FOrasmuch as in the times of this late Warre and publike Distractions, there have been many Injuries done to private persons, and other Offences com­mitted by divers persons bearing Armes in the service of the Parliament; the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled taking into their considerati­on, That it is expedient that the Injuries and Offences aforesaid be pardon­ed and put in Oblivion, rather then by pretence of prosecution against some few persons, a great number of such who have faithfully served the Parliament be brought into a continuall vexation for such Actions as the exigency of Warre hath necessitated them unto, doe therefore Ordaine, and be it Ordained by the said Lords and Commons, That all persons who have committed any Offences, Trespasses, Injuries, or other Misdemeanours whatsoever, during such time as they have been imployed in Arms by, or for the service of the Parliament, be, is, and are hereby dischar­ged and pardoned of the same, and of and from all Prosecution or Damages therefore, either at the Sute of the King or the party grieved; and may, in case he or they be questioned therefore, plead the generall Issue, and give this Ordinance in evidence, which shall be allowed to all intents and purposes, as if the same were pleaded in Barre: And in case any shall prosecute any Action or Sute contrary to the tenour of this Ordinance, against any person hereby discharged, after notice given that such person is hereby discharged, the Defendant or Defendants so prosecuted, shall recover his and their costs against such Prosecutor.

Provided also, that this Ordinance, nor any thing therein contained, shall extend to discharge any such person or persons as aforesaid, from making their true and just Accompts to any Committee or Committees of Parliament, appointed or to be appointed for that purpose, of what they have taken, received, or had for the service or benefit of the Parliament.