PROCEEDINGS FOR COMPOUNDING. 1 33 



So little has been put on record, and that little generally 

 characterised by inaccuracy, with regard to the principle of 

 sequestration, by even our standard historians, that no excuse is 

 necessary for quoting, as a preliminary to the re-production of 

 these papers, the Order of Parliament that first provided for this 

 punishment of delinquents. The Ordinance is too long and 

 wordy to quote in exletiso, but the preamble is given in full, with 

 an abstract of tlie remaimler. 



I. Aprill. 1643. 



An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament for 

 sequestring notorious Delinquents Estates. 



The Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, taking into their 

 serious considerations the heavy pressures and calamities which now lye 

 upon this Kingdom by this unnaturall warre raised against the Parliament ; 

 and that notwithstanding all tlieir faithfull and uncessant Endeavours, for 

 the preserving of His Majesty, and the whole Kingdome from the mischie- 

 vous and restlesse designes of Papists and ill aflfected persons (whose aym 

 is the extirpation of our Religion, Laws, and Liberties) yet their 

 councells and practises are still so prevalent with His Majesty, and the 

 hearts of many people so misled and beguiled by their false pretences and 

 insinuations, that nothing can be expected, but ruine and desolation, unlesse 

 God in mercy prevent it, and incline His Majesties heart to the faithfull 

 advice of His great Councell of Parliament ; which hath ever been, and is 

 (under God) the cheif support of His Royall Dignity, and the security of 

 all that we have or can enjoy. And for that it is most agreeable to 

 common Justice that the estates of such notorius Delinquents, as have 

 been the causers or Instruments of the publike calamities which have been 

 hitherto employed to the fomenting and nourishing of these miserable 

 Distractions, should be converted and applyed towards the supportation of 

 the great charges of the Common-wealth, and for the easing of the good 

 Subjects therein, who have hitherto borne the greatest share in these 

 Burthens. 



Be it therefore Ordained by the said Lords and Commons, That the 

 estates real and personal of, the Archbishops of Canterbury and of York, 

 the Bishops of Durham, Coventry and Lichfield, Norwich, Asaph, 

 Oxford, Bath and Wells, Hereford, Ely, Gloucester, Peterborough, LandaflT, 

 Worcester, And of such Bishops, Deans, etc, and of all other persons 

 Ecclesiasticall or Temporall as have or shall raise arms, against the 

 Parliament, or have or shall voluntarily contribute any Money, Horse, 



