I Joyn these two Bills together in one Case, because they are both now manag'd by vertue of two Decrees obtain'd (as I conceive) by mis-representations; and both of them also manag'd (at present) by Persons not suitable or proper (as is conceiv'd) for the Trusts of them: So as these Acts are intended to make the Trusts more publick, and Obligations to the performers of the Charity intended by both.
In relation to Your Lordships grandeur: I could not well reduce them into a lesser shape; and though they appear in a greater bulk then is usually presented, yet I assure Your Lordships they do not take above seven minutes to the reading of them; and I hope they will prove so satisfactory, that the concerning of my self in them, will be attributed rather to my Charitable disposition, (for I intend a good to 224 Towns, in 32 Counties in England and Wales) then an injury to any man. My aim being, that so great a Charitable Gift may not be hid under a Bushel, but set in a publick place, (as it deserves) and also manag'd by publick Persons, so as the light and reputation of it, and my clear intents, may be seen by Your Lordships, and the Representatives of those Counties and Towns where they are.
Protesting, that neither favour nor affection, or hopes of reward in this World, have in the least invited my endeavours for the settling these two Bills into Acts, for I have sufficiently contented my self, that I have given Your Lordships the opportunity of doing a great Good, by passing one, and giving the other a serene progress to the House of Commons: both being humbly submitted to Your Lordships wisdoms, by,