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New-England Persecutors Laws against provoking Evils, as they call them.
2. Whereas there is manifest Pride openly appearing amongst us, in that long hair is worn by some men, either their own, or the hair of others made into Perriwigs▪ and by some Women wearing Borders of Hair, and their cut∣ting and curling, and laying out their Hair; which Pra∣ctise doth prevail and increase, especially among the Younger sort. This Court doth declare against this evil Practise, as Offensive to them and divers sober Christians amongst us, and therefore do hereby Enact and Advise all Persons to use moderation in this respect. And further, to impower all Grand Juries to present to the County Courts all such Persons, whether Male or Female, whom they shall judge to exceed in the Premises; and the County Courts are authorized to proceed against such Delinquents, either by Admonition, or Fine, or Correction, according to their good Discretion.
Obs. That through the long continuance of Disobedience▪ which is as Rebellion, and the sin of Witchcraft, being highly guilty▪ of Innocent Blood, these Persecutors had lost their Dominion over their own Families, who began to run into great Superfluity and E••travagancy of those things which were not comely, decent and of good Report, in which they did greatly increase, and now abound beyond all the Power of their Laws to restrain. Where••o••e they may now see, their ungodly wicked Wishes are come both upon themselves and Children; for the Curse of the Lord remaineth in the House of th••m that have either actually or by consent been found before the Lord guilty of shedding Innocent Blood, Prov. 3.33. Mal. ••.1, 12, 3.
From all evil Wishes, pray God delive•• me, And from all Wickedness me and mine keep free.