Proposals in behalfe of the poore of this nation.: With some briefe considerations propounded to the Honourable Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, now sitting at Westminster.

PROPOSALS in behalfe of the Poore of this NATION. With some briefe Considerations propounded to the Ho∣nourable Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, now sitting at Westminster.

BLessed is he that considereth the poor and needy Psal. 41.1. The merciful shall find mercy, Mat. 5. He shall have judgement without mercy that sheweth none, Jam. 2.13. He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his maker; but he that honoureth him, hath mercy on the poor, Prov. 14.31. The poor you shall have alwaies with you. Hide not thy selfe from thine own flesh, Isa. 58.7.

To give flattering Titles is contrary to that of Elihu, Job 32.21. Yet give honor to whom honor is due Rom. 13.7. They that rule well are worthy of double honor, To be subject to powers, and pray for them in Authority, is the duty of the people protect∣ed by them, 1 Tim. 2.2. Seeing it hath pleased him who is higher then the highest; to change the Governours of this Nation four times in lesse then sixty years, 1 Queen Elizabeth, 2. King James, 3. late King Charles. 4. The late Parliament. The 5. now entred. Which by the blessing of him that ruleth the Nations, may proceed to the establishing of righteous∣nesse, and judgement (having the eies of the former to see withall, and their shoulders to stand upon, may see further) it would be a reproach if they should not: It appears by their late Declaration, their fight is more like the Eagle, and soa∣reth higher towards the new Jerusalem (in expressions.) To

whom much is given, much is required. There are two baskets of Figs spoken of by Jeremiah, Jer. 24.3. one very good, the o∣ther very ill (so it is expected from this Commonwealth) the Harvest is nigh ripe, the Lord of the Vineyard will come, and will not tarry, to take an account of the talents he hath given forth. Let it not be offensive, he that hath but one ta∣lent, doe with the widow, who had but one mite, cast it into the treasury (that it may be improved) these are times of Pro∣posals; let one take place for the poor, the rather because Wealth maketh many friends, but the poor is separated from his neighbour, Prov. 19.4 Oppression of the poore, is a crying sin in holy Writ all along, the Lord will arise for it, Psal. 12.5. So is neglect of the poore, it was one of the sins of Sodom, Ezek. 16.49. to multiply places, were not suitable to those who are wise to understand these things already; a word is enough to the wise, howsoever it may be useful to mind them as Peter did, 2 Pet. 1.13.

It was the honor of Israel there was no beggar in it, it seems not many Harlots, the hire thereof was abominable; the number of Theeves, and Cheaters did not so abound as in this Nation (with grief it may be said) to the shame of it; the ground of these would be inquired into. A little view in∣to Salomons Proverbs will unmaske the fruits of idlenesse and evill company, Prov. 1.10. Prov. 2.10. It is suspected these times hath a generation of people make much gaine of them (as Harlots in Salomons time did) it is to be feared the Cities of London and Westminster, with the adjacent parts have justifi∣ed Ierusalem, as it did Sodom, the iniquity of it was pride, fulnesse of bread, idlenesse, neglect of the poore; two of the foure have relation to the poor. These Cities are lifted up to heaven with Corazin and Bethsaida in the means of the light of the Gospell (pray it be not brought down to hell.) The poor of this Nation are of severall sorts. The first such as are

Beggars borne, and so live and dye, never labouring in any calling else. A godly Minister once said (Dr. Siba by name) of them, marryed under hedges, children born in Barns and under hedges, there bapti∣zed, so continue to the shame of the Nation, and of the Gospel. The second sort are Vagabonds, and counterfeit Rogues; some dissem∣bling lame, some one disease, or soar, some another: Will not be cu∣red if they might; if any Officer come, they can run, or by a Coach side to beg, what their conversation is when they meet together, by drunkennesse and swearing, hath vexed many a godly soule passing by them (as Lot was) the patience of God is to be admired that they are not swallowed up with Korah and his company. These are such Job speaks of, viler then the earth in his account, Job. 30.8. These should be provided for by imployment, it is not sufficient to passe them from place to place, and correct them as the law requireth (this were cru∣elty) unlesse imployment be provided for them, if they wil not work, then let a rod be for the fools back. There are a third sort, that labor and get a little mony, then will be drunk, raile, and quarrel one with another, pawn their cloaths to vex one another by law, and when all is gone, burthen the place where they live; Their manner of reven∣ging one upon another, was formerly by resting with Marshals men, and setting Parators on their backs, for words; these Courts being downe, they rest one another with Bailiffs (a Bill of Mid∣dlesex, which is one of the grievances of the Commonwealth) with writs of the like kind, it is expected the Regulators of the Law will mend such abuses (if it hinder not their Mill from grinding.) Ano∣ther way these unquiet poor punish one another, they (trouble Con∣stables, disquiet their neighbors that would live quietly) run to a Ju∣stice for a Warrant, there is one shilling gone, bind one another over to the Sessions, there 2s. 4d. a peece, when they have drunk themselves friends, withdraw their Recognizance, then as much more to be paid, sometimes committed to prison, and a Sessions businesse is made of it; and their Neighbours must hinder their businesse, to attend to give e∣vidence (then more Fees to be paid) and all for railing and fighting when drunk. (Never look for amendment, so long as so many Offi∣cers gain by it, dangerous to name them;) how can these people be but poor, where they are permitted such pleadings, fitter to be rebu∣ked and sent home to their labour. (But how shall so many Officers live then?) Is there never a wise man in a Parish to order such people?

time was, when Certificates from honest Neighbours would have duckt them, without traversing (that is costly) time hath been, a whole street of filthy suspicious houses, hath been removed by a Certificate of honest Neighbours; now they swarme, none dare meddle with them, if they have but mony, or a companion that is crafty, and well acquainted with some unworthy Soliciter of the Law, a whole Pa∣rish shall be vexed from Court to Court by the worst of people, such as are not worthy to sit with the dogs of the flock, as Job saith, Job 30.1. (as before; these make worke, and bring gaine to many, little hope of amendment so long.) If any Neighbor reprove them he is revi∣led, or rested if he can take hold of any word, scold and provoke them on purpose sometimes. These are but the gleanings of the abuses of the skirts of these Cities (which are like the common-shoare) it is hoped to be better in the Country) one poor man to oppresse another is like a sweeping raine. Jer. 5.4. The sin of the poor and foolish is a crying sin, as well as the rich. These have grieved many a righteous soule, whose eyes have seen it, and ears have heard it.

But to come to the oppression of those that bear the burthen of the Nation by their industry, and labour, the blessing of the Almighty being with them, the laborious Husbandman, the Handicrafts-man, and all kind of honest Tradesmen, who would be glad to live quiet∣ly, but many times disturbed by unquiet Neighbors, and proling Of∣ficers, The corrupt Courtier, with his Purveyor, and Harbinger, the Prelates with their Courts and Parators, their perjured Articlers, the Star-Chamber, with the like, Court of Request, Marshal Court with their Crew; Yorke and Ludlow, with their perjured informers and all the rabble; all these are (by the mercy of God) spewed out of the Land; it were well some of the old Brood were not remaining still to bring sacks to Mill, to the Chequer and Sessions, and other Courts, dangerous to be named, these are the taile of the Beast, and sting the poor labouring man (the name of K. is down but the Game remains stil.)

An Excise-man is added to a Customer (but their honesty is not to be questioned, their fat and wel-liking, clears them all) if well con∣sidered by that time every Officer hath his share, it is doubted little comes to the Treasury.

There is another secret worme, like the Ivy windes about the body of the Oake, and feeds with the Viper upon the Bowels of the

body politique, secretly many times consumes a man, his name not known to the party consumed, (if he be) the Statute beares him out, no remedy to be had (though unjustly undone;) the upper part of the body he dares not meddle with, they are too great; the lower part have nothing to feed upon. Will you know their names, they are called amongst some of their friends, such as bring work to many Officers; but by the common people Pro∣moters (nay Knaves, what not.) Some will say a Commonwealth cannot be without them. Must evill men be tollerated, nay, re∣warded, by a Statute to take oaths? right or wrong, his oath must stand. By the mouth of two or three witnesses all things ought to be confirmed, but reward them, and give them halfe the Fine imposed upon any man by a corrupt Statute made in the times of Tyranny, and Popery. Compare the time they were made in, and the present; then consider the equity of them (with the Masse Book, much at one) and so intermingled one with another, it requires a Councel at Law to finde which are repealed, which not.

It is hoped they that sit at the Stern will blush for time to come to get any Treasure by such waies, either to the Chequer, or any other Office: but these Informers have a way to cousen them, and the people both (so long as the Statute stands unrepealed) com∣pound with people, borrow money of them quarterly; no man almost deals in any thing, but comes under some Statute, a Hus∣band-man if he breed not so many Calves, many waies more; Handicrafts men, Market people, Shop-keepers, one old worm-eaten Statute will take hold of them, revived by Jack and his Mate, they goe by twoes, the Informer and his Pettifogger, all are kind to them, as to the Parators, formerly (as they) so these awe a whole Country, the worst people comply with them: Now and then an Ignoramus or a man out of honesty, will not feed them, then sub-penae him into some Office; if fined then halfe is the Informers (this is to hire men to goe to hell) to do evill that good may come of it. Wherefore are the Clerks of Markets, Of∣ficers in every Corporation, to looke to disorders? Must there needs be an unclean spirit to vex all the rest, and to bring treasure to the coffers.

It were happy if those that have power would consider the custo∣mary

taking of Oaths in this Nation, that they may not be so fre∣quently urged upon persons, uncapable by their ignorance or pro∣phannes; can it be supposed he makes scruple of kissing a book, who takes the name of God in vain ordinarily, and swears to get mo∣ny? Doe these men ever punish Swearers, Drunkards or any o∣thers, where there is to them no reward? these are to ungodly men snares, experience tels; Ahab and Jezabell hire sons of Beliall to take Naboths Vineyard, the Jews did the like out of malice to Christ. An oath is a serious thing, to call God to witnesse, and to call a curse upon himselfe, it ought to be in truth, in righte∣ousnesse and judgement, Jer. 4.2. A gift blindeth the wise, much more the foolish and ungodly, when given by a Law, Consider what they are, for the most part, idle fellows that go up and down, eate and drink of other mens cost, who feed them for fear, not for love (would be glad they were rid of them;) It were well the givers of oathes, and takers would consider the flying Role in Ze∣chariah against Swearers and Stealers, Zech. 5.3.

There is another oppression of poor Handicrafts men, English and strangers, since the late Parliaments dissolving, hotly followed by Informers, set on by some Monopolizing Companies, who to keep all Trade in their owne hand, cannot be contented with their Priviledge of the City, but in former time got Patents by friends and mony, extending some miles from the City to bring all men of the same Craft under their jurisdiction, and pay to their Hals, though they dwell out of their Liberties: some Companies suffer no man to be a Master, though a better Workman then them∣selves, but whom they please; under pretence of seeing no bad Ware made; but never look after any thing but for their Quarte∣ridge to feast themselves withall. It were considerable to cause their severall Pattents to be brought to the view, that they might not tyrannise over their Brethren by their unknown laws.

They are very hot in persecuting of many Alien friends, who have lived many years, married Englishwomen, Children borne here, paid all taxes all the time of the late War here. Protestants in times of trouble in Germany necessitated to travell: Now most unnaturally they must be gone, or be their Servants; what shall their wives and children doe? Ingenious men, no exception, but an old Statute, it is considerable what is said in the 7th. part of Cooks

Reports, in Calvins case of Aliens, leaf 4. and 7. and what is said in holy Writ touching oppressing Strangers, Exod. 23.9. Levit. 19.23. Deut. 24 17. and 28. Matth. 7. Do as ye would be done unto: It is supposed the Laws of this Nation, are not like the Decrees of the Medes and Persians unalterable. Neither so perfect as that per∣fect law of liberty James speakes of: But oppressing of strangers is a crying sin, ranked with Fatherlesse Children, and Widowes, shedding of innocent blood and Idolatry, Jer. 7.6. would they that are so envious would consider what they doe, charity saith they do it ignorantly, not knowing what they doe.

The result of all here is propounded, a double object of pitty, to the bodies and to the soules of the (ungodly) poor, a company of poor creatures hastning to destruction, none say why dost thou so? Corrupt men, and Officers incouraged in their wicked waies by corrupt laws (if compared with present time) all these together, Idle and ungodly poor, with sons of Belial by Trade perishing, ex∣cept the Lord Christ by his grace, take pitty upon them. When he was upon earth hee wept to see a company of poore creatures without a guide; Ieremiah wished his head a fountaine of tears to weep for the sins of the people. Isaiah bewailed himselfe, David wept because the laws of God were broke, his example of governing is a good pattern for Rulers now. Psal. 101.8 I will early destroy the wicked of the Land. He resolved to sing a song of mercy and judgement, and to behave himselfe wisely at his enterance. If any bowels of compassion with Christ to poor soules, endeavour that of Iude to pluck some poore soules out of the fire, if by any means. Imitate God, Gen. 18.21. goe down, see whether these things be so; it is meant, condiscend to men of low estate, be not high minded. Rom. 12.16. These petty businesses, accounted by some, may bring judgement as formerly they have. Better is hoped.

Secondly, an object of protection, to rescue the honest labori∣ous man, from the tyranny of unreasonable men, and unseasona∣ble lawes. Pardon the plainnesse of language to those in high pla∣ces. Amos a man of low breeding, was plaine with the Rulers of Damascus and Edom; with the Rulers of Moab and Israel, no doubt his message was acceptable to the godly as the former Prophets, who were more elegant, and no doubt as testimonial, against the wicked Rulers. It is true, the poor Author is no Clerk, but read∣ing

so much of the language of Canaan in a Declaration of late, hath presumed to bring a little Goats haire to the building of this tottering Commonwealth. And shall pray that this great worke in hand may prosper: too great for men, except the great recon∣ciler of all things in heaven and earth, come in and make peace be∣twixt brethren by his spirit. The Lord give to those it concerns the courage of Ioshua, the Justice of Samuel, the uprightnesse of David, the wisdom of Salomon, the zeal and tender-heartednes of Iosias, and some measure of the love of the Lord Jesus, who laid down his life for his flock; the work is great, the people full of muttering, as in Moses time; the Lord Christ supply by his spirit to heap coals of fire on their head, by overcoming them with good.

J. R.

From my Chamber in London this first of August, 1653.

FINIS.