Parliament of England

“ WHEREAS many Persons have and do daily become Bankrupt, not so much by reason of Losses and Unavoidable Misfortunes, as to the intent to Defraud and Hinder their Creditors of their just Debts and Duties to them Due and Owing ”

“ XVI. And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That this Act shall continue and be in force for the space of Three Years, and from thence to the End of the next Session of Parliament, and no longer.
XVII. And for the better Encouragement of such Persons as already are become Bankrupts, to make a true and just Discovery of their Estates, and to Deliver the fame up, for the Use and Benefit of their Creditors ”

“ And if any Person or Persons named, or to be made, as a Commissioner or Commissioners in any such Commission, shall Order any such Expence to be made, or Eat or Drink at any such Meeting at the Charge of the Creditors, or out of the Estate of such Bankrupt, every such Commissioner so offending, shall be Disabled for ever after to Act as a Commissioner in such, or any other Commission founded on the Statutes made against Bankrupts. ”