IV.
That if possible (as surely it is) a way may be found out to set all such poor to work, and to compel them to labour who are able, that they may not live in such an idle and beggarly condition as they do; and that an effectual course may be constantly taken to provide and allow sufficient maintenance for such as through age or otherwise are im∣potent, and not able to work, so that they may not be ne∣cessitated to beg or starve, either of them being a great shame for such a wealthy Nation as England to suffer; and how great a scandal doth it occasion to our Profession of Christi∣anity? For better effecting hereof, be pleased to require the Minister of each Parish throughout the Nations, to have an inspection into the necessitous condition of the poor, and to set time apart every Week for that end, and according as he finds their needy condition to be, then constantly to provoke those as are under his charge, to discharge their du∣ty to the utmost for their relief; and that all other Officers to whom the care of the poor is committed, may be strictly enjoyned to see that sufficient maintenance be duly given to such, as occasion requires; and that from time to time diligent inquiry may be made by the several Judges in their Circuits, and at all quarter Sessions, how the Laws made in the Poors behalf are observed, & when breaches are found, the transgressors should suffer according to the Law & their demerits; that no neglect of so necessary a duty as this of relieving the distressed, may escape unpunished.