The first Attempt therein , with the Difficulties and Intricacies .

The Condition of the Case being thus , the Wants so many , the Inconvenencies so great , and the prejudice so insufferable , and all so manifest and indisputable , and yet no one , any , or all in a capacity or possibility of knowing so well , so fully every particular thereof as my self , by my living so constantly , for so many years , at the said Compter door , as Master-Keeper thereof , in the continual view , sense and apprehension of all the said Defects , Prejudices , and Complaints , and the difficulty of ever obtaining and securing sufficient additional Ground for inlargement ; and the almost impossibitily of ever projecting and attaining any way or proportionate Assistances toward the Purchasing of additional Ground , and raising , and perfecting so grand a Design and Work ; especially at a time when so many good Gentlemen and Citizens , and the Chamber of London , were so exceedingly damnified , impoverished , and undone , so lately , by a destructive War , sweeping Plague , and consuming Fire successively : And when so many Churches , Halls , Colledges , Alms-houses , and Publick Buildings , do yet want , beg , and claim a Contribution to their Re-building and Re-establishment ; ruminating and reflecting thereupon , the multitude of jealousies and fears , discouragements and difficulties did so perplex , possess and confound my thoughts , so torment , discompose and macerate me ; insomuch that to ease my mind , and quiet my spirits , in my own defence I concluded and judged it best to communicate and advise , and troubled all my Friends and Acpuaintance with my continual discourses and arguments thereof ; and with patience and perseverance at length happily discovered , that few had any thing material , or confidence to oppose , only doubted the Issue ; but the Wisdom of some , the Goodness of others , and the Religion of many ( though of different Opinions and Judgments ) were so prevalent , that they declared a true sense of the said Defects , and the necessity for Remedy and Redress , did fully approve and value the Design , and freely and nobly comfort and incourage me by Promises and Subscriptions , and doubted not but the generallity would be equally sensible and free to so publick and incompatable a Work , so apparently necessary , so purely charitable , so perpetually beneficial , especially as being to poor helpless and comfortless Prisoners , otherwise remediless forever . Thus heartened , after a little pause and time , my own Sense and Zeal pressing , and Noble Divine Charity precipitating me thereto ; impatient of the delays and demurs of better Heads and more able Pens , I reconciled my self to the undertaking of stating and modelling the Design into form and method , and to multiply and marshal all Arguments and Inducements my weak Brains and interrupted Studies could muster up in the short time limited , and adventured to Print and Publish the same , which is the first Paper in the Proem mentioned .

The Progress .

Having dispersed the said first Paper , and finding such incouragement from the Wisest and the Best , chearfully to proceed therein , I was yet so unhappy as to meet with petty rubs and checks , and some unkind Oppositions and Disputes , which after I had pacified and satisfied the Gain-sayers , by clearing some misapprehensions , mistakes and prejudices , I presented my Paper for Subscriptions , and withall solicited the gaining of a sufficient proportion of additional Ground for the Ends designed , where most conveniently , and upon the best terms to be purchased , in Fee rather than by Lease , as being suitable to the Title in the former Ground of the Compter , to which it is to be annexed , which is the Cities ; and also as best husbandry , and less subject to exceptions and disputes ; it being thus for a perpetual injoyment to the charitable Uses designed , free from after hazzards and charge of a new Contract and Lease . But in the transacting thereof , I encountred also so many , so great difficulties and intrigues , both from the grand Landlords , who were unwilling to sell the Inheritance , and from the Tenants and Sub-Tenants , who ( having some a small number , others more , and the rest very many years in their particular houses by Lease ) were very difficult and averse at first , and not easily after prevailed upon to resign their Leases without troublesome demurs and disputes for their own terms ; insomuch that I was hugely disheartened , and so confounded between hope and fear , that I suspended all further sollicitation for Subscriptions ; and rationally , as being nonsense to proceed therein till I had agreed and gained a certain Grant of the said Ground at a reasonable value to enlarge the Compter , sufficient to contain the intended Chappel and Rooms , and make it more Airy , and convenient for remedy of the Defects and Annoyances of the former Compter , as designed . But at length , by an unwearied Assiduity and continued Importunity of one and the other , I have prevailed , on the Reason and Goodness of the Court , that the Fee of the said additional Ground is now offered and agreed for at 420 l. which is a proportionate value to other Ground so situate and disposed of : For which first step and happiness towards the advancement of the present Design , Gods Name be glorified , and his best Blessing accumulated as a Reward on all them and their Posterity who have been instrumental and contributary thereto , and the Prisoners who are to have the Comfort and Benefit thereof , will no doubt add and multiply their Benedictions in their continual Orisons and Amens .

Before I proceed any further , I think my self obliged by the Laws of Civility and Gratitude to insert in this Place the Honour and Names of those Worthy Patriots , who were so kind and charitable to subscribe or promise , at the time of my first presentation of my said Paper before-mentioned ; humbly craving their pardon if not duely marshall'd according to their Honour and Degrees , and none to take exceptions , if for want of a Register and Memory , I happen to omit any of their Names who were so charitable as to Promise , without expressing what Sum , or misenter others , resolving for the future to be very circumspect therein , and to give a true account thereof , with the Sum of each Subscriber .

SUBSCRIBERS . Lord Bishop of Chichester , deceased . Lord Bishop of Rochester . Sir John Langham , Sir Andrew Riccard . Sir William Thomson . Sir Samuel Barnadiston . Sir Gervase Elwes . Sir William Backhouse , paid . Captain John Jones . Mr. John Bishop . Mr. William Turner . Mr. William Penoyer . Mr. Samuel Moyer . Mr. Christopher Boone . Mr. James Clethero . Mr. Thomas Papison , paid . Mr. John Carpenter . Mr. Dutton Seaman . Mr. Thomas Dios Madam Hall . By Promise or Assurance . Lord Arch-Bishop of Canterbury . Lord Bishop of London . Lord Bishop of Sarum . Dr. Richard Perrinchiefe . Sir John Cutler . Sir Theophilus Biddolph . Sir Andrew King . Esquire Bond . Esquire Dashwood . Esquire Cullinge . Esquire Bolles . Collonel Mue . Major Brooke . Captain Hampden . Captain Moone . Mr. Aires . Mr. Barre . Mr. Brettons . Mr. Bailie . Mr. Briggenshaw . Mr. Bagnell . Mr. Collwell . Mr. Collclough . Mr. Dawes . Mr. Ducane . Mr. Elwes . Mr. Farringdon . Mr. Fox . Mr. Fethey . Mr. Gumbledens . Mr. Hobbert . Mr. Hall . Mr. Jefferies . Mr. Jaques . Mr. Jones . Mr. Jackson . Mr. Mohun . Mr. Morthwaite . Mr. Page . Mr. Scut . Mr. Skinner . Mr. M. Thompson . Mr. R. Thompson . Mr. Townsend . Mr. Vandeput . Mr. White . Mr. Whitchurch . Mr. Whittingham .

I have delivered also my first Printed Paper to many other worthy Persons , of whose free Contribution I have great hope , and no cause to doubt but that you will find their Names and Sums in an after List of all the Benefactors ; which I design to publish for the general satisfaction , that whatsoever is given and paid hereupon , may be truely known , fairly accounted for , and justly disposed of , to all and only the Uses designed , without abuse , injury or fraud , or cause of jealousie or suspition .

In the next place , I conceive an Account may be expected , what the Charge of the Particulars designed may amount to , which , though I cannot demonstrate exactly , yet according to the account of Artificers do assure you , the Opinion and Computation of some is 500 l. others 600 l. which with the aforesaid Cost of 420 l. for the said additional Ground , will make about 1000 l. in the Total : And shall add , that the other part of the said Compter , and the Offices belonging thereto , will cost the City about 3000 l. more . For Prisons are not to be built at the rate of dwelling Houses , they can scarce be made thick and strong enough , to keep Knaves and Rogues from Breaches and Escapes , as such generally there are : Iron is not sufficient to Bar them in , Mercury is in their Brains , and Aqua-fortis in their Breeches ; they are of the true Family of the Light-foots , Ubiquitaries , once gone , gone forever , to Terra incognita , or the World in the Moon , Greshams Telescope cannot discover them , nor Lilly himself retrieve or conjure them out : Let the Sheriff , Creditor and Goaler storm , whine and pine as they please , such are no way concerned in their loss , dammage and ruin ; cheating and debaucheries brought them in , and nothing else designed in getting out , till perpetrating their Iniquities , the Justice of God take them napping , tardy or frantick with the Fire of their Passions and Corruptions of their Affections ; and for their circumventing Brain , Hardness of Heart , Illness of Livers , Obdurate Spleens , Overflowing Galls , Putrid Lungs , and Stinking Breaths , fulness of Humours , and want of Noble Spirits , dye of the Meagrim or Palsie , Obstruction or Dropsie , Vomiting or Looseness , Scurvy or French Consumption , or the like adequate Distempers or Diseases , if the Devil account not with them at the Gallows .

Having given this Narrative and Account of the Ground and Argument of the said Design and Undertaking , with the first Attempt , and hitherto Progress therein ; as also the value and price of the additional Ground , and computation of the total Charge , with all the several circumstances thereof : Before I proceed any further ( as a previous preparative to the succeeding part ) I shall in this place enumerate some material Particulars , which many are not privy to , and few acquainted with , or otherwise would not remember , or well consider of .

The first whereof is , That the City Stock and Treasure was heretofore so ill husbanded , and so exceedingly exhausted , during the time of the twenty years unnatural and unhappy Wars , and reduced to so inconsiderable a Bank and Incom , and the late dreadful Conflagration hath so destroyed and consumed their Publick Edifices and Buildings , and thereby so exceedingly impaired and diminished their Proprieties and Rents , and the Charge of Re-edifying and renewing thereof requires so incredible and inexpressible a Sum , That the Magistrates and Councils by all their Study , Industry and Proposals , cannot yet attain or accomplish sufficient Assistances and Recruits to enable them to defray their present vast Charge and Disbursements , much less satisfie all other demands upon them ; so that at present there is such an incapacity and impossibility in the City to any Acts of Charity , or Works of Supererogation , that it would be an Incivillity , Affront , and Impudence to propose , or expect more from them , than the Building of that part which is requisite for the upholding of Government , and Maintenance of the Publick Rights and Interests , which ( as aforesaid ) will amount to 3000 l. and by experience I have just cause to fear , that that Sum will not easily or speedily be allowed or spared out of the Common Stock , but that a Necessity will be put upon them to raise or make it up otherwaies , either at Interest , or by Subscriptions , or Loan of the Magistrates and Commons , as a testimony of their respect and indulgence to the Cities Condition , Interest and Honour .

It is also manifest and observable , That the Particulars in Design , viz. the additional Ground for increase of Air , the inlargement of the two Holewards for Men and Women , for their better conveniency and health , the erecting the Chappel for the Ministers accommodation , and for the Frisoners to serve God in , learn their Duties , and way to save their Souls ; the Chamber for the most ancient , decrepit , and sick Prisoners to lye in , for the preservation of their Lives ; the Room for poor handy-craft Prisoners to work in , for the maintenance of their Wives and Families , are all new , not before , nor possible to be in the compass of the old Ground and Compter . Every one of which , without doubt , is perfectly necessary , and in Pitty and Charity worthy of all care and provision , by all that account themselves , and really are , and desire to be esteemed , either as commendable Governours , good Citizens , or true Christians .

Neither in the way proposed is there any Rent to be paid , nor any benefit to accrue to the City , the Sheriff , Keeper , or any Officer , or Person , for any the aforementioned Chappel , Chamber , Working Room or said two Holewards and Inlargements thereof ; but the Prisoners are to have and enjoy perpetually the benefit and use thereof , free from Rent and Charge , and so to be secured by Deed , and Register , and a Copy thereof to be laid in the Prisoners Common Chest with three Locks , and the Prisoners obliged to read over the same once a Quarter in open Court , to imprint their Title and Tenure in their Memories , and thereby insure the perpetual enjoyment thereof of to them and their Successours , and no possibility of ever alienating or estranging the same .

It is also very considerable , and an undeniable Argument and Inducement to the expediting the said Design , That the present Poul●rey-Compter now kept in Aldgate , is all above Stairs , no Yard , and very little Air ; and by reason of the Scituation , and thickness of the Stone walls , is extream hot in the Summer , and excessive cold in the Winter ; and is so small and close , and so many pen'd up together in the Hole-wards and Rooms , and so little accommodation , that the Prisoners have a most inconvenient and uneasie being , and very subject to contagious Diseases , and a Mortality among them , to the number of above 20 Prisoners dying within a years space , which is most sad , and worthy of a Christian Pity , and speedy Redress .

And the reason why this Ground of this Compter only is now proposed to be enlarged , is , because the other of Wood street was of a much greater extent , and the now additional Ground for this , will but little more than equal the other , which surely it well deserves , since 't is the Cities Ground , and Rent , which the other Compter is not ; and as being nearest to the Custom-house , and Exchange , and by concourse thereto , will somewhat the more regain and settle a greater Correspondence and Trade towards and to the said Exchange , and this end of the City ; too much ( of late years especially ) removed , and too little look'd into , and no care taken of .

It is also of very ill Consequence , if the said Compter , which is a Publick Prison , be suffered to be undertaken and Built by a Forreign Hand , at their own Cost and Charge , for private Interest and Profit , for so the greatness of the Charge must undoubtedly mount the Rent thereof to a proportionate sum per annum , 6 at least per cent . And if 10 , 't is but according to the general advancement in other Buildings ; and that vastly new rais'd Rent must necessurily be re-imbursed by an additional Chamber Rent , or Fees , or both , imposed upon the poor Prisoners , which will be a new treble exaction and oppression upon them ; whereas it is notoriously known , that the generality of Prisoners were ever heretofore by their Poverty unable to pay the old Chamber-Rent , which was small and inconsiderable comparatively : And if so raised , and the Prisoners be discharged before payment thereof , the Prisoners will never pay willingly , the Law , Judge , and Jury will never compel them thereto ; The Keeper then can never receive , and so can never be able to pay the said exacted new Rent : And if the Prisoner be not dischargable till he hath paid , then little hopes of attaining to ability or Freedom ; Poverty disables the Prisoner , and their disability incapacitates the Keeper , and so no Rent paid by either . Besides , upon this account many of the Prisoners , especially those who lie long , and so will owe very much at this exacted rate , will thereby through their Poverty and Inability be necessitated to a perpetual Imprisonment , till Death free them , and their Wives and Children famish and perish , to the Dishonour , Scandal , and Reproach of the City , its Governours , and Government , till the Parliament , or Common Councel in Justice , Pitie , and Honour retrench and reduce the Rent to what is equitable , convenient , and charitable , to the prejudice and ruine of the imprudent and improvident Undertaker .

And if it be not supposable , that any Projector , that hath Brains and Money , can be so inconsiderate and fool-hardy ; Then this Dilemma is irrefragable . That it will not then be re-built by any particular person with the enlargements proposed , at the old , or at a convenient Rent , and so either the now Compter must be continued in Aldgate , or that in the Poultrey be re-built upon that spot of Ground as heretofore , and all the recited Inconveniencies and Defects must be , as now in this , or as then in that , to the Detriment , Injury , and Ruine of the poor Prisoners , and the Dishonour and Scandal of the City and Citizens thereof ; or else it must be re-built with such Enlargements , either by the City singly , or by the assistance of others jointly , as I propose : The continuance of the present Compter in Aldgate , or the return to the like of the former in the Poultrey , is so unreasonable , destructive , and dishonourable , that all are of the Opinion and judgement for enlargement , and most for all the particulars of conveniency , and Rooms of Charity proposed . Then the Question only is , at whose Charge to be so re-built . If the City singly undertake it at the sole Charge of the Chamber , its present Stock as aforesaid , will not bear it ; and if taken up at Interest , the other Rent will not repay it by above 100 l. per annum , which will be an Annual , and in time become an insupportable Charge and Dammage ; and if the City raise the Rent proportionate to the principal Charge and Interest , then the case will be as aforesaid , equally injurious , dishonourable , and hazardous to the City , as to the supposed Forrein Undertaker ; What Councellour or Oracle can then propose any other more rational or feasable way ; but that the City be at the Charge of its proper part , for the upholding of Right and Government : And in respect to the Cities Condition , Interest , and Honour , and in Pitie and Charity to the poor helpless , comfortless Prisoners . That all that are good , Religious , and Rich , especially Citizens , lay to thei● helping Hands , for the perfecting of so publick , so necessary , so Charitable a work , and in ambition and emulation each to exceed the other .

Cum manibus multis grande levatur onus .

And Gentlemen , it is no exceeding great Sum that is desired or expected from the generality . Particular Congregations have the credit of advancing a greater Sum to the purchase of , and raising a Meeting-House ; and this is a Chappel or Room , the name whereof makes no real difference , both equally intended for the Worship and Glory of God , and good of Souls ; whereas this work is an additional perpetual Pitie and Charity to the Body also of the necessitous and afflicted , to the Prisoners who are lock'd up , and barr'd from Maintenance and Liberty , Societie and Ordinances . And Obedience and Gratitude , makes Charity a Duty to God . 't will also be a respect and Provision for your own Flesh and Blood , your Successours being no less subject to Providence , Casualties and Misfortunes , Poverty and a Prison , then the present Prisoners were in the Loins of their Predecessours . All parties have been , and therefore may be unhappy Prisoners . Again , 't is your particular Interest also . Blessing is the due reward of Charity ; the Prayers of the Prisoners multiply them , and the God of Power Insures them ; so you have Principal , and Interest , and Security . Your assurance also of Salvation depends upon Charitie , For Faith singly is invisible , insignificant , and Justifies not , but as operative in Works , particularly and especially of Charity ; and how can your hope then be otherwise well grounded ? Charity is a perfect Antidote against Covetousness and Baseness , Pride and Malice , and most other Vices , it is the Impulse of the Soul , the Spirit of all Graces , the Form of all Virtues ; Charity is the Excellency and Glory , the Perfection and Delight of God ; the Grand President and Exemplar , the Joy and happiness of Man ; the Em●●●tions , Effluxes and Issues of Gods goodness and Charity , being the Fountain , the Original efficient Cause , Soul and Life of all Glorious created Beings and Enjoyments . No Creation , Redemption , or Preservation without it ; No Pardon , no Heaven , no Happiness , but by it . Charity is the grand Moderator and Umpire in all cases of Equity , and Conscience , Joyns , Unites , and Cements , Governs and Quiets , Upholdeth and Improveth Kingdoms , Cities , Societies , and Families ; Moderates the Affections , and Regulates the Passions , Melts the Stony Heart , and makes the Bowels yearn , sends and gives Food to the Hungry , Apparrel to the Naked , Relief to the Prisoner , and Comsort to the afflicted : Charity is the Wedding Garment , the distinguishing Character , the way to Heaven , the Title to the right Hand of God , and to the highest Mansions ; A Mite of it is of more value than a Hecatomb , For it is the Grand Communicative Magnetick Spirit , the true Noble Elixir . Divine Eternal Charity is the Image and beloved of God , The Honour of good Men , the duty of Christians , the delight of Saints ; and through Mercy and Grace , the Meritorious Inheritour of all Blessings ; and Rewards , Happiness and Heaven .

But Worthy Sir , When I had not scribbled beyond this Period , and at your casual cursory Reading of it , you being so possest and free , as presently to promise me 5 l. towards the Work ; I cannot think fit to proceed , till I have paid my due acknowledgement , and Thanks to you for such your Noble Charity : Indeed Master , it was more than I expected ; your Losses I doubt not have been very many , and know your Charge to be much greater than most Persons , and yield that there are other obliging Objects of Charity , but yet none Sir , that I find and conceive to be more , if so naturally and comparably inducive ; And may the God of Mercy and Power return to you and yours Ten Thousand Guinies , and Eternal Mansions for Reward . But good Sir , be pleased to add to this kindness , to recommend me to others , and prepare them with your powerful Language , and Interest in them ; for I have a hard task , and am affraid the Generality are become so Irreligious and Atheistical , so unnatural and uncharitable , so covetous and tenacious , or so profuse and prodigal , so dull and deaf , so averse and sear'd , that no Language that I ( who am so weak , so mean , and low Spirited ) can use , will incline , convince , and prevail upon them ; And that 's the reason indeed , why , the better to strengthen and enforce my Arguments , and fix and secure all parties , but Atheists ; and so ground and insure my hopes , I choose to add a Sermon of God Almighties own making , all Scripture and nothing else , least the Reverend Black , or Spiritual Gray , should account it an intrasion or presumption unpardonable , find fault , or take exception , and prejudice or scandalize me or the Design ; But because it is somewhat numerous in the Texts quoted , and will be too long a Parenthesis in this place ; I have transmitted it at the end of my Discourse for a Refuge , and shall only here acquaint and prepare you a little with my Text , and its Analysis and Coherence , and so refer you .

The Text is Luk . 6.36 . Be ye therefore Merciful , as your Father is Merciful .

WHen Jesus had lifted up his Eyes on his Disciples , and said , Blessed are ye Poor , for yours is the Kingdom of God , ver . 20. And pronounced Wo unto the Rich that had received their consolation , ver . 24 And to the full and merry Wo and Hunger , Mourning and Weeping . ver . 25. And a Wo to them that seen or receive universal applause ; the accusation of their Fath●● to the false Prophets , ver . 26 , & 27 , He thus Lectures them . B●●● say unto you ( which hear ) Love do good to , Bless . pray for , ( whom ) your Enemies , which hate you , which Curse , Strike or Rob you . And in ver . 30. Saith , Give to every Man that asketh , and ask not again thy Goods of him that took them : and do you as you would have Men should do to you , ver . 31. Then from the 32. to the 34. tells them , How thankless Love for Love , Good for Good , Loan to receive again , is ; for Sinners do even the same . And ver . 35. re-chargeth them . But love ye ( the same again ) your Enemies ; Do good and lend , hoping for nothing again . And what then ? Your Reward shall be great , Ye shall be the Children of the Highest , For he is kind unto the unthankful , and to the Evil ; And then knits and folds up all in this 36 ver .

Therefore be ye Merciful , as your Father is Merciful . Or otherwise thus .

Therefore , for the reasons aforesaid , I Jesus say , ver . 27. Be , ( imperative ) Command , ●e my Apostles , my Disciples , my chosen , ver . 13. Ye , the Multitude of People , ver . 17. which hear , ver . 27. Ye that will , that shall be the Children of the Highest , and have great Reward , ver . 35. be what ? Be ye therefore Merciful ; and the Pattern , the Exemplar is , as your Father is Merciful ; your Father the Highest , who is kind to the unthankful , and to the Evil , ver . 35.

Be therefore ye Merciful , as your Father is Merciful . And so much for this place and time .

And therefore let us Pray ,

Almighty and most Merciful Lord God , Our Father which art in Heaven , who givest us our daily Bread , and forgivest our Trespasses , our Debts , and leads us not into Temptation , but deliverest us from Evil ; Grant I most humbly beg , that these words which thy beloved Son our Merciful Saviour Jesus Christ hath said , and are written for our Instruction , may , through the Grace of thy Holy Spirit , be so graffed inwardly in all our Hearts , that they may bring forth in us the Fruits of the Spirit , in some 30 , in some 60 , in some an 100 fold , in all some ; and make us Merciful , as thou our Father art Merciful : That so we may be the Children of the Highest , and receive a great Reward ; and this again I humbly beg , O Merciful Father , for Jesus Christ his sake , Our only Mediator and Advocate ; To whom with the Holy Ghost , three Persons and one God , be ascribed all Power , Glory , and Praise for ever , and for ever . Amen .

And Gentlemen ; Now I have given you this ample Account of all the substantial parts , with the material Circumstances and Considerations thereto belonging , and call'd in Magnetick Omnipotent Charity for Influence and Aid , and quoted the unquestionable Word of God , for testimony and Edification ; I take it for granted that abundantly enough is said to justify the present Design to be perfectly necessary , and highly commendable , and of sufficient Argument and Potency to convince and induce all persons that have a clear brain , a good heart , and a Noble Soul , a moral Principle , and a Christian Spirit , that have any regard to God or Man , Religion or Reason , to the publick good , or to the Cities Honour , to their own worldly Interest , or their Eternal Happiness , to judge themselves in duty , Prudence , Policy , and Conscience obliged to approve , promote , and advance the Design , either by Commendation or Assistance ; Both Magistrates and Ministers , Gentlemen and Citizens , Aliens and Natives , Lawyers and Officers , of this or that Judgement , Noble and Wife , Major and Minor , but especially the Rich and Able , the Religious and Charitable , Married and Sole , that God in his Goodness and Charity hath blessed with great or competent Estates , or preserved them from grand Losses , Poverty and Ruine more than many others , all to contribute more or less , their Guinies or their Mites , their good Words or Prayers towards this Honourable Design and commendable Work , that so it may be brought to a speedy perfection , for the conveniency , Health and well being of the Bodies and Souls of the poor distressed Prisoners , there being no other better way or means feasable or possible , to compose or effect the same by .

The Design in all its parts and Particles being thus laid open to the view and understanding of such as please to read it ; I account and assure my self , that the wisest , the best , and the richest , are so well satisfyed , and so fully possest , as on account of Reason , Religion , Interest and Charity , to be willing and ready to subscribe freely thereto ; so that in Justice and Gratitude I am now only to take care , and give them an account what course I intend to take about the said Subscriptions , Collections , and Disposal ; And first , in order to the obtaining the more and larger Subscriptions , I intend to Print this , with a Paper for Subscriptions by it self , and deliver both to all hopeful Benefactors , the more seriously to consider , and resolve thereupon , and shall be obliged to them that shall be so sensible , Charitable , and kind , as to recommend me to Strangers unknown to me , and so increase my number . And hope the good Ladies will be so pleas'd with the propos'd enlargement of the Womens Ward for the better conveniency , accommodation and health of their modest and tender Sex , that by their pretty obliging Caresses , successful Rhetorick , and infallible importunities , they will vouchsafe to encourage , induce , and incite their affectionate and indulgent Husbands to a free Contribution , and somewhat the more liberal for their sakes : Then in convenient time after delivery of the said two Papers , I resolve to wait upon each of them , to receive the said lesser Paper , with their Subscriptions thereto . Next as opportunity serves , I intend to collect and receive what is hitherto Subscribed and promised , and to pay it in as I receive it to the Right Worshipful Sir Robert Viner , or Edward Backwel Esquire , or to the Chamberlain of London for the time being , to the uses designed ; or rather shall desire each Party will please to pay , or to order their Payments to either of the said Persons Treasurery , at their own choice ; And shall proceed after the same Method , for the future Subscriptions hereto , and so as Money comes in , the first disposal is to be made to the Company for the said additional Ground , as agreed for , viz. 420 l. and after to pay for Materials and Work , as fast as Stock increaseth , till the whole Work designed be finished ; And if we are so happy as to have an Overplus , then to buy , and pay thereout for Bed-steads , Hutts , Ruggs , and other necessary Utensils , for the Use and Benefit of the poor Prisoners , peculiarly belonging to the said two Holewards , and Rooms for the Aged and Sick : And if yet there remain a Sum , then to put it out at Interest into the Chamber of London , for the Relief and Release of the said poor Prisoners annually for ever , by Order of the Lord Mayor , Sheriffs , and Court of Aldermen , which will be a most inducive , perpetual , and secured Charity for ever .

And now Gentlemen , the whole Account being finished ; at this Period , you might very well expect your ease and quiet ; And indeed , it was a huge content and pleasure to me , to think my self so near the end of my Task and Undertaking ; But upon review , I fear not only the Learned and the Wits , but the Ignorant and the Covetous in the Reading , and in their Coffee-house discourses , may censure , accuse , and arraign me for a confident Fool , and troublesome buisy bodie , that upon so small a stock of Brains , such meanness of Parts , and so inconsiderable a Reputation , should adventure to instruct and teach my Superiours and betters . All that I shall plead in Barr , and Justification , is ; That the Defects are manifest and insufferable , proved and undeniable ; the Cure must be granted then to be , and certainly is necessary and commendable , and as yet no other ways visible or feasible ; The undertaking it was like to be troublesome , and give Offence to one or other , and the generality are laizy , the Rich buisy , and the Wise cautious , the most indulge to their own ease , and few but love their own quiet ; But I ( by my place ) was always in the sence and complaints of the said Defects , and so more under a duty of discovery , and care for Cure , and was necessitated to undertake it , because no body else did or would ; and surely no more or better is expected or required by God or Man from me , or any , than our Talent , what our Head , Heart or Hand are capable of ; And nice fitting of every word , and squaring every Period with Dashes , and Interlines , and fair Writing , is troublesome and tedious , and delays in our case are dangerous ; We have lost already the opportunity of a treble choice of Ground , and if this last , all is gone irrecoverably and for ever , The whole Design is ruined , and the Prisoners perpetuated to their former Miseries of Stenches , Annoyances , contagions , Sicknesses , and a yearly Mortality amongst them , and no regard or care had of either their Bodies or Souls ; And if impropriety of Language , Multitude of Words , needless Repetitions , dulness of Stile , want of true Method , weakness of Arguments , and too Magisterial expressions be my just Accusation , and real Crime , I shan't dispute or deny it : Let it be so , the Design is commendable , my Intentions good , my Zeal is harmless , my Confession humble , and my Submission is absolute ; what would you have ? if severe Justice condemn for this or that , Equity will relieve me , and Charity Seal my Pardon ; and the more my Guilt , the greater is your Goodness , your Kindness , and your Honour ; and to which I shall apportion my Thanks , and the Prisoner● their Prayers : And if you , or any body will please upon my Grounds and considerable Circumstances laid before you , to raise a more concise and powerful Piece , find out a more expeditious and certain way of attaining the end designed ; I 'le bribe you , pay for the Printing , and act any part in it with chearfulness . To the Worldly and Covetous what shall I say more ? but that I understand you better than to think you persons to be wheelded or storm'd out of your beloved Mony or Freedom ; The ground of the Design is truly stated , and the Inducements civily laid before you , your Money is still your own , and your liberty is not impeacht . If you think your Cash better in your Chest , in Trade , at Interest , at Bottomarie , or in your Coffins , rather than be Charitable , or trust God Almighty , much good do you , please your selves ; If we differ in Opinion I shan't judge , the just Judge at last will resolve the Point betwixt us ; But I 'm affraid Angels will not be bribed with baggs full of Guinies , nor St. George take an Army of half Crowns , nor St. Charles accept his own broad stamp'd Coin to Lead , Guard , and Defend them from the Grave , the Dragon , and the Gulf , to St. Peter ; nor St. Peter or his Master set open Heaven Gates , without valuable Bills of Exchange for , and creditable Testimonials of their good Works and Charity here ; and what better and more acceptable Certificate can be than this from the Poor , Needy , helpless , and afflicted Prisoners . And if all hitherto works not , the Sermon I hope will , 't is Gods own making , so refer him thereto , and shall hope till the 11 hour is past ; and if then God reward him for his labour with Wisdom , increase of Riches , and Heaven . For the Ignorant , I shall neither accuse , nor answer their Folly ; only tell them , their Ignorance required multitude of Words , and Repetitions to furnish and feed their brains , and inculcate it into their Memories and Consciences ; and if not yet convinc'd and converted , return them to the Prologue , and a second Reading .

To my Honoured Superiours and betters , Magistrates and Governours , what shall I conclude with ? They are knowing and wise , good and Charitable , I have no cause to doubt or fear them ; for if they please to accuse , I humbly confess ; if they dislike , I decline ; if they condemn , I submit , and what their Wisdom and Power orders and Commands , I believe and obey ; all that I humbly desire or expect from them , from all is ; That the Defects enumerated in the first Ground and Argument be duly considered , and the Cure timely applyed , without regard or dis-regard to what I am , or what in my simplicity I have said in the Case , and then I shall have no cause to doubt neither the general Sense , nor the free Charity of the Wise and Rich , the good and the Religious ; for Honour and Gods blessing , inward Content and Satisfaction , and eternal Enjoyment and Happiness , are abundantly sufficient Temptations and Inducements ; I shall then have no occasion to trouble them , or my self , in this kind any further for the future ; So humbly beg their general Pardon for this , present my due Service and Thanks , and oblige my self for ever ,