February 1654: An Ordinance of Explanation touching Treasons.

February, 1654

[17 February, 1653/4.]

Act of 19 Jan., 1653, recited.; Explanation of doubtful clause therein.

Whereas by an Ordinance Entituled, An Ordinance Declaring that the Offences therein mentioned, and no other, shall be adjudged High Treason within the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, it is, amongst other things, Ordained and Established, That no Matter, Fact, Crime or Offence whatsoever, other then such as are therein mentioned and expressed, should be deemed, taken, or adjudged to be High Treason; And whereas some doubts and question may arise, whether that Clause in the said Ordinance doth not extend to the Offences mentioned in the Instrument, Entituled The Government of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and the Dominions thereto belonging, and which are thereby Declared to be High Treason; for clearing thereof and removing all scruples thereupon, His Highness the Lord Protector, by and with the advice of his Councill, Doth Declare and Ordain, That neither the said Ordinance, nor any Clause or thing therein contained, shall extend or be construed, adjudged or taken to extend unto all or any the Offences declared by the said Instrument to be High Treason, but that all and every the said Offences are hereby adjudged, and shall be adjudged, taken and deemed to be High Treason, and that all and every the Offendor and Offendors shall suffer the pains and penalties of High Treason, the said Ordinance, or any thing therein contained to the contrary, in any wise notwithstanding.