THE HUMBLE PETITION OF DIVERS INHABITANTS Of the City of LONDON, AND Places adjacent, in the behalf of the poor of this Nation.  
TOGETHER, With the humble Representation of the Presentors thereof.  
WITH The Answer thereunto, and the Names of those that are added to the Committee of Complaints, to whom those that find themselves aggrieved, or can offer any thing for the good of the poor, may make their address.  
March 10. 1648-49. Imprimatur THEODORE JENNINGS.  
LONDON, Printed by John Clowes, 1648.   

To the Honourable, the supreme Authority of this Nation, the Commons of ENGLAND, chosen for, and Assembled in Parliament; entrusted to manage the great affairs of this Nation, for the good of the same. The humble Representation of the Presentors of this annexed Petition entitled The Humble Petition of divers Inhabitants of the City of London, and places adjacent, in the behalf of the poor of this Nation.  
SHEWETH,  
THat as God delights in mercy, and hath expressed his tender care for the poor, the fatherless, and the widow; so wicked men practise cruelty, oppressing the poor, wronging the fatherless, and not regarding the widows Cause: It being the practise of most men to seek the good of themselves, and their friends: And few the good of the Nation, especially of the poorer sort therein, who have most need, and from whom they expect no benefit. Were it to obtain riches, Honour, health, ease, or delight: many would then be ready and forward, in undertaking, or acting, of almost any thing: But when any thing concerns the good of the Nation, nothing ( or very little) is done as it should be, scarcely by any man, unless by doing the same, there ariseth a particular benefit to himself, or his friends. Many are forward to help rich men, and others, their kindred, and friends; into places of Honour, Trust, or Benefit: yea to confer divers such places upon one man; But if the poor want their assistance in any kind, either they are not at leisure, they can not answer his desires ( though never so just and reasonable,) or it is not yet a seasonable time, and they will be sure to advice that which is for their own benefit, or sand them to others for council, and endeavour to get none into a Free-Scoole, but such as learn latin,( which the poor have no need of,) nor do a courtesy for any, unless they expect the like from them again.  
Surely if by relieving the poor and oppressed, those that have already wronged them might have had a further benefit, they would long ere now have endeavoured the same: Or were rich men thoroughly sensible of the miseries of the poor, some relief would certainly have been procured before now: But although most men are like to be poor themselves, yet few do rightly consider them that are already so.  
Never was there in England, so many in want of relief as now there is, yet there is no more allowance for the poor, then formerly: Nay, it is feared, that although formerly there was not the fourth part of the poor that now there is, yet there is not now the fourth part of the relief; ( rightly enjoyed by the poor,) which formerly there was wont to be: And yet the laws are as strict as ever, that none shall steal, cheat, nor beg, which laws are good, provided there were also a Law ( carfully put in execution) that none should starve: the truth is, the want of the one is the cause of so many transgressions of the other: for what can any man do which hath a Family to maintain, his Rent, Debts, Excise, and many other Taxes to pay, ( of which nothing will be abated▪) having no money to discharge the same▪ his goods pawned, his food eaten, his clothes worn out, and his fuel burnt, not knowing where, or how, to be supplied, would do any thing for an honest living but through the distraction of mind ( arising from his extremity) or by age, sickness, blindness, lameness, or other defect, can not work, or else can get no employment:( needs must they stand all the day idle, who can get no man to hire them. Math. 20.7.) And this will certainly bring them and their Children to fall into such a Consumption as many die of, who are little better then starved: For they must needs consume and die, who have all things consumed, and nothing left to maintain life.  
It is a hard streight when a man hath no money, yet must pay money; but can not earn it: For if he make it, or steal it, he shall die by the Law: if he borrow it, and can not pay, he shall rot in prison, ( which is a worse death;) if he have it not at all, he will certainly starve: ( which is worst of all.) Lamentations 4.9. Those that are slain with the sword, are better then those that are slain with hunger, for these pine away.  
Life is sweet to all, therefore every rational Creature will as long as it can: & nature teacheth to choose that death, which is farthest off & most easy.  
The necessities of many Thousands cry earnestly for help, and it is certainly better to hearken to them, when they in asking relief, do beg for their lives, then to have their blood cry aloud for vengeance unto him to whom vengeance belongs, and will certainly repay the same, Rom. 12.19▪ Surly opperession maketh a wise man mad, Eccle. 7.7. And it is known that when people are so, they will do mad actions; therefore it is better ( by taking off their oppressions) to keep them tame, then to run the hazard what they will do in time of their madness. A prudent man forseeth an evil, &c. Pro. 22.3. the truth is, that none ( except those that are wilfully blind) but do se to their grief, the sad & lamentable condition of a multitude of people, in al places of this land; in so much that it is unpossible, how they can in an ordinary way subsist many daies, without some provision be made in their behalf: either by providing some other way for their maintenance, then formerly, or at lest by helping them to the enjoyment, of al things whatsoever, of right, belongeth unto them; which if they did rightly enjoy, and withall were so set on work ( as they are in other Countries) that none might want employment, then al who can do any thing, would be able to subsist without beging or using any indirect courses; which other-wise they will be enforced to use, or else must certainly perish.  
The sad consideration whereof hath so seized upon our hearts, that we adjudged ourselves obliged, in relation of our duty to God, service to our Country, and safety to ourselves, to use our utmost endeavours, by all lawful ways; for the diverting of Gods Judgments, the relieving the oppressed, and the peace, safety, and prosperity of this Nation: And do here therefore humbly present to your honours, some causes ( as we humbly conceive) of the misery, and penury of the poor, desiring that they may be removed, so far forth as not to encroach upon the juct liberties of others; And yet, the causes may be so removed, as that the effect may seize.  
And 1. Because many materials are without restraint, carried out of this Nation unwrought, and many times wrought in other Countries, and then brought hither again; which might as well employ our native people in working the same.  
2. Because many Commodities are wrought in other Countries, and without any restraint brought into this Nation; as by the book of rates for the customs, published by this present Parlirment in the year 1642. it may plainly appear; When as we either have, or may have materials sufficient in this land, to make the same; which ( as we humbly conceive) might set more then one Million of poor native people on work.  
3. Because the Trade of Fishing is almost left off; which might employ more then one hundred thousand poor people, from eight yeares old unto eighty, in planting hemp, in dressing and spinning it, in making nets, and in carrying and selling the fish▪ Besides Ship-Carpenters, Fishers, and Watermen; the French, the Flemings, and the Hollander, having about two thousand sail of Fishing vessels, yearly upon our cost, most of which vessels having an hundred nets a piece.  
4. Because of the deerness of corn, which ( as we humbly conceive) may be remedied, without compelling any man to sell it at a set price. If first, there were prohibition of feeding horse or swine with bread corn; it being affirmed, that there is more then one thousand quarters of bran so spent, weekly, in, and about the City of London; besides, much is spent in making of Starch, which the poor would be glad to mix with meal, and make bread of the same. Secondly, if none were suffered to sell flower, or meal any ways sifted, but only so as it comes from the Mill. Thirdly, If none were suffered to buy or sell, Flower or meal, in any stops or houses, but only in the open Markets for the same, at due houres. Fourthly, If none were suffered to sell bread any other-waies, then by the pound ( as it is sold in other Countries) that the buyer may know how much he hath for money and the Baker may have liberty to set price of his bread, according to the goodness of the same. Fifthly If the laws in force were put in execution, that no beer, or Ale, shall be sold for above eight shillings per barrel, containing, 36. Ale Gallons, and then it might be sold for a penny an Ale quart in sealed measures, and those that sell it, would at that rate, make twelve shillings per barrel of the same.  
5. Because of the deereness of meat, and other food, arising partly, because the Laws in force are not put in execution, for prohibiting any ( but such as are really sick) from eating flesh at certain times; partly because the Butchers sell their meat by hand, and people not knowing the weight, know not how much they have for their money: and partly, because they are so many doggs and deares, tolerated in this Nation; which although they yield little profit, yet they eat up that food, which might maintain a multitude both of men and beast.  
6. Because of the dearnes of all sorts of firing, by reason the Laws are not carefully executed, for preserving of timber and other wood, In so much that there hath been many millions of acres of wood-lands, put to other uses within this forty yeares.  
7. Because of the dearness of clothing, arising from the price of wool, by reason of many Staplers, and other Interlopers, and Forestalers of the Markets; whereby wool is now far dearer, then it was when the laws were not so strict in hindering the exportation of the same.  
8. Because of the dearness of Leather, by reason of the multitude of Coaches that are covered with the same, which might as well be covered with other materials.  
9. Because the poor cannot ( oftentimes) sue for their Rights, by reason ( many times) the farrenesse of the Journey, together with the Chargeablenesse and tediousness of many suits of Law, is such, that it were better ( many times) lose their due, or pay money wrongfully, then stand the suit in Law.  
10. Because many have freely lent most of that which they were worth, upon the Propositions of this present Parliament, Wherein ( as we humbly conceive) the public Faith of this Nation was Engaged unto them; that they should be paid the same out of the first Delinquents Estates, should come into the Custody of this Honourable House: Yet seeing they lent so freely at the first, that they kept not enough in their hands to double the same, many of them are now in a famishing condition ( if not some already perished) which ( although to save their lives) cannot receive so much as the Interest of the same: which rich men, who lent so sparing, as that they did double the same, do now receive.  
11. Because ( as it is very apparent) the burdens of Free Quarter, Excise, and other Taxes have ordinarily lain far more heavy upon the middle & poorer sort of People, then upon the Rich ( proporitonably to their Estates) Although, whensoever there are places of any considerable benefit, it is a vain thing for any, but Rich men, to seek for the same.  
12. Because people are constrained to pay Tithes, and other enforced maintenance, both to Ministers and Impropriators, when as those that pay the same ( oftentimes) want food for themselves and their families.  
13. Because the poor are constrained ( by want) not onely to sell things at the cheapest rate, but also to buy at the dearest; because there is not a stock of Necessaries provided for the poor, as formerly, where they might have provisions at a cheaper rate then others.  
14. Because they are deprived of many benefits which of right belong unto them, as are more particularly signified in this annexed Petition.  
All which, we trust, this Honourable House will be so deeply sensible of, that there will be some speedy course taken for the redress of the same, which is our earnest desire and expectation; and which will deeply engage us, and many other your friends, to continue our hearty affections, and go on, as formerly, not onely to pray, but also with the hazard of our lives,  
To act for the preservation of this Honourable House.   

To the Honourable, the supreme Authority of this Nation, the Commons of England, in Parliament Assembled. The humble Petition of divers Inhabitants of the City of London, and places adjacent in the behalf of the poor of this Nation.  
SHEWETH,  
THat as nothing is more acceptable to God then relieving the Oppressed, so nothing is more constantly practised by wicked men, then grinding the Faces of the poor: And that the neglect of Justice upon such Offenders hath much emboldened them, As to bring many to poverty, so to keep them in a Famishing condition by withholding from them many Stipends and Legacies, And keeping them from the due benefit of Free-Schooles, hospitals, alms Houses and Lands; As also of many fens, chaces, Forrests, Heaths, Mountaines, plains, Greenes, Leezes, Leacons, Woods, Copses, highways, and other Commons, which of right and due belong unto them; As also by Trading with unlawful beams Weights and Measures.  
The extremity they are brought unto by such unjust dealings: Together with the want of employment, engageth your Petitioners ( now some obstructions are removed) to make known their desires to this Honourable House.  
1. That some punishment be inflicted upon all those, that know of any kind of benefit belonging to the poor, and shall not forthwith discover the same, to such persons as shall be appointed by this Honourable House.  
2. That all that have any moneys, Goods, or necessaries in their possession, belonging to the poor, may be enforced to perfect their accounts.  
3. That the poor may enjoy all moneys, Goods, victual, Firing, Cloths and other necessaries belonging to them.  
4. That all Free-Schooles, hospitals, alms-houses and Lands, may be put to the uses for which they were given and bequeathed.  
5. That all fens, chaces, Forrests, Heaths, Mountaines, plains Greenes, Leezes, Leacons, Woods, Copses, highways, and other Commons, which have been wrongfully enclosed, may forthwith be laid open, or employed only to the use of such as do ( Indeed) stand in want of the same.  
6. That those that have any way wronged the poor may suffer according to their demerrits.  
7. That the weights and measures allowable in this Nation, may be alike in all places of the same: And that no man presume to buy or sell by any other weight or measure then what shall be sealed, and agreeable unto the standard; but shall rather alter the price of the commodity, then the weight or measure by which it is bought and sold.  
8. That some effectual course may be taken to set the poor on work; that those that are able to work and will not, may neither be suffered to beg, nor receive any benefit belonging to the poor: And that those who are not able to work or cannot in any wise by their labour maintain their charge, may be kept from perishing by some more equal way, then the alms of that particular parish wherein they dwell.  And we doubt not but the equity and great necessity of these our just desires, will prevail with you for a speedy remedy hereof. In so doing, you may with confidence expect a blessing from God, and will also engage the hearts of your Petitioners, and other good men, the more firmly unto you, who in the beholding of Justice. 
Will pray for a blessing on this Honourable House.   

Ordered by the Commons assembled in Parliament, That this be the Answer to be given to the said Petition, viz.  
THat the Petition hath been red, That the House finds therein no particular matter of present or effectual Relief for the poor; But they have divers things under Consideration and Commitment, That they hope will be both of present and future Relief for the poor, which together with other matter of general and necessary importance to the whole Nation, They will hasten the Consideration and Resolution off, and had been forwarder therein already, but for the interruptions they daily receive.  
colonel Venn is desired to return the Petitioners this Answer.   

Those that find themselves, or others wronged, or can propound any thing for the good of the poor, may make their address to the Committee for Complaints where Mr. Whitaker hath the chair) unto which Committee is added Mr. chaloner, L. Mounson, Mr. Blackeston, Sir George Norton, Sir Ing. Boutchier, Mr. Trenchard, Mr. Allen, Mr. Garland, Col Rich, Mr. Hugh Edwards, Mr. Lister, Sir Henry Mildmay, Mr. Scot, Sir Willim Allyson, Sir Willam Marsham, Col. Moore, Mr. Garden, Mr. Wenver, Mr. boon, Mr. Dove, Mr. Clement, Col jones, and Mr. Hollowes,  
FINIS.