May it please your highness. This piece is composed for a groundwork in order to the regulation of the law, Which in truth, is the taking away of heavy burdens and the work of a general reformation; there is none that may more justly challenge a share in the dedication of it than your highness and your council, by whose care it hath been brought forth … At your and the parliament's feet therefore I do lay it down. And (knowing well your resolution to the work) I shall not need to use any quickenings to move you forward therein … It is probable that by this work you may bow the hearts of the people as one man, and unite them to you … To arise for the poor and needy, to set him at liberty from him that doth oppress him, is God's work, well becoming the gods of the earth. If we will be to the rulers that right (as laws) the things which prove grievous to the people, blessing will be upon them which help to take them away. And if there be any way for us to have our fasting and prayer at home accepted, and our works abroad prosperous, surely it will be by loosing the bands of wickedness, undoing the heavy burdens, letting the oppressed go free, and breaking every yoke. For while we speak oppression, and revolt, conceive and utter words of falsehood, the law is slacked, wrong judgment proceedeth. Judgment is turned away backward, justice standeth afar off, truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter … For to do judgment and justice is more acceptable than sacrifice.