THE Case and Justification OF Sr. JOHN PETTUS, Of the County of Suffolk, Knight, Concerning Two Charitable BILLS now Depending in the House of Lords under his Care.  
One for the better settling of Mr. Henry Smith's Estate, according to the Donor's true Intention.  
The other for settling of Charitable Uses in the Town of Kelshall, according to the desire of the chief Land-Owners and Inhabitants there.  
Humbly Represented to the Lords and Commons in PARLIAMENT.  
For the better Regulating of them for the future.  
Printed in the Year 1677/ 8.   

MY LORDS,  
I join these two Bills together in one Case, because they are both now managed by virtue of two Decrees obtained( as I conceive) by weapons; and both of them also managed( at present) by Persons not suitable or proper( as is conceived) for the Trusts of them: So as these Acts are intended to make the Trusts more public, and Obligations to the performers of the Charity intended by both.  
In relation to Your Lordships grandeur: I could not well reduce them into a lesser shape; and though they appear in a greater bulk then is usually presented, yet I assure Your Lordships they do not take above seven minutes to the reading of them; and I hope they will prove so satisfactory, that the concerning of myself in them, will be attributed rather to my Charitable disposition,( for I intend a good to 224 Towns, in 32 Counties in England and Wales) then an injury to any man. My aim being, that so great a Charitable Gift may not be hide under a Bushel, but set in a public place,( as it deserves) and also managed by public Persons, so as the light and reputation of it, and my clear intents, may be seen by Your Lordships, and the Representatives of those Counties and Towns where they are.  
Protesting, that neither favour nor affection, or hopes of reward in this World, have in the least invited my endeavours for the settling these two Bills into Acts, for I have sufficiently contented myself, that I have given Your Lordships the opportunity of doing a great Good, by passing one, and giving the other a serene progress to the House of Commons: both being humbly submitted to Your Lordships wisdoms, by,  
My Lords, Your Lordships most obedient and humble Servant, Jo. Pettus.