CONSIDERATIONS TENDING To the Happy Accomplishment OF ENGLAND'S Reformation in Church and State.  
Humbly presented to the Piety and Wisdom of the High and Honourable Court of Parliament.  
Right Honourable Senators,  
AS I have been long ago convicted of this Truth, that my Life is not mine own but Gods, and that God appoints the Use of it to be returned unto Him in Christ through his Body, which is the Church visible: So I make account that I can have no true delight in the enjoyment of this Earthly Life of mine any further, than I find myself Useful to others thereby in Christ's Way. Therefore I dare not desire either the continuance or comforts thereof any longer, than I may be serviceable therein to the Commonwealth of Israel. And although I know not what service in this Kind I have hitherto done, or may do hereafter, (for I am no competent Judge of this matter) yet I am comforted herein, that I have the testimony of my Conscience assuring me, that I have sincerely spent and laid out myself wholly to this effect. And that although I have been careless of myself as to this world (sine invidia lucri) yet I have seen always God's hand in the midst of many straits and difficulties supporting me, and showing a way to proceed, when I found myself at a stand. Now because of late this hath been more eminently apparent then ever, by the special Providence of God in moving the Goodness and Justice of the Houses to Order my present maintenance, and future support; I think myself highly obliged by all the bonds of Gratitude, to be so much the more Zealous, Free and Earnest both towards God and Men, to endeavour the Advancement of his Glory, and your Felicity, which I am fully persuaded may be done by such Motions and Proposals as these are, which some (who are not much swayed by the Interests of flesh and blood) having concurred with me to put to Paper, I suppose may have an effectual influence upon those Honourable Friends of mine in the Houses, who are pleased to look upon me as a Servant to every one for the Public Good of All. Therefore in requital of their care for me, I find my heart enlarged with cares for them, and by the advantage of most thankful Affections and Respects I would gladly give you All occasion to be Instrumental towards Your own Happiness, and the perfect Ways of such a desired Reformation both of Church and State, as may by God's blessing thereon in due time ferment the rest of the world; Which by the ensuing Discourse will appear in some measure feasible, if the Things offered therein can be set afoot here; I say, if they can be set a-afoot here; not that I doubt of the Possibility thereof in themselves. (for I know that elsewhere the Matters here mentioned, have been practised by piecemeal, and therefore there is no reason why they may not be all at once jointly made use of amongst Us) but that I am somewhat in doubt of the season, Whether the Spirits of this Age be not too much as yet (to say no more) discomposed and scattered to entertain such Overtures. But let Men be as they will, such seeds as these must be sown in their hearts, and presented to their thoughts. Who knoweth what they may work? Sure I am the effect is in God's hand, and he can make this honest endeavour to become (as it is intended without partiality) a Help and Expedient to that Regular Settlement, which all such as are upright in heart wish and long for. And I hope that such as seek not to make their own will, but the Word of God the sole Rule of our Reformation will all contribute to such designs as these, for the composure of needless differences. And that the Lord who is Wonderful in Council, and Excellent in Working, may bring all this to pass, I shall not cease to be restless before his Throne with my Prayers, who am the meanest of all that serve the Public; but in truth, and as long as I breathe professedly  
Right Honourable Senators, Your most obliged, humble and faithful Servant, SAMVEL HARTLIE.   

A BRIEF DISCOURSE Concerning The Accomplishment of our REFORMATION: Tending to show, That by an Office of Public Address in Spiritual and Temporal Matters, the Glory of God, and the Happiness of this Nation may be highly advanced.  
WE have exceeding great cause to bless the Lord our God, who hath blessed us in many things fare above our forefather's; but chief in this, that we have the everlasting Gospel of Jesus Christ revealed unto us, more evidently, then ever they had in former times. And although many of our neighbour-Nations partake of this great blessing with us, yet in Two Things the people of this Island, and chief that of England doth exceed all the rest.  
First, herein, that this Parliament, and such as join with it in this Public Cause, are more solemnly and strongly engaged to advance the Glory of God by the Reformation of this Church and State, than any other Protestants are.  
Secondly, in this, that God hath put into the hands of this Parliament sufficiently all the Means and Advantages that may enable them to discharge their duty in order to this engagement.  
If then this good and mighty hand of God, which hitherto hath done so many and so wonderful things for Us, will graciously continue to lead our Leaders on, in the way wherein they are entered, till they finish their course successfully; it is evident, that our Happiness may be completed for our Age in a full measure, and without interruption propagated afterward for many Ages unto our Posterity: And lest we should seem to be careless of so great an Advantage, let us look upon our State, to make a discovery of Gods dealing with Us, to the praise of his Name, and the increase of our hopes.  
First then, this our making of a Nationall Covenant in so solemn a manner with Almighty God, with our Neighbour-Nation, and with each other in reference unto God, as it is an extraordinary engagement to bind our souls unto his public Service; so it hath been from him to Us the conveyance of an extraordinary blessing upon our proceed, by Scattering all our adversaries before Us, and breaking all their plots and enterprises against Us; by which means also our engagement towards God is more strongly confirmed and increased, because he hath not only delivered Us from the deadly fears of our most dangerous and desperate Enemies; but hath manifested his acceptance of our Persons, and approved of our ways and undertake by a success, which is every way admirable.  
In the second place, the Advantages which by this success he hath put into our hands to effect that whereunto we are engaged, are no less obliging towards the Advancement of his Glory, than the Covenant itself. For this very tye whereby God hath bound Us to himself before other people Nationally, and called upon Us to make a solemn Profession of our purpose to live reform under his Ordinance as Members of Christ's body, hath obliged Us before others, to mind not Ourselves alone, but the Communion of his Saints also in all the Reformed Churches.  
Then this other Advantage, that by our success he hath made our Parliament eminently Honourable, and his great Trustee of the greatest and most  Power and Authority which is in any Protestant State on earth; doth bind Us so much the more to be mindful of his Honour, to advance it with all the power and authority which he hath bestowed upon Us.  
Moreover this, that he hath put into the hands of our Parliament, the right and privilege to Set a work, to Address and to Dispose of, more large Spiritual Talents; and Intellectual Abilities, and of more plentiful Temporal Means and Helps for Spiritual Uses, than other Nations have, and withal, that offer he doth at this time also more convenient opportunities and occasions to Us, then to any others, to improve all these blessings to his Glory, to our own Good, and the Comfort of many; This (● say) that God doth all this for Us by our Parliament, is evidently a more effectual drawing and engaging of Us to himself, then is our voluntary binding of ourselves over unto him by our Nationall Covenant. Therefore as we may gather that our guilt for this reason will be above other Nations extreme heavily increased upon Us, in case we neglect the duties of so many and strong Obligations; so we may hope that our Happiness in case we answer this great call, and discharge the trust which God hath reposed in Us faithfully, will be upon Us and our Posterity, more than upon others, for ever also increased. From which Consideration we must conclude, That Three Things will be required of Us to acquit ourselves of all these engagements.  
The First is that which the Nationall Covenant doth bind Us unto within and towards Ourselves, for the redress of Public Evils.  
The Second is that which the Universal Kingdom of God in the world, and the Church Visible doth require of Us towards all, for the address of every one to partake of Public Blessings.  
And the Third is that, which the Communion of Saints doth oblige Us unto, toward our Protestant Brethren at home and abroad, for the Common Advancement of Religion, and against the Common Enemies thereof. Upon the Conscionable performance of our Duties in these Three Relations, the continuance and enlargement of our Happiness will consist: Let us then briefly consider of the Ways by which we should acquit ourselves of these engagements.  
The Nationall Covenant doth bind Us for the redress of our Evils, to settle our Church, our Civil State, and our particular Persons in a Reformed condition. The Reformation of our Church is specified in the settlement of Truth by a Common Confession of Faith and Catechism: in the settlement of Righteousness and good Order by a Common Directory for Worship, for Government, and for Discipline; and in the overthrow of Error, of Unrighteousness, and of Disorder, by the abolishment of Popery, of Prelacy, of Superstition, of Heresy, of Schism, and of all Profaneness. The Reformation of the Civil State, is also specified in the maintenance of that Authority whereby Justice is to be administered unto the Nations; in the preservation of that Peace and Unity, which is settled between the Kingdoms, in the suppression of all evil Instruments that disturb the Public Peace between the King and his People, or between the two Nations; and in the faithfulness of every one, to persevere in these endeavours, and to maintain those that prosecute the same. And the Reformation of Our particular Person is specified lastly, in the Humiliation of every one for his own sins, the sins of the Nations; and in the care which every one of Us doth bind himself unto, to Reform his own life according to the Gospel of Christ, and to watch over all those that are under Our charges to the same effect.  
Now when all this is done, and Nationally agreed unto, as is expressly mentioned in the Covenant, yet even then all will not be done, which of Us Nationally God doth require for the Advancement of his Glory. For the very Reformation itself (if truly completed) will oblige the Nation more effectually, then ever hitherto it hath been; to mind a further Interest both in the general Communion of Saints, and in the Universal Kingdom of God: For than Christ's saying will take place in Us, Luk. 12.48. Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required; and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. Therefore whatever blessing through redress of our Evils in our Reformation shall be attained by Us, or advanced to Us within this State, God will not confer it upon us, that it should rest there and lie dead as a Talon buried in the ground; but he will expect that we should trade with it, and make it useful in his service towards All for the enlargement of his Kingdom; because the main engagement which he doth put upon those whom he hath delivered from their Enemies, is this, namely, That they should serve him without fear in righteousness and holiness all the days of their life, Luk. 1.24, 25. For if by this Reformation of our Church, State and Lives, he doth intent to convert Us unto himself; He will not do it upon any other terms, than it was done to his Apostle Peter: to whom he said, Tu Conversus confirma fratres, When thou art converted, strengthen thy Brethren, Luk. 22.32. So then our Obligation to the whole Body of Christ (for whose sake God doth all things to every one) will not be satisfied by that discharge of our duty to the Body of this Nation; but that which in this Nation is brought home unto God by the Truth and Settlement of the Holy Profession therein; must be according to the Rule offered up again unto him, dedicated unto his service, and applied unto the use for which he hath bestowed it upon Us; else we shall rob him of the fruit of all these blessings, and deserve to be deprived of the same: For God dealeth with a whole Nation in respect of his Kingdom, as he doth with a single Man: He doth not give to any particular man the gifts of his Spirit for himself alone, but he giveth them, as the Apostle saith, To profit withal, that he should minister the same unto others, as a Steward of his Grace: even so we must judge of the Nationall blessings bestowed upon Us in the hand of the Parliament; that Gods undoubted meaning is not that we should engross his gifts as our own, peculiar to ourselves alone but that we should become faithful Stewards thereof for the Universal Kingdom of his Son, that it may be propagated, and for the general Communion of his Saints, that it may be entertained.  
It will be therefore the Wisdom of Us all, that make Conscience of our ways, both in the Parliament, and in the whole Nation (whether we have taken the National Covenant or not) to lay this Truth to heart, That the only ground of all Our Standing and prosperity is this, even Our Public Interest in Christ's Universal and Communicative Kingdom; and that by this Interest we are bound to raise Our Resolutions to some Duties of a larger extent than those are, which the solemn League and Covenant doth require of Us. These indeed must needs be done, but these other of a larger extent must not be left undone: these are necessary to remove the rubbish of scandals and impediments, that the Foundations of many Generations may be laid: but these other are no less necessary, that the superstructures of Gold, Silver, and Precious Stones may be erected unto a Spiritual Tabernacle upon these foundations.  
Although then some of Us may perhaps scruple at some of the particulars mentioned in the Nationall Covenant, yet it cannot be well imagined, that any will scruple to concur with his Brethren in those Duties, which without all controversy are Righteous, Holy, Harmless, and Acceptable, and which will work upon all the main Effect, and profitable use of the Covenant itself, namely, a Real advancement of that Truth which is after Godliness; and a Confirmation of that Peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.  
Now what these Duties are, and How they may be performed, 〈◊〉 suppose will be a part of our duty to seek out, to discover and propose, that such of Us as are capable of thoughts raised above ourselves, and can discern a Concernment more Public than what the Vulgar doth apprehend, may have occasion to stir up within Our hearts such faithful and dutiful resolutions as will answer and come up to the main engagements which God hath laid upon Us: and to the end also, that the wisdom of this Parliament may see the offer of a Peaceable Overture and Motion made, whereby all those that are under their power, of what degree and quality soever, may be addressed, directed, and employed to serve the Public Good, by all their useful gifts, without scruple to themselves or disturbance to any, although in some particulars their strain may be different from others who walk up more exactly equal to the Solemn Nationall Engagement.  
To speak then clearly of this Matter, We must propose distinctly that which We have already intimated more than once, namely, That the main Duty comprehending the whole engagement, whereunto by all these blessings God hath called Us beyond the tye of our Nationall Covenanted Reformation, is this: That we should Study to make our Talents serviceable unto his Glory, by the advancement of his Universal Kingdom, and of the General Communion of his Saints. And the Principles from which this Truth doth evidently flow, are these.  
1. The Duty whereunto God by his gifts doth chief enable every one of Us, is that Duty whereunto he doth mainly call Us: but the gifts Spiritually and Temporally bestowed upon Us, by this success of our Affairs do chief enable Us to the Advancement of his Universal Kingdom, and of the General Communion of his Saints. Therefore this is the Duty whereunto we are mainly called.  
2. The Duty whereby God is most eminently glorified, is that whereof the performance is mainly required, and to which we are chief engaged, But God an be glorified in nothing by Us so much, as in the Advancement of his Universal Kingdom, and of the generally Communion of his Saint,: Therefore nothing but this is mainly required of Us, and nothing but this will answer fully the high Engagement whereby we are bound to serve him.  
3. The Duty which being performed will settle and increase our present, and continue to Posterity our future Happiness; and therein raise the glory of this Nation above our Neighbours; is that Duty, which should be Mainly and Nationally intended and prosecuted by Us more than by our Neighbours. But this is the Duty which will, and nothing but the performance thereof will (by the Advancement of God's Glory amongst Us) do all this unto Us above our Neighbours: Therefore this is the Duty which should be mainly prosecuted by Vs.  
And lest any might make a doubt of this last Position, let Us a little enlarge ourselves thereon, to make it more apparent from the Undoubted Maxims and Reasons of a true Reformed Christian State, such as we are now called to be, if we take notice of our condition.  
First then We conceive that the Glory and Happiness of a State go hand in hand together; so that every thing which may add unto the true Glory, is also fit to increase the Happiness, & vice versa, on the other side, whatsoever doth add unto the true Happiness, is also Fit to increase the Glory of a State.  
Secondly, we conceive that no Happiness can be counted true, which is not settled; and that no Happiness can be counted settled to a Nation that is not, or cannot be dilated unto all the Members thereof, and continued in after times unto their Posterity.  
Thirdly, that neither true Glory nor Happiness can befall to any People or State without the Gospel and Kingdom of Christ.  
Fourthly, that the Ways and Means by which the Kingdom of our God, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ (which are inseparable) is advanced most really unto all, and in all respects unto every one; are the only fittest to settle true Happiness and the Glory of a Nation.  
Fiftly, that the Gospel and Kingdom of our God cannot be really advanced unto all, and in all respects unto every one, except it be advanced purely for itself; and all other things made subordinate to it.  
Sixtly, that if it be thus advanced indeed, without any particular mixture of worldly State ends; then we may be sure that Christ will reign in that State; and that God will be truly glorified in it, because he can be no where glorified, but where his Son doth reign, and if he be glorified in it, we may be also sure, that he will glorify it in himself, by his comeliness, which he will put upon it. For all the promises made unto his peculiar People will be made good unto it. The Peace therefore shall be extended as a mighty river; the Righteousness thereof shall go before it; and the glory of the Lord shall be a rearward unto it.  
To conclude then in a Word, the whole Happiness and the Glory of this State will depend upon the Wisdom and the Piety of this great Parliament in discharging this great Duty: The large Means which he hath put into our hands do enable Us hereunto, the high Aim of his Glory doth require this service of Us; and therefore this will be the main and blessed result of our Nationall Reformation and Settlement according to the Covenant. For as it cannot be imagined, that a house can be raised to last without a foundation, so nothing can be in this kind really attempted by Us towards all, except first within Ourselves, the Fundamental Part of the Reformation, which is in hand, be in some competent Measure established for which cause before We proceed unto Particulars, We must once for all premise this, that nothing in the sequel of this discourse is intended or proposed otherwise, then as it is consistent with, and a sequel of our Nationall and Domestical grounds of Reformation.  
Now then to fall from these Generals, unto such particulars as may show Us the Way by which the propagation of God's Glory in his Universal Kingdom, and in the General Communion of his Saints, may redound unto the constant enlargement and continuance of his blessings over this Nation we shall reflect as briefly as may be upon these Heads.  
1. What is meant by the Universal Kingdom of God, and by the General Communion of his Saints?  
2. What the Particular Duties are whereby God's Glory is to be Advanced in this Universal Kingdom and General Communion?  
3. What the Means are, by which God hath enabled our Leaders, and called them to the performance of these Duties?  
4. And lastly, what the Way and Method of proceeding may be, to make Use of these Means, for the accomplishment of the Works whereunto the Duties do oblige Us? Which Way will end in an Office of Address, of whose Method and Usefulness is finally to be spoken.  

Of the First.  
BY the Universal Kingdom of God, is to be understood that Administration of his Power, of his Justice, and of all his Good Gifts towards Mankind; whereby all men may be made sensible of his Sovereignty and Providence over them: and so wrought upon, to depend upon him, by his Outward Ordinances both Temporal and Spiritual, as to fear him, to love him, and to give themselves up to be directed by him, for to reap comfort to themselves, and to increase the good of Humane Society.  
The Advancement of this Kingdom is the proper sphere of a Christian Reformed Magistrate: First, as he is God's Vicegerent over men, as they are in the condition of nature, and Inhabitants of the world. Secondly, as he is a Nursing Father to the Church within his dominions; to protect it, and provide for it all Outward Helps & Comforts. For his Relation to the World is under God to be their Leader in the things which may settle their Society in Righteousness and Love, that every one may be Useful to his Neighbour by his abilities. And his Relation to the Saints is to be their Brother and Fellow-servant in the Kingdom of Christ for the Glory of God their Common Father in Him.  
By the Communion of Saints, which is called General, is understood the administration of Grace through that intercourse of Love and Care for mutual good in Spiritual and Temporal things which ought to be amongst the Members of Christ's Body visible, that every one may reap the fruit of other gifts freely for his edification in knowledge and in virtue; and that all receiving each other to the Glory of Christ, even as Christ received Us unto the Glory of his Father, the common Burdens of all may be borne by every one, and the common Enemies of all, opposed by the joint strength of the whole Body at once.  
To entertain this Communion is the proper work of faithful Ministers of the Gospel, who walking before others according to the Rule of the New-Creature without partiality deny themselves; and holding forth the word of Life unto all, labour without prejudice to provoke every one unto Love and to good Works without giving offence unto any.  
So then by these Two States whereof the one relates the Outward, the other the Inward man directly; yet neither separate in their relations from the other; all the Glory of God's goodness is by certain degrees to be advanced to such as are capable thereof. The Apostle saith, That which is Natural is first, and then afterward that which is Spiritual; therefore the Magistrates Administration in the first place is to be ordered for the Outward Things of this life, and first to the Natural and then towards the Spiritual Man, and afterward in the Second place the Minister's Administration for Spiritual Things is to be ordered, first towards those that are at home, and within the Household of Faith, and then also towards others, that are abroad and without the same.   

Of the Second.  
IN the next place the particular Duties whereby these Aims in each State may be gained, come into Consideration, We shall only name them to show the Order wherein they should be ranked in the thoughts of those that are about to settle a wel-reformed State, and to discover the Perfections which in their Order they will add unto the Happiness of our intended Reformation, if they be carefully attended.  
Now as both States by their Aims answer the Manifestation of God's Glory, so by their Duties they answer and reach at their Aims; and as their Aims in their direct relations towards their proper Objects are distinct from each other, and yet in their Collateral respects are not separate but stand United together, so their Duties are in some things several and distinct, and in some things to be united and jointly performed, though each doth act in his own Sphere differently.  
The State then of the Magistrate as a Magistrate doth bear the sword of Justice to execute wrath upon evil doers, which sin against the Laws and Light of Nature: and he beareth the Sceptre of Authority to reward and encourage those that do well according to the same light and laws.  
And if he doth understand that his Calling doth bind him not only to resist and banish evil out of the Commonwealth, but in it to further and maintain all that is good: then his Care and Duty should be not only to rule Men, so as he doth find them, but he should look upon their ways, to order them, so as they should be, to become partakers of that Happiness which this life doth afford, whereunto he is bound to give them address.  
His Duty then is to look unto all, as well to the direction of the Young ones, as of those that are of Age, both in respect of their Civil and of their Religious Public walking.  
His Duty towards the Young ones; it is to Order the Means of their Education aright, to which effect he should see Schools opened, provided with Teachers, endued with Maintenance, regulated with Constitutions, and he should have Inspectors and Overseers to look to the observance of good Orders in this business. The Schools should be of Four several Kind's or Degrees. The First for the Vulgar, whose life is to be Mechanical. The Second for the Gentry and Nobles, who are to bear Charges in the Commonwealth. The Third for Scholars, who are to teach others Humane Arts and Sciences. And the Fourth for the sons of the Prophets, who are a Seminary of the Ministry. And the right Ordering of these Schools is to be looked upon as the Main Foundation of a Reformed-Common-wealth, without which no other work of Reformation will ever be effectual.  
His Duty towards those that are of Age is to see that none who have strength and abilities for employment, be without some profitable Work, and none that want strength and abilities to work for themselves, be without necessary relief.  
And to fulfil this part of his Duty, all Vulgar Trades belonging to Husbandry, to Manufactures, to Merchandise and Commerce by Sea or Land in the several kinds of Useful Commodities; or employments about Commodities and all Honourable Offices and Charges belonging to the Commonwealth in General, or to any part of it in Country and City in Particular; are to be ranked in their proper places: and all the Unlawful and Unprofitable Ways whereby Men or Women get a livelihood, or spend their time in Idleness, in riot and vanity, are to be taken notice of; that such Employments as foment naughty Superfluities causing Pride and Sin to abound in a Nation, or such persons as live disorderly, and cannot be reduced to any certain Employment, may be banished the Commonwealth, Even as weeds are to be rooted up and cast out of a fruitful garden.  
Then to such as are not able, for Age or otherwise to entertain any Employment, if they be poor, relief is due unto them; and the Rules by which Hospitals are to be ordered aright, will be of singular Use in the Reformation of this State.  
The Duty of the Magistrate towards the Religious Conversation of his Subjects, is in this: That open Contempt of Religion and Profaneness be restrained, That the Public Ministry be Protected from injury, Preserved from contempt, and Maintained comfortably; and that a just Liberty of Conscionable Profession be not denied to such as walk orderly in the things wherein they differ from others about Religion.  
Here then some Ways of Conference and Rules of Vnblamable behaviour are to be determined and authorized, for the preservation of Love, and of the Unity of the Spirit; and for the avoiding of endless and quarrelling Disputes.  
The Duties whereby the General Communion of Saints is to be entertained, belonging to the Charge of Ministry more particularly, are either such as relate the Society of Ministers amongst themselves, or such as relate all other Professors, or such as relate the state of the Gospel abroad.  
Towards their fellow-Ministers their Duty is to stand united in Love, and to walk by Conjunction of Counsels in matters of Ministerial Concernment; and to that effect to keep the times of appointed Meetings for Mutual Edification in the charge of God's House.  
Towards all other Professors, their Duty is, as free from all to become servants unto all, to gain every one in their several degrees of growth and religious standing.  
Towards the State of the Gospel in Foreign Parts their Duty is, to listen after the Welfare of the Churches; to lay the Common Interest thereof to heart; to Concur with them in Prayers, in Counsel and Assistance for their Comfort; and to this effect, upon informations received from abroad, to Contribute the fruit of all their abilities, as shall be expedient or necessary for the Common Cause of Religion, to maintain the Peace and Prosperity thereof.  
These are the Heads of Duties whereby each State should attend his own charge, and reach his proper Aim by himself; there be Objects of concurrence in Duties wherein both States should Consult and Cooperate jointly for mutual assistance in things which cannot be well effected by either apart. Those are,  
1 The Reforming, Ordering and Constituting of Schools.  
2 The settling of Courses to Prevent or Remedy Public Scandals and disturbances of the Peace in matters of Religious Concernments.  
3 The maintaining of the Liberties which are void of offence in such as differ and walk orderly for Edification.  
4 The Advancement of Public Helps to Knowledge, and encouragements to Virtue towards those that are within the Kingdom.  
5 The Propagation of the Gospel towards those that are without, and void of the knowledge of Christ, as Jews, Turks, and Heathens.  
6 The Entertaining of Brotherly Correspondency, Intelligence and Commerce with Neighbour-Churches, to trade in Spiritual Matters with them; for the Enlargement of Christ's Kingdom, and the support of his Truth against the Enemies thereof.   

Of the Third.  
THe Third Thing to be opened in this Matter is to show, that as the Aim of the Magistracy and Ministry in their several Spheres, doth oblige them to intent the performance of these Duties in order to the Manifestation of God's Glory; so all the Means whereby they are enabled to effect the work itself are in their hands; so that nothing is wanting but the Actual Contrivance of the Course, which may be followed in applying their Abilities unto these their proper Uses. This Means is the power of the Parliament, able to set themselves and all others in such a way of Acting for the Public Good, as is most expedient for their own Happiness. It is needless to speak of the Al-sufficiency of Humane Abilities bestowed upon this Parliament by the blessing of God for our Reformation. It is evident that our Leaders now fitting in it, have received from Him all Right and Supreme Authority to Order all things without control within this Kingdom. This their Right and Authority is settled upon the Undoubted faithfulness and fullness of Counsel, which is in their Assembly; and is backed with all Competency of outward Means and Instruments; to attend the execution of their decrees, which this Nation is furnished withal, as much as any in the World. Nor is there any Power apparent, or in being, able to let or hinder any thing, which upon mature Deliberation they shall determine to be done. They are not limited to any Objects of Deliberation, but such as they shall propose unto themselves; and such no doubt they will take readily into consideration, which shall be offered unto them, by fit Instruments, and in a fit way for the best Ends: Therefore if these Objects can be but fitly insinuated unto those that are most Conscionable, grave and zealous for the Public Good and Glory of this Nation, that by their Means others may be seasoned throughly with this necessity of Aiming at such a Reformation (as being the Main Service whereunto God doth call Us at this time) and if upon such an effectual insinuation the Way to introduce and settle by little and little the performance and execution of these Duties by Authority of Parliament, can be proposed void of all exception; there is no cause to doubt of the success of this Enterprise in due time. All the matter of difficulty will be in these Two Things: First, How to make the Proposal free from Prejudice, and from the respects of Humane Partiality. And Secondly, How to bring the Way of Deliberating upon these matters in the Houses; into a just frame and course, which may at fit seasons and intervals be continued and renewed to carry on the Design with that steadfastness which the importance of the Work deserveth. And truly whether we look upon God, or upon the Work, or upon our Unsettled Condition, or upon the Parliament and the Power and Abilities in it, which are under God to be the Means of our Happy Settlement, there can be nothing conceived or proposed of greater importance, and more befitting the thoughts of Wise and Conscionable Men in Parliament, than the Determination of these Duties. If therefore any respect either to God, or to Ourselves, or to Posterity, can raise men's thoughts above Particular and Private Interests, to mind the settlement of a Public Good, in a Way which is unblamable, the worth of these Duties, and the obligation whereby God doth engage Us all, but chief our Leaders to desire the fulfilling of them, should raise both their and our thoughts to the entertaining of such deliberations, Certainly Gods Aim in bestowing upon Us this Parliament, and upon the Parliament all Power and Ability to Act whatever it will in the Kingdom, is none other than this, to make them and Us, under Himself Instrumental in Our own Felicity, by serving him in his Kingdom: but if we should not care to mind the settlement of his Kingdom amongst Us, are we not unworthy of all these blessings? And shall they not be taken from Us deservedly? if we serve ourselves only; or a particular Party of Men which we affect; with our Interest in the Public Power; and if we make Use of the Means which we are entrusted withal, and set our thoughts only to find Ways thereby to make Ourselves and Our Party great; we shall be found in the day of Accounts Unfaithful Stewards, and naughty Servants to so good a Lord and Master: For it is most Undeniably apparent, that these  Duties are the true and proper Works of his service whereunto we are called: and the only Means to deliver Us from the danger of our Confusions, will be to Deliberate maturely of the performance thereof. Therefore as Mordecai said to Ester in another case, so we may say with a small charge of the expression, to those that fit in Parliament, He said to her, And who knoweth whether thou art come to the Kingdom for such a time as this? But we must say to Our Senators, And Who knoweth not, that the Kingdom is come unto You for such a Work as this? Therefore You are bound to mind it, and use Means to advance it; and if You will not, know nevertheless that this dispensation is committed unto You; and that God will find some others to do this Work without You; but that You and the People which is led out of this Way, will certainly be destroyed. But we will cheerfully Hope, and by the Grace of God confidently Expect that upon a more full discovery and faithful Insinuation of the Way How to proceed in the prosecution of this Enterprise: there will be ho neglect in the Undertaking, nor impediment in the execution. Let Us then proceed to the Fourth and Last Point in hand, to show How the Parliament should apply their Authority, Counsel and Abilities, to the accomplishment of these Duties; and this we shall intent to do (if God permit) by showing the true Contrivement, the right Use, and the Incredible Advantages and Benefits of an Office of Public Address, which may be easily and without delay erected and set afoot among Us.   

Of the Fourth.  
THe Honourable House of Parliament are the Great Committee of the whole Kingdom for the Universal Reformation thereof: and by the Deputation of Power given to them in their Members, from every part of the Kingdom, the whole Power of all is contracted in their Body, as in the Headship of the Nation; for Counsel and Justice, and from thence all Power hath again an influence upon every part of the Kingdom as need required. Now by virtue of this Supremacy or Power summed up in them, and in reference to the necessity of things to be done under them; they have a right to confer Power, and make Deputations of Authority unto others to Act for a Reformation, so as by them they shall be directed: nor is it lawful for any without leave and commission from them, to act towards a Reformation in a Public Way; so that properly the Work of Reformation is radically seated in the Body of the Houses, and no Committee can be with any just title termed a Committee for Reformation, but the Houses themselves, because none have any right to mind and act a Reformation in the General but They. Yet this notwithstanding it is Lawful no doubt for all Men to entertain the thoughts and wishes of a General Reformation; and would to God every one in his place were acting something, as a preparative towards it, more than seems to be intended. If then it should be moved, that the Houses would depute some of their Members (without excluding any from partaking of the same cares) to mind not so much a particular Task in the Work of Reformation (which is Ordinary in the appointment of all Committees) as to seek out the General Rules and Maxims by which the Course of a settled Reformation should be steered & guided at all times: that those Maxims might be proposed and debated in the Houses, and laid as Grounds of the Righteous Ways by which all their Government is to be established under God: I suppose it would be a great advantage both to their proceed in Counsel, and to the direction of all such as being subordinate unto their Power, desire to act knowingly according to their just intentions. For the Main Fundamental Rules of all just proceed once being settled and received; not only the Subordinate Agents, but the Senators themselves in doubtful Cases of Advice, will be thereby able to find Light what to resolve upon; and in dark matters of Judgement they will be directed thereby, What Sentence to give Conscionably according to their own  Principles.  
This Committee for Rules of Reformation should have power, and be ordered to call unto them for Consultation the most Learned, Godly, and Experienced Divines of the Kingdom; whether in or out of the Assembly; to put them upon the thoughts of Resolving such Queries and Doubts from the Word of God and clear Principles of Reason, as they shall think fit to propose unto them for the framing of those Maxims of Reformation, which they shall prepare to be proposed unto the Houses; to be upon debate received, as Universal Rules to walk by, in the pursuit of such an Evangelicall Settlement and Reformation as we should now aim at.  
And although Men be never so able in Parts, never so much read in all Authors, never so deeply grounded in all Sciences, never so largely experienced in all Affairs, and never so much seen in all the World, and consequently every way as much qualified as men can be for a work of such high Consequence as this will be to this State; yet except they have some helps to enable them, to look upon Matters near at hand, & with some special relation to the changes of Times, Things, Persons, and Occasions, whereunto their endeavours are to be applied (that they may discern the native properties thereof by all Circumstances discoverable) they will be but like Physicians, who without regard to the particular Symptoms of their Patient, prescribe a general Remedy for the disease, which seldom is effectual to work a good or speedy Cure; and if it doth any good, it is to be ascribed rather to chance then wisdom. For the Theoretical part of general Rules may by Men of abilities be delivered at large, but to make these Practically appliable for the Main End of an Effectual Reformation unto a State that is liable (as all States are) unto perpetual changes, is the Matter, which the Wisdom of this Committee should mainly apply themselves unto, which necessarily requires a special Insight and Discovery of Affairs near at hand. Therefore if to these Men, and to all others of the Parliament that desire to look fully and fundamentally into the Affairs of this Kingdom, and of this Church in all the Members and Motions thereof, and into the Affairs of Neighbour Churches and States as they may relate towards these, to be able to Compare and lay things together: (If I say, to these Men) a Help can be given whereby they shall be enabled to look not only upon the Outward Parts, but as it were, upon the very Anatomy of all the inward bowels of the Church and State as they are at all times, and from time to time existent, in their native features and lineaments, and upon all the Vital Motions and Actions of these Parts and Bowels; If 〈◊〉 say again, an easy Help can be found for such a discovery, will it not be an exceeding great advantage to them to open their eyes in all Counsels and Resolutions? Certainly it will; and such as shall have this insight in matters, will be able upon all occasions to walk, as it were, at noon day in the light, when others will be constrained to do things but at random, and grope in difficult Cases, as it were for the wall at midnight. Now this help may be had in an Office of Spiritual and Temporal Addresses, whereunto all Men for their own Convenience, Advantage and Profit, will be made willing, and invited to repair as to a Common Centre of Repose wherein they may expect satisfaction for all their Lawful desires, so much as may be had by any Humane Contrivance in a wel-ordered Commonwealth.  
And to make this apparent that an Office may be erected to this effect, which may be of Infinite Usefulness to the State, and especially to the Work of Reformation, We shall endeavour to set down the Sum of it; together with the right Uses thereof; and the Way by which it may be established easily and without noise or delay.   

Of the Office of Address.  
WE would advice then that a Certain Place should be designed by the Authority of the State, whereunto all Men might freely come to give Information of the Commodities which they have to be imparted unto others; and some body should be set in that Place to receive these Informations to the end that he may give address to every one that shall repair to him, to make enquiry for such Commodities, Where and How to find the same. His proper Charge then and Duty should be to enable himself to direct all men to the attainment of such desirable things, as the Society of Mankind in the Commonwealth where he lives can comfortably yield unto them: so that this Office should be erected properly for the Relief of Humane Necessities; and to accomplish the effect of a wel-ordered Society; that all things which are Useful and profitable in a Commonwealth for Public and Private Accommodation, & the Contentation of Soul or Body, being known where they are to be found, such as stand in need thereof may know whither to repair to get speedy notice thereof, how to come by them lawfully. As for example: A man of good parts would fain serve a Master, He comes to the Office and inquires whether it knows of any Gentleman that desires a Servant; if the Register of the Office can tell him of any, he gives him Address where to find him: if he can tell him of none, than he should leave his name to be Registered with a Memorial expressing his desire, and the place of his abode, and such other Circumstances as he shall think fit to inform the Office of, that as soon as any doth inquire for a Man of his quality, he may be directed to him. In the like manner a Gentleman desires a servant of such and such qualities, he comes to the Office to inquire after one, and the Master of Addresses should be able to tell him whether or no, and where any is to be found: and in case none is to be found or known at that present, than the Gentleman leaves a Memorial to be kept for an Address to any that may afterward present himself. And when these that have made enquiry for some Commodity have gotten it by the Address of the Office, they should be obliged within the space of 24 hours to give notice thereof unto the Office; that the Register may be disburdened of their Memorial, lest some body be addressed in vain unto them. Suppose a Man would let out his house or his ground at a certain rent, or sell it, another would feign take a house or parcel of ground for rent, or buy it; both these run up and down, and make enquiry here and there at adventures for that which they want, and perhaps never light one upon another, till the convenient season be past, and they for want of Accommodation have taken some courses less advantageous for their Affairs, than their mutual encounter would have been; but if the Master of Address had been informed of both their desires, he would have instantly directed the one of them to the other, by which means both would have been accommodated. And thus in all other Cases Whatsoever, which fall within the Compass of Humane Conveniences, which the Society of Men in a Commonwealth can afford for Contentation of the mind in Spiritual or Bodily Concernments. From whence we may see that such an Office will be the only Proper Remedy and Help to that disorderly and confused condition of Life wherein we may lie for want of profitable Contrivements begetting sociable encounters and communications. And if we will consider, that nothing doth make nature fruitful in all things, but the only Address of Proper Agents to their Patients to cause them meet seasonably together; and that nothing doth cause Trade flourish in great Cities, so much as the Use of Exchanges and Meeting Places, where Merchants may come together at certain times to transact Matters; and that without this Contrivement of Mutual Converse, all Trade would be so clogged and retarded, that it would be almost impossible to bring businesses to any issue Conveniently and in due time: If, 〈◊〉 say, we consider this, we shall find that what Conveniency the Use of Exchange-meetings doth bring to a Particular sort of Men who are called Merchants; the same, and fare greater will this Office bring to the whole Society of all Men, for all their Mutual Occasions and Accommodations wherein they have need to encounter with one another; so that this Office will be a Centre of all men's satisfactions to gain their Interest in each other for mutual help. The Advantages which Post-houses and Exchange-places since they have been in Use (for of Old they were not) have brought unto those that trade, and to all men's private dispatches are almost innumerable; but the Advantages, which such an Office as this is, will bring to the Society of Mankind, will be altogether innumerable; for all that which is good and desirable in a whole Kingdom may be by this means Communicated unto any one that stands in need thereof; and if it is evident that the benefit of Mutual Communication in good things is the Chief fruit of all Society; and that to facilitate the Ways thereof unto a People, is one of the Chief Duties of a faithful Magistrate, whereby he may make himself Powerful, and his People Happy, whereby he may address all Men to profitable Employments; and know what every one's employments are, and by this Means be able to prevent and rectify an infinite number of disorders which arise in a State to the great disadvantage thereof, for want of such Employments as the idle People might be put to. Therefore it belongs to none but to a supreme Magistrate to establish such an Office, and to Order it for the Proper Ends and Uses whereunto it should serve.  
Let it then have Two Parts or Branches: the One for Bodily, the Other for Spiritual Matters, and these should have each of them a Warden or Master of their several Addresses, who should be Regulated and directed in their Ways by such Constitutions and Orders, which should prevent all danger of Abuses, and make them Unblamable and Comfortably Serviceable to every one.  
The Office of Bodily Addresses, should be appointed to Meddle with all Outward Things concerning this present life, for the relations of men to each other in worldly Concernments, and may be called the Address of Accommodations. But the Office of Spiritual Addresses should be appointed to meddle with all Inward things concerning the Souls of Men, and the Ways whereby they may be helpful one to another in Matters relating the same, which may be called, The Address of Communications. Their Main and Proper Objects of Employment will be different; but their Ends and Ways to do service will be the same, and some things Collateral to their Main Objects, will be common to both, and in these Collateral Matters, they should be appointed to keep Mutual Correspondency with each other for the Advancement of their Public Services.  
The Office-bearer in each of these Offices should be warranted and authorized, each in his Sphere to make Inventaries, and keep Registers of all Commodities, Persons, Employments, Offices, Charges and Things which are Actually in being, and Usefully considerable in the Commonwealth, and which may be a matter of information to any for Address to that which he in any kind shall inquire after. Of these Inventaries and Registers some should be Perpetual standing and the same; so fare as the things which they contain are existent in the Commonwealth, but some other Registers and Books must be kept of Changeable Matters also, wherein daily Occurrences of New Accommodations and Communications to be imparted from one Man to another, are to be recorded and kept for Information. These Occasional Registers (for so they should be called) should be of Two Sorts; the One Common and open to all to be looked upon, containing the Summary Intimation of that whereof Information is to be given, to such as shall desire it. The other secret, and reserved for more special Use, containing the particular point of that Address, which is to be given to such as stand in need to be informed of it.  
Besides these Registers which will admit of some further Subdivisions, there must be Alphabetical Tables of the Heads of Matters; whereof Informations are to be given both for Accommodations and Communications, so as may be needful, which should be openly hung up in the Office-House with a Reference to the Register-bookes: and some of these Tables must be perpetual and standing Unchangeably; Others must be, as the Occasional Register-bookes will be, alterable.  
The Office of Address for Accommodations, although it may be exceeding useful unto all, and can be prejudicial to none, if he, that is entrusted therewith, will not purposely abuse his trust; yet it will be above all others most useful for the Poor, to help them to employment, and to distinguish the Industrious from the Idle: and for the Supreme Magistracy in all purposes of State, but chief in that of a healthful Reformation: because it may be in his hand (if he will make use of it) an Engine to reduce all into some Order which is confused; and to discover what the Chief Inconveniences of the Subjects are, which are to be Remedied, which Two Things are the Pillars of an outward Reformation. The other Particular Uses of this Office of Accommodations, with the Way to Regulate it, to Oversee it, & to Improve the Advantages, which it will yield to the State in matters of Public Consultation, and in Cases of Resolution to be taken concerning Neighbour Nations in times of Peace and War, need not here to be mentioned distinctly. A Man of Wisdom by that which hath been said, will easily discern this, and in due time Particulars may be mentioned, when it shall be requisite.  
The Office of Address for Communications, is as far beyond that of Accommodations in Usefulnesse, as the Matters of the Mind are above those of the Body. It is then to be erected for Addresses and Informations in matters of Religion, of Learning, and of all Ingenuities, which are Objects of Contemplation and delight unto the Mind, for their strangeness and usefulness unto the life of Man. The Warden of this Office should be authorized to have and keep not only all manner of Registers, Inventaries, Catalogues and Lists containing the Peculiar Objects whereof he should furnish Information for Address to such as shall desire it (such as have been mentioned heretofore, and named, Perpetual and Occasional Registers) but he should be Authorized also to negotiate for Spiritual Intelligence; and to maintain a Correspondency and Learned Trade with all Men of Abilities within and without the Kingdom, about the things belonging to the Sphere of his Office; so that he should be allowed not only to give Information of things elsewhere to be found, (which is properly the work of Common Addresses) but also of that, which should be in his own peculiar Possession and Custody, which he should be allowed to gather up and keep concerning all Matters of Religion, Learning and Ingenuities, as a peculiar Stock belonging to his Office, to communicate the same by way of Spiritual Trade and Commerce to whomsoever he should think fit and expedient, only for the Ends whereunto his Commerce in this kind is to be directed.  
Now the Ends should be these:  
First, in Matters of Religion he should intent, 1 To Facilitate the Means of Rectifying Mistakes, and of Preventing the Increase of Divisions and Disorders about Matters of dispute whether in Opinion or Practice. 2 To stir up and waken the sense and love of Piety, of Charity, and of the profession of Edifying Knowledge in the Minds of all Men without partiality.  
Secondly, in Matters of Humane Sciences, the End of his Negotiation should be, 1 To put in Practice the Lord Verulam's Designations, De Augmentis Scientiarum, amongst the Learned. 2 To help to perfect Mr. Comenius Undertake, chief in the Method of Teaching, Languages, Sciences, and of Ordering Schools for all Ages and Qualities of Scholars.  
Thirdly, in the Matters of Ingenuity his End should be to offer the most profitable Inventions which he should gain, unto the benefit of the State, that they might he Publicly made use of, as the State should think most expedient.  
And that he may be able to proceed clearly and work toward these Ends effectually, Certain Rules and Directions should be given him, whereby he should be instructed and obliged to walk in his Calling Unpartially, and answerable to the Scope of Common Edification. So then his Office of Communication should be made a Centre and Meeting-place of Advices, of Proposals, of Treaties and of all Manner of Intellectual Rarities freely to be given and received, to and from, by and for all such as may think themselves concerned to receive or to give notice of the best Helps and Overtures, and of the most Profitable Undertake, Discoveries, and Occurences; whereby Godliness, Truth, and Peace, and all the Ways and Means tending to the harmless Advancement of Divine and Humane Wisdom and Perfections may be set forward in Church and Commonwealth.  
His way of Negotiating should be free and obliging, he should make his Address towards all that are of eminent Parts, or of any singular Abilities and Strains; whether in Public Places or not; within or without the Kingdom; to give them some Objects to work upon, and exercise their faculties in; that the gifts of one may be provoked and stirred up by another, according to the difference or similitude of their Strains; to the end that all Knowledge may abound in Love, and the discovery of one Truth may beget another. Thus Forainers may be made partakers of Domestic, and such as are at home, of Foreign Strains; that all may in their several Abilities be set a work, and contribute unto the Stock of Learning, that which may be useful to every one, in their several Occasions: And amongst all other his special Correspondency should be with the Chief Library-keepers of all places, whose proper employments should be to Trade for the Advantages of Learning and Learned Men in Books, and M. S. to whom he may apply himself to become beneficial, that such as Mind the End of their employment may reciprocate with him in the way of Communication.  
But to improve the fruit of this Agency, both for the Advancement of our own Reformation, and for the General Advancement of Learning; he should be obliged from time to time:  
First, to impart the Profit of all his Purchases, and the Substance of all his discoveries (especially concerning Religion, and State or Church Government) unto the Committee for Rules of Reformation; whose Wisdom should direct them to revise every two or three Months once; the State of his Negotiation, to take the cream of it for their Use, and to direct him in the prosecuting of his Purchases and Communications, for the better Advantage of the Public.  
Then Secondly, he should yearly once at a certain time be obliged to give up the account of his Annual Negotiation, to the Professors of all Sciences in both Universities, and to the Heads and Masters of Colleges and Halls, who should be made a Special Committee and appointed, according to their several Faculties, or all jointly to meet, and to take into Consideration the things which he shall produec that such pieces as shall deserve to be put into the Public Libraries, to be made Common unto Scholars, or otherwise published in Print for the benefit of every one, may by their advice be applied unto their proper Uses; for the advancement of Divine and Humane Learning, according to the Counsel and Design of the Lord Verulam, to whose structure, by their joint advice, every year some stones should be added. And to this effect a more special Way of Concurrence and Correspondency amongst the Professors and Heads of Colleges themselves should in due time be contrived and proposed.  
Hitherto we have considered these Offices of Address in their Intrinsical Frame and Usefulnesse, whereby they may be serviceable unto all degrees and qualities of Persons; but especially unto the designs which the Parliament should Advance for our complete Reformation: Now one word more is to be added concerning the Extrinsecall Frame and Constitution thereof, and then We have done.  
In the Affairs of this world, where Instruments and Agents must be employed, nothing can be done without Expenses. Men must live in the Body, and Money must answer for all; nor can those that serve the Public (although they may bestow freely their own pains, without cost to the Public, yet they cannot command others) without Means maintain those whom they must set a work, and without whose help the business cannot proceed. Therefore as it is just, so it is necessary that the Employments which redound to the benefit of all, should be maintained by Public Revenues.  
And as there is no Charity so commendable, as that which reacheth unto All, and doth confer or procure the benefits which without all comparison are the best, so there is nothing so answerable to the Duty, and so commendable in the care of a Christian Magistrate, as to bestow his Charity upon such Objects. And although the maintaining of these Offices of Address in one respect may be commended to the State, as the greatest Work of Charity, which can be bestowed upon the whole Nation, that is upon themselves in their Members, yet in another respect the Charges which will be laid out this way by them, will be found the most profitable and richest Trade that they can drive, to increase their own worldly Substance: For it will direct them both to preserve without loss, and manage all that they have within the Kingdom to the best advantage; and also to increase their Stock every way by all the Negotiations which are afoot amongst their Subjects, within themselves, or towards their Neighbour Nations. So then there is nothing more Just, nothing more Charitable, and nothing more Profitable in order to Trade itself, then to bestow that cost which will be necessary to maintain these Offices, and the Agents belonging unto them.  
The First Thing then which is to be bestowed upon them, is a House in a place which shall be found for each of them most convenient. And for the Address of Accommodations, no doubt London will be the most central place. But for the Address of Communications, Oxford should be made the Centre, besides other Reasons for this, because the Great Library being there, more Strangers for it resort thither, and the Keeper thereof may be a great help unto the Negotiation of the Warden of Addresses for Spiritual Matters.  
The Warden of the London Office should be furnished with a House and Means to set up and furnish his Office with all Necessaries; to him Maintenance should be allowed to attend his Charge without distraction; and because his work will be principally to oversee his Clerks, and to make Observations of Matters fit for the State's benefit and Information; he should be free from all other Employments, except that which is proper and subordinate unto the Charge of Addresses, or Collateral thereunto in the Way of Trading and Employing People that are out of employment. His Clerks may be sworn unto Him, and He to the State, to be faithful according to the directions which should be given him. The Clerks should have some Competency allowed them, that without encroaching upon the Subject, or burdening the work of Address, they may be able to live; and if any benefit be allowed them out of the Work which they do, it should be no more at the most, but a penny or two, for some Extract in Writing, to be given in matters of profit, by such as are rich; but to the Poor all is to be done freely; and if any Clerk be convicted to have refused to communicate the Address which shall be desired of him by any, he shall be most severely punished and lose his place without mercy. And as the Warden of Addresses for Accommodation is over his Clerks, so over Him some others should have an inspection to this intent, to see Matters carried faithfully and truly for the Public Good, to help the Warden with Advice and Counsel in Cases of Importance; and to consider the Occasions of his Ordinary and Extraordinary Expenses (if any should be for the State) that some way may be thought on to refound the same unto Him, as is just, and to this effect some Revenue of the State should be nam●● to bear such burdens.  
The Warden of the Oxford Office may have some College or Hall appointed for his Office-place; and the Revenues thereof for his maintenance to support him in his Charge. His Clerks that keep his Registers, should be maintained under him, and also such as he shall have need of for his Negotiation to Copy out Matters, to write Letters for Correspondency as he shall direct them; and to give Extracts freely to all such as he shall appoint them to give unto.  
And as without his knowledge and appointment the Clerks for his peculiar Negotiation should not be permitted to impart any thing to any, so the other Clerks must be obliged to deny nothing unto any that shall desire Information of things Contained in the Standing and Occasional Registers.  
The Extraordinary Expenses which he shall bring to the States account, the Committee of Professors and Heads of Colleges shall consider and allow to be paid, as they shall see Cause, out of some Revenue which may be designed for such an Use. And seeing there can be nothing proposed of a more Public and Useful nature, than this work is; We suppose it would be an injury done to the zeal and integrity of this Parliament, which hath received so many blessings at God's hand, which is so deeply engaged to his service; and which hath undertaken so great things, and so successfully advanced our Reformation so far hither to; to think that such an Enterprise as this, will not find favour in their eyes, and sufficient Means to support the Charges necessary for the Undertaking and prosecuting thereof. For suppose the Charges should be fare greater than at first they need to be (because a small foundation may give a beginning to this work) yet what difficulty can there be to allow them, where so many and large Revenues are by God's Providence for such Ends abundantly put into their hands, and cannot justly be otherwise disposed of then to Public Uses? The Ecclesiastical Estates and Revenues, which are so Vast, and now to be disposed of, to what Public Uses can they be more profitably applied, then to the Advancement of the Ways of Piety and Learning? And if in process of time the Occasions in this Work of Public Expenses grow greater (as no doubt they will, when the Communication being enlarged, the benefit thereof will invite all the Learned to a Concurrence) then also more Means may be raised to bear the same, which divers ways may be effected; whereof we shall not need to speak; but to make Way for the increase of a Competent Stock hereafter in due time, Feoffees in trust may be appointed by the Houses, to receive such Legacies, Donations and Contributions which will cheerfully proceed from the Charity and zeal of the Lovers of Religion and Learning towards the Maintenance of a Trade for the Advancement of the same.  
Now to have the matter carried on easily and without delay. It should be imparted unto all, or as many as are eminently and truly zealous for the Glory of God, that are free from Selfe-ends and partiality, and that Love Learning, and have power with others in the Houses. If not all, but only three or four of these be throughly possessed with this design, and they can be brought to lay their Heads together, to move for the Erecting of such an Office in the Houses, and get the Contrivement thereof Referred unto some few, who for Piety, Prudency, and Learning are most commendable unto all, no doubt the thing may be speedily brought to pass, and a foundation laid, which by the accomplishment of our Reformation will be a blessing unto all Posterity: Whereunto our prayers shall be offered as a daily Sacrifice, and what else God shall enable us to contribute; to whom the success of all our Wishes is to be referred in Christ; to Him be Glory and Honour for ever. Amen.  Psal. 50.23. 
He that Ordereth his Conversation aright, shall see the Salvation of God.  Philip. 4.8. 
Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any Virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  
Anno 1647.    

THE PERFECT Weekly Account: Containing, Certain Special and Remarkable Passages from both Houses of PARLIAMENT; And Collections of several Letters from the Armies.  
From Wednesday May 19 to Wednesday the 26. of May. 1647.  

WEDNESDAY, May 19  
ONe evil drives forward another, as one wave follows another, troubles are always present, and the shadow of what is good deceiveth us: It is the custom of the vulgar sort to despise the present, desire the future praise, and extol that which is past.  
Both houses of Parl. past the Ordinance for Indemnity, and ordered it to be printed, Wherein it is ordained & declared, that no person or persons whatsoever who have since the beginning of this present Parl. acted or done, or commanded to be acted or done, any act or thing whatsoever by authority of this present Parl. or for the service or benefit thereof, by Sea or by Land, aught to be indicted, prosecuted, or molested for the same: And that every such person or persons whatsoever, are & shall be hereby fully acquitted, and discharged of all actions, suits, indictments informations, prosecutions, judgements, executions & molestations whatsoever, for or concerning the same. And all Judges, Justices, Sheriffs, Mayors, Bailiffs, Jurors Officers, & Ministers of Justice whatsoever, are thereby required to take notice thereof, & duly observe the same. And for the ease of such persons who are or shall be sued, indicted, prosecuted, etc. they may plead the general issue non-culpable, and if the verdict pass with the defendant, he shall have triple costs: and if any be unable to defend a suit at common-law, or find themselves a grieved in the proceed thereof, a Committee of Lords & Commons are appointed to hear the same, & receive appeals from the parties.  

The Names of the said Committee are these:  
Earl of Northumberland.  
Earl of Kent.  
Earl of Rutland.  
Earl of Pembroke.  
Earl of Lincoln.  
Earl of Nottingham.  
Earl of Suffolk,  
Earl of Salisbury.  
Earl of Warwick.  
Earl of Denbigh.  
Earl of Middlesex.  
Earl of Manchester.  
Earl of Mulgrave,  
Earl of Stamford.  
Viscount Hereford.  
Viscount Say.  
Lord De-la-ware.  
Lord Berkly.  
Lord Wharton.  
Lord Willoghby.  
Lord North.  
Lord Hunsdone.  
Lord Grace of work.  
Lord Roberts.  
Lord Howard.  
Lord Bruce.  


Commons.  
Mr. Hollis.  
Col. Birch.  
Mr. Swinson.  
Mr. Maynard.  
Mr. Boies.  
Mr. Recorder.  
Mr. Solicitor.  
Col. Purefoy.  
Col. Harvey.  
Sir Phil. Stapleton.  
Col. Morley.  
Sir Wil Allenton.  
Livet. Gen. Massey.  
Mr. Whitlock.  
Sir Gilbert Garard.  
Sir William Waller.  
Mr. Edward's.  
Mr. Challener.  
Livet. Gen: Crumwell.  
Mr. Tate.  
Sir William Massau.  
Sir Sam. Luke.  
Mr. Lisle F. M. Gen. Skippon.  
Mr Fr. Allen.  
Col. Walton.  
Mr. Rigby.  
Sir jonn Maynard.  
Mr. Selden.  
Mr. Goat.  
Sir Will. Breurton,  
Mr. Grimston.  
Mr. Darley.  
Mr. Dove,  
Sir Fr. Bampfield.  
Lord Monson.  
Sir Mich. Livesey.  
Sir Thomas Widdrington.  
Sir Ar. Hazilrigge.  
Mr. Bainton.  
Mr. Nicholes.  
Mr. Weaver.  
Mr. Nat: Fines.  
Col. Rainsbourough.  
Major. Harison.  
Mr. Wal. L●ng.  
Mr. Hollows.  
Mr. Mich. Corbet.  
Col. Thomson.  
Mr. Drake.  
Sir Thomas Middleton.  
Mr. William Perpoint.     
These, or any five of them, are a Committee for relief of such persons, in such cases aforesaid.   

Thursday May 20.  
In my last I made mention of a Letter that came from the King, concerning his Answer to the Proportions, which being the substant all part of the Letter, I shall not vary from the words I received it, viz.  
C. R.  
In answer to all the Propositions concerning Religion, His Maj. proposeth that he will confirm the Presbyterial Government, the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, and the Directory, for three years, being the time set down by the two Houses, so that His Maj. & His Household be not hindered from that form of God's Service which they formerly had; And also, that a free consultation and debate be had with the Divines at Westminster (twenty of His Maj. nomination being added unto them) whereby it may be determined by His Maj. & the two Houses, how the Church shall be governed after the said three years or sooner, if differences may be agreed. Touching the Covenant, His Maj. is not yet therein satisfied, and desires to respite His particular answer thereunto until His coming to London, because it being a matter of conscience he cannot give a resolution therein till he may be assisted with the advice of some of His own Chaplains, which have hitherto been denied him and then he will make clearly appear, both his zeal to the Protestant Profession and the Union of those two Kingdoms, which he conceives to be the main drift of this Covenant. To the 7. & 8. Propositions, his Majesty will consent, to the 9 His Majesty doubts not but to give good satisfaction, when he shall be particularly informed how the said penalties shall be levied & disposed of To the 10 His Maj. Answer is, That he hath been always ready to prevent the practices of Papists, & therefore is content to pass an Act of Parl. for that purpose &c His Maj. will give his consent to the Act for the due observation 〈◊〉 the Lords Day, for the suppressing of Innovations, and those concerning the preaching of God's Word & 〈◊〉 Non Residence & Pluralities and his Majesty will yield to such Act or Acts, as shall be requisite to raise moneys for the payment and satisfying all public debts, expecting also that his will be therein included.  
As to the Proposition touching the Militia, though his Maj. consent unto it in terminis as it is proposed, because thereby he conceives, he wholly parts with the power of the Sword entrusted to him by God & the Laws of the Land, for the protection & government of his People, thereby at once divesting himself, & disinheriting his Posterity of that right & prerogative of the Crown which is absolutely necessary to the Kingly office, and so weaken monarchy in this Kingdom, that little more than the name & shadow of it will remain: yet if it will be only security for the preservation of the peace of the kingdom after the unhappy troubles, & the due performance of all the agreements which are now to be concluded (which is desired) which his Maj. always understood to be the case, & hopes that herein he is not mistaken, his Maj. will give abundant satisfaction, to which end he is willing by Act of Parl. That the whole power of the Militia both by Sea & Land for the space of ten years be in the hands of such persons as the two houses shall nominate, & afterwards to return to the proper channel again, as it was fn the times of Q. Eliz. & K. james of blessed memory. His Maj. therefore desires, that his two houses of Parliament would seriously descend into these considerations, and likewise tenderly look upon his condition herein, & the perpetual dishonour that must cleave to him, if He shall thus abandon so many persons of Condition and Fortune that have engaged themselves with & for Him, out of a sense of Duty, and propounds as a very acceptable testimony of their affection towards him, That a general Act of Oblivion and free Pardon be forthwith passed by Act of Parliament.  
Concerning the Officers mentioned in the 19 Article. His Majesty when he shall come to Westminster, will gratify his Parliament all that possibly he may, without destroying the alterations which are necessary for the Crown. His Majesty will willingly consent to the Act for the confirmation of the Privileges and Customs of the City of London, and all that is mentioned in the Propositions for their particular advantage.  
This day the Commons had a large debate on the Petition I mentioned in my last, and it was voted that the said Petition should be burnt on Saturday next, in the Palace Yard, at Westminster, and against the Royal Exchange London. And it was voted that a Warrant should issue to the Sheriffs accordingly.  
This day the Committee it Goldsmiths Hal made report to the House, concerning the Compositions of Mr. Perey, Mr. Kercher, and Mr. Trinenlet which were confined by the House.  
The King's Letter being taken into consideration by the house of Peers, a vote passed that his Maj. shall come to oatland's, so soon as the house can be made ready, and that the concurrence of the house of Commons be desired, etc.   

Friday May 21.  
This day we received the result of the Army, or the Soldiers Reply to Field-Marshal Gen Skippon, the heads whereof I shall here give you, viz.  
FIrst, that whereas it pleases the honourable houses of Parl. upon misinformation falsely suggested unto them, to declare and immediately publish in print to the Kingdom, that the Petition of the Army, being but only an intention, did tend to put the Army into a distemper and mutiny, to obstruct the relief of Ireland, and to put conditions upon the Parl. and declaring the Petitioners, if they shall proceed therein, no less than enemies to the State, and disturbers to the Public Peace, which said heavy charge remaining upon record, as a Memorandum of infamy upon us to posterity; we cannot choose but be deeply sensible thereof, and with amazement, wonder how so humble and innocent address, intented to the General, could beget so strange an interpretation,  
2. That whereas those persons that have attempted to beget and attempt and foment divisions between the Parl. and their Army, by their surrepticious obtaining & misrepresenting our Petitions, and by producing other scandalous Letters from unknown hands by them produced, the Authors whereof are concealed, & not brought forth to make a judicial proof of those things laid to our charge, which we cannot but look upon as a just cause of grief, that the suggestors of such untruths seem to be encouraged, and we who are innocent remain unjustified.  
4. That divers Officers of the Army of public and known integrity, have been (upon what grounds we know not) sent for to the Parl. as delinquents; Some whereof do at this present attend there, and cannot procure a trial, having nothing considerable laid to their charge, etc.  
4. That whereas we understand that the Parl. hath voted a sudden disbanding of the Army, not having made sufficient provision for the auditing of our arrears, and stating of our accounts, our own reason, and experience of others, makes us sensible, how difficult, chargeable, & uncertain the obtaining thereof will be after our disbanding, and therefore justly make us sensible thereof.  
5. That they stand in sear of being pressed, etc.  
6. They desire that the Parl. Declaration, in respect of freedom to those that were Apprentices, may be put in force against such masters as refuse it.  
7. That widows who have lost their husband's, and children their parents in this service, are not sufficiently provided for a future livelihood.  
8. That notwithstanding the great care of the Committee and Treasures of the Army, and the cheerful readiness of most Counties for the paying of Assessments, as those where we now quarter do affirm, nevertheless the private soldiers are necessitated to take free quarter for the present, which is very irksome unto us to be so burdensome to our friends.  
The house of Commons taking the premises into consideration, passed several votes to this effect, viz,  
1. That the Soldier's arrears shall be speedily audited▪ etc. 2. That the Ordinances concerning Prentices shall be made good. 3. That an Ordinance shall be drawn up, to exempt those from pressing for any foreign service, which have voluntarily served the Parliament in the late wars. 4. That an Ordinance shall be brought in for maintenance of maimed Soldiers, widows, etc. and as to the point of vindication, and other things, the House ordered to debate the same on Tuesday next.   

Saturday, This day the house sat not, and for the Intelligence abroad, we will refer you to Monday.   

Monday By Letters from Ireland, we received a ratification of some good services lately performed by the L. Inchiqueene, as his taking of Dromany, Caperqueen, & Dungarvan, in which he had Ammunition & other good prize, besides many brave head of  which he took from the Rebels. But on the other side it's certified, the Rebels are exceedingly enraged that Dublin is in the power of the Parliament Forces, & that there was lately a plot betwixt them & some Irish in the City of Dublin to have betrayed the same; for which design being discovered, 14. Irish were lately hanged in Dublin. They have taken Carlos 30. miles from Dublin, and are in hopes to draw nearer it, if not timely prevented.  
Out of Scotland we understand, that Lieut. 〈…〉 lie makes his near approaches on the Enemy's quarters, 〈…〉 he season now affording forage for his horses, we are likely to hear of action shortly.  
A Letter was intercepted (& brought up to the Par●.) going to the King from Mr. Ashburnham his Majesty guide wherein he adviseth the King n●t to make any absolute agreement with the Parl offering several reasons both from and the near agreement of peace there is between France & Spain, by which means the King m●ght assure himself of a great Army. His Excellency Sir T. Fairfax is returned from London to his headquarters, where his Officers met him, greatly congratulating his coming down to them▪ we are further certified from thence that the Army is in a very mild & peaceable condition, keeping good order and discipline, and read, to obey command from their Superiors.  
Thus have you this Weekly Account of  
The several Votes of the House, in answer to the complaints and a grievances of the Army, and other further proceed touching their vindication. The Copy of the King's Letter to the Parliament, And a Letter of adulce to his Majesty from Ashburnham, With particulars thereof. A plot for betraying of Dublin▪ and 14 hanged about the same. With the last intelligence from Scotland.