A memento treating of the rise, progress, and remedies of seditions with some historical reflections upon the series of our late troubles / by Roger L'Estrange.

Sect. V. The CITY.

BY the City, we intend the Metropolis of a Kingdom; which, in many Respects, challenges a Place and Conside∣ration in This Chapter of Seditions; Particularly, in Regard of Inclination and Power.

There is not (Generally speaking) so fair an Intelligence between the Court, and City, as for the Common Good of Both were to be wish'd: and This proceeds Chiefly from a Pride of Blood, on the One side, and of Wealth, on the Other; breeding mutual Envy between them.

This Envy, by degrees, boyles up to an Animosity, and Then, Tales are Carried to the Monarch, of the insolence of the Citizens; and Stories, on the other side, to the People, of the Height, and Excesses of the Court; and Here's the Embryo of a Sedition. From Hence, each Party enters into a Cross Contrivement. These, how to tame the Boldness of the One; and Those, how to supplant the Greatness of the Other: Both equally unmindfull of their Inseparable Concerns: the Citizen, that he holds his Charter of the Bounty of his Prince; and the Courtier, that it is a flourishing Trade that makes a flou∣rishing Empire. By These Heats, is a City-Humour against the Court, emprov'd into a Popular Distemper against the King: and here's the Inclination of a Disorder'd City.

As to their Power; they have Men, Money, and Arms, at an hour's warning; the very Readiness of which Provision makes it worth double the Proportion. Their Correspondencies are Commonly strong, and Firme; and their dependencies Numerous: for the Pretense, being Trade, and Liberty, hooks in all Places of the same Interest, to the same Faction: Beside That Gene∣ral device, (seeming Religion) that stamps the Cause, and Prints a GOD WITH US upon it. In fine; a Potent, and a Peevish City is a shrew'd Enemy.

Their first work is to Possess the Vulgar with This Noti∣on, that in some Cases the Monarch is limited, and the Subject free: intending, that the Prince is bounded by the Law, and that the People are at Liberty, where the Law is

silent; and so likewise in points of Conscience. (By which Ar∣gument, the People Govern, where there is no express Law, and the King only where there is.)

Taking it once for Granted, that the Prince is Limited by the Law; (which Conscientiously he is; for in observing the Law; he does but keep his own word) They presently Conclude, that if the King transgress the Rule of his Power, he forfeits the Right of it: and that for such a Violation, he is account∣able to the People, for whose Behoof the Law was made. This is a Specious, but a Poysonous Inference, and rather adapted to a Mutinous Interest, than to a Peaceable, and candid Reason.

Let a Transgression be supposed; are there any Laws Paenal upon the Monarch? But there are none that warrant Tyranny. Right; but there are some yet that forbid Rebellion; and (without questioning the cause) that declare all Violences what∣soever, upon the Person, or Authority of the King, to be Crimi∣na Laesae Majestatis, or Treason. Are there any Laws now on the Other side, that depose Kings for Male-administration? If none, the Law being Peremptorily against the One, and only not for the Other: what does it, but constitute the Subject, in all cases, accountable for his Resistance, to the Sovereign; and Leave the Supream Magistrate, in all cases, to answer for his Mis-government to Almighty God? But let the Controver∣sie pass, for we are not here so much to enter into the True State of Matters, as to deliver their Appearances.

And now is the time to bring the Faylings, and Mis∣fortunes of the Prince upon the Stage; and by exposing him Naked before the Multitude, to make his Person Cheap, and his Government Odious to his People. Which they Effect, by certain Oblique Discourses from the Press, and Pulpit; by Lamentable Petitions, craving Deliverance from such and such Distresses of Estate; or Conscience: and These they Print, and Publish; converting their (pre∣tended) supplications for Relief, into bitter Remonstrances of the Cruelty and Injustice of their Rulers.

By These wiles are the Vulgar drawn to a dislike of Mo∣narchy; and That's the Queue to a discourse of the Advan∣tages of a Popular Government. (The next step to the De∣sign of introducing it) There's none of This or That they cry at Amsterdam: and in short; from these Grudgings of Mu∣tiny;

These Grumblings against Authority, they slide Insensi∣bly into direct, and open Practises against it. Alas! what are These Motions, but the sparkling of a Popular Disposition, now in the Act of Kindling; which only wants a little Blow∣ing of the Cole, to Puff up all into a Flame?

From the Leading, and Preparatory Motives to Sedition, now to the more Immediate and Enflaming Causes of it: which are reducible either to Religion, Oppression, Privileges, or Poverty.

Subsection I. Seditions which concern Religion.

THose Seditions which concern Religion, referr either to Doctrine, or Discipline: Haeresie, or Schism. The For∣mer, is a Strife (as they say) for a better, or a worse: a Con∣test betwixt the Persuasion of the People, and the Religion of the Government, in matter of Faith; and tending either to Overthrow the One, or to Establish the Other. In This Case, the People, may be in the Right, as to the Opinion, but never so as to justifie the Practice: for Christianity does not dissolve the Order of Society. To Obey God, rather than Man, is Well: Let us Obey him then; in not Resisting those Powers to which his Ordinance hath Subjected us.

Touching This, (with the Brethren's Leave) I take it to be the more Venial-Mortal Sin of the Two. That is; the Rebellion of Haeresie, is less unpardonable, than That of Schism: in regard first, that the Subject of the Difference is a matter of greater Import: Secondly, 'tis not Impossible, but the Mis-per∣suasion may be founded upon Invincible Ignorance. I do not say that I had rather be an Arrian, than a Calvinist; but I a∣verr, that he is the foulest Rebell, that for the Slightest Cause, upon the Least Provocation, and against the Clearest Light, Murthers his Sovereign.

Those Seditions, which are mov'd upon account of Schism, are commonly a combination of Many against One; of Errour against Truth: and a Design, that strikes as well at the Civil Power, as the Ecclesiastick.

This being a Subject which both in the first Section of This Chapter, and Else-where, is sufficiently discours'd upon; we shall rather address our selves to the Means (Peculiar to a City) of comforting, and aiding these unquiet agitations, as more properly the Business of our present Argument.

Great Towns have first the Advantage of Great Numbers of People, within a Small Compass of Place; where, with much Ease, and Privacy; Those of the Faction may hold their full, and frequent Meetings, Debate, Contrive, nay, and Execute with all Convenience. For when the Plot is Laid; the Man∣ner, and the Time, Appointed: there's no more trouble for the Rendezvous; the Partie's Lodg'd already, the Town it self being the most Commodious Quarter. 'Tis in respect of these favourable concurrences, that men of Turbulent, and Factious Spirits, rather make choice of Populous Cities to Practise in.

Another Hazard may arise from the Temper of the Inhabi∣tants, as well, as from the Condition of the Place; and from the very Humour, and Application of the Women, in a notion distinct from That of the Men.

From the Temper of the Inhabitants; first, as partaking u∣sually of the Leaven of their Correspondents; whom we find very often, both Famous for Trade, and Notorious for Schism. (But Men are Generally so good-Natur'd, as to think well of any Reli∣gion they Thrive under.)

Further; their Employment being Traffick, or Negotiating for Benefit; and their Profession being to Buy as Cheap as they can, and to Sell, as Dear: without any measure between the Risque, or Disbursment; and the Profit: they are commonly better Accountants, than Casuists; and will rather stretch their Religion to their Interest, than shrink their Interest to their Religion.

They have again, so superstitious a Veneration for the Iu∣stice of Paying Mony upon the Precise Hour; that they can ve∣ry hardly believe any man to be of the right-Religion, that Breaks his Day. And observe it, let a Prince run himself deep in Debt, to his Imperial City, they shall not so much Cla∣mour at him for an ill Pay-Master, as upon a Fit of Holiness, suspect him for an Heretick, or Idolater: Proposing a Tumult, as the ready way to Pay themselves; and That I reckon as the first step into a Rebellion.

Now, how the Women come to be concern'd? That

first: and Then; why the City-Dames more then Other?

It is the Policy of all Cunning Innovatours, when they would put a Trick upon the World in matter of Religion, which they desire may be Receiv'd with Passion, recommended with Zeal, and Dispersed with Deligence, to begin (with the strong∣er Sex, though the Weaker Vessel) that excellent Creature, Woman. And This Course, they take out of These Conside∣rations.

First, as That Sex is Naturally scrupulous, and Addicted to Devotion; and so, more susceptible of delusive Impressions, [ 1] that bear a face of Piety.

[ 2] Secondly, as it is too Innocent, to suspect a Deceipt, and too Credulous, to Examine it; so is it probably not crafty enough to Discover it.

[ 3] Thirdly, Women are supposed, not only to Entertain what they Like, with more Earnestness of Affection, but also to im∣part what they know, with a Greater Freedom of Communica∣tion: which proceeds from a Particular propensity in That Gra∣cious Sex, to enter into a strict Intelligence, concerning Matters Curious, and Novell.

[ 4] Fourthly, They are as well the Best Advocates, as the Freest Publishers. Get them but once engaged, and at next word all their Children are to be taught short-hand, and new Cate∣chisms; the Table shall be blest in a Tune; not the Heel of a Lark; no, not so much as a Prune in the White-Broth, shall scape without a Particular Benediction. And Then, the Wrought Cushion; the Damask Napkin; the Best Room, and the First Cut at the Table, are reserved for the Adored Genius of the Family. The Good Man of the House, shall not presume to Close his Eyes, without an Opiate, (to make it English) accord∣ding to the Directory; and when he opens them again, next day, 'tis odds, he finds his wakefull Bedfellow Shifting her Lin∣nen, and Preparing for a Mornings Exercise. This Reverend Wight has commonly some Skill in Physick too; enough to Comfort a Professing Sister that Keeps her Bed, (for grief no doubt) because her Lord (perhaps) is call'd aside by State, or Business.

Nor does The Pious Matron Confine her Bounteous Dispen∣sations within the Circle of her Private Family; but with an Over-flowing Charity, reaches a helping hand to all the Members of the Distressed Brother-hood; and (like a Christian to the

very Letter) Layes every thing in Common. These are the Early and Late Advocates; the warm Sollicitresses; What Husband would not Glory to see his Wife, and Fortune so dispos'd of?

Let not some few Mistakes persuade the world yet, that Woman is [not,] of all Creatures, the most accomplish'd, and the best dispos'd to the End she was made for.

That Women are (in General) the fittest Agents of all O∣thers, for a Religious Errour, to me seems past a Question: Now; why a City-Dame, is for That Purpose, the fittest In∣strument even of all Sorts of Women.

First, her Employment's Little; she keeps much at Home; and her dead Leisures, are, beyond doubt, not absolutely Thoughtless. Is not her Mixture Sociable, as That of other Mortals? Phansie her Solitary Entertainment now. Does not she wish to see, and to be seen, as well as other Women? Nay, does she not Contrive too, how to Compass it? Playes there are none perhaps, at hand; Festivals come but seldome.

While shee's Thus casting, How and How; in Steps the Tempter; dreams out an Hour or Two in Prologue, and at last, happily hits her Humour; asks her what Church she goes to? and invites her to a Lecture. Away she goes; enters her self a Member of his Congregation; never to be Reclaimed, and so Farewell she.

After all This, let me profess, I take the better sort of Ci∣tizens, for an Intelligent, Frank, and Sober People; nor do I find more Prudence, Modesty, Virtue, then under That Deno∣mination. Yet is it not to be Expected, that so Vast a Multi∣tude should be without some Loose Examples. And I divide the Blame, even There too, betwixt an Idle Course of Life, and the Alluring Artifice of their Seducers. But this I stick to: A Schismatical Clergy infects the Women; They the City; and a Schismatical City destroyes a Kingdom.

Sub-section II. Oppression.

OPpression provokes Sedition, many waies; and many waies it is Procur'd, even by the most Seditious Them∣selves; with Express end, that it may provoke Sedition.

The Haughty, and Imperious Rudeness of a Churlish Officer, that without either Proof, or Hearing, Law, or Reason, hand over head Condemns and Punishes: (only perchance to Vaunt his Power,) This is a Boldness, that Reflects upon the Safety and the Honour of his Master; rendring both the Minister hated, and the Prince suspected.

Vnlimitted Protections, Irregular and Heavy Taxes, Billetting and Free-quartering of Souldiers; The Denyall of Equal Right, &c. Stir up Seditious Humours in a City. But These are down-right Provocations.

There are that go a cleanlyer way to work, that squeeze the People, under Colour of serving the King; winding up the Pin of Authority, till they Crack the very strings, by which That and Subjection are tack'd together. They undo all, by Overdo∣ing; and under an humble shew of holding the Stirrup, till the Prince seats himself, they draw so hard they turn the Saddle: or if he needs a Lift to help him Vp, they'l give him one, but such a One, shall cast him Over.

In fine; what ever may be Plausible for the present; fatall in the Consequence; wherein the Promoters may either seem Innocent, or not appear at all; and a Publick Obloquy rest upon the Soveraign; This is a Device to do Their Business.

Is there any Colourable fear of a Sedition? Their Counsell will be then, to raise such a Force, as in all likely-hood will cause a Rebellion. Are the Prince's Coffers full? Occasions will be sought to Empty Them; by Breaking with One Interest, Wedding Another. A Thousand Remedies there are for that Sur-charge of Treasure. When they have drawn the Monarch dry, they know he must be re-supply'd; and they know what a Peevish task it is, to fix Regality upon a new Bottome.

As their first Aime was to Provoke Expence, that he might Want; it will be now Their work, in such manner to sollicite

his, Supply, that he shall suffer more by the Ill Method of it, then Gain by the Recruit. Briefly, if they can Effect, that what Themselves call a Supply, the Generality may understand to be an Oppression (and so They wish it Vnderstood) The City Cla∣mours first; and Popular Tumults, are but the Forlorn to a Re∣bellion.

Not that either Force, or Cruelty, can ever discharge a Sub∣ject of his Allegeance; Nay, should his Prince command one of his Armes for Dogs-meat; he were a Traytor, should he yet refuse to serve his Master with the other.

Sub-section III. Privileges.

A Third Particular of no small Force upon the Genius of a City, is what concerns their Privileges; whereof they Principally are Tender. First, in points of Trade, and Com∣merce: Secondly, in Affairs of Order, and Custome, relating to the Counsell, and Government of the City: Thirdly, in Matters of Personal Freedom, and Advantage.

Any Empeachment in the point of Trade, they take hain∣ously; as Disappointing at once, the very Purpose of their Incorporations, the Hopes of their Well-being; and the main Business of their Lives. In this Respect, they are many times so Delicate, as not to distinguish between Benefits of Grace, and Rights of Privilege: clayming a Title to Those Ad∣vantages which they hold only by Favour.

They are likewise Subject to forget, that even their clear∣est Immunities are but Dependent, and Precarious: and they had need be minded, that to believe them Other, is to Forfeit them. For it implyes a Disacknowledgement of the Soveraign Power; which Mistake being once set a foot, obliges the Prince to Resume, for the Safety of the whole, such Indulgen∣ces as were only Granted for the behoof of a Part. To This he is Ty'd by evident Reason of State, and by Political Equity; both as a Wise Prince, and as a Pater Patriae, a Father of his Country. Wherefore away with These Dividing Niceties, since neither Prince, nor People can be Secure, but by Agree∣ment. What can a Single Monarch do without the Obedience, Love, and Service of his People? Or what becomes of a Di∣stracted

Multitude, without a Head to Govern Their Confusi∣ons? But This (in the words of a most Ingenious Person) is a Text upon which the Wise part of the world has used in vain to Preach to the Fools.

Since so it is, that the Vulgar will neither be Taught by Experience, nor persuaded by Reason, we are to take for Grant∣ed, that some Grievances lead to Seditions, almost as Orderly, as Natural Causes to their Effects, the Multitude ever siding with Interest, against Virtue.

The Liberty of Exporting Native Commodities raw, and un∣wrought; and of Importing (possibly) the same Materials in Ma∣nufacture, is a Matter of Evill Relish, and of Dangerous Conse∣quence. So likewise is the Employment of Strangers, where the Natives want Work; and the advancing of Forraign Trade, to the Sterving of it at home.

Concerning the Other two Particulars, before mentioned, the One Relating to the Frame of a City-Government, the O∣ther, to their Personal Privileges; it shall suffice to Note, that an Encroachment upon either of them, Endangers a Sedition.

Sub-section IV. Poverty.

THe Last, and the most Irresistible incentive to Sedition in a City, is Poverty. That is, a Poverty proceeding from Misgovernment. Not but that Want, upon what account so∣ever is bad enough: Whether from Dearth, Losses by Fire, or, Storme; Piracies, Banquerupts; the Ravages of Warr, &c. Yet Here, there's something in the Fate, the Accident, or Manner, of the Calamity, to allay the Anguish of it. Men Quarrel not with Providence for ill Seasons; nor with the Winds, the Waves, or Flames, because of Wracks, or Conflagra∣tions. To suffer by Pirates, or Banquerupts, is but the Chance of Traffick, and the Extremities of Warr are Common Injuries. But where a Pinching Poverty Seizes a Populous City, and from a Cause too that's within the Reach of Malice, or Revenge; That State's concern'd betimes to look to the Disorder.

The Immediate Cause of This Necessity among the Common sort is want of Work, which proceeds from the decay from Trade, arising chiefly from a General Scarcity of Mony;

which may be Imputed to One or more, of These Ensuing Reasons.

First, The Insatiate Corruption of Rapacious, and Great Offi∣cers; in whose Coffers, as in the Grave, Monies are rather Buried, then laid up. Nay, as in Hell it self (I might have said) for they are as Bottomless; and of the Treasure that lies There Condemn'd, the Doom's almost as Irreversible.

These Private Hoards cannot chuse but produce a Publick Penury; when That Wealth, which would suffice to Employ, and Relieve Thousands, that either Beg for want of Work, or Sterve for want of Bread, is drawn into so narrow a Compass. And yet in This suppos'd Extremity of Affairs, I make a Doubt, whether is more Miserable, the Needy, or the Oppressour?

Can any Composition more certainly destroy a Nation, then a Concurrence of Power, Pride, Avarice, and Injustice, in the same Persons? But Then again, when the Storme comes; These are the Ionasses, that by the Rabble will be first cast O∣ver-board, to save the Vessell. And This they cannot but forethink, and Tremble at; at least, if ever they get Leisure for a Sober Thought. And let them Look which way they Please; Backward, Forward, Round-about, Vpward, Downward, Inward, they are beset with Objects of Terrour, and self-af∣frighted, from the Glass of their own Consciences.

Behind them, they see dreadfull Presidents of Corrupt Mini∣sters, thrown from their Slippery, and ill-menag'd State of great∣ness: Torne by their Enemies; scarce Pitty'd by their Friends; the Mirth of their own Creatures, and the mere Mockery of Those that Rais'd them.

Forward, they find Themselve; upon a Precipice, and in great hazard to encrease the Number of those sad Presidents.

If they look Round-about them, they are Encompass'd with the Cryes of Widdows, and of Orphans; whose Husbands, or whose Fathers, lost their Lives, in the Defence, (perhaps) of their Prince, and Country. With These, are Mingled the Faint Groans of Sterving Wretches in the Last Agonies, whose Modesty chose rather to Die silent, then Complaining; and to abide the worst Effects of Want, rather then tell the more In∣tollerable Story of it. But This to Them, is not so much, as to perceive Themselves at Bay amids a Snarling Multitude.

In short; Above them, there's an All-seeing Eye, an Vn∣changeable

Decree, and an Incorruptible Iudge, that Over-looks, and Threatens Them. Below them, Hell: (or rather 'tis With∣in Them; an Accusing Conscience) If This be their Prospect, how Deplorable is their Condition!

Are not Their Pillows stuff'd with Thornes? Or when they Venture at a Nap, do they not Dream of Robberies, and Sediti∣ons? Whom, or What do they not fear? Where is't they think Themselves Secure? Is not Their Table Spread with Snares? Does not Every Bribe look like a Bait; Every Servant, like a Spy; Every Strange Face, like somewhat that's worse? And what are their Near Friends, but either Conscious Partakers, or Dangerous, and Suspected Witnesses? They find Them∣selves Arraign'd by the Preacher; Condemn'd by the Iudge; and Strangl'd by the Executioner: For being Guilty of the Crime, and Worthy of the Punishment They cannot but Apply the Process to Themselves, and in Imagination, bear the Male∣factour Company, even from the Pulpit, to the Gibbet.

Add to all This, the Sting of an Incessant, Restless Iealousie: Not a Lock, Whisper, Hint, or Action, but they suspect Themselves the Subject of it. The Holy Text it self, where it Reproves Their Sins, Sounds like a Libell to Them. Nay, were This silly, Innocent Description of them, but in a Tongue which any man Concern'd could understand; some of Their Ears would Tingle at it.

A General Scarcity of Mony, may, in the Second Place, arise from Taxes, and That either Immediately, in Respect of the Burthen; or Consequentially, in Respect of the Occasion; the Inequality; the Manner of Imposing, or Levying Them; or the Subject Matter it self of the Tax.

Touching the Burthen, and Occasion: It Properly belongs to Those in Power to Judge of it, as well how much, as to what end? So in the Rest, The People are likewise to Subject Them∣selves to such Determinations as their Superiours hold Conve∣nient. Only in case of an Vndue Authority imposing, or some Illegal Course of Levying Taxes, there may be some Allowan∣cies; which to proportion to their Various Instances, is nei∣ther for This Place, nor for my Meaning.

That Subjects are to Obey Lawful Commands, without dis∣puting the Reasons of Them, is beyond Question. Yet is't not in the Power of Humane Nature, to keep men from Sur∣mising, and from Guessing at them. We'l Grant ye too,

that in some Cases, some People, will in some Sort, do some Things as they ought to do. Yet we are where we were; that is, they will be Guessing still.

If Taxes follow quicker, and run higher then Ordinary; they cry: so much? and the next Question's Why? ('Tis true, they should not Aske, but who can hinder them?)

Is it for the Honor or Safety of the Prince? 'Tis Conse∣quently for the Publick Good; and he deserves to be expell'd Humane Society, that narrowly prefers his Little dirty Interest, before so Sacred, and so great a Benefit.

A Third, is the Inequality of Taxes; the Over-pressing of any One Party. As if the Burthen lies heavyer upon the Ci∣ty, then Country; upon the Gentry, then Yeomanry, &c. If upon the City, they call it Spite; if upon the Country, Oppres∣sion. And in fine; fall the Disproportion where it fall can, it breeds ill bloud: for That Weight breaks the Back of any One Interest, which evenly dispos'd, would seem no heavy Load, upon the Shoulders of All. Ferre quam sortem patiuntur Om∣nes, Nemo recusat. The Consequence of This Inequality, is a Generall Ruine, but piece-meal, and One Part after Another.

Touching the Manner of Imposing, or Levying, we waive That; and pass to the Subject Matter of the Tax. (A point (how little soever reguarded) scarce less Considerable then the Totall Amount of it.)

If the Device be Novell; the People shy and ticklish: if there be Factions Stirring, and the Prince not absolutely Master, better raise Thrice the Value in the Rode of Levies, then hazzard the Experiment of a By-way. 'Tis Machiavell's advice concerning Sanguinary Cruelties; where Cruelty is Ne∣cessary, do it at once; or at least, seldome as possible. But then be sure to follow it with Frequent Acts of Clemency; by which Means, you shall be fear'd for your Resolution, and be∣lov'd for your Good-Nature: whereas a Little, and Often, Ter∣rifies Less, and Disquiets people much more, imprinting Jea∣lousies of further Inconveniencies; so that they know not what to Trust to.

Most Certain it is, that as Many petty Injuries deface the Im∣pression of One Great Benefit; so in like manner do Many slight Benefits deface the Impression of One Great Injury; the Last Act sinking deepest. For 'tis from Thence, Men Measure their expectation of the Future; and as they look for Good, or Bad, they are Peaceable or Troublesome,

Wherefore, as it is Duty to do Well always, so 'tis Wis∣dom to do Well last; and where a Pressure cannot be avoided, not to leave standing (so near as may be) any Memorial of it: Least [When your Children shall ask their Father in time to come, saying, What mean you by these Stones? &c.—

The ways of Supplying Princes are Various, according to their Several Interests, Practices, Powers, and Constitutions. Not to lose my self in Particulars, One General shall serve for all.

It behoves a State to be very wary, how they Relieve a Present need upon the Foundation of a Lasting Inconvenience: for though in some Extremities, there is no Choice; yet it very rarely happens, that a Prince is the Better for the Mo∣ney, where he is the worse for the President. Sir Thomas Rowe in a Speech at the Council-Table, 1640. (directed to the dashing of a Project, tending to the Enfeebling of the Coyn, (as he Phrases it) Cites the Lord Treasurer Burleigh, and Sir Thomas Smith, giving their Opinion to Queen Elizabeth; in these words: That it was not the short end of Wits, nor starting holes of Devises, that can sustain the Expence of a Mo∣narchy, but sound and solid Courses. Horace his [Rem facias, Rem,—Si possis, Rectè, si non, quocunque modo Rem] will not serve the turn.

'Tis sharply said of Sir Francis Bacon; [That the Wisdom of all these Latter Times in Princes Affairs, is rather fine Deli∣veries, and shiftings of Dangers and Mischiefs, when they are near; than solid and grounded Courses to keep them aloof.] (But says he again) [It is the Solaecism of Power to think to Com∣mand the End, and yet not to endure the Mean.] These are the Sleights, the Ill-husbandry of Government: through which Mistakes, insensibly, a Great Revenue moulders away, and yet the State never out of Debt.

Excessive Building is another Cause of General Soarcity; for it leaves the Country too Thin, and Over-peoples the City: Enhansing the Rate, and Consuming the Means of Living. It wasts the Nobility and Gentry; It Impoverishes also, and Disobliges the Populacy: (All that is got in the Country, being spent in the City) beside the hazardous disproportion betwixt the Head and the Body.

One Reason of this Scarcity, may be from some Defect in the Law it self. as where sufficient Provision is not made

for strict and peremptory payment upon Bond. Men will not part freely with their Mony, where they may be put off by Shifts and Delayes, and driven to a Vexatious Suit to get it In again.

Another great Inconvenience proceeds from a General Grasping at more Trade then they can Master: which causes many Failings one upon the Neck of another.

To what's already said, (not to be endless) we'l only add Two Causes more. The One, is the deceipt, and Knavery of Artizans, and Trades-men; who for a Private Gain betray the Interest of the Publick; and invert the Ballance of Trade, by such Abusive Manufactures, as are neither Saleable abroad, nor Ser∣viceable at Home, which both necessitates the Importation of For∣raign Commodities, and hinders the Issue of Native: beside the Treble Charge; their Dearness, and their little Vsefull∣ness consider'd.

We shall Conclude with Pride: which were't in nothing else but what's expended upon Guildings, Gold and Silver Lace, and Forraign Curiosities of Needle-work, would not be inconsiderable. But where 'tis General, and extends both to all Sorts of Superfluities, and all Degrees of Persons; That Ci∣ty goes by the Post to Ruine: for Pride, is not only the Fore-runner of Destruction, and the Cause of it; but the Loud, and Crying Provoker of it.

Notes

• Court and Ci∣ty seldom a∣gree.
• The Reason of it.
• The Power of a City.
• The Manner of Preparing the People for Se∣dition.
• A Seditious Principle.
• The King only Accountable to God, and the People to the King.
• Cursed be the Sons of Cham.
• Religious Se∣dition, either referring to Heresie, or Schism.
• Rebellion up∣on a point of Heresie, more Pardonable, then That from Schism.
• Seditions ari∣sing from Schism.
• The Means of provoking Se∣dition.
• The Advanta∣ges of Great Towns for Seditions.
• Cities are in∣clinable to Se∣ditions, from the Temper of the Inhabi∣tants.
• Religions In∣novatours be∣gin with Wo∣men.
• Four Reasons why.
• A Zealous Si∣ster.
• And her Con∣fessour.
• A Shee-Prose∣lyte.
• Oppression causes Sedi∣tion.
• A Presbyte∣rian Trick.
• The Politick Hypocrite.
• Loyalty is In∣dispensable.
• Citizens are tender of their Privi∣ledges.
• Principally in point of Trade
• Their Immu∣nities are Pre∣carious.
• Neither Prince nor People can be secure but by Agreement.
• Poverty an Ir∣resistible In∣centive to Se∣dition.
• The most dan∣gerous Po∣verty.
• Corruption the Cause of Scarcity.
• Private Hoards∣breed Publick Penury.
• The Compo∣sition of wick∣ed Ministers of State.
• The Misery of them.
• If either they look back;
• Forward;
• Round about;
• Above them▪
• Below: or within them.
• The Sollici∣tous estate of the Guilty.
• Taxes may cause or occa∣sion a Scarcity divers ways.
• Subjects are to Obey without Disputing.
• Leave no Mark standing to remember a Discourtesie by. Josh. 4.6.
• Shifting passes for Wisdom.
• Excessive Building.
• Knavery of Tradesmen.