If he
succeeds in this difficult exculpation, and demonstrates his innocence
to the satisfaction of the court, he forfeits all his goods and
chattels, and all the profits of his lands incurred and received before
such acquittal; but he is freed from all other forfeitures, and from all
subsequent incapacities. There is also another method allowed by the law
in favor of persons under such unfortunate circumstances, as in the
former case for their innocence, in this upon account of their
expiation: if within six months after their return, with the punctilious
observation of many ceremonies, they conform to the Established Church,
and take all the oaths and subscriptions, the legislature, in
consideration of the incapable age in which they were sent abroad, of
the merit of their early conformity, and to encourage conversions, only
confiscates, as in the former case, the whole personal estate, and the
profits of the real; in all other respects, restoring and rehabilitating
the party.
* * * * *
So far as to property and education. There remain some other heads upon
which the acts have changed the course of the Common Law; and first,
with regard to the right of self-defence, which consists in the use of
arms.
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