The undoubted art of thriving wherein is shewed : 1. That a million L. sterling money, or more if need be, may be raised for propogating the trade of the nation, &c. without any kind of prejudice to the leiges, but on the contrair to their great vtility and advantage, 2. How the Indian and African Company may propogat [sic] their trade, and that trade and manufacturers of all sorts may by encouraged to the honour, strength and wealth of the nation, 3. How every one according to his quality, may live comfortably and happily : concluding with several thoughts tuching [sic] the management of publick concerns.

CHAP. III. How all Ranks and Degrees of People may Live Comfortably. (Book 3)

SECTION I. Which Respects the Poor.

IT being hardest for those of the meanest Degree to live Comfor∣tably,

I shall begin with them, and proceed Gradually, ••ill I come to those of the heighest.

When I say every one may live Comfortably, 'tis not to be thought I mean every one may have all the Comforts of this Life at his Pleasure, my meaning is (and that which is the propper meaning of the Words) that every one may have neceslars Suteable for one in the Rank it has pleased GOD to place him. If any can ad∣vance his Fortune by Vertue and in∣dustry 'tis well, but I know no Rule that can be given to make all Men Rich, for that were not only contrair to the Order GOD has Established, and Foretold, that there shall alwise be some Poor in the World, but also is in its own Nature impossible, for as one increasses in Riches, some others must Decrase as Natively asone Scale of a Ballance goes up when the other is pressed down. Happiness doth not consist in the having of abundance of

this World's good things, a Person following a Plow, or driving a Cart all Day, and going Home to his course Fare and mean Cortage at Night, may have as much Satisfaction as the great¦est Pear or Prince, And that every one may have Food and Raiment fit for him, is what I shall Endeavour to make appear.

It hath been the Unhappiness of this Kingdom, that great Numbers of Beg∣gers hath been Tolerated to go up and down Begging, from whence many inconveniencies proceed, for not only do many Vagatants and Lusty persons able to Work, go about asking Alms, but likewise many lew'd Practices are amongst them committed without Censure, they not being under the particular inspection of such as ought to Curb Vice.

Several Acts have been of late In∣shued out by the Lords of his Maje∣sty's most Honourable Privy Council, for the Regulating of Beggers, and

providing for such as are not able to mantain-themselves, but hitherto these Acts have not taken effect, partly in that those who ought to put the same in Execution, are not so diligent in that behalf as could be wished; And part∣ly through the indulgent Temper, and Charitable Disposition of many Peo∣ple that cannot forbear to give Alms to the begging Poor, that so frequent∣ly Accoast them (many of whose Faces plead pity) not considering that this manner of Treatment Encourageth the Beggers to neglect the Entertainment they would get in Hospitals, and also o••ens a Door to Vagarants, (or as 'tis Vulgatly Phrazed Ranney Beggars) to go through Begging, who often by their importunity, gets more Alms than these who are ••ot able to Work for their Sustinence.

But that they may be Supplied in the most equal way; is what ought Undoubtedly to be studied, and to

put in Execution the several Acts alrea∣dy Emited to that effect, no doubt will be a good mean, but I humbly Con∣ceive, several things might be done to Facilitat the same, Viz.

First, That there be a certain Num∣ber of Men, such as Deacons of the Church and other honest Neighbours, appointed to Enquire into the Conditi∣on of all those within their several bounds, so that they may Verily know who are Objects of Pity and who not, in Order to inform the Magistrats of Burghs, Sherisss, &c. who are ap∣pointed by the Council to take care therein.

Secondly, When any are found Begging within their Bounds to seize them furthwith, and send them to the place of their Nativity, Others would herein also Concur, and at least inform some of these appointed to take notice of the Poor, when they come abroad, for it will be hard to get this effectu∣ate, if People indulge Beggers and give

them Alms, except in Hospitals, or some other Orderly way.

Thirdly, When any shall leave the Hospital or place of his Nativity, after being once sent thither, let him be brought back and Chastised by stricter Confinement, more Scrimp allowance, or otherwise as shall be most Expedi∣ent, and upon a second Disertion pun∣ished more Severely.

Fourthly, The Poor of those parts where they are most Numerous, would be supply'd from other places, for commonly the Shire or Paroch in which the Poor abound most, is least able to supply them, for it is but reas∣onable, every one should bear a share of that Burden throughout the whole Kingdom, proportionable to their Ability's. It were therefore very con∣venient, that such a Correspondence should be settled amongst all the Shires in the Kingdom, that the State of the Poor and Condition of the In∣habitants were Communicated to one

another, and let Contributions be sent from the ablest to sustain the Poor of those parrs where they are most Numerous.

5thly, What is appointed for the Poor for the most part would be be∣stowed on Provisions to be Distributsd for their Sustainance, for this being the way the Poor must bestow it them∣selves, it is to be presum'd great quantitys of Provisions can be bought Cheaper than small, and whatever is given less for them in Bulk than the Poor would do in retail, is saved, and those who are not put into Hospitals, but need some Monthly or Weekly Charity besides what Industry they can make, would also be sup∣plyed out of these Provisions.

If this were but one year (or per∣haps less) put in practice, it would be no hard Matter to restrain vagarat Beg∣gers in all time coming, that Custom being once intirely supressed, few would atempt it and none would En∣courage

this manner of Begging. But by all means care would be taken, that none truely Objects of Charity be neglected even tho the Contributions should not come in punctually for that end, these Intrusted with the oversight of the Poor most not let them want, and Measures would be concerted to Refound them, otherwise it is impossible ever to suppress the beeging Poor, for if the Poor be o∣bliged to leave any Hospital for want of Entertainment, a Door is opened to let all Vagarants loose.

The Difficultys objected against the Prosecution of this Bussiness, I Judge may be chiefly. That many People u∣pon the Inportunat Demands of Beg∣gers will give Alius, that will not give Monthly or Quarterly Contributions, That when Beggars come about they may be Refreshed with broken Meat, and otherwise suppleed more insencib∣ly than by Monthly or Quarterly Contributions.

Both these may be in part true, yet do not contravail the Inconvenionces above montioned, in Tolorating a great number of Ranie Beggers who perhaps obtain thrice as much Alms as would support the like number of necessitous Persons, and besides, those whe are able to Contribute may be be compelled if they Refuse to give freely according to their Abilitys; I know not whither there be any stand∣ing Law to that Effect, but I think it very Equal that such as have a∣boundance should be compelled to give part to the Poor if they refuse to do it voluntarly, and to that end a Law may be made if it is not already.

If it be said that it will be hard to get all the Beggers sent to their Res∣pective places of Nativity or Places where they have long resided, in Res∣pect some of them have no certain place of Aboad, and will be disowned by every place.

The matter will not be very much in

what Hospital they be sottled if a List of all the Poor in the Kingdom be taken once every year ▪ and every Shire appointed to keep so many of them according to their Abilities, and this I Judge a better way than re∣quiring every one to keep its own Poor, tho at the same time this may be done as near as can be, and there would also be Measures laid down that such who advance any thing for Maintainance of the Poor may be at no loss that way.

These who are born of poor People that have not whereupon to sustain and Educat them, are Undoubtedly. Objects of Charity, and ought to be taken care of, and supplyed by others to whom GOD hath bestowed Sub∣stance; and to Educat and put such of them to Apprentiships as are capable of instruction, and able to work; Would not only be an Act of Charity to them, but like ways free the Kingdom of the Burden of mantaining them for the su∣ture.

SECT. II. Which Respects Servants and other Per∣sons of low Degree.

I Shall not enter upon the Duty of Servants in Relation to their Ma∣sters, that which I intend being only to shew that People who have no manner of Substance besides their Appare, may by their Industry live Honestly and Comfortably; the Mat∣ter is plain to the Observation of eve∣ry one, the greatest part of Men being in such Circumstances, and if it be possibie for those that have nothing to live comfortably. it is easie for others to live Comfortably also.

But says some, It is easie for those that are in Service to be supplyed, but others that are not in Service will find it more hard to sustain themselves.

People that are Sound and in health, can scarce ever want Employment, un∣less such as have been inured to Idleness and won't apply themselves to Work, or otherways by their Undutiful Be∣haviour render themselves unworthy to be employed, and in this Case 'tis their own fault if they be straitned.

But if Manusactures be encouraged there will be more Work for all sorts of People than hands will be got, and such as are able and will not apply themselves to Work, deservedly suffer for their Negligence when they are pinched.

I know some People will not be alto∣gether sit to work in Manufactures to which they are not accustomed, but nevertheless they may assist others that are Expert, and through time become capable to perform the most difficult parts of the Work without direction.

By their Labour they may earn 6, 8, or 10 pence a day, more ot less, ac∣cording to the manner of the Work

they are employed about, and as they are capable to perform.

According to their Incomes they may proportion their spending the least being sufficient for their Mantainance; For it is evident, that such as can and are able to work, may earn as much as may sustain them. I need not enquire how much this may be, it being demon∣strated in the Experience of Multitudes, that these who apply themselves to work live by their Industry, even tho the Employment they follow be mean

SECT. III Which Respects Mechanicks, Husband∣men, &c.

TRADESMEN, Farmers and O∣thers of the like Imployments, being a Degree above the Com∣mon sort of Servants, come in the next Class to be spoken of; And tho their

Condition may seem to be better than the former, yet many times some of them are more straitned than Servants themselves, by Reason of some Acci∣dents happening contrary to their Ex∣pectations.

To prevent Accidents no Rule can be given; Nevertheless if People of these Employments be careful and Cau∣tious, they may Regulat their Affairs so, that seldom any thing will happen to defeat their Designs.

To give particular Directions how exery one may order his Affairs to the best Advantage, were a difficult Task, and that which would be very tedi∣ous; But that wherein I Judge People most frequently Err, and by which they come to fail, being a Miscalculation as to the State of their Affairs, not truly Ballancing their Accompts, not considering how to proportion their Outgivings to their Incomes; this shall be briesly touched, and some General Rules given touching their Conduct in

this behalf, as for their manner of Labouring buying and selling, and the like, I suppose they may be pret∣ty expert, and shall therefore pass it this being the only thing infuised in them by those who bread them to their Respective Imployments.

That which frequently tends to the Impovirishment of many, Proceeding from their not making a Just Calcula∣tion as to the state of their Affairs, and not Ballanceing of their Accounts, as is said; that which every one would take care in, is to make a Just Bal∣lance of his Profites and Incomeings, to what he has Occasion daily to Dis∣putse or give out, and if he find that his outgivings be greater than what he Receives, he must of Necessity Retrinsh his Spending, and proportion it to what he gets in, or otherwise he cannot expect to continue in any Tol∣erable Condition.

Let none think that this is a thing Impossible, alledging that their Out∣givings

are already Retrinched, as much as can be,, for it has been al∣ready shewen, that those in the mean∣est Capacity are able to sustain them∣selves, and untill their Outgivings be reduced to the lowest Degree, they may allwise be Retrinched, and better to do it betimes as let it Run to too great a length, and then be Reduced to the last Extreamity. No doubt, when most People find their Condition grow worse, they have Expectations to better it again, and for that end per∣haps may take several Measures dif∣ferent from their former Course of Management, but if those prove like∣wise ineffectual, he most conform him self to such a way of liveing, as may Correspond to his present Condition, or otherwise he cannot Rationally ex∣pect, but it will daily become worse and in the end tend to his Irrepare∣able Loss.

To make a particular calculation of the Incomes or Profites, and of the

Expence or Dispursements of every dif∣ferent Degree of People is impossible, they being so Various, but some things in the General would be considered.

First, That every one take a par∣ticular Account of his own Profit and Expences, if at the end of the Year he find the Later to exceed the for∣mer, consider wherein he has been most Extravagant or Negligent, and therein make amends for the Future.

2dly, It would be considered, that tho his Profits may Ballance his Ex∣pence, yet seing some Extraordinar Accidents may happen, 'tis necessar that his Expence should be some less than his Profits, when nothing Extra∣ordinar occurs, it being conveniant as the proverb is, that something be keeped for the sore foot.

3dly, His own Circumstances at the time would be considered, that is to say, whither his Family be nomerous or few; If nomerous and consequently requiring so much to sustain it, that

it will nor readily require more, than may he go near to spend his whole Profits, but if his Family be in its In∣fantry, that is to say while he has few or no Children, and Apparently will have more, he may not go so great a length in Spending as at other times, it being necessar that some thing be Reserved for the growing State of his Familie, Again, when his Children come to Age, and are Capable to Work, they will be a great help to him, and conseqently he needs not Retrinch his Dispursements so much.

And lastly, that at all times 'tis Convenient to keep within Bounds, and never let the Disbursements exceed the Profit.

If it be alledged that this is Possible, for at some times they may meet with Disappointments and considerable los∣ses, 'tis Answered these cases are ex∣cepted, for what I spake of is only in O••dinar Cases, no Humane Endea¦vours can prevent Accidents, not provide for all Events.

But if some should say that even in the common course of their Manage∣ment, they are not able to get this done, either by the decay of their Em∣ployment, or that they have never fallen in a way of Trade. To this I can say nothing, but that they must Retrench their Dispursements till they bring them as low as can be, and ra∣ther let this be done in time, than after things come too great a length, for as the Proverb is hetter hain at the Breard as the bottom; and if they can afterward advance their Fortune they may easily their profits Live up to; And as to the matter of their Trade I would only say, deal fairly. ingeniously and discreetly with all, for as this is a duty in point of Con∣science, so is it no less necessary in Matter of Interest, and the chief thing that will engadge Customers: for whatever a covetous Person gains by fraudulent Tricks at some times, he is ••eady to loss much more by the

wound this gives to his Reputation.

How their spending ought to be proportioned to their Profits I shall touch in another place.

SECT: IV. Which Respects Merchants, Shopkeep∣ers, &c.

BOok keeping is certainly very Necessary to all, and without which no person of Bussiness can easily understand the State of his affairs; But above all others, it is peculiarly Usefull for Merchants. Captain Collison says in the Preface to his Book of Book-keeping, that he looks upon a Merchant, that is not acquainted with Book keeping, to be like on that Professes to be a Soldier, that knows not how to handle his Arms. I am much of his Opinion, for it is very hard, if not impossible, for a Morchant that understands not Book

keeping, and doth not place his Ac∣compts in Method, to understand the state of his affairs as he ought to do if he have any considerable bussi∣ness, and how any Man can propor∣tion his Debu••sements, or Spending to his Profits or Incomes, that under∣stands not his own Condition, let any Person Judge.

In so far as, the Circumstances of Merchants doth agree with these mentioned in the Proceeding Section, what Respects the one is Applicable to the other, but in many things it is more difficult for Merchants to keep an equal Poise in the state of their Affairs, than for Mechanicks or Trades Men, for not only are they uncertain of the sale of their Goods, but like∣wise run many Risques by Sea, as well as by the Rising and falling of Mercats, the decay of several sorts of Goods, and others that goes out of Fashion, if not speedily sold off, be∣sides many other hazards, as bad

Debtors, danger of being Overseen in buying and the like.

All these things being considered, 'tis no small difficulty for a Merchant to guard against so many dangers and keep his Stock intire, not to speak of making profit: 'Twill therefore be very hard to lay down any certain Method by which they may sustain themselves and Families and keep their Stocks intire: Howbeit provid∣ed these following Rules be observed I think there will be no great danger, Viz.

First, That an exact Journal of all their Barganings be placed in their Books, and the same Transmitted to their Legers and ballanced in due Form; This gives exceeding great satisfaction to behold how every thing is disposed of, especially if they meet with disapointments, and when their Endeavours succeed well, it directs them yet further towards the Improve∣ment of their Stocks, and in fine let

their Condition be prospe••ous or o∣therwise, they at one glance will see their Condition, and consequently may know how to take M••asures ac∣cordingly.

2dly. That they be not do rash in barganing or buying any quantity of Goods they are not throughly akill'd in, or knows not how to dispose of.

3dly. That they Risqu•• not too much of their Stocks where there is any eminent danger tho there may likewise be great prospect of Gain. Be••••or one should regrate his want of a considerable Gain, that he might have had, provided he had bestowed a great sum on such a Commodi∣ty, as have to say Iventured my whole Stock upon a very promising Bargain, but alas it misgive and I'm totaly Ru∣ined.

4thly. That they be cautious in buying any sort of Goods that may soon decay or go out of fashion, un∣less they know how to dispose of them speedily.

But besides all this, there is some∣thing else to be adverted, for if a Per∣son live higher than his Stock can af∣ford, it will deminish by degrees and he at last be reduced to a low Condi∣tion. 'Tis therefore absolutly neces∣sar for all sorts of People to Proporti∣on their spending to their profits, that is to say that the former may not ex∣ceed the Latter.

But because it may be a Question (and that none of the least) what part of his Stock or Profits may a man spend, so as his Stock may not be wested or he rendered incapable to provide for his Children as fit for one of his degree or quality.

At first view one would think he may spend his whole Profits, But there is a great many things to be considered in this, for as was observed in the preceeding Section, there must be Respect had in this to the present state of his Family. If it be upon the growing hand, than may he not go the

whole length in Spending that his Profits for the time may bear, for in case he should be obliged to Retrinch his Spending, or at least be more straitned to mantain his Family upon the same allowance, when it becomes more Numerous; and likewise that there is a great many Accidents that commonly fall out, which will require Money besides what is needed in the common Course of his Debursements, which something most be Reserved for, otherwise his Stock will be De∣minished by the De••raying such Extra∣ordinar Expences, beside several other things of which I shall speak more particularly in the next Section.

SECT: V. Which Respects Merchants and Trades-Men together, &c.

HAving said something concern∣ing People of those Imploy∣ments seperatly, in the Pro∣ceeding Sections, And seing what agrees to the one Respects the other likewise in many things, I shall more particularly in this place such what Relates to the daily Debursements.

When I mention Merchants and Trades-men, it is not only to be thought I Restrict it to these Allener∣ly. But that all others of Inferiour quality are likewise to be understood under that Denomination.

It was formerly shewed, that a per∣son who can Earn six Pence a Day, may live Comfortably upon the same,

It is therefore plain, that whoever

can earn more may Live at least as well upon the Product of his Labour, provided he conform his way of live∣ing, to what he is able to baer forth.

It was form••rly Remarked. That the sole or principal occasion of Peo∣ple's Runing themselves a Ground, proceedeth from their not proportion∣ing their Debursements to their In∣comes or profits, and that perhaps not so much from their Total neglect of this, as from their not Considering it throughly, for one that can Earn 8 or 10 pence a Day, or what else you please, most not in his Ordinar Course of Liveing, spend his whole Day's profit each Day, but he ought to con∣sider, Accidents may frequently befall which may not only Incapacitat him to Earn his usual Wages, but may likewise require even more than Ordi∣nary De••ursements. Therefore, he would alwise keep with in bounds, and Reserve something for Extraordinary Occasions.

How much of his daily Profits ought to be reserved for Exterordinary occa∣sions, must likewise be proportioned to the Circumstances of the Party, that is to say if his difficultys be apparent∣ly upon the decreasing hand; That which is to be Reserved for Extraor∣dinary Occasions may be less; But if they seem to Encrease, it would be be the more. However, I think one 5th part may be a good Medium, if his Circumstances be not very extra∣ordinary.

So much concerning such as have no Stock, and live only upon the pro∣duct of their Labour.

The next sort of People that are to be spoke off, are such as have but small Stock, yet by the frequent changeing of it, and them having a con∣stant Trade, may Reckon upou some certain daily profit, Proportionably far exceeding what they could make, if

their Stocks were any thing consider∣able, of this Sort may be reckoned Ink-keepers. Retailers of Liquors, small Shop-Keepers, Hooksters and the like.

Tho this sort of People can not certainly know their Daily or Weekly profits, yet after some times Experi∣ence they may guess pretty near what yearly Profits they can make, and must proportion their outgivings to the same; That is to say in like man∣ner as the Tradesmen above-mention∣ed, Viz. still to reserve about a 5th or 6th part of it for extraordinary occa∣sions.

Those whose Stocks are Consider∣able, must observe an other Method in their spending, because they will not so frequently get the same bestow∣ed, and because of the many Risques and hazards they run, as was former∣ly mentioned, they cannot well Reck∣on upon any certain profit beyond the ordinary Interest of their Stocks,

and consequently ought to proportion their spending to the same▪

This perhaps may be thought too little, as certainly it is, if their Stook be small. but in that Case they are partly to be considered as the inkeep∣ers, &c. above mentioned, but if their Stocks be considerable it will be sufficient, and if their Condition can allow of more, their Stocks will Encreass the more speedily, and con∣sequently the Interest thereof will be the more, to which they may alwise conform their spending.

In these three Classes, all Trades∣men and Trading People may bo com∣prehended, and if every one would keep a particular Jurnal of his profits and Debursments and Regulate his Af∣fairs So that he doth allwise keep within Bounds, and know the State of his Affairs; None could ever alto∣gether faill, unless by some unexpected or extraordinary Accident.

SECT; VII. Which Respects Gentlemen, &c.

HAving given some hints at what may be expedient in the Con∣duct of several sorts of Peo∣ple. as to the Regulating of their Affaris. I come in this Class to tuch what Respects Gentlemen and other Persons of Quality, as to what Con∣cerns their Living Comfortably in their several Ranks, and according to their Estates.

We shall begin with such as are in publick Office, and for their Service, have either a certain Annual Sallarie, or Pension allowed them, or some certain Casual Profits or Emoloments pertaining to their Office.

Some may say, there is no great difficulty for such People to Regulate what Concerns their manner of living,

And that if their Spending do not ex∣ceed their Profits, think all is well enough.

In this there is a very great mistake, for if those in publick Office, such as Ministers, Officers of the Army, &c. who commonly have no considerable Stock (besides what they gain by their publick Service) shall Spend their whole Annual Revenue, how shall their Children be provided for, who being Bred as Gentlemens Chil∣dren, cannot apply themselves to mean Imployments, or Boorish Drudgerie, and wanting what is necessar to sup∣port them, will be ready to Imbrace many Temptations, and to take Un∣approveable Measures for their Sub∣sistance; If Persons in such Circum∣stances do not lay aside one half or thereby of their Yearly Profits, for the use of their Children, they will Undoubtedly Render them more Mi∣serable than the Children of Boors or Tron-men, and no doubt the

Neglect of this may be one principal Cause of the Vulgar Opinion, that many of the Children of Ministers, become no great Patrons of Vertue, tho at the same time, I beleive People takes more particular notice of them then of others, something more then Ordinary being expected from their Education.

But if those who Act in publick Ca∣pacities, have any Stock besides what they gain by their Service, they may Spend the Annual profits of it, as o∣ther Gentlemen that have Heiteable Estates, And as their Stock encreasses by what is added to it of that which is laid aside, gained by their publick Service, the Interest of it will become the greater, and consequently able to support them the better.

And as to Gentlemen who have He∣ritable Estates, and follow no manner of vocation, but only live upon there Rents, they most proportion there Ex∣pence to what they have to receive

from their Tennants; neither would they in the common Course of their Management Spend all that they get in, for Consideration ought still to he had to several Extraordinary Occasi∣ons, which may occasion their Deburs∣ing of more than was expected, and also that they may be Disappointed of what they ought to get in.

Some perhaps may think there is no Difficulty for such as have Land Rents or other certain Annual Prosites to preserve their Estates and Live Hon∣estly, but I may Warrantably say, there is no less Art in preserving an▪ Estate, than in acquiring it.

The Conduct of Gentlemen, or such as have no manner of Employ∣ment, but only to Husband, and Live upon their Rent, is different from any of those abovementioned, for whereas the Husbandman, the Trades man, and other Labouring People, have less difficulty to mentain their Families, when their Children come

to Age than formerly, because by their Labour, they are helped to support the same, neither is it to expected, that they can provide Opulantly for them, they being in as good Condition as can be expected from those of their Quali∣ty, tho nothing of Consideration be left to them, besides their Education; and Merchants Living within Bounds, as was above proposed their Stocks will Encreass, unless they meet with cross Providences, and consequently they will be in Condition to provide for their Children, but Gentlemen, not having any other way to supplie their Families, and provide for their Poste∣rity, but only to Husband well what they have, they must not go so great a length in Spending of their Yearly Prosits, as those above mentioned: Respect must be had to the present State of their Families, as of all the rest afo••eid, that is to say while their Families are but small, they must Spend the less and as it Encreas∣seth,

they will have the more, to Suply it.

Perhaps some may think, if they go not beyond their Yearly Incomes at any time, there will be no hazard but that I may shew how ill ground∣ed this Opinion is, I shall make a Supposition, that a Gentleman of 4 or 5000 Merks a Year, having new taken up Family, keeps out a Port, so as to Spend a Years Rent the first Year, next Year having a Son or Daughter born unto him, it will Re∣quire something more for keeping a Nurse, and other things necessaty for the Child, besides some extraordinary Expences at its Birth, All which he must Retrinch off his last Years Spending or so much of his Stock will be Deminished, next Year again, per∣haps he has an other Child, which will require the like Expence to men∣tain it. Thus his Family increassing from time to time, within 20 or 30 Years, several of his Children may be

Marriageable, and most be provided to Portions Suitable to their Quality, besides what is given out to Edu∣cate them, let any Prudent Man consider, whither one in such Circum∣stances should not farr Outshoot him∣self by such Conduct.

I think no Gentleman who has no other way of living, can be reckoned a good Husband, if he spend above an half of his Rent while his family is in its Infancy. And as it Increases, having ••aid by what he saves while his Family's on the Increasing hand, he may be in Condition to provide por∣tions to his Children, Sutable to their quality.

I might proceed to make a parti∣cular Calculation, shewing how much he might lay by each Year; As for example, the first year 100 Lib. Starl. the 2d. 90 Lib. Starl. and stil less and less, as his Family Increases, till perhaps he could not lay by any thing

at all; But this being no defieult mat∣ter to conceive, I only in the General would desire every one to Consider their own Circumstances, and to make a Calculation of their Spending, and how they will be able to bear it forth; For as I said at the Entrie of this Chapter, that which occasions the fail∣our of most People proceeds from their not Proportioning their deburs∣ments to their Incoms; And that Cheifly from their not throughly con∣sidering the same.

It will be needles to make any more instances of this kind, let the Annul∣rent or yearly incomes of Gentlemen, be it litle or much, if they have no other way of living, but what ac∣cresses from these certain prosits, they must proportion their spending to the same, as above said. viz. To save a∣bout on half of it, while their Fami∣ly's are small &c. And that they may the better understand the state of their own Assiairs; Book-keeping is very

necessar for them to Learn, as it is likewise to all others, that have any Considerable busines in the World.

SECT. VIII. Which Respects the Mannagement of Publick Concerns.

AS every person is Concerned to provide for himself, so is the Prince or Soveraign Lord con∣cerned to give necessar orders, apoint∣ing every one to his proper Post, for the Publick good, of those under his care.

It may seem a peice of Arrogance for me to offer my opinion in things of this nature, or to midle in matters which concern the Government of a State; But for as much as all human Capacity is finit, things ne∣cessar to be considered, my escape the Remembrance of the most Judicious,

I hope it shall be no Crime, to offer a few things which at present occur, with respect to this matter, some of which (so far as I know) have not yet come u••der the Cognizance of the August Assembly, to whom I in∣tend to present this, and as I humbly conceive may not be nuworthy of their Consideration.

The King or Soveraign having the Oversight and Care of the whole Nation or Realm committed to his Charge, is not only obliged to Care for what Concerns the support of his own Dignity and Grandure, but like∣wise for what may most promot the wellfare and Prospetity of these over whom he Reigns, and as in all things the means are Adepted to the end for which they are designed, & just measures taken in effecting thereof, otherwise they cannot be imagined to accomplish it; And as has been observ∣ed, every Degree and Rank of Peo∣ple above Represented are obliged

to proportion and accomodat their manner of Living, to the fund by which they are suported. it will not be doubted, but that certain measures are to be observed by Princes, for Re∣gulating their Affairs, and that a King or Prince may sustain as much prejudice, by not proportioning his Debursments to his Revenue, as Peo∣ple of mean quality may do by keep∣ing out a Port above what they are able to bear forth.

The Revenue of Princes are certain Taxes and Customs upon their Sub∣jects, it being must reasonable, that every one according to his ability, should Contribute to the suport of the Goverment, under which he is, that a sufficent Force may be always in ra∣diness to defend the Kingdom or State, from any Foreign Invasion, and to Supr••ss all intestain disorder or Broils that may Happen; Nevertheles this must be proportioned, to what the Subjects are able to bear, otherwise

their Hearts are Aleniated, and they become uneasie.

A Prince's greatest Wealth and Se∣curity is the Hearts of his People, for when he has this, he can want no∣thing that is in their Power to grant. Neither can a People be more happy than under the Conduct of a good and Vertuous Prince, who makes it his Endeavours to make them Happy, wherefore I think it not absurd to affirm, that the Prince and People's Interest is not Devided, and that both may do what in them lyes for the publick Good, ought to he the Pray∣ers and Endeavours of all good Men.

Punishments and Rewards ought not only to be Dispenced in Obedi∣ence to Devine Authority, but in Po∣lice it is necessar to Chastise Vice and Encourage Vertue, the Vicious per∣son being like a Gangrin or F••estered Member, ready to insect the whole Body, if not timely Cuted or cut off, and a Vertuo••us person is no less profi∣table

to a Common Wealth then the other is prejudicial thereunto.

Some think it necessar for Princes to bring Disaffected persons over to their Interest to heap Favours upon them, alledgeing that those who are true Friends, will still continue so, and by this means, others may be gained.

No cloubt, such as are good Men, will never be so Disobliged for missing favours, that in Justice they might have expected, that they will turn Enemies, but I shall scarce be perswa∣ded, that the like Fedelitly will be found in one who for self ends is brought over, as in him who has a Heart Affection, and will not easily be brought over as the other who joins with him that bids most. Neither doth every one attain to such a degree in Mortification, as not to entertain some disgust when he thinks himself hardly used.

Clemency is an Excellent Virtue, but Excess in it becomes a Fault.

The Psalmist in extoling the Go∣vernment of the Supream Judge, says, Justice and Mercy are the Ha∣bitation or Basses of his Thron, and it is the Glory of Princes to establish theit's upon the same Foundation.

A merciful P••ince is like an indul∣gent Parent, that out of Tenderness to his Children, does not Correct them according to the degree of their Of∣sence, for which reason they become the less Obedient, presuming to much on his Goodness.

The end of Chastising being not on∣ly for punishment of Crimes past, but for Example and Terrour to Others, to prevent the like for the Future, in Correction, Respect would be had to the Consequence, as well as Satisfacti∣on made for the Offence Committed.

Any person may forgive Injuries done to himself, but what Respects a∣nother, he cannot without the party's Consent.

Justice says, give every one his

due, and ••ransgresions against GOD can∣not be forgiven by Man.

Being straitened in time, I shall only mention a few things more, which more particularly Concern the present State of this Kingdom.

The Genuis of People seem at pre∣sent to Run more upon Trade than formerly, and besides what was for∣merly said on that Subject.

I humbly Conceive, it will be nessa∣ry for the greater Security of Compa∣nys, or these that enter in a joint Trade, that it be Enacted, that who∣ever has the Manadgement of other Mens Effects, shall be a person through∣ly acquainted in Book-keeping, and that he post all his Company Trans∣actions in ample Form; And if it can be made appear, that in one Article he hath dealt unfaithfully, let him be Doem'd worthy of Death, and accord∣ingly Exicuted, or at least that he suffer Consiscation of Goods.

This may seem too serve, there

being no proportion between the Of∣fence and Punishment, but when 'tis Considered, that the Consequences of dealing gently with such Rogues, (for no better Name can I give such, who deal Deceitfully towards those that Credit them with their Effects) opens a Door to all manner of Fraudulent Dealing, and consequently interups Trade, the want of which Renders this poor Nation Miserable. It will be found as Tolerable as for a Gener∣al to put to Death him that leaves his Post, when he is set to Watch the Motions of an Eney. I need not insist on this, for a Word's enough to a Wise Man, Only I humbly Conceive, Trading in Company is Impracticable in this Kingdom, if some such Law be not Exacted.

Law Processes are very Tedious, and much complained of on that Ac∣count, I am not ignorent that 'tis bet∣ter to defer Justice, as to give Sentence Rashly, without the necessar Informa∣mation

of both parties, Nevertheless, I think a dozen, sixteen, or Twenty years to long for a Cause to be Depend∣ing, and doubts but some Expedient might be found for Discussing of it soon∣er; But however it be, I think such as are visibly Litigious, and by Hook or Crook having once got Possession of another Man's Effects, fights him with his own Weapons, and at the Latter end when obliged to restore the other Man his own Geer, after a long use of it, ought to pay the Injured party the whole Expence and Damnage that he sustains at least, if not to be surther Puniched as a Fellon or Thief, And as 'tis a Crime before GOD, to assist an Unjust Person in the wronging of his Neighbour, so I think an Advocat or Procurator that pleads in an Unjust Cause, where 'tis Visible, that he can not but know it to be so, ought like∣wise to be Punished as Art and Part with his Cliant

Advocations and Suspensions are oft

times founded upon slender Grounds, and some times the Defender will Re∣move a Cause from an Inferious Court, meerly to Vex and put his Creditor to Expence. I think, where the Grounds are not Pugnent in Advocations, 'tis most reasonoble, that the Cause should be Remitted to the Judge be∣fore whom it was first Called, or ra∣ther that it should not be brought from before him, for according to the first Constitution of Judicatures, small mat∣ters were appointed for the Peoples case, to be Decided by Inferiour Judges.

Perhaps this Doctrine may not be agreeable to some of the Members of the Colledge of Justice, it not being usual in Millers to wish Corn to go by their own Mills, but if the Wisdom of the Parliament find it: reasonable, some thing may be done therein for all that.

If a Blind Man might be permitted to Judge of Coulors, I would say only a short Word concerning the Law it self.

Our Laws I believe are as good as those of our Neighbours, (tho oft Complain'd of, as not being put in Execution) but that they might be made better I nothing doubt, for who∣ever considers from what Fountain we have Our Laws, may easily think they might be brought from one more Pure and Wholsome.

The Roman Laws were good, con∣sidering how they had them Trans∣mitted from Age to Age, and from one Nation to another, the best Way the Wits and Learning of those times could Convoy them from hand to hand, but that they come far short of the Copy whence they were first taken, I think no Christian will deny.

Moses in his Exortation to the Is∣raelits. Duet: IV. 6. Tells them that GOD would give them Wisdom and Understanding in the sight of all Nations which should hear all these Statuts, and say surely this great Na∣tion is a Wise and Understanding

People, and in the 8 Verse, And what Nation is there that hath Statuts and Judgements so Righteous as all this Law which I set before you this Day. I believe it will not be much doubted, but that the Roman Law, and Laws of all the best Governed Nations in the World, are founded upon the Law delivered by Moses, and that they have Received no Advantage by those through whose hands they have come.

Our Modern Lawers, (as well as our Moderen Poets, that use the pa∣gen manner of Invocation) do too much imitate the Pazens. I wish some able Lawer would begin and reform this, the Scriptures of Truth may affoord him Matter to Work upon, for as they contain a Compleat Body of Divinity, so do they contain an in∣tire Body of Law, directing how to Dispence Justice between Man and Man, as well as in things relating to the Worship of GOD. Why shhould we follow an imperpfect Copy, when we have the Original at hand.

As to the Execution of the Law, let

there be no partiallity, for one Offen∣der fin••ing favour, gives Encourage∣ment to 20 Others, to presume to do the like Offence, and think them∣selves injured, if they meet not with the like favour.

Let inferiour Magestrats or Others who are to put the Laws in Execution be punished for their Omissions, if they pass an Offender without full Sa∣tisfaction for his Offence.

This will be so far from being any Discouragement to inferiour Mage∣strats, that it will be a great ease to them, and they could with the greater Courage Execut the Laws, for as the matter stands, when they proceed ac∣cording to Law against Offenders, they in some cases must either take the prejudice of the party upon them. or allow them what favour they ask, es∣pecially if the party shall afterward obtain the favour that he sought of them from a higher Judicature, and if the Majestrat were to suffer himself for his Omission, no Man could have

the Confidence to desire a favour of him, nor the Wickedness to Entertain a grudge against him who refus'd it.

There are some Fourteen pence peices, and 3. d half Pennys, that Creat a great Unoasiness to the Leidges, and oft times the poor suffer by it, tho such as pay Summs can oblige the patty to whom he makes payment to receive them, yet when they come in single Ones to poor People's Hands, they are obliged to pass them with an Abate∣ment, besides not one in half a Paroch has Scales to Weigh them in the Country, and won't take them upon the other persons Word. It has been thought by some, that as much Money has been given for Scales to Weigh that kind of Money, would have made up all the Loss of Re-coining it. Some have like∣wise thought that the Mannagers of the Bank would have taken it all in for the Priviledge of Coining as much Coper as the value of it, which will not be very much.

If this shall be thought an injur∣ing, of the General of the Mint, it were to be wished that the Parlia∣ment should lay on a Tax to make up any Loss that would be in Re∣coining of it; Better that every one should bear a part, as let the Poor suffer.

FINIS.