ENGLANDS Interest and Improve­ment consists chiefly in the increase of store and trade.

Store comprehendeth all such commodities, Of store and trade in general. as either the soil, or people of this nation are capable to produce, which are ei­ther usefull at home, or valuable abroad.

Trade is the means; by which a nation may procure what they want from abroad, and vent to the best advantage, what ever may be spa­red of their own increase at home.

Of store there are properly two sorts, natural and artificial.

Our natural store may also be divided into three parts.

First the annual increase of the soil, which consists chiefly in corn of all sorts, and all the best sorts of cattel.

Secondly, the product of our mines, of [Page 2] lead, tin, iron, coal, allum, and the like.

Thirdly, the great plenty of fish our seas na­turally afford, of which we might reap un­known advantages, were our fishing trade rightly improved.

Our Artificial store consists in the manufa­cture and Industry of the people, of which the chiefest in this nation are the manufactures of woollen clothes, and all other sorts of woollen stuffs, linen cloth, silk, stuffs, ribbandings, stockings, laces, and the like.

In trade there may be likewise said to be two kinds.

The one trade at home, one with another: the other our trade, or traffick abroad with strangers.

And in each of these particulars, by the bounty of nature and divine providence, this nation doth not onely equal any neighbour countrey, but far excels in all the most profit­able advantages.

France we know to be a nation, Of the trade of France. rich, popu­lous and plentifull; and this onely by the in­crease of its own store, raised both by the fruit of the soil, and industry of the people; consist­ing in corn, wine, and many sorts of fruits, and great manufactures of all sorts of silks, linen­clothes, laces, and many other rich commodi­ties, which do not onely store them at home, with what they need, but by the overplus pro­vides [Page 3] for all things else, they necessarily want from abroad; with plenty of money to boot.

Holland hath not much of its own store, Of the trade of Hol­land. especially not answerable to supply the wants of that nation; and yet by their industrious di­ligence in trade, they are not onely furnished with whatsoever the world affords and they want, but by the profit of their trade they ex­cel in plenty and riches, all their neighbour na­tions.

Two things therefore appear to be chiefly necessary, Riches and people neces­sary to in­crease the greatness and power of a nation. to make a nation great, and power­full; which is to be rich, and populous; and this nation enjoying together all those advantages, with part whereof onely, others grow great and flourishing; and withall, a Prince, who above all things delights and glories in his peoples happiness: this nation can expect no less then to become the most great, and flourishing of all others.

But private advantages are often impedi­ments of publick profit; The preju­dice private Interests often are to publick ad­vantages. for in what any single person shall be a looser, there, endeavours will be made to hinder the publick gain, from whence proceeds the ill success that commonly attends the endeavours for publick good; for commonly it is but coldly prosecuted, because the benefit may possibly be something remote from them that promote it; but the mischief known and certain to them that oppose it, and [Page 4] Interest more then reason commonly sways most mens affections.

Whereby it may appear, how necessary it is that the publick profits should be in a single power to direct, whose Interest is onely the be­nefit of the whole.

The greatest thing therefore that any Prince can aim at, How to in­crease the people of this nation. is to make his dominions rich and populous, and by what means it may be effect­ed in this nation, beyond all neighbour coun­treys, I shall endeavour to demonstrate: People and plenty are commonly the begetters the one of the other, if rightly ordered.

And first to increase the people of this na­tion, permission would be given to all people of foreign countreys, under such restrictions as the state shall think fit, freely to inhabit and reside within this kingdom, with liberty to buy or sell lands or goods, to import or export any commodities, with the like priviledge and free­dom that English men have.

This would quickly increase the number of our people, and multiply our riches: for those people that would come from other countreys to inhabit here, would also bring their riches with them, which if they laid out in the purcha­sing of estates, or improvement of our trade, or were onely their persons rightly employed; it might very much increase, both the riches and power of this nation.

[Page 5] But it may be demanded why we should ex­pect that people should leave their own native countreys to come and inhabit here, Why forei­ners desire to inhabit here. when they enjoy already as many priviledges as here are offered them.

These reasons may be given,

First, The first reason. that this countrey in it self is as plea­sant, or more pleasant, healthfull, fruitfull and temperate then any other.

Secondly, [...] second. that our laws, government▪ [...] disposition of the people I may say, are not [...] ­ly as good, but much better then any [...] for the ease, quiet, peace and security of the people▪

Thirdly, The third reason. if our trade and manufactures were but improved to that advantage, as they are capable of, there would be no countrey in the world, where industrious people might im­prove their estates, and grow more rich, then in this; and the hope of gain commonly bears so great a sway amongst men, that it is alone sufficient to prevail with most▪

Fourthly, The fourth reason. this being the most eminent and intire countrey of all others, that profess the Protestant Religion (which profession is very numerous in most of the other countreys of Europe, but many of them under constraint and danger, and the free liberty of mens con­sciences with security to their persons, being above all things most desireable) it cannot be [Page 6] doubted, or denied (were those impediments removed, that now may hinder) but we might be sufficiently stored with wealthy and indu­strious people, from all parts of Europe. Reasons shewing the advantages the Prince of this na­tion hath, by prefer­ring the Protesta [...] Religi [...] onely.

And were there not so many divine reasons to prefer the Protestant Religion before all o­thers, as being doubtless above all the most free from vain and superstitious beliefs and ce­remonies, being the onely model of true piety [...] vertue, without those allays of pretended [...] evils, that some abound with; contriving [...] murder, treason and mischief, to advance their opinions, I say, if there were not these reasons for it, but that the Protestant Religion wanted this unvaluable worth, to prefer it be­fore others, and suppose it onely equal with the rest; yet in humane prudence it is most eligible, and to be preferred by the Prince of this nati­on before all others.

First, The first reason. because thereby, he remains the onely Supreme, under God, in these dominions; and controllable by none: whereby his power in government is much confirmed, and the peace of his people secured; when if it were other­wise (as in some it is) that mens consciences were at the dispose of others; who use their power onely to the advancement of their own wealth, pride and greatness; it cannot be avoid­ed, but that the Princes Interest and theirs may often differ; which can never happen but to the [Page 7] Princes great hazard, and peoples ruine; of which truth, there hath been already too many sad examples in this kingdom; so as I conceive, there needs little more be said to perswade a Prince, to prefer his own peace, security and freedom, above the perswasions of any, that onely seek their own private Interest, and ad­vantage.

Secondly, The second reason. for the Prince of this nation, to profess the reformed Protestant Religion, is a matter of greatest policy and prudence, for the advance of his own power and greatness: For as it is said before, considering how desireable the countrey is in it self, and the onely chief in Europe of this profession; and the hazardous and dangerous condition of those in other countreys, and the power that the perswasions of mens consciences have, to prevail with them, he may always be assured of this, that where any of this profession in other countreys, shall happen to be persecuted or injured, by a strong­er party of a contrary belief, their refuge will certainly be to him, either to be received as his Subjects in his own countrey, or else to offer their service to help him to become Lord of their own; or otherwise, if quarrels or differen­ces should happen to arise between this Prince and the Prince of any other neighbour coun­trey, if they should make war upon him, he would be assured of friends abroad to help to [Page 8] divert them, or if he should finde it fitting to attach others, he cannot want confederates and assistants in the prosecution of his designe, especially if there be any thing of pretence of Religion in the case: which is seldom wanting, where it is any ways serviceable to advance a designe.

But by the way it is to be observed, that as this may be of certain advantage to this Prince against others, so would it be of like mischief to himself or worse, should he suffer the Inter­est of any other Prince to have the like advan­tage against him; and in this kinde there is but one profession which is so considerable, either amongst our selves at home, or in countreys a­broad, that is worthy the taking notice of, and it is so Catholick as I shall not need to name it. The danger for the Prince of this nation to tolerate any other Religion.

And though Christians ought not to perse­cute one another, and that onely for small dif­ferences in opinion, when what is right or wrong for the most part remains a doubt and uncertain; whil'st the evils are onely certain that such disputes produce.

And as it may be truly said, morality may be short of true Religion, yet it is most certain, that no Religion can be pure that wants true morality; I shall onely therefore make this short observation, That that Religion which shall endeavour to advance it self by all immo­ral and wicked ways and means, must needs be [Page 9] in that particular much defective. And though this be commonly practised by most, yet cer­tainly the danger is greater from that whose profest principle it is, then from such others, who (though often guilty) yet wholly dis­own it. And what Prince, or state is likely to escape mischief, or be secure; when opportu­nity is offered to those, who by ties of consci­ence are obliged to ruine it: and have Interest and subtilty enough to contrive the same? all which being rightly weighed and considered, it is evident, how perilous, and desperate a thing it might prove, if it were onely on account of policie, and self-preservation, for a Prince to admit or countenance such things, which have not the least shew or appearance of good, or advantage, but in all likelihood, of most cer­tain hazard and ruine, both to himself and State.

But granting what is said to be true, yet what can be objected against the countenan­cing, or at least toleration of all such other sorts of Christian professions, who pretend they have not the will, nor probably can have the power, to contrive or act any thing consider­able to the damage, or disquiet of the Prince or State.

It may be answered, that the toleration of all such in it self doth not appear altogether so dangerous to the Prince, or State: But if [Page 10] nature of man be rightly considered, together with the common zeal in matters of Religion, you shall finde, that commonly things of the smallest consequence make the greatest diffe­rences, and as the same faith and belief, doth very much increase love and affection, so con­trariwise difference in opinions, do onely beget and engender contempt, & animosities towards one another; by which means the Prince shall at no time be either quiet, or secure. For should the Prince suffer all indifferently, and not elect some one which should always be countenan­ced, and maintained as the chief, and most uni­versal profession of his kingdom: the confusi­ons would be so great, and the Princes Interest so small amongst them, for want of any depen­dency on him; that a kingdom so divided against it self, could not stand.

And on the other side, should the Prince first settle a government in the Church, as it is at this day, and then give toleration to all o­thers; the mischievous consequence would not be much less; for first, all such as would with­draw, would not without grudging pay their dues to parsons, from whom they receive no re­compence, nay rather, whom they contemn and hate.

Secondly, upon all invasions from abroad, or rebellions at home, the Prince shall be sure to have all such for his enemies, as shall be so to­lerated.

[Page 11] First, because of their certain hatred to the present Church-government: by which they conceive, that they receive many injuries, and oppressions.

Secondly, in hope every one to advance their own party, could they remove the power in being; each imagining their own opinion as the most worthy, would first take place.

And lastly, where such advantages are offer­ed, to strengthen any discontented party, no Prince can hope, or expect to be long quiet or secure.

These mischiefs and inconveniences, ha­ving of long time been so obvious; it hath been thought by some, that a strict uniformity in Church-government, is the onely means to prevent all the aforesaid inconveniences.

I conceive it cannot well be denied, What is chiefly re­garded in settling a strictt uni­formity. but then care would be taken, that what is so imposed, be onely such things as are barely necessary and such as may agree best with the quiet and preservation of the State. And in this also good regard would be had, to the most sober way of the same profession in other countreys; which would much advance the designe afore­said, and in all likelihood would preserve the Princes power more entire, and his people in greater fidelity, love and peace.

Bnt to return to the cause that first moved this discourse, as a means to multiply people, [Page 12] and enrich the kingdom, it may be objected;

First, Objections against the ways and means to multiply people. that it doth not appear that people are wanting, but rather that we have already too many, if we consider the number of poor people that are found in every place; and it might be prudence, first, to employ these, be­fore we endeavour to multiply more.

Secondly, that to give the like liberty and priviledge to foreiners, that English-men have, might be a means to undo the natives; for fo­reiners by their Correspondents abroad, and in­dustry at home, will gain all the trade to them­selves, and also by purchasing of estates, will make our land much the dearer.

It is answered first, The Obje­ctions an­swered. it is true considering our present condition, how trade is decayed, and the little encouragement people have to in­dustry we have already more people then are well employed; but I conceive, it is so much the greater damage to the Prince, to have his people both few and poor; but if the manufa­ctures and other profitable employments of this nation, were rightly improved and encouraged, there is no doubt but the people, and riches of the kingdom might be greatly increased and multiplied, both to the profit, and honour of the Prince.

Secondly, that any English-man, of the like ingenuity as a stranger, will have the like ad­vantage of trade, as any stranger can have, as [Page 13] to the exportation or importation of any com­modities, for they may have their correspon­dents abroad as well as the other, yet suppose they could not, it would be no damage to the kingdom, but an advantage, if the Subjects by this means be more plentifully and cheaply provided with all forein commodities, and may gain a better price, and vent for their own, and the number and Interests that can pretend to suffer hereby, are so few, and inconsiderable, that it bears no proportion with the advantage.

And further, by this liberty to foreiners, we should quickly attain to the perfection of those manufactures, which now we so highly value and purchase so dear from abroad: for many of the best Artists of other countreys, no doubt in short time would be transported hi­ther, perhaps no less to the benefit of this na­tion, then the like encouragement hath been in former times, by the improvement of our art of clothing; and by which practice the Hollander at this day reaps unknown advanta­ges. And as for raising the price and value of our lands, or of any thing else that is our own; it is of so great an advantage, that it might be wished, nothing were cheap amongst us but onely money.

But to proceed in order, Of our na­tural store. and first of our na­tural store, and annual increase of the soil, the annual profit and increase of the soil of this [Page 14] kingdom, consists chiefly in corn of all sorts, flax, hemp, hops, wooll, and many more such like; and also the best sorts of cattel, as bul­locks, horse and sheep, and the greater our in­crease is of any of these commodities, the richer may we be; for money, and all forein commo­dities that come hither, are onely bought by the exchange of our own commodities, where­fore by how much our own store doth exceed those necessaries we want from abroad, by so much will the plenty of money be increased amongst us.

Our care should therefore be, Those things to be chiefly increased that are rai­sed at least charge, and are of greatest va­lue abroad. to increase chiefly those things which are of least charge at home, and greatest value abroad; and cattel may be of far greater advantage to us, then corn can be, if we might make the best profit of them: for that the profit we can make of any corn by exportation, is much hindred by the plenty that neighbour countreys afford of that commodity, as good or better then we have any. Wherefore, could we employ our lands to any thing of more worth, we could not want plenty of corn, though we had none of our own; for what we should increase in the room of it of greater value by exportation, would not onely bring us home as much corn as that land would have yeelded, but plenty of money to boot.

Of cattel, the most considerable are horse, [Page 15] sheep, and bullocks, in all which we do not onely excel in goodness all other countreys, whereby we can vent the profits of them at far greater rates, but we may also by our singular advantage, in the increase of those cattel, have the sole trade, being able so far to exceed our own wants, as to furnish all our neighbours, who must be forced to good rates, no other countrey affording the like for goodness, or scarce sufficient for their own use.

And might we freely have the liberty to ex­port them, or so much of them as may be fit­ting, we should need no laws to hinder the ex­portation of corn; for we should finde thereby a profit, so far exceeding that which might be raised out of every acre, that we might better afford to give a far greater price to buy it, then we can now sell it for. For the profit of one acre of pasture, in the flesh, hide and tallow of an ox; or in the flesh, wooll and tallow of a sheep; or in the carcase of a horse, is of so much greater value abroad, then the like yeeld of the earth would be in corn; that the expor­tations of this nation might be at least double to what it is, if rightly disposed. Wherefore it is to be wished, that the Supreme power would so far tender the publick good, in which it is so much concerned, as to remove all impediments, and promote all endeavours, which tend to so great and publick an advantage.

[Page 16] The greatest impediments in this Improve­ment are chiefly these. The impedi­ments of this Im­provement.

First men cannot make the best of their own lands.

Secondly, when they have, they cannot fell the increase of it to the best advantage. And these may be thus amended.

First, How to re­move them, and first by inclosure. by a liberty for every man to enjoy his lands in severalty and inclosure; one of the greatest Improvements this nation is capable of; or want whereof, The damage that happens for want of inclosure. we finde by daily experi­ence, that the profit of a great part of the land and stock in this kingdom, as now em­ployed, is wholly lost. And this appears, in that the land of the common fields, almost in all places of this nation, with all the advanta­ges that belong unto them, will not let for above one third part so much, as the same land would do inclosed, and always several. And on the great commons, a house with commoning, will not let for one quarter so much, as it would do were its proportion several unto it. And all this by reason of the many several Interests: whence it is, that men cannot agree to employ it to its properest use, and best advantage: whereby much land is tilled with great la­bour, and small profit; and much land fed, to the starving of the cattel, and empover­ishing the inhabitants; to the increase of no­thing but beggery in this nation; all which in­conveniences, [Page 17] would by inclosure be pre­vented.

But it may be objected, Objections against in­closures. that many other in­conveniences would happen by inclosure; and chiefly, it would cause great depopulations and scarcity of corn, as hath been conceived by former Parliaments; which appears by their opposing, rather then advancing of it; upon this opinion, that inclosure would convert the land to pasture; one hundred acres of which, will scarce maintain a shepherd and his dog, which now maintains many families, employed in tillage; and by experience it is found, that many towns, which when their lands were in tillage had many families, now they are inclo­sed, have not so many inhabitants in them.

To this I answer,

First, The objecti­ons answer­ed. that inclosures would not have been opposed, had it not appeared, that most land­lords endeavoured it; which is a greater argu­ment of Improvement; for did not the land­lord suppose it would improve his land to a higher value; he would never have been per­swaded to do it; and the reason why it would have been of greater advantage to the land­lord, is because the tenant could make more profit of it, or else we should not finde them so greedy after pasture, at so high a rate, when they may have arable enough for half the va­lue; and this proves inclosure is profitable, [Page 18] since the same land is thereby raised to a far greater value.

Secondly, as for corn, it would be nothing the scarcer by inclosure, but the rather more plentifull, though a great deal less land were tilled: for then every ingenious husband would onely plow that land that he found most fit­ting for it, and that no longer then he found it able to bring him profit: so as he would out of one acre, raise more corn then in the common field can be raised of two, whereby one acre would be saved for other uses, besides the char­ges of mens and cattels labours; whereas in the common fields, where the tenant doth not plow, the profit of the land is lost; whereby he is forced to a continual plowing, though to the ruine and damage both of the land, and of himself: so as that land, labour, and charge is lost, which otherwise might be employed, to the profit and advantage of the kingdom.

Thirdly, as to depopulations by inclosures, granting it increaseth plenty, as cannot well be denied, how increase and plenty can depopu­late, cannot well be conceived: nor surely do any imagine that the people which lived in those towns they call depopulated, were all destroyed, because they lived no longer there; when indeed they were onely removed to other places, where they might better benefit them­selves, and profit the publick.

[Page 19] Certainly they might as well think the na­tion undone, should they observe how London is depopulated in a long vacation, when men are onely retired into the countrey, about their private and necessary employments; and the like might they think of the countrey in the Term time, yet a man is not thereby added, or diminished to the nation.

Fourthly, as many or more families may be maintained and employed, in the manufa­cture of the wooll that may arise out of one hundred acres of pasture, then can be employ­ed in a far greater quantity of arable; who perhaps do not always finde it most conveni­ent for them to live, just on the place where the wooll groweth; by which means cities and great towns are peopled, nothing to the pre­judice of the kingdom.

Wherefore then if by inclosure the land it self is raised to a greater value, and a less quan­tity capable of a greater increase, and if really it causeth no depopulations, but at most a re­moval of people thence; where without be­nefit to the publick, or profit to themselves, they laboured and toiled, to a more convenient habitation, where they might with less pains greatly advantage both: And if the manufa­ctures and other profitable employments of this nation are increased, by adding thereto such numbers of people, who formerly served [Page 20] onely to waste, not to increase the store of the nation, it cannor be denied, but the encourage­ment of inclosure, where every mans just right may be preserved, would infinitely conduce to the increase and plenty of this nation, and is a thing very worthy the countenance and care of a Parliament.

In the next place, Of our mines. the product of our mines of lead, tin, iron, coals, allum; and the like may also be accounted amongst the annual in­crease of the soil, and the product of these are onely obtained by the labour and industry of the people, and are very serviceable at home and profitable abroad; and therefore the in­crease of them doth very well deserve all just encouragement.

Lastly, Of our fish­ing trade. the great plenty of fish our seas natu­rally afford may be accounted amongst our o­ther annual increases, and the profit of these onely depend on peoples labour, and that in such a kinde as it doth not onely increase the plenty and wealth of the kingdom, but also may be very serviceable to preserve and in­crease the honour and safety of our nation, by increasing our shipping; especially if some course were taken to prevent others from rob­bing us of so great a treasure, and therefore ve­ry worthy the publick care to maintain and en­courage; but the concernment of this is al­ready so well known to every one to be so [Page 21] great, as it is not needfull to discourse it fur­ther.

In the next place, Of our ma­nufactures. our manufactures are to be considered, on which chiefly depends both the wealth and prosperity of this kingdom; for by the increase and encouragement thereof, the Subjects are employed in honest and indu­strious callings, maintained and preserved from want, and those mischiefs which commonly at­tend idleness: the people furnished at home with all things both of necessity and pleasure; and by the overplus procure from abroad, what ever for use or delight is wanting.

The chief manufactures amongst us at this day, are onely woollen clothes, woollen stuffs of all sorts, stockings, ribbandings, and per­haps some few silk stuffs, and some other small things scarce worth the naming; and these already named so decayed and adultera­ted, Our manu­factures very much decayed. that they are almost out of esteem both at home and abroad.

And this, The reasons. because forein commodities are grown into so great esteem amongst us, as we wholly undervalue and neglect the use of our own, whereby that great expence of treasure, that is yearly wasted in clothing, furnitures, and the like; redounds chiefly to the profit of stran­gers, and to the ruine of his Majesties Sub­jects.

And this will more plainly appear, if we exa­mine [Page 22] the vast sums of money the French yearly delude us of; either by such commodities as we may as well have of our own, or else by such others, as we might as well in great part be without: whereby no doubt our treasure will be soon exhausted, and the people ruined, as this particular may make appear, which not long since was delivered in to the King of France, upon a designe he had to have forbid­den the trade between France and England; supposing the value of English commodities sent into France, did surmount the value of those that were transported hither.

1. A catalogue of French commodities yearly trans­ported into England. There is transported out of France into England, great quantities of velvets plain and wrought, sattins plain and wrought, cloth of gold and silver, Armoysins and other merchan­dises of silk, which are made at Lions, and are valued to be yearly worth one hundred and fif­tie thousand pounds.

2. In silk, stuffs, taffeties, poudesoyes, ar­moysins, clothes of gold and silver, tabbies, plain and wrought, silk-ribbands and other such like silk stuffs as are made at Tours, valued to be worth above three hundred thousand pounds by year.

3. In silk ribbands, gallowns, laces, and but­tons of silk, which are made at Paris, Roven, Chaimont, S. Estienes in Forrests, for about one hundred and fifty thousand pounds by year.

[Page 23] 4. A great quantity of serges, which are made at Chalons, Chartres, Estamines and Rhemes, and great quantities of serges made at Amiens, Crevecoeur, Blicourt, and other towns in Picardy, for above one hundred and fiftie thousand pounds a year.

5. In bever, demicaster and felt hats made in the city, and suburbs of Paris, besides many others made at Roven, Lions, and other places, for about one hundred and twenty thousand pounds a year.

6. In feathers, belts, girdles, hatbands, fans, hoods, masks, gilt and wrought looking-glas­ses, cabinets, watches, pictures, cases, medals, tablets, bracelets and other such like mercery ware, for above one hundred and fifty thou­sand pounds a year.

7. In pins, needles, box-combs, tortois-shell combs, and such like, for about twenty thousand pounds a year.

8. In perfumed and trimmed gloves, that are made at Paris, Roven, Vendosme, Clermont and other places, for about ten thousand pounds a year.

9. In papers of all sorts, which are made at Auvergne, Poictou, Limosin, Champaigne and Normandy, for above one hundred thousand pounds a year.

10, In all sorts of iron-mongers wares that are made in Forrests, Auvergne and other [Page 24] places, for about fourty thousand pounds a year.

11. In linen cloth that is made in Britainy, and Normandy, as well course as fine, there is transported into England, for above four hun­dred thousand pounds a year.

12. In houshold stuff, consisting of beds, matresses, coverlids, hangings, fringes of silk and other furnitures, for above one hundred thousand pounds a year.

13. In wines from Gascoigne, Nantois and other places on the river of Loyer, and also from Bourdeaux, Rochel, Nante, Roven and other places, are transported into England for above six hundred thousand pounds a year.

14. In aqua vitae, sider, vineger, verjuice, and such like, for about one hundred thousand pounds a year.

15. In saffron, castle sope, honey, almonds, olives, capers, prunes and such like, for about one hundred and fiftie thousand pounds a year.

16. Besides five or six hundred vessels of salt, loaden at Maron, Rochel, Bouage, the isle of Oleron, and isle of Rhee, transported into England, and Holland, of a very great value. So as by this calculation, it doth appear, that the yearly value of such commodities as are transported from France to England, amount to above six and twenty hundred thousand pounds.

[Page 25] And the commodities exported out of Eng­land into France, consisting chiefly of woollen clothes, serges, knit stockings, lead, pewter, allum, coals, and all else, do not amount to above ten hundred thousand pounds a year. By which it appears that our trade with France, is at least sixteen hundred thousand pounds a year, clear lost to this kingdom:

Whereby the King of France, finding it would prove to his loss, to forbid the trade with England, soon laid aside the designe; howe­ver raised the customs of some of our English commodities, by which means the vent of those commodities is very much lessened and hindred.

Hereby it may appear how insensibly our treasure will be exhausted, and the nation beg­ger'd, whil'st we carelesly neglect our own In­terest, and strangers abroad are diligent to make their advantages by us.

But most of these evils would be easily pre­vented, Means to redress this mischief. if onely his Majesty would be pleased [...]o commend to his people, by his own ex­ample, the esteem and value he hath of his own commodities, in which the greatest Cour­tier may be as honourably clad, as in the best dress, Paris, or a French Taylour can put him in; besides it seems to be more honourable for a King of England, rather to become a pat­tern to his own people, then to conform to the [Page 26] humours and fancies of other nations, especi­ally when it is so much to his prejudice.

This alone, without further trouble, would be at least ten hundred thousand pounds a year, to the advantage of his people; for the Cour­tiers always endeavour to imitate the Prince, being desirous to obtain his favour, which they can no way better do, then by approving his actions in being of like humour: and the Court being the copy that the Gentry strive to write after, and the rest of the people com­monly follow; it appears of what great con­sequence and advantage the good example of a Prince, is to the benefit of his people.

And whereas it sometimes hath been thought prudence in a Prince, Expence in apparel to be countenan­ced under some restri­ctions. to forbid and discounte­nance the excess of apparel in his Subjects; whereby many of the nobility themselves have ruined their families, and most of the Gentry have been impoverished; whereby the great expence, and waste of treasure in that vanity doth appear: yet I conceive, in a convenient manner it rather ought to be maintained, and encouraged, onely observing these rules.

First, that the vanity of the expence do not depend on such commodities, as have too much of the substance of gold, silver, or silk; whereby the publick treasure is wasted and lost.

Secondly, that we impoverish not our selves [Page 27] to enrich strangers, by that unnatural vanity, in preferring forein commodities though worse, before our own, that are better.

Thirdly, that the excess of this expence con­sist chiefly in the art, manufacture and work­manship of the commodity made in our own countrey; whereby ingenuity would be en­couraged, the people employed, and our trea­sure kept at home, so as the Prince would be nothing damnified by the excess: for the ru­ine of one would raise as much another of his Subjects; and money would thereby be more moving, which would be a great encourage­ment, and satisfaction to the people.

To name the particulars of such commodi­ties as would hereby be increased, would be endless and needless, when in a word it is, whatever at present we purchase from abroad, which we might as well raise of our own at home. But some perhaps may say, that this would destroy our trade abroad, for many of our commodities are vented, by the exchange of them for other commodities we bring home in return.

I answer, it is no prejudice to lose that trade, which is a loss to keep; and if our importati­ons of forein commodities be of far greater va­lue then our own exportations, our treasure must needs be wasted to even the balance; and so our own people remain idle and poor, for the [Page 28] vent of one thousand pounds worth of com­modities abroad, is of little advantage to the people, if thereby they are hindred of the vent of two thousand at home.

Wherefore these particulars considered, The Inter­est of the Prince, to increase the manufa­ctures and trade of his people. it is evident of what great concernment it is to a Prince, to encourage and increase the trade, and manufacture of his own people. And so much concerning trade at home.

In the next place concerning our trade a­broad with stangers, Concerning our trade a­broad, and what is freely to be exported. and this would also be en­couraged, and increased by all means possible, and when any commodity is raised to the great­est height it is capable of, it should be free for exportation, under so reasonable customs, that the Merchant may afford his commoditie a­broad, as cheap as others, or else he would not be able to vent it.

Secondly, What freely to be im­ported. all forein commodities that are usefull, to improve our own manufactures and trade abroad, and cannot be raised here, should be brought to us under easie customs, the bet­ter to enable us at an easie exchange, to vent our commodities abroad.

Thirdly, What to be hindred and prevented. all forein commodities whatsoever, that are onely usefull to be spent within the na­tion, and that have already all their perfection, as fruits, sugars, wines, linen cloth, laces, silks, and what else can receive no addition here, and are not to be again transported; such commo­dities [Page 29] should pay extraordinary customs, but should not be forbidden to be brought in: For by this means, these commodities will be so dear to the people, that it will much wean them from so lavish an use of them, as might otherwise be, and for such things as we are ca­pable to raise, it will much increase it of our own; whereby the State will raise a good re­venue, and the countrey save their wealth, that would be wastfully spent abroad, and so increase our own manufactures at home.

Fourthly, the increase of our land in any kinde (except sheep alive and mares) that have already all the perfection that we can add unto them should be free for exportation, The expor­tation of horses of greatest ad­vantage. un­der reasonable customs; and of all things this nation is capable to raise, there is not any one of so great profit, as the exportation of hor­ses, which of all commodities is of least charge to be raised at home, and of greatest value abroad. But to this may be many objections.

First, Objections. that it will make horses dear.

Secondly, that the exportation of stone-hor­ses may be prejudicial, by furnishing others with our breed.

Besides, it may enable our enemies who may invade us, and we shall also weaken our selves by sending away our best horses; with other such like objections.

But to these it is answered,

[Page 30] First, The objecti­ons answer­ed. as for the dearness of any thing we sell to strangers, the more money we get for it by how much the dearer it is, and the onely way to be rich, is to have plenty of that com­moditie to vent, that is of greatest value a­broad; for what the price of any thing is a­mongst our selves, whether dear or cheap it matters not; for as we pay, so we receive, and the countrey is nothing damnified by it; but the art is when we deal with strangers, to sell dear and to buy cheap; and this will increase our wealth.

Secondly, to vent stone-horses, would be of far better profit then to vent geldings; for that a stone-horse will give far more money, with the same charge to us, besides the loss of many horses in gelding; and as for any preju­dice to our breed, I conceive it no danger, if mares be not transported; for one horse will cover twenty mares as well as twenty horse may do: wherefore the increase of the horses do nothing increase the breed; and in France where we should best vent our horses, they have always horses enough, and of very great value and goodness, sufficient for stallions; but they have neither mares nor conveniency to breed; for the countrey generally is all cham­pion, corn-fields, and vineyards, and also so unsafe to venture any cattel of such worth without stone walls to guard them, that scarce [Page 31] all the summer, either horse or cow is left a­broad in the night, without a guard; besides, if they could breed, the breed of it self would prove degenerate, and soon be lost, the coun­trey being naturally improper for it.

As for enabling our enemies to invade us, I conceive there is but little danger in that. At present we have amity with all those countreys that desire our horses, and if at any time it should be found fitting, to forbid the transpor­tation of them, the prejudice that might hap­pen by those already transported, would soon be past; for of five hundred horses that should be transported, I verily beleeve in less then five years, there would scarce be five remain­ing.

Yet further, it doth not concern us to fear any such power in our neighbours, we having no frontiers subject to sudden incursions; but our defence consists chiefly in another strength, which is our ships at sea, which should they be insufficient to guard us, I doubt the ene­mies want of our horses would be but small se­curity.

And as to the weakning of our selves, by sending away our best horses, whereby we may want for our own use, this I conceive is a groundless fear, and wholly mistaken; for the good profit we should make by a free vent of this commoditie, would encourage every in­genious [Page 32] husband, to be well provided with what is so profitable; and every man would endeavour, not onely to increase his breed, but also to be curious in the goodness of them; so as it will rather be a double advantage to us; for as by the profit of those we send abroad, we shall greatly increase our wealth, and far more by this means then by any other this countrey is capable of, out of its own store; so we shall also have more choice, and plenty of this so serviceable and profitable a creature, both for use and pleasure. Concerning the return of money by exchange.

By the improvement of our trade as afore­said, both at home and abroad, whereby our exportations of commodities would exceed our importations, a very great and signal advan­tage would accrue not commonly taken notice of, and it is the profit we should then make of our returning money, The preju­dice at pre­sent. by bills of exchange, in which at this present we suffer an unvaluable loss; for as it is said before, our importations exceeding our exportations, our coin and trea­sure must needs be wasted to even the balance, and consequently more money drawn by ex­change out of the countrey then is returned back again; whereby we are forced to give far more then the intrinsick value of the thing, to receive our moneys beyond the sea, to supply our occasions, the number being greater of those that desire to receive moneys abroad, [Page 33] then of those that want it at home: for it is in this as in all other commodities, where the commodity is scarce, and the vent great, the purchase is always dear; Our coin and bullion transported, and the reason. and the forein Mer­chant finding our necessity, makes his advan­tage upon us incredibly to our loss; so that by this means it also happens, that our coin and bullion is transported; it being found more profitable then returns by exchange, for the reasons aforesaid; Our gold transporttd, and the reason. and our gold being of less value at home then it is abroad it hath been all conveyed away within these few years, and laws to prevent it shall always prove fruitless, when it is advantageous to do it, there being means sufficient to be found to effect it, by such as shall finde it profitable. Laws to pre­vent it fruitless.

Wherefore to make laws to hinder the ex­portation of coin or bullion, I conceive al­together useless.

First, because it doth nothing prevent it where it is intended, and Secondly, in ma­ny cases it is most advantageous to do it. For in some countreys, some commodities are no way to be purchased at cheaper rates, then by money in specie, and if by the right or­dering and disposing of our trade, our expor­tations did exceed our importations, in value, our coin and bullion would be dayly increased; there being no other means to even the balance of trade.

[Page 34] And here it may not be altogether impro­per, Concerning our money and coin. to speak something concerning our mo­ney and coin, which is also a commodity as well as the rest; in which these particulars are chiefly to be respected.

First, How chiefly to be consi­dered in re­lation to other nati­ons. to consider and examine if the gold, to silver, in England, be of the like propor­tionable value; as the gold, to silver, in France, Spain, Holland, and other forein coun­treys.

Secondly to consider the allay of gold, and silver, in England, to that of other coun­treys.

Thirdly, to consider if the coin be of e­qual value, with the currant price of bullion, the charge of coining onely deducted.

Lastly, how to order our coin, so as may be most honourable and profitable to the na­tion.

To the first, it doth appear that the gold in England doth not bear so good a value to silver as it doth in France, and other forein countreys; whereby all our gold is exported, and not our silver.

Secondly, the allay both of gold and sil­ver in England, is finer then in other parts; which is rather a prejudice, then an advantage, it giving no more in forein countreys, then onely according to the weight by their stan­dard, without consideration to the pureness.

[Page 35] Thirdly, our coin is not equal to the true value of the silver, the coinage onely dedu­cted; for by the imperfection of our mint the pieces of the same value are made so va­rious, that some shillings will weigh fourteen pence, and some not above eight pence; which afterwards, being new weighed over, and culled by the goldsmiths, through whose hands, most of our bullion passeth, the hea­vie ones are picked out, and onely the light ones, and those of under value, pass for currant; which is a most eminent abuse and wrong to the publick.

Wherefore lastly, in prevention to these inconveniences, First, our gold would be rai­sed in proportion to silver, at least equal with what it bears in France, and other countreys; and if it be desired to increase, chiefly that species, a small addition to the value will soon do it.

Secondly, The imper­fection of our mint and abases here at home. the allay would be made the same, with that in other countreys of Europe, with whom we chiefly traffick.

Thirdly, the abuses happening by the im­perfection of our mint, as light and false mo­ney in abundance; How to or­der our mint so as to pre­vent most of these abuses and incon­veniences. any ill-favoured and im­perfect false stamp, being hardly to be distin­guished from the true, might easily be pre­vented, by a more exact and curious stamp, as may easily be made by the way of milling; [Page 36] whereby not onely the coin will be more beau­tifull, but also more equal in weight, and much more difficult to be clipped and counter­feited: especially if care be taken, to make the pieces large and thin; which will not onely shew more great and noble, but will many ways be more easie to be distinguished from false, as by the sound, stiffness, weight and colour: it being both so difficult, and charge­able to counterfeit money so formed, as few will hazard to undertake it.

Next, Concerning our shipping and navi­gation. in order to our trade abroad, and safe­ty at home, our shipping and navigation is to be considered; the increase and preservation whereof, is of great concernment to the In­terest, safety, and well-being of this nation; for which the late act for trade, by the late pretended Parliament, did wisely provide, by ordering that no foreiner should bring any com­moditie hither, but what was the growth of their own countrey; Whereby the Hambur­ger and Flemming, that run hackney all the world over, were a little stayed from co­ming hither crowding so thick, with all fo­rein commodities as they were wont to do; whereby little, or no employment could be found for our own vessels; every thing be­ing so plentifully brought hither by them; and at cheaper rates, then we our selves could fetch them.

[Page 37] But some perhaps may object, Objections against it. that sure, it was an advantage to us, to be so cheap and plentifully stored with forein commodities, when we cannot be so cheaply furnished by our own shipping; for that we are at far greater charge, both in goodness of shipping, num­ber of our men, and chargeable maintaining of them more then others.

I answer, The objecti­ons answer­ed. it is true, that the same commo­ditie brought hither in any of our own vessels, cannot be afforded so cheap as what might be brought by others; by reason indeed, that our shipping is much more chargeable, and better manned then any other; but this be­ing rightly considered, it is rather an advan­tage then a prejudice to the publick; for, if commodities be thereby any thing the dearer, here at home, yet, we buy them as cheap abroad as any other; and all that others would have gained of us by the carriage, will now be earned of our own people; and whatever it costs the dearer to the purchaser here, is no prejudice to the publick, when our own na­tion receives the profit of it; especially it be­ing by the increase of that, in which consists the greatest honour and safety of the king­dom. Some might therefore think, that it might be of no less advantage, to forbid o­ther nations to fetch any of our commodi­ties, but to keep to our selves the bene­fit [Page 38] of the portage of them by our own ship­ping.

I answer, should we do this, we can expect no less, but that other nations would do the like towards us, whereby we should be very much prejudiced.

First, in that we should then lose the ad­vantage which now we have, in bringing fo­rein commodities home; and besides, we should perhaps, want the vent of our own commo­dities, which certainly will always sell best, where most chapmen are found to buy them; so as by how much the cheaper they can trans­port them, so much the more they will be contented to give us here; moreover, the greatest part of our manufactures, are of so great value, and so light of carriage, that a small advantage in the price, or a little bet­ter vent, will soon compensate the loss of the portage of them; but indeed, if the Ham­burger and Flemming, were prevented in the carriage of some of our more sluggish com­modities, as sea-coal, lead, iron, allum, fish, or the like where the charge of the carriage many times is greater, then the whole va­lue of the commoditie it self, this might possibly increase something our navigation, and yet hinder nothing the vent of those commodities, which others cannot at all be without; and we shall not much need to [Page 39] fear their requiting us in the same kinde; for neither the Hollander, nor Hamburger, have any such commodities of their own; as we need care to fetch; who are the onely nation, that employ themselves in this kinde of trade.

It may not also be improper, Of fore [...] plantations. to reflect a little, upon the benefit this nation doth, or may receive by forein Plantation [...] ▪

I conceive, What chief­ly to be con­sidered in the increa­sing and preserving them. no forein Plantation should be undertaken, or prosecuted, but in such countreys that may increase the wealth and trade of this nation, either in furnishing us, with what we are otherwise forced to pur­chase from strangers, or else by increasing such commodities, as are vendible abroad; which may both increase our shipping, and profitably employ our people; but other­wise, it is always carefully to be avoided, especially where the charge is greater then the profit, for we want not already a countrey sufficient for double our people, were they rightly employed; and a Prince is more pow­erfull that hath his strength and force united, then he that is weakly scattered in many pla­ces. But to descend to particulars, viz. what commodities are most desireable and of great­est advantage, and what countreys and climates are most proper to increase them, would be too tedious to treat of here.

[Page 40] There yet remains something to be said concerning Merchants, Concerning Merchants associating themselves in compa­nies. associating themselves in companies, the benefit or prejudice where­of hath been often controverted, but some­thing difficult to determine.

It is true, Objections against it. it is opposed by many, conceiving the free liberty of trade, The objecti­ons answer­ed. would be much more advantageous in the general, because these companies, keeping the trade to themselves onely, will have what commodities are to be vented abroad at their own price, and at an under value; none having occasion to buy them but themselves; whereby the workmen are many times discouraged, and sometimes undone; and on the contrary, what commo­dities are brought home in exchange, they sell at what unreasonable rates they please, the whole commoditie remaining in their hands; whereby the people in general, are very much damnified, and the companies onely enriched; whereas, if the trade were free, our own commodities having more chap­men, would sell at better rates, and what is brought home in return, would be distributed at much cheaper prices amongst the people.

This is for the most part a truth, yet rightly considering the thing, it rather seems an ad­vantage in the whole, then the least preju­dice; for indeed, as they make their profit at home, so they make no less advantage abroad; [Page 41] for the whole commoditie being in their hands▪ they will make the most that can be made of it; none having the like commodities to un­dersell them; and the like advantage they have again in what they buy; whereby in truth our own commodities are sold the dearer to strangers, and forein commodities bought much the cheaper; when both would happen contrary in a free trade, where each will un­dersell the other, to vent most, and also pur­chase at any rates, to prevent the rest: be­sides, many times the trade is wholly lost, particulars being often too weak to maintain and undergo it, and there is nothing less of a commoditie vented by a company, then by single persons; for they will always furnish, as much as the trade requires; the more they vent, the more being their profit. Whereby it may appear, that companies, both vent our own commodities to the best advantages and buy cheapest what we want from strangers; and the prejudice that may happen by them to the workmen, or home chapmen, is fully re­compenced by the clear profit they return to the publick; of which they are members, as well as others. But if their particular profits be thought too great, it may be something moderated by a free liberty, that every one that please, may be admitted of the compa­ny, on fit and reasonable terms.

[Page 42] In the last place, What In­terest most proper to be allowed for the use of money. concerning the use of money; which being the life and sinews of trade, it hath been the opinion of some that the greater use were allowed for money, the more would be the profit of the publick; for that strangers, finding a greater benefit to be made of their money here, then other where, would send it hither; whereby money would be much more plentifull amongst us.

Indeed, I should be of their opinion, if as soon as by this means, great sums of mo­ney were transported hither, all their mo­ney should be confiscate to the publick; but if otherwise, sure it cannot be denied, but the greater the use the more the profit to the usurer, and loss to the debter; so as in a few years, we should finde our selves so little enriched thereby, that when the prin­cipal should be again recalled, we should finde but little money left; all our own being wa­sted in use: wherefore indeed the true bene­fit to the publick is, to set the use of mo­ney as low, or rather lower then in our neighbour countreys it is; for then they would make no profit out of us, by that means; but rather we on them. And it is the clear pro­fit that we get of our own, that will make this nation rich; and not the great sums we are indebted to others.

Many particulars more might seasonably be [Page 43] discoursed of, and this already touched, possi­bly by some other might be more exactly and amply treated on; but these being the most material things that I could call to memory, and most conducing (in my opinion) to the emprovement and prosperity of the nation, and consequently to my present designe; I shall satisfie my self with this essay; hoping the subject being so worthy, some other more skilfull and knowing pen, may be provoked to enlarge it further.