=Whereas= Nathaniell Bacon ... in the month of June, 1676 ... did enter James Citty in a rebellious manner with a considerable number of armed men ... environing and beseigeing the governour and councell and burgesses ... threatening them with sudden death if they would not grant his unreasonable, unlawfull, rebellious and treasonable demands, and by his threats and ... violence did obteine to himselfe whatsoever he soe ... demanded; =And whereas= the kings most excellent majestie by his gratious proclamation ... hath long since declared all the proceedings of the said assembly to be voyd in law: _Bee it therefore enacted by this present grand assembly and the authority thereof, and it is hereby enacted_, that all acts, orders, and proceedings of the said grand assembly be repealed and made null and voyd. 110. Self-government in Massachusetts Decreased _a. Randolph's Report, 1676_ Hutchinson's _Collection of Original Papers_ (1769), 477 ff. Randolph had been sent to the colonies as a "commissioner" by the Lords of Trade. * * * * * _Second Enquiry._ What lawes and ordinances are now in force there derogatory or contrary to those of England, and what oath is prescribed by the government? The lawes and ordinances made in that colony are no longer observed than as they stand with their convenience. The magistrates not so strictly minding the letter of the law when their publick interest is concerned, in all cases more regarding the quality and affection of the persons to their government than the nature of their offence. They see no evill in a church member, and therefore it is very difficult to get any sentence or verdict against him, tho' in the smallest matters. No law is in force or esteeme there but such as are made by the generall court, and therefore it is accounted a breach of their privileges and a betraying of the liberties of their commonwealth to urge the observation of the lawes of England or his Majesties commands. _The lawes most derogatory and contradictory to those of England._ All persons of the age of 21 years, being excommunicate or condemned, have liberty to make wills and dispose of lands and estates. In capital cases, dismembering or banishment; where no law is made by the generall court, or in case of defect of a law in any particular case, the offender to be tryed by the word of God and judged by the generall court. Ministers are ordained by the people and no injunction to be put upon any church officer or member, in point of doctrine, worship or discipline, whether for substance or circumstance, besides the institution of the Lord.