Long Parliament-vvork, (if they wil please to do't) for the good of the Common-Wealth: or, The humble desires of the well-affected, revived.: Tender'd to the most serious consideration of the Parliament, Army, and others, in XX. proposals, concerning I. Liberty of conscience. ... XX. About hospitalls and alms-houses.

Long Parliament-Work, &c.

PROPOSAL The First.

TH••t the civil and Christian Liberties (at least) of all good people respected (or comprehended) in the sixth Proposal of the Army, lately presented to the Parliament, may by Law be asserted and secured, and that with such penalties 〈…〉〈…〉 on such as shall presume to encroach upon, or 〈…〉〈…〉 the same, as that all may be detterred for the future ……ther Magistrates or o∣thers) from being in jurious to any on that account; for else it's an easie thing for any that have Power in their hands, to abuse it in some degree (or othe••) of persecution, (if they are minded) when they know there is not a Law to punish offences of that nature.

II.

That none may presume to take Liberty to themselves for comm••tting of Wickedness against the Law of God and man, in Murders, Adultery, Fornication, Swearing, Drun∣kennes, Oppression, Extortion, Bribery, Couzening, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and such like abominacions; there may be an Act with strict pe∣nalties to command all Civil Officers of the Common-Wealth (and all others) to use their utmost endeavours to bring all such as shall transgress any of the Laws made in those Cases, without fear, favour or affection to due and de∣served

Punishment; and in case it shall be (sufficiently) pro∣ved by two Witnesses, That any whomsoever have neglected their duty therein, they may be made very exemplary for such their neglects, in such manner as the Parliament shall think fit to appoint.

III.

That according to the ninth and tenth Proposals of the Army, which hath been taken into some consideration by the Parliament, Such persons may be intrusted with the management and exercise of the Government, who are of sutable spirits to the Good Cause and Interests of these Na∣tions, and to make way for the same. That all Aiders, As∣sisters of, and Adherers to the late King Charles Stuart, his Son, or any other person or persons whatsoever, of that party, against the Parliament or Common-Wealth of Eng∣land; and all other persons whatsoever that have made use of any Authority or Power under pretence of Law or other∣wise, to deprive or abridge any of the good people of the••e Nations of their Christian Liberty; or have, or shall express themselves in any way mockers, scoffers, or revilers of god∣liness, or of the professors thereof; or are otherwise scanda∣lous or loose in their conversations, or have not given good satisfaction of their affection and faithfulness to this Cause, may be speedily removed out of all Places of Power or Trust in the Magistracy, or other management of the pub∣like Affairs of these Nations; and that no such persons may be admitted into any such places of Power or Trust for the future. And in order hereto,

That all Charters of Cities, and Towns Corporate with∣in this Common-Wealth, which were granted by any of the K••ngs, or by the late Lord Protectors, unto the said Cities and Towns-Corporate, may be speedily brought into the Parliament, to the end that they (or such of them as shall be thought necessary to be continued) may be granted and se••led in ••he Name, and by Authority of the Parliament (as the Government is now constituted) and that in the doing th••reof, the Government of such great Bodies (or Societies) of People (as are in such places) may be committed into

the hands of persons who are fitly qualified for it; that is to say, Such as are the most eminent for godli∣ness, faithfulness, and constancy to the good Cause and In∣terests of these Nations, (as aforesaid) and not be left to the Management of so many (most of which fully discovers themselves to be none of the best in several places of this Common-Wealth) and how can it be expected that Vice should be punished by such as are vicious themselves? or Vertue countenanced by those that are destitute of, and E∣nemies to it?

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.

V.

That all children and youth who are capable of learning may be put to School (both rich and poor) untill (at least) they can read the Bible; want of learning being one great cause of much ignorance and profaneness (in the land) learning on the other hand being an apt means to direct in the performance of duty both to God and man, and doth not only capasitate such as have it oftentimes to gain a live∣lihood by it (when other means fail) for themselves & friends but doth also make more serviceable to the Commonwealth, and that good School-masters may be provided in every Town & Parish for that end and purpose; & parents & ma∣sters of families, rich and poor may be injoyned to put their children and youth to School as aforesaid, and the Con∣stable and other officers required to see that no neglect herein be committed, especially by the poor who usually are very remiss and careless in the education of their chil∣dren, which doth the more dispose them to evil (and to the manifestation of it) when grown to the age of men and women: surely this might be done without much charge, and the good of it will fully answer (in a short time) all the difficulties that are in it.

VI.

That there may be a Law for punishing of Felons, who steal above the value of thirteen pence half penny, more agreeable to the rule of Scripture and to humanity, then the Law now in being, which for a long time hath been ex∣ecuted on such offenders, to the taking away of life for matters of small moment; for doth not so severe and un∣suitable punishment rather harden such as are addicted to theft in that evil, then disswade from it, for such as are minded so to maintain themselves in an idle and wicked course of life, do in all probability often think, that if brought to tryal, through the importunity of friends, the Jury will encline to mercy, and the Judge to clemency and so they shall escape hanging, but if not they resolve to have (according to the old proverb) A short life and a sw••et, and regard not to think they shall come to such an end,

concluding that but few will be so rigorous as to take away their lives for a little monies or goods, or that they dare not do it; and if sometimes they escape the extremity of the Law; they flatter themselves with thinking of escaping always. Now oh that it might please the Parliament to an∣null and make void that harsh un-Scripture like and un∣equal law of putting to death for theft, and instead there∣of to make a law that it may be most severely punished ac∣cording to the degrees and manner of it (not taking away life at any hand) but compelling those that are able to make restitution, as Scripture doth direct, Exod. 22.1, 2, 3, 4, 7. but for those that are not able to restore, they may be kept close to work (if able) in houses of correction for a competent time according to the offence committed, or o∣therwise serve, be sold (or kept in prison) and doubtless this course if taken would more deter from stealing, then the way now practized; surely mans law should be as con∣form'd to Gods law as may be; and if they were so particu∣larly in this case of theft, it would be more for the com∣mon good of the Nations both here and hereafter, when an account must be given at Gods tribunal for all deeds done in the body, and then Law-makers and law main∣tainers, as well as law-breakers, must submit to the just and righteous sentence of their Judge; and hovv the in∣flicting of death for theft unrepented of, will or can be justified, we believe none can manifest, but the contrary may easily be proved both by Scripture and sufficient rea∣son, if any desire it.

VII.

That although its most requisite that a godly, faithful and painful Gospel-preaching-Ministry, be every where encouraged, countenanced and maintained, as in the seventh proposal of the Army, yet it is most humbly and earnestly desired, as it was formerly by the Army and ma∣ny other well affected people of this Commonwealth, that the way of doing it may be altered from what it novv is, Tythes being most apparently found to be very contenti∣ous and burthensome; extremity of the Law as to treble

damages being much made use of, and the paying of Tythes in kind in some respects in many places in stead of being the tenth part amounts to the fifth (or there abouts) and the payment of them being much scrupled (and that not altogether without good ground) by the consciences of many good people, as not being a Gospel maintenance, who are necessitated either to pay them against conscience, or else to run the hazard of undoing (almost) by enduring the execution of the Law, when the covetousness or envy of any will prompt them to exact the benefit (of that (harsh) law) of treble damages, and thereby also such Mi∣nisters, using such severity do occasion much dishonor, to the name of Christ in rendering the Gospel (in Scripture called glad tidings) to the poor very burthensome and greivous exactions; and surely if this un-gospel and Jewish like way were put to an end, and some other settled, much more consonant to the Gospel-rule, it would give great satisfaction, and render the Ministry more acceptable to the people, and their profession and injoyments would be much more comfortable to themselves and their friends; but here let there be no mistake in any, to think that such as are ignorant of the Gospel, scandalous and insufficient are at all desired to be encouraged and maintained, nay let not such be suffered to continue in the publike exercise of their calling or profession to deceive and destroy the souls of the people and their own together, but let them betake themselves to imployments for a livelihood, more expedi∣ent and safe for them.

VIII.

That all impropriate Tythes which belong not to the Mi∣nisters, but to other persons may be (still) paid as formerly, till a course can be likewise found out for taking of them away by giving satisfaction to the proprietors either by the supream authority of the Nation or by the people (who pay them) their agreeing with the owners about them in a way of purchase or otherwise.

IX.

That whereas the Farming of the Excize, Customs Post∣age

of Letters, &c. have been found to occasion much grie∣vance and many complaints from the people, who (for filthy lucres sake) have been rigorously dealt withal in many places of the Nation (as might easily be made appear) by the Far∣mers, especially of the Excise, who being by Law impowered to act as Commissioners, and so made Judges in their own cau∣ses, (a thing both unreasonable, and heretofore unusual) do ordinarily exact forfeitures from such as are either ignorant of or mistake the Law, & so have not only paid away their gains, but have been so impoverished and perplext, that they have often left Brewing, though it be the way of their lively∣hood, and thereby have been made incapable of enjoying a comfortable subsistence; and how easie is it to make them suffer unjustly, if persons will swear falsly, which how ma∣ny are ready to do for money, who make not conscience of an oath? And how needlesly troublesome are the searchers many times, in raising and disturbing the Brewers & their Families, who refuse to compound (at great Rates) with them, that they may (if possible) charge them (right or wrong) with making false Entries, and so make them lyable to the great penalty of the Act, and recover the same into their purses, by which (or like means) how exceedingly have many of the Farmers been enriched, and the people wonderfully enraged both against the Law and Law-ma∣kers, as well as against the Executioners of it? Now for re∣medy hereof, and that the said Excise and Customs, &c. may be improved for the benefit of the Common-Wealth, free from such oppressions: It is humbly proposed to con∣sideration, That the Justices of Peace in every County may when they know what proportion is charg'd on every County, (in which for a rule, regard may be had to what the Farmers have paid yeerly) allot or appoint (as righte∣ously as they can) what is to be paid by the several Cities and Towns, and other places within their Jurisdiction; and when every City, Towne, or other place, doth know their particular charge, then two of the neigh∣bouring Justices, with the Chief MAGISTRATE, or other civil Officers may once a year, or every six months,

(during the time as it must be kept up) use such means as they think best, to charge every particular House vvhich by Lavv is obliged to pay (according to Right and Equity) on∣ly from the vvhole vvithin their bounds, to take order that the full sum charged on each City or Tovvn, (or other place) may be ansvvered and satisfied; and it is not much doubted, (if at all) but that the Justices vvould once or tvvice in a year act in this business for the great good and ease of their neighbours; and vvithout any doubt at all the people vvill chearfully, and much more easily raise the Excise, and account themselves much obliged to have the business so ordered, and that a Collector may be appoint∣ed in every City & Town, & a Receiver-General in every Coun∣ty to take and pay the whole to the Parliaments Treasurers, as they shall direct and order; Certainly all places may have the charge which is imposed on them, raised by their own Officers and Neighbours, who will better understand how equally to divide or proportion the same, then such as are strangers, and do undoubtedly farm it more to raise great estates to them∣selves if they can, (as divers have done) then to serve the Common-Wealth by such an undertaking.

X

That in every County three or five of good integrity, (who have not any of the publike money in their hands to give an account of) may be appointed as Commissioners speedily to call to a strict account all manner of persons as Committees, Receivers, and Collectors, and others who have received any of the publike Moneys; and that the said Commissioners may (as speedily as is possible) return the Names, and the places of abode of all such as have any of the publike money in their hands, and likewise what sums they have, to the Parliament or Council of State, or to such as shall be impowered to receive and report the same, to the end that an effectual course may be taken that all conceal∣ed money, or whatever hath been gotten unjustly, by fraud or otherwise, may be recovered as the Parliament shall ap∣point, to serve the publike use in this time of necessity, and to help pay the Nations Debts; and let the said Commissio∣ners

be sworn to discharge their Trust in the matter with all diligence and faithfulness.

XI.

That in pursuance of the second Proposal of the Army lately presented to the Parliament concerning regulation of Law, and Courts of Justice and Equity, as that they may be a protection, and not vexatious or oppressive to the People of these Nations.

It is humbly desired, That all ordinary matters of contro∣versie or difference which doth or may happen to arise be∣tween person & person, may be heard & determin'd in the several respective Counties where the people live, or rather in the Hundred where they are committed or arise, without any Appeal, but to a Parliament when it sits, or otherwise to the Council of State; and that they may be monthly judg∣ed by twelve men of free and honest condition, chosen by themselves, with their grave or chief Officer amongst them, and that they may swear to judge every mans cause aright, without fear, favour, or affection; and that there may be a publike Office in every County to register all Leases made for any Land in that County; and also all Conveyances whatsoever, and all Charges upon the Lands, all Bonds and Contracts of any value, that so it may readily be known in whom the interest of Land remains, and what incumbran∣ces lye upon it; & every Estate or Charge not entered there, to be void in Law: And that the Country have the chusing of their Registers in their respective Counties once a year, upon a fixed day, and that they have plain Rules and Limi∣tations made by Authority of Parliament, and severe pe∣naltys inflicted for transgressing of them: And that in case of Appeals, (as aforesaid) a Committee may be appointed to judge what cases are needful for to be taken cognizance of, either by the Parliament or Council, and what not, and to put a period thereto, if they can; or otherwise to certifie the matter to the one or the other, for the Complainants obtaining final judgement in the case from the one or other of them, whom it may happen to come before

XII.

That it may be declared what Cases or Actions may be brought to be judged by the Courts at Westminster, and what not; and it is humbly and earnestly desired for the general good of the Common-Wealth, That no more then what there is an absolute necessity for, may be brought to tryal thither, by which means the people will be freed from much pain in travel, and from great expences in the prose∣cution of their business: Oh that this might be so consider∣ed of, as to be speedily granted, notwithstanding all the en∣deavours which most probably the Lawyers (for their ad∣vantage sake) will make to the contrary.

XIII.

That the Judges which are employed in the service of the Common-Wealth, may for their Salaryes have onely five hundred pounds per annum, each Judge, for discharge of their duty; and it is hoped that (since there have been such great Debts contracted in the time of the late Protectors Government, when they (as is informed) had doubled the sum above-mentioned, (if not more) and the Nation ha∣ving been so much impoverished by the Wars & long pay∣ments) they will be well contented with such a Sallary, being as much as (it is credibly reported) was their allow∣ance in the Kings dayes; and they cannot but say (if they will speak the truth) the Nation was not then in so low a condition by much, as now it is, nor at such great expences.

XIV.

That such l••mits and bounds may be set to the Power of the present and all future Representatives of the people, as likewise to the time of their sitting in Parliament, that they may bee in a capacity to govern and preserve the people, whom from time to time they represent, to assert and secure their Civill and Christian Liberties, to make War and Peace as just occasion is, and to act in all other things for their weal and safety, and not otherwise; and this for prevention of such inconvenien∣cies as will necessarily arise, if a perpetual and unlimited power should be exercised, and remain in any Parliament, as formerly was incident to the Government when a King or other single Person did bear the sway in these Nations; it may be account∣ed

too much presumption to propose what time this or any o∣ther Parliament shall sit▪ or how large or little their power shall be, as to the particulars of it; and therefore the whole is humbly submitted to this Parliaments grave and timely con∣sideration, hoping they will do these necessary works in con∣venient time.

XV.

That such qualifications and rules may be agreed on, act∣ed, and declared in words that are the most plain, and ea••••e to be understood, whereunto the people should by penalty be enjoyned to yeeld obedience at all times in the Election of their Representatives, and under this Head it is humbly and earnestly desired that such as have forfeited their freedoms to elect, and of being elected to serve in Parliament, by their voluntary aiding, assisting, or abetting any of the late Wars, which were raised by the King, his Son, or their Adberents a∣gainst the Parliament or other government of the said Com∣mon-wealth, may for ever be disabled from electing, or being elected, to the end the publike peace may not again be distur∣bed, through the endeavours of any so affected, which most probably they will be labouring after, in pursuance of their Malignant principles, if they be but admitted to share in the Legislative power with those as subdued them, it being very incident to persons when povver is in their hands to take all opportunities for being revenged on such as have not only subdued them, but caused them to raise and pay great sums of money out of their Estates for their Delinquency, the which vvas done by them that they might possess the rest, but cer∣tainly it cannot be rationally expected, nor was it so condi∣tioned by the Parliament or their Committees as we knovv of; That upon paying their Compositions they should be fully restored to the same or like condition as they were in before the Wars, as to the power of electing, or of being elected for the end aforesaid, except by some good service sdone for the Common-wealth they have demonstrated them∣selves to be throughly converted in Judgment and affection ••rom the error of their former evill ways.

XVI.

That such only may be chosen to be Representers of the people in Parliament as are generally reputed for men fear∣ing God, of good conversation and of self-denying publike spirits, and so suitably disposed to seek the preservation and welfare of the Common-wealth, and that they may not be despised for youth and accounted weak in Judgment, it seems necessary that they be at least aged one and twenty years, or rather twenty five.

XVII.

That the Sheriff in every County, and the chief Magistrate in every City, and Town Corporate, and two or four Com∣missioners, (the best that can be found) joyned vvith them may take special care that none appear to elect, or to be elect∣ed, but only such as are qualified for it, and if any other not∣withstanding shall presume to put themselves on that vvork, effectuall course may be taken with them to cause them to pay their Forfeitures according as by Lavv they shall be required, and the Commissioners as vvell as the Sheriffs and Magistrates to sign the Returns.

XVIII.

That the Councill of State may have full power established in them by Law, to call all such Sheriffs, Magistrates and Com∣missioners to account that shall neglect their duty therein, and withall according to the Law for regulating of Elections, as aforesaid, they may question any of the Elected, and where they finde them not chosen according to the Law provided in that case to reject or put them by from serving as Members in Parliament; and this to be constantly practised as the best way for admission of Members, or for excluding them from sitting; and much trouble and other inconveniencies will be avoyded which are like to occur, if the Parliament themselves at first coming together, should be the (only) Approvers or Excluders of Persons; but if the Sheriff and the aforesaid Commissioners perform their work answerable to the fore∣going rule, there will be none of this kinde of trouble to the Council of State at all.

XIX.

That a Committee may be speedily appointed, and from

time to time continued to consider of, and endeavour the ad∣vance of trade what lyeth in them, and that a constant re∣spect may be had thereto in the making of war and peace at all times, it being of so much concernment, towards the pro∣sperity of these Nations, and next to the safety of them, should be taken care of.

XX.

That all Donations of any and every Founder of Hospi∣talls and Alms-houses, and of such as have given any Estate to such charitable uses, may be onely made use of for future time exactly to answer the ends of the Doners, and to fulfill their Wills in the matter, that so those to whom of right the bene∣fit of them belongs, may not be unjustly put from it, as in several places they have been, through the corruption of the Officers or Overseers of such places; and surely it is in ustice (if not theft) in a high nature, to dispose of that to one, which was by those that gave it, assigned to another; and when such as survive, and are charitably minded on such an account, do observe the wrong or injustice done in such cases, how are they discouraged from such like works of Charity, when they see the charity of others so abominably abused before their eyes?

POSTSCRIPT.

MAny other things are most necessary to be done, as settling of the Militia of these Nations in the hands of such as are of known fidelity, and thoroughly resolved, faithfully to preserve and maintain the publike and good interest of the Commonwealth as it now stands, and the paying of the debts, e∣specially to the Army and Nav, with all possible expedition, ac∣cording to the late Votes of Parliament, and many wayes might be proposed how to do it, but it being informed that the Parlia∣ment are resolved to go through with that, and other good things, no more is thought meet for the present to be added, save most earnestly to intreat all persons, espe••iall, those who have been in∣strumental to invite the Parliament to sit, that they be very sob••r, and wait on the Lord with patience, seeking to him for counsel and his blessing on them, that they may go on in the work of their generation, without any other hasty or unwarrantable interrup∣tion; a thing most dangerous, and not to be adventured on untill a most palpable and great necessity doth call for it; which we trust the Lord will in much mercy prevent. Amen, Amen.