CHAOS: OR, A DISCOURSE, WHEREIN Is presented to the view of the Magistrate, and all others who shall peruse the same, a Frame of Government by way of a Republic, wherein is little or no danger of miscarriage, if prudently attempted, and thoroughly prosecuted by Authority. Wherein is no difficulty in the Practice, nor obscurity in the Method; But all things plain and easy to the meanest capacity. Here's no hard or strange Names, nor unknown Titles (to amaze the hearers) used, and yet here's a full and absolute Power derivative insensibly from the whole, and yet practically conveyed to the best men: wherein if any shall endeavour a breach, he shall break himself: and if it must be so, that Cats shall provide Supper, here they shall do it suitable to the best Palates, and easy to digest. By a well-willer to the Public Weal. LONDON, Printed for Livewel Chapman, at the Crown in Popes-head Alley. 1659. THis Volume is not great nor large, Therefore 'tis bought with little charge: Here Cooks Reports and Bridgmans are Useless; our Laws are shorter far: Here we permit no long delays, Which altar Cases sundry ways: Here's Magna Charta full in view: Here every freeman hath his due: Here's no encouragement for knaves, Whom fittest 'tis to use as slaves. In this Discourse here is supply For every one's necessity; Here dainties are for Palates fine, Here Gold and Pearl do both combine To beautify the Diadem Of Europe's darling, and the Queen Of Islands, Britain, which commands, A midst the surging waves and sands, Those Nations, which if once made one, Will beautify a glorious Throne, To entertain the mighty King T'w am Angels Haleluia's sing. Which that we all endeavour may, With heart and voice let's truly pray. PREFACE. CHAOS SOme days ago taking into consideration the lacerate and torn condition of her ruinous Fabric, and casting about which way to provide for herself, either to prevent the sudden fall thereof, or else to erect another Mansion suitable to her condition, purposing to reserve so much of the old as is fit for necessary Offices, till better furniture may be had; hath in these few following pages attempted to put to view some things in order thereto, not doubting but good will come thereof. It's an unworn Path which she hath trodden, so that he that travels it, may perhaps meet with some seeming Rubs by the way; but there's no danger in any; the hardest step may be trodden without danger (which is only some trouble to the Roots in the first nine months of their work) but that being passed, she brings her Passenger to quiet and pleasant Mansions. If Aeneas and his followers had the confidence (Troy being turned to ashes) to refuse the pleasures of the Carthaginian Court, and pass Hercules' Pillars (where they met with nothing but dangers) in hopes of a new Kingdom afterwards to arise, what shall we do, who though in some want of present Money, have all things accommodable to furnish a well-being to ourselves and our posterity, a rich and Potent People, more ready to obey, than the Magistrate to command, disobeying no Edict promulged by Authority, offering hands and estates to carry on the work beyond all difficulties, for an Republic? let not monitions be slighted, though proceeding from an unknown hand. Never any Law yet had its full force, whereof the Contriver was perfectly known: and though the weight of corrupt Laws commonly fall on the Contrivers heads; as he that made it treason to come armed into the Council, little thought he should have been so caught first himself; neither dreamt Perillus, that his Bull's throat should first bellow his own note; which may deter biased men from selfish designs: yet here is nothing strange, new, or unpracticable; nothing repugnant to the great Law given in the Mount, nothing savouring of selfrespect, more than as a member of the Commonwealth, hoping (under the same, if it shall be put in practice) to Reap the fruits of what is here propounded, viz. peace, plenty, and the blessing of God. The Magistracy can never want money to do their work, if peace be preserved: there's nothing more dangerous and destructive to our peace, then erecting of particular interests, as our present Governors may well observe in their own School: how many have in their times since this Play begun, been eminently active upon the same stage, (where yet our present Governors are) who are all gone before the Play be half done? Chaos wishes the Tragical falls of those bypast, who have miscarried in the view of the present Actors, may show them how to prevent the like dangers hereafter: to which purpose she hath assayed to show, that a way may be found to a Republic; yea, and such a away, as if it be once put in practice, will not easily, nay can hardly be laid aside; and so easy a way to be practised, as there's more facility by far in it, then in the rude and tumultuous ways we now are in: nothing we do savours of safety, or relishes like a Republic. In the way here propounded for elections, the meanest and rudest shall show more gravity and respect to Magistracy, than the Magistrates themselves (in the usual tumultuary elections now in use) can do: here all things shall be done decently and in order, according to the Apostles advice in another case. But will some say, Here the vulgar shall have too great a liberty. That's answered, They can have no less, then to elect others fit to be elected; and whoever he is, though never so great, rich or potent, if he merit it not, there's no reason he should Rule others with whom he hath nothing to do. If it be said, The Agrarian hath here too much power: It's answered, Salus patriae suprema lex: the Agrarian pays the greatest Assesses, therefore it's reason he have some hand in disposing thereof. The Merchant cannot be so well confided in, who perceiving a storm arise from any foreign quarter, or inbred commotion, can easily transport himself and his into the safety of another Prince or Republics Harbour. The Tradesman hereby is capable of his due proportion, and each Corporation of his own Privilege. No Lord suffers loss, nor any diligent undertaker discouraged: no Orphan unrelieved, nor any wanderer encouraged: and indeed, Chaos (as a public Parent) endeavours here to propound nothing which shall more relish of self, then to discover the self-interests of the opposers or slighters of her proposals. But she is so confident in her assertions, as if any one shall undertake to question any of them, she doubts not but to make them more transcendently apparent and demonstrable to any ingenious capacity. It's true, here are many things left short, which might be required to a perfect Platform of Government, which can only receive life and growth by time; yet as it is, she saith, It's better than this we have, which has been so many ages in contriving; yea, and more practicable, with less charge and more profit. But next comes London and Westminster, with their imperious daughters the Suburbs, and they will bid high, saying, Shall we sit in desolation whilst our glory is transferred into the Country? It may be supposed there's more safety and confidence in many well-governed and orderly servants, then in one imperious and domineering dame, who makes all the Cities in England like the late Queen-mothers' train marching up Holborn in Carts. It's too much to be lamented, that all our Nation is depopulated, our Cities laid waste, our houses uninhabited, and our riches all consumed in vanity, (whilst the whole riches of the Country is here rifled away in riot:) were this City a provident Mother, she would endeavour to promote the interests of her daughters, and rejoice in their well-doing, being all their riches are for her supplies; insomuch as if they be rich, she cannot be poor; it's their plenty that furnisheth her store, which the body of the City well knows, and will gain no small wealth by the practice hereof. The Soldier may be supposed not to be pleased. But that cannot be suspected; he shall enjoy far better terms then now he doth: when he shall be resiant in his own Country, with his own enjoyments, he will profit more by half pay, than now (as an Itinerary and Mercenary man, lying constantly upon penny expenses (and a stranger every where) he can do. But the Parliament (say some) will be most displeased, and never hereto agree, because they are rich, and so in love with Command, as rather than they will lose it, they will venture hard: having once adventured to grapple with a settled Monarch, they know their strength, and it will (if they shall voluntarily shut themselves out) be too long before they shall come in again. But Chaos presumes there's no one member in all the House, who will own such an assertion: besides, they know very well they were never either appointed by God or man to be perpetual Lords, and all the Country (besides themselves) their vassals: they may see upon what a tilt trip they were again set in the saddle; and now if they will endeavour to secure the reins, the best security they can use, is, by making the Weal Public their chief design: for it's a thousand to one whosoever goes about to establish his own Republic in the first place, shall be like him who having the conveniency of travelling by Sea in a Man of War, every way furnished with the best Tackle and Furniture for all occasions; shall slight that, and take himself to a lame Vessel of his own making, where he has no other help, save his own hands, to prevent danger; in which (though he toil himself to death) he shall be overturned in the first storm, and perishes alone, sine solatio Amicorum, but, cum certo Risu Inimicorum. Chaos is not for all this so confident in her own Proposals, as that she thinks they cannot be mended: yet unless some other will furnish a better Frame, she wishes this may be polished, made fit for use, and put in practice; and so puts herself to the pains to prepare meat for other Palates, clothing for others backs, and houses, safe mansions and harbours for others repose, in the ensuing Discourse. The first days Work. Ante's mare & terras— as the wanton Poet sings, rudis erat molis quem dixere Chaos. It might be well wished the sober heads of these times could use the Poers words, erat ante: but as if Fortune's Wheel were turned pside down we may seem to be in the first condition of things again, ubi mollia pugnant duris. The Tail commands the Head, and all things are out of course; insomuch as a Solon was never any where more needful. And the children's burdens are grown so great, as if a Moses appear not in time, it may be feared deliverance will come too late. After Nabuchadnezzar knew that the most high bears rule, his Kingdom was restored. England no doubt wishes their Rulers had learned the same lesson; and if they have, that the practice thereof may appear in public: for though the Sword seems satiated with blood, yet the Elements threaten Vengeance if we return not: And though for Rulers offences the People suffer, yet they seldom escape . It were to be wished, examples hereof were not so obvious in this Generation as they have been. Oh that England's Rulers may see the work of the day! that Pride, Tyranny and Oppression may receive their reward: which, whilst men accused of greatest crimes sit as Judges in their own cause, cannot be expected; nor whilst any of those who have voices in making Laws, shall be admitted the Sanctuary of a Prison, to shelter themselves from the penalty thereof, of, can be hoped for. O horrenda & impudica rabbiss! And that the People follow their Guides, is sadly witnessed by this days Verdict of a Devonshire-Jury at the Upper Bench Bar, who (in despite of the Judges honest, honourable and wary Advertisements) betrayed the Innocent to the Fury of her over-potent Adversary, and set the guilty free; whereby they have used their utmost endeavours to prostitute their maids, daughters and wives to the lustful abusion of the wicked at their wills. It were happy if every day spoke not the same or worse language, so much resembling that of Babel or Sodom, as nothing ever appeared so like the Poets old Chaos as this present Age. These few particulars, amongst the innumerary numbers of Babylon's brats daily dispersed to the abusion of all that hath any resemblance of Goodness, compels that hand which never intended any such thing, to command the Press, which now hath liberty beyond measure, to measure even Immensity itself; not purposing to accuse any for robbing the Public, to erect a Private interest; nor for pretended relieving the Public, to strain the strings of their Inventions, to contrive new Impositions; nor yet for pretended Frugality to the Commonwealth, to destroy thousands of the Commons, by denying justice, thereby cherishing all villainy and wickedness in the highest measure. But when the Public Faith of a Nation turns Bankrupt, who shall be accused? the Borrowers, or the Lender's? Sure if the Borrowers had not promised fair, the Lender's had not been. O unhappy hand, that ever drew Sword to countenance such things, as the Paper blushes to bear the news of! Yet O happy age, that afford Hands to effect what Heads cannot do! Yea, O happy people, who live in such an Age where God commands the meanest of things to be means of Deliverance! Surely he hath Mercies yet in store for such a people, if embraced: if not, let Moses and the Prophets declare the issue; or rather, the Saviour of the world's weeping over Jerusalem, admonish, to beware of what that rebellious City shortly after suffered. And if any shall say these Lines fell from Rabshakehs Pen; let them consider, their origine, their birth and growth, is from Chaos. But the Poet's word ante gives hopes, that as his aunt was the forerunner of better composures, where was mare, coelum & terras; so this present time elapsing, this Generation may hope to see mare & terras in their proper places, and coelum supervolutans, illuminans, & recreans. For never had Nation a Magistracy better schooled and discipled, nor did ever Magistrate govern a people so generally capable of the best Rule of Government, as this is. But if, with Miles the Friar's man in the Fable, we flout and abuse this coy Mistress TIME, and improve not the advantage and opportunity thereof, she will be gone, and then repentance may come too late. Now that Chaos-like, out of which Order was produced, matter be administered for the framing of such a structure of Laws and Regiment, or at least some Instruments brought to search for some Foundation, or to discover some Quarries or other materials fit for so great a Fabric, which is not to be expected to be done all at once, and all in one day, by any one private hand, nor yet from all the heads of our Governors at present, whose cares for speedy remedy to prevent imminent dangers, takes away much of their time from these other contrivances. And though no one piece of what shall here be offered, shall be found fit stuff to build withal, yet may other more dextrous Artists be hereby invited to furnish the proper materials for the very work itself. Chaos never traveled; or if she did, it was when she was in the womb of Nothing. So she brings no customs from other Countries, nor Laws from other Lands: only as the birth is produced in its proper dimensions, not respecting any other feature or proportion in the whole frame of Nature, who lest any part or member thereof should steal another's right, hath framed all creatures, Animate, and Inanimate (if such a conjecture may be imagined) in a convenient disparity each to other: yet so, as there is still an harmonious parity in the whole. So Chaos neither dotes upon her neighbour-customs more than is convenable, nor is she affected with strange novelties fetched from far Countries, so ardently as to surfeit thereon: she is neither bewitched with the beauty and riches of the Grand Seignior's Seraglio, neither is she enamoured with the Cantonian formalities. All the Mitres in the Conclave of Rome, cannot invite her to fetch her Laws from Italy, nor all the Decency and Liberty of Amsterdam furnish her with more than some miss-shapen pieces, which she purposes to polish for her own purpose. She purposes not to pry too deep into the Spaniards Sunburnt Inquisition, nor yet to roave too far in the frigid Zone of the Tartarian Territories; but out of her own store, Chaos-like, is her furniture; only the deck and dress may seem to be sometimes borrowed from one, sometimes from another. Yet unless she be new built, so as to suit with the temper of her own climate, she will be unserviceable, and her fruit abortive. Chaos considering that in six days a Creation of excellent beauty and proportion, suiting to the magnitude thereof, in number, weight and measure, was by an hand produced, has propounded to herself six days work for perfecting of her intended Creation. (Creation she calls it, because she finding all the Rafters of her old Building rotten, and the Mortices and Tenons full of rubbish, all the Pins either broken or pulled from their places, all the Beams battered and bruised, and indeed the whole Fabric ready to fall about her ears.) As Light was the first thing in the Creation, and so properly called the work of the first day; so for her first days work she propounds for the Balancing of Interests, and reducing each piece to its proper place, (the praecognita being first allowed of, viz. a time prefixed (as already in great wisdom the present Rulers have done) for the Parliaments sitting; within which time if they be idle, their work will be left undone; and what will be their Reward, if so?) So as if any one piece seem to be wrested out of its place, the weight and frame of the whole prevents it. It is proponed, that one Common Interest be erected, whereof each member shall share, as well in receiving protection from, as giving contribution to; and to be so incorporated, as no variant opinion, either in Religion or Policy, shall be able to weaken the whole: (but if any shall endeavour it, it shall by weakening and destroying itself, add still to the whole.) And as a light to the ensuing Intendment, Chaos propounds, That in this Island of Great Britain (heretofore consisting of many, but of late days of three distinct Principalities; heretofore divided into many, but now either all speaking, or all understanding one and the same language, and also incorporated into one Commonwealth) be one Law, and one Registery, dispersed into several parts thereof; and so disposed, as each part shall be subservient to other, and each communicative to other, and all to the whole; not purposing to deprive the Head of his due respect, neither the Body, or any member thereof, of their proper deuce, according to each ones particular propriety and proportion, without destruction or diminution of any Right, Franchise or Privilege due to any Lord of Manor, or other Proprietor whatsoever, or detraction from the just freedom of any Englishmen: wherein is proposed to the Magistrate, Honour and respect; to the Lawyer, Profit; to the People, enjoyment of Magna Charta; and to the Republic, the enjoyment of all. The distribution whereof, Chaos propounds to be, National, Provincial, Sub-Provincial, and Parochial; each Registry to have his Court and Officers. To which Courts and Registeries all matters of Civil concernment shall be reduced: and this to be erected within eight months, so that the present Magistracy may have the honour to lay the foundation thereof, and to reap the benefit also, when others shall come in their places, to ease their shoulders of the burden of Government, which none or few in the Nation are or can be enabled to go thorough so dexterously as they now are, who are at present entrusted therewith. In the interval of which time, Chaos propounds (as that light may appear to be the fruit of this first days work) that all Suits in Law or Equity may be determined within six Months; and to that end, that sufficient time be allotted to the Judges Itinerant in the several Circuits, for hearing and determining of all matters which shall be brought before them: and that within one month after the Circuit, another Term be kept in Westminster, where all further Issues may be joined; and another Circuit a month after that, for finishing the whole business as to matter of Law. And for all Actions depending in Equity, let Judges in Chancery sit de die in diem, and cause speedy examinations of all things needful to be made, and bring all to hearing in Michaelmas Term next, or shortly after, upon pain of great Fines to be imposed upon the Judge or Judges who shall be remiss herein, and absolute loss of the Cause to the Client, whether Plaintiff or Defendant, that shall endeavour further delays; and let Judges enough be appointed for that purpose at the Commonwealths charge. The like course to be used by all Committees: and that no new Suits be in the Interim commenced, That public notice hereof be given to the whole Nation, at or before the next Assizes; and this to suffice for the first day's work: only to show what's intended for further light to the whole Creation, which is to receive Life and Perfection in the following days, within the time allotted, is promised Rules for the five day's work to come, viz. For the 2. Rules for Registers, which shall but be one to all purposes, but distributed into its several parts. 3. For the Law and Jurisdiction of each several Registerial Court. 4. For future Elections and Transactions of Parliament. 5. For Assessments, Customs, Excise, and Provision for the Poor. And 6. For Trade and Husbandry; under which the Militia shall be comprehended, as also Provision made for the Ministry and Schools of Learning, as the perfection of the work: upon each of which, if this be approved of by Authority, and a Fiat put to the first days work already proposed, a several Discourse is intended for each succeeding days work, in their proper times. The Second Days Work. The first days work to view hath brought The Laws in Nature Chaos taught: The second days separation make Old senseless Chaos fabric quake. 1. LEt a National Registery be appointed at Westminster, National Register. to consist of a Register and six Clerks assistant or deputies, each of which to have so many writing and examining Clerks under them as the work shall require; which may be increased at pleasure for dispatch, and discharged again, when the crowd of business shall be over: let certain Rules be given, and competent Fees allowed. 2. Provinces. Let each County in England be one entire Province, and those again allotted to the jurisdiction of the said several six Clerks or Deputies, viz. so many Counties, Towns and Cities, as are comprised within the riding of every respective Circuit of the Judges, and no more, to be within the Cognizance or Registry of one Clerk, Assistant or Deputy; and so the six several Circuits to be respectively apportioned to the six Clerks, (that is to say) to each Clerk one Circuit; with whom entries to be made of all particular Estates lying in several Counties in the same Circuit. 3. Provincial Register. In each Shire-Town, within each several and respective Province, let a Provincial Register be appointed; each Provincial Register to have two Clerks, Assistants or Deputies; between whom each County or Province shall be equally divided, half the Sub-provinces, Hundreds, Wapentakes to one, the other half to the other, save the County and Province of York; and there to be three Clerks, Assistants or Deputies, viz. for each riding one; each Assistant or Deputy to have so many writing Clerks and Examiner's under every of them apart, as the work shall require. 4. Sub-Provincial Register. Each several Wapentake, Hundred, Lath or Rape, to have a particular Register, by the name of Sub provincial Register; and be reputed a Sub-province, to have dependence on, and respect to the Provincial Register, within whose Province or County the same is, and not otherways (save as hereafter is directed) each Sub-provincial Register to have one Clerk, Assistant or Deputy, and so many writing and examining Clerks under him again as the work shall require. 5. Parish Register. Each several Parish shall be one Registry, and have a distinct Register; and where the Parishes shall be too little, let two or more be joined together into one Parish, and have one Parochial Register; each several and respective Parochial Register to have under him a Clerk, Assistant or Deputy, and under-Clerks also as need shall require. 6. Entries with the six Clerks. All and every person and persons, bodies Politic and Corporate, who shall have any Estates in two or more several Circuits, shall enter the same distinctly with the several and respective Clerks; that is to say, with every Clerk or Deputy in the National Registry respectively, so much as lies within his Circuit or Clerkship, and no more; and when the entries of the whole shall be perfected, the total of the Annual values in each respective Circuit, shall be transmitted from every several Clerk, with whom entry of any parcel of such Estate shall be made, to that Clerk with whom the Entry of the largest proportion of such Estate shall lie; or where the chief residence, or most ancient seat or title of Honour to the present Owners thereof, is or shall be. 7. All and every person and persons, Entries in the National Registry. bodies Politic and Corporate, who have or claim any Right, Title or Interest, either in Possession or Reversion to any Manor of Inheritance of the annual or yearly value of 1000 li. or upwards; and also such who have Estates of Inheritance in several Counties or Provinces, though of less value, shall enter the same in the National Registry, with the proper Clerk or Clerks, according to former direction, and not elsewhere. 8. All person and persons, Provincial Entries. bodies Politic and Corporate, who shall have, or claim to have any Right, Title or Interest, either in Possession or Reversion, to any Manor of Inheritance within any one Province, above the yearly value of 100 li. and not exceeding 1000 li. per an. and shall have no Estate elsewhere, shall enter the same in the Provincial Registry within which it lies (that is to say) with each respective Clerk, Assistant or Deputy, such part thereof as shall lie within the limits of his part of the Registry, for the County, Shire or Province, and not elsewhere; and (when the Entries thereof shall be perfected) Returns shall be made by the other Clerk or Clerks, Assistant, Deputy or Deputies (where the meaner or lesser part or parts of the same shall lie, to the Clerk, Assistant or Deputy, with whom Entry shall be made of the Mansion House, ancient seat, or chief Inheritance) of the whole yearly value or values, with him or them entered; which shall be added to the other Entry, remaining with that Clerk or Deputy, by whom the chief Entry shall be made as aforesaid. 9 Entries Sub-provincial. All such person and persons having Estates as aforesaid, above the clear yearly value of 10 li. and not exceeding 100 li. per annum, lying within any one Hundred, Wapentake, Lath; Rape or Province, and shall have no Estate elsewhere, shall enter the same with the Sub-provincial Register within whose Registry the same lies, and not elsewhere. 10. Parochial Entries. And all such person or persons having Estates as aforesaid, in any one Parish or Parochial Registry not exceeding 10 li. per annum, and shall have no Estate of Inheritance elsewhere, shall enter the same with the Register of that Parish where it lies, and not elsewhere; and also all Inhabitants, Tenants, Owners and Occupants of all Lands, Tenements and Hereditaments, shall enter the same with the Parochial Register where the same lie, and under what Title, Condition, Rent or Service the same are held, and of whom, and to whom the said Rents or services are payable. 11. Entries of Debts. In like manner Entries shall be made of all Debts and Specialties exceeding 1000 li. with the National Register; of all Debts above 100 li. and not exceeding 1000 li. with the Provincial Register; of all Debts above 10 li. and not exceeding 100 li. with the Sub-provincial Register; and of all other smaller Debts not exceeding 10 li. with the Parochial Register, where the party and parties indebted shall severally and respectively live, or the Estate lie whereon the same shall be charged: each such respective Entry to be made with that Clerk Assistant, Deputy, Inferior Register, or his Deputy, within whose respective limits the party indebted shall then live, or the Estate therewith charged lie; according to the direction for Entries as abovesaid. 12. National Registers Certificate. After all such Entries shall ●e made and perfected as aforesaid, the National Register shall (within 14. days) certify the name, nature, and value of every several and respective Estate with him entered, and by whom the same is claimed, and by what Title, and in whose tenure or occupation the same is, to the several and respective Provincial Registers within whose limits the same shall lie; that is to say, To each Provincial Register so much as lies within his Province or Registry, and no more. 13. Provincial Certificate. Each several Provincial Register shall within eight days after receipt of such Certificate as aforesaid from the National Register, make the like Certificate to each Sub-provincial Register within his jurisdiction, of the name, nature and value of every several and respective Estate with him entered, or to him certified; and by whom the same is claimed, and by what Title, and in whose occupation the same is; that is to lay, To each several and respective Sub-provincial Register of so much as lies within his Sub-province, and no more. 14. Sub-provincial Certificate. Each several Sub-provincial Register shall within six days after receipt of such Certificate as aforesaid, from his Provincial Register, make the like Certificate to each Parochial Register within his jurisdiction, of the name, nature and value of every several and respective Estate with him entered, or to him certified; and by whom and by what Title the same is claimed, and in whose occupation the same is; that is to say, To each distinct Parochial Register of so much as lies within his Parish only, and no more. 15. Double claims to be certified. Each several and respective Parochial Register (forthwith upon receipt of the several Certificates aforesaid) shall examine all the Entries made in his respective Registry; and where several claims shall be made by several persons, under several Titles to one and the same thing, the Register shall give notice thereof to the present Inhabitants, Tenants or Occupiers thereof, and also to his Sub-provincial Register, within six days; and if it exceed the Cognizance of the Sub-provincial Register, he shall certify the same to the Provincial Register, who if it exceed his Cognizance, shall certify the same to the National Register; each to certify to other within six days after the date of the Certificate to him directed. 16. Parochial Registers Certificate. Each Parochial Register shall likewise certify to the Sub-provincial Register under whose jurisdion he is, the names and values of all Estates of Inheritance lying within the same Parish, and of all Fee-farme-rents, Quitrents, Rents of Assize, Copyhold-rents, or other dry-rents whatsoever, issuing out of the same Parish; also the names, qualities and habitations of the several and respective Owners and Proprietors thereof, whether resiant in the same Parish, or elsewhere, within ten days after the first Entries thereof in his Parochial Registry shall be perfected. And also the total Annual value of all Estates of Inheritance within his Parish or Registry, in one entire sum at the foot thereof. 17. Sub-province Certificates. Each Sub-provincial Register shall likewise certify to his Provincial Register within whose jurisdiction he shall respectively be, the several and respective names and values of all Estates lying and being in his Sub-province; and the names, qualities and habitations of all persons whatsoever Owners thereof; and also the whole clear yearly value of all such, cast up in one sum at the foot thereof, within ten days after his receipt of all the several Parochial Certificates aforesaid, within his Sub-province. 18. Province Certificate. Each Provincial Register shall likewise certify to the National Register (within twenty days after his receipt of all the several Certificates from the several Registers within his Province) the names, qualities and habitations of all person and persons whatsoever not residing in his Province, who claim any Estate in the same Province; and the whole yearly values of all Estates, so by them respectively claimed, and also the whole and clear yearly value of the whole Province, in one entire sum by its self. 19 Three years' Certificates. The like Certificates shall be made and renewed every three years by several Registers aforesaid, as followeth: each Parochial Register shall on or before the 10. day of January triennially certify to the Sub-provincial, and each Sub-provincial on or before the 30. of the same Month, and the Provincial to the National on or before the 20. of February in the same year, upon penalty of the forfeiture of 20 li. by each respective Parochial Register, 40 li. by each Sub-provincial Register, and 100 li. by each Provincial Register, to the use of the Republic, to be levied by order of the next Superintendent Registerial Court; and also removal from their several Registerial places of all Registers, Clerks or Deputies, who shall neglect the same. 20. Entries within six Months. The first Entries to be made and perfected in all and every the respective Registries aforesaid, by the several Owners, Occupants, Proprietors and Claimants aforesaid, within six Months after erection of the Registry aforesaid; and the Certificates to be all made and returned, and entries perfected thereof, by every several and respective Register, within two Months after the end of the said six Months, upon penalties to the Registers as aforesaid, and upon double the penalty (to each several and respective Clerk, Assistant or Deputy, who shall neglect the same) to what is imposed on any Provincial Registers, and upon penalty of 500 li. to the National Register himself. 21. National Registers Seal. The Seal of the Nation Registry shall be the great Seal of England; and the National Register and his six Assistants, to be the Keepers thereof: the same not to be made use of to any purpose whatsoever, save in presence of the National Register and two Assistants for the time being. 22. Each several Province shall have a peculiar Seal, Provincal Seals, whereupon shall be the Arms or Cognizance of the same Province, City or Corporation, where the Registry for that Province shall be kept; and the name of the Province engraven in plain legible English letters about the same; and shall be in the custody of the Register and his Assistants of each several and respective Province; not to be used in any case whatsoever, save in presence of the Register, and one Assistant or Deputy of the same Registry. 23. Sub-provincial Seals. Each Sub-provincial Registry shall have a particular Seal, with the Arms or Cognizance of the Register for the time being; and also the name of the Sub-province and Province, for which it shall be used, engraven in plain legible characters about the same; to be in the keeping of the Register and his Clerk, Assistant or Deputy; and not to be used in any case, where they shall not be both of them personally present. 24. Parochial Seals. Each several Parish shall have a particular Registerial Seal: whereupon shall be engraven in plain legible English letters, the name of the Parish, Sub-province, and Province, for which the same shall be used; and also in the middle thereof, the name and surname of the Register, without any other Cognizance or Coat of Arms: to be in the custody of the Register, Minister and Churchwardens of the same Parish for the time being; and not to be used but in presence of the Register and Minister (or one of the Churchwardens then in being, with the Register) in the Minister's absence. 25. Entries certified. After the perfecting of all Entries and Certificates as aforesaid, the several Registers in the whole Nation (each in their several and respective limits and jurisdiction) shall give Certificates to all Owners and Proprietors of all Estates whereto no double claims shall be made, and affix the Registerial Seal of the particular Registry thereto, (when and to whom they shall be desired:) and where several Estates to the same thing shall be claimed, entered, and certified as aforesaid, as the present Possession to one or more, the reversion or remainder to another or others, a Jointure or Dower, Lease or any other legal title and warrantable claim, to any other person or persons, etc. whatsoever; the same several titles shall be severally certified to the several Claimants and Proprietors thereof, and the Seal affixed to the same several Certificates: which shall be a good and warrantable Estate, to whom the same shall be given as aforesaid, against all other claimants whatsoever. 26. Manner of Certificates. In giving out the several Certificates by the several Registers under their respective Registerial Seals, respect shall be had to the several values of the respective Estates to be by them certified, and to the Situtation thereof: For no Parochial Registers Seal shall be put to any Certificate exceeding the value of 10 li. by the year, all lying within his Parochial Registry; no Sub-provincial shall put his Seal to any Certificate exceeding 100 li. per annum, lying within his own limits; neither any Provincial Seal shall be put to any Estate exceeding the yearly value of 1000 li. 27. All person & persons, bodies Politic & Corporate, Entries not made within 6. months void. having or claiming any Estate, Right, Title or Interest, either in Possession, Reversion, either by Lease, Jointure or Mortgage, not entering their claims thereto, within the times aforesaid, with the several Registers with whom they shall respectively lie; and not taking the respective Registers Seal for warranty thereof, within three Months after the Entry thereof as aforesaid, (unless in case of Infancy, or being beyond the Seas, or where the party who entered the same shall die before the perfecting thereof,) shall be for ever after debarred from making any claim to the same, or any part thereof. 28. Manner of entering Debts. Entries shall be made within three Months after the settling of the Registry, of all manner of Debts, whether upon Specialty or not, viz. of all Debts exceeding 1000 li. in the National Registry; of all above 100 li. and not exceeding 1000 li. in the respective Provincial Registry, where the Debtor or Debtors shall live, or the Estate or Estates shall lie, whereon the same shall be respectively charged; of all the Debts above 10 li. and not exceeding 100 li. in the respective Sub-provincial Registry, where the Debtor lives, or the Estate lies charged therewith; and of all small Debts not exceeding 10 li. principal, in the respective Parochial Registry where the parties live who shall owe the same, or the Estate lies whereon the same shall be charged. In all Entries of Debts aforesaid, respect is to be had to the principal, for the several Entries to be made as aforesaid; as, if 10 li. have been owing two years, whereby so much interest shall be due therefore, the same shall notwithstanding that be entered in the Parochial Registry; and so of other. 29. Certificates of Debts. Upon the Debtors acknowledging any Debt to any Register wherewith the same shall be so entered, the respective and several Registers shall give a Certificate thereof to the Creditor or Creditors desiring the same, under the Seal of their respective Registries; which shall be sufficient warranty for recovery thereof, when the same shall become due, without any farther trouble to the Creditor than a claim to be made thereof, to be entered with the Register any time after the time shall be elapsed, when the same should have been paid. 30. Entries of Bargains and Contracts. All manner of Bargains and Contracts, whereby any Estate of Inheritance, Mortgage or Lease shall be made, or any Right transferred from one hand to another, and where any Debt shall be contracted by any person or persons to any others whatsoever, and all Covenants, Conditions, Considerations, and times of payment, in presence of the several parties between whom the several Contracts shall be made; and thereupon the respective Registers (with whom every or any such Entries shall be made and acknowledged) shall give Certificates to the several parties desiring the same, of so much as concerns the party to whom it is given, under the Seal of the respective Registries, and copies thereof to the other parties desiring the same, under their hands only; that is to say, He to whom moneys is to be paid, shall have the Seal for the money; and he who is to have the thing bargained for, the seal therefore, and the counterparts to the other party under the Registers hand: And Entries of all payments and discharges of bargains shall be made. 31. In all Entries of any Bargains, The manner of entering bargains. the parties shall personally acknowledge the same to the Register, in presence of two known persons inhabiting within the Registry, who shall attest their knowledge of the persons attesting the Bargain, and to be the same persons whose names shall be then entered upon oath; and not otherways, save where both the persons bargaining shall be sufficiently known to the Register or his Deputy, to be the same persons they speak themselves to be. 32. In all Entries, the name, surname, quality, Method of Entries. and habitation of every person and persons shall be entered; and also the name, situation, content, and value of all Estates, the day and year of the entry, with all other conditions, Covenants, and agreements, and conditions requisite, and all other circumstances requisite for declaration of the whole truth, in as few words as may explain the same. 33. Infants and Travellers. All Infants having any Estates either in Possession or Reversion, whereof Entry shall not be made on their behalves within the times aforesaid, or where any false Entries shall be for them made, by any their Guardians, ends or Attorneys, shall have licence to make or rectify their Entries, within six Months after they shall accomplish the respective ages of 21. years; and also all persons, who shall be absent in other Countries, shall have the like time after their respective Returns to do the like. 34. Entries of Marriages. All Marriages shall be entered in the respective Parochial Registries, where the same shall be solemnised, the same day that the same shall be solemnised, the married couple acknowledging the same, in presence of the Minister and two other Inhabitants of the same Parish, who shall attest their knowledges of both the man and woman married together on their oaths, unless they shall be known to the Register or his Deputy, who shall enter the same; and the Covenants and Conditions of the Marriage shall be entered also; and the Register of every Parish, who shall enter the same, shall give Certificates to one or both the parties thereof, under the Seal of his REgistry, if the same shall be desired. 35. Entries of Births. The birth of every child shall be entered in the Parochial Registry, where it shall be born, within one day after its birth, whether male or female: and the names of the father, if it be born legitimate; if not, of the mother, her quality and condition, and of the father named by her in time of her Travel, by the Oath of the Midwife and one witness more, who shall be present at the time of the Delivery. 36. Christen. All Christen to be entered likewise in common form, as hath been accustomed. All Deaths and Burials shall be likewise entered in the several repective Parochial Registries, Deaths and Burials. where the same shall happen to be, by attestation of two known persons resiants within the same Parish, upon oath, if it be required. 37. Wills and Testaments. All Wills and Testaments shall be entered in the respective Registries within whose Jurisdiction and Cognizance the Estate of the deceased shall lie, within one Month after the several and respective death and deaths of every person and persons, of what rank, quality or condition soever; and all gifts and bequests made, whether verbal or in writing, by the attestation of two credible persons on oath; the persons attesting the same, being either known to the Register to be of honest repute, or so attested to be by others to him known, as in other Cases: all which circumstances shall be particularly entered. 38. Hiring of Servants. All and singular retainer or hiring all and every several and respective servants, whether Apprentices or hired servants, shall by the several and respective Masters or Mistresses hiring or retaining the same, be severally and respectively entered, or caused to be entered in the respective Parochial Registries where their residence shall then be, together with the time for which such retainer is to be; and the consideration or wages to be given to the several and respective servant and servants, by the attestation of the respective servants also subscribing his, her or their names or marks in the Registry: whereupon the Register shall give Certificate or Certificates, to Master or Mistress, and servant or servants desiring the same, under his hand; which shall be sufficient warranty, to compel service and respect from the servant, and wages and other conditions from the Master or Mistress. 39 Fees for Entries with the National Register. The Fees for all Entries of any Estate of Inheritance in the National Registry, to be for any Estate in Fee-simple 20 s. per page for the two first pages of the Entry, and 40 s. the page for every page more; for all Leases, Mortgages, Jointures, Dowers or Debts, 10 s. for the first page, and 20 s. for every other following page, including the Fees of the Certificates also under hand. 40. Provincial Fees. The Fees for all Entries of Inheritances in Fee in every Provincial Registry, to be 10 s. per page for the two first pages, and 20 s. per page for every page more; and for all Leases, Mortgages, Jointures, Dowers or Debts, 7 s. 6 d. for the first page, and 15 s. for every following page of every particular Entry; the Certificates under hand to be given for the same Fees, being included. 41. Sub-provincial Fees. The Fees for all Entries of Inheritances in Fee in every Sub-provincial Registry to be 7 s. 6 d. for the first page, and 10 s. per page for every page more; and for all Leases, Mortgages, Jointures, Dowers or Debts, 5 s. for the first page, and 7 s. 6 d. for every following page. 42. Parochial Fees. The Fees for all Entries of Inheritances in Fee in every Parochial Registry, to be 5 s. for the first page, and 7 s. 6 d. for every page more; and for all Leases, Mortgages, Jointures, Dowers or Debts, 2 s. 6 d. for the first page, and 5 s. for every following page: but in case any Entries of Debts, Leases, Mortgages, Jointures or Dowries, shall not exceed six l●nes Registerially writ in the Parochial Registry, the Fee of the Entry thereof shall but be 1 s. the several Fees for the several Certificates, to be made of any Entries, to be equal to the Registers Fees only for Entries as aforesaid, out of which no part shall be accounted to the Commonwealth. 43. Fees for small Entries. The Fees for Entry and Certificate of every respective Birth, Christening, Death, and Burial, if it exceed not six lines in the Registerial Parochial Entry, the Fee thereof shall be 6 d. only, as also the Entry of the retainer of any Servant or Apprentice, if one Entry exceed not six lines; but if any Entry shall exceed six lines, than the Fees to be the same as are allotted per page. 44. Bargains not entered void. No Money shall be recoverable upon any Bargain or Contract whatsoever, nor any Estate secured, unless the same be respectively entered in due form, in the several and respective Registries, within whose limits and jurisdictions the same shall be, within the respective times afore-specified. 45. Fee of the National Registers Seal. The Fee of the Seal of the National Registry, in all Cases of settlement of any Estate, Lease, Mortgage, Jointure or Dower, shall be 5 li. in all cases of Debt not exceeding 2000 li. 50 s. But if the Debt exceed 2000 li. the Fee of the Seal shall be 5 li. 46. Of the Provincial Seal The Fee of each Provincial Seal, in all cases of settlement of Estates as aforesaid, shall be 50 s. in all cases of Debt, 25 s. 47. Of the Sub-provincial. The Fee of each Sub-provincial Seal, in all cases of settlement of any Estates as aforesaid, shall be 25 s. and in all Cases of Debt, Mortgage, etc. 12 s. 6 d. 48. Of the Parochial. The Fee of each Parochial Seal for settlement of any Estate, to be 10 s. 6 d. and of Debt, to be 5 s. 49. Fees to the Commonwealth for the National Seal. In the National Registry three fourth parts of the Fees for the Seal shall be to the Commonwealth, & a fourth part to the Register his Assistants and Clerks; for all Entries of each two first pages of every particular Entry, and for all the following pages, an eighth part only for Entries. 50. For the Provincial Seal. In each Provincial Registry, three fourth parts of the Fees for the Entries, and for Seals also, shall be to the Commonwealth, and the fourth to the Register his Assistants and Clerks. 51. For the Sub-provincial Seal. In each Sub-provincial Registry two parts of three of the Fees of Entries and Seal shall be to the Commonwealth, the third to the Register. 52. In each Parochial Registry, For the Parochial Seal two parts of three of the Fees of the Seal to the Commonwealth, the third and all the Fees of Entries to be to the Register his Deputy and Clerks. 53. National Attorneys. Every Clerk Assistant or Deputy to the National Register, shall have six sworn Attorneys or Messengers, whose care shall be to transmit the several Certificates by him made, to the several Registers of the Provinces, to whom the same shall be directed within the times limited, and shall likewise Solicit the Causes of all Suitors in the Registerial Court hereafter to be mentioned, and shall have for every Cause for every Court-day to be kept in the same business, for Fee, besides all charges, 7 s. 6 d. and no more. 54. Provincial Attorneys Fees. Every Clerk assistant in each respective Provincial Registry shall have three Attorneys or Messengers, who shall carefully transmit all Certificates to be made, to the several Registers, to whom they shall be directed, within the times limited; and shall also Solicit the Causes of Suitors; and for every Court-day any Cause is depending, shall have for every Cause any of them is employed in, 5 s. for Fee, and no more; besides all charges and expenses. 55. Sub-provincial Attorneys Fees. Each Sub-Provincial Registry shall have two Attorneys, who shall do the same work, and for every Court-day shall have Fee in every Cause 4 s. besides all charges and expenses. 56. Each Parochial Register shall have two Attorneys, Parochial Attorneys Fees. whose Fee shall be for every Court-day 3 s. besides charges; they also shall do the like work as the other forementioned Attorneys shall do. 57 Punishment of Attorney's neglect. If any Attorney (through fraud or neglect) shall prejudice any Client for want of care in prosecuting his business, either in the Registry or Court, he shall satisfy for all damage accrueing to the party thereby; which if he shall not be able to do, he shall be dismissed from his Place and Practice, and another chosen in his room, and the party grieved restored to the condition he was in before the neglect or fraud was committed. 58. Election of Deouty Registers. The several Clerks assistant in every Registry shall be chosen by the respective Registers under whom they are to officiate, who shall take security from them, give directions to them, and be responsible for them. 59 Election of Attorneys. Each Clerk assistant shall make choice of one Attorney, and the Register two in the Provincial Registries: that one chosen by the Clerk assistants shall be approved by the Register: each Clerk Assistant in the National Registry to choose two Attorneys, to be approved by the Register, and the Register to choose and appoint all the rest; the other Attorneys in the Sub-provincial and Parochial Registries, to be appointed by the respective Registers of the several Sub-provinces and Parishes where they are to officiate. 60. Attorney's to give security. Each several Register shall respectively take security from every Attorney elected or admitted by him to practice within his Registry, truly and diligently to behave himself, according to such Rules and Directions as he shall from time to time receive: And to the end none may be ignorant of his Office, each Register shall have a Table of Directions and Fees hung up in his Registry, to the view of all who shall have any occasion there; wherein shall be particularised every thing each Officer under him is to do, and what his Fees for the same shall be; that none may plead Ignorance for excuse, and that every party wronged may know where to find redress. 61. Each several Register, Clerk Assistant and Attorney in the National Registry, and each several and respective Provincial Registry, shall be allowed and authorized by Parliament to their several and respective Offices; and for the due execution of their places severally and respectively, shall take such oath as the Parliament shall appoint. 62. Each Sub-provincial and Parochial Rgister shall be allowed and authorized by Parliament; and each Clerk, Assistant or Deputy and Attorney under them respectively to be employed, shall be allowed of and authorized by the several Provincial Registers, under whose respective jurisdictions they shall be respectively, and to take such oath as shall be appointed by Parliament. 63. In all Markets and Fairs, Tolls. the Toll shall be kept by the Town-Register, where distinct Entries shall be made of all sold (at the peril of the Buyer) with known Vouchers who shall attest the sale, who in case of question to be made after, shall be responsible for the same, or the value thereof double, to be employed as aforesaid; to which end, entry shall be made of the names, qualities and habitations of all Sellers and their Vouchers, and the and marks, with the names of the Buyers, and the Prices paid. Due care being of all the Premises had, all persons Estates, whether in annual Revenue, or Money, shall be known, whereby all public Assessments and Taxes may be equally born, and all persons known who shall have responsible Estates fit to undergo any Employment for the Republic: no danger shall be, or very little (if care be taken) of any person being defrauded or abused by any false Titles, nor any dormant Titles prejudice any future Purchaser or Purchasers. No person having his Estate so well known to the Republic, shall attempt any alteration, Insurrection or Rebellion, but shall presently be discovered; and thereby his Estate, if not his person, shall respond for the offence. With many other conveniencies not particularised, much tending to the Public Weal. For the doing of all which, little trouble extraordinary, nor any considerable charge can be to any particular party or Interest in the Nation, neither can the same be valuable in respect of the settlement thereby to be obtained, out of which yet there will arise a considerable Revenue to the Republic; and the extraordinary expenses of Travels and Lawyers Fees shall be taken off, whereby the Country is at present much damnified for the benefit only of a few, and those of no considerable interest in the Nation, seldom at any time helpful, burr frequently both to Prince and People burr then some, who shall notwithstanding be hereafter better provided for then now they are, and at an easier charge to the Country by far. Whereby several shall be encouraged to enable themselves to be fitted therefore. The Third Days Work. The third brings unknown births to life, By giving Laws for ending strife. Let Registers their work attend, Whilst we endeavour Laws to mend. 1. Law. ALL former precedent Customs notwithstanding, let one Law be through the whole Nation, whereby the Public Interest may be best supported, and each private moderately provided for; and that one Prodigal Riotous person may not consume the Patrimony of a whole Family, neither any one lord it over his brothers, who not being educated in provident ways, many times (to supply themselves according to their Chimerical. Gentilities, consisting of nothing but Idlness) turn Hector's, Highwaymen, Trapanners, and what not? to support themselves in that looseness they have been by their improvident Parents or Ancestors trained up in: but that each may be in some measure participant of his Ancestors industry, let all Estates not exceeding 100 li. per annum (where a personal Estate shall not be left answerable thereto) be distributed amongst the children as follows; that is to say, to each son two parts, or twice as much as shall be to any daughter, and to each daughter 1/3, or half as much as shall be to any son; only the eldest son, or he whom the father shall think most worthy, when such division sh●ll be made, to have the first choice, and the youngest the second: and so likewise the daughters. 2. Settlement of Estates. But where the Estate personal shall equalise the Inheritance of 100 li. per annum, there the eldest son, or the most worthy in the father's apprehension, shall have the 100 li. Inheritance, and the rest be divided as aforesaid; and so of all greater Estates, not more than one half descending to the eldest: only if there shall be but two sons, and no daughter, there the elder to have two parts, and the younger a third: if two sons and one daughter, the eldest son to have half; the other half to be two parts to the son, and a third to the daughter: if two sons and two daughters, half to the eldest, and the remaining half to be half thereof to the younger son, and the other remaining half between the two daughters, equally to be divided. These divisions to be, where at least 200 li. per annum, or 100 li. per annum, and 2000 li. in money or personal Estate shall be left by the Ancestor. The like proportion to be still held in all greater Estates. The wife's Estate to be as now, either a third during life only, or such proportion as shall be agreed upon before Marriage: which agreement entered in the proper Registry, shall be valid, and good to all ends and purposes. 3. In all Cases of descent, Wife's Jointures. the elder to be preferred before the younger, and the son before the daughter; the next Uncle or Cousin by the whole blood, before any other by the half blood, according to the descents now in use. 4. Copie-hold made Freehold. All Copyhold Estates to be made free by reasonable Compositions with the Lords; as where Fines are certain, payable upon every change, there the value of two Fines and an half to redeem the servitude; and where Compositions have not been formerly made, according to the same proportion, considering the Lord's Interest equivalent to what it is; and likewise all Reliefs and Hariots to be compounded for, and for ever after to cease. 5. All Lords of Manors keeping constant Courts, Baron and Courts Leet, or either of them, shall discontinue the same; and shall have the value of the profits of their Courts responded out of the immediate profits of the Registry, within whose limits the same Manor shall wholly lie and be comprehended, according as shall have been made thereof for ten years' last passed; and all Hundred-Courts to cease, and be for ever hereafter discontinued. All ancient services to any Lords of Manors to cease, Service to be compounded for. but the Rents to continue; and upon Entries thereof in the respective Registries, to be ascertained and secured by the Law of the Registry only; and all other Laws, and by-Laws for recovery thereof, to cease, and be of no use for ever hereafter: but where any services are valuable in money, the value thereof at ten years' purchase to be paid for Composition: all Compositions to be entered in the respective Registries whereon the same are dependant, or within whose respective limits the same lie. In all Cases, the Testimony of any Register under Seal of the Registry, to be preferred before any other, the same being taken and certified according to the rules aforesaid. 6. Married women enabled to dispose. It shall be lawful for any married woman, of what degree, rank or quality soever (who shall have any Estate of Inheritance in her own disposal, by acknowledging her consent thereto before the Register under whose immediate Cognizance the Estate shall lie, or before the Parochial Register where she shall live (he being thereto by the proper Register authorized) and to whom the same shall be again certified and proceeded in as in other Cases) to give, grant, and at her will dispose of all or any such Bstate; which shall be good in Law to all intents and purposes. 7. All Wills shall be proved, Probate of Wills. and administration granted by the Registerial Court, within whose jurisdiction the party deceased lived at the time of death; and by the Register of the same Court certified under Seal, which shall be entered with the several and respective Registers, with whom any Estate granted by such disposal shall lie, within one month after the burial of all, every or any person or, persons whatsoever; and in no case to be deferred past the fourth Court-day, and then confirmation thereof to pass under the Seal of the Registry where the same shall be done: in this Case the value to be considered as in other Cases relating to the jurisdiction of Courts. 8. Appeal before judgement. No Appeal shall in any case be brought before Judgement given; but after Judgement, either party that is wronged may bring a Writ of Appeal from the next superintendent Court, and Execution shall be stayed till the matter thereof shall be heard in the same Court, to which the Appeal shall be made, which shall be the third Court-day after return of the first Writ, which shall be executed by summons of some Court-Officer in person, at least fourteen days before the day of appearance; where the business shall be determined without any further Appeal by either party: and execution shall be awarded upon the Decree or Order of that Court, not to be Repealed. This Case of Appeal not to extend to any contemner of Summons, as aforesaid. 9 Sheriffs. In every County or Province a Sheriff shall be annually elected by Parliament, who shall within one month after his appointment, substitute in each Sub-province in his County or Province, a Deputy, which shall be approved by the next Provincial Registerial Court, in which the Sheriff's election shall be subordinate to the Court; and no one person to continue in that place more than one year; the old Officers for the precedent year, to officiate till the new ones for the next year shall be approved on, and thereto Authorized by the Provincial Registry. 10. Constable. In each Parochial Registry shall be likewise every year elected an Officer, by the name of Constable, who shall have chief care of preserving the Peace; and shall have the execution of all Writs issued from the Parochial Register, other than such Summons as are elsewhere directed to be done by the Attorneys. For choice of this Officer, shall be presented three names by the precedent Constable to the Sub-provincial Registry, who shall choose and Authorise one of them Constable for the next year. 11. Manner of Elections. That no person shall be elected to the same Office, either of Sheriff, Sheriff's Deputy or Constable for the same liberty, before seven years shall be elapsed after his serving thereof, before he shall be new elected, but that several persons be employed therein from time to time; and that no persons shall be elected to serve any such Office, who shall not have Estate responsible to the Public for what shall be entrusted with them. 12. Collections. That all Collections which shall be from time to time made and imposed on the Country, shall be collected by the Constables, and by them entered in their respective Parochial Registries; and then paid to the Sheriffs Sub-provincial Deputy, and by him and every of them entered in their respective Registries; and then paid to the Sheriff; and by the several Sheriffs, to the Treasury of the Revenue to be appointed by Parliament for receipt thereof. 13. Justices of Peace. That one or more persons of quality in every Sub-province be and execute the place of Justices of the Peace, and keep general Quarter-Sessions as is accustomed, and also private monthly Sessions as often as need shall require; and at each general Quarter-Sessions, the Sheriff or under-Sheriff for that Province shall be present, and also the several Constables or their sufficient deputies for the several Parishes, and also one or more of the Churchwardens for every Parish, to present what shall be amiss within their several and respective Liberties, which shall not be taken care of or duly executed by the respective Registerial Courts: and the said Justices shall have power to convent before them all Offenders, and also all Registers, Clerks Assistants or Deputies, Attorneys and other inferior Officers within the same Riding or Liberty for which the Sessions shall be kept, and all other Misdemeanours and breaches of the Peace whatsoever, and punish the Offenders, and regulate the same, as well as any superior Court shall have power to do. Each Constable shall annually elect under him a substitute in each Village, Hamlet and Township within the Parish, who shall be approved of and authorized by the Parochial Registerial Court, whereby they shall be sworn truly to execute all Summons, and other precepts to them sent, and to endeavour to preserve the Peace, and keep good Order; and if any shall refuse so to do within their limits, to return their names and offences to the Constable, who shall for his year use the power of a Magistrate for punishment of all Offenders contrary to Law. 14. Churchwardens. Each Parish shall yearly elect so many Churchwardens as have been accustomed, who shall be sworn (by the Registerial Court) to take care for the repairing & beautifying of the Church & Church-yard wall, Gates and Styles, and to provide for convenient and decent furniture for the Church, viz. for Books, Cushions for the Pulpit, Carpet for the Table, Chalices or Cups for the Communion, Candlesticks and Candles for celebration of Prayers. Evening and Morning in Winter; Bells, Belstrings, and Clock, with the Appurtenances; and shall see that all seats be conveniently placed, and control all irregularities in the Church: they shall also take care for amendment of all Highways in their Parish, and for providing for such poor as shall not be able to help themselves; for there shall be no beggars permitted, but if any so do, they shall be sent by the next Officer to the Constable, and by him sent to the common Workhouse, unless security be given to offend no more. For doing of all which, they shall impose such Assessments as shall be convenient to be collected and disbursed to and for several uses, by the Constable, who at his going out of Office shall account before the Registerial Court for all receipts and payments, and shall within six days pay all Moneys remaining in his hands, to the succeeding Constable for the next year: which if he shall refuse, distress or seizure of his Estate real or personal shall be made by the succeeding Constable, by Warrant under the Registers Seal: and if any Constable shall disburse more for any the uses aforesaid than he shall collect, he shall (upon clearing his accounts, and allowance thereof by the Registerial Court, and entry thereof with the Register) be reimbursed the same by the next Constable within one month; which shall be allowed in his Accounts. And if any succeeding Constable shall refuse to make payment of any such disbursements to the preceding Constable (the same being allowed and entered in the Registry) an Action of Debt shall lie, to be recovered by way of distress by the Sheriff's deputy in the Sub-province, and no allowance shall be made in his accounts of any charges expended therein. All Assessments to be imposed by the Churchwardens aforesaid, shall be entered in the Registry, and by the Registers ordered to be collected, signifying for what use or uses the same are imposed, and not otherways. 15. Actions of Trespass and Slander All Actions of Trespass and Slander shall be heard in the Parochial Court first, where the same shall be committed; and, if the same shall be of greater concernment than the Court hath Cognizance, be transmitted to the next superior Judicature; but if it shall not be of greater value in the estimation of the Court, than the Court hath power to judge of, judgement shall be therein given, and execution done thereupon, as in other cases. 16. In all cases where Murder, Murder, Manslaughter and Rape. Manslaughter or Rape shall be committed, the offenders shall be examined before the Parochial Magistrate where the parties shall be apprehended, or the fault committed; & so many as shall be found guilty, shall be sent by the Constable to the Sheriff's Deputy, and by him to the Provincial Goal, there to be kept in work as shall be directed, till their legal delivery thence: & in none of these cases Bail shall be admitted, but to be tried by Juries as hath been accustomed; and to suffer death, if found guilty, without benefit of pardon or Reprieve. 17. In all manner of ●heft, Robbery, Theft, Robbery, Cozenage and Fraud. Cozenage and Fraud. the Offenders shall be examined before the Parochial Magistrates; and if found guilty, threefold restitution shall be made, to be disposed one part to satisfy the party wronged, one part to the common stock of the Town, and one other part to the Constable, for reparation of Highways; which if the party refuse, and no distress shall be found to satisfy the Law, the body of the offender shall be committed to the custody of the Master of the Workhouse, or else sent to the place from whence they came, if aliens, with Certificate of their offence, and there to be employed, and to have two parts only of their gets allowed for their maintenance, and a third to be to the use of the common stock. The detainer or sending away, to be at the election of the Parochial Magistracy, where such offender or offenders shall be apprehended and tried as aforesaid. 18. Defamation All false accusations on purpose to defame any person, shall be heavily punished by the immediate Magistracy, where the offence shall be committed; and in this case no Appeal to lie or be admitted: and where the offence shall deserve greater punishment than the Parochial Magistrate may inflict, (who may not exceed 10 li. in any case) the same shall be certified to the Sub-provincial Magistrate; and if it require, thence to the Provincial, but not further. All ambiguous cases shall be transmitted with the evidences to the next superior Magistracy, and so on to the Parliament, if no inferior Court shall be free to give judgement therein. 19 Fight, quarrelling and breaking the Peace. All fight, quarrelling, and breaking of the Peace, shall be examined and punished by the Parochial Magistracy, where the same shall be committed, and satisfaction made to the party wronged without delay; whereto the offenders shall be compelled according to the order of the Court; and for all bruisings and beat, satisfaction shall be made as the Laws in being direct. If any Master or Mistress shall immoderately correct any child or servant, Masters and servants the Court Parochial shall punish the offender. 20. If any child or servant shall refuse to do their duties, or shall strike or quarrel with their Parents, Masters or Mistresses, the Court shall heavily punish such offences; and if any Apprentices shall so do, they shall serve a double term, and any other servant a double year for the same wages. No son or daughter vilifying or slighting their Parents, or either of them, shall be capable of inheriting any thing from either father or mother after their respective deaths. 21. Let so many Registerial Courts be erected as there are Registries, viz. to every Registry its Court, with Officers Fees, and Rules to walk by, for the ease and profit of each particular interest. 22. National Judges. Let twelve Judges learned in the Laws be appointed by Parliament to attend the National Registerial Court, to which let all great causes be reduced, any three whereof, with the Register or one Assistant, shall have power to hear and determine all matters of controversy; and let the three Bars in Westminster-Hall be the places of Judicature; and the several rooms adjacent, Offices for the Registers, viz. each two Circuits their proper Court, for trial of all grand Causes arising within their limits; and in other mixed cases where one party shall live in one Courts jurisdiction, and one in another, there the Cause to be heard in the third Court, where neither party's interest is more concerned than the other. 23. Let only two Vacations be in the whole year, viz. Vacations. one from the first of December, to the tenth of February, the other from the last day of May till the first day of September, yearly; in which Summer-Vacations the Judges to ride the several Circuits as now, to visit the several Registries, calling before them all the Registers of every Province, and hearing all complaints against any Register, Clerk, Attorney or other Officer, and punishing all offenders; and also for determining all grand and difficult Causes, and Causes of Appeals, where any such shall be depending. 24. Terms and proceed. Let all the rest of the year be two continued Terms, wherein the Judges shall sit as often as cause shall require; the first day of every Term being a Return-day, and the third day day of Appearance; before which third day, the Plaintiff in every Action shall enter his Declaration with the Register, whereto the Defendant shall plead within ten days, and enter his Plea with the same Clerk; whereupon order shall be given for examining Witnesses, and depositions sent into the several Countries to the respective Parochial Registers within whose limits the several Witnesses shall live, whose Examination shall be taken, and returned within one month after the Pleading aforesaid; and entry made thereof also with the same Registerial Clerk by whom the first Summons was awarded, with whom all the entries in the same Cause shall be made. The fourth day after return of the examinations aforesaid, the Cause shall be heard, (if it be not the Lords day, if so, Judgement. the day next following) and Judgement shall be given and entered the same day with the same Clerk: and the sixth day after Judgement, Execution shall be awarded, not to recalled, unless the parties agree in the mean time, and enter their Agreement with the same Clerk. In case of any Witnesses absence on the Defendants behalf, upon warrantable occasions made appear upon oath to any Parochial Register, by whom the Witness or Witnesses were to be examined, a second day to be given, upon the Defendants payment of costs for examination, not to defer the hearing above one month longer than it was to have been. 25. Provincial Judges. Let two Judges be appointed by Parliament to attend every Provincial Registerial Court; that one Judge with the Register, and one Clerk assistant at least, shall be present when all matters shall be heard; and in all difficult matters, one Judge at least shall be called out of the next Province, who shall have notice sent to him by the Register, at least six days before the day of hearing shall be: his whole expenses of his journey and tarriance to be defrayed by the Registers by whom he shall be sent for, and to be allowed him in his accounts to the Public: And to hold Pleas of all Debts not exceeding 1000 li. and Estates under 1000 li. per annum, lying within the same Province. 26. Courts and proceed. Every Month shall be a Court Provincial kept in every respective Province, in the Middle of the week, viz. upon Tuesday in every month; and if occasion shall require, to be continued the Wednesday also, and no longer: during which time only, Summons shall be given, which within ten days at fanthest shall be executed, and appearance given the next Court-day; at which time a Declaration shall be entered by the Plaintiff; within three days after, which the Defendant shall plead, and thereupon orders be sent for examination of Witnesses, and return of their depositions before the next Court-day, and then the Cause shall be heard, Judgement. and Judgement given and entered; and unless the parties agree, and enter their agreement before the next Court-day, execution shall be awarded, not to be deferred or reversed. 27. Sub-provincial Judges. The Judges in every Sub-province, shall be the Register and his Assistant; the Minister of the Parish where the Registers Court shall be kept, and the Sheriff's deputy; and in all Causes of difficulty, one or more Justice of Peace shall be called to assist, who shall have at least six days notice. Whereof always some two, with the Register or Assistant, shall be present at all Trials and hear of all matters in variance between party and party. 28. Courts. The Sub-provincial Courts shall be kept every Friday three weeks; the Proceeds as in the Provincial, and the hearing the third Court-day, and execution the fourth, except as before; and to hold pleas of all Debts not exceeding 100 li. principal, and all Estates under 100 li. per annum, lying within the same Sub-province. 29. Parochial Judges, Courts, etc. The Judges in the several Parish-Courts shall be the Register, the Minister, the Constable and Churchwardens for the time being; whereof in all hear too to be present with the Register or his Deputy: the several Courts to be kept every Thursday fortnight, and all matters to be brought to be hearing the third Court-day as before; to hold pleas of all Debts not exceeding 10 li. principal, and all Estates under 10 li. per annum, lying in the same Parish. 30. All Summons shall be granted (upon motion of the party or his Attorney, Summons. giving security to defray the charges of the party to be summoned, if his Action be not good, and cause just) by the respective Registers their Clerks Assistant or Deputies, in writing under their hands: to which if appearance shall be given either in person or by Attorney, proceed shall be made as before: if no appearance shall be given, a second Summons shall be granted under the Seal of the Registry; to which if no appearance shall be given, Judgement shall be given the second day of Appearance respectively, and entered in the Court-Registry: and if agreement intervene not before the next Court-day, and be entered with the Register, execution shall be granted, and the Registers Seal put thereto; Not to be reversed, nor any Appeal admitted. 31. Execution of Summons Execution of Summons shall be done by the several Parochial Officers, within whose Parishes the parties to be summoned shall reside or inhabit, as follows: each Officer to whom any Summons shall be directed, shall the next day at furthest, if it be not the Lords day, if so, the next day after (if it may not be done the day of his receipt thereof) take two next Neighhours to the parties to be summoned with him, and shall go to the house or houses where the party or parties shall live; and if the party or parties there be to be met with, he shall give him, her or them a Copy thereof in writing; if not, he shall leave the same with some body in the house to give him, her or them, at his, her or their return; or acquaint him, her or them with it: and if no body be found about the house, he shall leave the Summons with the next Neighbour, and shall make return to the Registry of what he hath done, upon his own and the other persons oaths who were with him. 32. Contempts. All Summons shall be given in the daytime, between the hours of eight aforenoon, and four afternoon, in all Cases whatsoever; and if any party to be summoned, shall threaten, affront, offer abuse to, or hid or conceal him or herself from any Officer so sent with any Summons as aforesaid, the Witnesses shall upon their oaths make entry thereof with the Register; which entry shall be made by the Register gratis; and upon complaint thereof to the Court by the Officer, the delinquents shall be severely punished according to the quality of the offender; and till satisfaction be made according to the Censure of the Court, appearance shall not be accepted: to the end all persons may give obedience to the Magistracy. And if appearance be not given, proceeding shall pass by default, as before. 33. Manner of granting Summons, and to whom. All Summons granted by the National or any Provincial Register, shall by the party who desires the same, or his Attorney, be sent to the Register of the Parish, where every party to be summoned shall live, within six days after the date thereof; who shall the next day at furthest give notice thereof to one of the Attorneys, who shall constantly attend that Court, who shall execute the same as aforesaid, and earefully transmit what the Register shall direct to the Register or Attorney National or Provincial from whom the same was received, who (upon receipt thereof) shall with care and speed, enter the return and execution thereof: which being under the Parochial Registers Seal, shall be sufficient and warrantable to all intents and purposes. 34. In all Cases where need shall require, Examination of witnesses. Interrogatories shall be sent from the National or Provincial Register, before whom any Cause shall depend, to the Register of the Parish where the party lives, or parties to be examined, with direction to examine and return the Depositions, within such time as shall be limited: all interrogatories to be sent away within two days after the plead ended, and to be executed by every Parochial Register within six days after receipt thereof, if the parties to be examined be to be found in his Registry; if not, to make return thereof, or examine so many as shall be found, and return the depositions thereof, and absence of the rest, and upon what occasion; and within two days after examination, return the same to the Register from whom he first received them, by the care of one of his Attorneys: and in all cases where Witnesses live in the same Parish or Town, they shall be examined viva voce, in open Court, if able to appear there; if not, the Register, his Clerk Assistant or Deputy shall attend them, and take their examinations at least two days before the day of return. 35. Execution of Summons Execution of all Summons in the Sub-provincial and Parochial Courts for appearance at their own Courts, shall be by the Sheriff's substitute, and the Constable for their respective Liberties to whom the same shall be directed, or by their respective deputies inhabiting in the same Villages or Hamlets where the party to be summoned lives; whereof return shall be made the next Court-day, upon the oath of the party employed, and one Witness more inhabiting within the same Village: for in all cases, upon the oaths of two Witnesses shall every truth be established; to which end, care shall be taken that persons of quality be taken for witnesses, who in case false testimony shall be proved to be given by them, shall make satisfaction to the party by such false testimony wronged, according to the Judgement of the Court in that behalf. 36. Execution of Judgements and Decrees. Execution of all Judgements, Decrees and Orders of the National, Provincial and Sub-provincial Courts, shall be done by the Sheriff, his deputy or substitute, within six days after his receipt thereof; and within six days more, return shall be made thereof, to the respective Register who sent the same. 37. Of Parochial Judgements. Execution of all Parochial Judgements, Decrees and Orders shall be done by the Constable for the time being, or his substitute living within the same Village or Hamlet where execution is to be done; for which the Constable shall be responsible. The Fourth Days Work. A Parliament well chosen, Parliament ties The hands of all exormities. It best provides in public case: So here it comes the next in place. 1. LEt annually a Parliament be elected, and each person whose whole Estate shall be entered in the Registry as aforesaid, to be capable of electing or being elected, but none others: The Electors to have Estates of 5 li. per annum, or 100 li. in money or upwards, Entered and certified as aforesaid. 2. Parochial elections. Each first Court-day to be held in every Parochial Registry, in January yearly, all the Inhabitants, Electors, shall each personally present his Paper sealed up to the Register, wherein shall be written the names of two such persons only of that Parish, as he shall think most worthy to be Representees at the public election, without subscription of his own name: all which Papers shall be put into a Box or Chest with a hole in the top, locked or sealed with three several Locks or Seals; one Key or Seal whereof shall be kept by the Constable, one by the Minister, and a third by the Churchwardens of the same Parish, or some of them; and when all such Papers shall be received and put therein as aforesaid, the Box to be opened, and the Papers also in presence and open view of the Court; and five persons who shall have most nominations in the Papers aforesaid, shall be the Representees of that Parish, in all public elections and transactions for that year. 3. Sub-provincial elections. The several Repesentees of the several Parishes within each Sub-province, shall meet at the next Sub-provincial Court for that Hundred, and shall there give their Papers sealed, to the Box, to be kept under the seals several of the Register, the Sheriff's deputy, and the next Justice of Peace for the time being, with each two names written therein: and when all the Papers shall be received, the Box and Papers shall be opened and examined in open Court; and those two persons within that Sub-province, who shall have most names, or be oftenest named in the Papers, shall be the Representees of that Sub-province for that year. 4. Provincial elections. The several Sub provincial Representees shall the next Court-day to be held for that Province, meet at the Provincial Court, and there each shall give his Paper sealed up, with two names only writ therein, to the like Box there to be kept by the Register, the Sheriff, the Major of the Corporation where the Office shall be kept, and two Justices of the Peace, under their several locks or seals, till all the papers shall be received thereinto: and when all the Papers shall be received, the Box and Papers shall be opened, and four chosen who have most voices for the Representees for that Province for that year. And for York six, viz. each Riding too. 5. Persons elected, to be Resiants in the Country for which they are to be elected. It is to be observed, that in each County or Province, twice so many Representees shall be elected, as are Clerks assistant to the Provincial Register in that County; and so in the Province of York six. Representees shall be chosen, viz. for each Riding one, who shall be Residents within the same Riding; and so in the respective Provinces where four are only to be, they shall be for each Clerk assistants jurisdiction two, who shall be resident within the same; and no person shall serve for any other place, then where his constant residence shall be Neither shall any person be elected who shall be solicited for, either by Letter, Message or otherways, from any Gentlemen, Governors, or Commanders, of what rank, quality or condition soever; but that upon appearance thereof to the Court, all such shall be rejected as unworthy, and not to be admitted of two years to be elected: To the end all elections may be free. Neither shall any person or persons, by whom any Letters shall be sent, or invitations made on any others behalf, be elected for three years after: whereby colour shall be prevented. 6. Corporations elections. Each Corporation who shall be at the charge, may after the same manner chuve particular Representees, or may involve themselves into the Sub-provincial elections, and there share with their Neighbours: for each Representee shall have quarterly paid him during his time of service for the Public, twenty Marks: for none shall serve the Public at his own charges, nor none shall have so much allowance, as merely for salary to invite him to the work. 7. Number of Presentatives. For each County shall be chosen four, and for York six as aforesaid, which shall be the Representees for the whole County or Province for which they shall be chosen; that is to say, for each respective Jurisdiction two: and each Sub-province shall elect two likewise, who shall serve by turns; that is to say, one the one half the year, and the other the other half: he that hath the pre-eminence in election, to proceed in service; and where equal numbers shall be electors, the decision to be by lot. 9 None to be elected who shall have any suits in Law depending. NO person who hath any Suit or Cause depending in Law shall be elected, nor be an Elector; for in all such cases, each acts his own Play: neither shall any member of Parliament for or during that year for which his service is or shall be, receive any reward or compensation for loss, salary or service, other than his salary which shall quarterly be allowed him as aforesaid, to be paid by the respective Officer for the Liberty for which he shall serve. 10. That the Parliament shall have power to make and after Laws, to treat of and conclude Peace and War. 11. Committee for Petitions and Grievances to be dispatched within a month. That within one week after the sitting of each respective Parlaiemnt, a Committee shall be appointed, to receive all Petitions and Grievances, and to read and consider thereof; and such as are fit to present to the house, to offer the same, so as answer may within one month be given thereof; for it ill becomes a free State to shut the doors, eyes or ears of Justice, to any Suppliant: by which means some hundreds have perished of late years, whose blood it may be feared is not yet pacified. 12. He that refuses to serve in Parliament, to pay 20 li. That none though elected shall be forced to serve in Parliament: but if any shall refuse, he shall contribute 20 li. towards the charge of the next election, unless in case of sickness or any bodily infirmity, in which case (none shall be compelled beyond his strength) he is freely to be excused, and the next in order to supply his place: and where two or more shall be equally elected (that is to say) by equal numbers of electors, decision shall be made by lot, and not otherways. 13. None of the two last to be in any the nextsucceeding Parliament. None shall be elected a member of any succeeding Parliament, who served as member of either of the two last preceding Parliaments, the same rule annually to be observed; but that freedom of all the Nation be further admitted, and in all other Officers of inferior rank in the whole Commonwealth, (the Registries excepted, which are not to be altered, unless in case of corruption, neglect or abuse of Trust) so that it shall be free for each person, who shall carry himself worthy thereof, to be elected; neither shall any man's meanness of estate hinder his election, if his parts be such as the Neighbourhood may confide therein: but all persons whose estates are entrable in the Sub-provincial Registry, are capable, if they be accordingly qualified, of electing or being elected; for they are terms convertible; the elected is an elector, and the elector may be elected; each hath his single voice by his paper in the box, Provincial Representees to have double voices to the Sub-provincial. Representees to serve only for six months. and no more. 14. Each Provincial Reprosentee convened in Parliament shall have a double voice to each Sub-provincial; all voices to be given by balls, wherein each Provincial shall have two balls, and each Sub-provincial one ball: but in the Council of State they shall have equal voices. 15. The persons elected shall serve by turns as aforesaid; that is to say, one half for six months, and the other half for other six-months; and for each six months, one for each Provincial Riding, and one for each Sub-provincial Registry shall meet at Westminster the first day of March annually, if it fall not on the Lord's day; if so, the day following; and there entering the House of Parliament, shall choose their Speaker, and take upon them the Government of the Nation for their time allotted; and at the end thereof, leave the same to their successors, whereof sixty to make a House, and not under. 16. Council of State. The first work they shall do after their meeting in March next, shall be to elect forty persons out of their whole number elected for that year, to be a Council of State; twenty whereof shall be out of the number of the persons then convened, and twenty more out of the persons to convene in September following these forty persons for the first year so elected, to serve as members of the Council for a whole year, from the time of their respective conventions; and that twenty of the persons which shall be continued in Council till the first of March next, shall continue there till the tenth of September next; the members yearly to be chosen for the Council, to meet in Council annually the tenth of March, and tenth of September, as their turns come: and all who shall be elected to serve in Council, shall there serve one whole year and no longer: whereby engrossing of power and destroying of bodies shall be avoided. Any fifteen to be a Council, and not under. 17. Each member shall forfeit 2 li. Forfeitures for not attending in Parliament which shall not meet in Parliament the first day whereon his service is to commence; and for every day after which he shall be absent (during the time of his appointed sitting either in Parliament or Council) without licence, 20 s. unless in case of bodily distemper, or weakness not dissembled, but real. The several forfeitures to be collected by the Sergeants at Arms attending the House and Council for the time being, and accounted for and paid to the Churchwardens of Margaret Westminster, monthly, for relief of the poor in Westminster. 18. The Affairs of the Army, Admiralty and Navy, Committee for the Army, Admirally and Navy. co be provided for by a Committee chosen by the Council, out of their own members, viz. out of each particular Consular election six, their whole number to be twelve, whereof five to be a quorum, and not less, to be approved by Parliament; the Council, and also the said Committee, to act in all things subordinate to the Parliament, and to observe their orders, and yearly to be changed as to the one half, every tenth of March twenty, and the other half each tenth of September twenty, to sit for twelve months only year after year. 19 Six persons shall be yearly elected by the Council, Public Revenue. & approved by the House of Parliament, for managing the receipts & disbursements of all pubsike moneys, who shall twice every year pass their Accounts, to a Committee to be chosen part out of the House, and part out of the council, viz. at the end of six months after their commencement, and the last month of their respective services. 20. Places of keeping Registries and Courts. Let the Provincial Registerial Courts be kept in the chief Town of every Privince, and each Sub-provincial Court and Registry in some Market-Town within the same Hundred; and where no Market-town shall be in any Hundred, let a Market be appointed to be kept at some one Town conveniently seated, near the middle of the same Hundred, and Authority given by Parliament for the same; and each Parochial Registry in the same Town where the Parish Church, or public meeting place of the same Parish is or shall be. 21. Honour's to be conferred by Parliament. All persons who shall have Estate entered in the National Registry, to the clear yearly value of 10000 li. per annum, and shall pay Assessments for so much to the Republic, shall be capable of the honour of Lordship, conferred on him only by the Parliament; each person of 1000 li. per annum, of Knighthood; and each other person having 300 li. per annum, and upwards, be reputed an Esquire; and shall each of them give Coats of Arms, to be allowed by the King of Heralds for the time being. That no person who shall nor have 1000 li. per annum, shall be elected as a Provincial Representee. The Fifth Days Work. It's Public aids must bear the charge, Our Privileges to enlarge. Wherefore let Contributions be In exigencies frank and free. 1. LEt Assessments be imposed by Parliament yearly, Assessments. according to the requisition of the time, on each particular real and personal Estate, Assessments to be imposed by Parment. according to the annual values thereof, and Rents received; each paying for his stock in Husbandry or Trade, and each Usurer for his Money lent at a certain rate, as rend of Land or interest of Money at the same rate, and stock in Trade or Husbandry at half the rate; the Land-Assess to be paid by the Landlord, and the Money-Assess by the Lender, to be defalked out of Rent or Interest, according to the proportions, by the Tenant or Borrower, who shall deposit the same, as occasion shall require, to the monthly Collectors thereof. 2. Great Assessment for the poor. Let one great Assessment be forthwith made for relief of all the Poor in the Nation; and let a stock be erected in every Parochial Town, and a Trade set up for employing and providing for all the poorer sort of men, women and children: let a Master or Governor thereof, be appointed by the Registerial Court in every Parish, and such a one as his Estate may be responsible for the stock with him entrusted, for which (together with the profits thereof, to be employed according to the Rules to be given therefore) he shall give security; and this to be yearly taken care for, chief by the Churchwardens of each respective Parish. Let all charitable Contributions be employed to the same purpose: Whereby if vigilancy and industry be used, a small stock will in short time increase to a great inheritance, whereby the poor shall be equally provided for, to the best and richest in every Parish: so there shall be no crying out, nor complaining in our streets. 3. Customs, Excise and Assessments. Let the Customs be annually regulated by the Parliament at the time of changing of Representees; only let the Representees for the first six months, continue their sit so long after their time, together with the Representees for the latter six months, as to settle that, and the Excise and Assessments for the next succeeding year; and to be done within twelve days. Let the Customs be collected by such Commissioners as have responsible Estates; and where any fraud or covin shall be discovered, let care be taken therein for the prevention for the future. 4. Public Collectors. Let the Excise be collected by the Constables, and responded for to the Sheriff, as other Assessments, and also all other Rents and Revenues payable to the Commonwealth, for which no salary shall be allowed. In all Enclosures of Wastes, Enclosures of Wastes. and Commons not stinted, one fourth part shall be allotted for provision for the Poor of the Parish where the same shall lie, to be committed to the care of the Master of the Workhouse for the time being, and by him employed to the best advantage according to his trusts. One other fourth to the Lord for his signory, and half to the Commons: this rule in all cases to be the same. 5. Enclosures of stinted Wastes and Towns-fields. Where the Lords and Tenants, Owners and Proprietors of two full third parts of the Enclosures, Field-Land and stinted Commons in any Manor, Town or Lordship, shall agree to enclose all or any part of the open Wastes or Common grounds of the same Town, no third party opposing shall hinder the same, so as provision be made for the poor to one half the alotment as aforesaid; and the proportions allotted for the refusers according to their several estates, quantity and quality to be considered: but if any shall endeavour to hinder a common good, he shall be severely punished therefore, either by the Judges in the next superior Court, or by the Justices of Peace at the next Quarter-Sessions to be held for that Liberty, or by the Judges Itinerant in their Circuits. 6. In all provisions for the Poor, Parochial provisions for the poor. each whole Parish to be one entire Corporation, and take care to dispose of all Wanderers and Vagabonds, according to the directions of the Statutes in use, or else employ them in work as aforesaid. Public Work-houses Let a large house be provided in each Parish-Town for a public Workhouse, where in some Manual occupation all the poor of the same Parish may be set on work, and provided for necessaries by the Master thereof, to be appointed as aforesaid; to which purpose, let some Trade, whereof the Master of the Workhouse to be a Freeman, be used in every Parish; and the children of all such as shall not by their Parents be better provided for, to be employed in the same after seven years old, as in all Towns where is conveniency of water for building Mills, and have Cole, let several sorts of Smiths be, as for making of Knives, Swords, Scymiters; Guns, Sythes, Shears, Scissors; also for all manner of Work-tools and harness; and all such who shall have use for wheels for grinding: also, Lock-smiths, Naylors and such others, where no water is, nor wheels shall not be requisite; and where conveniency is, let Clothier's be: and to the end the Trade of Clothing may be the better managed, and with less confusion, let those Towns where much growth of Wool shall be, and want the conveniency of fire and water, be employed to the sorting, breaking, mixing and spinning of Wool, in one Town for making of Jerseys, Serges, and other Stuffs of the like nature, in other Towns in spinning Wool for making cloth according to the several sorts thereof, the finest by its self, and the coursest by its self, and the middle sort by itself; and a certain rate allowed to each person for the work they shall do, not exceeding four parts of five of the real value of the work; one fifth being still to be allowed to the common stock. 7. Husbandmen to have the help of labourers in the common Workhouse. That in all cases where any persons employed at work upon the common stock, shall be desired to assist the Husbandman, at any out-work in the Fields, there shall a fourth part of the wages be employed to the common stock; which wages shall be paid to the Master of the Workhouse, who shall have the command of all under the age of twenty one as Apprentices, and all above as Journeymen; without whose licence none shall go to work abroad: which shall not be denied in Seedtime, Hay-time or Harvest, upon reasonable rates. 8. Trades to be erected in Flax and Hemp. In those Towns where shall be store of Hemp or Flax, let some Towns be employed in dressing and fitting the same for spinning, according to the several sorts thereof; another in spinning fine Linen, another the middle, and another the courser sort, and another weaving the same; others also in making Cordage and Ropes. 9 In Wood In Towns where wood shall be plentiful, let one be employed by Cooper's, another by Carpenters, another by Tanners, another by makers of Wanes, Wagons, Carts, Plows, Sledges, & other Utensils for Husbandry; & in every Parochial-Town let there be in the common Workhouse, a Smith, a Shoemaker and a Tailor, with their several servants subservient to the public Master: and in those Towns which shall be employed in making of wire Pins, Needles or Bonelace, the Master of the work shall once a week pay off all the Workers of the same Trade, and shall furnish them with stuff for making thereof; and when they are made, sell them for the advantage of the common stock: and so in all other Trades. 10. Proviston in the common Work-houses In the common Work-houses provision shall be made for all persons of all ages, sexes and conditions, whether young or old, which are not able to help themselves, and be therein employed in such works as their strengths, genius and abilities are fittest to manage and undergo; & let the females be employed in several works by themselves, and have Mistresses for their Tutresses and Guardians; where they may be employed in spinning, carding, sowing, weaving lace, ribbon, tape, and other things; in setting of Cushions, Carpets, Hang, and other things fit for the work of women. By which means the poor of the Nation shall not only be provided for, but the Nation shall be thereby enriched; and for every pennyworth of stuff that the Nation now affords of vendible Commodity in other Countries, it shall in few years afford three, four, five or six times the quantity; which shall much enrich the Merchants thereof also. 11. Justice's elected. Let the Representees annually chosen for members in Parliament, be the Justices of Peace for the same year; and those which shall be resident in the Country to undergo that service, and in all things observe the directions of Parliament, for levying of Soldiers, regulating of Assessments, and all other things whatsoever. 12. Every person or persons, Planting. who shall at any time make any new Enclosures upon any Wastes, Commons, Town-fields or commonable grounds, shall within every Pole set or plant at least one plant or set of Ash, Ok, Elm or Beech, and preserve the same for growth; and in those Countries where fruit-trees will grow and bear fruit, the like may be enjoined also, upon forfeiture of 2 s. for every defect, to be collected by the Constable by warrant from the Register, upon information to be made thereof to the Court by the Churchwardens, or any one or more of them in any Parish for the time being: which forfeitures the one half to be employed to the common stock of the same Town, the other half to the Informer or Informers. The Sixth Days Work. It's mutual Commerce that brings Beggars unto the state of Kings. Trade. And if we view the fruits of Trade, It is a tree of pleasant shade. 1. Customs. LEt certain Taxes, Customs and Impositions, be imposed upon all Manufactures which the Merchant shall bring from other Countries: but let all the Manufactures of this Nation be sold and exported free from the same for seven years, whereby the Country may be encouraged to Trade. 2. Corporations of Trades. Let all the Tradesmen in every Riding or distinct half Provincial Liberty, 〈◊〉 well of the common Work-houses as others of every distinct Trade, be a particular Society and Corporation, and have power to elect Officers and make Laws amongst themselves, for the advantage and benefit of the whole; and also authority to put those Laws in execution, and to meet once a Month at a place certain within each division, or to appoint any other time or place within their limits (whereof public notice shall be given at the last precedent meeting) for the doing of any thing requisite for the benefit and advantage of the same Trade. 3. Youth to be brought up in Trades. That all persons within the Commonwealth of England, shall bring up their sons to some Trade or other, after the age of fourteen till the age of twenty one at least; under which notion, the Husbandman is reputed a Tradesman, which Trade none shall follow who with his own Team shall not Till every year twenty Acres of Land or upwards, as a Master-Husbandman. 4. Every Parochial Town shall have a Schoolmaster, Parochial Schools and Writing-master. who shall teach all children in the same Parish, to write and read English, and cast Accounts, from the age of seven till the age of fourteen, at which age they shall be either employed in their Trades, or sent to other Schools; and all children brought up in the common Workhouse shall spend two hours every day in the same School, one in the forenoon and one in the after; and at ten years old and after, the afternoons hours shall be spent in writing and casting accounts, for which every Schoolmaster where no provision is already made, shall have 10 li. per annum quarterly paid by the Constable for the time being, besides the gratuities of the richer sort of people. 5. Sub-provincial grand School. In every Sub-provincial or Market-Town shall be a free Grammar-School erected, where shall be a Master who shall have allowance of 40 li. and an Usher of 20 li. per annum, paid quarterly by the Sheriff's substitute for the time being; whither all the youths of that sub-Province (whom their Parents or Friends shall intent for Scholars) shall be sent at the age of ten, and there continue till they shall be respectively fit for the University; whither none shall be admitted under the age of sixteen. In every Sub-provincial Market-town, Scrivener. shall be a Scrivener or writing Master, who shall teach to write and cast accounts; with whom every Scholar in the Grammar-School shall spend at least one half day every week, or one hour a day for three days in the week: which said Master shall have the yearly allowance of 10 li. paid by the parties aforesaid, besides gratuities. 6. There shall also be a Musick-master, Music Master. who shall have the yearly allowance of 10 li. besides gratuities, with whom every Scholar shall spend one half day every week, or an hour a day for three days in the week. 7. Time of stay at the grand School. All such as shall be sent to the Grammar-School at ten, shall be continued there till fourteen; whereby the youth of the Country shall be fitted (by that time (they shall attain twenty one) for the service of Princes; and all who shall be employed in Trades, shall be able to live thereon, and be helpful to their friends. 8. Army and Militia. The present Armies now in being, to be disposed amongst the Militia's of the several Counties and Provinces of the Nation, each Commander to have the conveniency of residing in his own Country, or the next adjacent; and let the Soldiers retire to the commands in their own Countries, and to have half pay for the time of their residences there, and to Muster once a month, and be in readiness on all occasions, when the Parliament shall command; and so many as shall be commanded to the Guard, either to this Town, or elsewhere, for all the time of their service, to have pay according to the present establishment: and let the Militia be completed together with the present Army, to the ancient number of the Trained-bands. 9 Disaffected disarmed. Let all disaffected persons be disarmed, and their Arms kept and secured, in the hands of the several Commanders of the Militia, to be disposed of from time to time as the Parliament shall appoint: and let no Officer of the Army or Militia be elected for a Member of Parliament; or if any such be, that during his attendance in Parliament his Command shall be transferred to another, who shall personally attend the same, as well when they shall be upon service, as when resident in the Countries: to the end no disorder appear, but the same may be timely prevented. 10. Universities purged. Let the several Universities of this Nation be purged from all dregs and relics of Popish superstition; and let all Oaths formerly taken by any graduates there, be abolished; and in lieu thereof, let the same Oath that the Judges and Justices are to take, be administered by persons thereto Authorized; and such as shall refuse the same, be removed: and let all graduates upon their admission into order from time to time, take the same Oath, and no other; and let all Rights and Privileges as to their Civil Rights, be secured; and such orders instituted, as may best prepare the youth thither sent, for the service of God and their Country: to which end, let the heads of the several Colleges meet and consider of such propositions by a joint consent, as may be fit for the Parliament to ratify and establish, as well for the study of Divinity, as Physic, Astronomy, or other Arts there fit to be read and studied. 11. Graduate's Let none take any degree in any University before the full age of twenty one, nor any be admitted publicly to Preach before the age of twenty six years at the least. 12. Cathedrals. Let in every Province the Cathedral or chief Church in the same Province be repaired and endowed with 400 li. per annum, at the least; whereof 300 li. to be to two Ministers to officiate there, and the other 100 li. for the under-Officers in the same Church, viz. 50 li. to an Assistant, and 50. more to the Clerk, Sextons, etc. 13. Sub-provincial Churches, and Parochial. Let the Sub-provincial Church in each Market-town have allowance of 200 li. per annum, for two Ministers constantly to attend the service of God there; and let each Parochial Minister have at least 60 li. per annum: and where any Parochial Minister by Tithes or otherways shall have above 150 li. per annum, let the surplusage go to the augmentation of his next Neighbour incumbants, to make each of them the annual value of 60 li. or upwards; but no augmentation to be granted to any Church which shall have 100 li. per annum, in present being, for the Ministry there. 14. Let no quarrellers, Persons to be beneficed. railers or State-Incendiaries be admitted to any Benefice; but let such be appointed, as in sobriety & meekness be have themselves, teaching the Gospel of Christ as the same is delivered in the holy Bible, without nice Inventions to entangle the hearers of the word; & let every Province be a Classis, & constitute Orders and Decrees for the well governing of the several people of that Province: but none to be put in execution, till the same shall be confirmed by Authority of Parliament. 15. Let the Lords day be carefully observed; Lord's day observed. and if any shall disturb any public Minister, whether in his Parochial Ministry, or elsewhere in his exercise of the day, let a fine of 10 s. be imposed, and collected from every offender; the offenders of what rank soever to be imprisoned in the common Stocks of the Town till the fine shall be paid, by any Parochial Officers or other person or persons whatsoever, at the command of the Minister who shall be disturbed, whether he be beneficed or no. 16. Seditious persons punished. That all seditious and scandalous persons, who shall pretend as Ministers to teach the people, and shall sow or foment any seditious, scandalous or blasphemous opinions to the disquiet of the people, shall be taken and employed in the common Workhouse, where he shall be so found, in such manual occupation as his body may bear; and to have only two parts of his get for his allowance; and not to departed thence till by the Magistracy of the same place he shall be released, which shall not be of one full week for the first offence, one month for the second, and a quarter of a year for the third. 17. Let public Banks be erected, and Fishing in our own Seas not neglected; which with Customs shall defray the Maritime charge. But this is supposed must be the work of another Representative; for the Public credit is at too low an ebb to expect it now at present. Now the Lord prosper the work in the hands of the Magistracy for the good of the Nation in general, and themselves and their posterities in particular, who shall doubtless be the greatest sharers of the fruit of their own labours, be they good or bad. When Work is done in season fit, The God of grace will prosper it. APPENDIX. LEt none mistake the Author's purpose in the precedent discourse to be, that every word and sentence should pass for a Law: No, if so, it had not seen light in so careless a dress, as it is. But considering the present condition we are in, the Juncture of affairs we are under, and the opportunity is now in our hands, the Author hath sent abroad-this Model of a settlement, as a rough draught, to be viewed corrected, amended, and (so far as our Governors shall see meet) made use of: which if they will, may in less than seventy days be perfected; thereby showing the facility of doing, what is by all men so much desired; Wherein, as is said before, there's nothing new or strange: for the chief (viz the Registerial) part thereof is as ancient as any inheritance we have, as well witnesss the Inrolm●nts in Chancery, and Court-rolls of the several Copie-hold Manors, which are no other thing save Registries ill kept; and yet as they are, there's more safety, and less trouble in settling Estates there, then in other cases. And if our Ancestors so long ago were so wise and provident, it may be no ill course for us to imitate them in what's good; and where they were defective, to furnish supplies requisite. Besides, it affords more Conveniency and regularity in elections, and more certainty of electing the best and sittest men for Governors, than any other way yet propounded to public view hath done. Whereupon the great wheel of Government is as easily convertible, and with as much security as may be imagined, or can be desired; wherein all interests wi●● find security and profit: And to the Public (above the charges of carrying it on) will arise a considerable Revenue. Now that a settlement is requisite, our present Governors in their Declaration of the 7. of May, have not only acknowledged, but promised, as men and as Christians vigorously to endeavour. The Army in their humble Petition and Address of the ●2. of May, did unanimously represent to them, as in the 1, 7, 9, 11, and 13. Articles is very very apparent, and in the close thereof, do beg the blessing and presence of the Lord with them in the prosecution and bringing forth thereof. Many well affected in sundry Counties of England have already Petitioned for it: The eyes of all the Nation are upon our Governors expecting it; our intestine divisions advise it; the confederacies of Europe require it, and our own safety commands it, to be speedily undertaken, and vigorously prosecuted: which if private interests belaid aside (by the doers) will be easily perfected; And the more durable it shall be, the more honour it shall be to the doers, whose honours shall grow with the Government they shall establish, and whilst the same endures they shall continue to all posterity. But some suspect the words (constant to this Commonwealth) in the oath appointed to be taken by the Judges, Justices and other Officers and Ministers, intent no other settlement to be expected, than what we now are under: which if so, sad doubtless will be the effects: for clearing of which suspicion (which if fomented may be cause of contraction of ill humours) a speedy manifestation of the contrary, by actions rather than words, may be wished, and is by many desired. Some other things the Author intended to have spoke of; as the Spaniards present growth, who by subjection of Portugal, Alliance with France, confederacy with the Emperor, the Pole, the Dane, and the rest of the Germane Princes, (in whose quarrel our brethren the Dutch are endeavoured to be engaged) his late acquisition of Treasure from the West, together with the specious pretence of re-enthroning again the Stuarts, (which title if once set on soot, what Partisans it will find amongst us, is worth consideration) by all which we may be invited to a speedy care and endeavour so to s●tile ourselves at home, and provide for alliance abroad (especially with our brethren the Dutch, whereby our Fleets may be recalled from their expensive attendances on other Prince's occasions, to more profitable employments for their respective Countries, for both whose Trades the Seas and the World is wide enough) whereof we are now deftitute and naked, A general contribution from the poorer sort will be dangerous, and the rich have most reason to give, thereby to secure their Estates from dangers of insurrections to be made by discontented parties. as may encourage our Countrymen to contribute present supplies of money for the doing of all that shall be requisite: to which purpose it would be no difficulty to such as have plentiful Estates, full Stocks, and Money in their Purses, to give a years Rend of all their Revenues; nay to enjoy an settlement, none such would deny it, or repine thereat (thereby to secure the rest) though upon such slippery foundations as we now stand, few or none will be free to contribute any thing at all; As also of the several divisions, rents and schisms in the Church, whereby that interest of Spain is no little advanced, Our fifth Monarchists ignorantly endeavouring to introduce the Inquisition, as a Scourge to their own backs; And of the self-endedness, covetousness; and other eminent signs of Antichristianity, predominant in and amongst many Congregational societies, which of their own particular purses provide maintenance from their own Ministers, little or nothing differing in Doctrine from the Parochial Ministry, though they clash in words as if they would set on fire the whole frame of Nature, each judging and condemning all that are not of their own opinions: which from what root the same springs, or to what end they aim, the Author is not quick enough sighted to discern, though he hath observed many such to climb to places of profit more than other men: Things ill becoming Saints, if we believe Christ, who saith, His Kingdom is not of this world; and called his Apostles from their worldly callings, to be Preachers of the Gospel: so that the Author sees not why the Magistrate may not, Query how consistent it is to the Weal Public to permit any feadators to any unknown interests, and what the consequents thereof may be, sigh all have liberty to preach the Word of God in public, and lead their lives according thereto without restraint. nay ought not, to bring all such to civil obedience and conformity, according to the Rule of Christ, who commanded his Apostles to take what should be set before them; which may import, that the Ministers of the Gospel may freely participate of such allowance as the Magistrate shall allot for their maintenance (whether by Tithes or otherways) without ask any question for Conscience sake: and is more properly their duty s● to do, than (Pope or Antichrist like) to make themselves every one head and Lord over the flock he superintends, thereby dividing the Church into Factions; which how dangerous it is, the whole current of Scriptures declare. But the length of this Discourse exceeding its purposed limits, the Author commends the Premises to the consideration of our present Governors, and all others in the Nation which wish well to our English Zion, And them to the good and gracious direction and protection of the Almighty, in hopes of an happy issue, which God grant, Amen, FINIS.