November 1642: Order Concerning Apprentices that list themselves for Soldiers.

November 1642

[1 November, 1642.]

Whereas, in Times of common Danger and Necessity, the Interest of private Persons ought to give Way to the Public; it is Ordained and Declared, by the Lords and Commons in Parliament, That such Apprentices as have been, or shall be, listed to serve as Soldiers for the Defence of the Religion and Liberty of the Kingdom, His Majesty's Royal Person, the Parliament, and the City of London, their Sureties and such as stand engaged for them shall be secured, against their Masters, their Executors, and Administrators, from all Loss and Inconvenience, by Forfeiture of Bonds, Covenants, Enfranchisements, or otherwise; and that, after this Public Service ended, the Masters of such Apprentices shall be commanded and required to receive them again into their Service, without imposing upon them any Punishment, Loss, or Prejudice, for their absence in the Defence of the Commonwealth: And the Lords and Commons do further Declare, That, if it shall appear that the Masters of such Apprentices have received any considerable Loss by the Absence of their Apprentices, they will take Care that reasonable Satisfaction shall be made unto them, out of the Public Stock of the Kingdom according to Justice and Indifferency.