LETTERS FROM BIRCH. 391 



The Star-chamber, in the institution thereof, hath two 

 uses; the one as a supreme court of judicature, the other 

 as an open council. In the first kind, your majesty hath 

 sat there now twice : the first time, in a cause of force, con 

 cerning the duels ; the second time, in a cause of fraud, 

 concerning the forgeries and conspiracies against the Lady 

 of Exeter ; which two natures of crimes, force and fraud, 

 are the proper objects of that court. 



In the second kind, your majesty came the first time of 

 all, when you did set in frame and fabric the several juris 

 dictions of your courts. There wants a fourth part of the 

 square to make all complete, which is, if your majesty will 

 be pleased to publish certain commonwealth commissions ; 

 which, as your majesty hath well begun to do in some 

 things, and to speak of in some others ; so, if your majesty 

 will be pleased to make a solemn declaration of them in 

 that place, this will follow : 



First, that your majesty shall do yourself an infinite ho 

 nour, and win the hearts of your people to acknowledge 

 you, as well the most politic king, as the most just. 



Secondly, it will oblige your commissioners to a more 

 strict account, when they shall be engaged by such a pub 

 lic charge and commandment. And thirdly, it will invite 

 and direct any man that finds himself to know any thing 

 concerning those commissions, to bring in their informa 

 tions. So as I am persuaded it will eternize your name 

 and merit, and that King James s commissions will be 

 spoken of, and put in ure, as long as Britain lasts ; at the 

 least, in the reign of all good kings. 



For the particulars, besides the two commissions of the 

 navy, and the buildings about London (wherein your ma 

 jesty may consider, whether you will have any thing 

 altered or supplied,) I wish these following to be added. 



Commission for advancing the clothing of England, as 

 well the old drapery as the new, and all the incidents 

 thereunto. 



Commission for staying treasure within the realm, and 

 the reiglement of monies. 



Commission for the provision of the realm with corn and 

 grain, and the government of the exportation and importa 

 tion thereof; and directing of public granaries, if cause be. 



Commission for introducing and nourishing manufactures 

 within the realm, for setting people a-work, and the con 

 sidering of all grants and privileges of that nature. 



