries , Iesuits , and Romish Priests , whereby they have lately , more than heretofore , taken the boldness to come into this Commonwealth in great numbers , to the intent to stirr up and move Sedition , Rebellion , and open Hostility therein , to the endangering of the peace of this Nation , and seducing of the good People thereof from the true Religion established in this Commonwealth , to the Romish Idolatry and Superstition . The Parliament taking the same into their consideration , do hereby Publish and Declare , That all Laws and Statutes in force against all Iesuits , Seminary-Priests , or other such Priests , Deacons , or Religious or Ecclesiasticall Persons whatsoever , made , ordained , or professed , or hereafter to be made , ordained , or professed by any Authority or Iurisdiction , derived , challenged , or pretended from the See of Rome , by or of what Name , Title , or Degree soever the same shall be called or known , shall be put into speedy and effectual Execution , and against the Harbourers , Concealors , Abettors , and Aiders of them . And the Parliament doth hereby further require all Iudges , Iustices , Magistrates , Sheriffs , and other Officers and Ministers intrusted with the Execution of the Laws , to take notice hereof , and to put the same in Execution accordingly . And for the more effectual putting the premisses in Execution , and better encouragement of any discovery of any the persons aforesaid : Be it hereby Enacted and Declared , That he or they that shall hereafter first discover to any Iudge or Iustice of Peace any the Persons aforesaid , and that by reason thereof any of the said Offenders be taken , convicted , or attainted , That then he or they , that have made such Discovery , shall , immediately after such Conviction , have a Certificate from the Iudge or Iustice , before whom such Conviction shall happen , to be directed to the Sheriff , or other Officer of any County , Limit , or Place where such Conviction shall be ; commanding the Sheriff , or other Officer , to pay him or them that shall first make such discovery , twenty pounds ; which Warrant and Payment shall be effectual in the Law for that purpose , and a sufficient discharge in that behalf for the Sheriff or other Officer , upon his Accompt , and that the Discoverer of such persons shall be free from the Penalties which he may have incurred by any of the said Laws and Statutes .