To the READER.

THis Account was intended long since to be published, but for some reasons that then offered themselves to consideration, it was forborn then to be printed, but is now thought convenient and usefull to be commu∣nicated to others, not only for the ends herein menti∣oned, and much lesse for any worth or excellency that is in it self, save only that it may fitly serve to revive and stir up the Corpora∣tion already appointed, who might long since have set this work on foot in this County, yea (I am confident) have setled it to the relief of the poor in generall, house-keeper or other, had not some few men judged a lion to be in their way, who I hope will be con∣vinced, either by this plain method chalked out to them, or by the multitude of petitioners their way, and propositions pressing the necessity to undertake it, with the facility of the work if once begun, and of what consequence it will be to poor and rich, tending to peace and prosperity in this nation, particularly and especially the Page  [unnumbered] Proposals drawn up by that ingenuous lover of his Country D^r Chamberlain, both excellent and methodicall, with sound reason to convince the doubtfull and satisfie the ingenuous lovers of their Country: so also it may fitly serve to unite the severall streams that run this way, bringing them all into one channell, for the more effectuall carrying on this Pious, Just and Honourable design: all which, with such other helps as are hinted in this discourse, with their Authors here mentioned, conjoined and committed to honest, active men, who affect this businesse, it may through Gods blessing make this flourish with outward prosperity, and may be a means to draw down a blessing upon all our affairs, considering that promise, If our waies please God, he will make our enemies to be at peace with us. For which blessing praieth,