FOrasmuch as there is of late a great increase of Popish Recusants within this Commonwealth , occasioned by the neglect of putting the Laws in execution against them , by reason whereof great danger may follow thereupon to the Publique Peace ; They being persons very active in mischievous Plots and Conspiracies , as appears by their late Barbarous and bloody Rebellion and Cruelties in Ireland and this Nation : For prevention therefore of the rise and growth of so great a Mischief , His Highness the Lord Protector , and the Parliament of the Common-wealth of England , Scotland and Ireland , do declare and Enact ; And be it Enacted by the Authority aforesaid , That all Iustices of Assize and Goal-delivery , and all Iustices of Peace in their open Quarter Sessions of Peace , within the Commonwealth of England , Scotland and Ireland , shall give in charge in to the Grand Iuries , diligently to enquire , and present the names of all such persons , being of the age of sixteen years , as are suspected or reputed to be Papists , or Popishly affected , and that upon every such presentment , the Iustices of Assize , and Goal-delivery , and Iustices of the Peace , shall in open Sessions make Proclamation , by which it shall be commanded , that every person so presented as aforesaid , shall personally appear at the next Assizes and General Goal-delivery , or at the next general Quarter Sessions respectively , to be holden for the Shire , Division , Limit or Liberty , and there to take and Subscribe the Oath of Abjuration , The form of which Oath hereafter followeth .

I A. B. do abjure and renounce the Popes Supremacy and Authority over the Catholique Church in General , and over my self in particular : And I do believe the Church of Rome is not the true Church ; And that there is not any Transubstantiation in the Sacrament of the Lords Supper , or in the Elements of Bread and Wine , after Consecration thereof , by any person whatsoever . And I do also believe , that there is not any Purgatory ; And that the Consecrated Hoast , Crucifixes or Images ought not to be worshipped , neither that any Worship is due unto any of them ; And I also believe that Salvation cannot be merited by works ; And I do sincerely Testify and Declare , That the Pope neither of himself nor by any Authority of the Church or See of Rome , or by any other means with any other , hath any power or authority to depose the Chief Magistrate of these Nations , or to dispose of any the Countries or Territories thereunto belonging , or to Authorize any Foreign Prince or State to invade or annoy him or them , or to discharge any of the people of these Nations from their Obedience to the Chief Magistrate ; or to give License or leave to any of the said people to bear Arms , raise Tumults , or to offer any violence or hurt to the person of the said Chief Magistrate , or to the State or Government of these Nations , or to any of the People thereof . And I do further swear , That I do from my heart abhor , detest and abjure this Damnable Doctrine and Position , That Princes , Rulers or Governours , which be Excommunicated or Deprived by the Pope , may , by vertue of such Excommunication or Deprivation , be killed , murthered , or deposed from their Rule or Government , or any outrage or violence don unto them by the people that are under them , or by any other whatsoever upon such pretence . And I do further swear , That I do believe that the Pope , or Bishop of Rome , hath no Authority , Power or Jurisdiction whatsoever , within England , Scotland and Ireland , or any or either of them , or the Dominions or Territories belonging to them , or any or either of them ; And all Doctrines in affirmation of the said points , I do abjure and renounce , without any equivocation , mental reservation , or secret evasion whatsoever , taking the words by me spoken according to the common and usual meaning of them , And I do believe no power derived from the Pope or Church of Rome , or any other person , can absolve me from this my Oath , and I do renounce all pardons and dispensations to the contrary : So help me God .

And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid , That if at such next Assizes , and general Goal delivery , or at such next Quarter Sessions , to be holden as aforesaid , the same person so proclaimed , shall not make appearance upon Record , and in open Sessions take and subscribe the said Oath , ( which Oath the said Iustices respectively are hereby Impowred to administer ) Then upon such default , being Recorded , such person so making default , shall be adjudged a Popish Recusant convict , to all intents and purposes whatsoever .

And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid , That four times in every year , viz. once in every Quarter , and eight and twenty dayes at the least before the beginning of the Quarter Sessions of Peace , to be holden for any County , Division , Limit , or Liberty , the respective Iustices of the Peace for such County , Division , Limit , or Liberty ; or two or more of them , shall issue their Warrants to all the Constables , and Church-wardens of every Parish , Chappel , Town , and Hamlet , within such their respective County , Division , Limit , and Liberty , requiring them , at a certain day and place to be mentioned in such Warrants , which day shall be at least fourteen dayes before such Quarter Sessions , to present , upon their Oathes , unto the said Iustices , the Names , Sirnames , Additions , and Places of abode , of all such persons , being of the Age of sixteen years , as are suspected or reputed to be Papists , or Popishly affected : And that upon every such Presentment upon Oath , ( which Oath the said Iustices are hereby Impowred to administer ) such Iustices shall forthwith issue their Warrants to the Constables , thereby requiring them to summon every such person so Presented , either by delivering unto every of them a Note in writing , or leaving the same at their dwelling House , or usual place of abode of such person so Presented , to appear personally at the next Quarter Sessions to be holden for such County , Division , Limit , or Liberty respectively : And that at such next Quarter Sessions , the said Iustices of the Peace , unto whom any such Presentment shall be made , shall deliver every such Presentment in open Sessions , to be Recorded ; And all such Constables , unto whom any such Warrant of Summons shall be directed , shall likewise then and there , return such their respective Warrants , to be entred upon Record , and make Oath of the due execution thereof , which Oath the said Iustices of Peace in their Quarter Sessions , are hereby Impowred to administer : And if at such Quarter Sessions , such persons so Summoned as aforesaid , shall not make appearance upon Record , and in open Sessions , take and subscribe the said Oath , then the Iustices shall in open Sessions make Proclamation , by which it shall be Commanded , That every Person so Presented and Summoned as aforesaid , shall personally appear at the next Quarter Sessions to be holden for the said County , Division , Limit , or Liberty respectively , then and there to take the said Oath : And if at such next Quarter Sessions to be holden as aforesaid , any such person so Proclaimed , shall not make appearance upon Record , and in open Sessions take and subscribe the said Oath , then upon such default Recorded , such person so making default , shall be adjudged a Popish Recusant Convict , to all intents and purposes whatsoever .

And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid , That if the Iustices of Peace within any County , Division , Limit , or Liberty , or any two or more of them , shall suspect any person , being of the age of sixteen years , to be a Papist , or Popishly affected , it shall be lawful for such Iustices , by their Warrants , to send for , and to cause every such person so suspected , to become bound by Recognizance , in the sum of One hundred pounds , to appear at the next Quarter Sessions of the Peace , to be holden for the said County , Division , Limit , or Liberty respectively , then and there to subscribe the said Oath : And if such person so suspected , shall refuse to become so bound , then it shall be lawfull unto such Iustices , to commit such person so suspected , unto safe Custody , there to remain without Bail or Mainprise , untill such next Quarter Sessions , to be holden as aforesaid : And if at such next Quarter Sessions , the same Person so bound or imprisoned , shall not make appearance upon Record , and in open Sessions take and subscribe the said Oath , then upon such default Recorded , such Person so making default , shall be adjudged a Popish Recusant convict to all intents and purposes whatsoever : And if such person so suspected , shall not upon any such Warrant be apprehended and brought before such Iustices , to become bound by Recognizance as aforesaid , then such Iustices shall and may , at the next Quarter Sessions , to be holden as aforesaid , Present the names of every such person so by them suspected , and upon such Presentment Recorded , the Iustices shall in open Sessions make Proclamation , by which it shall be commanded , that every such person so presented , shall , at the next Quarter Sessions , to be holden as aforesaid , make appearance upon Record , and then and there in open Sessions , take and subscribe the said Oath : And if at the then next Quarter Sessions , to be holden as aforesaid , the same person so Proclaimed , shall not make his appearance upon Record , and in open Court take and subscribe the said Oath , Then upon such default Recorded , such person so making default , shall be adjudged a Popish Recusant convict to all intents and purposes whatsoever .

And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid , That it shall be lawfull to His Highness the Lord Protector , and His Successors , by Process out of the Court of Exchequer , To Seize , and take into His , and their hands , to the use of the Common-wealth , Two parts , in three parts to be divided , of all the Debts , Goods and Chattels of every person any ways so Convict of Popish Recusancy as aforesaid ; And also to Seize and take into His and their hands two parts , in three parts to be divided , of all Lands , Tenements , Hereditaments , Leases , Farms , and Copy-hold Lands , whereof any such Popish Recusant convict , or any in trust for him or her , shall be Seized , or Possessed at the time of such Conviction , or at any time after , and the same to Possess , and Enjoy to the use of the Common-wealth , untill such person so Convict shall conform by taking the said Oath ; Saving to His Highness the Lord Protector , and his Successors , and every person and persons , Bodies politique and corporate , their Heirs and Successours , ( other then such persons so Convict , and his , and her Heirs , and all claiming to his , her , or their use , or in trust for him , her , or them ) all and all manner of Leases , Rents , Conditions , and other Rights and Titles whatsoever , had , made , or done bona fide , and without Fraud , or Covin before such Conviction .

Provided alwaies , That His said Highness the Lord Protector , or His Successors , shall not Seize , or take in to His or their two third parts , ( but leave unto such person so Convict ) his or her Mansion House , as part of his , or her third part .

And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid , That every such Conviction of any person for Popish Recusancy , shall , from the Iustices before whom the Record of such Conviction shall remain , be Estreated and certified , into His Highness Court of Exchequer , before the end of the Term next En●uing such Conviction , in such convenient certainty , for time and other Circumstances , that the said Court of Exchequer may thereupon award Process for seizure of two third parts of all Lands , Tenements , Leases , Farms , Copiehold Lands , Goods and Chattels of every person so convict as aforesaid . And that every such Certificate and Estreat , shall be entred upon the Docquet in the Treasurers Remembrancers Office , and from thence to be delivered to the Clerk of the Extracts , and by him immediately to the Clerk of the Pipe , there to be Enrolled , & from thence returned to the said Clerk of the Extracts , to remain in safe custody for a Comptrol for His Highness service , according to the course of the Court of Exchequer : And that Schedules thereof be forthwith made from the said great Roll , for Process , to be thereupon issued by Commission , or otherwise , by the said Remembrancer , to enquire of and seize two third parts of all the Lands , Tenements , Goods and Chattels , of every such person so convict as aforesaid ; And that upon return thereof , every inquisition and seizure shall be Enrolled in the Office of the said Remembrancer , and from thence charged in the said great Roll , and from thence forthwith scheduled and delivered unto the Auditors of the respective Counties , to the end his Highness may be duly answered upon accompt by His Receivers of such Counties , of all such two third parts of all such Lands , Tenements , Goods and Chattels ; And that every discharge hereafter to be made by the said Court of Exchequer , of any Lands , Tenements , Goods or Chattels , so charged in the said great Roll , and from thence Scheduled and Delivered unto the said Auditors as aforesaid , shall be entred upon Record in the said great Roll , and be from thence Certified unto every such respective Auditor as formerly .

Provided alwaies , and be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid , That if any person Convict of Popish Recusancy as aforesaid , shall at any time come before the Iustices of Assize and Goal-delivery , or before the Iustices of the Peace in their quarter Sessions for such County , Division , Limit , or Liberty respectively , where such person was Convict , and in open Sessions take and subscribe the said Oath , such Iustices shall forthwith Record such submission , and certifie the same into His Highness Court of Exchequer , and then upon such Certificate Recorded , such person , so submitting and Certified , shall be Freed and Discharged of and from all Seizures , Penalties , and Losses , which the same person might otherwise sustain and bear , for , or by reason of such persons Conviction for Popish Recusancy ; And if any such person so Convict as aforesaid , or any other person , whose Estate is now under Seizure , or Sequestration , for Popish Recusancy , shall at any time come before the Barons of the Exchequer , and in open Court take and Subscribe the said Oath , ( which Oath the Barons are hereby impowred to administer ) Then upon such Submission Recorded , the Person so Submitting shall forthwith be Freed and Discharged , of and from all Seizures , Sequestrations , Penalties and Losses , which the same person might otherwise sustain and bear , for , or by reason of such persons Conviction or Sequestration for Popish Recusancy .

Provided also , and be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid , that if any person being so convict or sequestred for Popish Recusancy , as aforesaid , shall happen to dye , his or her Heir , being of the full age of sixteen years , then such Heir shall , from the decease of such person , quietly and peaceably have , hold , possess and enjoy the Estate of such person , and the Rents and Profits thereof , Freed and Discharged of and from all Seizures , Sequestrations , Penalties and Losses , which the same Heir might otherwise sustain and bear , for , or by reason of such his or her Ancestors Popish Recusancy ; So that such Heir do or shall before the end of the Term , next after the decease of such Ancestors , come before the Barons of the Exchequer , and in open Court take and subscribe the said Oath ; But if such Heir do not or shall not then come before the said Barons , and take and subscribe the said Oath , as aforesaid ; Then such Heir shall have , hold , possess and enjoy such Estate , and the Rents and Profits thereof freed and discharged as aforesaid , from such time only , as such Heir shall come before the said Barons , and take and subscribe the said Oath as aforesaid , and not before .

And if the Heir of any such person so Convict or Sequestred for Popish Recusancy , shall happen to be within the Age of sixteen years , at the time of the death of such his or her Ancestors , Then the Guardian or Guardians of such Heir , shall , from the decease of such Ancestor , be permitted quietly and peaceably to receive the Rents and Profits of such Estate ; so that such Guardian and Guardians , being approved or appointed by the said Barons , do give Security in the said Court of Exchequer , to account once every year , before one of the Auditors of the said Court , for such Rents and Profits , over and above such yearly allowance , for the Education and Maintenance of such Heir , as the said Barons shall appoint , and to pay the Residue of such Rents and Profits , over and above such Allowances , unto such Heir ; So that such Heir do , and shall before the end of the Term next after such Heir shall attain the full Age of sixteen years , come before the said Barons of the Exchequer , and in open Court take and subscribe the said Oath ; And if such Heir do not , or shall not then come before the said Barons , and subscribe the said Oath as aforesaid , Then forthwith to pay the Residue of such Rents and Profits into the Receipt of the Exchequer , to the use of His Highness and the Commonwealth .

And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid , that if such Heir do or shall , before the end of such next Term , come before the said Barons , and in open Court take and subscribe the said Oath , then such Guardian and Guardians shall pay unto such Heir , such Residue of the said Rents and Profits , And such Heir shall have , hold , possess and enjoy the same , and also the Estate of such his or her Ancestour , freed and discharged of and from all Seizures , Sequestrations , Penalties and Losses , which otherwise such Heir might sustain and bear , for or by reason of such Ancestors Popish Recusancy . But if such Heir do not or shall not , before the end of such next Term , come before the said Barons , and take and subscribe the said Oath , then such Guardian and Guardians shall forthwith pay the Residue of such Rents and Profits into the Receipt of the Exchequer , to the use of His Highness and the Commonwealth ; And then such Heir shall have , hold , possess and enjoy the Estate of such Ancestor , and the Rents and Profits thereof , freed and discharged as aforesaid , from such time only , as such Heir shall come before the said Barons , and take and subscribe the said Oath , and not before .

Provided also , and be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid , That if any person whose Estate now is , or hereafter shall be seized or sequestred for Popish Recusancy , hath given , conveyed , or otherwise setled , or shall hereafter give , convey , or any waies settle , by Deed , Will or otherwise , all or any part of such Estate so Seized or Sequestred as aforesaid , or any Rent , Sum of money or other profit , out of the same or any part thereof , to or for the use , benefit , or behoof of the Wife , Childe or Children of any such person as shall happen to die , such Wife , Childe and Children respectively being of the full age of sixteen years , Then such Wife , Childe and Children respectively shall , from the decease of such person , have , hold , possess and enjoy the full benefit of such Gift , Conveyance , or other setlement , freed and discharged , of and from all such Seizures , Sequestrations , Penalties and Losses , for or by reason of the Popish Recusancy of such person so dying , so that such Wife , Childe and Children respectively , do and shall before the end of the Term next after the decease of such person come before the said Barons of the Exchequer , and in open Court take and subscribe the said Oath ; But if such Wife , Childe and Children respectively , do not or shall not then come before the said Barons , and take and subscribe the said Oath as aforesaid , Then such Wife , Childe and Children shall have , hold , possess , and enjoy , the full benefit of such Gift , Conveyance or other Settlement , freed and discharged as aforesaid , from such time only as such Wife , Childe and Children respectively , shall come before the said Barons and take and subscribe the said Oath as aforesaid , and not before ; And if such Wife , Childe or Children shall happen to be within the age of sixteen years , at the time of the death of any such person , then the Guardian or Guardians , of such Wife , Childe or Children , respectively , shall , from the decease of such Person , be permitted to take the full benefit of such Gift , Conveyance , or other setlement , so that such Guardian and Guardians respectively , being approved or appointed by the said Barons , to give Security in the said Court of Exchequer , to accompt once every year , before one of the Auditors of the said Court , for all such Rents , Profits , or sums of Money , as such Guardian and Guardians respectively , shall or might any waies receive over and above such yearly allowances , as the Barons of the Exchequer shall appoint for the education and maintenance of any such Wife , Childe and Children respectively , and to pay the Residue of such Rents , Profits , and Sums of money , over and above such Allowances unto such Wife , Childe and Children respectively ; so that such Wife , Childe and Children respectively , do and shall , before the end of the Term next after such Wife , Childe and Children shall attain their respective Ages of sixteen years , come before the said Barons of the Exchequer , and in open Court take and subscribe the said Oath ; But if such Wife , Childe and Children respectively , shall not then come before the said Barons , and take and subscribe the said Oath as aforesaid , then such Guardian and Guardians respectively , forthwith to pay the Residue of such Rents , Profits and Sums of money , into the Receipt of the Exchequer , to the use of his Highness the Lord Protector , and the Commonwealth .

And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid , That if such Wife , Childe and Children respectively , do and shall , before the end of such next Term , come before the said Barons , and take and subscribe the said Oath as aforesaid , then such Guardian and Guardians shall pay unto such Wife , Childe and Children respectively , such Residue of the said Rents , Profits and Sums of money , and such Wife , Childe and Children shall have , hold , possess and enjoy the same , and also the full benefit of such Gift , Conveyance , and other Setlement , Freed and Discharged of & from all Seizures , Sequestrations , Penalties and Losses , for or by reason of the Popish Recusancy of such person so dying as aforesaid ; But if such Wife , Childe or Children respectively , shall not then come before the Barons , and take and subscribe the said Oath as aforesaid , then such Guardian and Guardians shall pay such Residue of such Rents , Profits and Sums of money respectively , into the Receipt of the Exchequer to the use of His Highness the Lord Protector and the Commonwealth , and such Wife , Childe and Children shall have , hold , possess and enjoy the benefit of such Gift , Conveyance , or other settlement , Freed and Discharged as aforesaid , from such time only as such Wife , Childe and Children respectively , shall come before the said Barons , and take and subscribe the said Oath as aforesaid , and not before .

And be it Enacted by the Authority aforesaid , That no such Guardian and Guardians shall , for the making of any such Accompt as aforesaid , be bound to attend any such Auditor at his Office or Dwelling House , But such Auditor , is hereby required to take such Accompt in his Circuit , in the County where such Estate doth lie , and not to receive any greater or other Fees for the same , then shall be appointed by the Commissioners of the Treasury for the time being , or any two or more of them , or by the Treasurer , Chancellour , or under Treasurer of the Exchequer for the time being , or any two or more of them .

And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid , That if any Person being no Popish Recusant Convict nor Sequestred for Popish Recusancy , shall marry or take to wife , any woman that he shall know to be a Popish Recusant Convict , then upon Information exhibited and proof thereof made in the Court of Exchequer , He shall be taken and adjudged a Popish Recusant Convict to all intents and purposes whatsoever , and shall be subjected and liable in his own particular Estate , real and personal , to such Seizures and Penalties , as any other Popish Recusant Convict , and shall continue so subject and liable , untill he shall come before the said Barons of the Exchequer , and in open Court take and subscribe the said Oath , and no longer .

And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid , That no Certiorari shall , upon any pretence or Suggestion whatsoever , be granted by the Court of Vpper Bench , or by any other Court to remove any such Presentment , or Conviction for Popish Recusancy as aforesaid , neither shall any such Presentment or Conviction , or any thing touching the same , be reversed for any error , or any other matter or thing whatsoever , but every such Presentment and Conviction shall be and remain in good force , untill such Person be Convicted , or his or her Heirs shall submit and take and subscribe the said Oath as aforesaid .

Provided alwaies and be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid , That if any Person or Persons , shall knowingly hold , possess or own , any Estate , Real or Personal , in trust for or to the use of any Recusant now under Sequestration , or which shall hereafter be Convicted , by Vertue of this Act , or shall knowingly suffer , his , her , or their name or names to be used in any Deed or Conveyance , for the concealing any such Estate , which of right ought to be Seized or Sequestred to the use of His Highness the Lord Protector , and shall not within three Moneths after notice given to him or Process left at his usual place of abode , from the Lord Treasurer , or Lords Commissioners of His Highness Treasury , or Barons of the Exchequer , that he is charged or Questioned for the concealing such trust or trusts , make discovery thereof , That then every such person or persons , shall forfeit for such his Concealment , to the value of the third part of such Estate so concealed , the one Moitie to his Highness the Lord Protector , and the other Moitie to the Informer , to be recovered in his Highness Court of Exchequer , by Bill or Information , wherein no Essoign , Protection or Wager of Law shall be allowed .

And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid , That if the Iustices of Peace for any County , Division , Limit or Liberty , or two or more of them , shall not , according to the true intent and meaning of this Act , issue their Warrants , to all Church-wardens and Constables , requiring them to make their presentments , as aforesaid , or shall not according to the true intent and meaning of this Act , issue their Warrants unto the Constables , to Summon such persons so presented , to make their appearance and take the said Oath aforesaid , or shall not deliver such Presentment at the next Quarter Sessions , as aforesaid , then every such Iustice of Peace shall forfeit the sum of Twenty pounds ; And if any such Churchwarden or Constable shall refuse or neglect to make such Presentment as aforesaid , Then such Constables , for every such offence , shall forfeit the sum of Ten pounds ; And if the Clerk of the Assize , or Clerk of the Peace , shall not duely record every such Presentment , Warrant of Summons , and the execution thereof , and that without paying any Fees , they shall forfeit for every such offence the Sum of Twenty pounds , and that one Moitie of all Sums of money , so as above , to be forfeited by any Iustice of Peace , Church-warden , Constable , Clerk of the Assize , or Clerk of the Peace respectively , shall be to the use of the poor of such County , Division , Limit or Liberty respectively , where any such sum of money shall be forfeited , and the other Moity to such person or persons as shall sue for the same , in His Highness Court of Exchequer , by Bill or Information , wherein no Essoign , Protection , or Wager of Law shall be allowed .

Provided also , and be it Enacted by the Authority aforesaid , That where any Estate , that is or shall be Sequestred for the Recusancy of any Person , shall descend or come to any known Protestant , in such case He or She , to whom such Estate shall descend or come , shall repair to the Quarter Sessions of the Peace for that County , where He or She liveth , and there make it appear to the Court , That He or She is a Protestant , upon Certificate thereof , under the Hands and Seals of the Major part of the Iustices there present , to the Barons of the Exchequer ( the Claim and Title to such Estate being made to appear to the said Barons ) Such Person or Persons shall have his Estate discharged without paying Fees , Any thing herein , or any other Law contained to the contrary notwithstanding .

And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid , That no Person or Persons that now is sequestred or Convicted for Recusancy , or that at any time hereafter shall be Convicted for Recusancy , shall be admitted to take the aforesaid Oath of Abjuration , unless such Person or Persons so Convicted , shall make it appear to the Iustices of Peace , before whom such Oath of Abjuration is to be taken , by the Testimony of two sufficient witnesses , at the least , upon Oath , which said Oath , the said Iustices have hereby power to Administer , That he or they have for six moneths before that time , ordinarily and frequently upon the Lords daies , repaired to some Church or Chappel , or to some Congregational and other Christian meeting , allowed by the publique Authority of these Nations , And there hath heard the Word of God preached and taught .

Provided nevertheless , And it is hereby Enacted , That if any Person or Persons that is or shall be convicted for Recusancy , after such Oath taken , as is hereby directed , shall afterwards fall into Relapse , or become a Popish Recusant again , or be suspected to become a Popish Recusant again , and be thereof Presented and Convicted as aforesaid , That then every such Person or Persons , shall lose all such Benefit , as He or She might otherwise , by virtue of this Act , have or enjoy by reason of His or Her taking the said Oath according to this present Act ; And shall thereupon stand in such Plight , Condition and Degree , to all intents and purposes whatsoever , as though such Oath had never been taken , untill He or She ( upon due Summons and Proceedings in that behalf to be had ) shall again take the said Oath in such manner as before by this present Act is Limited and Appointed .

And it is hereby further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid , That it shall not be Lawfull for any Subject of this Commonwealth , ( other then the House-hold-Servants that shall come over with any Ambassadour or Agent ) at any time to be present at Mass , at the House of any such Embassadour or Agent , or any other place whatsoever , upon pain and penalty of One hundred pounds and Imprisonment , by the space of six Moneths ; The one Moitie of the said forfeiture to be to the use of His Highness the Lord Protector and His Successors , and the other Moitie to the Informer ; to be recovered by Action Bill , Plaint , Suit or Information in any Court of Record , in which no Essoign , Protection , or Wager of Law shall be allowed .