I cannot but be confident, that their Graces my Lords the Arch−Bishops, and my Lords the Bishops, will heartily join in this Proposal, out of Gratitude to his late and present Majesty, the best of Kings, who have bestowed on them such high and opulent Stations; as well as in Pity to this Country, which is now become their own; whereby they will be instrumental towards paying the Nation’s Debts, without impoverishing themselves; enrich an Hundred Gentlemen, as well as free them from Dependance; and thus remove that Envy which is apt to fall upon their Graces and Lordships, from considerable Persons; whose births and Fortunes, rather qualify them to be Lords of Mannors, than servile Dependents upon Churchmen, however dignified or distinguished.
If I do not flatter my self, there could not be any Law more popular than this. For the immediate Tenants to Bishops, being some of them Persons of Quality, and good Estates; and more of them grown up to be Gentlemen by the Profits of these very Leases, under a Succession of Bishops; think it a Disgrace to be Subject both to Rents and Fines, at the Pleasure of their Landlords. Then, the Bulk of the Tenants, especially the Dissenters, who are our true loyal Protestant Brethern, look upon it, both as an unwanted and iniquitous Thing, that Bishops should be owners of Land at all; (wherein I beg to differ from them) being a Point so contrary to the Practice of the Apostles, whose Successors they are deemed to be, and who, although they were contented that Land should be sold, for the Common Use of the Brethren; yet would not buy it themselves; but had it laid at their Feet, to be distributed to poor Proselytes.
I will add one Word more; that by such a wholesome Law, all the Oppressions felt by under Tenants of Church Leases, which are now laid on by the Bishops; would entirely be prevented, by their Graces and Lordships consenting to have their Lands sold for Payment of the Nation’s Debts; reserving only the present Rent for their own plentiful and honourable Support.
I beg leave to add one Particular; that, when Heads of a Bill (as I find the Style runs in this Kingdom) shall be brought in for forming this Proposal into a Law; I should humbly offer, that there might be a Power given to every Bishop, (except those who reside in Dublin) for applying one Hundred Acres of profitable Land, that lies nearest to his Palace, as a Demesne for the Conveniency of his Family.
I know very well, that this Scheme hath been much talked of for some Time past, and is in the Thoughts of many Patriots; neither was it properly mine, although I fell readily into it, when it was first communicated to me.
Although I am almost a perfect Stranger in this Kingdom; yet since I have accepted an Employment here, of some Consequence as well as Profit; I cannot but think my self in Duty bound to consult the Interest of a People, among whom I have been so well received. And if I can be any way instrumental, towards contributing to reduce this excellent Proposal into a Law; which, being not in the least injurious to England, A Proposal to Pay off the Debt of the Nation
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A Proposal to Pay off the Debt of the Nation
will, I am confident, meet with no Opposition from that Side; my sincere Endeavours to serve this Church and Kingdom, will be well rewarded.
A Proposal to Pay off the Debt of the Nation
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