Of a free trade. A discourse seriously recommending to our nation the wonderfull benefits of trade, especially of a rightly governed, and ordered trade. Setting forth also most clearly, the relative nature, degrees, and qualifications of libertie, which is ever to be inlarged, or restrained according to that good, which it relates to, as that is more, or lesse ample. / Written by Henry Parker Esquire.

Die. Merc. 11. Octob. 1643. An Ordinance of the LORDS and COMMONS in Parliament Assembled.

For the upholding of the Government of the Fellowship of Merchant Adventurers of England, to the better main∣tenance of the Trade of Clothing, and Woollen Manufacture of the Kingdom.

FOr the better incouragement and supportation of the Fel∣lowship of Merchant Adventurers of England, which hath been found very serviceable and profitable to this State: and for the better government, and regulation of Trade, especially that an∣cient and great Trade of Clothing, whereby the same will be much advanced to the Common good, and benefit of the people: The Lords and Commons in Parliament do Ordain: that the said Fellowship shall continue, and be a Corporation, and shall have power to levie moneys on the Members of their Corporation, and their goods, for their necessary charge, and maintenance of their Government: and that no person shall Trade into those parts, limited by their Incorporation, but such as are Free of that Corporation, upon forfeiture of their goods. Provided, that the said Fellowship shall not exclude any person from his Free∣dom, and Admission into the said Fellowship which shall desire it by way of Redemption, if such person by their custome be ca∣pable thereof, and hath been bred a Merchant, and shall pay 100 li. for the same, if He be Free, and an Inhabitant of the City of London, and trade from that Port, or 50 li. if He be not Free, and no Inhabitant of the said City, and trade not from thence: and that the said Fellowship shall have power to imprison Mem∣bers of their Company in matters of their government, and to give such an Oath, or Oaths, to them as shall be approved of by both Houses of Parliament. Provided, that all rights confirmed by an Act of Parliament, or ancient Charters, shall be hereby sa∣ved. And the said Lords and Commons do further Ordain,

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

That withall convenient expedition, a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 shall be prepared in Order to an Act of Parliament to be passed in this present Par∣liament, for the further setling, and full confirming of the Pri∣viledges to the said Fellowship, with such other clauses, and pro∣visions as shall be found expedient by both Houses of Parlia∣ment. This Ordinance to remain in full force, untill a Bill or Act shall be prepared and passed, according to the intent and true meaning of this Ordinance. And it is Ordered, that this Ordi∣nance be forthwith Printed and publisht, that all persons con∣cerned therein may take notice thereof, as appertaineth.

Jo: Browne Cler: Par.

〈◊〉〈◊〉: Elsyng Cler: Par. Dom. Com.

FINIS.