by the lords and others his majesties commissioners an order for the observance and execution of the statute made for the reliefe and ordering of persons infected with the plague. england and wales. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing e ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing e estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : or : ) by the lords and others his majesties commissioners an order for the observance and execution of the statute made for the reliefe and ordering of persons infected with the plague. england and wales. broadside. by leonard lichfield ..., printed at oxford : . this item appears at reel : as wing e (number cancelled), and at reel : as wing e . reproduction of original in the bodleian library. eng plague -- history -- england -- th century. public welfare -- law and legislation -- england -- early works to . great britain -- history -- charles i, - . great britain -- politics and government -- - . a r (wing e ). civilwar no by the lords and others his majesties commissioners an order for the observance and execution of the statute made for the reliefe and orderi england and wales a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - jonathan blaney sampled and proofread - jonathan blaney text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion by the lords and others his majesties commissioners . an order for the observance and execution of the statute made for the reliefe and ordering of persons infected with the plague . whereas by an act of parliament in the first yeare of the raigne of our late soveraigne lord king iames , severall good and necessary provisions were made and ordayned , touching those that be or shall be infected with the plague : by which act power is given to iustices of peace of counties , majors , bayliffes , head officers , or iustices of peace in cities , boroughs , townes corporate , and places priviledged , and to the vice-chancellour of either of the universities , and to the bishop and deane of every cathedrall church respectively , within their severall and respective precincts and iurisdictions , to taxe and assesse all inhabitants , and all houses of habitation , lands , tenements , and hereditaments , at such reasonable taxes and payments as they shall think fit for the reasonable reliefe of persons infected , & to levye the same of the goods of such as shall refuse or neglect to pay , and in default thereof , to commit them to the goale without bayle or mainprize untill payment ; and also to appoynt searchers , watchmen , examiners , keepers , and buriers , for the persons and places infected , and to minister oathes unto them for the performing of their offices , and to give them other directions as shall seem good unto them in their discretions for the present necessity . and it is thereby farther provided and enacted , that if any person , or persons infected , or being or dwelling in any houses infected , shall be commanded or appoynted to keep his or their house , for avoiding of farther infection , and shall notwithstanding wilfully and contemptuously disobey such direction and appoyntment , offering or attempting to break or goe abroad , and to resist such keepers or watchmen as shall be appoynted to see them kept in : that then it shall be lawfull for such watch-men with violence to inforce them to keep their houses : and if any hurt come thereby , that the keepers , watch-men , and their assistants shall not be impeached therefore . and farther that if any infected persons being commanded to keep house , shall notwithstanding wilfully and contemptuously goe abroad , and converse with company , having any infectious sore about him uncured , such person shall be taken and adjudged as a felon , and suffer death as in case of felony : but if they shall have no sore found about them , neverthelesse for such offence they shall be punished as vagabonds in all respects , and also be bound to his or their good behaviour for one whole yeare , as by the said act may more fully appeare . the lords and others intrusted and authorized by his majesty , by his commission under his great seale of england , for , and concerning , the safety , preservation , and well ordering of this university and city of oxford , and the county of oxford , and other counties and places adjoyning , in his majesties absence , taking into their consideration , that the due observance and execution of the said law , may ( by gods blessing ) be a good means to prevent the farther spreading of this present infection , and that the neglect of the observance of the same law , hath been , and may be , in probability , an occasion of the increase thereof , doe therefore hereby in his majesties name , by vertue of his majesties said commission , straightly charge and require , the vice-chancellor of this university , and the major , justices of peace , bayliffes , and other officers of this city of oxford , and the justices of peace of the county of oxford , and all others whom it may concerne , that with all possible care and diligence , they cause the said law to be duely and effectually put in execution , as well for the help and reliefe , as for the governing and keeping in of infected persons , as they will answer their neglect and remisnesse therein at their perills . and they doe likewise in his majesties name , straitly charge and command all persons whatsoever , as well souldiers as others , upon whom it hath pleased , or shall please god to lay this his visitation , that they submit and yeeld obedience to the said law . letting them know that a strict and severe proceeding shall be had , for punishing of all such as shall wilfully or contemptuously offend against the same to the endangering of others : and that a very strict accompt will be required of all who are or shall be any way concerned in this just and necessary command , tending so much to the health and preservation of this university and city , and all that are resident therein or resort thereunto . dated at oxford this first day of august in the year of our lord god . and in the twentieth year of the raigne of our soveraign lord king charles . yorke . ed. littleton c. s. cottington . hertford . dorset . hen. dover . chichester . chr. hatton . ed. nicholas . ed. hide . io. bankes . arth. ashton . printed at oxford by leonard lichfield printer to the university . . a further discoverie of the office of publick addresse for accommodations hartlib, samuel, d. . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing h ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing h estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a further discoverie of the office of publick addresse for accommodations hartlib, samuel, d. . [ ], , [ ] p. [s.n.], london : . ascribed to samuel hartlib. cf. bm. errata: p. . reproduction of original in bodleian library. eng public welfare -- england -- london. poor -- england -- london. a r (wing h ). civilwar no a further discoverie of the office of pvblick addresse for accommodations. hartlib, samuel c the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the c category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - taryn hakala sampled and proofread - taryn hakala text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a further discoverie of the office of pvblick addresse for accommodations . printer's or publisher's device london , printed in the yeer , . l. montagne's essayes the fourth book the xxiv chapter , of a defect in our policies . my whilesome father who had no help but from experience and his own nature , yet of an unspotted judgment hath heretofore told me , that he much desired to bring in this custome , which is , that in all cities there should be a certain appointed place , to which whosoever should have need of any thing might come , and cause his busines to be registred by some officer appointed for that purpose . as for example , if one have pearls to sel , he should say , i seek to sell some pearls ; another i seek to buy some pearls : such a man would fain have company to travell to paris : such a one enquireth for a servant of this or that quality : such a one seeketh for a master , another a workman , some this some that every one as he needed . and it seemeth that this means of enterwarning one another : would bring no small commodity unto common commerce and society . for there are ever conditions that enter-seek one another , and because they understand not one another , they leave men in great necessity . i understand to the infamous reproach of our age , that even in out sight two most excellent men in knowledge have miserably perished for want of food and other necessaries , lilius gregorius giraldus in italy , and sebastianus castalio in germany . and i verily believe there are many thousands , who had they known or understood their wants , would either have sent for them , and with large stipends have entertained them , or would have conveighed them succour where ever they had been . the world is not so generally corrupted , but i know some that would earnestly wish , and with hearty affections desire the goods which their fore-fathers have left them , might so long as it shall please god they may enjoy them , be employed for the relief of rare , and supply of excellent mens necessities , and such as for any kind of worth and vertue are remarkable , many of which are daily seen to be pursued by poverty even to the utmost extremity , and that would take such order for them as had they not their ease and content it might only be imputed to their want of reason , or lack of discretion . a further discoverie of the office of publick addresse for accommodations . before we fell into these last fears and troubles , a brief discourse was presented unto the high and honourable houses of parliament ; concerning the means to accomplish the work of our reformation : tending to shew that by an office of publick addresse in spirituall and temporall concernments , the glory of god , and the happinesse of this nation may be highly advanced . this discourse hath fully approved it self unto the judgement of all those that have seen it hitherto , and hopefully it would have wrought some effect upon those that mannage the affairs of this state , if the danger of this last commotion , had not employed all their strength and attention , to save us from sudden shipwrack . nor is the sea yet quieted after so great a storme : but the fears and expectations of what will follow do keep the minds of most men in suspense , till they see a safe harbour , that is , what the way of our future settlement will be . and truly this consideration might also suspend our thoughts and solicitations in this matter ; if we would look onely to the outward appearance of affairs , and make our selves as many do by their conjectures fearfull . for he that observeth the winde shall not sowe ; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap : but we have learned to cast our bread upon the waters , in hope that we may finde it after many dayes : and we are willing to give a portion unto seven , and also to eight , because we know not what evill shall be upon the earth . so then , even that which maketh others lesse carefull of the publick , doth increase our care for it . for most men will not intend any publick ayme till they can secure their own interests , and see a way to get advantage by that which they call the publick : but we shall never ayme at this ; our delight shall be , that all may be advantaged , and the publick interest of the common-wealth setled , although it should be to our cost and disadvantage : for we know the promise , that if we faint not , and become not wearie in well-doing , we shall reap in due time the fruit of righteousnesse . therefore upon the grounds laid in the former discourse , we shall endeavour now to proceed to offer some particulars ; which perhaps will take more with those men , then that which we ayme at principally . for our ayme is mainly to lay the grounds of that reformation in this change of our affairs , which may reach the spirits of men to affect them with a gospel-frame : but if we therein cannot come neer them immediately ; yet we shall endeavour to come as neer as we may by the things whereof they are capable ; because we are resolved rather to venture the loosing of our labour , then to sit still ; and not give our selves this satisfaction that we have discharged a good conscience in performing our dutie . we shall declare then with that simplicitie , which becometh a good conscience in the presence of god , that our desire is to serve all men freely in the publick interest so farre as god doth inable us ; and that by this designe we aime at a speciall advantage to the gospel of christ rather then at any thing else ; and if we can but awake those , that are in places of power and authoritie ; to take notice of the means , whereby all mens talents may become usefull to each other , in this common-wealth ; that for their own temporall ends , they would countenance , and promote the same ; we shall have our end at this time in this undertaking . therefore now we make our application as to all indifferently , that love the prosperity of sion , and the wellfare of this state ; so more particularly to those whom god hath appointed to be our leaders in every good work , and encouragers of those that apply themselves thereunto , that whether they lay the matter to heart or no , they may not be without a witnes before god and the world , that this is a duty belonging to their charge ; which without any charge , trouble or difficulty may be most easily brought to passe , by a few words in the way of order , to authorize the undertaking of such an office , for the unspeakable benefit of all , and without the least imaginable inconveniencie unto any . and that the thing it self , may manifest the truth of this , we shall come to a more particular discoverie of the office in the matters of temporall accommodation ; which unto the men of this world are sensible inducements towards all enterprises . let us then consider , what it is that maketh a common-wealth , and all those that are in it , happy , as to the life of nature . the chief end of common-wealths is society , the end of society is mutuall help , and the end and use of help is to enjoy from one another comforts , that is , every thing lawfully desirable or wanting to our contentation . wheresoever then , in a common-wealth such a constitution may be had ; whereby the members thereof may be inabled to enjoy from each other all the helps which nature doth afford unto them for their mutuall contentation , there the state and all those that are in it may be said to be as happie as this world can make them . for no man can be more happie in nature , then to have all his lawfull desires supplied so farre as they are attainable : but in this common-wealth such a constitution may be had , and that easily , which will do this : therefore this common-wealth and all the members thereof may be as happie as this world can make them ; if their rulers will either assist them , or at least suffer them to become so . now this constitution whereof we speak is nothing else , but the designation of a certain place , whereunto it shall be free for every one to make his addresse upon all occasions , aswell to offer unto others , as to receive from them , the commodities which are desirable , and the informations of things profitable to be taken notice of in a private or publick way . in this place an officer is to be appointed , who should have power to direct and order the work of the constitution . he should have certain men under him , so many as he should think fit to keep registers , and make extracts thereof , to give to such as should desire the same for their information . these registers should be of all things which either may be any way offred by one man to any or to all , and desired by another from any or from all ; or which otherwise may be of publick use , though not at all taken notice of by any to that end . and the e●d wherefore these registers are thus to be kept , is onely , that therein may be settled a center of encounters to give information to all of all usefull matters . for one of the great causes of our miserie in this present life is this , that we are not onely in the dark , not knowing what good things are exstant in private , or publickly attainable for vse : but we are in disorder and confusion , because when we know what things are attainable , yet we have no way contrived how to encounter readily and certainly with them our selves , when we have need of them , or when we have them , to impart them to such as want them . now to remedie both these evils , this office may be an instrument , by being made a common intelligencer for all , not onely of things actually offered or desired by some to be communicated , but also of things by himself and others observable , which may be an occasion to raise matter of communication for the information to all . the multitude of affaires in populous places doth naturally run into a confusion , except some orderly way be found out to settle times and places wherein those that are to attend them , may meet together for the transaction thereof . if there were no exchanges , nor set houres thereof , for merchants to meet and transact matters ; what a disorder and obstruction would there be in all trading ? and if a man that hath to do in the exchange with five or six men ; doth come to it when it is thronging full , and knoweth not the ordinarie walkes of those severall men ; nor any body that can tell him where their walkes are ; he may run up and down , here and there , and wearie himself out of breath , and not meet with any of them , except by great chance he light upon them at an instant : so it is with all other men in respect of all other conveniencies in great and populous cities or kingdomes ; they run up and down at random to seeke for their accomodations ; and when they have wearied themselves a long time in vain , they sit down oft times unsatisfied : but if there were but a place of common resort appointed , like unto the exchange , where they should be sure to receive information of all that which they would desire to know , they might without any losse of time come instantly to the enjoyment of their desires , so far as they are attainable . this place then is that , which we call the office of addresse . here sufficient registers should be kept of all desirable matters of humane accommodation , shewing where , with whom , and upon what conditions they may be had . and this would be as it were a national exchange for all desirable commodities , to know the readie way of encountring with them and transacting for them . this then is the proper end and vse of this office , to set every body in a way by some direction and addresse , how to come speedily to have his lawfull desires accomplished , of what kind soever they may be . this constitution will be a means mightily to increase all trade and commerce amongst merchants and all sort of people , but especially to relieve the necessities of the poore , for whose sake alone it doth deserve to be entertained , although there were none other conveniencie in it . but to shew that by the advantage of such an addresse , as is intended by this office to be set a foot , all trade will be mainly advanced : consider how for the want of it , occasions of trading and transacting of businesses are hindred between man and man , to their mutuall disadvantage , and the detriment of the common-wealth . as for example : i am desirous to let out a parcell of ground and an house upon it to be rented ; another is desirous to have some ground with an house upon it to farme , we for want of knowing each others desires do not meet to treat upon the businesse , and cannot find our accommodations perhaps in a yeer or two , to our content : here then the commerce which we might have with each other is stopt ; the publick notarie is not employed between us ; the counsellour , whose advice is to be used in drawing the leases , is not employed ; i want money which i might trade withall another way to my great profit and the publick benefit ; the farmes is idle , the house not inhabited , and out of repair ; the ground either not at all , or not so well cultivated , as otherwise it would be ; the inheritance doth go to decay ; lesse fruit is reaped of the ground ; lesse imployment for labouring men ; lesse works and manufactures of tradesmen and shop-keepers used , fewer customes and duties payed to the publick : and consequently in every respect both to my self and others to whom i am associated a disadvantage doth befall ; because i cannot encounter with the conveniencie whereof i stand in need ; nor the farmer with his accommodation : but if we could have met with each other , and transacted our businesse to our mutuall content , all these inconveniencies would have been prevented both to us and the publick : it is undeniably true , that the multitude of people doth beget affairs ; and the readie transaction of affairs in a state , is the onely means to make it flourish in the felicitie of the inhabitants ; and that nothing can advance such a readie transaction so much , as a common-center of intelligence for all such matters ; is quite out of doubt . as for the benefit of the poore , and the relief of their necessities ( which alone might move us to the prosecuting of this businesse ) there is nothing imaginable , that can be more beneficiall unto them . for consider , amongst all the causes of humane povertie ( which are many ) this maine one ; namely , that most men are poore for want of employment is , either because they cannot find masters to employ them ; or because their abilities and fitnesse to do service are not known to such as might employ them : or lastly , because there is perhaps little work sti●ring in the common-wealth for them . all these causes will be clearly remedied by this constitution ; for here not onely the master shall be able to encounter with a servant , or a servant with a master , fit for each other , when both have given up their names , and the tenour of their desires , with the places of their abode ; to the registe●s of the office : but by the collection and observation of all things profitable to be improved for the publick use ; much matter of employment , will be produced and found out , which now is not at all thought upon . when poore work-men or tradesmen come to a great city , such as london is , in hope of getting employment ; if they fail of their expectation , or meet not with the friends upon whom they did relye ; they betake themselves to begging ; or sometimes to farre worser courses ; which brings them to a miserable end : but in stead of their particular expectation and freind , they can betake themselves to one , that can give them addresse to the emploiment which in the common-wealth can be found for them ; they not onely may be preserved from beggerie and miserie , but become usefull unto their neighbour . h●herto we have spoken of the office , and the usefulnes thereof in respect of the end . now we shall come to the matters whereof registers should be kept in the office for information and addresse , to satisfie all mens desires . the desires of men are infinite in respect of the circumstances ; and therefore it is not to be expected , that a particular enumeration thereof should be made : we must reflect upon the principall heads whereunto all may be referred , that when particulars are offred they may be brought unto their proper places in the registers , where they may be found in due time for information and addresses of one towards another . there be two kindes of registers or inventaries of addresse ; some are of things which are perpetually the same , and alwaies existent in the society of mankind in generall , and in a distinct common-wealth , kingdome , province and city in particular , and others are not perpetuall but changeable registers containing all matters of daily occurrence between man and man to be imparted . the matters whereof the perpetuall and unchangeable registers should give information to such as may enquire after the same , are chiefly these . . for such as would know concerning any thing exstant in the world , what hath been said or written of it , the standing register should containe a catalogue of all catalogues of books ; whereunto the enquisitor may be referred to seek out whether or no be can find any thing written of the matter ; whereof he doth make enquirie in any of those catalogues , and the office should have one or more copies of each of those catalogues to which the register of catalogues should referre them to make their search . . for such as should make inquirie concerning this kingdome to know the scituation of any of the provinces , shires , counties , cities , towns , villages , castles , ports ; and such like places ; the office should have speeds description of this kingdome , and mercator , or others , to referre them thereunto . . for such as would desire to know , what publick officers , and employments , and what particular trades are of use in this state ; the office should shew a register thereof . . for such as would know what families and persons of eminent note and qualitie are in the kingdom for birth , or for place and emploiment , or for abilities and singular personall vertues , the office should shew who they are , and what their property is , and where to be met withall . . for such as desire to know the standing commodities of the kingdom ; what they are in the whole , and what peculiar to every place ? how they are transported from place to place ? where and when the markets thereof are kept ? and how to get intelligence of the particular prices thereof ? the office should have registers for information of all this . . for such as desire to know what commodities are imported from forraine parts constantly into this kingdom ? where and at what times to be found ? with information concerning the prices thereof ; the office should be able to give notice hereof . as for the matters of daily occurrence , which by reason of circumstances are changeably to be taken notice of , and differently to be proposed , as offered from one man to another , or desired by one from another , for mutuall accommodation ; the registers thereof must be divided into severall books , and the books into chapters , to whose heads all matters of that kind should be referred the titles of these books should be at least these foure . . one for the accommodation of the poore . . another for the accommodation of trade , commerce and bargains for profit . . a third for the accommodation of all actions which proceed from all relations of persons to each other in all estates and conditions of life . . a fourth for ingenuities and matters of delight unto the mind in all ve●●ues and rare objects . these foure registers may be distinguished and intituled from the properties of their subjects thus . the first should be called the register of necessities , or of charity : the second of usefulnes or of profit : the third of perfo●mance or of duties : and the fourth of delights or of honour . and to these heads all humane occurrences , wherein one man may be helpfull unto another may be referred , if not very directly , yet in some way , which will be without difficulty understood , and fit to avoid confusion in the matters of the registers . now we shall come to each of these books in particular , to shew the matters of accommodation contained therein , for publick and private service . i. the register for the poore . the heads of chapters unto which all matters of accommodation for the poore may be referred are these . . counsels and advices to be given concerning the means , whereby the poore may be relieved , by being set a work , and employed if they be strong , or in cases of sicknesse and want of employment , how to facilitate the provision of lodging , clothing , food , and entertainment for them : here with the particular expedients which shall be suggested , a note of the names of those that do suggest them shall be registred , and if they desire it , a certificate given unto them to attest what they have suggested . . the list of names of the poore , viz : the number of those that are entertained , and how they are provided for alreadie in severall places . . the names of such as have no provision made for them , shall be enrolled in the list of the poore to be entertained , when they come with a certificate of their condition to the commissioners for the poore , and have made their case known unto them : where a speciall respect is to be had to the poore that are shamefast , and want confidence to put forth themselves to be an object of publick or private charitie . . the list of names of benefactors to the poore , whether in publick or in private , that the poore who are enrolled may receive addresse , and go unto them for relief ( or employment , as the way of their charitie shall fall out ) to be bestowed by themselves , or those whom they shall appoint to distribute it ; for the office of addresse shall not meddle with the receits or distribution of any money in this kinde ; but onely with the names of the givers and receivers thereof , to notifie the one to the other . . the names of physicians , apothecaries , and chirurgeons , who shall offer themselves to visit the poore in their sicknesse , to bring them some remedies , or give them advice what to do in point of dyet , or otherwise for their health . . a list of experiments and easie remedies of diseases , which any shall be willing to impart for the good of the publick , and speedie relief of the diseased and poore , chiefly by the discoverie of the admirable effects of simples ; shall be enrolled with the names of those that impart the same unto the physicians , chirurgeons , and apothecaries , who shall offer themselves to give attendance upon the poore in their sicknesse . . because all persons , though otherwise never so rich in possessions , if they be under any grievous sicknesse or affliction , and can finde no re●ief for it , are to be counted poore , and are objects of charitie , if they will not be known by name , to be in such a case ; the factum or circumstantiall description of their case may be sent unto the office ; and a memoriall adjoyned of some place or bodie , who is to receive the answer of advice to be procured upon it ; and the officer of the office of addresse , shall have an advice to be given by the physicians , who shall offer themselves for the assistance of the poore , and it shall be written at the bottom of the factum , or the description of the case . . in case any would have in matters of difficultie in law-businesses , the impartiall advice of eminent counsellors upon the case which by word of mouth they themselves are unwilling to declare ; they may take the like course : or if they would know the judgement of their advocates and counsellours not formerly interessed in the matter , whether it doth agree , with that which hath been given to them , by those whom they have made use of ; they may without expressing of their own , or others names , make use of the addresse , which the office shall be able to give them in like manner . . and in case either for want of judgement or experience they know not how to set down their cases and factums circumstantially ; the office will be able to give them addresse to such as shall do it for them , with all secrecie and faithfulnesse . . in case there be any who by reason of poverty or other necessities and unavoid●ble hinderance , cannot pursue their rights and just interests in law ; the office will be able to addresse them unto some ; that shall undertake the pursuit of the busines for them by right ; or else make an amiable composition and transaction of the matter for their best advantage , with their adversary on their behalfe . . the list of poore schollars , who have made some beginning in learning , and with a little matter of assistance might be enabled to perfect their course , and become usefull in their way to the publick , shall be kept by it self ; that when the names of such as shall offer to be helpfull unto such shall be notified , they may be addressed unto them . . the list of strangers , who are going to their countrie and are objects of charity here ; as also of our own country men who being strangers in distresse elswhere , or captives under the turks , are objects of charity , and may by their friends here seek for help upon good certificates of their condition , and of the means of sending the relief which shall be procured unto them . . because the publick state and society of a common-wealth is oft times in a course of poverty , and want of many things , and is an object of great charity in severall respects , a list shall be kept of all the memorialls or offers , which may be made by any for the ease of inconveniencies befalling thereunto , or for the advantage and benefit , which may be procured thereunto in a publick way ; and the authors names and places of abode being known , they shal by the means of the offieer of addresse be directed to such as will be most able to promote the execution therof ; and if they be absent a great way from london , or from the place of supreame government , where all proposals of that kinde are to be considered , without putting themselves to the charges of a great journey at adventure , the matter may be prosecuted in their name by some in whose hands the officer of addresse may put it ; and a deserved recompence may be by him procured unto the author of the advice and proposall , out of the benefit , which thence may accrue unto the publick . ii the register of commerce and bargains . the heads of chapters whereunto matters of commerce may be referred in the way of trading , are distinguished into the kinds of commodities whereof bargaines are made , and into the cases and waies of making bargains about these commodities . the chapters of commodities . . the chiefest of all commodities , because it doth give a common valuation to all other things , is money ; the office then shall give information and addresse . . what the species and sorts of coyne extant here and elsewhere are in silver and gold ? what their weight and valuation is ? . what the course of exchange is amongst merchants for all places of trade , and how it doth change from time to time , towards holland , france , spaine , germanie , &c. ly , the most necessary of all commodities is food ; to this head the office doth referre for information and addresse all particulars of meat and drink . . of meats the list doth containe all vegetables serving for that use ; as wheat , barley , rye , oats , pease , beanes , rice , and all corne and graines , and pulse , and every thing of that kind , and all fruits and roots fit for food , to shew what the rates thereof are , and where they are to be had . . all living creatures in the earth , aire , and waters , beasts , fowls and fishes ; the office shall give the addresse to the place , where they are to be bought , and shew the ordinarie rates thereof in the severall parts of the kingdome . . of drinks , as wine , beere , ale , cider , perrie , mede , strong waters , and what else is of this kinde , the office will let you know where to have your choice , and at the best rates . . i●em , the list of the places and rates , at which men may dyet themselves , either wholly , or by meals , as an ordinarie . ly , next to food is physick , and all drugs and wares which are used as ingredients thereunto , as spices and herbes , and all apothecaries wares , whether simples or compounds , and all grossers commodities , serving either for food or physick , the office shall let you know , where , and at what rates they are to be had . fourthly , unto the preservation of life and health , doth belong also clothing of all sorts of cloth and stuffe ; silks , and woollen , linnen , and cotton of each kinde , the lists of ordinarie rates , and the place where they are to be found , is to be shewed . fifthly , houses in the citie or countrey to be let or sold , and lodging chambers furnished or unfurnished , with their rates are to be shewed also . sixthly , the commodities of lands and inheritances , and leases of farmes and mannours , which are to be bargained for in any kinde , are to be brought to their proper place for information to such as would enquire after them . seventhly , all manner of moveables and houshold-stuffe for the ease and convenience of life , are to be listed with the rates at which they are to be sold , for such as shall desire present accommodation . eightly , whole shops of goods or such commodities as are not to be found in sh●ps , as coaches , litters , carts , with all their furniture , ships , boats , woods , and such like , which the owners would not put to sale , should be found in their proper places for the information of buyers . ninthly , libraries , and book-sellars shops , according to their severall kinds : item shops of paper and parchment , and all wares of this kinde , with their rates , are to be found under this head . the chapters of the cases and wayes of making bargains . if any desire to let out money upon interest with security , or desire to receive it upon interest in giving security , the office shall be able to give addresse thereunto . if any will deposite moneys for annuities or estate in reversion , the office shall addresse to such as will receive it . if any will borrow or lend money upon any other conditions whatsoever as upon lands , houses , leases , rents , &c. the office shall give information and addresse thereunto . if travellers desire to change money from one species to another ; or to be furnished in all places where they shall come , the office shall be able to addresse them to their accommodation . if any desire to transport himself or his commodities by land or water , from one place to another ; the office shall shew him where horses , coaches , carts , wagons , boats , ships , and barks are to be had for all places , and what their hire is , or what the hundred weight , or the tun , and last doth come to for transportation . the rates of all customes , taxes , impositions , and duties to be paid for all commodities should be found in the office for information of such as desire to know the same . if any desire to know upon what terms prentices are to be admitted in all trades and manufactures , the office shall give them information . if any should be willing to transplant himself or others from these parts into any of the western or southern islands ; or desire any thing from thence to be brought hither , or carried from hence thither , the office should be able to shew him upon what tearms his desire may be accomplished . the proportion and disproportion of the severall weights and measures throughout the kingdom , the office should shew . the rates of insurances of all manner of commodities ; and the weekly course of negotiation to be made as the custome is at amsterdam for all commodities shall be known by the means of the office . if any desire an association for trading , or a factory , the office shall addresse him unto it . iii. the register of persons , and actions , in all offices and relations . if any should desire to know men out of employment , who would gladly be set a work in their faculty ; the office shall be able to make them known ; therefore unto this head of persons , the register shall referre in their proper places all such as shall offer themselves to be listed for any employment whatsoever , that when enquiry is made after them , they may be found out . here then a place must be . for ministers that want employment , for lecturers and professours of all sciences , for such as offer themselves to be tutors to children : all sorts of schoolmasters in all languages , and all schoolmistresses , all masters of bodily exercises , as fencing , vaulting , dancing , &c. physicians and chyrurgeons , and such as depend upon them to doe any service in that kind . secretaries , advocates , counsellors at law , clerks , copiers of writings , scriveners , solicitours of businesses , and all such as depend upon the courts of justice , as the chancery , common-pleas , the kings bench , &c. here also all such as are officers or servants in the families of the king , queen , prince or great noblemen to know where they are to be found , or such as may be fit to do noblemen service , as stewards , riders of the great horse , and all such as may doe service in the stables or the kitchin , comptrollers , clarks of the kitchin , cooks , butlers , confectioners , &c. waiting gentlemen ; grooms of the chambers , or of the stables , porters , gardiners , coachmen , faulconers , footmen . messengers for all places , who serve the publike as foot or horse-posts , to carry letters or other packets of small burden . here also such as are masters of any trades or manufactures , or journeymen and apprentises , that seek masters are to be registred to give them the addresse fit for their conveniency , when any is to be had . husbandmen and seamen , pilots , and all that belong to the employments by water . souldiers of all degrees ; drummers , trumpeters , pipers , &c. as for the female kinde , their memorials are to be brought into the office by some men whom they should employ to that effect ; and the office shall have some grave and pious matrons to be employed about the direction of all addresses in that nature ; to whom the cases of women ( as well as the inspection of the affaires of the poore , as the accommodation of others in their lawful desires and offers ) may be referred . matters of mariage , and all memorials for information in that kinde are to be brought to this head ; whether of children , to be disposed of , or of free persons who have power to dispose of themselves . if any be towards any journey and want company to travell withall and seek society , their memorials are to be registred under this head . and if any want instruction and intelligence of the distances of places , or of the wayes and of the conveniencies to be had in severall places , of coaches , horses , wagons , &c. the office shall be able to furnish them with their information of all this ; and how to be accommodated so far as the places do afford every kinde of conveniency . and by this means travellers also will be more secured in their ways and better provided for . suites in law to commence or end them without trouble , to which effect such addresse shall be shewed , as may ease those that cannot attend their suites themselves ( by reason of their distance from the places where the courts are kept ) by the means of faithfull agents and impartiall transactors . in case rents are to be received by any in places far distant from their residence ; the office shall be able by the correspondency which it shall keep in all places , to procure the payment thereof neerer at hand unto them ; or in the place of their residence it self without trouble . such as shall desire the common-intelligence of publike state-affairs , or occurrences of matters of more speciall concernment at home , or abroad , shall finde addresse how to come by it to their content . such as expect rewards for services done to the king or state , and know not where to pitch and what to desire , answerable to what is due unto them , a discovery of degrees may be found by the office to accommodate their just desires . in case sentences or obligations be to be executed , the office shall be able to shew in all places of the kingdome some body , that may be employed to that effect . persons expert to attend the sick : also the places where sick persons may be accommodated for all manner of diseases better then at their own homes , with baths , and places to sweat in , or for good aire and healthfull walks , &c. in case any matter is to be notified to a friend , whose abode is uncertain ; as the mariage of any to be contracted , or the birth and death of any , or the arrivall of any to the city , or the change of his own abode : or suppose a paper , or writt , or obligation be lost by any which another hath found ; which to him that hath lost it , is of great importance , and is not safe to be published by a cryer for feare of giving notice thereof to an adverse party , in all such cases the office should serve as a common-center of advertisement and intelligence . the houres and times of all carriers and messengers departures to all places ; and in case strangers should desire to addresse any thing by them , chiefly letters or small packet , a trunk or box should be in the office kept for every one of them , wherein it should be found at their return , to be carried with them . such as would quite any office or charge of benefit for some present profit , or other consideration may here finde addresse how to compasse their desires , by giving the memoriall thereof to the office , that it may be notified to all , that may incline to entertain any such motion . such as would inform the state of any thing to be taken notice of ; whether they will have their names taken notice of or not , they may be sure by the means of this office to have it made known over all the kingdome ; by the correspondency of one office to another in every principall city , for the designe is to have a commissary of addresse placed in every great and eminent city , who shall correspond with him of london , and with whom the london-officer shal correspond in all cases to receive and give notice of matters , and to addresse persons and things from one to another , and to commit the procurement of affairs to their trust and to such as they may employ able to effect the same in their severall quarters ; so that from any place in all the kingdom a businesse may be dispatched to any place or person by the procuration of the correspondent-officers of addresse in severall places . strangers who desire to visit a countrey , and have no acquaintance in any places may be addressed from one commissary of addresse unto another , throughout the whole kingdome , and in every place provided for at the easiest rates , and by the way directed unto the safest abodes and lodgings without hazard of being robbed or killed , when they shall not need to carry any summes of money about with them , but only certain bils or tickets from the officer of addresse to his correspondents , where he shall receive his accommodation according to his desire . by which means also they shall come to the acquaintance of all persons of note in all trades and employments , with whom they may have converse instantly without losse of time and needless expences . if any hath a house to build , and would know the best master-builders , and where all the materialls necessary thereunto are to be had , the office shall be able to give him information and addresse thereunto with the prices , &c. iv. the register of ingenuities , and matters commendable for wit , worth , and rarity . to the chapters of this register are to be referred the memorials of all things wherein men put some excellencie , whether it be setled in the soul , or body , or subordinate to the manifestation or purchase of that wherein men study to be beneficiall unto or to appear before others in any thing whatsoever . here then , if any hath a feat in any science which is extraordinary . either a new discovery of a truth , or an experiment in physick , mathematicks , or mechanicks ; or a method of delivering sciences or languages , not ordinarily known , and very profitable ; or some intricate question and difficulty which he would have resolved by the most experienced in any or all arts : in any such case , if the matter be notified to the office with the tenour of his desire concerning it ; by the meanes of the office , he shall be able to receive satisfaction therein so far as it is attainable . if any is desirous to know the wayes by which all degrees of honour are obteined or conferred in all states and conditions of men , with all the ceremonies and ritualities belonging thereunto , and the priviledges for which in all states they are sought after , the office should be able to give information thereof . if any would purchase rare books out of print or manuscripts of any kinde , or would impart that which he hath purchased unto others , freely or upon equitable terms , by the means of the office , it may be speedily notified unto all what his desire is , and what the things are , which he either hath to be imparted to others , or would have imparted by others to himselfe . the rarities of cabinets , as medalls , statues , pictures , coynes , grains , flowers , shels , roots , plants , and all things that come from far , which nature or art hath produced in imitation of nature : if any that hath desires to be rid of them , or to gather some of them together that hath none ; the office will be either way serviceable to compasse mens ends in them . mathematicall and astronomicall instruments , and new inventions to discover the secrets and hidden things of nature if they are to be notified to others the office will doe it . the anatomies of creatures , or the living or dead strange creatures , dogs , cats , apes , fowls of rare qualities , and such like , if they be offered to be seen or sold , by the office this may be notified . memorials of all things left by any for publike use , and for posterity ; with the places where , and the persons to whom they are left . rare goldsmiths-works , with all manner of jewels and precious rare stones , where to be found , seen , or purchased at equitable rates , or otherwise to be made use of for the satisfaction of curiosity , and observation of art , by the means of this office it may be known , &c. hitherto we have with as much brevity as could be ( for if we would have been large ; a volnme might have been filled with them ) ranked these heads of matters in some order , to shew , how by the means of an office ( wherein all things may be registred , which by any are either offered or desired for their accommodation ) the society of mankinde in a well-ordered common-wealth , may be made flourishing , and as happy in the life of nature , as the satisfaction of their lawfull desires can make them . for therein , as in one magazin or market-place , all things necessary , profitable , rare , and commendable , which are extant in severall places , and scattered here and there , are brought together ; and exposed to the view of every one that shall be willing to see them , that according to his reach and capacity they may be made serviceable unto him , and he thereby in his degree and station more usefull unto the publike a hundred fold then otherwise he can be without the help of such an addresse . for it is very apparent to any that will take it into consideration ; that besides the private satisfaction of any one in his particular desires , which may be had by this means , so far as it is attainable in an orderly way , the publike aymes also of those that are over the affairs of state , to reforme and direct them towards the good of all may be infinitely improved , if they know but how to make use of such an engine . he that can look upon the frame of a whole state , and see the constitution of all the parts thereof , and doth know what strength is in every part , or what the weaknesse thereof is , and whence it doth proceed ; and can , as in a perfect modell of a coelestiall globe , observe all the motions of the spheres thereof ; or as in a watch , see how all the wheels turn and worke one upon another for such and such an ends , he only can fundamentally know what may and ought to be designed ; or can be effected in that state for the increase of the glory , and the settlement of the felicity thereof with power according to righteousnesse . and it is very credible that the great states-man of our neighbour nation , who raised himselfe from the condition of an ordinary gentleman , to become the ruler of princes ; and who by the management of the strength of that state wherein he lived , hath broken the whole designe of the house of austria , in the affectation of the monarchy of europe , and did make himselfe , and the kingdom which he did rule , the onely considerable power of christendome , whilst he lived in it . ( we say ) it is very credible that this man was enabled from so mean beginnings , to bring so great designes to passe , chiefly by the dexterity of his prudencie in making use of this engine , which never before was set a work in any common-wealth , to reflect upon a whole state , till he did set it a foot to that effect . he that is not blinde may easily perceive this , that it was not possible that his intelligence could be so universall in all things as it was , and his designes so effectually carryed on in all places as they were , without an exact insight of all circumstances , and a speedy and secret correspondencie with all parts , and that to have such an insight in all things and maintain such a correspondencie with all parts , nothing is so fit as such a way of addresse , erected in all the chiefe cities of every province of a kingdom , is altogether undenyable : therefore it may be lawfully concluded that by this means chiefly he was enabled both to contrive and execute all his undertakings . hence also must be observed , that to have such an office in one place , is not enough , but that there should be one in every principall place of resort , where there is the greatest concurrence of men for mutuall society and negotiation in every province , that all the commodities or conveniencies which are offered or desired in any place , may be conveighed or made known unto all places unto which they are by any means communicable . now that such registers in those places and chiefly in london , may be kept for all these both private and publike advantages ; nothing is wanting , but the countenance of authority , that the matter may be regularly and orderly carried on , because it is not enough to intend a good work , but the way of carrying it on must be good also ; therefore the businesse is to be ordered by those that are in place of supream command , that as the motion doth ayme at the publike good of all by the benefit and profit of every one in particular : so all respect may be shewed towards those that are over the whole body , that nothing may seem to be attempted to their prejudice . as for that which remayneth to be certified further in this businesse , it is not much , only this may be added , that these registers must be again and again subdivided , and especially that some must be kept secret , and some exposed to the common view of all . in the secret registers the particularities of the memorials are to be kept ; specifying things circumstantially , by the names & places of abode of them , that doe offer or desire the same , with all the conditions upon which they are offered or desired . and in the open or common-register the same memoriall is to be kept under a generall intimation of the matter only ; with a reference unto the particular and secret register , that such as shall see the generall intimation , and shall desire the particular information thereof ; may be accommodated , therein by an extract thereof for their addresse where to finde their conveniency : and for this extract some small and very inconsiderable duty , as a peny or at the most two pence may be paid . as for those that are to bring memorialls unto the office some patterns or forms are to be made , and shewed unto them hung up in the office ; to teach such as are not acquainted with the way . how to draw up their memorandums , which they would bring in . those then that will make use of the office shall be directed to come , with an exact memoriall , of that whereof they desire either to give or receive advice , & upon what conditions . when therefore they shall come with their memoriall , if they be poor , it shall be registred , or an extract shall be given them out of the register-book for nothing ; but if they are not poor , the duty is to be paid for the registring , or for the extract , which may be taken out of a memorial , and when they have found the persons to whom the extract shall give them addresse , if the bargain whereof the memoriall doth give information be concluded ; or the effect of the memoriall be otherwise made void ; the register is to be discharged of it within foure and twenty houres , and for this discharge of the register nothing shall be paid : now the register should be discharged of the memorialls which are made void ; lest fruitlesse addresses be made to any concerning a matter already dispatched ; and lest those that have received the satisfaction , which they desired by their memorialls be troubled with new visitors which the office may send unto them , if this be not done . lastly , by all that hath been said , this is very evident , that this way of addresse will be the most usefull and advantageous constitution , for the supply of all mens wants , and the dispatch of all businesses , that can be thought upon in this or any other common-wealth . and that this way may easily be set afoot , is apparent from this , that to settle it nothing is wanting , but the designment of a place , in which the office should be kept , and an act of authority to be given to the solicitour of publike designes , whereby hee should be ordered to prosecnte this matter . this act then might run in such terms as these , or the like . seeing the provision for the poore to supply their necessities , and give them and others addresse unto some employments , is not only a work of christian charity , but of great usefulnesse to a wel-ordered common-wealth : it is therefore ordered and ordained by both houses of parliament , that n. n. shall be a superintendent generall for the good of the poore of this kingdom ; to finde out and propose the wayes of their relief , ahd give to them and all others , such addresses , as shall be most expedient to supply their wants , and to procure to every one their satisfaction in the accommodation of all their commendable or lawfull desires , to which effect the said n. n. is authorized hereby to appoint , first in london , and then in all other places , of this kingdom , wheresoever he shall think it expedient , an office of encounter or addresse in such place or places , as by authority shall be designed to that use . in which places he shall have power to put under-officers , &c. who shall according to his direction be bound to keep books and registers , wherein it shall be free for every one to cause to be written and registred , by severall and distinct chapters , every thing whereof addresse may be given , concerning the said necessities and accommodations , and likewise it shall be free for every one to come to the said offices , to receive addresses by extracts out of the registers ▪ upon condition that the rich shall pay for such an extract or the registring of a memoriall but two pence ; or three pence at the most , and that the poore shall have this done on their behalf for nothing , nor shall any be bound or obliged to make use of this office by giving or taking out memorials further , then of their own accord they shall be willing . finis . errata . pag. . line . those r. most ( p. . l. . to all r. of all , l. . after the words light upon them r. but if he doth know their constant walks and houres , when they come upon the exchange , he may be able to meet with them . p. . l. . r. cannot ) p. . l. . after the words of employment r. and the cause why they want employment , p. . l. . r. but if l. . that , p. . l. . which shall be contained , p. . l. . r. shall cause l. . r. of other , p. . l. . r. here l. . r. in a case , p. . l. . r. as at an , l. . the list . l. . the places , p. . l. . would put , p. . l. . as well the , p. . l. , . r. designes l. . r. to be celebrated p. . l. . r. fully . an advertisement , to the favourable reader . in the foregoing discourse we have discovered the things , which concern the addresses for outward accommodation , which is but a momentary part of humane felicity . the main and principall thing whereat in this office we do aime at , and which we intend , if god enable us to prosecute ; is , the work of communication for all spirituall and intellectuall advantages , towards the advancement of pietie , vertue , and learning in all things divine and humane , as they are subordinate unto the glory of god ; for whose sake alone we cast our selves upon these endeavours , and from whom we shal expect our encouragements . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a e- ecel. . . ● , . england's weal & prosperity proposed: or, reasons for erecting publick vvork-houses in every county, for the speedy promoting of industry and the woollen manufactory, shewing how the wealth of the nation may be encreased, many hundred thousand pounds per annum. and also that many thousand persons may be so reformed, to their own and the whole kingdoms present and future wealth and glory, that there may no more be a begger bred up in the nation. humbly offered to the consideration of the great wisdom of the nation, and presented to the honourable house of commons. by r. haines. to which is added a model of government for such works houses prepared by the same author, and printed in the year ( ) intended to have been presented to the last parliament. pursuant to a breviate of proposals for the promoting of industry, and speedy restoring the woollen manufactory, by him formerly published. haines, richard, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing h a estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : a) england's weal & prosperity proposed: or, reasons for erecting publick vvork-houses in every county, for the speedy promoting of industry and the woollen manufactory, shewing how the wealth of the nation may be encreased, many hundred thousand pounds per annum. and also that many thousand persons may be so reformed, to their own and the whole kingdoms present and future wealth and glory, that there may no more be a begger bred up in the nation. humbly offered to the consideration of the great wisdom of the nation, and presented to the honourable house of commons. by r. haines. to which is added a model of government for such works houses prepared by the same author, and printed in the year ( ) intended to have been presented to the last parliament. pursuant to a breviate of proposals for the promoting of industry, and speedy restoring the woollen manufactory, by him formerly published. haines, richard, - . p. s.n., [london : ] includes wing (cd-rom, ) h a, a method for government for such publick almshouses ... [london, langley curtis, ]. imprint from wing. imperfect: entire tract cropped at foot, with loss of imprint and considerable text. reproduction of original in the university of illinois (urbana-champaign campus). library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng almshouses -- england -- early works to . wool industry -- england -- early works to . public welfare -- england -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - elspeth healey sampled and proofread - elspeth healey text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion england's weal & prosperity proposed : or , reasons for erecting publick vvork-houses in every covnty , for the speedy promoting of industry and the woollen manufactory , shewing how the wealth of the nation may be encreased , many hundred thousand pounds per annum . and also that many thousand persons may be so reformed , to their own and the whole kingdoms present and future wealth and glory , that there may no more be a begger bred up in the nation . humbly offered to the consideration of the great wisdom of the nation , and presented to the honourable house of commons . by r. haines . to which is added a model of government for such works houses prepared by the same author , and printed in the year ( ) intended to have been presented to the last parliament . pursuant to a breviate of proposals for the promoting of industry , and speedy restoring the woollen manufactory , by him formerly published . 〈…〉 to the right honourable sir patience ward , knt. lord mayor of london . my lord , though the ensuing reasons , by the nature of the thing , are addressed to the honourable house of commons , whereof you are so valuable a member ; it being that great council , whose vnited votes can alone promote with effect , what is herein humbly offered . yet , my lord , by reason this work is of very great import , and ( as in all such cases ) requires the more time to demonstrate the value , vsefulness , necessity and feaseableness thereof , or otherwise is apt to be neglected or thrown by ; therefore i have taken the boldness to dedicate the same in particular to your honour , as a most proper advocate and patron , humbly intreating , that as you are a known publick spirited promoter and encourager of all things tending to the weal , safety and prosperity of the king and kingdom , so your honour would be pleased to recommend these reasons and the matter proposed , to that honourable house , and to improve your interest to have the same read before them , if after your perusal , your honour shall find them worthy of such your countenance and approbation ; wherein i hope you will do your king , city and country no inconsiderable service , as well as a very great honour to , my lord , your lordship 's most humble servant , richard haines , england's weal and prosperity proposed : or , reasons for the erecting publick work-houses in every county , &c. forasmuch as our wool is the main support of that trade which maintains and encreases the wealth , strength and glory of the english nation ; therefore , of all commodities of our own growth , this ought to be most carefully maintained and encouraged in that way it is thvs serviceable , which consists not in the exportation of unwrought wooll , nor in the consumption of our woollen-draperies at home ; but in the exportations of , and quick markets for our woollen-draperies abroad , as fast as they can be made and spared at home ; that this may be done , and that for the doing thereof , publick work-houses to be erected in every county , will be a most certain and effectual expedient . these following reasons are prepared for the satisfaction of all concern'd therein . reason i. because such work-houses ( are no new project , but ) have already in fact proved the best expedients to bring all . idle , poor people , beggars , vagrants , &c. into such a habit of industry , that there is not a beggar , &c. bred up , or suffered in those countries where such houses are erected and well-governed . reason ii. because , without such houses , in which such poor , and now idle people may be kept to labour under good government , it is altogether improbable to convert them to such habit of industry , and keep them employed in such profitable manufactures , by which the trade , wealth and safety of the kingdom may be promoted . reason iii. because , as by these expedients , there may not be any beggars in the nation , so shall not they , or any poor people have occasion to complain for want of an honest employment , food , raiment , or habitation . reason iv. because , by these expedients , an hundred or two hundred thousand people may be suddainly converted , to their own , and the nations present and future happiness ; and as it hath been the fatal practice of this nation , to breed up or persons every year to be maintain'd for begging , &c. so by these expedients , they may breed up every year successively or ingenious cloth-makers , who may convert wool enough to make as much cloth as may encrease the wealth of the nation many hundred thousand pounds per annum . reason v. because for want of such expedients , whereby industry , and the woollen manufactory may be effectually promoted , our wooll is fallen from d. to d. per pound , by reason that the number of the people at present employed therein , are not able to convert our wooll half so fast as it grows ; so that it seems very unreasonable to prohibit the exportation of unwrought wooll , whilst the expedients by which it may be converted at home are rejected . reason vi. because , that as our clothiers and merchants do infallibly demonstrate , that the exportation of unwrought wooll , hath destroyed our forreign markets for the sale of our cloth ; so it is as easie to be demonstrated , that had not such quantities of english and irish wooll been exported , as at present there is in abundance , it would have fallen from d. to d. per pound ; because as the stock of wooll increases , the price must decrease . so that there is no way to raise the price of wooll , nor yet to keep it up where it is , but either the nation will be brought to extreme poverty , or made to encrease mightily in wealth and power , viz. either we must export our wooll , asdaily ( especially within these last nine months ) we do to those that destroy our trade thereby , or bring all idle , poor people to industry , to convert it at home as fast as it grows ; by which means only , our wooll will soon mount to d. yea , d. per pound , which will also quickly remove the occasion for the exportation thereof . this being done , the woollen manufactures of france , flanders , &c. will soon be destroyed to that degree , as not to hinder the sale of ours , seeing they cannot make cloth without a mixture of our wool , but on very unequal terms ( as our clothiers have affirmed before a committee of the last long parliament . ) wherefore as the ready way to destroy the wealth and trade of our nation , is to export our wooll , and maintain our many thousands of poor in idleness and debauchery : so the most certain expedient by which we may revive and regain the woollen manufactory , is to prosecute these expedients that will bring all the people aforesaid to industry . by which we may raise the price of wooll at home , and afford our cloth and draperies cheaper than our supplanters , in markets abroad ; which is not to be done , but by the expedients proposed . obj. if it be objected , that if our wool should be raised to d. &c. per pound , then other nations will under-sell us with cloth they make of french and spanish wooll . answ . to this i answer , this cannot be , because the spanish wooll is so short and fine , and the french so short and course , that they will neither work together , nor yet apart , without a mixture of ours , but upon very unequal terms . the truth of this is well known and affirmed by persons of good judgment and experience . reason vii . that without these expedients for promoting industry , all the laws and statutes now in being , can never raise the price of our wooll , nor keep it up at the price it now yields , nor yet have it converted at home , because all the wooll of england and ireland is ( as it were ) monopoliz'd into the hands of the clothiers by act of parliament , notwithstanding they cannot by their present course of trade convert it half so fast as it grows , which being so , they may keep down the price at their pleasure , ( they having power to hang , &c. those that export it from them , if they could catch them ) which intollerable grievance by the expedients proposed , would most happily be removed , to the great satisfaction of all that wish well to the interest of england . reason viii . because , by these expedients , many hundreds of well-skill'd , but poor decayed clothiers , who have little or no stock of their own , may promote this manufactory in every county , where every one of them may as easily employ people in work , in such a publick honse , as he could ten elsewhere . reason ix . because in such houses a multitude may be instructed in art and skill in short time without difficulty or charge : for beginning upon the very coursest : wooll there can be no loss , but rather advantage , because , as the coursest cloth is as ready money as the finest , so the greater quantity is made , the greater will be the consumption of our wooll . but if it be doubted , that by reason of our double encrease of clothing , there will be want of market for our cloth. my answer in short , is , that if all the wooll in europe were converted in england , there would no more cloth be made than what was before : for what wooll is not converted here , is converted elsewhere ; therefore the trade for our draperies will be as good as ever , and much better , seing by the expedients and methods proposed , we may make and sell our cloth cheaper than our supplanters . that we may under-sell them is plain , because we have greater advantages than any of them ; we having fullar's earth , they have none : our wooll is the kindest in the world to be converted without mixture of other ; but they cannot convert theirs without some mixture of ours , unless upon costly and unequal terms , for the reason before-mentioned . therefore as by the expedients proposed , we may double our o●●●●●● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 we may under-sell them , and encrease and double our markets proportionably . as for the charge , 't is no more , than as if every parish were obliged to that which law and reason already requires , viz. to provide habitations and employments for their chargeable poor ; only with this difference , that in these houses , far greater numbers will be employed , and to far greater advantage when under such government as will teach them skill and art , administring councel , encouragement and correction . so that twice the work will be done , and less time spent idly , than where they are apart . reason x. because without these expedients , the wealth and strength of the nation will unavoidably be invaded and destroyed at the pleasure of those that are our supplanters , because the woollen manufactory is the grand support of our trade of merchandize : for 't is affirmed by some of very good knowledge and judgment , that if all the manufactures of england that are exported , were divided into thirteen parts , the woollen manufactures would make ten of the thirteen . so that if the expedients which may promote and uphold the woollen manufactory be rejected , and our supplanters increase in trade , as of late years they very much have done , then of necessity , our flourishing trade of merchandize , which alone encreased our wealth and treasure must be destroyed , together with our seamen and navies of ships , to the hazard and ruine of the nation . but were it so , that we were upon equal terms with the dutch in respect of industry , it is easie to be demonstrated , that england would excell all nations in the world in that trade , which is the only mother and nurse to bring forth , and encrease riches , seamen , and navies of ships , &c. as appears , if we consider , that the united netherlands , notwithstanding their provisions for bread , beer , flesh , clothing , timber , iron , materials for manufactures , &c. together with their vast expence to maintain their land against the 〈◊〉 all which costs them ( as 't is adiudged ) at least ten times more than the natural product of their land is worth ; yet we know , that for trade , fulness of people , moneys , treasure , seamen and shipping , they are more famous than any nation in europe . but now put case their industry were as little as ours , and that they also were to breed up and maintain their poor for begging , &c. as we do in england , might we not then infallibly conclude , that within one age , nay in twenty years they would be the poorest , miserable , and most despicable people in all the world . wherefore we having all sorts of provisions for food and rayment , as it were for nothing , several hundred thousand of people to be employed , and materials enough of our own likewise for nothing , to make the richest manufactures . our industry , were it but proportionable to that of the dutch , must needs encrease our wealth three times more and faster than theirs . so that most plain it is , that industry , not money , is the life of that trade which encreaseth both money , treasure , seamen , and shipping . furthermore , as these houses are the mother of industry , so 't is most certain , that for want of the same expedients , in every l. worth of wooll exported unwrought , there is l. losses to the nation , our wooll being at d. or d. per pound , as now it is ; of which , if any be not satisfied , they may thus demonstrate it to themselves : a yard of fine broad-cloth of s. or s. price will not exceed a pound in weight and the like for fine worsted stockins of s. price will not weigh six ounces . so that put case two pounds of wooll should be allowed for one pound , yet still every shilling in wooll will amount to more than s. in cloth and stockins , which is what was to be demonstrated . thus all this which might so have been got by workmanship , &c. being ten times the value of the wooll is clearly lost to the nation , whilest those that might do it are maintain'd for begging , &c. reason xi . because , as by these expedients industry , trade , treasure , seamen and navies will encrease , so the intollerable charge bred up to such habit of industry , as to learn whilst they are young , to gain their living while they come old , so that it will be very rare to find any chargable , but such as are meer objects of charity , viz. those that by infancy , old age , or sickness are uncapable of all kind of imployment , neither of which continue long . reason xii . because , ( as i have again and again demonstrated by several printed sheets ) by the expedients proposed , the wealth of our nation may increase or hundred thousand pounds per annum , the greatness of which makes many rash persons contemn all that i have proposed as a thing impossible . nevertheless upon diligent and repeated inquiries and deliberate consideration , i dare affirm , with all confidence , that it will amount to much more . . because the returns of our woollen draperies that are now exported do amount to more than ten millions per annum ; as is attested by such as are well skilled and experienced in this matter . . wherefore there being as much more english and irish wooll to be converted , as is now converted by the present course of trade ( as most certainly there is . ) then if all the people aforesaid ( being double the number of those that are now imployed therein ) were brought to industry , as by these expedients they certainly and speedily might , it as certainly follows , that a double quantity of woollen draperies would be made . . and considering there 's none of these draperies to be deducted out of such our additional trade to be consumed at home , or to be carried to the dismal low markets in golgotha , from whence there are no returns : but the whole of what is raised by this our new trade , is to be exported to such markets as will afford good and quick returns . . it will therefore , from all this infallibly likewise follow , that if the old , viz. the present trade of clothing , af 〈…〉 said doth now bring in more than ten millions per annum ; then must the new , out of which there is no defalcations bring in much more . which at least amounts to as much as what was to be demonstrated . but put case we have not wooll enough to imploy all the people aforesaid , yet the expedients still remain unshaken , because we may imploy them in making of linnen with great advantage ; for as the first will bring treasure into the nation ; so the other will preserve it from going out , ( and then whether our dead be buried in woollen or linnen it matters not . ) so that the case is plain we have wooll enough , hemp and flax enough , fullers-earth enough , and poor people enow , to make draperies enough to make our nation to excel all kingdoms in the world in wealth and power , strength and safety : and as certainly may the same be accomplisht , to the honour of almighty god , and happy reformation of many thousands , who are bred up in idleness , and live in all manner of debauchery , and dye most miserably . nor may any member that wishes well to the interest of england oppose it : for as for the landlord , he above all men , ought to promote it , because the charge properly belongs to the tenant or possessor , who is accustomed to contribute to the relief and maintenance of the poor . nor , secondly , may the tenant or possessor complain , because they will not only be much eased in such their charge , but vastly advantaged by quick and good markets , for wooll , corn and cattel , when so many thousands are imployed more than now are , and earn , and pay for all that they eat , drink and wear . nay , what they now suffer by hous-rents , hedg-breaking , pilfering , and unnecessary contributions to beggars , &c. amounts to near as much as will pay for the building of these houses : for , put case there be beggars and idle , chargeable people in the nation , and what they eat , drink and wear , amount but to l. per annum a piece , this amounts to one million in 〈…〉 reason xiii . because the charge of such houses of industry , by which the wealth of the nation may encrease so many millions per annum , &c. considered as a national charge , is no charge at all to the nation , because the money that must pay for doing of it , never goes out of the nation , but like the blood in its circulation , remains within the body for the comfort and benefit of every limb and member . nor hath any person reason to think , that his just share of contribution-money might be better bestow'd , seeing that by this expedient , his posterity to all generations shall be secured from beggary , so as never to be destitute of a lawful imployment , food , raiment and habitation . reason xiv . because , by these expedients , his majesties revenue , by the encrease of customes , poundage and tollage , cannot amount to less than l. per annum , because answerable to the encrease of trade , so the encrease of customes will be near proportionable : wherefore it concerns his majesty as much as the nation , to encourage the expedients that will hasten it . the greatest objections raised against this expedient , proceed from two sorts of men , the one against it , the other for it . . obj. as for the first , all that they alledge centres in this , namely , that the expedient is impracticable , because people are generally so base , deceitful and dishonest , that one may not trust another ; and ( say some ) let the poor beg , starve , steal , and be hang'd and damn'd ; it 's best for me and mine to keep our money whilst we have it . answ . to this i shall only say , that there is no reason to account that impracticable , which we daily see done before our eyes by our next next neighbours , and to say the english are less trusty , is too gross an affront to be put upon our country : however , i have offered such a method for erecting and manageing these houses , that it shall be the interest , as and effectually to promote the good ends thereby design'd ; and as for the latter part of the objection , 't is such a misery , uncharitable and atheistical folly , as deserves no further regard . . obj. the most important objection is of the latter , which calls loud for answer : we approve ( say they ) of the thing , but 't is next to impossible , that this honourable house should take cognizance thereof before they have establisht and secured that religion which god hath appointed for his own worship and service , without which , all hope of obtaining his mercies and blessings for the wealth and prosperity of the kingdom is in vain . answ . to this i answer , first , as to religion and worship , that is already establisht by law , &c. but how to secure this religion , together with the peace and safety of the king and kingdom , depends only upon the nations submission unto , and concurrence with the will and good pleasure of god in other cases , to wit , the good of the poor , &c. without which , our religion and worship , although it be the same which himself hath appointed , is altogether unacceptable , as is most fully declared by all the prophets , and confirm'd by our saviour's own words . we know , that god always had a nation , church , and people in all ages , ( although in every age subject to error in an high degree ) so also there was a babylon , &c. as a rod in the hand of god , to correct them for their wilful failings and offences . litteral-babylon in the time of the law , and mystery-babylon in the time of the gospel . the first , to correct his people , kings and princes of israel : and the last , to correct his own christian kings , princes and churches under the gospel . this we know is true , if we believe the prophets , christ , and the apostles , and modern writings . and as true it is also , that the rod is now in an high manner lifted up against the whole land , the king , and the church appointed ; so that misery , desolation , death , and unmerciful cruelties , do ( as it were ) stare in our faces , and nothing remains for our comfort but this , namely , that this revengful and bloody rod , is in the hands of a gracious and merciful god , who will assuredly throw it into the fire before it ever hurt us , if the crying sins by which his most holy majesty is most highly provoked and displeased , be put away , whereof this ever was , and now at this time , is one of the most intollerable and provoking evils , namely , the lamentable condition of those many thousands of poor people , widdows , and fatherless children , the many thousands that have been , and are bred up in ignorance , idleness , and all manner of debaucheries , unserviceable to the nation , unfit for church-members , and that live and die most miserably . and for this very thing which the most high could never endure , god was offended , and his wrath kindled against his own people , their kings , and nation , to that degree , that he abhorr'd their most solemn services and worship which himself had commanded . yea , when by fasting , praying , &c. they cried unto him , he would not hear , nor regard ; it was iniquity , even their solemn meeting , until this intollerable thing was effectually reform'd . which is an infallible demonstration , that god hath a greater regard to the poor , &c. than he had to the external religion and worship which himself commanded : and for this insufferable crime , he delivered his people into the hands of the king of babylon , who worshipped images , &c. now that the sum of this is true , moses and all the prophets do testifie . and that the same love and care for the one , and his indignation against the other , remains and continues to this day , is also as certain . witness our saviour's parable of the rich man and the beggar ; when the rich man , for being regardless of the beggar 's condition , lift up his eyes in the flames of hell , and finding it impossible to obtain ease or relief , made earnest request in the behalf of his brethren , that a messenger might be sent to testifie the verity of the matter , that they might repent , &c. but behold the answer from heaven was ( no , let them alone ) they have moses and the prophets , viz. their sayings and writings ) if they will not hear them , neither will they be perswaded if one arose from the dead . which doth plainly shew , that the will and mind of god , delivered by moses and the prophets in this matter , still remains so unchangeable , that if a man should keep all the commandements of god besides , and offend in this matter , it will profit him nothing : as is positively declared by christ , when upon this very occasion , he turned himself from the hopeful rich man , whom he loved , and said , how hard is it for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of god : it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle , than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven . so that for a nation or person to have more love or regard to worldly wealth , than to the low and despicable poor , though beggars , or to defer the relieving them , appears to be one of the highest provoking sins for which god will be aveng'd ; and to sum up the whole , it amounts to this , that although we worship no false god , nor bow to any image , but do worship , the true god , according to his appointments , do fast , pray , and humble our selves before him , and keep all the rest of his commandments from our youth up ; yet if we judge not the cause of the fatherless , and the right of the needy , shall not i visit for these things , saith god ? shall not my soul be aveng'd upon such a nation as this ? — god almighty grant that this may never be said of england . and to prevent the dreadful stroke of babylon . may it please this honourable house , to consider , that as national sins and provocations incur the displeasure of heaven , so likewise to reflect how much this present parliament may concilliate to themselves and this poor nation , the favour and blessing of the almighty ; and also how gloriously the renown shall to all posterity be recorded ; when by one act more than an hundred thousand shall be converted , as it were at once , in your day , to their own , and the whole nations present and future happiness 〈…〉 posterity ( yea , every individual in the kingdom ) in all ages may call you blessed . wherefore if this honourable house do believe , that what i have with all humility and zeal to the publick , offered to your grave and pious consideration , be well pleasing to god , and accordingly be approved of by this honourable house ( as it is by the king 's most excellent majesty , who hath been graciously pleas'd to declare , that he would be ready in his station , to encourage it all he could ) then my humble petition to this honourable house , is , that i may obtain leave to bring in a bill , which i have prepared , containing such clauses , rules and methods as may ( with such corrections and amendments , as this honourable house shall think meet ) in short time compass the design in such manner , that all cheats and frauds may be so far prevented , that the contributers cannot be injured unless they themselves will willfully be regardless of their own interest , together with such rules and methods for prosecuting the design , as may for ever secure it from failing or ceasing after it is begun . finis . a method of government for such publick working alms-houses as may be erected in every county for bringing all idle hands to industry . as the best known expedient for restoring and advancing the woollen manufacture . humbly offered to the kings most excellent majesty and both houses of parliament . by r. haines with allowance . a method of government for publick working alms-houses , &c. the scope or end aimed at , and promised by my former proposals , is , that all the wool of england , and what scotland and ireland have to spare , may be manufactured in england , as fast as it grows and arises , on such terms as that all the cloth we have to spare , being exported , may find quick markets as fast as 't is made . the expedients or means to effect all this ; are , first in general , to bring all poor people and idle hands to industry . secondly , in particular , as the only effectual way or method , to do this to the best advantage it is proposed , that two or three , or more , publick work-houses be erected in every county , where all such poor people and idle hands may under good government be constantly employed in that manufacture , which having been perused and considered by several publick spirited persons , known promoters of the nations wealth and safety , they have generally very much approved and encouraged the said expedient , as most certain , feasible , and effectual to accomplish the great and good ends aforesaid ; if i could but propose such a method of government in these work-houses as the nation may be secured of these four things , viz. the country from being cheated of their money raised for erecting and furnishing such houses ; the poor from being abused ; unfit persons kept from being officers and bearing rule in them ; and justice from being wrested so as not to redress grievances and punish offenders . wherefore ( with all submission to better judgments ) i humbly offer such a method of government , as far as concerns the preservation of the stock raised , and prevention of frauds and corruptions in officers , as will , i conceive , remove all apprehensions of any the before mentioned mischiefs , that so all ju 〈…〉 since all parishes are to contribute to this work , and every parishoner is concerned in the charge , and may reap benefit by it , if honestly managed , therefore , because it cannot be imagined that any people will cheat or injure themselves , let each person in every parish be concerned in or about the government or inspection thereof ; as follows . . that it be enacted , that all contributing parishioners , or the greatest part of them , meet quarterly in their own parish , and elect one , or more , as their overseer or delegates for this inspection ; and so every parish to chuse and send their overseers every quarter of the year to inspect the state of that house to which they belong . each parish neglecting to chuse , to forfeit l. to the treasury of the said hospital . each overseer to be allowed s. d. a-day by his parish for the time he is out on this affair on horseback ; and s. d. being out on foot , provided that none continue out above or days at one time . or if this seem too burdensome , two , or three , or more , small parishes may joyn to this purpose as one . . that these overseers , being assembled , may have full power to elect governours , prescribe rules and orders , chuse trustees , appoint officers , enquire into the welfare of their respective poor there , hear and redress their grievances , see that they be not abused or discouraged , reform all disorders , call each officer or trustee to an account , turn them out , and elect new ones as often as they think necessary , &c. to which purpose they may subdivide themselves into several companies , and dispatch much business in little time . . that all men in this assembly may be of equal authority , and no one person over-rule the rest , who shall likewise before they are admitted , oblige themselves by oath , or solemn promise made before a magistrate , to do those things that are just and honest , to suffer no wrongs or injuries to pass uncorrected , to do nothing for favour or prejudice , but to perform all that lies in his power for the safety and publick good of the stock and house , and to give a 〈…〉 ted to have any office there , but that for the encouragement of such as are sent to the house to earn their living , all inferior offices or places of preferment may be conferred on such of the house as most deserve it , if capable . . that if it be known any person or persons , directly or indirectly , hath given or taken any bribe or fee , or offered so to do , in order to obtain or confer any office or trust , or do improve his interest to promote or continue any dishonest scandalous person in office , then every such person shall thenceforth for ever be incapable of having or holding any office in the said work-houses , or giving his voice concerning the same in any meeting of the parish or overseers . . that the assembly of overseers , with the assistance of a magistrate , have power to injoyn all officers and trustees of the house , either by oath or solemn promise , that they shall act according to such rules and orders as shall be agreed on in the said assembly ; that they shall not conceal any ill practises in any but discover them to the next quarterly assembly : that they shall every quarter give a fair and just account to that assembly of all moneys by them received or disbursed ; what goods they buy or sell , and the quantity and prizes , and what goods or money they have in their custody ; and that any one breaking such their oath or solemn promise shall be punisht as in the case of perjury ; and besides , the offender to make satisfaction , for what he hath detained , imbeziled , or defrauded , to the house , or those that intrusted him . . that the overseers neglecting at the time appointed to use their utmost endeavour to take a true and just account of all persons intrusted , or failing to deliver a true account thereof to their respective parishes , shall forfeit five pound a-piece , to be paid to the treasury of the hospital . . that for the building and first stocking such work-houses , every parish , or parishes united , shall ( till the same are finisht and government settled ) send their overseers every fortnight , or month , who shall carry the proporti 〈…〉 rying on the work , shall be chosen by such overseers , and be accountable to them till the house be finisht and settled . . that if any difference arise between the overseers of the parishes , and the trustees of the house , it shall be refered to a meeting of the respective parishes , concern'd in such workhouse ; and in case the like difference arise between the parishioners and their overseers , the same be referr'd to the next quarter sessions , or if it require speed , then to two justices , one to be chosen by the parish , the other by the overseers ; provided none shall have power to hinder the parish or parishes from chusing such overseers as they shall think most fit to be trusted ; or turning out such as they find dishonest . . that every parish , and parishes united , do bring a fair account of what moneys are collected for the present year , and how disposed of , what remains in hand , and what poor they relieve at home , and in the hospital , to the justices at their easter sitting , after the manner now practised . . that the parishes united shall be equally taxt at a pound-rate for the relief of their poor , and that their taxes and accounts be confirm'd by the justices , and that the justices may in join the parishes to contribute what is fit , when otherwise they refuse , and that any poor inhabitant when abused , and cannot be redress'd , may make his case known to the justice , when the governors or overseers shall refuse to do their office. this method of government or inspection i humbly offer as most safe , because from head to foot the interest of one member hath its dependance on the other . . 't is the interest of each parish to elect honest overseers , . 't is the interest of these overseers to act righteous things , and elect honest trustees , not only because , if they betray their trust , they are in danger of punishment and dishonour , but also , because their own private interest lies at stake in the common interest of their parishes . . 't is the interest of the officers & trustees , whether honest men or knaves , to do honestly , because then they may con 〈…〉 , they cannot hope to conceal their misdemeanors , and then must be severely corrected , and pay dearly for it . thus much for the form of government , as to the governors ; i shall now add a few words concerning the persons to be governed ; the rather for that our design is abusively represented , as if we intended these houses to be places of slavery , and to keep people per force there all their lives , whereas we propose only this . . that the children of all poor people , who are chargeable to the parish , be without abuse imployed in these houses at six years old and upwards , and all impotent people who are capable of imployment , and do not earn their livings at home , having no children under the age of six years to be maintained . . that the men-children brought up in these houses have their liberty to go to trades , or husbandry , when they come to the age of . years . and the maiden-children liberty at the same age to learn housewifry . . that all beggars , vagrants &c. who have no habitation , nor will earn their livings in any lawful imployment , be placed there . . that all dangerous persons , criminals , &c. whom the law condemns to be hang'd , &c. ( except in the case of murther and treason ) especially such as are guilty of perjury & forgery , may be confined to these houses during life , or for a certain term of years , to serve the publick , being able by their labour to maintain as many more as themselves . . that all debtors in prison , not able to pay their debts , or maintain themselves ( whereof many hundreds there are ready to starve ) may remove themselves to this hospital , where they may live comfortably and be instruments for publick good . these are the persons that may compose & fill up these houses . as for the officers way of providing their diet , cloaths , and other circumstances , we need not here particularize , christs hospital , or the like foundation , may afford a good president for 〈◊〉 to imitate . 〈…〉 like , which to prevent the most happy reformation and weal of our nation , remains a gazing-stock to discourage all publick spirits , as the devil and self-interested people would have it , the same ought to be no plea or obstruction to what we propose . for , . that which rendred that and other houses unsuccessful , was the ill-government thereof , but such regular method of government as we have offered , at least with some amendments , will prevent all such inconveniencies . . as for that house , 't is nothing strange that it did miscarry , rather it would have been strange if it had not ; since the persons governing such houses ought to be inferior to those by whom they are intrusted , that the latter may speedily bring them to account , and if they find any one dishonest , correct and turn him out of doors ; whereas the governors of clerkenwell house were great men , and authorized to raise money at pleasure , not to be corrected , but by act of parliament , &c. so that their quality , and business , or want of honesty , hindred them from using that inspection over inferior officers as was necessary , and when money came into their hands , and was diverted who could force them to an account ? . if this be a precedent of ill-success , and only for the reason aforesaid , we can shew you many precedents in holland , &c. of such work-houses erected & managed with good-success ; nay there is scarce any thing contributes more to the wealth and strength of that nation , than their prudence and industry in this respect ; but there they are managed not by grandees , as clerkenwell was to be , but by honest laborious men , who if they fail in their duty are forthwith severely corrected . a person intrusted in a spin-house in amsterdam , was publickly whipt and turn'd out of doors for being partial , viz. because by his connivance a young woman , who was sent thither to work for her living , made her escape . another officer was whipt and committed to the rasp-house , for diminishing what was allowed for the comfortable maintenance of the poor . at leiden i saw a fellow most severely whipt upon a scaffold , erected for thousands , and after committed to the rasp-house , for that he under pretence of being zealous to serve the states , inricht himself by abusing and oppressing the poor . 't was for want of such strict government clarkenwell , &c. came to naught . . if because that house , meerly for want of right method , and persons of fit qualifications to govern it , miscarried , therefore no such houses must be made use of ; may not our merchants as well conclude , that because some ships , for want of an honest fit master or skilful pilot , have been cast away ; therefore tho there be men enough whose qualifications and integrity are sufficient , yet they will never venture to send forth any more ships ; if you say the case is different , for tho the houses have failed , yet we know most of our ships return safe , then i may return you the same answer ; in holland none of these houses fail , therefore if we take right method of government , our houses will not fail so often as our ships , and will become as profitable to the kingdom , for if the houses prosper , to be sure our shipping will increase , therefore whoever is an enemy to these houses , is as great an enemy to the encrease of our ships and seamen , and consequently an enemy to the true , wealth , safety and interest of the english nation . at least since this expedient is no new project , but dayly practised with extraordinary success and advantage by our neighbors ; 't is humbly hoped that the same shall not be contemned or rejected by any , before they have first found out , and demonstrated some more certain , effectual and feasible expedients to accomplish the work in hand , and by the proposer humbly offered , viz. to convert all the wool of england , and what scotland and ireland have to spare , into cloth , on such terms as to vend the cloth as fast as 't is made , whereby of hundred thousand pounds , per annum , may be gain'd to the nation , and all poor people bred up to such an habit of industry , that for the future a beggar may not be seen in the kingdom ; but neither they their childrens children shall ever want a lawful 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e exodus , , . isaiah from the . to the verse isai . . from . to the . v mark . , , . luke . from the . to the . v. jer. . , , , . and jer. , , . by the lords and other his majesties commissioners an order for the observance and execution of the statute made for the reliefe and ordering of persons infected with the plague. england and wales. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing e ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing e estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) by the lords and other his majesties commissioners an order for the observance and execution of the statute made for the reliefe and ordering of persons infected with the plague. england and wales. sheet ([ ] p.). by leonard lichfield ..., printed at oxford : . signed at end: ed. littleton c.s. cottington. hertford. dorchester. dorset. hen. dover. chichester. f. seymour. edw. nicholas. reproduction of original in bodleian library. eng plague -- england -- th century. public welfare -- law and legislation -- england -- early works to . great britain -- history -- charles i, - . great britain -- politics and government -- - . a r (wing e ). civilwar no by the lords and other his majesties commissioners an order for the observance and execution of the statute made for the reliefe and orderin england and wales c the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the c category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion by the lords and other his majesties commissioners . ¶ an order for the observance and execution of the statute made for the reliese and ordering of persons infected with the plague . whereas by an act of parliament in the first yeare of the raigne of our late soveraigne lord king james , severall good and necessary provisions were made and ordeined , touching those that be or shall be infected with the plague : by which act , power is given to justices of peace of counties , majors , bayliffes , head-officers , or justices of peace in cities , borroughes , townes corporate , and places priviledged , and to the vice-chancellor of either of the vniversities , and to the bishop and deane of every cathedrall church respectively , within their severall and respective precincts and jurisdictions , to taxe and assesse all inhabitants , and all houses of habitation , lands , tenements , and hereditaments , at such reasonable taxes and payments as they shall think fit for the reasonable reliefe of persons infected , and to levy the same of the goods of such as shall refuse or neglect to pay , and in default thereof , to commit them to the goale without baile or mainprize untill payment ; and also to appoynt searchers , watch-men , examiners , keepers , and buriers , for the persons and places infected , and to minister oathes unto them for the performing of their offices , and to give them other directions as shall seeme good unto them in their discretions , for the present necessity . and it is thereby farther provided and enacted , that if any person or persons infected , or being , or dwelli●g in any houses infected , shall be commanded or appointed to keep his or their house , for avoyding of farther infection , and shall notwithstanding wilfully and contemptuously disobey such direction and appointment , offering or attempting to break or goe abroad , and to resist such keepers or watch-men , as shall be appoynted to see them kept in : that then it shall be lawfull for such watch-men with violence to inforce them to keep their houses : and if any hurt come thereby , that the keepers , watch-men , and their assistants shall not be impeached therefore ; and farther , that if any infected persons being commanded to keep house , shall notwithstanding wilfully and contemptuously goe abroad , and converse with company , having any infectious sore about him uncured , such person shall be taken and adjudged as a felon , and suffer death as in case of felony : but if they shall have no sore found about them , neverthelesse for such offence , they shall be punished as vagabonds in all respects , and also be bound to his or their good behaviour for one whole yeare , as by the said act may more fully appeare . the lords and others intrusted and authorized by his majesty , by his commission under his great seale of england , for and concerning the safety , preservation , and well ordering of this vniversity and city of oxford , and the county of oxford , and other counties and places adjoyning , in his majesties absence , taking into their consideration , that the due observance and execution of the said law , may ( by gods blessing ) be a good meanes to prevent the farther spreading of this present infection , and that the neglect of the observance of the same law , hath been , and may be , in probability , an occasion of the increase thereof , doe therefore hereby in his majesties name , by vertue of his majesties said commission , straitly charge and require , the vice-chancellor of this vniversity , and the major , justices of peace , bayliffes , and other officers of this city of oxford , and the justices of peace of the county of oxford , and all others whom it may concerne , that with all possible care and diligence , they cause the said law to be duely and effectually put in execution , as well for the helpe and reliefe , as for the governing and keeping in of infected persons , as they will answer their neglect and remisnesse therein at their perills . and they doe likewise in his majesties name , straitly charge and command all persons whatsoever , as well souldiers as others , upon whom it hath pleased , or shall please god to lay this his visitation , that they submit and yeeld obedience to the said law , letting them know , that a strict and severe proceeding shall be had , for punishing of all such as shall wilfully or contemptuously offend against the same , to the endangering of others : and that a very strict account will be required of all , who are , or shall be any way concerned in this just and necessary command , tending so much to the health and preservation of this vniversity and city , and all that are resident therein , or resort thereunto . dated at oxford , the th day of may , in the one and twentieth yeare of his majesties raigne . . ed. littleton c. s. cottington . hertford . dorchester . dorset . hen. dover . chichester . f. seymour . edw. nicholas . printed at oxford , by leonard lichfield printer to the university . . right trusty and well-beloved, we greet you well. vvhereas our royal father of blessed memory, did in the year . constitute and establish a society of fishers, ... england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles ii) this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason .f. [ ]). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing c thomason .f. [ ] estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; : f [ ]) right trusty and well-beloved, we greet you well. vvhereas our royal father of blessed memory, did in the year . constitute and establish a society of fishers, ... england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles ii) england and wales. privy council. city of london (england). lord mayor. sheet ([ ] p.) printed for jane bourne, at the sounth-entrance [sic] of the royal fxchange [sic], london : [ ] imprint date from wing. dated at end: given at our court at whitehall this . day of july, in the twelfth year of our raign [i.e. ]. addressed at end: to our right trusty and well-beloved, the lord mayor of our city of london, to be communicated to the court of aldermen. annotation on thomason copy: "july ". reproduction of the original in the british library. eng fish trade -- england -- london -- early works to . public welfare -- england -- london -- early works to . fisheries -- england -- early works to . a r (thomason .f. [ ]). civilwar no charles r. right trusty and well-beloved, we greet you well. vvhereas our royal father of blessed memory, did in the year . constitute a england and wales. sovereign a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - emma (leeson) huber sampled and proofread - emma (leeson) huber text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion royal blazon or coat of arms c r honi soit qvi mal y pense diev et mon droit charles r. right trusty and well-beloved , we greet you well . vvhereas our royal father of blessed memory , did in the year . constitute and establish a society of fishers , and declared that he was resolved by all good occasions favourably to assist , and graciously accept the forwardness of all those that should express their zeal to his majesties service in so general and publick an undertaking , it being then resolved and concluded by his majesty , that it was very honorable and necessary for this kingdom . now that the true managing and most advantageous prosecution thereof , is by experience discovered by philip late earl of pembroke and mountgomery and his associates , who did cause sundry fishing vessels to be provided and built , which imployed many families in making of nets and other provisions ( one vessel imploying families in work ) besides the breeding of country youths to be made serviceable marriners in short time , as by the book called the royal hering buss fishings presented unto us doth plainly appear . and whereas we are informed that the nation doth abound with great numbers of poor families and vagrants , who for want of imployment are like to perish , unless some speedy care be taken for their relief : and that the several wards and suburbs of this our city of london and hamlets adjacent , are burthened with multitudes of poor people , not only which are born in the said places , but such as come out of sundry countries to seek relief : for redress whereof , we do hereby recommend unto the care of you our lord mayor of the said city , to advise with each alderman , and cause his ward-moote inquest to give in a particular of all the poor inhabitants within his ward what their employment is , and how many are without employment , and present the same to the rest of the inhabitants in his ward with a copy thereof , and excite them to a free subscription for raising a stock to buy hemp and clapboards to make hering fishing-nets , and barrells for the furnishing and fitting out of one busse or fishing vessel to belong to the said ward , which will give all the poor and vagrants employment , the said ward husbanding the same to their best advantage . the which vve shall in like manner recommend to all the counties , cities and towns within our dominions , whereby to make it a national employment for the general good , and will give all fitting assistance unto the undertakers for their encouragement . that so when provisions shall be made ready and store-houses built in commodious places about the river of thames , ( where breaches have been made ) and the like , in the several ports , magazines may be fitted with nets , caske , salt and all things in readiness , the busses may all go forth to our island of sheetland as their rendezvous to keep together in their fishing according to certain orders prescribed in the aforesaid book . and to take that priviledge of the fishing grounds which belongs to us before all nations whatsoever . and so we bid you heartily farewell . given at our court at whitehall this . day of july , in the twelfth year of our raign . by his majesties command . ed. nicholas . to our right trusty and well-beloved , the lord mayor of our city of london , to be communicated to the court of aldermen . london : printed for jane bourne , at the sounth-entrance of the royal exchange . act against land lords setting of houses to un-free persons ; and also, an act for the purging the city of vagabonds and beggers edinburgh (scotland). town council. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing s a estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) act against land lords setting of houses to un-free persons ; and also, an act for the purging the city of vagabonds and beggers edinburgh (scotland). town council. sheet ([ ] p.) printed by the heir of andrew anderson, printer to his most sacred majesty ..., edinburgh : . "this may be reprinted at london; r.l.s. november th, by d. mallet, ." reproduction of original in huntington library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng beggars -- scotland -- edinburgh -- law and legislation. public welfare -- law and legislation -- scotland -- edinburgh. landlord and tenant -- law and legislation -- scotland -- edinburgh. broadsides -- scotland -- edinburgh -- th century - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - jonathan blaney sampled and proofread - jonathan blaney text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion act , against land lords setting of houses to vn-free persons ; and also , an act for purging the city of vagabonds and beggers . edinburgh , the twenty eighth day of october , one thousand six hundred eeghty five years . the which day , the lord provost , bailies , council , and deacons of crafts , being conveened in council , taking to their consideration , that notwithstanding of diverse acts of council made for purging the city of vagabonds beggers , and other idle persons , who daily trouble the inhabitants , and others his majesties leidges resorting thereto ; yet they are so numerous , that the citizens and other his majesties leidges , cannot without great trouble walk upon the streets , which is very burdensome to the city , and disgraceful to the place : considering that by the act of the third session of our late soveraign lords first parliament , it is declared that it shall be leisome to all persons or societies , who have , or shall set up any manufactories within this kingdom , to seize upon , and apprehend any vagabonds , who shall be sound begging , on who being masterless , and out of service , and have not wherewith to maintain themselves by their own means and work : and impowering them to employ the saids vagabond persons and their bairns , in their common work , and declaring they shall continue therein during their life ▪ time , and shall be subject to their masters correction and chaftisement , in all manner of correction , ( life and torture excepted ) the saids persons being always employed by the saids manufactories with advice of the magistrates of the place where they shall be seized upon . and the council being now resolved that all the vagabonds , beggers , and other idle persons , and their children that are above the age of years , that can be found upon the streets of the city , or in any part of the samine , or suburbs thereof , shall be apprehended and put into the correction-house , and set at work to spin and card , and working such manufactory work as they shall be employed to do by the keeper of the correction-house and his servants , which they judge to be the best expedient for purging the city and suburbs of the saids idle persons and vagabonds , and preventing the increase of them in time coming . therefore , they hereby command and charge these persons who shall receive the magistrates commission , to take and apprehend all such vagabonds , idle beggers , whores , thieves , and masterless persons , and their children above the age of years , who shall be found within the city , or any part thereof , or suburbs of the same , and present them to the magistrates , that thereafter they may be imprisoned within , the said house of correction , to be set at work by the said master of the correction-house and his servants , in manner foresaid ; who are to remain therein during all the days of their life-time , conform to the tenor of the said act of parliament , during the which space they are to receive all manner of punishment and correction , ( life and torture excepted : ) and in like manner , the council taking into consideration , that the city hath been , and is greatly abused , by suffering strangers , vagabonds , un-free persons , poor and indigent bodies , to plant and have their habitations within this city ; and that by harbouring of the saids persons ( and such as they resett ) the town is defiled with all kind of vice , the liberty of free-men usurped , the city over-burdened with sustaining of that kind of people , their wives , children . and such as they resett , particularly in the time of death , and the monthly contribution appointed for their own poor , employed and consumed upon them : and that for remeed thereof , the magistrates and council by their act of the date the th . day of december , . years , did statute and ordain , that no persons set their houses or lands within the city , or suburbs thereof , in any time hereafter , to any unfree persons , that are not landed gentlemen , or members of the colledge of justice , without a special ticket from the bailie of the quarter in writt , within whose bounds the saids lands lyes , under the pain of an un-law of twenty pounds , to be taken off the setters or owners of the saids lands , or houses , ilk person to whom their land or houses was to be set , with the escheat of an years mail to the towns use : and where any lands or houses are set to such persons that the owners , or setters , remove the saids persons instantly ; and that the bailies shall give no ticket to the saids unfree persons , but upon caution to be found acted in the town books , that they shall keep and fulfill the articles following ; to wit , that they shall receive no vagabonds , naughty or vitious persons , nor any who are suspect of theft , or reset of theft , or of keeping of brothel-houses , nor masterless-persons within their houses , under the pain of twenty pounds , so oft as they failzie item , they shall use no unlawful vocation , or usurp the liberty of a free-man , under the said pain - item , that neither they , their servants , wives , nor children , shall be burdenable to the good town , under the pain of an un-law of an hundred merks . item , that they shall be no ways disobedient to the church , or magistrates , or officers of the said burgh , under the said pain , and their penalties to be paid by the saids cautioners . the council do revive the foresaid act , in the whole heads , articles and clauses thereof ; and ordains the same to take effect , and to be put to due execution in all time coming . and further , it is statute and ordained , that out-land poor beggers , and other poor , that hath been burgess bairns in this burgh , remove and dispatch themselves forth of this burgh , bounds and liberties thereof , and to retire to the place , or paroch where they were born , or formerly recided , so that they be not found nor seen within the samine , at any time hereafter , under the pain of puting them in the thieves-hole , hours for the first fault , and scourging of them thereafter ; as they shall be found within the bound foresaid . and ordains this presents to be printed , and published through the city and suburbs , by tuck of drum , and affixed upon the most conspicuous places of this city , that none pretend ignorance . extracted by me , jo. richardsone . edinburgh , printed by the heir of andrew anderson , printer to his most sacred majesty , city and colledge , this may be reprinted at london , rls . november the th . by d. mallet . a discourse touching provision for the poor written by sir matthew hale ... hale, matthew, sir, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing h estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a discourse touching provision for the poor written by sir matthew hale ... hale, matthew, sir, - . [ ], p. printed by h. hills for john leigh ..., london : . created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng poor laws -- england. working class -- england. labor movement -- england. labor -- england. public welfare -- england. poor -- england. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - john pas sampled and proofread - john pas text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a discourse touching provision for the poor . written by sir matthew hale , late lord chief justice of the kings bench. london : printed by h. hills , for john leigh at stationers hall , and are to be sold by the booksellers in london . the preface . a due care for the relief of the poor is an act , . of great piety towards almighty god , who requires it of us : he hath left the poor as his pupils , and the rich as his stewards to provide for them : it is one of those great tributes that he justly requires from the rest of mankind ; which , because they cannot pay to him , he hath scattered the poor among the rest of mankind as his substitutes and receivers . . it is an act of greatest humanity among men . mercy and benignity is due to the very beasts that serve us , much more to those that are partakers of the same common nature with us . . it is an act of great civil prudence and political wisdom : for poverty in itself is apt to emasculate the minds of men , or at least it makes men tumultuous and unquiet . where there are many very poor , the rich cannot long or safely continue such ; necessity renders men of phlegmatique and dull natures stupid and indisciplinable ; and men of more fiery or active constitutions rapacious and desperate . at this day it seems to me that the english nation is more deficient in their prudent provision for the poor than any other cultivated and christian state ; at least that have so many opportunities and advantages to supply them . in some other countries a beggar is a rare sight ; those that are unable to maintain themselves by age or impotency are relieved . and those that are able to supply their wants by their labour are furnished with imployments . sutable to their condition . and by this means there is not only a good and orderly education and a decent face of the publique ; but the more populous the state or country is , the richer and the more wealthy it is . but with us in england for want of a due regulation of things the more populous we are the poorer we are ; so that , that wherein the strength and wealth , of a kingdom consists , renders us the weaker and the poorer . and which is yet worse , poor families which daily multiply in the kingdom for want of a due order for their imployment in an honest course of life whereby they may gain subsistance for them and their children do unavoidably bring up their children either in a trade of begging or stealing , or such other idle course , which again they propagate over to their children , and so there is a successive multiplication of hurtful or at least unprofitable people , neither capable of discipline nor beneficial imployment . it is true we have very severe laws against begging the very giver being in some cases subject to a penalty by the statute of jac. cap. . but it takes little effect . and indeed as the case stands with us it is no reason it should : for what man that is of ability can have the conscience to deny an alms , or to bring a wanderer to the punishment directed by that statute , and the statute of eliz. when he cannot choose but know that there is not that due course provided , or at least used , that persons necessitous , and able to work may have it ; indeed were there a clear means practised for the imploying of poor persons , it were an uncharitable action to relieve them in a course of idleness . but when i do not know that there is such a provision , i dare not deny my relief , because i know not whether without it he may be starved with hunger , without his own default . we have also very severe laws against theft , possibly more severe than most other nations , yea , and than the offence in it self simply considered deserves ; and there is little to be said in the defence of the severity of the law herein , but the multitude of the offenders and the design of the law rather to terrify than to punish ut metus in omnes , poena in paucos : but it is most apparent that the law i● frustrated of its design therein ; for although more suffer at one sessions a● newgate for stealing and breaking up houses , and picking of pockets , and such other larcenies out of the protection of clergy , than suffer in some other countries for all offences in three years , yet the goals are never the emptier : necessity , and poverty , and want of a due provision for the imployment of indigent persons , and the custom of a loose and idle life , daily supply with advantage the number of those who are taken off by the sentence of the law : and doubtless as the multitude of poor , and necessitous , and uneducated persons , increase , the multitude of malefactors will increase , notwithstanding the examples of severity . so that upon the whole account the prudence of prevention , as it is more christian , so it will be more effectual than the prudence of remedy : the prevention of poverty , idleness and a loose and disorderly education , even of poor children , would do more good to this kingdom than all the gibbets , and cauterizations , and whipping posts , and goals in this kingdom , and would render these kind of disciplines less necessary and less frequent . but hitherto i am in generals , which rarely prosper into action or conviction : i therefore shall confider principally these things : . what provisions there are already setled by the laws in force for the relief and imployment of the poor . wherein the defects are , in relation to those laws , or provisions , and the consequences thereof . . what may be thought a convenient supply of those defects and the consequences of such supplies . chap. i. touching the laws at present in force for the relief and imployment of the poor . the laws relating to the poor are of two kinds , viz. . such as concern the relief of the aged , and impotent , that are not able by their labour to maintain themselves . . such as concern the imployment and setting of work , of such as are able . and this latter as shall be shewn , is the more comprehensive & beneficial charity , although both are necessary and become us , both as men and as christians ; much more touching the former of these viz. the relief of the impotent poor , the laws of england have provided a double remedy . first , by giving great incouragement to voluntary undertakings of good and liberal minds in this kind . . by compulsary means upon all . again as touching the former of these , the statute of . eliz. cap. . hath given a great incouragement to such as shall erect hospitals , houses of correction and maisons de dieu . and the statutes of . eliz. cap. . and . eliz. cap. . have taken special care for the due imployment of gifts to charitable uses . and certainly such voluntary assignations argue an excellent and charitable mind in those that shall so voluntarily give ; and the statutes have given a fair incouragement to the charityes of men in this kind . but this provision doth but little in order to relief : for . for the most part such hospitals , extend but to a few aged persons limited to some particular town , unless it be in the large hospitals , in london , where there is some provision more extensive in respect both of number and age , as st. thomas hospital , christ-church hospital and some others . . but besides this those are but voluntary and not compulsary ; although there may be some that may be charitably minded , yet for the most part men are backward in works of charity ; self love , covetousness , distrust of the truth and providence of god keeps most from overflowing charity or building or endowing hospitals . therefore there was a compulsary laid upon men for the relief of the poor within their respective parishes , viz. the statute of . eliz. cap. . being the first compulsary law that i remember of that kind : and indeed it now became necessary to be done by a compulsary means which before that time was left more arbitrary , because the kingdom became then much more populous than in former time and with it the poor also greatly increased , and besides many of those methods of their voluntary relief was then much abated ; which statute enables the church-wardens and overseers , &c. to do these things : . to take order for setting to work the children of those whose parents are not able to maintain their children . . to take order to set those to work as such , having no means to maintain themselves , use no ordinary trade . but provides not sufficient compulsaries to make them work . . to raise weekly by taxation a convenient stock of flax , hemp , &c. to set the poor on work : but no means at the first , before the return of the manufacture to pay them wages in express words , but is supplyed by the latter general clause . ( and to do and execute all other things , as well for the disposing of the said stock , or otherwise concerning the premises as to them shall seem convenient . ) . to raise competent sums of money for the impotent poor not able to work . . also for the putting of poor children apprentices but no compulsary for any to receive them : among all these provisions the th concerns the relief of the poor by taxation , and contributions to such as are impotent , the four other particulars concern their imployment , and of such as are able to work , which is the far greater number . and although the relief of the impotent poor seems to be a charity of more immediate exigence yet the imployment of the poor is a charity of greater extent , and of very great and important consequence to the publique wealth , and peace of the kingdom as also to the benefit and advantage of the poor . i therefore come to that second business relating to the poor , viz. the setting the poor on work. the laws that concern that business of the imployment of the poor are of two kinds ; viz. that which contains a compulsary means of providing work for the poor which is the statute of . eliz. and secondly those laws which are in some kind compulsary to force persons to work ; and these are of two kinds , viz. . those that concern children and the binding of them apprentices , viz. the clause of the statute . eliz. cap. . before mentioned and the statute . jac. cap. . which makes fair provision for the raising of money to bind them , and directs the manner of its imployment . but as before is observed , hath not any sufficient compulsary for persons to take them , & perchance there might be fit to have some such qualifications in that compulsary which might not leave it too arbitrary in the justices of peace to compell whom they please , to take whom they please : but this is not the business , i drive at , perchance the general provision which i design may make this at least not so frequently necessary . . in reference to rogues , vagabonds and idle & disorderly persons , the statute . jac. cap. . gives power to the justices of peace to send them to the house of correction , which they are thereby required to cause to be erected . . power to the master of such house of correction to keep them to work . but even in this particular there are defects . . it is not general for all persons , but at most idle and disorderly persons . . that description is very uncertain in reference to such persons , and leaves the justices either too great or too little power . . for want of a convenient stock to be raised for such houses of correction , and advantageous ways for such work , it either leaves such as are sent without an imployment or renders their imployment ungrateful in respect of the sinalness of the wages , and rather makes people hate imployment as a hell than to entertain it as a means of a comfortable support ; which though it may be well enough as a punishment for disorderly persons that refuse to work , yet it is not applicable to those that are only idle , it work : . it is a difficult thing to determine who shall be said an idle person , it is a reasonable answer to that , they are idle for want of such work as they are able to do , or for want of such wages as might give them a reasonable support ; for there is no power given , nor is it reasonable it should , to compel persons , to set them on work , or to set them on work at convenient wages . . and lastly , it is not universal ; many persons are not within that law which would work if they might : or if they might at reasonable rates , whereby they might live . there is need , therefore of some such provision that might be as ample as the occasion , and without which indeed all the laws already made are either weak and ineffectual to their ends , and the generality of the poor left destitute of a convenient support and provision . chap. ii. touching the power by the law setled for the general provision for the poor , and their defect . upon the consideration of the statutes for the poor the only statute that provides universally is that of . eliz. which generally makes two provisions . . for the impotent poor , that are not able to work : and it is true is a good and effectual provision for such , if duely executed . but as i said before , the plaister is not so large as the sore , there are many poor that are able to work if they had it , and had it at reasonable wages , whereby they might support themselves and their families , which oftentimes are many . these are not within the provision of the law and if they come for exhibitions , they are denyed , or at least have but very small , and such as cannot support them and their families . and indeed if they should have sufficient exhibition for the support of them and their families , the parishes where they live were not able to supply them in a proportion answerable to their necessities , or answerable to that supply which a full imployment would afford them ; for instance a poor man and his wife though able to work , may have four children , two of them possibly able to work , two not able : the father and the mother are not able to maintain themselves and their family in meat , drink , cloathing and house-rent under ten shillings per week , and so much they might probably get if imployed ; this amounts to . l. per annum , if there were forty such families in a great parish , and they lived upon this exhibition colleited by rates , it would arise to above . l. per annum , which in many parishes exceeds the yearly value of their lands or rents , yet when these persons are kept on work thus much must be gotten by them , and without a supply equivalent to this they must live by begging , or stealing , or starve : therefore the second provision is , . for those poor that are able to work , and in reference to them it gives power to raise stocks by rateing the parishioners , and setting the poor on work . the defects of this provision are , . in the execution of the law already made ; for let any man look over most of the populous parishes in england , indeed there are rates made for the relief of the impotent poor , and it may be the same relief is also given in a narrow measure unto some others , that have great families , and upon this they live miserably and at best from hand to mouth , and if they cannot get work to make out their livelyhood they and their children set up a trade of begging at best . but it is rare to see any provision of a stock in any parish for the relief of the poor . and the reasons are principally these : . the generality of people that are able are yet unwilling to exceed the present necessary charge , they do choose to live for an hour rather than project for the future ; and although possibly trebling their exhibition in one grofs sum at the beginning of the year , to raise a stock might in all probability render their future yearly payments for seven years together less by half or two thirds , than what must be without it , yet they had rather continue on their yearly payments , year after year , though it exhaust them in time , and make the poor nothing the better at the years end. . because those places , where there are most poor , consist for the most part of trades-men , whose estates lye principally in their stocks , which they will not endure to be searched into to make them contributary to raise any considerable stock for the poor , nor indeed so much as to the ordinary contributions : but they lay all the rates to the poor upon the rents of lands and houses , which alone without the help of the stocks are not able to raise a stock for the poor , although it is very plain that stocks are as well by law rateable as lands , both to the relief , and raising a stock for the poor : . because the church-wardens and overseers , to whom this power is given , are inhabitants of the same parish , and are either unwilling to charge themselves , or displease their neighbours in charging more than they needs must towards the poor : and although it were to be wished and hoped that the justices of peace would be forwardly to enforce them if they might , though it may concern them also in point of present profit , yet if they would do any thing herein they are not impowered to and overseers to do it , who most certainly will never go about it to burden as they think , themselves , and displease their neighbours unless , some compulsary power were not only lodged by law , but also executed in some that may have a power over them to inforce it , or to do it , if they do it not , and to do it effectually , if they do it either partially or too sparingly : . because people do not consider the inconvenience that will in time grow to themselves by this neglect , and the benefit that would in a little time accrue to them by putting it in practise if they would have but a little patience , as shall be shewen hereafter . . the second defect is in the law itself ; which are these : . no power in the justices of peace , or some superintendent power to compel the raising of a stock where the church-wardens and overseers neglect it . . the act chargeth every parish apart where it may be they are able to do little towards it , neither would it be so effectual as if three , four , five or more contiguous parishes did contribute towards the raising of a stock proportionable to their poor respectively . . there is no power for hireing or erecting a common house , or place for their common work-house , which may be in some respects , and upon some occasions , useful and necessary , as shall be shewen . chap. iii. the remedy propounded . . that the justices of the peace at the quarter sessions do set out & distribute the parishes in their several countiesinto several divisions , in each of which there may be a work-house for the common use of the respective divisions , wherein they are respectively placed , viz. one , two , three , four , five or six parishes to a work-house , according to the greatness or sinalness , and accommodation of the several parishes . . that at that sessions the church-wardens and overseers of the poor of the respective p parishes , bring in their several rates for their relief of their respective poor upon oath . and that the said justices do assess three , four or five yearly pays to be levyed and collected at one or two entire sums within the time prefixed by them for the raising of a stock to set the poor within those precincts on work , and to build or procure a convenient work-house for imploying the poor , if need be , in it , and for lodging materials , and for instructing children in the trade or work. . that there be yearly chose by the said justices a master for each work-house , with a convenient salary out of the said stock or the proceed thereof to continue for years , and two overseers to see the issuing and return of the said stock , and to take the accounts quarterly or monthly of the master as they shall think fit . . that the stock be delivered to the overseers , and by them issued to the master , as there shall be occasion , and that they also from time to time receive the proceed of the said stock and the accompts for the same . . that at the end of every year the master and overseers give up their accounts to the two next justices of the peace at times by them prefixed , and publickly notifyed to the inhabitants of each precinct , to the end that they may take any exceptions to such accounts , if there be cause . . that the master and overseers of every respective work-house stand , and be incorporate by the name of master and overseers of their respective precincts , and capable to take in succession by will or otherwise , lands , goods , or money , or other legacies or gifts for the benefit of the poor , within their respective precincts . . that they also be accomptable , as well to their respective successours , and also to the justices of the peace at their quarter sessions for the benefit and proceed and imployment of such gifts and bequests . . that they be disabled to grant any lands to them given or bequeathed for any longer term then one year , and at an improved rent . . that if any person that is able to work , and not able to maintain himself , shall refuse to do so , he may be forced thereunto by warrant of two justices of peace by imprisonment , and moderate correction in such work-house . . if any person imployed by the master , shall imbezill or wilfully prejudice , or spoil his work , he shall upon complaint and proof thereof by the party grieved to any justice of peace , and by warrant from him receive imprisonment or moderate correction by warrant of such justice . these be the heads of that provision , i could wish for the setting the poor on work , which is but an essay and may receive alterations or additions upon consideration . the benefits , that would come by this method would be very many and great : i shall set down some of them that occur to me . . by incorporating of these work-houses , which are the best kind of hospitals , charitable minded persons would have as it were a pillar whereunto to fasten their charity , which would prevent many difficulties in the faithfull administrations thereof , and would invite benefactors . . whereas hospitals provide for some few poor impotent people , this would prevent poverty and in a little tract of time bring up hundreds to be able to gain their lively hoods . . whereas in that state that things are , our populousness , which is the greatest blessing a kingdom can have , becomes the burden of the kingdom , by breeding up whole races and families , and successive generations in a mere trade of idleness , thieving , begging , and a barbarous kind of life , which must in time prodigiously increase and overgrow the whole face of the kingdom , and eat out the heart of it : this course within one seven years alters the whole state of this disorder , and brings people and their children after them into a regular , orderly and industrious course of life , which will be as natural to them as now idleness , and begging , and theeving is . for no person will have need to beg or steal , because he may gain his living better by working . and no man will be so vain , and indeed hurtfull to the publique as to give to such as beg , and thereby to encourage them , when he is sure they may gain their living by working . and all the laws against vagrants , beggers and wanderers , will be then effectually put in execution , when we may be sure they may be imployed if they will : but till that the interdicting and punishing of the beggers and givers seems to me a most unreasonable piece of imprudence , as well as uncharitableness . by this means the wealth of the nation will be increased , manufactures advanced and every body put into a capacity of eating his own bread ; for upon what imaginable account can we think , that we should not be as able to improve our populousness to our wealth , as well as holland , and flanders , and berbadoes , if we had but their industry and orderly management ? if it be said , their disposition is more industrious than ours : it is true in that condition that matters are ordered ; but if we had the same industrious education , we should have the same industrious disposition : let a man , one that hath been bred up in the trade of begging , he will never , unless complelled , fall to industry ; and on the other side , it is a wonderful necessity indeed that shall bring one bred up in civility , and industry , to beg , as is easily observable in many poor places and families . and were there no other benefit to the kingdom in general nor to the particular places , where such work-houses shall be settled , but this , although the stock were wholly lost in four years , it would be an abundant recompence by the accustoming the poor sort to a civil and industrious course of life , whereby they would soon become , not only not burdensom , but profitable to the kingdom , and the places where they live . . by this means there would soon be an improvement of the several manufactures of the kingdom , both for the necessary consumption of the kingdom , and for exportation , whereby our trade outward would exceed our trade inward , which outward trade , as it is the basis and foundation of all our trade inward ; and the excess and overballance of our trade outward to our trade inward is the only means not only to keep our money at home , but to gain an increase of money , and so advanceth the true intrinsique wealth of the kingdom ; for as of our hand if our trade outward exceed our trade inward the excess must of necessity be returned in money or bullion , so if our trade inward exceed our trade outward , the excess must be made good from hence in money , which must needs insensibly impoverish the kingdom , and experience makes us know it to be true : now the advance of our manufactures would be by this means plainly evident , for woollen manufactures or cloath , the staple commodity of this kingdom , would be more , & these other woollen manufactures , as kersyes , serges , baize , which , though now confined to several parts of the kingdom , as devonshire , norfolk , colchester , would be by this means diffused over the whole kingdom , and those places which have little of woollen manufacture , as lincolnshire , northamptonshire , and other counties , would soon fall into it ; so likewise knitting of stockings , capps , wast-coats and the like . . our linnen manufactures , as linnen cloath , laces of all forts , nets , sails , &c. would become native , and supply the want of the kingdom , and prevent the necessity of importation of linnen cloath from holland and france , of laces from flanders : and as this trade is in some degree used in lancashire , leicestershire , and some other places , so it would be communicated to other places of the kingdom . and it is very considerable the numbers of poor that would be by this means imployed in dressing of hemp and flax , spinning , weaving , whitening and the like . and if any shall say , we want the materials terials , and we want those that should instruct the poor in the ordering of them , the answer is at hand ; if once the manufacture were begun to be put into a method by this way , all men would quickly sow hemp and flax in some parcels of their tillage , and possibly some lands that were not so fit for other tillage would be imployed in this : two acres of hemp and flax in every parish would imploy multitudes , which now people neglect to sow because they have no way to vent or imploy it : and for instructors , when once the alarm is abroad of such a design , it will draw over workmen from other forreign parts ; and by this means we gained , or at least recovered the skill of making woollen cloath from other parts , as appears by undenyable evidence . and if it shall be said that this will defraud and straiten us of labourers in our woollen manufactures ; there can be no fear of that ; for we have poor enough to be imployed in both , and it is most certain , that the populousness of the kingdom still increaseth , notwithstanding its great exhaustings by wars and plagues , & forrein plantations , and consequently the poor will be proportionably increased , so that we may reasonably suppose that in one seven years , by the blessing of god , the very proceeds , that will be able and fit to work , of poor families , will be more than double to what they are now , which will continually increase in a kind of geometrical progression , whereby there will be enough for double the imployment that is now for them . . by the means of these work-houses , there will be an opportunity for one or two persons , skilled in any manufacture , to instruct twenty in the trades , by common resort , meeting and dayly residence of children and young people there ; and there may be opportunity , to teach children to read without any interruption , in the imployments of them that are able to teach them , or of them that are able to work . . by this means the yearly contributions for the necessary relief of poor , that are able to work , and their families , and those kind of contributions which in time will be impossible to support the poor , will be changed into a supply every way more easy for them that are to pay , though at first it may require a more liberal assistance for the raising of the stocks , and every way more beneficial and advantageous for the poor ; first , because they will hereby be educated and inured to a way of civility and industry . . they will gain a trade , which will go along with them as the constant support of their lives . . the wages that they will gain will be a greater and better support than they can have by any contributions that are able to be assessed for them for they may be able to gain , two , three , four , five and six shillings a week , for every person able to work , which is five times more than their weekly or yearly contributions do or can amount unto , without exhausting more than the revenues of the parishes , wherein these poor are in many places : and this shall be demonstrated to the eye of any that will consider this instance , which i have exactly tryed , and examined , and found to be true : the ordinary process and time , and charge of making a common course medly cloth of our gloucester shire wooll at this day is ; . in every such cloath of about yards long there is ninety pounds of wooll , which will cost at this day at d. per pound four pounds s . viz. ordinary in a grey cloath . l. of abb. l. s . l. of warp . l. s . l. of mixture . l. s . . the charge of making this cloath :   l. s . d. parting & picking colouring breaking & spinning the abb at two pence farthing per l. breaking & spinning the warp at d. per l. cards and oyl weaving , spooling and warping milling and burling . l. s . d. shearing and dressing drawing carriage and facturage so the whole charge comes to l. s . out of which deducting the materials of wooll , and cards , and oyl , viz. l. s . their remains entirely for the expence of work amount to l. s . it is true at this day this cloath yields not above l. to be sold , which is only s . profit , but when trade is quicker it may yield l. or more . the people that are imployed in bringing about this cloath to be ready are , viz. weavers and spoolers , breakers , six spinners , one fuller and burler , one sheerman , one parter and picker : the weavers supply the office of spooler and warper . these will bring about the first cloath in about two moneths space : but being continued in a constant tract the cloath will be brought about in three weeks time , for all the other workmen are at work and fit the cloath for the weaver in that space that he is weaving the first cloath . . consequently this one loom thus imployed all the year round allowing two months to the first cloath , and three weeks to every other , will make fourteen returns the first year of cloath ready for sale and sixteen returns every year after . . consequently that which this yields for bare wages to these poor workmen for the first year is eighty seven pounds ten shillings , and for the following years is ninety seven pounds , and by this computation it is easy to see what every workman can gain a week being full imployed . . about one hundred pounds stock will for ever keep this looms work going , and maintain these fourteen workmen , and consequently a stock of four hundred pounds will keep on foot four looms work , and keep on work fifty six persons , and be able to abide the ordinary delays of sale incident to the markets . . but if it could be supposed that the cloath could be sold as soon as made ( which is not i confess reasonably to be expected ) then a stock of four and twenty pounds would by its continual return provide materials , and pay the workmen for one looms work in perpetuity : but because the returns by sale cannot be as speedy as the work is'done , the stock must be near l. to abide the delay of a month , two , three , four or more , in point of sale , and likewise to buy wooll seasonably for work. and by this it appears that although one hundred pounds stock by its returns yields but an inconsiderable advantage to the master at five shillings per cloath , viz. but four pounds in the year , yet it yields a considerable advantage to the poor workers , viz. near one hundred pounds per annum ; and consequently a stock of four hundred pounds yields near four hundred pounds per annum . and conse sequently these fifty six poor people that are kept on work with this stock of four hundred pounds could not live better , if the parish were at the yearly pension of four hundred pounds per annum , to relieve them , nor indeed so well , considering they are by this means kept in a way of imployment and honest industry ; and yet without some supply either by wages or contribution those fifty six poor people being destitute of wages or contributions to this value or near it , must live by stealing or begging , or starve . and let it be also considered that this stock thus raised and set going maintains it self by a perpetual circulation and vicissitude , without any considerable help by any farther supply , and yet perpetually countervails a contribution of near four hundred pounds per annum for the relief of these fifty six poor persons . by all which it will appear that the advantage of a stock imployed , and once set on foot doth countervail a great contribution and indeed greater then can be raised and yearly continued by most places , and will at least in time render those yearly constant contributions lower and less needful . . but yet farther , by this means there will be a reasonable gage set to wages of workmen : it is not unknown how that some covetous masters in hard times , if they are well stocked and of abilities , will set on work many poor , but they must take such wages as they are not able to live upon , and that also many times paid in corn , wooll , cheese , and other things at rates high enough : and indeed if they will work upon these terms they may , but if not they turn them off , or not imploy them , and thereupon the poor workmen not being able to live without work , and having no place to resort for any , are under a necessity of working to them at inconsiderable rates . and such masters make greater advantage by this means when trade is low then when it is open : but by this means there would be a refuge for the poor to be imployed at reasonable wages ; and the reason is evident , because this being but an expedient , not so much for gain to the master as for imployment for the poor , as long as the stock makes but good it self , or be managed without considerable loss , it attains its end , and therefore may give competent wages . but on the other hand the trading-master looks for his profit , and if his stock turns not to him for gain he gives over , or reduceth the workman to inconsiderable wages that his own gain may be the greater . and although it may be there be some honest minded and charitable masters that will be content for some time to imploy their stock though without gain , yet they are but rare to be found and such as commonly hold not out long unless they find profit though perchance they suffer no loss : these be some of those considerations that shew the usefulness of this expedient : i shall now consider some of the objections that may be made against it : . ob. it is a great business to raise for the purpose four years pay at once to make up a stock , and yearly contributions are more easy . i answer , it is true , and yet the advantage even to the objecters themselves is even to their sense apparently great : if a man had a rent of inheritance issuing out of his land , he would not think much of giving sixteen years purchase to buy it in : and the charge that goes out for the poor as it is as much and as certain a charge as a rent , so it is evident to us that it hath increased yearly , and of necessity the longer things are continued in this careless way it must increase in an excessive proportion , and to give four years purchase to abate it , or if it were but to keep it at a stay , were good husbandry . . besides this , let a man consider what other losses do accrue by the want of a due provision of work , and an industrious education for the poor , in thieving and stealing , and sending such malefactors to goals at the charges of the parish , in prosecuting them at assizes and sessions , in cutting and destroying of woods , pulling of hedges , and trespasses to corn and grass thereby , in alms giving at the door ; these would be , if not altogether prevented , yet , in a great measure they would , when that most unchristian and indeed inhumane way of living among most ordinary indigent people is remedied by convenient imployment and wages . . obj. but there are a sort of idle people , that will rather begg then work though they may be imployed , and so that trade of begging and idleness would be still continued . i answer . that we do surmise a compulsary law to inforce idle persons to work , which would prevent it . . by this means the benefit of working would exceed the benefit of begging which would cause persons to leave it . . by the educating of children in a way of industry there would be gradually a disaccustomedness to that way which would in time quite remove it . but . when men were once assured by a clear evidence that the poor might have work upon reasonable terms , no man would give , the laws against wanderers that were able to work , and against the relievers of such , would be cheerfully put in execution , which now men even upon the account of common charity cannot bring themselves to . . obj. but what considerable advantage would such a stock as four hundred pounds do when perchance in a time of trading four or five thousand pounds imployed by masters in a parish is but enough to set their poor on work , where it may be there are two or three hundred persons that are thus imployed . i answer , it would be a great help to the poor in a time of scarcity of work , although it should lye still in a time of plenty of work. the supply of work , for a month , or two , or three , in a year , when traders for advantage give over , keeps industry on the wheels , and yields a considerable supply . . in good times , when there is no need of it , it is as capable of increase and improvement , being imployed as private mens stocks are , which would inlarge it , or at lest inable it to bear some loss in times of lowness of trade . . if once such a stock were going it would not only increase by it self , but it would have continual accession by charitable gifts , which would do five times the good thus imployed than imployed as they are in doles and little yearly pensions , which consume and come to nothing , but are swallowed up in the present necessity of the poor , and leave but small signs of advantage behind them : whereas the following of the method now propounded will at least leave the persons , to whom it is applyed the advantage of an industrious education and profession , which will abide by them . . obj. but men , that are concerned for their own benefit in the prosecution of their trade , as for instance of cloathing , and consequently more careful than persons imployed for others , yet do lose by their trading , and many times impair their stocks ; and therefore this , that cannot be expected to be neither so industriously nor successfully managed , may be in the same condition . i answer . . in general . in this way there must needs be one of these events : . either there will be gain , and then it doth improve the stock , and lays up an advantage that may compensate a former loss and enable the bearing of a future loss . and i know no reason but that in this management there may be some times at least of advantage as well as in private trading . the times are not alwayes at a stand in trade , but some times , and most ordinarily there is some gains in it , though not so much as at other times ; and then the good times make amends for the bad . . or else , though there be no gain , there will be no loss , but it stands at a stay , and if it doth so this design attains its end , which is the imployment of the poor . though it yields not the master or trader any gain , yet it yields the poor a subsistence in their wages and work. it is true a private tradesman looks to gain so much as may at least maintain himself and his family . and if he doth not he gives over his trading , as not answering his end ; and it may be in some cases reasonable to do so : but though here be little or no gain , yet the end is attained , because the poor are imployed and paid though the stock increase not . . or else there is loss . to this i say ; . if there be loss , yet it is but gradual , not altogether . suppose it be twenty , thirty , or forty pounds in a year , in a stock of four hundred pounds , and by that account , yet this stock will not be wholly exhausted in five or six years ; and if it should be so , yet the loss to the parish would not be more than it would be if its old course of contribution at the height that it would have been during the spending of that stock which is thereby , as before is observed , in a great measure remedied : . these decays may possibly be repaired by charitable gifts and bequests . . but if it were not , yet such gradual decays may be supplyed by the parishes with the same ease that their contribution would have been , all things considered , and possibly better times of trade may happen at least once in two or three years which may repair the loss , or at least keep the stock at its full gage with small helps : . but suppose the worst and that in the compass of three or four years the whole stock were wholly drawn dry ; i say confidently , that the advantage the country would have by a course of industrious education of the poor continued but one three or four years , will more then countervail the loss of a very considerable stock , in preventing that trade of idleness which grows up in poor families which will dayly infinitely increase , and will receive a very great check and possibly such as will for ever prevent the return of such a course of life by the interruption of a tract of three or four years of imployment , and will put thousands in that tract of time into a course of trade and livelyhood which they will carry with them all their lives after . . and besides all this , it is not likely the trade will suffer a perpetual interruption , but even while this stock is in this wane and declination , private men will be trading , and then in this decay and declination of the stock ( if it should be unsupplyed ) there will be work at private hands , and persons instructed and fitted and able to do it , which may prevent a total interruption of an industrious education and may give some intervals of relaxation of the imployment of the common stock , at least in that fullness as formerly , till it be recruited by new supplyes . . but yet farther , the method of the proposed imployment though it be principally bottomed upon the trade of woollen cloathing yet it will have other supplyes , as is propounded , as making of kersyes , baize , knitting of stockings , dressing & ordering of hemp and flax , and spinning and weaving it . and though there were no other but the woollen manufacture yet if it should please our superiors to interdict the wearing of forrein manufactures , our own consumption at home and the necessity that they have in forrein parts of our woollen manufactures would double the trade of woollen manufactures . . obj. the poor have work already if they will work , and the setting up of such a publique trade will but make workmen the more independent , and decline the imployment of private traders which will tend to the decay of trade . i answer i. it is true when trading is quick possibly they may have work enough but upon any check in trade they are oftentimes turned off unless they will work at extream low wages and ill paid . . when work is so plenteous at private hands there may be an intermission or relaxation of the imployment of the common stock : especially if they can have better wages at private hands ; for it will be enough for this to be supplemental of the defects of work at others hands , and it sufficiently attains its end if it may be a refuge at the time of need for those that would work and cannot get it , and an expedient to enforce those to work that can and willnot . . objection . poor that do their work well , and are honest , and industrious , cannot want work when any is to be had in the country , and those that are not imployed are either such as will not work , or cannot tell how to work , or will steal and purloyn their work : these will undo the work-house . i answer . some times there are when the honestest workmen cannot get work , and this will be a reserve for them . . but as for others here will be an expedient to teach them to work that cannot , and to compell them to work , that can , and to punish them , that are dishonest in their work. . and if there were no punishment , yet when a work-house and stock is once settled , that would be sufficient to make them work : for when every man were once sure that they that would honestly work might have it , and reasonable wages , every wanderer and begger would be esteemed such a person as will not work , or will be dishonest in it , and not fit to be relieved , but the laws to be severely put in execution against them . . obj. but where shall we have men that will undertake the imployment and be faithful and trusty in it ? i answer . there be many poor and honest men , who for a small salary and a room or two to work and lodge in the work-house would be fit enough to undertake the imployment of a master , and yet he would have no great trust upon him , for the stock would be lodged in the hands of the overseers , and they to deliver it out , and take weekly or monethly accounts : which overseers may be substantial men and at no great trouble , and eligible either by the justices of peace , or parishioners , yearly or once in three years , and their trouble would be no greater than the trouble of overseers of the poor , or church-wardens in any parish . and thus i have hastily and cursorily gone through the method , reasons and objections of this proposal , which i am sure if it can be brought to a due accomplishment , is , . a work of great humanity and such as we owe to those of our own nature as we are men . the wise god did tell his ancient people that the poor should be always among them ; which was , . to exercise their liberality and charity in supplying the wants of some by the abundance of others . and . to exercise their discretion & industry to think of and set on foot such means as might put them in a course of honest imployment , and encourage them in it : they that are rich are stewards of their wealth , and they that are wise are stewards of their wisdom , unto that great master of the family of heaven and earth , to whom they must give an account of both ; and one , i am sure , of the best accounts they can give of both is to imploy them in the reformation & relief of those that want both or either . am i my brothers keeper was the answer of one of the worst of men . . a work that as well becomes a christian as any , christianity recommending charity as one of the principal christian virtues . and indeed the ill provision for the poor in england is one of the greatest reproaches to us in relation to our christian profession . . a work for a good english man : the want of a due provision for education and relief of the poor in a way of industry is that which fills the goals with malefactors , and fills the kingdom with idle and unprofitable persons that consume the stock of the kingdom without improving it , and that will daily increase even to a desolation in time . and this error in the first concoction is never remediable but by gibbets and whipping . but there must be a sound , prudent and resolved method for an industrious education of the poor , and that will give better remedy against these corruptions than the after gain of penalties can . finis . my lord mayor and this court of aldermen taking into consideration the wants and necessities of the honest and laborious poore inhabitants (especially of the out parishes) of this city ... city of london (england). this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing l h). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing l h estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) my lord mayor and this court of aldermen taking into consideration the wants and necessities of the honest and laborious poore inhabitants (especially of the out parishes) of this city ... city of london (england). broadside. printed by james flesher ..., [london] : [ ] title from first lines of text. at head of title: chiverton mayor. thursday the th of february . date of publication suggested by wing. reproduction of original in the guildhall, london. eng public welfare -- england -- london. london (england) -- history -- th century. a r (wing l h). civilwar no my lord mayor and this court of aldermen taking into consideration the wants and necessities of the honest and laborious poore inhabitants ( city of london a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion chiverton blazon or coat of arms mayor . thursday the th of february . my lord mayor and this court of aldermen taking into consideration the wants and necessities of the honest and laborious poore inhabitants ( especially of the out parishes ) of this city ; in this extreame hard and cold season , doe earnestly recommend it to the ministers in their severall congregations within this city and liberties , on the next lords day , to move their people to a charitable contribution towards their reliefe and succour ; and that the same may succeed the more effectually , it is thought fit that the church-wardens or other officers doe the same day according to the usuall manner after sermon , receive the charity of such strangers as resort to their respective congregations ; and that the common-councell-men throughout the said city and liberties , do on the day following collect from house to house the benevolence of all the able inhabitants in their severall precincts ; and further that the whole collection in every parish and precinct , be paid by the said common-councell-men and churchwardens respectively unto mr chamberlaine at his office in guild-hall london , on tuesday next the th of this instant february , to be thence immediately issued , paid , and distributed , according to the discretion and direction of the iustices of peace of the said city , to , and amongst the severall parishes within the same city and liberties , for relief of their said poor , and proportionably to the number and necessities of them . sadler . printed by james flesher , printer to the honourable city of london . a proposal offered to the committee of the honourable house of commons appointed to consider of ways for the better providing for the poor and setting them on work, and now under their consideration. cary, john, d. ? approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing c estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a proposal offered to the committee of the honourable house of commons appointed to consider of ways for the better providing for the poor and setting them on work, and now under their consideration. cary, john, d. ? p. s.n., [london : ?] caption title. signed: john cary. imprint suggested by wing. reproduction of original in the christ church library, oxford university. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng poor -- england. public welfare -- england. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - celeste ng sampled and proofread - celeste ng text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a proposal offered to the committee of the honourable house of commons , appointed to consider of ways for the better providing for the poor , and setting them on work. and now under their consideration . that the laws now in force about vagrants , rogues , beggars , lewd women , bastards , &c. and also the laws about the settlement of the poor be comprehended in one statute , that so they may be more easily understood by those who shall undertake the care of the poor . that the laws about providing for and employing the poor be still in force , where new corporations for the poor are not setled . that encouragement be given for erecting hospitals , houses of correction , and work-houses for maintaining and employing the poor of this kingdom , in all the counties , cities , and towns , under the management of corporations , settled either under the great seal of england , or by act of parliament ; or by the justices of the peace in their quarter-sessions . that where these corporations are settled in cities or towns corporate , the poors rates of all the parishes be united into one , and equally raised on the inhabitants , according to their estates , both real and personal ; except in london , or other very large places , which may be divided into several corporations , by discretion of the justices , who may bring the charge to an equality , either by joyning rich parishes with poor , or by making the richer corporations contribute to the poorer . that the corporations in the country be not extended so large as to comprehend a whole county , the poor thereof being too many for one corporation to govern , but rather confined to a hundred or hundreds , whose parishes to be comprehended in one , and each of them to contribute to the charge thereof , not by bringing them to an equal pound-rate on their lands and personal estates , which i fear will discourage them from uniting ; but by taxing every parish according to what it paid before , there not being the same parity of reason for this way of rating in the hundreds , as there is in cities and towns ; because in the hundreds the parishes do not receive an equal benefit from the labour of the poor of other parishes , as they do in cities and towns ; yet this may be referred to the justices of the peace to proportion , which , i humbly conceive , is all can be done , except you make this law compulsive . that the sums of money to be raised for this work , shall not exceed what was paid in one of the last three years for the maintenance of the poor in all the parishes thus united . that these corporations shall be obliged to maintain all the poor impotent people within their jurisdictions ; to provide work for those who are willing , and to force those to work who are idle , and to assist those poor people whose labour will not maintain their charge . that hospitals , and work-houses , and houses of correction , shall be erected in convenient places , under the government of each corporation ; wherein the impotent poor shall be provided for ; vagrants and idle people punished , and kept at hard labour ; young people of both sexes bred up to work till the age of sixteen , and also taught to read ; and the said corporations shall have power to bind them out apprentices , the boys to the age of _____ and the girls to the age of _____ or time of marriage . which hospitals , work-houses , and houses of correction , shall be built at a general charge , to be raised in proportion , according as each parish pays to the poor . that the governours of these hospitals , work-houses , and houses of correction , in cities and towns corporate , be the mayor and aldermen , together with a number of guardians chosen out of each parish ; and in the hundreds , all the justices of the peace inhabiting therein ; also a number of inhabitants chosen out of each parish , in proportion to the sum of money it pays ; which choice to be made once in every year , when one half of them which were first chosen shall go forth , and the remaining half shall stay in for the next year : the electors in the cities and towns corporate to be such as pay one penny per week to the poor in their own rights ; and in the hundreds , the freeholders of forty shillings per annum ; and in case of the death of any guardian , another to be chosen in his room , by the parish for which he served ; which elections shall be made on the _____ in courts held in each parish by the justices , or churchwardens and overseers of the poor , or the constables . that these guardians shall chuse a governour , deputy-governour , treasurer , and assistants , yearly ; and shall hold courts , and make by-laws for the better carrying on this work ; shall appoint how many of their members shall make a court ; shall settle the number of their assistants ; and shall adjorn from time to time ; but shall be obliged once in every calander month at least to hold a court ; which shall be held by the governour , deputy-governour , or one half of the assistants . that the court do once in every year , or once in six months , agree how much money will be necessary for the maintaining and employing their poor for the year or six months ensuing , and that this be certified in each city and town-corporate to the mayor , and aldermen , of that city and town-corporate ; and in every hundred , to the justices dwelling within the said hundred , at a meeting to be held for that purpose ; who shall proportion the said sum regularly on each parish , and grant out their warrants to the churchwardens and overseers of the poor to assess it thereon , and afterwards , other warrants to collect and pay it in to the treasurer of the corporation ; and if the mayor , and aldermen , in the cities and towns-corporate , or the justices of the peace in the hundreds , shall refuse or neglect by the space of _____ days next after such certificate made to them , to issue out their warrants to the churchwardens and overseers of the poor to make such assessments ; or after such assessments made by the space of _____ days , to issue out warrants for the gathering of the same , and paying it to the said treasurer , that then the several corporations shall by their own warrants under their common seal , require the said churchwardens and overseers to do the same ; and if they neglect by the space of _____ days after the issuing out such warrant by the mayor , and aldermen , in the said cities and towns-corporate , or by the justices of the peace in the said hundreds , or on their neglect or refusal , by the said corporations , to make assessments , and gather and pay the same to the said treasurer , then the said corporations shall have power to levy the same on the offenders , for the use of the said corporations . that all charitable gifts given for the use of the poor , after the erecting of these corporations , shall belong to that corporation , of which the parish is a part , to whom it is given . that each of these corporations be one body politick in law , and may sue and be sued , and may , without licence in mortmain , purchase , take , and receive any lands , tenements , or heriditaments , and transfer the same , and any goods and charttels whatever , for the benefit of the said corporation . that the said courts shall have these powers following , viz. to summon before them any inhabitants within their jurisdictions , to answer to matters relating to the said corporations . to appoint a common seal or seals for the benefit of the said corporations . to buy necessaries for putting the poor at work . to compel all people who seek to them for relief , or ought to be maintained by them , to dwell in their hospitals and work-houses . to inflict reasonable correction on all poor persons in their hospitals and work-houses . to examine what poor shall come to reside in any of their parishes , and to send them by their warrants to the place of their last legal settlement , or to bring them before the justices in order thereto . ( appeals as before . ) to apprehend rogues , vagrants , beggars , loose and disorderly persons , and to cause them to be set at work for _____ years in their work-houses , hospitals , or houses of correction . to chuse and entertain necessary officers , and to pay them out of their stock . to certifie , what money will be necessary for building hospitals , work-houses , and houses of correction , and to raise it as before , and when raised , to buy or build such hospitals , work-houses , and houses of correction . to set down and agree on what terms they will receive honorary guardians . these corporations not to have power over any alms-houses , hospitals , or other charitable gifts already settled ; but that all those gifts which have been given in general terms for the use of the poor , shall be in them . no officer in these corporations , by reason of such office , shall be liable to the penalties mentioned in an act made car. . for the preventing the dangers which may happen from popish recusants ; because this may keep out many people , who may be very instrumental in carrying on this work . the treasurer of these corporations to account with such persons as they shall appoint ; and to make up his accounts annually . forfeitures to be levied by sale of the offenders goods , by warrant under the hand and seal of the treasurer . that the poor employed in the woollen-manufactures be paid for their work in money , and not in goods , by all who do employ them . that the rates of spinning be set every year by _____ and that the pound of wool delivered out to the poor to be spun by any manufacturer , do not exceed oz. a clause to secure those from unnecessary suits who shall act by virtue of this law. all which is humbly submitted to the wisdom of this honourable committee . john cary. certaine statutes especially selected, and commanded by his maiestie to be carefully put in execution by all iustices, and other officers of the peace throughout the realme with his maiesties proclamation for further direction for executing the same. also certaine orders thought meete by his maiestie and his priuie counsell, to bee put in execution, together with sundry good rules, preseruatiues, and medicines against the infection of the plague, set downe by the colledge of the physicians vpon his maiesties speciall command: as also a decree of the starre-chamber, concerning buildings and in-mates. laws, etc. england and wales. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : or : ) certaine statutes especially selected, and commanded by his maiestie to be carefully put in execution by all iustices, and other officers of the peace throughout the realme with his maiesties proclamation for further direction for executing the same. also certaine orders thought meete by his maiestie and his priuie counsell, to bee put in execution, together with sundry good rules, preseruatiues, and medicines against the infection of the plague, set downe by the colledge of the physicians vpon his maiesties speciall command: as also a decree of the starre-chamber, concerning buildings and in-mates. laws, etc. england and wales. england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles i) royal college of physicians of london. [ ] p. printed by robert barker and iohn bill, printers to kings [sic] most excellent maiestie, london : anno dom. m.dc.xxx. [ ] includes the proclamation of april . signatures: pi⁴ a⁴ [par.]a⁴ b-q⁴ r² . variant: mostly composed of a reissue or reimposition of sheets or pages from "foure statutes, specially selected and commanded by his majestie to be carefully put in execution by all justices and other officers of the peace throughout the realme" (stc ); collation pi⁴ a⁴, "a ", b-i⁴, k - , k -n , m -n , p⁴ q² ; pagination [ ], , [ ], - , [ ], - , [ ] p. for derivation of all sheets of this see stc. reproductions of the original in the henry e. huntington library and art gallery and bodleian library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- great britain -- th century. public welfare -- law and legislation -- great britain. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - taryn hakala sampled and proofread - taryn hakala text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion certaine statvtes especially selected , and commanded by his maiestie to be carefully put in execution by all iustices , and other officers of the peace throughout the realme ; with his maiesties proclamation for further direction for executing the same . also certaine orders thought meete by his maiestie and his priuie counsell , to bee put in execution , together with sundry good rules , preseruatiues , and medicines against the infection of the plague , set downe by the colledge of the physicians vpon his maiesties speciall command : as also a decree of the starre-chamber , concerning buildings and in-mates . london printed by robert barker and iohn bill , printers to kings most excellent maiestie . anno dom. m.dc.xxx . royal blazon or coat of arms honi ❀ soit ❀ qvi ❀ mal ❀ y ❀ pense diev· et· mon· droit . ❧ to the iustices of peace . as the want of lawes occasioneth wrongs to be committed wittingly ; and want of knowledge of lawes carieth men into offences ignorantly : so are lawes thēselues a burthen when they are too many , and their very number is a cause that few are executed : where penall lawes haue otherwise no life , but in their execution . and certainely that magistrate who knowes but few , and causeth those to be duely obserued , deserueth better of the common-wealth , then he that knoweth many , and executes but few . therefore is the composition of this volume , that those few lawes , and other ordinances being most needfull for the time , may bee easily had , soone knowne , and duely executed ; which is required by his maiestie . ¶ the contents of this booke . a proclamation for quickning the lawes made for the reliefe of the poore , and the suppressing , punishing , and setling of the sturdy rogues , and vagabonds . an act for the reliefe of the poore . an act for the necessarie reliefe of souldiers and mariners . an act for punishment of rogues , vagabonds , and sturdie beggars . an act for the charitable reliefe and ordering of persons jnfected with the plague . orders concerning health . a decree of starre-chamber against inmates and new buildings . ❧ by the king . ¶ a proclamation for quickning the lawes made for the reliefe of the poore , and the suppressing , punishing , and setling of the sturdie rogues and vagabonds . whereas many excellent lawes and statutes with great iudgement and prouidence haue been made in the times of our late deare and royall father ▪ and of the late queene elizabeth , for the reliefe of the impotent , and indigent poore , and for the punishing , suppressing , and set●ing of the sturdy rogues , and vagabonds , which lawes and statutes , if they were duely obserued would be of exceeding great vse for the peace & plenty of this realme , but the neglect thereof is the occasion of much disorder , and many insufferable abuses . and whereas it is fit at all times , to put in execution those lawes which are of so necessarie , and so continuall vse : yet the apparant and visible danger of the pestilence , ( vnlesse the same by gods gracious mercie , and our prouident endeuours be preuented ) doth much more require the same at this present . we haue therefore thought it fit , by the aduice of our priuie councell , by this our publike proclamation , straightly to charge and command ▪ that all our louing subiects in their seueral places , doe vse all possible ●ate and diligence as a principall meanes to preuent the spreading , and dispersing of that contagious sicknesse , to obserue and put in due execution , all the said lawes made and prouided against rogues and vagabonds , and for the reliefe of the truely poore and impotent people . and in the first place , wee strictly charge and command , that in our cities of london , and westminster , and suburbs thereof ▪ and places adiacent thereunto , and generally throughout the whole kingdome , that there bee carefull watch , and ward , kept for the apprehending and punishing of al rogues and vagabonds , who either in the streets or high wayes , vnder the names of souldiers , or mariners , glasse-men , pot-men ▪ pedlars , or petty-chapmen , or of poore or impotent people , shall bee found either wandring , or begging . and wee doe further strictly charge and command , that all constables , head boroughs , and other officers , doe vse all diligence , to punish , and passe away according to the law , all such wanderers , or beggars , as shall be apprehended ▪ either in the cities , or places aforesaid , or in any other cities , towns , parishes , or places within this realme , and take great care that none passe vnder the colour of counterfeit passes . and that all irish rogues , and vagabonds be forthwith apprehended , wheresoeuer they shall bee found and punished , and sent home according to a former proclamation heretofore published in that behalfe . that all householders of whose persons , or at whose houses , any such vagrants shall bee taken begging , doe apprehend , or cause them to be apprehended , and caryed to the next constable , or other officer to bee punished , according to the lawes . and that they forbeare to relieue them , thereby to giue them incouragement to continue in their wicked course of life . that the iustices of peace in their seuerall places throughout this kingdome be carefull either by prouost marshals , or by the high constables , or otherwise by their good discretions effectually to prouide , that all rogues and vagabonds of all sorts bee searched for , apprehended punished and suppressed according to the law. and that once euery moneth at the least , a conuenient number of the iustices of peace in euery seuerall counti● and diuision , shall meete together in some conuenient place in that diuision , and take account of the high constables , petty constables , and other officers within that diuision , how they haue obserued the lawes and our commandement touching the premisses . and that they seuerely punish all such as shall bee found remisse or negligent in that behalfe . and we doe hereby strictly charge and command as well all and singular iustices of peace , constables , headboroughs , and other our officers and ministers , as also all our louing subiects of what estate or degree soeuer to vse all diligence , that all and euery houses or places which are or shall bee visited or infected with the sicknesse , bee carefully shut vp , and watch and ward kept ouer them that no person or persons within those places doe goe abroad , or depart from thence , during the time of such visitation . and we doe hereby command all and singular our iudges of assize in their seuerall circuits to giue speciall charge , and make speciall inquiry of the defaults of all and euery the iustices of peace who shall not obserue their meetings in the seuerall counties and diuisions aforesaid , or shall not punish such constables or other officers as being informed either by their owne view and knowledge , or otherwise are or shal be found remisse or negligent in the premisses , or in leauying such penalties & forfeitures as the lawes and statutes of this realme require against the parties offending herein . and thereof to informe vs or our priuy councell , to the end that such due course may be taken either by remouing out of the commission such negligent iustices of the peace , or otherwise by inflicting such punishment vpon them as shal be due to such as neglect their owne duties , and our royall command published vpon so important an occasion . and we doe hereby will require and command all and euery our iudges of assize , maiors , sheriffes , iustices of peace , constables , headboroughs and other our officers , ministers and subiects whom it may concerne , that they carefully and effectually obserue and performe all and euery the premisses , as they will answere the neglect thereof at their vttermost perils . and whereas wee haue lately commanded a booke to be printed and published containing certaine statutes made and enacted heretofore for the reliefe of the poore , and of souldiers and mariners , and for punishment of rogues and vagabonds , and for the reliefe and ordering of persons infected with the plague , and also containing certaine orders heretofore , and now lately conceiued and made concerning health : all which are necessarie to be knowen and obserued by our louing subiects that thereby they may the better auoid those dangers which otherwise may fall vpon their persons or estates by their neglect thereof . wee haue thought it fit hereby to giue notice thereof to all our louing subiects , to the end that none may pretend ignorance for an excuse , in matters of so great importance . and wee doe hereby declare , that whosoeuer shall bee found remisse or negligent in the execution of any part of the premisses , shall receiue such condigne punishment for their offence , as by the lawes of this realme , or by our prerogatiue royall can or may be iustly inflicted vpon them . giuen at our court at whitehal the three and twentieth day of april , in the sixt yeere of our reigne of england , scotland , france and ireland . god saue the king. anno xliij . reginae elizabethae . ❧ an acte for the reliefe of the poore . be it enacted by the authority of this present parliament , that the churchwardens of euery parish , and foure , three , or two substantiall housholders there , as shall be thought meete , hauing respect to the proportion and greatnes of the same parish and parishes , to bee nominated yeerely in easter weeke , or within one moneth after easter , vnder the hand and seale of two or more iustices of the peace in the same countie , whereof one to be of the quorum , dwelling in or neere the same parish or diuision , where the same parish doeth lie , shall bee called ouerseers of the poore of the same parish . and they , or the greater part of them shal take order from time to time , by , and with the consent of two or more such iustices of peace , as is aforesayd , for setting to worke of the children of all such whose parents shal not by the said churchwardens , and ouerseers , or the greater part of them , bee thought able to keepe and maintaine their children . and also for setting to worke all such persons married , or vnmarried , hauing no means to maintaine thē , vse no ordinary & daily trade of life to get their liuing by , and also to raise weekly or otherwise ( by taxation of euery inhabitant , parson , vicar , and other , & of euery occupier of lands , houses , tithes impropriate , or propriations of tithes , colemines , or saleable vnderwoods in the said parish , in such competent summe and sums of money , as they shal thinke fit ) a conuenient stocke of flaxe , hempe , wooll , threed , yron , & other necessary ware & stuffe to set the poore on work , and also competent summes of money , for , and towards the necessary reliefe of the lame , impotēt , old , blind , and such other among them being poore , and not able to worke , & also for the putting out of such children to be apprentices , to bee gathered out of the same parish , according to the ability of the same parish , and to do , and execute all other things , aswell for the disposing of the said stocke , as otherwise concerning the premisses , as to them shal seem conuenient . which said church wardens & ouerseers so to be nominated , or such of them as shall not be let by sicknesse , or other iust excuse , to bee allowed by two such iustices of peace or more , as is aforesaid , shall meete together at the least once euery moneth in the church of the said parish , vpon the sunday in the afternoone , after diuine seruice , there to consider of some good course to bee taken , and of some meet order to be set down in the premisses , & shal within foure daies after the end of their yeere , & after other ouerseers nominated as aforesaid , make & yeeld vp to such two iustices of peace as is aforesaid , a true and perfect account of al summes of money by them receiued , or rated and sessed , and not receiued , and also of such stocke as shal be in their hands , or in the hands of any of the poore to worke , and of all other things concerning their said office , and such summe or summes of money as shall be in their hands , shal pay and deliuer ouer to the said church-wardens and ouerseers , newly nominated and appointed as is aforesaid , vpō paine that euery one of them absenting themselues without lawfull cause as aforesaid , frō such monethly meeting for the purpose aforesaid , or being negligent in their office , or in the execution of the orders aforesaid , being made by and with the assent of the said iustices of peace , or any two of them before mentioned , to forfeit for euery such default of absence , or negligence , twenty shillings . and be it also enacted , that if the said iustices of peace doe perceiue that the inhabitants of any parish are not able to leuy amōg themselues sufficient summes of money for the purposes aforesaid : that then the said two iustices shall and may taxe , rate and assesse , as aforesaid , any other of other parishes , or out of any parish within the hundred where the said parish is to pay such summe and summes of money to the churchwardens & ouerseers of the sayd poore parish , for the said purposes , as the said iustices shal think fit , according to the intent of this law. and if the said hundred shal not be thought to the said iustices , able , and fit to relieue the sayd seuerall parishes not able to prouide for themselues as aforesaid , then the iustices of peace at their generall quarter sessions , or the greater number of them , shal rate and assesse , as aforesayd , any other of other parishes , or out of any parish within the said countie for the purposes aforesaid , as in their discretion shall seeme fit . and that it shall be lawfull aswell for the present as subsequent churchwardens and ouerseers , or any of them , by warrant from any two such iustices of peace as is aforesaid , to leuie aswel the said summes of money and all arrerages of euery one that shall refuse to contribute according as they shall be assessed , by distresse and sale of the offendors goods , as the summes of money , or stock which shal be behind vpon any account to be made as aforesayd , rendring to the parties the ouerplus , and in defect of such distresse , it shal be lawfull for any such two iustices of the peace , to commit him or them to the common gaole of the county , there to remaine without baile or maineprise , vntill paiment of the said sum , arrerages & stocke , and the sayde iustices of peace , or any of them , to send to the house of correction or common gaole such as shall not employ themselues to worke , being appointed therunto as aforesaid : and also any two such iustices of peace , to commit to the said prison , euery one of the sayd churchwardens and ouerseers , which shall refuse to accompt , there to remaine without baile or maineprise , vntill he haue made a true accompt , and satisfied and payd so much as vpon the sayd accompt shall bee remaining in his hands . and be it further enacted , that it shall be lawfull for the said churchwardens and ouerseers , or the greater part of them , by the assent of any two iustices of the peace aforesayd , to bind any such children as aforesaid , to be apprentices , where they shall see conuenient , till such man child shall come to the age of foure and twenty yeeres , and such woman childe to the age of one and twentie yeres or the time of her mariage : the same to be as effectuall to all purposes , as if such child were of full age , and by indenture of couenant bound him or her selfe . and to the intent that necessarie places of habitation may more conueniently be prouided for such poore impotent people , be it enacted by the authoritie aforesaid , that it shall and may be lawfull for the said churchwardens and ouerseers , or the greater part of them , by the leaue of the lord or lords of the mannour , whereof any waste , or common within their parish is or shall be parcell , and vpon agreement before with him or them made in writing vnder the hands and seales of the sayd lord and lords or otherwise , according to any order to be set downe by the iustices of peace of the sayde countie at their generall quarter sessions , or the greater part of them , by like leaue and agreement of the said lord or lords , in writing vnder his or their hands and seales , to erect , builde and set vp in fit and conuenient places of habitation , in such waste or common , at the generall charges of the parish , or otherwise of the hundred or countie as aforesayd , to be taxed , rated and gathered , in maner before expressed , conuenient houses of dwelling for the sayd impotent poore , and also to place inmates or more families then one in one cottage or house , one acte made in the one & thirtieth yeere of her maiesties reigne , intituled , an acte against the erecting and maintaining of cottages , or any thing therein contained to the contrarie notwithstanding . which cottages and places for inmates shal not at any time after be vsed or imployed to or for any other habitation , but only for impotent and poore of the same parish , that shall be there placed from time to time by the churchwardens and ouerseers of the poore of the same parish or the most part of them , vpon the paines and forfeitures contained in the said former acte made in the sayd one and thirtieth yeere of her maiesties reigne . prouided alwayes , that if any person or persons shall finde themselues grieued with any sesse or taxe , or other acte done by the sayde churchwardens and other persons , or by the sayde iustices of peace , that then it shall be lawfull for the iustices of peace , at their generall quarter sessions , or the greater number of them , to take such order therein as to them shal be thought conuenient , and the same to conclude and binde all the sayd parties . and be it further enacted , that the father and grandfather , and the mother , and grandmother , and the children of euery poore , olde , blinde , lame , and impotent person , or other poore person , not able to worke , being of a sufficient abilitie , shall at their owne charges relieue and maintaine euery such poore person in that manner , and according to that ra●e , as by the iustices of peace of that countie where such sufficient persons dwell , or the greater number of them , at their generall quarter sessions shall bee assessed , vpon paine that euery one of them shall forfeit twentie shillings for euery moneth which they shall faile therein . and be it further hereby enacted , that the maiors , bayliffes , or other head officers of euery towne and place corporate , and city within this realme , being iustice or iustices of peace , shall haue the same authoritie by vertue of this acte , within the limits and precints of their iurisdictions , aswell out of sessions as at their sessions , if they holde any , as is herein limitted , prescribed , and appointed to iustices of peace of the countie , or any two or more of them , or to the iustices of peace in their quarter sessions , to doe and execute for all the vses and purposes in this acte prescribed , and no other iustice or iustices of peace to enter or meddle there . and that euery alderman of the city of london within his ward , shall and may doe and execute in euery respect , so much as is appointed and allowed by this acte to be done and executed by one or two iustices of peace , of any countie within this realme . and be it also enacted , that if it shall happen any parish to extend it selfe into more counties then one , or part to lie within the liberties of any citie , towne , or place corporate , and part without , that then as well the iustices of peace of euery countie , as also the head officers of such city , towne , or place corporate , shall deale and entermeddle onely in so much of the said parish , as lyeth within their liberties , and not any further . and euery of them respectiuely within their seuerall limits , wards and iurisdictions , to execute the ordinances before mentioned concerning the nomination of ouerseers , the consent to binding apprentices , the giuing warrant to leuie taxations vnpayd , the taking accompt of churchwardens and ouerseers , and the committing to prison such as refuse to accompt , or deny to pay the arrerages due vpon their accompts . and yet neuerthelesse , the sayd church-wardens and ouerseers , or the most part of them of the sayd parishes , that doe extend into such seuerall limits and iurisdictions , shall without diuiding themselues , duely execute their office in all places within the sayd parish , in all things to them belonging , and shall duely exhibite and make one accompt before the sayd head officer of the towne or place corporate , and one other before the said iustices of peace , or any such two of them as is aforesaid . and further be it enacted by the authority aforesaid , that if in any place within this realme there happen to bee hereafter no such nomination of ouerseers yeerely as is before appointed , that then euery iustice of peace of the county dwelling within the diuision , where such default of nomination shall happen , and euery maior , alderman and head officer , of city , towne , or place corporate , where such default shall happen , shall lose and forfeit for euery such default fiue pound , to bee imployed towards the reliefe of the poore of the sayd parish , or place corporate , and to be leuied as aforesaid of their goods by warrant from the generall sessions of the peace of the sayd countie , or of the same citie , towne , or place corporate , if they kepe sessions . and bee it also enacted by the authority aforesayd , that all penalties and forfeitures , before mentioned in this act to bee forfeited by any person or persons , shall go and be imployed to the vse of the poore of the same parish , and towards a stocke and habitation for them , and other necessary vses and reliefe as before in this act are mentioned and expressed , and shal be leuied by the said churchwardens and ouerseers , or one of them , by warrant from any two such iustices of peace , or maior , alderman , or head officer of citie , town or place corporate , respectiuely within their seuerall limites by distresse and sale therof , as aforesaid , or in defect therof , it shal be lawful for any two such iustices of peace , and the said aldermen and head officers within their seuerall limits , to commit the offendor to the said prison , there to remaine without baile or maineprise , till the said forfeitures shal be satisfied and payed . and be it further enacted by the authoritie aforesayd , that the iustices of peace of euery countie or place corporate , or the more part of them in their general sessions to be holden next after the feast of easter next , and so yeerely as often as they shall thinke meet , shall rate euery parish to such a weekely summe of money as they shall thinke conuenient , so as no parish bee rated aboue the summe of sixe pence , nor vnder the summe of a halfepeny , weekely to bee payd , and so as the totall summe of such taxation of the parishes in euery county , amount not aboue the rate of two pence for euery parish within the said county . which summes so taxed , shall be yeerely assessed by the agreement of the parishioners within themselues , or in default thereof , by the churchwardens and petie constables of the same parish , or the more part of them , or in default of their agreement , by the order of such iustice or iustices of peace , as shal dwell in the same parish , or ( if none be there dwelling ) in the parts next adioyning . and if any person shal refuse or neglect to pay any such portion of money so taxed , it shall be lawfull for the said churchwardens and constables , or any of them , or in their default for any iustice of peace of the sayd limite , to leuie the same by distresse , and sale of the goods of the party so refusing or neglecting , rendring to the party the ouerplus , and in default of such distresse , it shal be lawful to any iustice of that limite , to commit such person to the sayd prison , there to abide without baile or maineprise , till he haue payed the same . and be it also enaced , that the said iustices of the peace at their generall quarter sessions to bee holden at the time of such taxation , shall set down what competent sums of money shal be sent quarterly out of euery county or place corporate , for the reliefe of the poore prisoners of the kings bench , and marshalsey , & also of such hospitals , and almes houses , as shal be in the said county , and what summes of money shal be sent to euery one of the said hospitals , & almes houses , so as there bee sent out of euery county yerely xx . s. at the least to each of the said prisons of the kings bench , and marshalsey , which summes ratably to be assessed vpon euery parish , the churchwardens of euery parish shall truely collect and pay ouer to the high cōstables in whose diuision such parish shall be scituate , from time to time quarterly ten dayes before the end of euery quarter , and euery such constable at euery such quarter sessions in such county , shall pay ouer the same to such two treasurers , or to one of them , as shall by the more part of the iustices of peace of the county , be elected to be the said treasurers , to be chosen by the iustices of peace of the said county , citie , or towne , or place corporate , or of others which were sessed and taxed at fiue pound lands , or ten pound goods at the least , at the taxe of subsidie next before the time of the said election to be made . and the said treasurers so elected , to continue for the space of one whole yere in their office , and then to giue vp their charge with a due account of their receipts and disbursements , at the quarter sessions to be holden next after the feast of easter in euery yeere , to such others as shall from yeere to yeere in forme aforesayd successiuely be elected treasurers for the said county , citie , towne , or place corporate , which said treasurers or one of them shall pay ouer the same to the lord chiefe iustice of england , and knight marshal for the time being , equally to be diuided to the vse aforesaid , taking their acquittance for the same , or in default of the said chiefe iustice , to the next ancientest iustice of the kings bench as aforesaid . and if any churchwarden or high constable , or his executors or administrators , shall faile to make paiment in forme aboue specified , then euery churchwarden , his executors or administrators , so offending , shall forfeit for euery time the summe of ten shillings , and euery high constable , his executors or administrators , shall forfeit for euery time , the summe of xx . s , the same forfetures together with the summes behinde , to be leuied by the said treasurer and treasurers , by way of distresse and sale of the goods as af●resayd , in forme aforesaid , and by them to bee imployed towards the charitable vses comprised in this act. and be it further enacted , that all the surplusage of money which shall bee remaining in the said stocke , of any county , shal by discretion of the more part of the iustices of peace in their quarter sessions , be ordered , distributed and bestowed for the reliefe of the poore hospitals of that countie , and of those that shall sustaine losses by fire , water , the sea , or other casualties , and to such other charitable purposes , for the reliefe of the poore , as to the more part of the said iustices of peace shall seeme conuenient . and bee it further enacted , that if any treasurer elected , shall wilfully refuse to take vpon him the sayd office of treasurership , or refuse to distribute and giue reliefe , or to account according to such forme as shal be appointed by the more part of the sayde iustices of peace , that then it shall be lawfull for the iustices of peace in their quarter sessions , or in their default , for the iustices of assize , at the assizes to be holden in the same countie , to fiue the same treasurer by their discretion : the same fiue not to be vnder three pound , and to bee leuied by sale of his goods , and to be prosecuted by any two of the said iustices of peace , whom they shall authorize . prouided alwayes , that this act shall not take effect vntill the feast of easter next . and be it enacted , that the statute made in the nine and thirtieth yeere of her maiesties reigne , entituled , an acte for the reliefe of the poore , shall continue and stand in force vntill the feast of easter next , and that all taxations heretofore imposed and not payed , nor that shal be payed before the said feast of easter next , and that all taxes hereafter before the sayd feast , to be taxed by vertue of the sayd former act , which shall not be payed before the sayd feast of easter , shall and may after the said feast of easter , be leuied by the ouerseers and other persons in this act respectiuely appointed , to leuie taxations by distresse , and by such warrant in euery respect , as if they had bene taxed & imposed by vertue of this act , & were not payd . prouided alwayes , that whereas the iland of fowlenesse in the countie of essex , being inuironed with the sea , and hauing a chappell of ease for the inhabitants thereof , and yet the said iland is no parish , but the lands in the same are scituated within diuers parishes , farre distant from the same iland , be it therefore enacted by the authoritie aforesaid , that the said iustices of peace shall nominate and appoint inhabitants within the saide iland to be ouerseers for the poore people dwelling within the sayde iland , and that both they the sayd iustices , and the said ouerseers shall haue the same power and authoritie to all intents , considerations and purposes , for the execution of the parts and articles of this acte , and shall be subiect to the same paines and forfeitures , and likewise that the inhabitants and occupyers of lands there , shall be liable and chargeable to the same paiments , charges , expences , and orders in such manner and forme as if the same iland were a parish . in consideration whereof , neither the sayd inhabitants or occupiers of land within the sayd iland , shall not be compelled to contribute towards the reliefe of the poore of those parishes , wherein their houses or landes which they occupy within the sayd iland are situated , for or by reason of their sayd habitations or occupyings , other then for the reliefe of the poore people within the sayd iland , neither yet shall the other inhabitants of the parishes wherein such houses or lands are situated , be compelled , by reason of their resiancie or dwelling , to contribute to the reliefe of the poore inhabitants within the sayd iland . and be it further enacted , that if any action or trespasse , or other suite shal happen to be attempted & brought against any person or persons for taking of any distresse , making of any sale , or any other thing doing , by authority of this present acte : the defendant or defendants in any such action or suit , shall & may either plead not guilty , or otherwise make auowry , cognisance , or iustification , for the taking of the sayd distresses , making of sale , or other thing doing , by vertue of this act , alleaging in such auowry , cognisance , or iustification , that the sayd distresse , sale , trespasse , or other thing whereof the plaintife or plaintifes complained was done by authority of this acte , and according to the tenor , purport , and effect of this acte , without any expressing or rehearsall of any other matter of circumstance contained in this present acte . to which auowrie , cognisance , or iustification , the plaintife shall be admitted to reply , that the defendant did take the sayd distresse , made the said sale , or did any other acte or trespasse , supposed in his declaration of his owne wrong , without any such cause alleaged by the said defendant , whereupon the issue in euery such action shall be ioyned , to be tried by verdict of twelue men , and not otherwise , as is accustomed in other personall actions . and vpon the triall of that issue , the whole matter to be giuen on both parties in euidence , according to the very trueth of the same . and after such issue tryed , for the defendant or non-suite of the plaintife , after appearance , the same defendant to recouer treble dammages , by reason of his wrongfull vexation in that behalfe , with his costes also in that part susteined , and that to be assessed by the same iurie , or writ to enquire of the dammages , as the same shall require . prouided alwayes that this acte shall endure no longer then to the end of the next session of parliament . anno xliij . reginae elizabethae . ❧ an acte for the necessary reliefe of souldiers and mariners . whereas in the fiue and thirtieth yeere of the queenes maiesties reigne that now is , an acte was made , intituled , an acte for the necessary reliefe of souldiers and marriners : and whereas in the nine and thirtieth yeere of her maiesties reigne , there was also made another acte , intituled , an acte for the further continuance and explanation of the sayd former : bee it enacted by authority of this present parliament , that both the sayd actes shall be and continue in force vntill the feast of easter next , and shall bee from and after the sayd feast discontinued . and forasmuch as it is now found more needefull then it was at the making of the sayd actes , to prouide reliefe and maintenance to souldiers and marriners , that haue lost their limmes and disabled their bodies in the defence and seruice of her maiestie and the state , in respect the number of the sayd souldiers is so much the greater , by how much her maiesties iust and honourable defensiue warres are increased : to the ende therefore , that they the said souldiers and mariners may reape the fruits of their good deseruings , and others may be incouraged to performe the like endeuours : be it enacted by the authority of this present parliament , that from & after the sayd feast of easter next , euery parish within this realme of england , and wales , shall bee charged to pay weekely , such a summe of money , towards the reliefe of sicke , hurt , and maimed souldiers and mariners , that so haue been as afore is said , or shall lose their limmes , or disable their bodies , hauing been prest , and in pay , for her maiesties seruice , as by the iustices of peace , or the more part of them , in their generall quarter sessions , to be holden in their seuerall counties , next after the feast of easter next , & so from time to time at the like quarter sessions , to be holden next after the feast of easter , yeerely shall be appointed , so as no parish be rated aboue the summe of ten pence , nor vnder the summe of two pence weekely to be payd , and so as the totall summe of such taxation of the parishes , in any county where there shall be aboue fifty parishes , doe not exceede the rate of sixe pence for euery parish in the same countie , which summes so taxed , shall bee yeerely assessed by the agreements of the parishioners within themselues , or in default therof , by the churchwardens and the pety constables of the same parish , or the more part of them , or in default of their agreement , by the order of such iustices , or iustice of peace , as shall dwell in the same parish , or if none be there dwelling , in the parts next adioyning . and if any person shall refuse or neglect to pay any such portion of money so taxed , it shal be lawfull for the said churchwardens and petie constables , and euery of them , or in their defaults , for the said iustices of peace , or iustice , to leuie such summe by distresse , and sale of the goods or chattels of the party so refusing or neglecting , rendring to the party the ouerplus raised vpon such sale . and for the collecting and custodie of the summes taxed in forme aforesaid , be it enacted , that the churchwardens , & pety constables of euery parish , shal truely collect euery such summe , & the same shall pay ouer vnto the high constable , in whose diuision such parish shall be situate , ten dayes before the quarter sessions , to be holden next before , or about the feast of the natiuity of s. iohn baptist next , in the county where the sayd parish shall be situate , and so from time to time , quarterly within ten dayes before euery quarter sessions . and that euery such high constable , at euery such quarter sessions in such county , shall pay ouer the same , to two such iustices of peace , or to one of them , or to two such other persons , or one of them , as shall be by the more part of the iustices of peace of the same county elected , to be treasurers of the said collection , the same other persons , to bee elected treasurers , to be such , as at the last taxation of the subsidie next before the same election , shall be valued , and sessed at ten pounds in lands yeerely , or at fifteen pounds in goods : which treasurers in euery county so chosen , shall continue but for the space of one whole yere , and then giue vp their charge , with a due account of their receits and disbursements , at their meeting in easter quarter sessions , or within ten dayes after , to such others , as shall from yeere to yeere in the forme aforesayd , successiuely be elected . and if any churchwarden , pety constable , or high constable , or his executors or administrators , shall faile to make payment in forme aboue specified ▪ then euery churchwarden , and petie constable , his executors , or administrators so offending , shall forfeit the summe of twenty shillings , and euery high constable , his executors , or administrators , the summe of fortie shillings , to bee leuied by the treasurers aforesaid , by distresse and sale in maner before expressed , and to be taken by the said treasurers , in augmentation of their stocke , to the vses aforesayd . and if any treasurer , his executors or administrators , shal faile to giue vp his account within the time aforesaid , or shall be otherwise negligent in the execution of his charge , then it shall be lawfull for the more part of the iustices of peace , of the same countie in their sessions , to assesse such fine vpon such treasurer , his executors or administrators , as in their discretion shall seeme conuenient , so it bee not vnder the summe of fiue pounds . and for the true and iust distribution and employment of the summes so receiued , according to the true meaning of this act , be it enacted by the authority aforesayd , that euery souldier or mariner , hauing had his or their limmes lost , or disabled in their bodies by seruice , being in her maiesties pay , as aboue is mentioned , or such as shall hereafter returne into this realme , hurt , or maimed , or grieuously sicke , shall repayre , if he be able to trauell , and make his complaint to the treasurers of the countie , out of which he was pressed , or if he were no prest man , to the treasurers of the countie where hee was borne , or last inhabited , by the space of three yeeres , at his election . and if he be not able to trauell , to the treasurers of the countie where he shall land , or arriue , and shal bring a certificate vnto any of the treasurers aforesaid , vnder the hand and seale of the generall of the campe , or gouernor of the towne wherein hee serued , and of the captaine of the band , vnder whom hee serued , or his lieutenant , or in the absence of the sayde generall or gouernour , from the marshall or deputie of the gouernour , or from any admirall of her maiesties fleete , or in his absence , from any other general of her maiesties shippes at the seas , or in absence of such generall , from the captaine of the ship wherein the sayd mariners or soldiers did serue the queenes maiestie , containing the particulars by his hurts and seruices , which certificate shal be also allowed of the generall muster master , for the time being , resident here within this realm , or receiuer generall of the muster rolles , the treasurer and controller of her maiesties nauie , vnder his hand , for the auoyding of all fraud , and counterfeiting : then vpon such certificate , such treasurers as are before expressed , shall according to the nature of his hurt , and commendation of his seruice , assigne vnto him such a portion of reliefe , as in their discretions shall seeme conuenient for his present necessitie , vntill the next quarter sessions , at the which it shall be lawfull for the more part of the iustices of peace vnder their hands , to make an instrument of graunt of the same , or like reliefe , to endure , as long as this acte shall stand or endure in force , if the same souldier or mariner shall so long liue , and the same pension not bee duely reuoked or altered , which shall be a sufficient warrant to all treasurers for the same countie , to make payment of such pension vnto such persons quarterly , except the same shal be afterward by the sayd iustices reuoked or altered . so that such reliefe as shall be assigned by such treasurers or iustices of peace to any such souldier or mariner , hauing not borne office in the said warres , exceed not the summe in grosse nor yeerely pension of ten pounds . nor to any that hath borne office vnder the degree of a lieutenant , the summe of fifteen pounds . nor to any that hath serued in the office of lieutenant , the summe of twentie pounds . and yet neuerthelesse , it shall and may be lawfull to and for the iustices of peace and others , hauing authoritie by this acte , to assigne pensions to souldiers & mariners , vpon any iust cause , to reuoke , diminish , or alter the same from time to time , according to their discretions in the generall quarter sessions of the peace , or general assemblies for cities or townes corporate , where the same pension shall be granted . and whereas it must needs fall out , that many of such hurt and maimed souldiers and mariners , doe arriue in ports , and places farre remote from the counties , whence they are by vertue of this acte , to receiue their yeerely annuities , and pensions , as also they are prescribed by this act , to obtaine the allowance of their certificates from the muster master , or receiuer generall of the muster rolles , who commonly is like to abide about the court or london , so as they shall need at the first , prouision for the bearing of their charges , to such places : be it therefore enacted , that it may bee lawfull for the treasurers of the countie where they shall arriue , in their discretion vpon their certificate ( though not allowed ) to giue them any conuenient relief for their iourney , to cary them to the next countie , with a testimoniall of their allowance , to passe on towards such a place . and in like maner shal it be lawfull for the treasurer of the next countie to do the like , and so from countie to countie ( in the direct way ) till they come to the place where they are directed to finde their maintenance , according to the tenure of this statute . and for the better execution of this acte in all the branches thereof , be it enacted , that euery the treasurers , in their seuerall counties , shall keepe a true booke of computation , of all such summes as they leuie , and also a register of the names of euery such person vnto whom they shall haue disbursed any reliefe , and shall also preserue , or enter euery certificate , by warrant whereof , such reliefe hath beene by them disbursed , and also that the muster master , or receiuer generall of the muster rolles , shall keepe a booke , wherein shall be entred , the names of all such , whose certificates shall bee by him allowed , with an abstract of their certificates , and that euery treasurer returning , or not accepting the certificate brought vnto him from the sayd muster-master , shall write and subscribe the cause of his not accepting , or not allowing thereof , vnder the said certificate , or on the backe thereof . and bee it further enacted , that if any treasurer shall wilfully refuse to distribute and giue any reliefe , according to the forme of this acte , that it shall be lawfull for the iustices of peace , in their quarter sessions , to fine such treasurers , by their discretions , as aforesayd , the same fine to be leuied by distresse and sale thereof , to bee prosecuted by any two of them , whome they shall authorize . and be it also enacted , that euery soldier or mariner that shall be taken begging , in any place within this realme , after the feast of easter next , or any that shall counterfeit any certificate in this acte expressed , shall for euer lose his annuitie or pension , and shall be taken , deemed , and adiudged as a common rogue , or vagabond person , and shall haue , and sustaine the same , and the like paines , imprisonment and punishment , as is appointed and prouided for common rogues and vagabond persons . prouided alwayes and be it enacted , that all the surplusage of money which shall bee remaining in the stocke of any county , shall by ●he discretion of the more part of the iustices of peace , in their quarter sessions be ordered , distributed and bestowed vpon such good and charitable vses , and in such forme as are limited and appointed in the statutes made and now in force , concerning reliefe of the poore , and punishment of rogues and beggers . prouided alwayes that the iustices of peace within any county of this realme or wales , shall not intromit or enter into any city , borough , place , or towne corporate , where is any iustice of peace for any such citie , borough , place , or towne corporate , for the execution of any article of this acte : but that it shal be lawfull to the iustice and iustices of the peace , maiors , bailiffes , and other head officers of those cities , boroughs , places , & towns corporate , where there is any iustice of peace to proceede to the execution of this act , within the precinct and compasse of their liberties , in such maner as the iustices of peace in any county may doe , by vertue of this act. and that euery iustice of peace within euery such citie , borough , place or towne corporate , for euery offence by him committed , contrary to the meaning of this statute , shal be fineable , as other iustices of peace at the large in the counties are in this act appointed to be . and that the maior and iustices of peace in euery such borough , place and towne corporate , shall haue authority by this present acte to appoint any person , for the receiuing of the sayd money , and paying the same within such citie , borough , place or towne corporate , which person so appointed , shal haue authority to do all such things , and be subiect to all such penalties , as high constables , by vertue of this acte should haue or be . and be it enacted , that all forfeitures to bee forfeited by any treasurer , collector , constable , churchwarden , or other person , for any cause mentioned in this act , shal be imployed to the reliefe of such souldiers and mariners , as are by this acte appointed to take and haue reliefe , and after that reliefe satisfied , then the ouerplus thereof , with the ouerplus of the stocke , remaining in any the sayd treasurers hands , shall bee imployed as is before mentioned , to the charitable vses , expressed in the said statutes , concerning the reliefe of poore , and for punishment of rogues and beggers , ( except the sayd iustices , or the more part of them , shall thinke meete to reserue and keepe the same in stocke for the maintenance and reliefe of such souldiers and mariners as out of the same countie may afterward bee appointed , to receiue reliefe and pensions . ) and that the relief appointed to be giuen by this acte , shall be giuen to souldiers and mariners , out of the county or place where they were pressed , so far forth as the taxation limited by this acte , will extend . and if the whole taxation there , shal be before imployed , according to the meaning of this act , or that they shall not be prest men , then out of the place where they were borne or last inhabited , by the space of three yeres , at his or their election . prouided alwayes , and be it enacted , that euery pension assigned heretofore to any souldier or mariner , or that shall be assignen before the said feast of easter next , notwithstanding the discontinuance of the said two former actes , shal stand in force , and shal yeerely from and after the said feast of easter next , be satisfied and payed , out of such taxations and forfeitures , as shall bee made , collected , and leuied by force of this act , so long as the saide pension shall remaine in force , without such reuocation or diminishing , as is before in this acte mentioned . which clause of reuocation or diminishing before mentioned , shall extend aswell to pensions heretofore assigned , as to such as at any time hereafter , before , or after the said feast of easter , shall bee assigned to any person or persons . and be it also enacted , that all arrerages of taxations heretofore made , by vertue of the said former statutes , or any of them , which shall be or remaine , at the said feast of easter next , vncollected , and not receiued , or leuied , shall and may by authoritie of this act , be had , receiued , and leuied , by such persons , and in such maner and forme , as in euery respect , taxations made by vertue of this act , are appointed to be collected , receiued and leuied , and shall be imployed to the vses expressed in this acte , and no otherwise . prouided alwayes , and bee it enacted by the authority aforesaid , that if the sayd rate shall be thought not to bee sufficient for the reliefe of such souldiers , and mariners , as shal be to be relieued within the citie of london , that then it shall bee lawfull for the maior , recorder , & aldermen of london , or the more part of them , to rate and taxe , such reasonable taxe , summe and summes of money , for the sayd reliefe , as shal be to them thought fit and conuenient . so as such summe and summes of money , so to bee rated , doe not exceede three shillings weekely out of any parish , and so as in the totall , the summe shall not exceede , or be vnder twelue pence weekely out of euery parish , one with another , within the said citie and the liberties thereof . this acte to endure to the end of the next session of parliament , and no longer . anno xxxix . reginae elizabethae . an acte for punishment of rogues , vagabonds , and sturdie beggars . for the suppressing of rogues , vagabonds and sturdie beggers , be it enacted by the authoritie of this present parliament , that from and after the feast of easter next comming , all statutes heretofore made for the punishment of rogues , vagabonds , or sturdie beggers , or for the erection or maintenance of houses of correction , or touching the same , shall for so much as cōcerneth the same be vtterly repealed : and that from and after the said feast of easter , from time to time it shall and may be lawfull to and for the iustices of peace of any countie or city in this realme or the dominions of wales , assembled at any quarter sessions of the peace within the same county , city , borough , or towne corporate , or the more part of them , to set downe order to erect , & to cause to be erected one or more houses of correctiō within their seueral counties or cities : for the doing & performing wherof , & for the prouiding of stocks of money , and al other things necessary for the same , and for raising and gouerning of the same , and for correction and punishment of offenders thither to be committed , such orders as the same iustices , or the more part of them , shal from time to time take , reform , or set downe in any their sayd quarter sessions in that behalfe , shal be of force , and be duely performed and put in execution . and be it also further enacted by the authoritie aforesayd , that all persons calling themselues schollars , going about begging , all seafaring men , pretending losses of their ships or goods on the sea , going about the countrey begging , all idle persons , going about in any country , either begging or vsing any subtile craft , or vnlawfull games and playes , or faining themselues to haue knowledge in physiognomie , palmestry , or other like craftie science , or pretending that they can tell destinies , fortunes , or such other like fantasticall imaginations : all persons that be , or vtter themselues to be proctors , procurers , patent gatherers , or collettors for gaoles , prisons or hospitals : all fencers , bearewards , common players of interludes , and minstrels , wandering a●road ( other then players of interludes belonging to any baron of this realme , or any other honourable personage of greater degree , to bee authorized to play vnder the hand and seale of armes of such baron or personage ) all iuglers , tinkers , pedlars , and pety chapmen wandering abroad , all wandering persons , and common labourers , being persons able in body , vsing loytering , and refusing to worke for such reasonable wages , as is taxed or commonly giuen in such parts , where such persons doe , or shall happen to dwell or abide , not hauing liuing otherwise to maintaine themselues , all persons deliuered out of gaoles that begge for their fees , or otherwise doe trauaile begging : all such persons as shall wander abroad begging , pretending losses by fire , or otherwise : and all such persons not being felons , wandering and pretending themselues to bee egyptians , or wandering in the habite , forme , or attire of counterfeit egyptians , shal be taken , adiudged , and deemed rogues , vagabonds , and sturdie beggers , and shall susteine such paine and punishments , as by this acte is in that behalfe appointed . and be it enacted by the authority aforesaid , that euery person which is by this present act declared to be a rogue , vagabond , or sturdie begger , which shall be at any time after the said feast of easter next comming , taken begging , vagrant , wandering or misordering themselues in any part of this realme , or the dominion of wales , shal vpon their apprehension by the appointment of any iustice of the peace , constable , headborough or tythingman of the same countie , hundred , parish , or tything , where such person shall be taken , the tythingman or headborough , being assisted therein with the aduise of the minister , and one other of that parish , be stripped naked from the middle vpwards , and shall bee openly whipped vntill his or her body be bloodie : and shal be forthwith sent from parish to parish , by the officers of euery the same , the next straight way to the parish where hee was borne , if the same may be knowen by the parties confession or otherwise . and if the same be not knowen , then to the parish where he or shee last dwelt before the same punishment by the space of one whole yeere , there to put him or her selfe to labour , as a true subiect ought to doe : or not being knowen where hee or she was borne or last dwelt , then to the parish through which he or she last passed without punishment . after which whipping , the same person shall haue a testimoniall subscribed with the hand , & sealed with the seale of the same iustice of the peace , constable , headborough or tythingman , & of the minister of the same parish , or of any two of them , testifying that the same person hath beene punished according to this acte , & mentioning the day and place of his or her punishment , and the place whereunto such person is limited to go , and by what time the sayde person is limited to passe thither at his perill . and if the said person through his or her default do not accomplish the order appointed by the said testimoniall , then to be eftsoones taken & whipped , and so as often as any default shal be found in him or her contrary to the forme of this statute , in euery place to bee whipped , till such person be repaired to the place limited : the substance of which testimoniall shall be registred by the minister of that parish , in a booke to be prouided for that purpose , vpon paine to forfeit . shillings for euery default thereof , and the party so whipped , & not knowen where hee or shee was borne , or last dwelt by the space of a yeere , shall by the officers of the sayd village where hee or she so last past thorow without punishment , bee conueyed to the house of correction of the limit wherein the said village standeth , or to the common gaole of that countie or place , there to remaine and be imployed in worke , vntill hee or she shal be placed in some seruice , and so to continue by the space of one yeere , or not being able of body , vntill he or she shall be placed to remaine in some almeshouse in the same countie or place . prouided alwayes , and be it enacted , if any of the sayd rogues shall appeare to be dangerous to the inferiour sort of people where they shall bee taken , or otherwise be such as wil not be reformed of their roguish kind of life by the former prouisiō of this act , that in euery such case it shal & may be lawfull to the said iustices of the limite where any such rogue shall be taken , or any two of them , whereof one to be of the quorum , to commit that rogue to the house of correction , or otherwise to the gaole of the county , there to remaine vntill their next quarter sessions to be holden in that countie , and then such of the same rogues so committed , as by the iustices of the peace then and there present , or the most part of them , shall be thought fit not to be deliuered , shall and may lawfully by the same iustices or the most part of them , bee banished out of this realme , and all other the dominions thereof , and at the charges of that countrey , shal bee conueyed vnto such parts beyond the seas as shall bee at any time hereafter for that purpose assigned by the priuie councell vnto her maiesty , her heires or successors , or by any sixe or more of them , whereof the l. chancellor , or l. keeper of the great seale , or the l. treasurer for the time being to be one , or otherwise be iudged perpetually to the gallies of this realme , as by the same iustices or the most part of them it shall bee thought fit and expedient . and if any such rogue so banished as aforesaid shall returne againe into any part of this realme or dominion of wales without lawfull licence or warrant so to doe , that in euery such case , such offence shall be felony , and the party offending therein suffer death as in case of felonie : the sayd felonie to bee heard and determined in that county of this realme or wales , in which the offender shall be apprehended . and be it also enacted by the authority aforesayd , that if any towne , parish , or village , the constable , headborough or tithingman be negligent & do not his or their best endeuours for the apprehension of such vagabond , rogue or sturdy begger , which there shall be found contrary to the forme of this present act , and to cause euery of them to be punished and conueied according to the true meaning of this present act , that then the said constable , headborough or tithingman in whome such default shall bee , shall lose and forfeite for euery such default ten shillings . and also if any person or persons doe in any wise disturbe or let the execution of this law or any part thereof , concerning the punishment or conueying of rogues , vagabonds , sturdy beggers , or the reliefe or setling of poore impotent persons in any maner of wise , or make rescusse against any officer or person authorized by this present acte for the due execution of any the premisses , the same person so offending , shal forfeit & lose for euery such offence the summe of fiue pound , and shal be bound to the good behauiour . and bee it also further enacted by the authority aforesaid , that no person or persons hauing charge in any voyage , in passing from the realmes of ireland or scotland , or from the isle of man into this realme of england , doe wittingly or willingly bring or conuey , or suffer to be brought or conueyed in any vessell or boate from and out of the said realme of ireland , scotland , or isle of man , into the realme of england or wales , or any part thereof , any vagabond , rogue or begger , or any such as shall be forced or very like to liue by begging within the realme of england or wales , being borne in the same realms or island , on paine of euery such person so offending , to forfeit and lose for euery such vagabond , rogue , begger or other person like to liue by begging xx . s. to the vse of the poore of the said parish in which they were set on land . and if any such mannisk , scottish or irish rogue , vagabond or begger , be already , or shall at any time hereafter be set on land , or shall come into any part of england or wales , the same after he or she shall be punished as aforesayd , shall be conueyed to the next port or parish in or neere which they were landed or first came , in such sort as rogues are appointed to bee by this present acte , and from thence to bee transported at the common charge of the countrey where they were set on land , into those partes from whence they came or were brought . and that euery constable , headborough , and tythingman , neglecting the due performance therof , shall forfeit for euery such offence ten shillings . bee it further enacted by the authority aforesaid , that no diseased or impotent poore person shal at any time resort or repaire from their dwelling places to the citie of bath , or towne of buxton , or either of them to the baths there for the ease of their griefes , vnlesse such person doe forbeare to begge , and be licensed to passe thither by two iustices of the peace of the countie where such person doeth or shall then dwell or remaine , and prouided for to trauaile with such reliefe , for & towards his or her maintenance as shal be necessary for the same person , for the time of such his or her trauell , and abode at the city of bath , and town of buxton , or either of them , and returne thence , and shall returne home againe as shall be limited by the said licence , vpon paine to be reputed , punished and vsed as rogues , vagabonds , and sturdy beggers declared by this present acte . and that the inhabitants of the same citie of bath , and towne of buxton shall not in any wise be charged by this acte with the finding or reliefe of any such poore people . prouided alwayes that the iustices of peace within any county of this realme or wales , shall not intromit or enter into any citie , borough or towns corporate , where be any iustice or iustices of the peace for any such citie , borough , or towne corporate for the execution of any branch , article or sentence of this acte , for or concerning any offence , matter or cause growing or arising within the precincts , liberties or iurisdictions of such city , borough , or townes corporate , but that it may and shal be lawfull to the iustice and iustices of the peace , maiors , bayliffes , and other head officers of those cities , boroughes , and townes corporate , where there be such iustices of the peace to proceed to the execution of this acte , within the precinct and compasse of their liberties in such maner and forme as the iustices of peace in any countie may or ought to doe within the same countie , by vertue of this acte , any thing in this acte to the contrary thereof notwithstanding . prouided alwayes , that this acte , or any thing therein contained , shall not extend to the poore people for the time being , in the hospitall , called saint thomas hospital , otherwise called the kings hospital , in the borough of southwarke neere adioyning to the citie of london , but that the maior , communaltie and citizens of the sayde citie of london for the time being , shall and may haue the rule , order and gouernment of the sayd hospitall , and of the poore people therein for the time being , any thing in this acte to the contrary notwithstanding . prouided alwayes , that this acte or any thing therein contained or any authority thereby giuen , shall not in any wise extend to disinherite , preiudice or hinder iohn dutton of dutton , in the countie of chester esquire , his heires or assignes , for , touching or concerning any liberty , preeminence , authoritie , iurisdiction or inheritance , which the said iohn dutton now lawfully vseth , or hath , or lawfully may or ought to vse within the county palantine of chester , and the countie of the citie of chester , or either of them by reason of any ancient charters of any kings of this land , or by reason of any prescription , vsage , or title , whatsoeuer . and be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid , that all fines and forfeitures appointed or to grow by this present acte , ( except such as are otherwise limited and appointed by this present act ) shall wholly goe and be imployed to the vse of the reparations and maintenance of the said houses of correction , and stocke and store therof , or reliefe of the poore where the offence shall be committed , at the discretion of the iustices of the peace of the same limit , citie , borough , or towne corporate : and that all fines and forfeitures appointed or to grow by conuiction of any person according to this present act , shall by warrant vnder the hands and seales of any two or more of the iustices of the peace of the same county , citie , borough or towne corporate , bee leuied by distresse and sale of the goods and chattels of the offender , which sale shall be good in the law against such offender . and that if any of the said offences shal be confessed by the offender , or that the same shall bee prooued by two sufficient and lawfull witnesses , before such two or more iustices of the peace , that then euery such person shall forthwith stand and be in the law conuicted thereof . and bee it also further enacted by the authoritie aforesaid , that any two or more iustices of the peace within all the said seueral shires , cities , boroughs or townes corporate , wherof one to be of the quorum , shall haue full power by authority of this present acte , to heare and determine all causes that shall growe or come in question by reason of this acte . and bee it also further enacted by the authority aforesaid , that the lord chancellor or keeper of the great seale of england for the time being , shall and may at all times hereafter by vertue of this present act , without further warrant , make , and direct commission or commissions vnder the great seale of england , to any person or persons , giuing them or some of them thereby authority , aswell by the othes of good & lawfull men , as of witnesses or examination of parties , or by any other lawfull wayes or meanes whatsoeuer , to enquire what summes of mony or other things haue been or shall bee collected or gathered for , or towards the erection of any houses of correction , or any stockes or other things to set poore on worke , or for the maintenance therof at any time after the seuenteenth day of nouember , in the eighteenth yeere of the reigne of the queenes most excellent maiestie , and by whom the same were or shall be collected or gathered , and to whose hands commen , and to what vse , and by whose direction the same was or shall bee imployed . and to call all & euery such person & persons , and their suerties , and euery of their executors or administrators to an accompt : and to compell them and euery of them by attachment of their goods or bodies to appeare before them for the same , & to heare and determine the same , and to leuie such money and things as they shal find not to haue been duly imployed vpon the said houses of correction , or stocks , or vpon other like vses , hauing in such other like vses respect of things past by the said commissioners to be allowed of , either by distresse & sale of the goods and chattels of such persons as they shall thinke fit to bee chargeable or answerable for the same , or by imprisonment of their bodies at their discretion : and that the said commissioners shall haue full power and authoritie to execute the same commission according to the tenor and purport thereof : and that all their proceedings , doings , iudgements and executions by force and authority thereof , shall be and remaine good and auaileable in the law : which said money so leuied by the sayd commissioners , shall bee deliuered and employed for the erecting or maintenance of the same . prouided alwayes neuerthelesse , that euery seafaring man suffering shipwracke , not hauing wherewith to relieue himselfe in his trauailes homewards , but hauing a testimoniall vnder the hand of some one iustice of the peace , of , or neere the place where he landed , setting downe therein the place and time , where , and when he landed , and the place of the parties dwelling or birth , vnto which he is to passe , and a conuenient time therein to be limited for his passage , shall and may without incurring the danger and penaltie of this act , in the vsuall wayes directly to the place vnto which he is directed to passe , and within the time in such his testimoniall limited for his passage , aske and receiue such reliefe as shal be necessarie , in , and for his passage . prouided also , that this statute nor any thing therein contained , shall extend to any children vnder the age of seuen yeeres , nor to any such glassemen as shall be of good behauiour , and doe trauaile in or through any countrey without begging , hauing licence for their trauailing vnder the handes and seales of three iustices of the peace of the same countie where they trauell , whereof one to be of the quorum . and be it also further enacted by the authoritie aforesaid , that this present act shall be proclaimed in the next quarter session or sessions in euery countie , and in such other market townes or places , as by the more part of the iustices of the peace in the sayd sessions shal be agreed and appointed . this acte to endure to the end of the first session of the next parliament . ❧ certaine branches of the statute made in the first yere of the reigne of king iames , concerning rogues , vagabonds , and sturdie beggars . forasmuch as sithence the making of the acte of . eliz. diuers doubts & questions haue beene mooued and growen by diuersitie of opinions , taken in and vpon the letter of the said act : for a plaine declaration whereof , be it declared and enacted , that from henceforth no authoritie , to be giuen or made by any baron of this realme , or any other honourable personage of greater degree , vnto any other person or persons , shall be auaileable to free and discharge the said persons , or any of them from the paines and punishments in the sayd statute mentioned , but that they shal be taken within 〈◊〉 ●ffence and punishment of the same s●te . and whereas in the sayd statute , there is a prouiso conteined , that the sayd statute , nor any thing therein conteined , shall extend to any such glassemen as shall be of good behauiour , and shall trauell in or thorow any countie without begging , hauing licence for their trauelling , vnder the handes and seales of three iustices of the peace of the same countie , where they trauell , whereof one to be of the quorum , as by the statute more at large appeareth : by reason of which libertie , many notorious rogues and vagabonds , and euill disposed persons haue vndertaken , and doe professe the trade of glassemen , and by colour thereof doe trau●ll vp and downe diuers counties of this realme , and doe commit many pickeries , pettie felonies , and other misdemeanours : for the auoiding of which inconuenience , be it established and enacted by the authoritie of this present parliament , that from and after two moneths next after the end of this present session of parliament , all such person and persons , as shall wander vp and downe the countrey to sell glasses , shall be adiudged , deemed , and taken as rogues and vagabonds , and shall suffer the like paine and punishment in euery degree , as is appointed to be inflicted vpon rogues , vagabonds and sturdie beggers , by the intent and true meaning of the sayd statute , made in the nine and thirtieth yeere of the reigne of the sayd late queene elizabeth , and shall be set downe , limitted , and appointed by this present acte , any thing in the sayde statute of the nine and thirtieth yeere of her sayde reigne to the contrary thereof in any wise notwithstanding , and forasmuch as one branch of the statute of . eliz. is taken to be somewhat defectiue , for that the sayd rogues hauing no marke vpon them to be knowen by , notwithstanding such iudgement of banishment , may returne or retire themselues into some other parts of this realme where they are not knowen , and so escape the due punishment which the said statute did intend to inflict vpon them : for remedie whereof , be it ordeined and enacted , that such rogues as shall after the ende of two moneths next after the ende of this session of parliament , be adiudged as aforesayd , incorrigible or dangerous , shall also by the iudgement of the same iustices , or the more part of them then present , in their open sessions of the peace , be branded in the left shoulder with an hot burning iron of the breadth of an english shilling with a great romane r vpon the iron , and the branding vpon the shoulder to be so throughly burned , and set on vpon the skinne and flesh , that the letter r bee seene , and remaine for a perpetuall marke vpon such rogue during his or her life , and thereupon bee sent by the same iustices to the place of his dwelling , if he haue any , if not , then to the place where he last dwelt by the space of a yeere , if that can bee knowen by his confession or otherwise : and if that cannot bee knowen , then to the place of his birth , there to be placed in labour as a true subiect ought to doe : and after such punishment of any such rogue as aforesayd , if any rogue so punished shall offend againe , in begging or wandering contrary to the sayd statute , or this present acte , that then in euery such case , the party so offending shall bee iudged a felon , and shall suffer as in cases of felonie without benefite of clergie , the same felony to bee tried in the countie where any such offender shall be taken . anno primo iacobi regis . ❧ an acte for the charitable reliefe and ordering of persons infected with the plague . forasmuch as the inhabitants of diuers cities , boroughs , townes corporate , and of other parishes & places being visited with the plague , are found to be vnable to relieue the poorer sort of such people so infected , who of necessitie must be by some charitable course prouided for , lest they should wander abroad , and thereby infect others : and forasmuch as diuers persons infected with that disease , and others inhabiting in places infected , aswell poore people and vnable to relieue themselues , that are carefully prouided for , as other which of themselues are of abilitie , being commanded by the magistrate or officer , of or within the place where the infection shal be , to keepe their houses , or otherwise to separate themselues from company , for the auoiding of further infection , doe notwithstanding very dangerously and disorderly demeane themselues : bee it therefore enacted by the authoritie of this present parliament , that the maior , bailiffes , head officers , and iustices of the peace , of euery citie , borough , towne corporate , and places priuiledged , where any maior and bailif●es , head officers , or iustices of peace are or shall bee , or any two of them , shall haue power and authoritie from time to time , to taxe and assesse all and euery inhabitant , and all houses of habitation , lands , tenements and hereditaments within the sayd citie , borough , towne corporate , and places priuiledged , or the liberties or precincts thereof , at such reasonable taxes and paiments , as they shal thinke fit for the reasonable reliefe of such persons infected , or inhabiting in houses and places infected in the same cities , boroughs and townes corporate , and places priuiledged , and from time to time leuie the same taxes , of the goods of euery person refusing or neglecting to pay the sayde taxes , by warrant vnder the hand and seale of the maior and bailiffes , and head officers aforesayd , or two such iustices of peace , to bee directed to any person or persons for the execution thereof . and if the party to whom such warrant is or shal be directed , shall not find any goods to leuie the same , and the party taxed , shall refuse to pay the same taxe , that then vpon returne thereof the sayd maior , bailiffes , head officers or iustices of peace , or any two of them , shall by like warrant vnder their hands and seales , cause the same person so taxed to bee arrested and committed to the gaole , without bayle or maineprise , vntill he shal satisfie the same taxation , and the arrerages thereof . and if the inhabitants of any such citie , borough , towne corporate , or place priuiledged , shall finde themselues vnable to relieue their said poore infected persons , and others as aforesayd , that then vpon certificate thereof by the maior , bailiffe , head officers , and other the said iustices of peace , or any two of them , to the iustices of peace of the countie of or neere to the sayde citie , borough , towne corporate , or priuiledged place so infected , or any two of them to be made , the said iustices of or neere the sayd county or any two of them , shall or may taxe and assesse the inhabitants of the countie within fiue miles of the sayd place infected , at such reasonable and weekely taxes and rates as they shall thinke fit to be leuied by warrant from any such two iustices of peace , of or neere the countie , by sale of goods , and in default thereof , by imprisonment of the body of the party taxed , as aforesayd . and if any such infection shall bee in any borough , towne corporate , or priuiledged place , where there are or shall be no iustices of peace , or in any village or hamlet within any county , that then it shall and may be lawfull for any two iustices of peace of the said county , wherein the sa●d place infected is or shall be , to taxe and assesse the inhabitants of the said county , within fiue miles of the said place infected , at such reasonable weekely taxes and rates as they shall thinke fit for the reasonable reliefe of the said places infected , to bee leuied by warrant from the said iustices of peace of the same county by sale of goods , and in default therof , by imprisonment of the body of euery party so taxed , as aforesaid : the same taxes made by the said iustices of peace of the county , for the reliefe of such cities , boroughs , townes corporate , & places priuiledged , where there are no iustices of peace , to be disposed as they shall thinke fit . and where there are iustices of peace , then in such sort as to the maior , bailifs , head officers , & iustices of peace there , or any two of them shal seeme fit and conuenient . all which taxes and rates made within any such citie , borough , towne corporate , or place priuiledged , shal be certified at the next quarter sessions to be holden within the same citie , borough , towne corporate , or place priuiledged , and the said taxes and rates made within any part of the said countie , shall in like sort be certified at the next quarter sessions to bee holden in and for the said countie , and that if the iustices of peace at such quarter sessions respectiuely , or the more part of them shall thinke it fit the sayd taxe or rate should continue , or be enlarged , or extended to any other partes of the countie , or otherwise determined , then the same to bee so enlarged , extended or determined , increased , or taxed and leuied , in maner and forme aforesaid , as to the sayd iustices at the quarter sessions respectiuely shal be thought fit and conuenient , and euery constable , and other officer that shall wilfully make default in leuying such mony as they shal be commanded by the said warrant or warrants , shall forfeit for euery such offence ten shillings , to be employed on the charitable vses aforesaid . and bee it further enacted , that if any person or persons infected , or being or dwelling in any house iniected , shall be by the mayor , bayliffes , constable , or other head officer of any citie , borough , towne corporate , priuiledged place , or market towne , or by any iustice of peace , constable , headborough , or other officer of the countie , ( if any such infection be out of any citie , borough , towne corporate , priuiledged place , or market towne ) commaunded or appointed , as aforesayd , to keepe his or their house , for auoyding of further infection , and shall notwithstanding wilfully and contemptuously disobey such direction and appointment , offering & attempting to breake and goe abroad , and to resist , or going abroad , and resisting such keepers or watchmen as shall bee appointed , as aforesayd , to see them kept in , that then it shall be lawfull for such watchmen , with violence to inforce them to keepe their houses . and if any hurt come by such enforcement to such disobedient persons , that then the sayde keepers , watchmen , and any other their assistants , shall not bee impeached therefore . and if any infected person as aforesayd , so commanded to keepe house , shall contrary to such commaundement , wilfully and contemptuously goe abroad , and shall conuerse in company , hauing any infectious sore vpon him vncured , that then such person and persons shall bee taken , deemed , and adiudged as a felon , and to suffer paines of death , as in case of felonie . but if such person shall not haue any such sore found about him , then for his sayd offence , to be punished as a vagabond in all respects should , or ought to bee , by the statute made in the nine and thirtieth yere of the reigne of our late souereigne lady queene elizabeth , for the punishment of rogues and vagabonds , and further to be bound to his or their good behauiour for one whole yeere . prouided , that no attainder of felonie by vertue of this acte , shall extend to any attainder or corruption of blood , or forfeiture of any goods , chattels , lands , tenements , or hereditaments . and be it further enacted by the authoritie aforesayd , that it shall be lawfull for iustices of peace , mayors , bayliffes , and other head officers aforesayd , to appoynt within the seuerall limits , searchers , watchmen , examiners , keepers , and buriers for the persons and places respectiuely , infected as aforesayd , and to minister vnto them othes for the performance of their offices of searchers , examiners , watchmen , keepers , and buryers , and giue them other directions , as vnto them for the present necessitie shall seeme good in their discretions . and this acte to continue no longer then vntill the end of the first session of the next parliament . prouided alwayes , and be it enacted by authoritie of this present parliament , that no mayor , bayliffes , head officers , or any iustices of peace , shall by force or pretext of any thing in this acte contained , doe or execute any thing before mentioned , within either the vniuersities of cambridge or oxford , or within any cathedrall church , or the liberties or precincts thereof , in this realme of england , or within the colledges of eaton or winchester , but that the vicechancellor of either of the vniuersities for the time being , within either of the same respectiuely , and the bishop and deane of euery such cathedrall church , or one of them , within such cathedrall church , and the prouost or warden of either of the sayd colledges within the same , shall haue all such power and authority , and shall doe and execute all & euery such act and actes , thing and things in this acte before mentioned , within their seuerall precincts and iurisdictions abouesayd , as wholly , absolutely , and fully to all intents and purposes , as any mayor , bayliffes , head officers , or iustices of peace within their seuerall precincts and iurisdictions , may elsewhere by force of this acte doe and execute . ¶ orders thought meete by his maiestie and his priuie counsell , to be executed throughout the counties of this realme , in such townes , villages , and other places as are , or may be hereafter infected with the plague , for the stay of further increase of the same . also , an aduise set downe by the best learned in physicke within this realme , containing sundry good rules and easie medicines , without charge to the meaner sort of people , aswell for the preseruation of his good subiects from the plague before infection , as for the curing and ordering of them after they shal be infected . as the most louing and gracious care of his maiestie for the preseruation of his people , hath alreadie beene earnestly shewed and declared by such meanes and waies as were thought expedient to suppresse the grieuous infection of the plague , and to preuent the encrease thereof , within the citie of london , and parts about it ; so whatsoeuer other good meanes may be yet remaining which may extend and prooue behoouefull to the countrey abroad ( where his maiestie is sorie to vnderstand that the contagion is also in many places dispersed ) it is likewise his gracious pleasure that the same be carefully prouided and put in practise . and therefore hauing taken knowledge of certaine good orders that were vpon like occasion published in times past ; together with certaine rules and medicines prescribed by the best and most learned physicians ; and finding both of them , to serue well for the present time , his maiestie is pleased that the same shal be renewed and published : and withall straitly commandeth all iustices of the peace and others to whome it may appertaine , to see the said orders duely executed . at the court at hampton court this . of iuly . . infection of the plague . inprimis , all the iustices in euery countie , aswell within the liberties as without , immediatly vpon knowledge to them giuen , shall assemble themselues together at some one generall place accustomed , being cleare from infection of the plague , to consult how these orders following may be duely put in execution , not meaning that any iustices dwelling in or neere places infected , shall come thither , whiles their comming may bee doubtfull . and after their first generall assembly , they shall make a distribution of themselues to sundry limits and diuisions , as in other common seruices of the countie they are accustomed to doe , for the prosecution thereof . first they shall enquire , and presenly informe themselues by all good meanes , what townes and villages are at the time of such assembly infected within euery their counties , and in what hundred or other diuision , the sayde townes and villages are , and how many of the same places so infected are corporate townes , market townes , and villages , and shall consider of what wealth the inhabitants of the same townes and parishes are , to be able to relieue the poore that are or shall be infected , and to be restrained in their houses . item , thereupon after conference vsed according to the necessitie of the cause , they shall deuise and make a generall taxation , either by charging the towne infected with one summe in grosse , or by charging the speciall persons of wealth within the same , to be forthwith collected for the rate of one moneth at the first , and so if the sickenesse shall continue , the collection of the like summe , or of more or of lesse , as time and cause shall require , and the same to be euery first , second , third , or fourth weeke employed to and for the execution of the sayde orders . and in case some of the sayd townes infected , shall manifestly appeare not to bee of sufficient abilitie to contribute sufficient for the charges requisite , then the taxation or collection shall bee made or further extended to other parts , or in any other further limits , as by them shall bee thought requisite where there shall bee any such townes or villages so infected , and vnable to relieue themselues . and if the said townes be situated in the borders and confines of any other shire , then as the iustices shall see cause and neede for the greatnesse of the charge requisite , that the parts of the shire ioyning to the townes infected be not able , they shall write their letters to the next iustices of the other shire so confining , to procure by collection some reliefe , as in like cases they are to relieue them , in respect of neere neighbourhood of the place , and for that the same infection may bee the better stayed from the said adioyning places , thogh they be separated by name of the countie . item , they shall cause to be appointed in euery parish aswell infected as not infected , certaine persons to view the bodies of all such as shall die , before they be suffered to be buried , and to certifie the minister of the church and churchwarden , or other principall officers , or their substitutes of what probable disease the said persons died : and the said viewers , to haue weekely some allowance , & the more large allowance where the townes or parishes bee infected , during the infection , towards their maintenance , to the end they which shal be in places infected , may forbeare to resort into the company of others that are sound : and those persons to be sworne to make true report according to their knowledge , and the choise of them to be made by direction of the curate of the church , with three or foure substantiall men of the parish . and in case the said viewers either through fauour or corruption , shall giue wrong certificate , or shall refuse to serue being thereunto appointed , then to cause them to be punished by imprisonment , in such sort as may serue for a terrour to others . item , the houses of such persons out of the which there shal die any of the plague , being so certified by the viewers , or otherwise knowen , or where it shal be vnderstood , that any person remaineth sicke of the plague , to be closed vp on all parts during the time of restraint , viz. sixe weekes , after the sicknes be ceased in the same house , in case the said houses so infected shall be within any town hauing houses neere adioyning to the same . and if the infection happen in houses dispersed in villages , and separated from other houses , and that of necessitie , for the seruing of their cattell , & manuring of their ground , the said persons cannot continue in their houses , then they be neuerthelesse restrained from resorting in●o company of others , either publikely or priuately during the sayd time of restraint , and to weare some marke in their vppermost garments , or beare white rods in their handes at such time as they shall goe abroad , if there bee any doubt that the masters and owners of the houses infected , will not duely obserue the directions of shutting vp the doores , specially in the night , then shall there be appointed two or three watchmen by turnes , which shall be sworne to attend & watch the house , and to apprehend any person that shall come out of the house contrary to the order , and the same persons by order of the iustices , shall be a competent time imprisoned in the stockes in the high way next to the house infected : and furthermore , some speciall marke shall bee made and fixed to the doores of euery of the infected houses , and where any such houses shal be innes or alehouses , the signes shal be taken downe for the time of the restraint , and some crosse or other marke set vpon the place thereof to be a token of the sickenesse . item , they shall haue good regard to chuse honest persons , that either shall collect the summes assessed , or shall haue the custodie thereof , and out of the sayd collection to allot a weekely proportion for the finding of victuall , or fire , or medicines for the poorer sort , during the time of their restraint . and whereas s●me persons being well disposed to yeeld almes and reliefe , will be more willing to giue some portions of victuall , as corne , bread , or other meate , the same shal be committed to the charge of some speciall persons , that will honestly and truely preserue the same , to be distributed as they shal be appointed for the poore that are infected . item , to appoint certaine persons dwelling within the townes infected , to prouide and deliuer all necessaries of victuals , or any matter of watching or other attendance , to keepe such as are of good wealth being restrained , at their owne proper costs and charges , and the poore at the common charges : and the said persons so appointed to be ordered , not to resort to any publike assembly during the time of such their attendance , as also to weare some marke on their vpper garment , or to beare a white rodde in their hand , to the ende others may auoid their company . item , that in the shire towne in euery countie , and in other great townes meete for that purpose , there may be prouision bespoken and made , of such preseruatiues and other remedies , which otherwise in meaner townes cannot be readily had , as by the physicians shal be prescribed , and is at this present reduced into an aduise made by the physicians , and now printed and sent with the said orders , which may be fixed in market places , vpon places vsuall for such publique matters , and in other townes in the bodies of the parish churches , and chappels : in which aduise onely such things are prescribed , as vsually are to be had and found in all countreys without great charge or cost . item , the ministers and curats , and the churchwardens in euery parish , shal in writing certifie weekely to some of the iustices , residing within the hundred or other limit where they serue , the number of such persons as are infected and doe not die , and also of all such as shall die within their parishes , and their diseases probable whereof they died , and the same to be certified to the rest of the iustices at their assemblies , which during some conuenient time would be euery one and twentie dayes , and thereof a particular booke kept by the clerke of the peace or some such like . item , to appoint some place apart in each parish for the buriall of such persons as shall die of the plague , as also to giue order that they be buried after sunne setting , and yet neuerthelesse by day light , so as the curate be present for the obseruation of the rites and ceremonies prescribed by the law , foreseeing as much as conueniently he may , to be distant from the danger of infection of the person dead , or of the company that shall bring the corpse to the graue . item , the iustices of the whole countie to assemble once in one and twentie dayes , to examine whether those orders be duely executed , and to certifie to the lords of the priuie counsell their proceedings in that behalfe , what townes and villages be infected , as also the numbers of the dead , and the diseases whereof they died , and what summes of money are taxed and collected to this purpose , and how the same are distributed . item , the iustices of the hundred , where any such infection is , or the iustices next adioyning thereunto , to assemble once a weeke , to take accompt of the execution of the sayd orders , and as they finde any lacke or disorder , either to reforme it themselues , or to report it at the generall assembly there , to be by a more common consent reformed . item , for that the contagion of the plague groweth and encreaseth no way more , then by the vse and handling of such clothes , bedding and other stuffe as hath bin worne and occupyed by the infected of this disease , during the time of their disease : the sayd iustices shall in the places infected take such order , that all the sayde clothes and other stuffe , so occupyed by the diseased , so soone as the parties diseased of the plague are all of them either wel recouered or dead , be either burnt and cleane consumed with fire , or else ayred in such sort as is prescribed in an especiall article conteined in the aduise set downe by the physicians . and for that peraduenture the losse of such apparell , bedding , and other stuffe to be burnt , may be greater then the poore estate of the owners of the same may wel beare : it is thought very good and expedient , if it be thought meet it shall be burnt , that then the sayd iustices , out of such collections as are to bee made within their counties for the reliefe of the poorer sort that be infected , allow also them such summe or summes as to them shall be thought reasonable , in recompense of the losse of their sayd stuffe . item , the said iustices may put in execution any other orders that by them at their generall assembly shall be deuised and thought meet , tending to the preseruation of his maiesties subiects from the infection : and to the end their care and diligence may the better appeare , they shall certifie in writing the said orders newly deuised : and if any shall wilfully breake and contemne the same , or any the orders herein specified , they shall either presently punish them by imprisonment , or if the persons so contemning them , shal be of such countenance as the iustices shal think meet to haue their faults knowen to his maiestie , or to the councell , they shall charge and binde them to appeare before vs , and the contempt duely certified , that there may be a more notorious sharpe example made by punishment of the same by order of his maiestie . item , if there be lacke of iustices in some partes of the shire , or if they which are iustices there , shal be for the time absent , in that case the more number of the iustices at their assembly shall make choice of some conuenient persons to supply those places for the better execution hereof . item , if there be any person ecclesiasticall or lay , that shall hold and publish any opinions ( as in some places report is made ) that it is a vaine thing to forbeare to resort to the infected , or that it is not charitable to forbid the same , pretending that no person shall die but at their time prefixed , such persons shall be not onely reprehended , but by order of the bishop , if they be ecclesiasticall , shall be forbidden to preach , and being lay , shal be also enioined to forbeare to vtter such dangerous opinions vpon paine of imprisonment , which shall bee executed , if they shal perseuere in that errour . and yet it shall appeare manifestly by these orders , that according to christian charitie , no persons of the meanest degree shall be left without succour and reliefe . and of these things aboue mentioned , the iustices shall take great care , as of a matter specially directed and commaunded by his maiestie vpon the princely and naturall care he hath conceiued towards the preseruation of his subiects , who by very disorder , and for lacke of direction doe in many partes wilfully procure the increase of this generall contagion . an aduice set downe by the colledge of physitians , by his maiesties speciall command : containing certaine necessary directions , as well for the cure of the plague , as for preuenting the infection : with many easie medicines and of small charge , the vse whereof may be very profitable to his maiesties subiects . that none come from forraine infected places , or bring goods from thence . it is necessarie that there be care taken , that neither men , nor goods may come from any suspected places beyond the seas , or in the land , without a certificate of health , or else either to bee sent suddenly away , or to be put to the pesthouse , or some such like place , till the certaintie of their soundnesse may be discouered . that all established good orders be reuiued . that the statutes and good orders made and formerly published against common beggars , against all manner of playes , bowling-allies , inmates , tipling houses , lestals , against the sale of corrupt flesh or fish , may bee reuiued and strictly executed , and that the scauengers in generall , and euery particular housholder take care for the due and orderly cleansing of the streetes and priuate houses , which will auaile much in this case . that dogs , cats , conies , and tame pigeons bee destroyed about the towne , or to bee kept so sparingly , that no offence may come by them , nor that swine bee permitted to range vp and downe the streetes as they frequently doe ; or rather not to keepe any at all . it were also to bee wished that the slaughter-houses were vtterly put from out the liberties of the citie , being in themselues very offensiue . to be cautulous vpon any suspition . it is to bee feared , that because euery one desireth their libertie , that none will giue notice of any suspition of the plague , against themselues , wherefore it must be the ouerseers care vpon any notice or suspition of infection by the doctors , chirurgions , keepers , or searchers to finde out the trueth thereof , and so to proceede accordingly . the care to be taken when a house is visited . that vpon the discouery of the infection in any house , there bee presently meanes vsed to preserue the whole , as well as to cure the infected , and that no sicke person be remoued out of any house , though to another of his owne , without notice thereof to be giuen to the ouerseers , and be by them approued ; or if the whole be to be remoued , that notice be giuen to the ouerseers of their remoue , and that caution be giuen that they shal not wander about till they be sound . the house that is knowen to bee infected , though none be dead therein , to be shut vp , and carefully kept watched , till a time after the partie be well recouered , and that time to be forty dayes at the least . caution concerning flying into the countrey . because many masters of families , presently vpon the visiting of the houses before any be dead , fly into the countrey to their friends : by which meanes the plague , is often caried into the country , that no man shall depart his house , except it bee to a house not inhabited , and that it bee to a house of such distance , as that hee may conueniently trauell thither without lying by the way , much lesse that hee send his children or seruants ; and this to bee done by the approbation of the ouerseers vnder their hands . that such also as remooue into the countrey before their houses bee visited , haue a certificate from the ouerseers of their parish vnder their hands and seales testifying , that such persons were not visited before their remooue , that by vertue thereof they may the freelier trauell in the countrey , and be more readily entertained . because it is likely that the better sort will not call to them such doctors as are deputed to the cure of the plague , vpon the first falling sicke of any in their houses , least thereby they might draw greater infection vpon themselues : if therefore any house so vsing other doctors shal happen to be visited , that then the doctor who shall vndertake the care of that house , shall presently cause notice of the said infection to be giuen to the ouerseers , that care may be had thereof . buriall of the dead . that one being dead in any house of the plague notice bee giuen to the ouerseers , and that the dead party be buried by night in priuate manner , yet not without the priuity of the minister , clarke , bearers and constable or ouerseers , and that none enter the visited house , but permitted persons , vpon danger to bee presently shut vp themselues , and that there bee a visible marke set vpon the outside of the doore , and so to stand shut vp forty dayes . caution about apparell and houshold stuffe . that no apparell nor houshold-stuffe be remooued or sold , out of the infected house for three moneths after the infection is ceased in the house , and that all the brokers and inferiour cryers for apparell bee restrained in that behalfe . no visited person to be secretly remoued without licence . that no infected person be secretly conuered out of any house , and in any such misdemeanour , the master of the house both from which the sicke party is sent , as also the master of the house , into which the partie shall be receiued without the licence of the ouerseers of both parishes respectiuely , shall be seuerely punished , at the discretion of the ouerseers . doctors , apothecaries , and chirurgions . that by the gouernment of the citie , there bee appointed sixe or foure doctors at the least , who may ioyntly and seuerally apply themselues and their studies to the cure of the infected , and staying of the infection , and that these doctors bee stipendaries to the citie for their liues , and that to each doctor there bee assigned two honest apothecaries , and three chirurgions , who are also to bee stipended by the citie , that so due and true care may be taken in all things that the people perish not without helpe , and that the infection spread not , while none takes particular care to resist it , as in paris , venice , and padua , and many other cities . if any doctor , apothecary , or chirurgion stipended by the citie , shall happen to die in the seruice of the attendance of the plague , that then their widowes suruiuing , shall haue the moitie of their pension during their liues . publique prayers . aboue all things prayers must be publiquely made in euery parish , humbly to intreat god to bee mercifull to his people , and that he will not powre out the vials of his wrath vpon vs , according to our iust deseruings , but in mercie will be pleased to hold his auenging hand , & to stay the destroyer of his people , and that he will be pleased to blesse his maiesties care , and endeauors of the magistrates and inferiour officers for the staying of the infection , and that hee will blesse such good meanes , as are , and shal be directed by the doctors in this so dangerous a visitation . preseruatiues . by correction of the ayre . for the correcting of the infectious ayre , it were good that often bonefires were made in the streetes , and that sometimes the tower-ordnance might bee shot off , as also that there be good fires kept in and about the visited houses , and their neighbours . take rosemary dried , or iuniper , bay-leaues , or frankincense , cast the same vpon a chafendish , and receiue the fume or smoke thereof : some aduise to bee added lauender or sage . also to make fires rather in pannes , to remooue about the chamber , then in chimneys , shall better correct the ayre of the houses . take a quantitie of vineger very strong , and put to it some small quantitie of rose-water , ten branches of rosemary , put them all into a bason , then take fiue or sixe flint-stones heated in the fire till they be burning hote , cast them into the same vineger , and so let the fumes bee receiued from place to place of your house . that the house be often perfumed with rue , angelica , gentian , zedoary , setwall , iuniper wood , or berries , burnt vpon imbers , either simply , or they may be steeped in wine-vineger , and so burnt . greene coppris burnt in an earthen potte , and cast hot into vineger , therewith perfume the house and all therein , or with this slake lime in vineger , and aire the house therewith , burne much tarre , rosen , frankincense , or turpentine , both in priuate houses and in the churches before prayers . by perfuming of apparell . svch apparell as you shall commonly weare , let it be very cleane , and per●ume it often either with some red saunders burned , or with iuniper : and if any shall happen to be with them that are visited , let such persons as soone as they shall come home , shift themselues , and ayre their clothes in open ayre for a time . by carrying about of perfumes . svch as are to goe abroad shall doe well to carry rue , angelica , or zedoarie in their hands to smell to , and of those they may chew a little in their mouthes as they goe in the streete , especially if they bee afraid of any place . it is not good to be ouer fearful ; and it cannot bee but bad to bee ouer presumptuous and bold . take rue one handfull , stamp it in a morter , put thereto wine-vineger enough to moisten it , mixe them well , then straine out the iuyce , wette a piece of spoonge , or a toste of browne bread therein , tye it in a thinne cloth , beare it about to smell to . or this . take the roote of angelica beaten grosly , the weight of sixe pence , of rue and wormewood , of each the weight of foure pence , setwall the weight of three pence , bruise these , then steepe them in a little wine vineger , tye them in a linnen cloth , which they may carrie in their hands , or put it into a iuniper boxe full of holes to smell to . or they may vse this pomander . take angelica , rue , zedoarie , of each halfe a dramme , myrrhe two drammes , camphire sixe graines , waxe and labdanum of each two drammes , more or lesse as shall bee thought fitte to mixe with the other things , make hereof a ball to carrie about you , you may easily make a hole in it , and so weare it about your necke with a string . the richer sort may make vse of this pomander . take citron pils , angelica seeds , zedoarie , red rose leaues of each halfe a dramme , yellow saunders , lignum aloes of each one scruple , galliae moschatae foure scruples , storaxe , calamit , beuzoni , of each one dramme , camphire sixe graines , labdanum three drammes , gum tragaranth dissolued in rose-water enough to make it vp into a pomander , put thereto sixe drops of spirit of roses , enclose it in an iuory boxe , or weare it about your necke . also it is good in going abroad in the open aire in the streets to hold some things of sweet sauour in their hands , or in the corner of a handkerchiefe , as a sponge dipped in vineger and rose-water mixed , or in vineger wherewith wormewood or rue called also herbegrace hath beene boyled . take the roote of enula campana , being laid and steeped in vineger and grosse beaten , put a little of it in a handkerchiefe , and smell to it if you resort to any that is infected . it shall bee good to take a handfull of rue , and as much common wormewood , and bruise them a little , and put them into a pot of earth or tinne , with so much vineger as shall couer the herbes , keepe this pot close couered or stopt , and when you feare any infection , dip into this vineger a piece of a sponge , & carry it in your hand , and smell to it , or else put it into a round ball of yuory or iuniper , made full of holes of the one side , carying it in your hand , vse to smell thereunto , renewing it once a day . by inward medicines . let none goe fasting forth , euery one according to their fortunes , let them eate some such thing as may resist putrefaction . some may eate garlicke with butter , a cloue● two or three according to the abilitie of their bodies ; some may eate fasting some of the electuary with figs and rue hereafter expressed : some may vse london treacle , the weight of eight pence in a morning , taking more or lesse , according to the age of the party after one houre let them eate some other breakefast , as bread and butter with some leaues of rue or sage , ●nd in the heate of summer of sorrell , or wood sorrell . to steepe rue , wormwood , or sage all night in their drinke , and to drinke a good draught in the morning fasting is very wholesome ▪ or to drinke a draught of such drin●e after the taking any of the preseruatiues will be very good . in all summer plagues , it shall bee good to vse sor●ell sauce , to bee eaten in the morning with bread . and in the fall of the leafe to vse the iuice of barberies with bread also . take of the powder of good ba●beries the huske taken away from them , before they be dryed , a spoonefull : let the patient drinke this well mingled in a draught of good stale ale or beere , which is neither sowre nor dead , or with a draught of white wine , and goe to bed , and cast himselfe in a sweat , and forbeare sleepe . take the inward barke of the ash-tree , a pound of walnuts , with the greene outward shels , to the number of fifty , cut these small ; of scabious , of veruen , of petimorel , of housleeke , of euery one a handfull , of saffron halfe an ounce , powre vpon these the strongest vineger you can get foure pints ▪ let them a little boyle together vpon a very soft fire , and then stand in a very close pot well stopt all a night vpon the embers , after distill them with a soft fire , and receiue the water close kept . giue vnto the patient laid in bed and well couered with cloathes two ounces of this water to drinke , and let him be prouoked to sweat , and euery sixe houres during the space of twenty foure houres , giue him the same quantitie to drinke . this medicine for the worthinesse thereof and because it will stand the maner thereof in little charge , it shall be very well done to distill it in summer , when the walnuts h●ng greene vpon the tree , that it may bee ready against the time that occasion serueth to vse it . after infection . forasmuch as the cause of the plague standeth rather in poyson , then in any putr●faction of humours , as other agues doe , the chiefest way is to moue sweatings , and to defend the heart by some cordiall thing . cordials . mithridates medicine of figgs . take of good figgs and walnuts , of each twenty foure , rue picked , two good handfuls , salt halfe an ounce , or some what better , first stampe your figgs and walnuts well together in a stone morter , then adde your rue , and last of all your salt , mixe them exceedingly well , take of this mixture euery morning fasting the weight of sixteen pence : to children and weake bodies lesse . or this will be more effectuall . take twenty walnuts , pill them , figs fifteene , rue a good handful , tormentil roots three drams , iuniper berries two drams , bole-armoniack a dram & a halfe ; first stampe your roots then your figs and seeds , then adde your walnuts , then put to your rue and bole , and with them put thereto sixe drammes of london treacle , and two or three spoonefuls of wine-vineger , mixe them well in a stone morter , and take of this euery morning the quantity of a good nutmeg fasting , they that haue cause to goe much abroad may take as much more in the euening two houres before supper . for women with child , children , and such as cannot take bitter things vse this . take conserue of roses , wood-sorrel , of each two ounces , conserues of borrage , of sage-flowers , of each sixe drams , bole-armoniake , shauings of harts-horn , sorrell-seeds , of each two drams , yellow or white saunders halfe a dramme , saffron one scruple , sirrop of wood-sorrell enough to make it a moist electuary , mixe them well , take so much as a chesnut at a time , once or twice a day as you shall finde cause . take the shauings of harts-horne , magistery of pearl , magistery of coral , tormentil rootes , zedoarie , true terra sigillata , of each one dramme , citron pills , yellow white and red sanders , of each halfe a dramme , white amber , hyacinth-stone prepared , of each two scruples , bezoar stone , of the east vnicornes horne , of each foure and twenty graines , citron and orenge pils canded , of each three drammes , lignum aloes , one scruple , amber-grease and muske , of each eight graines , white sugar candy , twice the weight of all the rest , mixe them well being made into a dredge powder , take the weight of twelue pence at a time euery morning fasting , and also in the euening about fiue a clocke , or an houre before supper . with these powders and sugar there may be made lozenges , or manus christies and with conuenient conserues they may be made into electuaries . all which and many more , for their health they may haue by the aduice and directions of their owne physicians , or at least physicians wil not bee wanting to direct them as they may haue neede . they may also vse bezoar water , or treacle water , or saxonias cold cordiall water , which they may vse simply , or they may mixe them also with all their antidotes as occasion shall require . the vse of london treacle is good both to preserue from the sicknesse , as also to cure the sicknesse , being taken vpon the first apprehension in a greater quantitie , as to a man two drammes , but lesse to a weake body or a child , in cardius or dragon water . take of the finest cleere aloes you can buy , in colour like to a liuer , and therefore called hepatica , of cinamom , of myrrhe , of each of these the weight of three french crownes , or of two and twenty pence of our money , of cloues , maces , lignum aloes , of masticke of bole-oriental , of each of these halfe an ounce , mingle them together , & beat them into a very fine powder , of the which take euery morning fasting the weight of a groat of this in white wine delayed with water , and by the grace of god you shall bee safe from the plague . no man which is learned if hee examine the simples of this medicine whereof it consisteth , and the nature and power of them can deny , but that it is a medicine of great efficacie against the plague , and the simples whereof it is made , are easily to be had in any good apothecaries shop , except bole-orientall , which is vsed in the stead of true bolus armenus . take a dry figge and open it , and put the kernell of a walnut into the same , being cut very small , three or foure leaues of rue commonly called herbegrace , a corne of salt , then roste the figge , and eate it warme , fast three or foure houres after it , and vse this twice in the weeke . take the powder of tormentill the weight of sixe pence with sorrell or scabious water in summer , and in winter with the water of valerian or common drinke . or else , in one day they may take a little wormwood and valerian , with a graine of salt , in another day they may take seuen or eight berries of iuniper dried and put in powder , and taking the same with common drinke , or with drinke in which wormewood and rue hath beene steeped all night . also the treacle called diatessaroum , which is made but of foure things of light price , easie to be had . also the roote of enula campana , either taken in powder with drinke , or hanged about the brest . likewise a piece of arras roote kept in the mouth as men passe in the streets is very good cordiall . take sixe leaues of sorrell , wash them with water and vineger , let them lye in the said water and vineger a while . then eate them fasting , and keepe in your mouth and chew now and then either setwall , or the roote of angelica , or a little cinamom . medicines purgatiue . it is good for preuention to keepe the bodie reasonable open , especially with such things as are easie of operation , and good to resist putrefaction , such are these pils which are vsually to bee had at good apothecaries , and are called pestilentiall pilles . take aloes two ounces , myrrhe and saffron , of each one ounce , ammoniacum halfe an ounce , make them vp into a masse with the iuice of limons , or white wine vineger , to keepe the bodie open , a small pill or two will bee enough taken a little before supper , or before dinner , but to purge the bodie , take the weight of a dramme , made into fiue , or sixe , or more pilles , in the morning fasting , and that day keepe your chamber . if the patient bee costiue and bound in his body , let him take a suppositary made with a little boyled honie , and a little fine powder of salt , and so taken in at the fundament , and kept till it mooue a stoole . for the poore take aloes the weight of sixe pence , put in the pappe of an apple , and for the richer , pilles of rufus to be had in euery apothecaries shop . ¶ blood-letting . if the patient be full of humors which be good , let him immediatly bee let-blood vpon the liuer veine in the right arme , or in the median veine of the same arme ( if no sore appeare ) in the first day . such as are tyed to necessary attendance on the infected , as also such as liue in visited houses , shall doe well to cause issues to be made in their left armes , or right legs , or both , as the doctor shall thinke fit . for blood-letting , purging , and making of issues there must be particular directions had from the doctors , according to the constitution of the parties . these preparations thus vsed , the first day that the patient shall fall sicke , as cause shall be to vse the one or the other ( no sore appearing ) in which case if the sore shal appeare , they are both to be forborne , the next is to vse all meanes to expell the poyson , and to defend the heart by cordials . medicines expulsiue . the poyson is expelled best by sweatings , prouoked by posset-ale , made with fennell and marigolds in winter ; and with sorrell , buglosse , and borage in summer , with the which in both times they must mixe the treacle of diatessaroū , the weight of nine pence , & so to lay themselues with all quietnes to sweat one halfe houre , or an houre , if they bee strong ; for they that be neither full of humors , nor corrupt in humors , neither need purging , nor letting of blood , but at the first plunge may mooue themselues to sweate with cordiall things , mixt with such things as mooue sweat . medicines internall . for the cure of the infected vpon the first apprehension , burre seedes , cucheneely , powder of harts-horne , citron seedes , one or more of them with a few graines of camphire , are good to be giuen in carduus or dragon water , or with some treacle water . as thus . take burre seeds and cucheneely , of each halfe a dramme , or to a weake bodie , of each one scruple , camphire fiue graines , mixe these with two ounces of carduus or dragon water , halfe an ounce of treacle water , sirup of wood-sorrell a spoonefull , mixe these , giue it the patient warme , couer him to sweate , you may giue him a second draught after twelue houres , let him drinke no cold drinke ; this posset drinke or the like will be good to giue the visited liberally . take wood-sorrell halfe a handfull , marigold flowers halfe so much , shauings of harts-horne , three drammes , a figge or two sliced , boile them well in cleare posset-drinke , let them drinke thereof freely ; you may put thereto a little sugar . another . take citron seeds sixe or eight , shauings of harts-horne halfe a dramme , london treacle one drame , mixe them with two ounces of carduus water , or with three ounces of the prescribed posset drinke , drinke it warme , and so lye to sweat . another . take sorrell-water fiue or sixe spoonefuls , treacle-water one spoonefull , london treacle one dramme and a halfe , mixe them well , giue it warme , and so lay the patient to sweat . take tormentil , and celandine roots of each foure ounces , scabious and rue of each one handfull and a halfe , white wine vineger three pints , boyle these till one pinte be wasted , straine out the liquor , which reserue for the vse of the infected : let it be taken thus ; take of this liquor ▪ of c●s water , of each one ounce and a halfe , london treacle one dramme and a halfe , bol●-armoniake halfe a scruple , put thereto a little sugar , mixe them well , let the partie drinke it warme , and couer him to sweat . in summer this is good . take the iuyce of wood-sorrell two ounces ▪ the iuyce of limons one ounce , diascordi●m one dramme , cinamo● sixe graines , vineger halfe an ounce ▪ giue it warme , and lay the ●ic●e part● to sweat . take ●n ●gge and make a hole in the top of it , take out the white and yolke , fill the shell with the weight of two french crownes of saffron , roste the said egge thus ●lled with saffron vnder the embers , vntill the shell begin to wa●e yellow : then take it from the fire , and ●eat the shell and saffron in a morter together , with halfe a spoonefull of mustard seed ▪ take of this powder a french crowne weight , and assoone as you suspect your selfe infected , dissolue it into ten spoonefuls of posset-ale , and drinke it lukewarme , then goe to bed ▪ and prouoke your selfe to sweating . another is to take 〈…〉 of sorrell that groweth in the ●d ▪ or a greater quantity according as you will 〈◊〉 more ●s lesse of the water thereof , a●l●t it lye inf●ed or steeped in good vineger the space of foure & twenty houres , then take it off , and dry it with a linnen cloth , put into a l●mbe●ke , and distill the water thereof : and assoone as you finde your selfe touched with the sicknesse , drinke foure spoonefuls of the said water , with a little sugar , and i● you be able , walke vpon it vntill you sweate , i●●ot , ●epe your bed and be well couered , prouoke your selfe to sweating , and the next day to take as much againe of it a little before supper . to prouoke vomit with two ounces of 〈◊〉 oyle ▪ or 〈◊〉 oyle , a spoonefull of the iuyce of celendi●e , and halfe a spoonefull of the iuyce of ●●dice roote , so that the party infected 〈◊〉 ●alke and not 〈◊〉 , or better then any letting of blood , or any purging : for the disease , neither can suffer agitation of humours , nor when one is 〈◊〉 , hath any time to bleed or to purge . medicines externall . v● 〈◊〉 supplyed to 〈…〉 inside of the thighes , or about the bottome of the 〈…〉 legge ▪ will ●w foorth the 〈…〉 requires the direction of the doctor . for the swelling vnder the c●●es , arme-pits , or in the ●ro●●es , they must be alwayes drawne foorth and ripened , and broke with all speed , to vse any repelling thing is presently to ●ill the patient . these tumors , and more the car●cles and blaynes , doe require the care and skill of the expert chirurgi● : but not to leaue the poorer ●ort 〈◊〉 of good remedies , these following are very good . some pull off the feathers from the tayles of liuing cocks , hens , pigeons or chickens ▪ and holding their bills , they hold them hard to the botch or swelling , and so keepe them at that part till they dye ▪ and by this meanes draw out the poyson . to breake the tumor . take a great onion , hollow it , put into it a figge , rue cut small , and a dramme of venice treacle , put it close stopped in a wet paper , and ro●te it in the embers , apply it hote vnto the tumor , lay three or foure one after another , let one lye three houres . scabious ▪ and sorrell roasted in the embers , mixt with a little 〈◊〉 leaues , and some barrowes grease , and a little salt will draw it , and breake it . take two or three roasted onyons , a lilly roote or two roasted , a handfull of scabious roasted , foure or fiue figges , a piece of leauen , and a little rue , stampe all the●e together , if it be too dry , put to it two ounces of oyle of lillies , or so much salt butter , make a pultesse , apply it hot , after it hath lay●e three or foure houres take it off and burne it ▪ and apply a fresh pultesse of the same , if it proue hard to breake , adde a little burnt copris to the pultesse , which will soone worke his effect . or this . take the flowers of elders , two handfuls , rocket seede bruised one ounce , pigeons dung three drammes : stampe these together , put to them a little oyle of lillies , make thereof a pultesse , apply it , and change it as you did the former . to draw . when it is broken to drawe it and deale it , take the yolke of an egge , one ounce of honey of roses , turpentine halfe an ounce , wheate flower a little , london treacle a dramme and a halfe : mixe these wel● , spread it vpon leather , change it twice a day . you must take care not to heale any of these pestilent sores too soon , for that might breed a new sicknesse , or at least a new sore . for the carbuncle . some put great confidence in a cautery , laying a defensatiue of bole armoniacke , or terra sigillata , mixed with vineger and the white of an egge round about the tumor , but not vpon it . take three or foure cloues of garlicke , rue halfe a handfull , foure figges , strong leauen , and the soote of a chimney in which wood hath been burnt , of each halfe an ounce , mustard seede two drammes , salt a dramme and a halfe , stampe these wel together , and apply it hot to the sore ; you may put thereto a little salt butter if it be too drie . or this . take leauen halfe an ounce , radish rootes , the bigger the better , an ounce and a halfe , mustard seed two drammes ; onions and garlicke rosted , of each two drammes and a halfe , venice treacle or mithridatum , three drammes , mixe these in a morter , applie it hote thrice a day to the sore . but these sores cannot be well ordered and cured , without the personall care of a discreete surgeon . take of scabious two handfuls , stampe it in a stone morter with a pestell of stone if you can get any such , then put vnto it of old swines grease salted two ounces , and the yelke of an egge , stampe them well together , and lay part of this warme to the sore . take of the leaues of mallowes , of camomill flowers , of either of them a handfull , of li●eseed beaten into powder two ounces , boyl● the mallow leaues first cut , and the flowers of camomill in faire water standing aboue a fingers breadth , boile all them together , vntill all the water be almost spent , then put thereunto the lineseede , of wheate flower halfe a handfull , of swines grease , the skins taken away , three ounces , of oyle of roses two ounces , stirre them still with a sticke , and let them all boyle together on a soft fire without smoake , vntill the water bee vtterly spent , beate them all together in a morter vntill they bee well incorporated , and in feeling smooth and not rough ; then make part thereof hot in a dish set vpon a chafendish of coales , and lay it thicke vpon a linnen cloth , applying it to the sore . take a white onion cut in pieces , of fresh butter three ounces , of leauen the weight of twelue pence , of mallowes one handfull , of scabious , if it may bee had , one handfull , of cloues of garlicke the weight of twenty pence ; boyle them on the fire insufficient water , and make a p●●tesse of 〈◊〉 , and lay it 〈◊〉 to the sore . another . to the sore it 〈◊〉 doe thus , 〈◊〉 two handfulls of 〈◊〉 , three roots of da●t ▪ an handful of s●allage or lo● , if you can get it , 〈◊〉 them 〈…〉 and 〈◊〉 , and a 〈◊〉 cr●es of bread , an● 〈…〉 thereof , and lay it warme to the so●e till it breake . another . if you cannot haue these herbes , it is good to lay a loafe of bread to it hot , as it commeth out of the ouen ( which afterward shall be burnt , or buried in the earth ) or the leaues of scabious or sorrel rosted , or two or three lilly rootes rosted vnder embers , beaten and applied . a generall medicine for all sorts of people taken with the pl●gue , to bee ●ad without cost . take of the roote butter burre , otherwise called pestilent-wort one ounce , of the roote of great valerian a quarter of an ounce , of sorrell an handfull , boyle all these in a quart of water to a pint , then ●ine it , and put thereto two spoonfuls of vineger , 〈◊〉 ounces of good sugar , boyle all these together vntill they bee well mingled ▪ let the infected drinke of this so ●otes ●e may 〈◊〉 it a good draught , and i● be● chance to 〈◊〉 it vp againe , let him take the same quantity straightway vpon it , and prouoke himselfe to sweat , and hee shall finde great helpe . ¶ orders conceiued and agreed to be published by the lord maior and aldermen of the citie of london , and the iustices of peace of the counties of middlesex and surrey , by direction from the lords of his maiesties most honourable priuy councell . whereas in the first yeere of the reigne of our late soueraigne , king iames of happy memory , ouer this realme of england , an act was made , for the charitable reliefe and ordering of persons infected with the plague : wherby authoritie is giuen to iustices of peace , maiors , bayliffes , and other head officers , to appoint within their seuerall limits examiners , searchers , watchmen , keepers , and buriers for the persons and places infected , and to minister vnto them oathes for the performance of their offices . and the same statute also authoriseth the giuing of other directions , as vnto them for the present necessity shall seeme good in their discretions . it is therefore vpon speciall consideration thought very expedient , for the preuenting and auoiding of the infection of sicknesse ( if it shall please almighty god ) which is now dangerously dispersed into many places within the city and suburbs of the same : that these officers following bee appointed , and these orders hereafter prescribed bee duely obserued . examiners to be appointed in euery parish . first , it is thought requisite and so ordered , that in euery parish there bee one , two or more persons of good sort and credit , chosen and appointed by the alderman his deputy , and common councell of euery ward , and by the iustices of peace in the counties , by the name of examiners , to continue in that office the space of two moneths at least : and if any fit persons , so appointed as aforesaid , shall refuse to vndertake the same , the said parties so refusing , to be committed to prison vntill they shall conforme themselues accordingly . the examiners office. that these examiners be sworne by the alderman , or by one of the iustices of the county , to enquire & learne from time to time what houses in euery parish be visited , and what persons be sicke , and of what diseases , as neere as they can enforme themselues , and vpon doubt in that case , to command restaint of accesse , vntill it appeare what the disease shall prooue : and if they f●nd any persons sicke of the infection , to giue order to the constable , that the house be shut vp : and if the constable shal be found remisse or negligent , to giue present notice thereof to the alderman , or the iustice of peace respectiuely . watchmen . that to euery infected house there be appointed two watchmen , one for the day , and the other for the night : and that these watchmen haue a speciall care that no person goe in or out of such infected houses , whereof they haue the charge , vpon paine of seuere punishment . and the sayd watchmen to doe such further offices as the sicke house shall neede and require : and if the watchman be sent vpon any busines , to lock vp the house and take the key with him : and the watchman by day to attend vntill ten of the clocke at night : and the watchman by night till sixe in the morning . chirurgions . that there be a speciall care , to appoint women searchers in euery parish , such as are of honest reputation , & of the best sort as can be got in this kinde : and these to be sworne to make due search and true report , to the vtmost of their knowledge , whether the persons , whose bodies they are appoynted to search , doe die of the infection , or of what other diseases , as neere as they can . and for their better assistance herein , forasmuch as there hath beene heretofore great abuse in misreporting the disease , to the further spreading of the infection : it is therfore ordered , that there bee chosen and appointed three able and discreete surgions , besides those three that doe already belong to the pesthouse : amongst whom , the citie and liberties to be quartered , as the places lie most apt and conuenient : and euery of these sixe to haue one quarter for his limit : and the sayde chirurgions in euery of their limits , to ioyne with the searchers for the view of the body , to the end there may be a true report made of the disease . and further , that the sayd chirurgions shall visite and search such like persons as shall either send for them , or bee named and directed vnto them , by the examiners of euery parish , and informe themselues of the disease of the sayd parties . and forasmuch as the sayd chirurgions are to bee sequestred from all other cures , and kept onely to this disease of the infection : it is ordered , that euery of the said chirurgions shall haue twelue pence a bodie searched by them , to be payd out of the goods of the partie searched , if he be able , or otherwise by the parish . orders concerning infected houses and persons sicke of the plague . notice to be giuen of the sickenesse . the master of euery house , assoone as any one in his house complaineth , either of botch , of purple , or swelling in any part of his bodie , or falleth otherwise dangerously sicke , without apparant cause of some other disease , shall giue knowledge thereof to the examiner of health within two houres after the said signe shall appeare . sequestration of the sicke . as soone as any man shall be found by this examiner , chirurgion or searcher , to be sicke of the plague , hee shall the same night be sequestred in the same house . and in case he be so sequestred , then though hee afterwards die not , the house wherein he sickened , shall be shut vp for a moneth , after the vse of due preseruatiues taken by the rest . ayring of the stuffe . for sequestration of the goods and ●●uffe of the infected , their bedding , and apparell , and hangings of chambers , must be well ayred with fire , and such perfumes as are requisite within the infected house before they be taken againe to vse , this to bee done by the appointment of the examiner . shutting vp of the house . if any person shall haue visited any man , knowen to be infected of the plague , or entred willingly into any knowen infected house , being not allowed : the house wherein he inhabiteth shall be shut vp for certaine dayes , by the examiners direction . none to be remooued out of infected houses , but &c. item , that none bee remooued out of the house where he falleth sick of the infection , into any other house in the city , borough , or countie ( except it be to the pesthouse or a tent , or vnto some such house , which the owners of the sayde visited house holdeth in his owne handes , and occupyeth by his owne seruants ) and so as securitie be giuen to the parish , whither such remooue is made , that the attendance and charge about the said visited persons , shall be obserued and charged in all the particularities before expressed , without any cost of that parish , to which any such remoue shall happen to be made , and this remooue to be done by night : and it shall be lawfull to any person that hath two houses , to remooue either his sound or his infected people to his spare house at his choice , so as if he send away first his sound , he may not after send thither the sicke , nor againe vnto the sicke the sound : and that the same which hee sendeth be for one weeke at the least shut vp , and secluded from company for feare of some infection , at the first not appearing . buriall of the dead . that the buriall of the dead by this visitation be at most conuenient houres , alwayes either before sunne rising , or after sunne setting , with the priuitie of the churchwardens or constables , and not otherwise , and that no neighbors nor friends bee suffered to accompanie the coarse to church , or to enter the house visited , vpon paine of hauing his house shut vp or be imprisoned . no infected stuffe to be vttered . that no clothes , stuffe , bedding or garments be suffred to be caried or conueyed out of any infected houses , and that the criers and cariers abroad of bedding or olde apparell , to bee sold or pawned , bee vtterly prohibited and restrained , and no brokers of bedding , or olde apparell bee permitted to make any outward shew , or hang forth on their stalles , shop-boords or windowes , towards any streete , lane , common way or passage , any olde bedding or apparell to bee solde , vpon paine of imprisonment : and if any broker or other person shall buy any bedding , apparell , or other stuffe out of any infected house , within two moneths after the infection hath been there , his house shall be shut vp as infected , and so shall continue shut vp twenty dayes at the least . no person to be conueyed out of any infected house . if any person visited doe fortune , by negligent looking vnto , or by any other meanes , to come , or bee conueyed from a place infected , to any other place , the parish from whence such party hath come , or been conueyed , vpon notice thereof giuen , shall at their charge cause the sayd party so visited and escaped , to bee caried and brought backe againe by night , and the parties in this case offending , to bee punished at the direction of the alderman of the warde , and the iustices of the peace respectiuely : and the house of the receiuer of such visited person , to be shut vp for twentie dayes . euery visited house to be marked . that euery house visited be marked with a redde crosse of a foot long , in the middle of the doore , euident to be seene , and with these vsuall printed wordes , that is to say , lord haue mercy vpon vs , to be set close ouer the same crosse , there to continue vntil lawfull opening of the same house . euery visited house to be watched . that the constables see euery house shut vp , and to be attended with watchmen , which may keepe them in , and minister necessaries vnto them at their owne charges ( if they be able ) or at the common charge if they be vnable : the shutting vp to be for the space of foure weekes after all be whole . that precise order be taken that the searchers , chirurgions , keepers and buriers are not to passe the streets without holding a redde rodde or wand of three foot in length , in their hands , open and euident to bee seene , and are not to goe into any other house , then into their owne , or into that whereunto they are directed or sent for , but to forbeare and abstaine from company , especially when they haue beene lately vsed in any such businesse or attendance . and to this end it is ordered , that a weekly taxe be made in euery parish visited : if in the city or borough , then vnder the hand of the alderman of the ward , where the place is visited : if in either of the counties , then vnder the hands of some of the iustices next to the place visited , who , if there be cause , may extend the taxe into other parishes also , and may giue warrant of distresse against them which shall refuse to pay : and for want of distresse or for assistance , to commit the offenders to prison , according to the statute in that behalfe . orders for cleansing and keeping sweete of the streets . the streets to be kept cleane . first , it is thought very necessary and so ordered , that euery householder doe cause the street to be daily pared before his doore , & so to keepe it cleane swept all the weeke long . that the rakers take it from out the houses . that the sweeping and filth of houses be daily caried away by the rakers , and that the raker shall giue notice of his comming by the blowing of a horne , as heretofore hath beene done . laystals to be made farre off from the citie . that the laystals be remooued as farre as may be out of the citie , and common passages , and that no nightman or other be suffered to emptie a vault into any garden neere about the citie . care to be had of vnwholsome fish or flesh , and of mustie corne. that speciall care be taken , that no stinking fish or vnwholesome flesh , or mustie corne , or other corrupt fruits , of what sort soeuer be suffered to bee sold about the citie or any part of the same . that the bruers and tipling houses be looked vnto , for mustie and vnwholesome caske . that order bee taken , that no hogges , dogges or cattes , or tame pigeons , or conies be suffered to be kept within any part of the citie , or any swine to be or stray in the streetes or lanes , but that such swine be impounded by the beadle or any other officer , and the owner punished according to the acte of common councell , and that the dogges be killed by the dog-killers , appointed for that purpose . orders concerning loose persons , and idle assemblies . beggers . forasmuch as nothing is more complained on , then the multitude of rogues and wandering beggers , that swarme in euery place about the citie , being a great cause of the spreading of the infection , and will not bee auoyded , notwithstanding any order that hath beene giuen to the contrary : it is therefore now ordered , that such constables , and others whom this matter may any way concerne , doe take speciall care , that no wandering begger be suffered in the streetes of this citie , in any fashion or manner whatsoeuer , vpon paine of the penalty prouided by the lawe , to be duely and seuerely executed vpon them . playes . that al plaies , beare-baitings , games , singing of ballads , buckler play , or such like causes of assemblies of people , be vtterly prohibited , and the parties offending , seuerely punished , by any alderman or iustice of the peace . tipling houses . that disorderly tipling in tauernes , alehouses and sellers , be seuerely looked vnto , as the common sinne of this time , and greatest occasiō of dispersing the plague : and where any shall bee found to offend , the penalty of the statute to be laid vpon them with all seuerity . and for the better execution of these orders , as also for such other directions as shal be needfull , it is agreed that the iustices of the citie and the counties adioyning doe meete together once in tenne dayes , either at the sessions house without newgate , or some other conuenient place , to conferre of things as shall be needfull in this behalfe . and euery person neglecting the duetie required , or willingly offending against any article or clause contained in these orders , he to be seuerely punished by imprisonment , or otherwise , as by law he ought . god saue the king. in camera stellata coram concilio ibidem , vicesimo die octobris , anno regni reginae elizabethae quadragesimo , &c. praesentibus . thoma egerton mil. dn̄o custod . magni sigilli angliae . dn̄o north. dn̄o buckhurst . iohanne fortescue milite cancellar . scaccarij . archiepiscopo cantuariens . popham milite capitali iustic . de banco regis . anderson milite capitali iustic . de communi banco . this day rice griffin and iohn scrips were brought to the barre , against whome edward coke esquire , her maiesties attourney generall did enforme , that the said griffin had vnlawfully erected and built one tenement in hog-lane in the countie of middlesex , which hee diuided into two seuerall roumes , wherein were now inhabiting two poore tenants , that onely liued and were maintained by the reliefe of the parishioners there , and begging abroad in other places : and that the said iohn scrips had in like sort diuided a tenement in shordich , into , or about seuenteene tenancies or dwellings , and the same inhabited by diuers persons of very poore and base condition , contrary to the intent and meaning of her highnesse proclamation , published and set out the seuenth day of iuly , in the two and twentieth yeere of her highnesse reigne , whereby the same , and such maner of buildings and diuisions , are altogether forbidden and prohibited , as by her maiesties said proclamation more at large appeareth . moreouer , her highnesse said attourney further informed this honourable court , that sithence the sayd proclamation , sundrie decrees haue been made and taken by this court , aswell for the prostrating , pulling downe , and defacing of diuers new buildings : as also for reformation of diuisions of tenements : all which notwithstanding , sundry wilfull and disobedient persons , continue in their contemptuous maner of buildings & diuisions : by meanes whereof , the city of london , and suburbs therof , are ouercharged , and burdened with sundry sorts of poore , beggerly , and euill disposed persons , to the great hinderance and oppression of the same ; so as the magistrates and officers in and about the citie , to whom the due execution of the aforesayd decrees and orders chiefly appertaineth , cannot performe and doe the same , according to the purport and tenor thereof : and in regard thereof , her highnesse said attourney humbly prayed , that the sayd griffin and scrips might receiue , and haue inflicted on them , some condigne and fit punishment , and that at the humble petition of the lord maior and aldermen of the citie of london , and other the iustices of peace of the countie of middlesex and surrey , the court would bee pleased to set downe and decree , some last and generall order in this and in all other like cases of new buildings , and diuisions of tenements . whereupon the court grauely considering the great growing euils and inconueniences that continually breed and happen by these new erected buildings and diuisions made and diuided contrary to her maiesties sayd proclamation , and well weighing the reasons of the sayd lord maior and aldermen of the sayd citie and iustices of the counties aforesayd in that behalfe , greatly tendering the ouerburdened and distressed estate of the inhabitants that dwell in sundry the parishes where the sayd new buildings and deuided tenements are , being for the most part but of small ability to beare and sustaine the great charge which is to growe there by meanes of the poore placed in sundry of the new erected and diuided tenements , haue therefore by the whole and generall consent of all the honourable presence here sitting , hearing the accusations aforesaid , and the answeres , defences , and allegations of the said griffin and scrips , ordered and decreed , that the sayd griffin and scrips shal be committed to the prison of the fleete , and pay twentie pounds a piece for a fine to her maiestie . and as for the pulling downe , or reforming of any house new built or diuided sithence and contrary to the said proclamation , within the citie of london , or the compasse of three miles thereof , in which any poore or impotent persons now doe or hereafter shall dwell or abide , for that if the same houses should be pulled downe , destroyed , or reformed , other habitations must bee prouided for them at the charge of the parishes where they be or shal be dwelling , the court doeth as yet thinke fit to forbeare and respit the doing thereof , and haue ordered and adiudged that all and euery such poore and impotent persons , which dwel or shall dwell and inhabite in any new buildings , or diuided tenements erected & diuided , contrary to the effect and intent of her highnesse said proclamation , and are or shal in any wise be driuē to liue by begging , or to be relieued by almes within the city of londō or any other place within the compasse of three miles thereof , shall and may during the time of his or their life or liues , abide and dwell in the same , without giuing or paying any maner of rent , seruice or other recompence vnto the landlords or any other , for and in respect of the same , and not be thence remooued , vnlesse they shall after become able to liue of themselues , and that the said landlord , owner , or any other that claimeth interest to or for any rent or rents growing , arising , or payable for any of the said new buildings or diuided tenements , so inhabited or to be inhabited with poore people as aforesaid , shall hereby be enioyned , and vpon this sentence and decree take sufficient notice and warning , that hee or they doe not impleade , encumber , disquiet or molest any of the said poore tenants , for any rents , couenants , conditions , promises or agreements , touching or in any wise concerning the said tenements , new buildings , or any of them , for the leuying or recouering of any rent , seruice , or other consideration in lieu of any rent . and for that the new buildings and diuisions of sundry houses , within the citie of london and three miles compasse thereof contrary to the tenor of the sayd proclamation , hath beene and is the occasion of great charges vnto the parishes of the sayd citie and precinct aforesaid , whereby the said parishes are still ouermuch burdened with poore and impotent persons , it is therefore ordered and decreed , that all such landlords or owners of such buildings or diuisions wheresoeuer they should dwell , shall contribute and giue such like ratable and reasonable allowance with the said parishioners where such buildings and diuisions are , towards the finding and maintaining of the poore of the parish , in which such buildings are , is , or shal be erected or diuided contrary to the said proclamation , as should be apportioned and allotted him or them to pay , if hee or they were dwelling in the said parish . and it is further ordered and decreed by this honourable court , that after the death or departure of such poore people as doe or shall inhabite the same houses or diuided tenements aforesaid , the houses thereby being become voide , then the lord mayor and iustices of peace neere vnto the citie adioyning , hereby are commaunded to reforme the said diuided tenements , and to prostrate , pull downe and deface the said new buildings in such sort , as the same bee no more left fit for habitation , and the timber and wood thereof to be conuerted and disposed in such manner as by the sayd proclamation is required : as also to take order in all other the premisses , that this decree be duely obserued and kept : and if any shall be obstinate , then to binde such landlords as that shall obstinately and wilfully disobey this said decree , to appeare in this honourable court of starre-chamber to answere their contempt therein . this decree was afterward read in the court of starre-chamber the . of nouember . and then confirmed and straitly commanded by all the lords present to be duely put in execution . in camera stellata coram concilio ibidem , vicesimo nono die nouembris , anno septimo iacobi regis . praesentibus . thoma egerton milite dn̄o ellesmere , dn̄o canc. angl. comite sarum dn̄o thesaurario angl. comite northampton . comite exon. dn̄o zouch . iul. caesar milite cancellar . scaccarij . archiepiscopo cant. fleming milite capitali iustic . de banco regis . coke milite capitali iust . de com . banc. yeluerton milit . iustic . de banc. reg. williams milit . iustic . de banc. reg. foster milite iustic . de communi banc. this day sir henry mountague , knight , recorder of london enformed this most honorable court , that where there haue been diuers proclamacions aswell in the time of our late souereigne queene elizabeth , as also since his maiestie most happie reigne , and also diuers orders and decrees taken in this honourable court for the restraining and reforming of the multitude of new erected and diuided tenements and the taking in of inmates , yet neuerthelesse the same doe so daily increase and multiply in euery place in and about this citie of london and the suburbs thereof infinite number of people being pestered together breeding and nourishing infection , so that the same tendeth to the great imminent danger of the gouernment and safetie of the citie , and consequently to the perill of his maiesties sacred person , the queenes maiestie , and their royall issue , and the lords of the state here ordinarily residing , with many other great enormities if the same bee not carefully and speedily preuented . and therefore it was humbly desired , that this honorable court would reuiue a decree of this court , made the twentieth day of october , in the fourtieth yeere of our sayd late souereigne queene elizabeth , taken and established for restraining and reforming of such new erected buildings and diuisions . and that the sayd decree might bee put in present execution for the speedy reformation of the sayd enormities , whereupon the sayd decree being openly read , this honourable court , and all the whole presence here sitting , taking tender care and consideration of the good and safetie of the said citie , and grauely foreseeing the imminent danger and euils which doe growe and increase , and doe chiefly arise through ouermuch neglect in the due execution of those former proclamations , decrees and ordinances which are not looked into as they ought to be , doeth therefore decree and order , that the said former decree taken the sayd twentieth day of october in the sayde fortieth yeere of our late souereigne be presently , and from time to time hereafter , more seuerely looked into , and put in execution . and his maiesties learned councell , and also the lord mayor and aldermen of london , together with all iustices of peace and other his maiesties officers whatsoeuer which the same may any way concerne , are hereby straitly charged and required , that they and euery of them doe from time to time hereafter diligently and strictly cause and see the sayde decree to bee in all points duely obserued and put in execution , and tearmely to make certificate to this honourable court of their proceedings therein , and of such persons as they shall finde to offend in that behalfe , whereupon this court doeth purpose to proceede against them for their contempts with very seuere punishment . imprinted at london by robert barker , printer to the kings most excellent maiestie . anno dom. . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e the church-wardens of euery parish , & other substantiall housholders yeerely to be nominated at caster , to be ouerseers for the poore . children of the poore to be set to worke . a stocke of fl●xe , & hemp &c. to be raised . the church-wardens and ouerseere to meete together once euery moneth . account to be giuen by the ouerseers to two iustices of peace . other parishes within the hundred , to be taxed towards the reliefe of poore parishes . how to leuie money of such as refuse to pay . punishment of such as wil not worke . poore children to be put apprentices by the churchwardens and ouerseers . dwelling places for impotent poore to be built . order for such as are grieued with any sesse or taxe . parents , &c. b●ing able , shal maintain their owne poore . maiors , bayliffes , &c. of townes corporate , to haue authoritie as iustices of peace . euery alderman of londō to haue authority as two iustices of peace . iustices &c. to meddle onely in their owne liberties . a double account to be made . forfeiture for not nominating ouerseers . penalties and forfeitures to bee imployed to the poores vse . parishes to be rated at the generall sessions . leuying of summes of money rated . reliefe of the prisoners in the ●ings bench , marshalsey , hospitals , &c. treasurers for a yeere , and to giue vp their account at the yeeres end . l. chiefe iustice , knight marshall . churchwarden or high constable failing paiment . how the surplusage shal be bestowed . refusing to be treasurer to giue the reliefe appointed . a former statute for reliefe of the poore . the iland of fowlenesse . the defendants plea in a suite commenced against him . notes for div a -e euery parish charged with a weekly summe towards the relief of souldiers . the taxation of euery parish . refusing to pay the money taxed . churchwardens shall pay to the high cōstables the money taxed . churchwardens , &c. falling to make payment . a treasurer falling of account , or neglecting his charge . to which treasurer the souldier shall repayre for reliefe . who shall make the soldiers certificate . allowance of the certificate . treasurers shall assigne reliefe to soldiers . iustices shall grant reliefe to souldiers . how much reliefe shal be assigned . the iustices may alter soldiers reliefe . souldiers arriuing far frō the place where they are to haue reliefe . the treasurers booke of computation , and register . a treasurer refusing to giue reliefe . a souldier begging , or counterfe●●ing a certificate . the surplusage of the stocke . chiefe officers in corporate townes . how the forfeitures shal be imployed . pensions assigned , to stand in force , though the statute be repealed . taxations made and not leuied . if the rate be not sufficient for souldiers in london . notes for div a -e all former statutes concerning rogues , &c. repealed . iustices of peace shall se● down order for erection and maintenance of houses of correction . who shall be adiudged rogues , vagabonds , and sturdie beggers . the punishment of a vagabond . a testimoniall after punishment . rogues which be dangerous , or will not be reformed . rogues to be banished the realme , or committed to the gallies . rogues returning after banishment , to be reputed felons . the forfeiture of a constable &c. not doing his duety . disturbing the execution of this statute . bringing into this realme of irish , scottish or manniske vagabonds . diseased persons resorting to bath and buxton . the iustices within townes corporate shal onely intermeddle . s. thomas hospitall in southwarke . the iurisdiction of iohn dutton of dutton , reserued . in what sort the forfeitures shall bee imployed . iustices of peace may heare and determine the causes of this statute . commissioners to enquire for money gathered . a prouision for poore seafaring men . glassemen not begging . this act to be proclaimed . no authoritie giuen by any baron ▪ &c. shall free others frō the offence and punishment of the statute of . eliz. glassemen brought within the compasse of the statute . rogues branded with an hot yron r. after branding , felony . notes for div a -e taxing others for the reliefe of the sicke of the plague . the inabitants vnable to relieue the infected . an infected person commanded to keep his house , disobeyeth . infected persons , how felons . attendants appointed vpon the infected . the vniuersities , cathedral churches , eaton , winchester . by the king. a proclamation for quieting possessions proclamations. - - england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles ii) this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing c ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing c estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) by the king. a proclamation for quieting possessions proclamations. - - england and wales. sovereign ( - : charles ii) charles ii, king of england, - . sheet ([ ] p.) printed by christopher barker and john bill, printers to the kings most excellent majesty, london : . at end of text: given at our court at whitehal the first day of june, . and in the twelfth year of our reign. steele notation: scotland whilest often; arms . reproduction of original in the henry e. huntington library. eng riots -- england -- early works to . thieves -- england -- early works to . public welfare -- law and legislation -- england -- early works to . great britain -- history -- charles ii, - -- early works to . great britain -- politics and government -- - -- early works to . broadsides -- england a r (wing c ). civilwar no by the king. a proclamation for quieting possessions. england and wales. sovereign a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion c r diev et mon droit honi soit qvi mal y pense royal blazon or coat of arms by the king . a proclamation for quieting possessions . charles r. charles , by the grace of god , of england , scotland , france , and ireland , king , defender of the faith , &c. to all our loving subjects of our realm of england , and dominion of wales , greeting . we taking notice by the information of the lords and commons now assembled in parliament , that several riots have been committed , and forcible entries made upon the possessions of divers of our subjects , as well ecclesiastical as temporal , who have been setled in the said possessions by any lawful or pretended authority , and that without any order of parliament or legal eviction , to the disturbance of the publick peace , whilest these matters are under the consideration of our parliament . we therefore , by the advice of our lords and commons aforesaid , for prevention of the like riots and forcible entries , and preservation of the publick peace of this our realm , do by this our proclamation , command , publish , and declare , that no person or persons , ecclesiastical or temporal , shall presume forcibly to enter upon , or disturbe the said possessions , or any of them , till our parliament shall take order therein , or an eviction be had by due course of law . and all our justices of the peace , majors , sheriffs , and other ministers of justice , and all other our loving subjects , are hereby required to be aiding and assisting in the execution of this our proclamation , as often as occasion shall require , as they will avoid our royal displeasure . given at our court at whitehal the first day of june , . and in the twelfth year of our reign . london , printed by christopher barker and john bill , printers to the kings most excellent majesty . . sir josiah child's proposals for the relief and employment of the poor child, josiah, sir, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing c estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) sir josiah child's proposals for the relief and employment of the poor child, josiah, sir, - . p. s.n., [london : ?] caption title. place and date of publication suggested by wing. reproduction of original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng poor -- england. public welfare -- england. great britain -- politics and government -- - . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion s ir josiah child's proposals , for the relief and employment of the poor . this is a calm subject , and thwarts no common or private interest amongst us , except that of the common enemy of mankind ( the devil ) so i hope that what shall be offered towards the effecting of so universally acceptable a work as this , and the removal of the innumerable inconveniences that do now and have in all ages attended this kingdom , through defect of such provision for the poor , will not be ill taken , although the plaster at first essay do not exactly fit the sore . in the discourse of this subject , i shall first assert some particulars , which i think are agreed by common consent , and from thence take occasion to proceed to what is more doubtful . . that our poor in england have always been in a most sad and wretched condition , some famished for want of bread , others starved with cold and nakedness , and many whole families in all the out-parts of cities and great towns , commonly remain in a languishing , nasty and useless condition , uncomfortable to themselves , and unprofitable to the kingdom , this is confessed and lamented by all men. . that the children of our poor bred up in beggery and laziness , do by that means become not only of unhealthy bodies , and more than ordinary subject to many loathsome diseases , whereof very many die in their tender age , and if any of them do arrive to years and strength , they are , by their idle habits contracted in their youth , rendred for ever after indisposed to labour , and serve only to stock the kingdom with thieves and beggers . . that if all our impotent poor were provided for , and those of both sexes and all ages that can do work of any kind , employed , it would redound some hundreds of thousands of pounds per annum to the publick advantage . . that it is our duty to god and nature , so to provide for , and employ the poor . . that by so doing one of the great sins ( for which this land ought to mourn ) would be removed . . that our fore-fathers had pious intentions towards this work , as appears by the many statutes made by them to this purpose . . that there are places in the world , wherein the poor are so provided for , and employed , as in holland , hambrough , new-england and others , and as i am informed now in the city of paris . thus far we all agree : the first question then that naturally occurs is , question , how comes it to pass that in england we do not , nor ever did comfortably maintain and employ our poor ? the common answers to this question are , two . . that our laws to this purpose are as good as any in the world , but we fail in the execution . . that formerly in the days of our pious ancestors the work was done , but now charity is decreased , and that is the reason we see the poor so neglected as now they are . in both which answers ( i humbly conceive ) the effect is mistaken for the cause : for though it cannot be denied , but there hath been , and is a great failure in the execution of those statutes which relate to the poor , yet i say , the cause of that failure , hath been occasioned by defect of the laws themselves . for otherwise , what is the reason that in our late times of confusion and alteration , wherein almost every party in the nation , at one time or other , took their turn at tbe helm ; and all had that compass ( those laws ) to stear by , and yet none of them could , or ever did , conduct the poor into a harbour of security to them , and profit to the kingdom , i. e. none sufficiently maintained the impotent , and employed the indigent amongst us : and if this was never done in any age , nor by any sort of men whatsoever in this kingdom , who had the use of those laws now in force , it seems to me a very strong argument that it never could , nor ever will be done by those laws , and that consequently the defect lies in the laws themselves , not in the men , i. e. those that should put them in execution . as to the second answer to the aforesaid question , wherein want of charity is assigned for another cause why the poor are now so much neglected , i think it is a scandalous , ungrounded accusation of our contemporaries ( except in relation to building of churches , which i confess this generation is not so propense to as former have been ) for most that i converse with , are not so much troubled to part with their money , as how to place it , that it may do good , and not hurt to the kingdom : for , if they give to the beggers in the streets , or at their doors , they fear they may do hurt by encouraging that lazy unprofitable kind of life ; and if they give more than their proportions in their respective parishes , that ( they say ) is but giving to the rich , for the poor are not set on work thereby , nor have the more given them ; but only their rich neighbours pay the less . and for what was given in churches to the visited poor , and to such as were impoverished by the fire ; we have heard of so many and great abuses of that kind of charity , that most men are under sad discouragements in relation thereunto . i write not this to divert any man from works of charity of any kind : he that gives to any in want does well , but he that gives to employ and educate the poor , so as to render them usefull to the kingdom , in my judgement does better . and here by the way , not to leave men at a loss how to dispose of what god shall incline their hearts to give for the benefit of the poor , i think it not impertinent to propose the hospitals of this city , and poor labouring people that have many children , and make a hard shift to sustain them by their industry , whereof there are multitudes in the out parts of this city , as the best objects of charity at present . but to return to my purpose , viz. to prove that the want of charity likewise that is now , and always hath been , in relation to the poor , proceeds from a defect in our laws . ask any charitable minded man as he goes along the streets of london , viewing the poor , viz. boys , girls , men and women of all ages , and many in good health , &c. why he and others do not take care for the setting those poor creatures to work ? will he not readily answer , that he wisheth heartily it could be done , though it cost him a great part of his estate , but he is but one man , and can do nothing towards , it , giving them money as hath been said , being but to bring them into a liking and continuance in that way . the second question then is , question . wherein lies the defect of our present laws relating to the poor ? i answer , that there may be many , but i shall here take notice of one only , which i think to be fundamental , and which untill altered , the poor in england can never be well provided for , or employed ; and that when the said fundamental error is well amended , it is almost impossible they should lack either work or maintenance . the said radical error i esteem to be the leaving it to the care of every parish to maintain their own poor only ; upon which follows the shifting off , sending or whipping back the poor wanderers to the place of their birth , or last abode : the practice whereof i have seen many years in london , to signifie as much as ever it will , which is just nothing of good to the kingdom in general , or the poor thereof , though it be sometimes by accident to some of them a punishment without effect ; i say without effect , because it reforms not the party , nor disposeth the minds of others to obedience , which are the true ends of all punishment . as for instance , a poor idle person , that will not work , or that no body will employ in the country , comes up to london to set up the trade of begging , such a person probably may beg up and down the streets seven years , it may be seven and twenty , before any body asketh why she doth so , and if at length she hath the ill hap in some parish to meet with a more vigilant beadle than one of twenty of them are , all he does is but to lead her the length of five or six houses into another parish , and then concludes , as his masters the parishioners do , that he hath done the part of a most diligent officer : but suppose he should yet go further to the end of his line , which is the end of the law ; and the perfect execution of his office ; that is , suppose he should carry this poor wretch to a justice of the peace , and he should order the delinquent to be whipt , and sent from parish to parish , to the place of her birth or first abode , which not one iustice of twenty ( through pity or other cause ) will do , even this is a great charge upon the country , and yet the business of the nation it self wholly undone : for no sooner doth the delinquent arrive at the place assigned , but for shame or idleness she presently deserts it , and wanders directly back , or some other way , hoping for better fortune , whilst the parish to which she is sent , knowing her a lazy , and perhaps a worse quality'd person , is as willing to be rid of her as she is to be gone from thence . if it be here retorted upon me , that by my own confession , much of this mischief happens by the non , or ill execution of the laws , i say better execution than you have seen you must not expect ; and there was never a good law made that was not well executed , the fault of the law causing a failure of execution , it being natural to all men to use the remedy next at hand , and rest satisfied with shifting the evil from their own doors ; which in regard they can so easily do , by threatning or thrusting a poor body out of the verge of their own parish , it is unreasonable and vain to hope that ever it will be otherwise . for the laws against inmates , and empowering the parishioners to take a security before they suffer any poor persons to inhabit amongst them ; it may be they were prudent constitutions at the times they were made ( and before england was a place of trade ) and may be so still in some countries , but i am sure in cities and great towns of trade they are altogether improper , and contrary to the practice of other cities and trading towns abroad . the riches of a city , as of a nation , consisting in the multitude of inhabitants ; and if so , you must allow inmates , or have a city of cottages . and if a right course be taken for the sustentation of the poor , and setting them on work , you need invent no stratagems to keep them out , but rather to bring them in . for the resort of poor to a city or nation well managed , is in effect the conflux rf riches to that city or nation ; and therefore the subtile dutch receive and relieve , or employ all that come to them , not enquiring what nation , much less what parish they are of . question . the third question : if the defect be in our laws , how shall we find a remedy that may be rational and consistent ? this i confess is a hard and difficult question , it is one of the ardua regni , and may very well deserve the most deliberate consideration of our wisest councellors . and if a whole session of parliament were employed on this sigular concern , i think it would be time spent as much to the glory of god and good of this nation , as in any thing that noble and worthy patriots of their country can be engaged in : but seeing i have adventured thus far , i shall humbly proceed to offer some general proposals that have a tendency towards the effecting this great work , which being seriously thought of and debated by wiser men , may be capable of snch melioration as may render them in a great measure effectual to the kingdom in general , although at present , to prevent that common objection , that great mutations are dangerous ; i shall only propose them to be experimented in these parts of the kingdom , which are the vitals of our body politick , which being once made sound , the cure of the rest will not be difficult . proposition . first then i propose , that the city of london and westminster , burrough of southwark , and all other places within the usual lines of cemmunication , described in the weekly bills of mortality , may by act of parliament be associated into one province , or line of communication for relief of the poor . . that there be one assembly of men ( and such as they shall from time to time appoint and deputise ) entrusted with the care for , and treasure of all the poor within the said pale or line of communication . . that the said assembly be incorporated by act of parliament , with perpetual succession , by the name of fathers of the poor , or some other honourable and significant title . . that all constables , churchwardens , overseers , or other officers in all parishes , within the said line , be subordinate and accomptable to the said fathers of the poor , and their deputies , for , and in all things relating to the poor . . that the said fathers of the poor may have liberty to assess and receive into their common treasury , for relief of the poor , so much money from every parish as they yearly paid to that purpose any of the three years preceding this constitution , and to compel the payment thereof , but not of more . . that the said fathers tf the poor , and their deputies , may have very large and sufficient power in all things relating to the poor , and particularly to have and receive the charitable benevolence of all persons , once every lords day , in every parish-church , and in any other meeting of pious christians , and at any other time or times which they shall think fit . . that the said fathers of the poor , and such as they shall authorize , may have power to purchase lands , erect and endow work-houses , hospitals , and houses of correction , and to exercise all other powers relating to the poor , that any number of iustices of the peace now may do , in their quarter-sessions , or otherwise . . that the said fathers of the poor , may have power to send such poor beyond the seas as they shall think fit into his majesties plantations , taking security for their comfortable maintenance during their service , and for their freedom afterwards . . that the said fathers of the poor may have power to erect petty banks , and lumbards for the benefit of the poor , if they shall find it convenient , and also to receive the one half of what is paid at all the doors of play-houses , and have the patent for farthings , and to do whatever else his majesty and the parliament shall think fit to recommend to them , or leave to their discretion . . that the treasure that shall be collected for this purpose , shall be accounted sacred , and that it be felony to misapply , conceal , lend , or convert it to any other use or purpose whatsoever . . that there be no oaths , or other tests imposed upon the said fathers of the poor , at their admission , to bar our nonconformists , amongst whom there will be found some excellent instruments for this good work , and such as will constantly attend it ( for if they be kept out , the people will be cold in their charity , and in their hopes of success . ) . that the said fathers of the poor may constantly wear some honourable medal , such as the king and parliament shall devise , besides the green staff which is now used in london to such like purpose , ( but upon extraordinary days only ) to denote their authority and office at all times , and in all places , after the manner of the habits in spain , or rather as have all the familiars of the inquisition in most romish countries , with admirable effect , tho' to a wicked purpose ; the consequence whereof will be , that the said fathers of the poor , being numerous , and dispers'd by their habitations and business , into most parts of their province , will readily see any neglects of officers , and as easily redress them ; the medal which they wear about them , being a sufficient warrant to command obedience from all parish-officers wherever they come , although their persons be not known there . . that the said fathers of the poor may have liberty to admit into their society , and all powers and priviledges equal with them , any persons that are willing to serve god , their king and country , in this pious and publick work , the persons desiring to be so admitted , paying at their admission l. or more into the poors treasury . as a demonstration of the sincerity of their intentions to labour in and cultivate this most religious vineyard . this i only offer , because the number of the said fathers of the poor hereafter mentioned , may be thought rather too few than too many . . that the said fathers of the poor , besides the authority now exercised by iustices of the peace , may have some less limited powers given them , in relation to the punishment of their own , and parish officers , by pecuniary mulcts for the poors benefit in case of neglect , and otherwise as his majesty and the parliament shall think fit . . that the said fathers of the poor may have freedom to set the poor on work about whatsoever manufacture they think fit , with a non-obstante to all patents that have been or shall be granted to any private person or persons for the sole manufacture of any commodity , the want of which priviledge , i have been told , was a prejudice to the work-house at clerkenwell , in their late design of setting their poor children about making of hangings . . that all vacancies by reason of death of any of the said fathers of the poor , be perpetually supplied by election of the survivors . quest. . the fourth question is , who shall be the persons entrusted with so great a work , and such excess of power ? this is a question likewise of some difficulty , and the more in regard of our present differences in religion , but i shall answer it as well as i can . in general i say , they must be such as the people must have ample satisfaction in , or else the whole design will be lost : for if the universality of the people be not satisfied with the persons , they will never part with their money ; but if they be well satisfied therein , they will be miraculously charitable . quest. . this begets a fifth question , what sort of men the people will be most satisfied in ? i answer , i think in none so well as such only as a common hall of the livery-men of london shall make choice of , it being evident by the experience of many ages , that the several corporations in london are the best administrators of what is left to chaoitable vses , that have ever been in this kingdom , which is manifest in the regular , just and prudent management of the hospitals of london , and was wisely observed by dr. collet , dean of st. paul ' s , that prudent ecclesiastick , when he left the government of that school , and other great revenues assigned by him for charitable uses , unto the disposition of the mercers company . object . but here it may be objected , that country gentlemen , who have power in places of their residences , and pay out of their large estates considerable summs towards the maintenance of their poor within the afore-limited precincts , may be justly offended if they likewise have not a share in the distribution of what shall be raised to that purpose . answ. i answer , the force of this objection may be much taken off , if the city be obliged to choose but a certain number out of the city , as suppose seventy for london , ten out of southwark for that burrough , twenty for westminster , this would best satisfie the people , and i think do the work : but if it be thought too much for the city to have the choice of any more than their own seventy , the iustices of peace in their quarter-sessions , may nominate and appoint their own number of persons to assist for their respective jurisdictions , and so to supply the vacancy in case of death , &c. but all must be conjunctive , but one body politick , or the work will never be done . quest. . the sixth question is , what will be the advantage to the kingdom in general , and to the poor in particular , that will accrue by such a society of men , more than is enjoyned by the laws at present ? i answer , innumerable and unspeakable are the benefits of this kingdom that will arise from the consultations and debates of such a wise and honest council , who being men so elected as aforesaid , will certainly conscionably study and labour to discharge their trust in this service of god , their king , and countrey . st . the poor , of what quality soever , as soon as they are met with , will be immediately relieved or set on work where they are found , without hurrying them from place to place , and torturing their bodies to no purpose . . charitable-minded-men will know certainly where to dispose of their charity , so as it may be employed to right purposes . . house-keepers will be freed from the intollerable incumbrance of beggars at their doors . . the plantations will be regularly supplied with servants , and those that are sent thither well provided for . . the said assembly will doubtless appoint some of their own members to visit and relieve such as are sick , as often as there shall be occasion , together with poor labouring families both in city and suburbs . . poor children will be instructed in learning and arts , and thereby rendred serviceable to their countrey , and many other worthy acts done for publick good by the joynt deliberation of so many prudent and pious men , assisted with such a power and purse , more than can be foreseen or expressed by a private . person . quest. . the seventh question may be , what shall all the poor of these cities and countries , being very numerous , be employed about ? this question will be answer'd best by the said assembly themselves when they have met and consulted together , who cannot be presumed deficient of invention to set all the poor on work , especially since they may easily have admirable presidents from the practice of holland in this particular , and have already very good ones of their own , in the orders of their hospitals of christ-church and bridewell in london ; the girls may be employed in mending the cloaths of the aged , in spinning , carding , and other linnen manufactures , and many in sowing linnen for the exchange , or any house-keepers that will put out linnen to the matrons that have the government of them . the boys in picking okam , making pins , rasping wood , making hangings , or any other manufactures of any kind , which whether it turns to present profit or not , is not much material , the great business of the nation being first but to keep the poor from begging and starving , and enuring such as are able to labour and discipline , that they may be hereafter useful members to the kingdom : but to conclude , i say the wisest man , living solitarily , cannot propose or imagine such excellent ways and methods as will be invented by the united wisdom of so grave an assembly . the sitting of the said assembly i humbly conceive , ought to be , de die in diem ; the quorum not more than thirteen ; whether they shall yearly , monthly or weekly choose a president , how they shall distribute themselves into the several quarters of the communication , what treasurers and other officers to employ , and where , and how many , will best be determined by themselves , and that without difficulty , because many that will probably be members of the said assembly , have already had large experience of the government of the hospitals of london ; the manner of election of the said fathers of the poor , i humbly suppose , cannot possibly be better contrived than after the same way which the east-india-company choose their committee , which will prevent the confusion , irregularity and incertitude that may attend the election of voices , or holding up of hands ; especially because the persons to be elected at one time will be very many ; the said manner proposed is , every elector , viz. every livery-man to bring to guild-hall at the appointed day for elections , a list of the whole number of persons , such as he thinks fit that are to be elected , and deliver the same openly unto such persons as the lord mayor , aldermen , and common-council-men shall appoint to make the scrutiny ; which persons so entrusted with the said scrutiny , seven , or ten days after , as shall be thought fit , at another common-hall may declare who are the persons elected by the majority of votes . if it be here objected to the whole purpose of this treatise , that this work may as well be done in distinct parishes , if all parishes were obliged to build work-houses , and employ their poor therein ; as dorchester and some others have done with good success . i answer , that such attempts have been made in many places to my knowledge , with very good intents and strenuous endeavours , but all that ever i heard of , proved vain and ineffectual , as i fear will that of clerkenwell , except that single instance of the town of dorchestor , which yet signifies nothing in relation to the kingdom in general , because all other places cannot do the like , nor doth the town of dorchester entertain any but their own poor only , and whip away all others ; whereas that which i design , is to propose such a foundation as shall be large , wise , honest , and rich enough to maintain and employ all poor that come within the pale of their communication , without enquiring where they were born , or last inhabited : which i dare affirm with humility , that nothing but a national , or at least such a provincial purse can so well do , nor any persons in this kingdom , but such only as shall be pickt out by popular election , for the reason before alledged , viz. that in my opinion , three fourths at least of the stock must issue from the charity of the people ; as i doubt not but it will to a greater proportion , if they be satisfied in the managers thereof ; but if otherwise not the fortieth , i might say not the hundredth part . i propose the majority of the said fathers of the poor to be citizens ( though i am none my self ) because i think a great share of the money to be employed , must and will come from them , if ever the work be well done , as also , because their habitations are nearest the center of their business , and they best acquainted with all affairs of this nature by their experience in the government of the hospitals . earnestly to desire and endeavour , that the poor of england should be better provided for and employed , is a work that was much studied by my deceased father , and therefore though i be as ready to confess as any shall be to charge me with disability to propose a model of laws for this great affair , yet i hope the more ingenious will pardon me for endeavouring to give aim towards it , since it is so much my duty , which in this particular i shall be careful to perform ( though i may be too remiss in others ) as shall appear by more visible and apparent demonstrations , if ever this design , or any other ( that is like to effect what is desired ) succeed . finis . orders conceiued and agreed to be published, by the lord mayor and aldermen of the citie of london, and the iustices of peace of the counties of middlesex and surrey, by direction from the lords of his maiesties most honourable priuie councell london (england) approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc . estc s ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) orders conceiued and agreed to be published, by the lord mayor and aldermen of the citie of london, and the iustices of peace of the counties of middlesex and surrey, by direction from the lords of his maiesties most honourable priuie councell london (england) city of london (england). lord mayor. [ +] p. by iohn vvindet, printer to the honourable citie of london, imprinted at london : [ ?] caption title. "whereas in the first yeare of his maiesties most happy raigne ouer this realme of england, an acte was made, for the charitable reliefe, and ordering of persons infected with the plague ..."--first three lines of text. place of publication and name of publisher taken from colophon; date of imprint suggested by stc ( nd ed.). imperfect: torn with slight loss of print; lacking at least one sheet. reproduction of original in the harvard university library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via 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early works to . public welfare -- law and legislation -- england -- early works to . london (england) -- history -- th century. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - derek lee sampled and proofread - derek lee text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion orders conceiued and agreed to be published , by the lord mayor and aldermen of the citie of london , and the iustices of peace of the counties of middlesex and surrey , by direction from the lords of his maiesties most honourable priuie covncell . whereas in the first yeare of his maiesties most happy raigne ouer this realme of england , an acte was made , for the charitable reliefe , and ordering of persons infected with the plague : whereby authority is giuen to iustices of peace , mayors , bayliffes , and other head officers , to appoint within their seuerall limittes examiners , searchers , watchmen , keepers , and buriers for the persons and places infected , and to minister vnto them oathes for performance of their offices . and the same statute also authorizeth the giuing of other directions , as vnto them for the present necessity , shall seeme good in their discretions . it is therefore vpon speciall consideration thought very expedient , for the preuenting and auoyding of the infection of sickenes ( if it shall please almightie god ) which is now dangerously dispersed into many places within the citie and suburbs of the same : that these officers following be appointed , and these orders hereafter prescribed be duly obserued . first it is thought requisite and so ordered , that in euery parish there be one , two or more persons of good sorte and credite , chosen and appointed by the alderman his deputy , and common counceil of euery ward , and by the iustices of peace in the counties , by the name of examiners , to continue in that office the space of two moneths at least : and if any fit persons , so appointed as aforesaid , shall refuse to vndertake the same , the said parties so refusing , to be committed to prison vntill they shall conforme themselues accordingly . that these examiners be sworne by the alderman , or by one of the iustices of the countie , to enquire and learne from time to time what houses in euery parish be visited , and what persons be sicke , and of what diseases , as neere as they can informe themselues and vpon doubt in that case , to command restraint of accesse , vntill it appeare what the disease shall proue : and if they find any persons sicke of the infection , to giue order to the constable , that the house be shut vp : and if the constable shall be found remisse or negligent , to giue present notice thereof to the alderman , or the iustice of peace respectiuely . that to euery infected house there be appointed two watchmen , one for the day and the other for the night : and that these watchmen haue a speciall care that no person goe in or out of such infected houses , whereof they haue the charge , vpon paine of seuere punishment . and the said watchmen to doe such further offices as the sicke house shall neede and require : and if the watchman be sent vpon any busines , to locke vp the house and take the key with him : and the watchman by day to attend vntill tenne of the clocke at night : and the watchman by night till sixe in the morning . company the coarse to church , or to enter the house visited , vpon paine of hauing his house shut vp or be imprisoned . that no clothes , stuffe , bedding or garments be suffered to be carried or conuayed out of any infected houses , and that the cryers and carriers abroad of bedding or olde apparell , to be solde or pawned , be vtterly prohibited and restrained : and no brokers of bedding , or olde apparell bee permitted to make any outward show , or hang forth on their stalles , shop-boards or windowes , towards any streete , lane , common way or passage , any olde bedding or apparell to be solde , vpon paine of imprisonment : and if any broker or other person shall buy any bedding , apparell or other stuffe out of any infected house , within two moneths after the infection hath beene there , his house shall be shut vp as infected , and so shall continue shut vp twenty daies at the least . if any person visited doe fortuue , by negligent looking vnto , or by any other meanes , to come or be conuayed from a place infected , to any other place , the parish from whence such partie hath come , or beene conuaied , vpon notice thereof giuen , shall at their charge cause the saide party so visited and escaped , to be carried and brought backe againe by night , and the parties in this case offending , to bee punished at the direction of the alderman of the warde , and the iustices of the peace respectiuely : and the house of the receiuer of such visited person , to be shutte vp for twenty daies . that euery house visited be marked with a red crosse of a foote long , in the middle of the doore , euident to be seene , and with these vsuall printed wordes : that is to say , lord haue mercy vpon vs to be set close ouer the same crosse , there to continue vntill lawfull opening of the same house . that the constables see euery house shut vp , and to bee attended with watchmen , which may keepe them in , and minister necessaries vnto them at their owne charges ( if they be able ) or at the common charge if they be vnable : the shutting vp to be for the space of foure weekes after all be whole . that precise order be taken that the searchers , chirurgions , keepers and buriers are not to passe the streetes without holding a redde rodde or wand of three foote in length , in their hands , open and euident to bee seene , and are not to goe into any other house then into their owne , or into that whereunto they are directed or sent for , but to forbeare and abstaine from company , especially when they haue beene lately vsed in any such busines or attendance . and to this end it is ordered , that a weekely taxe be made in euery parish visited , if in the citie or borough then vnder the hand of the alderman of the warde , where the place is visited : if neither of the counties , then vnder the hands of some of the iustices next to the place visited , who , if there be cause , may extend the taxe into other parishes also , and may giue warrant of distresse against them which shall refuse to pay : and for want of distresse or for assistance , to commit the offenders to prison , according to the statute in that behalfe . ❧ orders for clensing and keeping sweete of the stteetes . first it is thought very necessary and so ordered , that euery house-holder doe cause the streete to be daily pared before his doore , and so to keepe it cleane swept all the weeke long . that the sweeping and filth of houses to be daily carried away by the rakers , and that the raker shall giue notice of his comming by the blowing of a horne , as heretofore hath beene done . that the laiestals be remoued as farre as may be out of the citie , and common passages , and that no night-man or other be suffered to emptie a vault into any garden , neere about the citie . that especiall care be taker , that no stinking fish or vnwholsome flesh , or mustie corne or other corrupt fruits , of what sort soeuer be suffered to bee solde about the citie or any part of the same . that the bruers and tipling houses be looked vnto , for musty and vnwholsome caske . that order be taken that no hogges , dogges or cattes , or tame pigeons , or conies be suffred to be kept within any parte of the citie , or any swine to be or stray in the streets or lanes , but that such swine be impounded by the beadle , or any other officer , and the owner punished according to the acte of common councell , and that the dogges be killed by the dog-killers , appointed for that purpose . ❧ orders concerning loose persons and idle assemblies . forasmuch as nothing is more complained on then the multitude of roagues and wandering beggers , that swarme in euery place about the citie , being a great cause of the spreading of the infection , and will not be auoyded , notwithstanding any order that hath beene giuen to the contrary : it is therefore now ordered , that such constables and others , whome this matter may any way concerne , doe take speciall care , that no wandring begger be suffered in the streetes of this citie , in any fashion or manner whatsoeuer , vpon paine of the penaltie prouided by the law , to be duly and seuerely executed vpon them . that all plaies , bearebaitings , games , singing of ballads , buckler-play , or such like causes of assemblies of people , be vtterly prohibited , and the parties offending , seuerely punished , by any alderman or iustice of the peace . that disorderly tippling in tauernes , alehouses and sellers , be seuerely looked vnto , as the common sinne of this time , and greatest occasion of dispersing the plague : and where any shall be found to offend , the penalty of the statute to bee laide vpon them with all seueritie . and for the better execution of these orders , as also for such other directions as shal be needfull , it is agreed that the iustices of the citie and the counties adioyning doe meete together once in tenne dayes , eyther at the sessions house without newgate , or some other conuenient place , to conferre of things as shall be needfull in this behalfe . and euery person neglecting the duety required , or willingly offending against any article or clause , contained in these orders , he to be seuerely punished by imprisonment , or otherwise , as by law he ought . god saue the king. imprinted at london by iohn vvindet , printer to the honourable citie of london . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e examiners be appointed in euery parish . the examiners office . watchmen . no infected stuffe to bee vttered . euery visited house to be marked . euery visited house to bee watched . the streets to bee kept cleane . that the rakers take it from out the houses . laiestals to be made farre off from the citie . care to be had of vnwholsome fish or flesh , and of musty corne. beggers . plaies . tipling houses .