WHereas the Publique meetings and As­semblies of People together in divers parts of this Na­tion, under pretence of Matches for Cock-fighting, are by experience found to tend many times to the disturbance of the publique Peace, and are commonly accompanied with Gaming, Drinking, Swearing, Quarrelling, and o­ther dissolute practices, to the dishonour of God, and do often produce the ruine of Per­sons [Page 194] and their Families. For prevention thereof, Be it Ordained by his Highness the Lord Protector, by and with the advice and consent of his Council, That from hence­forth there shall be no publique or set meetings or Assemblies of any persons within England or Wales, upon Matches made for Cock-fighting; And that every such meeting, and assembly of people for the end and purpo­ses aforesaid, is hereby declared to be an un­lawful Assembly, and shall be so adjudged, deemed, and taken to be, and punished; And all Sheriffs, Iustices of the Peace, Maiors, Bayliffs, Constables, and Head-boroughs, within their several Counties, Cities, Li­mits, and Iurisdictions, are hereby required to suppress, hinder, and disperse all such mee­tings and assemblies.