Page:The Life of George Washington, Volume 1.djvu/57

 INTRODUCTION. 27 code, it was, on the 20th November, issued chap.i. under the sign manual, and privy seal of Eng- 1606. land. By these regulations he invested the general superintendence of the colonies in a council in England, " composed of a few per- sons of consideration and salents." He ordered that the word and service of God should be preached, and used, according to the rites and doctrines of the church of England. Both the legislative and executive powers within the colonies, were vested in the president and councils. To their legislative power, however, was annexed a proviso, that their ordinances should not touch any man's life, or member ; should only continue in force, until made void by the king, or his council in England for Vir- ginia; and should be, in substance, consonant to the laws of England. He also enjoined them, to permit none to withdraw the people from their allegiance to himself and his successors; and to cause all persons so offending to be appre- hended, and imprisoned until reformation ; or t in cases highly offensive, to be sent to England to receive punishment. No person was to be permitted to remain in the colony, without taking the oath of obedience. Tumults, mutiny, and rebellion, murder and incest, were to be punished with death ; and for these offences the criminal was to be tried by a jury. Inferior crimes were to be punished in a summary way, at the discretion of the president and council. e 2