A SECOND account OF What Progress hath been hitherto made, WITH Such other PARTICULARS as are conceived necessary for the Advancement and Perfecting OF A public Design FOR The Accommodation, relief and Benefit OF THE PRISONERS OF THE counter in the POULTREY, Upon the intended 〈◇〉 BUILDING thereof. Humbly presented to superiors, and to all Worthy BENEFACTORS. Gal. 4.18. It is good to be zealously affencted always in a good thing. Prov. 13.9. Open thy mouth and pled the Cause of the Poor and Needy. Prov. 29.7. The Righteous confidereth the Cause of the Poor, but the Wicked regardeth not to know it. Prov. 21.13. Who so stoppeth his Ears at the Cry of the Poor, he shall Cry himself but shall not be heard. London, Printed by William Godbid, 1670. Worthy Patriots, THe whole Contents being but a kind of an Epistle, requires none; a former Paper heretofore Printed, and Published upon the same account, hath lead the way: This is to second and improve. And yet, as accustomend and conducing, I humbly crave countenance and favour to the goodness of the Cause, and benefit of the Effect; and have nothing to add, but my earnest desire, that you will please, but for this one time, to be so patient and kind, so good and charitable, as to honour the poor Prisoners and me with a serious reading and due consideration, and to pass by my weakness for the goodness of my Intention, being resolved never to trouble or molest you so again; and humbly submit it and myself to your candour and judgement, and to the Wisdom and Direction of superiors, as the Duty and Obligation of, Most Charitable& Most Blessed, Your most Humble& Thankful Servant, humphrey Gyffard. The PROLOGUE to him that deserves it. I Brother, the Fool's in Print again, but if you won't be one too, an apparent one, take a Fools counsel, be as silent as you can, least you prove one in discourse, and that's almost as bad: And 'tis but a folly to call him Fool, that is so little a Fool, as to think himself a great one; and so make yourself a greater, by thinking yourself none. I have this advantage too Brother, that by my humble Folly, I design that which is good and charitable, commendable and public, which you, Sir, by your accusative Wit endeavour to destroy; who is the greater Fool now Brother? If you will be really wise, pass by my tedious weakness, and employ all your logic and rhetoric, Reputation and Wit, Art and Industry, to possess as many as you can, with the absolute necessity, pure charity, and true worth of the work; with the certainty of reward, and multitude of Blessings on the charitable and free Giver. And now, Brother, shake hands, how dost do? I'll trust thee with the reading of it, and hope you'l be fit Company for the Wise and Good, and do us service: However, Man, thou cann'st not disoblige me into so much anger and ill will, but that in pitty, charity, and hope, I am resolvedly Thine notwithstanding H. G. The Ground and Argument for the first advancing this Design. THe Prison of the counter in the poultry( as it was before the late dreadful Fire) contained in breadth but two and twenty Foot ground, by reason whereof, the said counter was so minute, inconvenient, and insufficient, that there was not, nor could not be a chapel, or Room, for the Minister and Prisoners to Assemble, Pray, Preach, and Hear in, the Pulpit standing in the open yard, which in Summer Suns and Heats, and Winter reins and Colds, was most inconvenient, and exceeding prejudicial to the health and well-being both of Minister and Prisoners. The Hole-ward also of the said counter, was not, nor could not be twenty Foot Square, for sometimes forty, othertimes fifty Prisoners, to be and lye constantly in, dress and eat their Meat in, and for all other necessary Occasions and Offices, which caused the great Annoyances, Contagions, and yearly Mortality among them. Neither was, nor could there be a particular separate Apartment or Ward for women to be, and lodge in, but were necessitated to be and lye in the mens Ward promiscuously together, and so Temptations and Debaucheries were impossible to be avoided and prevented. And there was not, nor could there be a Room free of Rent for the most ancient, decrepit and sick Prisoners to lodge in; who, though Gentlemen and Citizens Born, bread, and had lived well and in good fashion, yet by Misfortunes, Casualties, and Losses grown poor and not able to pay Rent, were thereby necessitated to lye in the said Holewards on the Boards, and there languish, die, and perish. Nor was, nor could there be a Place or Room free of Rent for poor Artificers and handicraft Prisoners to work in, during their Imprisonment, whose Wives and Childrens whole dependence restend solely on the benefit of their said Husbands Work, and otherwise could not but be inevitably subjected to Poverty and Want, be turned out of doors into the street, and necessitated to beg or lye upon the Parish, or pine, starve and die. And by reason of the smallness of the said Ground and Building, the closeness and want of Air was such, that the Prisoners in general, both in the Lodging and Holewards, were so crowded together, and stisted up therein, that they were always subject to annoyances and stenches, Infections and Contagions, Sickness and Diseases, insomuch that very many died yearly therein; which did so deter their Kindred, Friends and Adversaries, from coming to treat with them, visit and relieve them, that it was not only a great grief and discomfort, but also an exceeding prejudice and injury to the Prisoners. The Remedy of which sad Defects is the present Design. The first Attempt therein, with the Difficulties and Intricacies. The Condition of the Case being thus, the Wants so many, the Inconvenencies so great, and the prejudice so insufferable, and all so manifest and indisputable, and yet no one, any, or all in a capacity or possibility of knowing so well, so fully every particular thereof as myself, by my living so constantly, for so many years, at the said counter door, as Master-Keeper thereof, in the continual view, sense and apprehension of all the said Defects, Prejudices, and Complaints, and the difficulty of ever obtaining and securing sufficient additional Ground for enlargement; and the almost impossibitily of ever projecting and attaining any way or proportionate Assistances toward the Purchasing of additional Ground, and raising, and perfecting so grand a Design and Work; especially at a time when so many good Gentlemen and Citizens, and the Chamber of London, were so exceedingly damnified, impoverished, and undone, so lately, by a destructive War, sweeping Plague, and consuming Fire successively: And when so many Churches, Halls, colleges, Alms-houses, and public Buildings, do yet want, beg, and claim a Contribution to their Re-building and Re-establishment; ruminating and reflecting thereupon, the multitude of jealousies and fears, discouragements and difficulties did so perplex, possess and confounded my thoughts, so torment, discompose and macerate me; insomuch that to ease my mind, and quiet my spirits, in my own defence I concluded and judged it best to communicate and advice, and troubled all my Friends and Acpuaintance with my continual discourses and arguments thereof; and with patience and perseverance at length happily discovered, that few had any thing material, or confidence to oppose, only doubted the Issue; but the Wisdom of some, the Goodness of others, and the Religion of many( though of different Opinions and Judgments) were so prevalent, that they declared a true sense of the said Defects, and the necessity for Remedy and Redress, did fully approve and value the Design, and freely and nobly comfort and encourage me by Promises and Subscriptions, and doubted not but the generality would be equally sensible and free to so public and incompatable a Work, so apparently necessary, so purely charitable, so perpetually beneficial, especially as being to poor helpless and comfortless Prisoners, otherwise remediless forever. Thus heartened, after a little pause and time, my own Sense and Zeal pressing, and Noble Divine Charity precipitating me thereto; impatient of the delays and demurs of better Heads and more able Pens, I reconciled myself to the undertaking of stating and modeling the Design into form and method, and to multiply and marshal all Arguments and Inducements my weak Brains and interrupted Studies could muster up in the short time limited, and adventured to Print and Publish the same, which is the first Paper in the Proem mentioned. The Progress. Having dispersed the said first Paper, and finding such encouragement from the Wisest and the Best, cheerfully to proceed therein, I was yet so unhappy as to meet with petty rubs and checks, and some unkind Oppositions and Disputes, which after I had pacified and satisfied the Gain-sayers, by clearing some misapprehensions, mistakes and prejudices, I presented my Paper for Subscriptions, and withall solicited the gaining of a sufficient proportion of additional Ground for the Ends designed, where most conveniently, and upon the best terms to be purchased, in Fee rather than by Lease, as being suitable to the Title in the former Ground of the counter, to which it is to be annexed, which is the Cities; and also as best husbandry, and less subject to exceptions and disputes; it being thus for a perpetual enjoyment to the charitable Uses designed, free from after hazards and charge of a new Contract and Lease. But in the transacting thereof, I encountered also so many, so great difficulties and intrigues, both from the grand Landlords, who were unwilling to sell the Inheritance, and from the Tenants and Sub-Tenants, who( having some a small number, others more, and the rest very many years in their particular houses by Lease) were very difficult and averse at first, and not easily after prevailed upon to resign their Leases without troublesone demurs and disputes for their own terms; insomuch that I was hugely disheartened, and so confounded between hope and fear, that I suspended all further solicitation for Subscriptions; and rationally, as being nonsense to proceed therein till I had agreed and gained a certain Grant of the said Ground at a reasonable value to enlarge the counter, sufficient to contain the intended chapel and Rooms, and make it more Airy, and convenient for remedy of the Defects and Annoyances of the former counter, as designed. But at length, by an unwearied Assiduity and continued Importunity of one and the other, I have prevailed, on the Reason and Goodness of the Court, that the Fee of the said additional Ground is now offered and agreed for at 420 l. which is a proportionate value to other Ground so situate and disposed of: For which first step and happiness towards the advancement of the present Design, Gods Name be glorified, and his best Blessing accumulated as a Reward on all them and their Posterity who have been instrumental and contributory thereto, and the Prisoners who are to have the Comfort and Benefit thereof, will no doubt add and multiply their Benedictions in their continual Orisons and Amens. Before I proceed any further, I think myself obliged by the Laws of Civility and Gratitude to insert in this Place the Honour and Names of those Worthy Patriots, who were so kind and charitable to subscribe or promise, at the time of my first presentation of my said Paper before-mentioned; humbly craving their pardon if not duly marshaled according to their Honour and Degrees, and none to take exceptions, if for want of a Register and Memory, I happen to omit any of their Names who were so charitable as to Promise, without expressing what Sum, or misenter others, resolving for the future to be very circumspectly therein, and to give a true account thereof, with the Sum of each Subscriber. SUBSCRIBERS. Lord Bishop of Chichester, deceased. Lord Bishop of Rochester. Sir John Langham, Sir Andrew Riccard. Sir William Thomson. Sir Samuel Barnadiston. Sir Gervase Elwes. Sir William Backhouse, paid. Captain John Jones. Mr. John Bishop. Mr. William Turner. Mr. William Penoyer. Mr. Samuel Moyer. Mr. Christopher boon. Mr. James Clethero. Mr. Thomas Papison, paid. Mr. John Carpenter. Mr. Dutton Seaman. Mr. Thomas Dios Madam Hall. By Promise or Assurance. Lord Arch-Bishop of Canterbury. Lord Bishop of London. Lord Bishop of Sarum. Dr. Richard Perrinchiefe. Sir John Cutler. Sir Theophilus Biddolph. Sir Andrew King. Esquire Bond. Esquire Dashwood. Esquire Cullinge. Esquire bowls. colonel Mue. mayor brook. Captain Hampden. Captain moon. Mr. airs. Mr. bar. Mr. Brettons. Mr. Bailie. Mr. Briggenshaw. Mr. Bagnell. Mr. Collwell. Mr. Collclough. Mr. daws. Mr. Ducane. Mr. Elwes. Mr. Farringdon. Mr. Fox. Mr. Fethey. Mr. Gumbledens. Mr. Hobbert. Mr. Hall. Mr. Jefferies. Mr. Jaques. Mr. Jones. Mr. Jackson. Mr. Mohun. Mr. Morthwaite. Mr. page.. Mr. Scut. Mr. Skinner. Mr. M. Thompson. Mr. R. Thompson. Mr. Townsend. Mr. Vandeput. Mr. White. Mr. Whitchurch. Mr. Whittingham. I have delivered also my first Printed Paper to many other worthy Persons, of whose free Contribution I have great hope, and no cause to doubt but that you will find their Names and Sums in an after List of all the Benefactors; which I design to publish for the general satisfaction, that whatsoever is given and paid hereupon, may be truly known, fairly accounted for, and justly disposed of, to all and only the Uses designed, without abuse, injury or fraud, or cause of jealousy or suspicion. In the next place, I conceive an Account may be expected, what the Charge of the Particulars designed may amount to, which, though I cannot demonstrate exactly, yet according to the account of Artificers do assure you, the Opinion and Computation of some is 500 l. others 600 l. which with the aforesaid Cost of 420 l. for the said additional Ground, will make about 1000 l. in the Total: And shall add, that the other part of the said counter, and the Offices belonging thereto, will cost the City about 3000 l. more. For Prisons are not to be built at the rate of dwelling Houses, they can scarce be made thick and strong enough, to keep Knaves and Rogues from Breaches and Escapes, as such generally there are: Iron is not sufficient to Bar them in, Mercury is in their Brains, and Aqua-fortis in their Breeches; they are of the true Family of the Light-foots, Ubiquitaries, once gone, gone forever, to Terra incognita, or the World in the Moon, Greshams Telescope cannot discover them, nor lily himself retrieve or conjure them out: Let the Sheriff, Creditor and gaoler storm, whine and pine as they please, such are no way concerned in their loss, damage and ruin; cheating and debaucheries brought them in, and nothing else designed in getting out, till perpetrating their Iniquities, the Justice of God take them napping, tardy or frantic with the Fire of their Passions and Corruptions of their Affections; and for their circumventing Brain, Hardness of Heart, Illness of Livers, Obdurate Spleens, Overflowing Galls, Putrid Lungs, and Stinking Breaths, fullness of Humours, and want of Noble Spirits, die of the Meagrim or palsy, Obstruction or dropsy, Vomiting or Looseness, Scurvy or French Consumption, or the like adequate Distempers or Diseases, if the Devil account not with them at the Gallows. Having given this Narrative and Account of the Ground and Argument of the said Design and Undertaking, with the first Attempt, and hitherto Progress therein; as also the value and price of the additional Ground, and computation of the total Charge, with all the several circumstances thereof: Before I proceed any further( as a previous preparative to the succeeding part) I shall in this place enumerate some material Particulars, which many are not privy to, and few acquainted with, or otherwise would not remember, or well consider of. The first whereof is, That the City Stock and Treasure was heretofore so ill husbanded, and so exceedingly exhausted, during the time of the twenty years unnatural and unhappy Wars, and reduced to so inconsiderable a Bank and Incom, and the late dreadful Conflagration hath so destroyed and consumed their public Edifices and Buildings, and thereby so exceedingly impaired and diminished their Proprieties and Rents, and the Charge of merchandizing and renewing thereof requires so incredible and inexpressible a Sum, That the Magistrates and Councils by all their Study, Industry and Proposals, cannot yet attain or accomplish sufficient Assistances and Recruits to enable them to defray their present vast Charge and Disbursements, much less satisfy all other demands upon them; so that at present there is such an incapacity and impossibility in the City to any Acts of Charity, or Works of Supererogation, that it would be an incivility, Affront, and Impudence to propose, or expect more from them, than the Building of that part which is requisite for the upholding of Government, and Maintenance of the public Rights and Interests, which( as aforesaid) will amount to 3000 l. and by experience I have just cause to fear, that that Sum will not easily or speedily be allowed or spared out of the Common Stock, but that a Necessity will be put upon them to raise or make it up otherways, either at Interest, or by Subscriptions, or Loan of the Magistrates and Commons, as a testimony of their respect and indulgence to the Cities Condition, Interest and Honour. It is also manifest and observable, That the Particulars in Design, viz. the additional Ground for increase of Air, the enlargement of the two Holewards for Men and Women, for their better conveniency and health, the erecting the chapel for the Ministers accommodation, and for the Frisoners to serve God in, learn their Duties, and way to save their Souls; the Chamber for the most ancient, decrepit, and sick Prisoners to lie in, for the preservation of their Lives; the Room for poor handicraft Prisoners to work in, for the maintenance of their Wives and Families, are all new, not before, nor possible to be in the compass of the old Ground and counter. Every one of which, without doubt, is perfectly necessary, and in Pitty and Charity worthy of all care and provision, by all that account themselves, and really are, and desire to be esteemed, either as commendable Governours, good Citizens, or true Christians. Neither in the way proposed is there any Rent to be paid, nor any benefit to accrue to the City, the Sheriff, Keeper, or any Officer, or Person, for any the aforementioned chapel, Chamber, Working Room or said two Holewards and enlargements thereof; but the Prisoners are to have and enjoy perpetually the benefit and use thereof, free from Rent and Charge, and so to be secured by dead, and Register, and a Copy thereof to be laid in the Prisoners Common Chest with three Locks, and the Prisoners obliged to red over the same once a Quarter in open Court, to imprint their Title and tenor in their Memories, and thereby insure the perpetual enjoyment thereof of to them and their successors, and no possibility of ever alienating or estranging the same. It is also very considerable, and an undeniable Argument and Inducement to the expediting the said Design, That the present Poul●rey-Compter now kept in Aldgate, is all above Stairs, no Yard, and very little Air; and by reason of the situation, and thickness of the ston walls, is extreme hot in the Summer, and excessive could in the Winter; and is so small and close, and so many penned up together in the Hole-wards and Rooms, and so little accommodation, that the Prisoners have a most inconvenient and uneasy being, and very subject to contagious Diseases, and a Mortality among them, to the number of above 20 Prisoners dying within a years space, which is most sad, and worthy of a Christian Pity, and speedy Redress. And the reason why this Ground of this counter only is now proposed to be enlarged, is, because the other of Wood street was of a much greater extent, and the now additional Ground for this, will but little more than equal the other, which surely it well deserves, since 'tis the Cities Ground, and Rent, which the other counter is not; and as being nearest to the Custom-house, and Exchange, and by concourse thereto, will somewhat the more regain and settle a greater Correspondence and Trade towards and to the said Exchange, and this end of the City; too much( of late years especially) removed, and too little looked into, and no care taken of. It is also of very ill Consequence, if the said counter, which is a public Prison, be suffered to be undertaken and Built by a foreign Hand, at their own Cost and Charge, for private Interest and Profit, for so the greatness of the Charge must undoubtedly mount the Rent thereof to a proportionate sum per annum, 6 at least per cent. And if 10, 'tis but according to the general advancement in other Buildings; and that vastly new raised Rent must necessurily be reimbursed by an additional Chamber Rent, or Fees, or both, imposed upon the poor Prisoners, which will be a new triple exaction and oppression upon them; whereas it is notoriously known, that the generality of Prisoners were ever heretofore by their Poverty unable to pay the old Chamber-Rent, which was small and inconsiderable comparatively: And if so raised, and the Prisoners be discharged before payment thereof, the Prisoners will never pay willingly, the Law, Judge, and Jury will never compel them thereto; The Keeper then can never receive, and so can never be able to pay the said exacted new Rent: And if the Prisoner be not dischargable till he hath paid, then little hopes of attaining to ability or Freedom; Poverty disables the Prisoner, and their disability incapacitates the Keeper, and so no Rent paid by either. Besides, upon this account many of the Prisoners, especially those who lye long, and so will owe very much at this exacted rate, will thereby through their Poverty and Inability be necessitated to a perpetual Imprisonment, till Death free them, and their Wives and Children famish and perish, to the Dishonour, Scandal, and Reproach of the City, its Governours, and Government, till the Parliament, or Common council in Justice, pity, and Honour retrench and reduce the Rent to what is equitable, convenient, and charitable, to the prejudice and ruin of the imprudent and improvident Undertaker. And if it be not supposable, that any Projector, that hath Brains and Money, can be so inconsiderate and fool-hardy; Then this Dilemma is irrefragable. That it will not then be re-built by any particular person with the enlargements proposed, at the old, or at a convenient Rent, and so either the now counter must be continued in Aldgate, or that in the poultry be re-built upon that spot of Ground as heretofore, and all the recited Inconveniencies and Defects must be, as now in this, or as then in that, to the Detriment, Injury, and ruin of the poor Prisoners, and the Dishonour and Scandal of the City and Citizens thereof; or else it must be re-built with such Enlargements, either by the City singly, or by the assistance of others jointly, as I propose: The continuance of the present counter in Aldgate, or the return to the like of the former in the poultry, is so unreasonable, destructive, and dishonourable, that all are of the Opinion and judgement for enlargement, and most for all the particulars of conveniency, and Rooms of Charity proposed. Then the Question only is, at whose Charge to be so re-built. If the City singly undertake it at the sole Charge of the Chamber, its present Stock as aforesaid, will not bear it; and if taken up at Interest, the other Rent will not repay it by above 100 l. per annum, which will be an Annual, and in time become an insupportable Charge and damage; and if the City raise the Rent proportionate to the principal Charge and Interest, then the case will be as aforesaid, equally injurious, dishonourable, and hazardous to the City, as to the supposed foreign Undertaker; What counsellor or Oracle can then propose any other more rational or feasible way; but that the City be at the Charge of its proper part, for the upholding of Right and Government: And in respect to the Cities Condition, Interest, and Honour, and in pity and Charity to the poor helpless, comfortless Prisoners. That all that are good, Religious, and Rich, especially Citizens, lay to thei● helping Hands, for the perfecting of so public, so necessary, so Charitable a work, and in ambition and emulation each to exceed the other. Cum manibus multis grande levatur onus. And Gentlemen, it is no exceeding great Sum that is desired or expected from the generality. Particular Congregations have the credit of advancing a greater Sum to the purchase of, and raising a Meeting-House; and this is a chapel or Room, the name whereof makes no real difference, both equally intended for the Worship and Glory of God, and good of Souls; whereas this work is an additional perpetual pity and Charity to the Body also of the necessitous and afflicted, to the Prisoners who are locked up, and barred from Maintenance and Liberty, society and Ordinances. And Obedience and Gratitude, makes Charity a Duty to God. 'twill also be a respect and Provision for your own Flesh and Blood, your successors being no less subject to Providence, Casualties and Misfortunes, Poverty and a Prison, then the present Prisoners were in the Loins of their predecessors. All parties have been, and therefore may be unhappy Prisoners. Again, 'tis your particular Interest also. Blessing is the due reward of Charity; the Prayers of the Prisoners multiply them, and the God of Power Insures them; so you have Principal, and Interest, and Security. Your assurance also of Salvation depends upon charity, For Faith singly is invisible, insignificant, and Justifies not, but as operative in Works, particularly and especially of Charity; and how can your hope then be otherwise well grounded? Charity is a perfect Antidote against Covetousness and Baseness, Pride and Malice, and most other Vices, it is the Impulse of the Soul, the Spirit of all Graces, the Form of all Virtues; Charity is the Excellency and Glory, the Perfection and Delight of God; the Grand President and Exemplar, the Joy and happiness of Man; the Em●●●tions, Effluxes and Issues of Gods goodness and Charity, being the Fountain, the Original efficient Cause, Soul and Life of all Glorious created Beings and Enjoyments. No Creation, Redemption, or Preservation without it; No Pardon, no Heaven, no Happiness, but by it. Charity is the grand Moderator and Umpire in all cases of Equity, and Conscience, joins, Unites, and Cements, Governs and Quiets, Upholdeth and Improveth Kingdoms, Cities, Societies, and Families; Moderates the Affections, and Regulates the Passions, Melts the Stony Heart, and makes the Bowels yearn, sends and gives Food to the Hungry, apparel to the Naked, Relief to the Prisoner, and Comsort to the afflicted: Charity is the Wedding Garment, the distinguishing Character, the way to Heaven, the Title to the right Hand of God, and to the highest Mansions; A Mite of it is of more value than a Hecatomb, For it is the Grand Communicative Magnetick Spirit, the true Noble Elixir. Divine Eternal Charity is the Image and beloved of God, The Honour of good Men, the duty of Christians, the delight of Saints; and through Mercy and Grace, the Meritorious inheritor of all Blessings; and Rewards, Happiness and Heaven. But Worthy Sir, When I had not scribbled beyond this Period, and at your casual cursory Reading of it, you being so possessed and free, as presently to promise me 5 l. towards the Work; I cannot think fit to proceed, till I have paid my due acknowledgement, and Thanks to you for such your Noble Charity: Indeed Master, it was more than I expected; your Losses I doubt not have been very many, and know your Charge to be much greater than most Persons, and yield that there are other obliging Objects of Charity, but yet none Sir, that I find and conceive to be more, if so naturally and comparably inducive; And may the God of Mercy and Power return to you and yours Ten Thousand Guinies, and Eternal Mansions for Reward. But good Sir, be pleased to add to this kindness, to recommend me to others, and prepare them with your powerful Language, and Interest in them; for I have a hard task, and am afraid the Generality are become so Irreligious and Atheistical, so unnatural and uncharitable, so covetous and tenacious, or so profuse and prodigal, so dull and deaf, so averse and seared, that no Language that I( who am so weak, so mean, and low Spirited) can use, will incline, convince, and prevail upon them; And that's the reason indeed, why, the better to strengthen and enforce my Arguments, and fix and secure all parties, but Atheists; and so ground and insure my hopes, I choose to add a Sermon of God Almighties own making, all Scripture and nothing else, least the Reverend Black, or Spiritual Gray, should account it an intrasion or presumption unpardonable, find fault, or take exception, and prejudice or scandalise me or the Design; But because it is somewhat numerous in the Texts quoted, and will be too long a Parenthesis in this place; I have transmitted it at the end of my Discourse for a Refuge, and shall only here acquaint and prepare you a little with my Text, and its Analysis and Coherence, and so refer you. The Text is Luk. 6.36. Be ye therefore Merciful, as your Father is Merciful. WHen Jesus had lifted up his Eyes on his Disciples, and said, Blessed are ye Poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God, ver. 20. And pronounced Wo unto the Rich that had received their consolation, ver. 24 And to the full and merry Wo and Hunger, Mourning and Weeping. ver. 25. And a Wo to them that seen or receive universal applause; the accusation of their Fath●● to the false Prophets, ver. 26,& 27, He thus Lectures them. B●●● say unto you( which hear) Love do good to, Bless. pray for,( whom) your Enemies, which hate you, which Curse, Strike or Rob you. And in ver. 30. Saith, Give to every Man that asketh, and ask not again thy Goods of him that took them: and do you as you would have Men should do to you, ver. 31. Then from the 32. to the 34. tells them, How thankless Love for Love, Good for Good, Loan to receive again, is; for Sinners do even the same. And ver. 35. re-chargeth them. But love ye( the same again) your Enemies; Do good and lend, hoping for nothing again. And what then? Your Reward shall be great, Ye shall be the Children of the Highest, For he is kind unto the unthankful, and to the Evil; And then knits and folds up all in this 36 ver. Therefore be ye Merciful, as your Father is Merciful. Or otherwise thus. Therefore, for the reasons aforesaid, I Jesus say, ver. 27. Be,( imperative) Command, and my Apostles, my Disciples, my chosen, ver. 13. Ye, the Multitude of People, ver. 17. which hear, ver. 27. Ye that will, that shall be the Children of the Highest, and have great Reward, ver. 35. be what? Be ye therefore Merciful; and the Pattern, the Exemplar is, as your Father is Merciful; your Father the Highest, who is kind to the unthankful, and to the Evil, ver. 35. Be therefore ye Merciful, as your Father is Merciful. And so much for this place and time. And therefore let us Pray, Almighty and most Merciful Lord God, Our Father which art in Heaven, who givest us our daily Bread, and forgivest our Trespasses, our Debts, and leads us not into Temptation, but deliverest us from Evil; Grant I most humbly beg, that these words which thy beloved Son our Merciful Saviour Jesus Christ hath said, and are written for our Instruction, may, through the Grace of thy Holy Spirit, be so graffed inwardly in all our Hearts, that they may bring forth in us the Fruits of the Spirit, in some 30, in some 60, in some an 100 fold, in all some; and make us Merciful, as thou our Father art Merciful: That so we may be the Children of the Highest, and receive a great Reward; and this again I humbly beg, O Merciful Father, for Jesus Christ his sake, Our only Mediator and Advocate; To whom with the Holy Ghost, three Persons and one God, be ascribed all Power, Glory, and Praise for ever, and for ever. Amen. And Gentlemen; Now I have given you this ample Account of all the substantial parts, with the material Circumstances and Considerations thereto belonging, and called in Magnetick Omnipotent Charity for Influence and Aid, and quoted the unquestionable Word of God, for testimony and Edification; I take it for granted that abundantly enough is said to justify the present Design to be perfectly necessary, and highly commendable, and of sufficient Argument and Potency to convince and induce all persons that have a clear brain, a good heart, and a Noble Soul, a moral Principle, and a Christian Spirit, that have any regard to God or Man, Religion or Reason, to the public good, or to the Cities Honour, to their own worldly Interest, or their Eternal Happiness, to judge themselves in duty, Prudence, Policy, and Conscience obliged to approve, promote, and advance the Design, either by Commendation or Assistance; Both Magistrates and Ministers, Gentlemen and Citizens, Aliens and Natives, Lawyers and Officers, of this or that Judgement, Noble and Wife, mayor and Minor, but especially the Rich and Able, the Religious and Charitable, Married and Sole, that God in his Goodness and Charity hath blessed with great or competent Estates, or preserved them from grand Losses, Poverty and ruin more than many others, all to contribute more or less, their Guinies or their Mites, their good Words or Prayers towards this Honourable Design and commendable Work, that so it may be brought to a speedy perfection, for the conveniency, Health and well being of the Bodies and Souls of the poor distressed Prisoners, there being no other better way or means feasible or possible, to compose or effect the same by. The Design in all its parts and Particles being thus laid open to the view and understanding of such as please to red it; I account and assure myself, that the wisest, the best, and the richest, are so well satisfied, and so fully possessed, as on account of Reason, Religion, Interest and Charity, to be willing and ready to subscribe freely thereto; so that in Justice and Gratitude I am now only to take care, and give them an account what course I intend to take about the said Subscriptions, Collections, and Disposal; And first, in order to the obtaining the more and larger Subscriptions, I intend to Print this, with a Paper for Subscriptions by itself, and deliver both to all hopeful Benefactors, the more seriously to consider, and resolve thereupon, and shall be obliged to them that shall be so sensible, Charitable, and kind, as to recommend me to Strangers unknown to me, and so increase my number. And hope the good Ladies will be so pleased with the proposed enlargement of the Womens Ward for the better conveniency, accommodation and health of their modest and tender Sex, that by their pretty obliging Caresses, successful rhetoric, and infallible importunities, they will vouchsafe to encourage, induce, and incite their affectionate and indulgent Husbands to a free Contribution, and somewhat the more liberal for their sakes: Then in convenient time after delivery of the said two Papers, I resolve to wait upon each of them, to receive the said lesser Paper, with their Subscriptions thereto. Next as opportunity serves, I intend to collect and receive what is hitherto Subscribed and promised, and to pay it in as I receive it to the Right Worshipful Sir Robert Viner, or Edward Backwel Esquire, or to the Chamberlain of London for the time being, to the uses designed; or rather shall desire each Party will please to pay, or to order their Payments to either of the said Persons Treasurery, at their own choice; And shall proceed after the same Method, for the future Subscriptions hereto, and so as Money comes in, the first disposal is to be made to the Company for the said additional Ground, as agreed for, viz. 420 l. and after to pay for Materials and Work, as fast as Stock increaseth, till the whole Work designed be finished; And if we are so happy as to have an Overplus, then to buy, and pay thereout for Bed-steads, huts, Ruggs, and other necessary Utensils, for the Use and Benefit of the poor Prisoners, peculiarly belonging to the said two Holewards, and Rooms for the Aged and Sick: And if yet there remain a Sum, then to put it out at Interest into the Chamber of London, for the Relief and Release of the said poor Prisoners annually for ever, by Order of the Lord Mayor, Sheriffs, and Court of Aldermen, which will be a most inducive, perpetual, and secured Charity for ever. And now Gentlemen, the whole Account being finished; at this Period, you might very well expect your ease and quiet; And indeed, it was a huge content and pleasure to me, to think myself so near the end of my Task and Undertaking; But upon review, I fear not only the Learned and the Wits, but the Ignorant and the Covetous in the Reading, and in their Coffee-house discourses, may censure, accuse, and arraign me for a confident Fool, and troublesone busy body, that upon so small a stock of Brains, such meanness of Parts, and so inconsiderable a Reputation, should adventure to instruct and teach my superiors and betters. All that I shall pled in bar, and Justification, is; That the Defects are manifest and insufferable, proved and undeniable; the Cure must be granted then to be, and certainly is necessary and commendable, and as yet no other ways visible or feasible; The undertaking it was like to be troublesone, and give Offence to one or other, and the generality are laizy, the Rich busy, and the Wise cautious, the most indulge to their own ease, and few but love their own quiet; But I( by my place) was always in the sense and complaints of the said Defects, and so more under a duty of discovery, and care for Cure, and was necessitated to undertake it, because no body else did or would; and surely no more or better is expected or required by God or Man from me, or any, than our Talent, what our Head, Heart or Hand are capable of; And nice fitting of every word, and squaring every Period with Dashes, and Interlines, and fair Writing, is troublesone and tedious, and delays in our case are dangerous; We have lost already the opportunity of a triple choice of Ground, and if this last, all is gone irrecoverably and for ever, The whole Design is ruined, and the Prisoners perpetuated to their former Miseries of Stenches, Annoyances, contagions, Sicknesses, and a yearly Mortality amongst them, and no regard or care had of either their Bodies or Souls; And if impropriety of Language, Multitude of Words, needless Repetitions, dullness of style, want of true Method, weakness of Arguments, and too Magisterial expressions be my just Accusation, and real Crime, I shan't dispute or deny it: Let it be so, the Design is commendable, my Intentions good, my Zeal is harmless, my Confession humble, and my Submission is absolute; what would you have? if severe Justice condemn for this or that, Equity will relieve me, and Charity Seal my Pardon; and the more my Guilt, the greater is your Goodness, your Kindness, and your Honour; and to which I shall apportion my Thanks, and the Prisoner● their Prayers: And if you, or any body will please upon my Grounds and considerable Circumstances laid before you, to raise a more concise and powerful Piece, find out a more expeditious and certain way of attaining the end designed; I'll bribe you, pay for the Printing, and act any part in it with cheerfulness. To the Worldly and Covetous what shall I say more? but that I understand you better than to think you persons to be wheelded or stormed out of your beloved money or Freedom; The ground of the Design is truly stated, and the Inducements civilly laid before you, your Money is still your own, and your liberty is not impeached. If you think your Cash better in your Chest, in Trade, at Interest, at Bottomarie, or in your Coffins, rather than be Charitable, or trust God Almighty, much good do you, please yourselves; If we differ in Opinion I shan't judge, the just Judge at last will resolve the Point betwixt us; But I'm afraid Angels will not be bribed with gabs full of Guinies, nor St. George take an Army of half Crowns, nor St. Charles accept his own broad stamped Coin to led, Guard, and Defend them from the Grave, the Dragon, and the Gulf, to St. Peter; nor St. Peter or his Master set open Heaven Gates, without valuable Bills of Exchange for, and creditable Testimonials of their good Works and Charity here; and what better and more acceptable Certificate can be than this from the Poor, Needy, helpless, and afflicted Prisoners. And if all hitherto works not, the Sermon I hope will, 'tis Gods own making, so refer him thereto, and shall hope till the 11 hour is past; and if then God reward him for his labour with Wisdom, increase of Riches, and Heaven. For the Ignorant, I shall neither accuse, nor answer their Folly; only tell them, their Ignorance required multitude of Words, and Repetitions to furnish and feed their brains, and inculcate it into their Memories and Consciences; and if not yet convinced and converted, return them to the Prologue, and a second Reading. To my Honoured superiors and betters, Magistrates and Governours, what shall I conclude with? They are knowing and wise, good and Charitable, I have no cause to doubt or fear them; for if they please to accuse, I humbly confess; if they dislike, I decline; if they condemn, I submit, and what their Wisdom and Power orders and Commands, I believe and obey; all that I humbly desire or expect from them, from all is; That the Defects enumerated in the first Ground and Argument be duly considered, and the Cure timely applied, without regard or dis-regard to what I am, or what in my simplicity I have said in the Case, and then I shall have no cause to doubt neither the general Sense, nor the free Charity of the Wise and Rich, the good and the Religious; for Honour and Gods blessing, inward Content and Satisfaction, and eternal Enjoyment and Happiness, are abundantly sufficient Temptations and Inducements; I shall then have no occasion to trouble them, or myself, in this kind any further for the future; So humbly beg their general Pardon for this, present my due Service and Thanks, and oblige myself for ever, Most Reverend and Honourable Right Worshipful and Worshipful, And all Noble and Worthy Patriots and Benefactors; Yours perpetually in all Humility and Services. H. G. POSTSCRIPT. Gentlemen, UPon consideration, I have so high an Opinion of the worthiness of the Work in itself; And have so great a hope and confidence of the Goodness and Charity of a sufficient party, if not the Generality; That, for expedition, and saving of charges in Printing, and that you may receive the Honour of your own natural Freeness; I do forbear to add here the promised remaining part of my Sermon begun; but I have an Hour-Glass full of pro[er Texts ready collected, and methodized, Very many that abundantly set forth the exceeding Greatness and fullness of the Mercies of God our Father, our Exemplar in the Text, to the Poor, to the Needy, to Prisoners, and to all; And a number of other Texts both Preceptive and Directive, Inducive and Coercive, Rewardable and Penal, on Earth, in Heaven, and in Hell; with some Presidents of the Holy, the Good, and the Wise; and the different Principles and Practices, Fates and Ends of the Wicked, the Voluptuous, and the Covetous, And to such as would not believe, consult, and imitate Job, David, and Solomon, or Noble Christian A Farmer of his Majesties C●stonis or R●venue. Luk. 16.19 12.16.18.22. Mat. 19.22 Zaccheus, the free Publican to the Poor: I have quoted the end and unhappiness of the three Brother Dives's, to champ upon, viz. The Rich( Courtier or Citizen) in his Purple, fine linen, and sumptuous Fare; And the other Country Gentleman with his full Barns; And the Rich young Fool in the Gospel, that rather than give to the Poor, as Christ commanded him, went away sorrowful, and would not harken to, and follow him, but valued his great Possessions more, than Christ, and Treasure in Heaven; And the Dialogue between the first uncharitable Dives in Hell, Luk. 16.23. and Abraham with poor Lazarus in Heaven, is really well worth the Reading and referring to; And the other Rich Covetous Fool Dives, that Night, 12.18. in which he vapoured so highly of the fullness of his Barns, 19. and the Multitude of his Fruit and Goods, as sufficient for many Years, and designed his Ease, Voluptuousness and Mirth, 20. that very Night God required his Soul from him, before he could make his Will; For the Question was, whose then should those things be, which he had so provided, is a good Caveat also? But in this, and all that I have said, how Magisterial soever, Phil. 4 17. I protest nothing is intended by me to grace or offend any. Nor because I desire a gift, but yet I do desire that Fruit may abound to your own Account, 18. an Odour of a sweet smell, a Sacrifice acceptable, 19. and well pleasing to God; And my God shall supply all your Need, according to his Riches in Glory, by Christ Jesus; 23. And the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, 20. the Mercy of God our Father, and Blessing of the holy Spirit, be with you all; Unto which God and our Father be Glory for ever and for ever. Amen, and Amen. LONDON, Printed by W. Godbid for Nathan. Brooks, and are to be sold at his Shop at the Sign of the Angel in cornhill, Anno Dom. 1670.