Observations and advices oeconomical North, Dudley North, Baron, 1602-1677. 1669 Approx. 98 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 78 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2005-10 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A52447 Wing N1286 ESTC R616 11779305 ocm 11779305 48968 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A52447) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 48968) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 544:12) Observations and advices oeconomical North, Dudley North, Baron, 1602-1677. [14], 132, [9] p. Printed by T.R. for John Martyn ..., London : 1669. "Inselix nimis cujus domicilio ignavia adhaeret." A treatise dealing with household and family affairs. Attributed to Dudley North, Lord North. Cf. BLC Reproduction of original in Huntington Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). 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Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Home economics. Great Britain -- Social life and customs -- 17th century. 2003-05 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2003-05 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2005-03 Jonathan Blaney Sampled and proofread 2005-03 Jonathan Blaney Text and markup reviewed and edited 2005-04 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion OBSERVATIONS AND ADVICES OECONOMICAL . Infelix nimis cujus domicilio ignavia adhaeret . LUKE 8. 16. No man when he hath lighted a Candle covereth it with a Vessel , &c. LONDON , Printed by T. R. for John Martyn Printer to the Royal Society , at the sign of the Bell without Temple-Bar . 1669. The Preface . A Short Work needs little Preface , and this Work is both short and slender , so as it may be easie to make a Gate large enough for the City it self to run out at . A Iourney cannot be too little , nor the Way too plain , for a person of Body tyred , and Spirits spent by past travell ; and I may well professe my self such , having in my dayes galopped so many Post-stages . In the prime of my youth I past ( or rather lost ) some few years at the Vniversity of Cambridge . Then I came to have a tast of the Court , but my Father soon called me from thence , knowing by dear experience the Air of that place to be such , as few elder Brothers can long breath there without falling into a Consumption . Afterwards I lived with my Parents at their London habitation , and having no employment I surfeited of Idlenesse , taking my pastime with some of the most corrupt young men of those dayes . By Gods grace I quickly found this unfit for continuance , and therefore I prevailed with my Father to send me beyond Sea to travel , where in lesse then two years I had a view of the best part of Italy , France , and Spain , being present at Madrid and Paris , when the several Marriages for our then Prince of Wales were treated on in those Courts , and so I became a partial witnesse of the artifices , and uncertainty of such Negotiations . From thence I was employed as a Soldier in Holland , about three years , Commanding a Foot Company in our Sovereigns Pay. And there I ran hazard again of being lost in debauchery , and especially in the Vice-rampant of that People . But by Gods grace I came home scot-free , though I served under a Scotch Colonel . Then I became a Married man , and was speedily called to Publick affairs , being elected to four successive Parliaments , where the Service and approaches were excessive chargeable , and of no profit as to my particular . One of these was that fatal Parliament which set the whole Kingdom on fire , seeking to enervate or unsinue all Government , and that it might the better be effected , divers of us their Members were by Club-law forced from our station . Yet it pleased God ( even by that Parliament ) when we were re-admitted ) to put all again in such a way , as the old Government was perfectly restored in a succeeding Assembly . Then I made my full retreat into the Countrey , which renewed my experience in businesses relating to that course of life ; and now at last I am come to reside at the chief Mansion-house of our Family , where I have no other ambition then to end my dayes with a peaceable and pious dissolution ; So much of my self tyred and retired , which I may well be , since the World can scarcely shew me any thing new . Now a word or two about my approaches to this little Inventary : Being overtaken with old Age , and by divers infirmities rendred unfit for action , I entertain my self frequently by turning over old Books ( whereof I have good store in several Languages ) without any fixed Study , and among them I lately perused one , consisting of certain politick and prudential Considerations , written by three distinct Italian Authors in an articular way , and as I was reading , it fell into my thoughts , that the same might profitably be done in Oeconomicks , which is a path not much travelled in . Thence I took occasion , to turn my meditations that way , and having spent same little time therein , I put my materials together , and so this small Work received being , without any further trouble by way of Method . As for the Subject , though not of any sublime consideration , I conceived it fitter for me to embrace , then N●tes in Politick Government , as not having coversed sufficiently with Sovereign Princes , and taking it to be a high presumption for private persons to give them instructions . Yet the government of private Families may be considerable even with Princes , because their Principalities are composed of Families , and they who are known to have well governed their private fortunes , are the rather judged fit for Publick Offices . Oeconomy is a subject , that entertained the Pen of Learned Aristotle himself , but it yieldeth little occasion for pleasant conceits or curious terms , wherefore I must advise all persons of nimble fancy , to forbear reading , least it become a kind of torture to them ; happy it is for this Discourse , that it came into the World so seasonably ; for never was there more need of good menagery then now , at a time when Revenues of the Gentry are fallen beyond what could have been imagined of late years , and they are most likely to continue so , if not to incur a farther diminution . I meddle not with small Families , which are concerned in the mysteries of Agriculture and petty Huswifery , matter 's no way suitable to my mind or experience ; and there was no need , for divers persons of peculiar knowledge in those matters have written of them . But it may be demanded , why I , having been so great a straggler , do undertake to give Rules in Oeconomy ? To which I answer , That at times I have been a House-keeper a great part of my dayes , and more especially in these my latter years , at which time Men are accustomed to take matters into consideration more maturely , then when distracted with pleasures of youth . Indeed my nature is not so perverse , but I receive great contentment in being beneficial to others , for In minimis prodesse juvat , better do a little good , then none at all . Neither am I so ill opinioned of this my Brains production , as to think it altogether uselesse , and therefore such as it is , like a Knight errant , it shall travel about to seek adventures . Perhaps it may yield assistance somewhere ; and so I leave it to its fortune . I expect to be Censured in all , and not to escape in this Introduction , as having said too much of my Self , and too little of Oeconomy our Subject : But my Face being masked , the blushes cannot appear , and therefore I may content my self to be a patient hearer . OBSERVATIONS and ADVICES OECONOMICAL . I. OUr first Observation shal be touching the importance of Oeconomy ; wherefore let us bring it to the Balance for tryal . Though a Family ( which is its general object ) be very small in comparison of the State whereof it is a member , yet is it not like an Epicurean atome , unexposed to sense , but an aggregation capable of Government , and the good government is of such Concernment as a State cannot subsist without it ; for Agriculture & Manufactures are dependant upon families , and a Nation can neither be fed nor defended without these , since publick contributions receive their life from them . There were very evident marks of Domestical thrift among the Roman Senators in their beginning : and the Noble Venetians now subsist in their greatness by it . True it is , that States having obtained much riches , become subject to extravagant Expense and Luxury ; but these excesses grow not to their height , till the State come to its declination , as it was with the Romans and Persians . And now having made our approaches , let us give a Definition of Oeconomy . II. Oeconomy is the Art of well governing a mans private house and fortunes , by which appears , that there is no necessary Object of Oeconomy , save an Owner with his house and possessions , but it is seldom exercised without Wife and Servants . And Children will be desired for Succession sake , and as the bond or tye of affection between man and wife ; wherefore we shall treat of all these , and in the first place of a Wife , whose care within dores is of greatest importance . III. It is an antient English Proverb , That if a man will thrive , he must ask leave of his Wife ; and thrift is a matter of no small consideration in Oeconomy . If therefore choyce be made of a Wife , let him use as well his Ear as his Eye , that is , let him rather trust to his discretion according to what he hears , than to his affection kindled by sight , that she may be no lesse useful in the day than agreeable at night . IV. A Jove principium . Let her be of the same profession in Religion with her Husband ; for between them that agree not to go to Church together , there can hardly be consent in other things . Neither should she otherwise be of too different inclination and affections from her Husband ; for if one delight in Company , and the other in Privacy , they must live together with as little convenience , as in the Fable the Swallow and the Lark would have done , whereof one loved Summer and the other Winter . Let her not be too Young , for unripe fruit yields no increase . Not too Old , for fruit past its maturity tendeth to putrefaction , and is noysom . Not too rich in Revenue ( especially by a reserve of a great part in her power ) lest she become too imperious and upbraiding , as giving subsistence to her Husband . Not too Fair , least like hony she draw Wasps to his House . And not too Foul , for that is not onely unpleasing , but brings shame with it . To conclude , he cannot use too much circumspection , being to give her an irrevocable Estate for life in his Person . And for advancement by Marriage , let him consult Martials Epigram : Vxorem quare locupletem ducere nolim Quaeritis ? Vxori nubere nolo meae Inferior matrona suo sit quaeque marito , Non fuerint aliter foemina virque pares . Or thus Ask you why Wealth in Marriage I not crave ? 'T is that my Wife the Breeches should not have . The Wife brings less in Birth , and Wealth then he , Or else the Man shall not her equal be . V. A Master of a Family being already Married must maturely consider the disposition of his Wife . If she be defective in brain , or naturally given to Idlenesse , unfit she is to be much used in governing the Family . The like may be said of one Laciviously dispos'd ; for how improper to be trusted in businesse is one , who deserveth not to be trusted with her self ? And yet these will hardly suffer themselves to be excluded ; for what is more usual , than a desire of power in those who are uncapable of managing it ? But if the Wife be industrious , prudent , and affectionate to her Husband ( as some such there are ) no confidence can be too , much for her ; for she is such a blessing as may sway the balance against very many ( not onely good Servants but ) Children . VI. Our first Mother Eve was inflamed with a desire of Knowledge , which caused her fall , and begot our mischief ; but her Daughters in these dayes affect nothing so much as the enjoying of their Will. For the attaining of this they apply themselves to several wayes , according to their different constitutions and dispositions . The best of them are so happy in temper and abilities , as they are able in a modest way to propose to their Husbands strength of Reason for their chief desires , and these ought to receive full satisfaction , unlesse the Husband can convince them with stronger reason . VII . Some others of milder temper seek to have their Will by discontent upon refusal , expressing it by Tears , and pretended indisposition of Body ; and these find many times an indulgence , perhaps too often . Some are of so fiery constitution , as upon denyal they are ready to fly in their Husbands face ; and these deserve little encouragement . In this case the Husbands Patience must be a Narcotick to keep him from being too quick of sense , and so the fit may passe over without Battail , and good use may be made of her passion , which being troublesom but in few cases , may be generally usefull in obliging Servants strongly to their duty . To prevent Contests between Man and Wife , a great Lord of the late times had a pretty way . He would often professe , that he never in his whole life denyed any thing to his Lady ; and his meaning was this , that when the matter proposed by her could not be conveniently yielded to , she could not by any importunity wrest any answer from him . VIII . But those are of the worst Condition , who free enough from the passion of Anger , are fully bent to have their Will in all things . And as Tiberius the Emperour said to Agrippina Widdow to Germanicus , Si non imperes filiola credis tibi injuriam fieri . They think themselves wronged if they be not permitted to have a complete Empire . These are harsh and perverse enough by nature , but they strein theirs to the height , to become not onely crosse , but insupportably so , till they obtain their end . They do not apply themselves to storm the fort , but by siege to make the holding of it incommodious , and so to cause a rendry to them for want of conveniency , as the French say our Englishmen surrendred Calais for lack of Mustard . The Husband who yields all upon these terms , deserves to wear the Petticoat , having renounced the prerogative of his Sex , and therfore deserves not the least pitty . Some Husband would use the Poet 's harsh Complement , and say , Vade uxor foras , aut moribus utere nostris . Or thus Abroad good Wife , and there new dwelling find , Or act at home , as I declare my mind . IX . Progeny gives a futurity of being , and the word Posterity may be fitly understood in that sense ; for the Body ( if not the Soul extraduce ) of Parents hath a partial continuance by the Seed , though not perpetuity . Affection therefore to Children is most natural , and the care of them is most strictly required of Parents , even in Religion it self , according to the uniform consent of all Divines . In their Infancy the government of them doth belong to the Mother , and so properly , as the Father is as then uncapable of it . The Mothers care of them is as duly theirs , as is naturally the Milk of her Breasts . Unhappy therefore are those Children whose Mother is ravished from them by Death during that time , she being so obliged to a careful preservation , as their being lost by negligence is a kind of Murder in her . And whereas many times after such losse of a true Mother , a second marriage brings the Name and not the Nature of the Mother ; and sometimes there groweth a disaffection to the Children upon a second brood : it then concerns the Father to double his care , putting on as much of a Mother as is possible for those of his Sex to do . X. Male Children when they become disciplinable fall under government of the Father , whose duty in the first place , is to infuse into them the general Principles of Religion , and then as he shall be able , to preserve them from the rust of Idleness , a certain Bane of Youth . In this he cannot be too sedulous , for as well the defects , as faults of Young persons , which are generated by want of good education do justly become imputable , rather to their Parents than to themselves . The Father must therefore take into Consideration his own Condition , which if it be Mechanical may find them employment at home . But if he be of the chief Gentry , as we treat little of others , his Children may be directed unto wayes of a more refined nature , and in my opinion , Parents of such condition are praise-worthy who cause all their Male Children to undertake some Profession of the more Noble way , whereof this Kingdom affordeth good plenty , as that of Divinity , of the Laws Common and Civil , of Soldiery , and of Physick . Neither is Merchandise to be contemned , whereunto in forrain Lands persons of the most Honourable condition do apply themselves . And though the care of Daughters do chiefly belong to the Mother , yet Parents of Eminency shall do well to place them fitly and seasonably in Marriage , which the wise Siracides calls the performance of a weighty matter ; yet that endeavour is better spared , if the Daughter shall be found so much better disposed , as to embrace S. Paul's counsel of perpetual Virginity . XI . Howsoever Daughters are designed , either to a Single , or Married life , there must be a due preparation called Breeding , of which a word or two . Virginity is a precious thing , but most precious when preserved in a Religious consideration . It is a perfection that was unknown in the Church of God till Christs Incarnation , for the Jews did neither enjoyn , nor exercise it , but were so averse , as ( if the Learned Selden deliver truth ) those men who did not apply themselves to the getting of Children ( except some few men who dedicated themselves to study of the Jewish Law ) were esteemed as bad as homicides , being very great offenders against the first general Commandment , Encrease and multiply . But with us Christians , perpetual Chastity is most commendable ; but to oblige themselves to it is onely proper for those who have the gift of Continence , which is not every person , for otherwise our blessed Saviour , having said that some have made themselves Eunuchs for the Kingdom of Heavens sake , would not have added , Qui capere potest , capiat . Let him receive it who can . Therefore it may be mischievous to enjoyn it , which deserves the Consideration of Roman Catholicks , who are said sometimes to oblige their Children to such a Vow , though indisposed to it . For these different Courses of life there are different wayes of breeding , but in each there must be a training up to Vertue and Piety . A Single life is the better part , giving a capability of beginning the heavenly joyes here on Earth , by an uninterrupted Contemplation of the Divine Excellencies . These young Women cannot be too little inur'd to vanity , since the true businesse of their life is a pursuance of their dedication , and worldly businesses are but accidental . But the other sort , which in this faece Romuli or corrupted race of People are thousands for one , may be permitted ( as S. Paul saith ) to care for the things ▪ of this World , that they may please their Husbands , and therefore it seems , that in their breeding such strictnesse is not required , as in educating the others , neither is vanity so much to be declined . From this it followeth , that these may assume some liberty to dresse and adorn their persons , as also to exercise themselves in Musick and other Courtly entertainments . If excesse be avoided , and if their only end of such their employment be to give contentment to a Husband . Yet such trifles must not be used to destroy the learning of more necessary things , as the wayes of Domestical thrift , with the well governing of a Family ; much lesse may they take up so much time , as not to leave sufficient for the performance of Religious duties . XII . Enough hath been said to shew that Children are a blessing to the Parents , yet they may be unprofitable ; for the same Siracides gives it as a Precept , not to desire a multitude of unprofitable Children ; nay sometimes they prove dangerous , as it was with our second Henry , who had many Sons , and most of them Rebellious , so as before his death he bitterly Cursed two of them who survived him , and never would be perswaded by his Bishops to revoke the Curse . And David was no lesse unhappy in his Sons ( I except Solomon , though he made but ill use of his Wisdom ) and this seemeth to have befallen him , by his own default , of too much indulgence to them , for in Scripture there is such a Note set upon him in the case of Adonijah ; and the same may be observed in Eli , whose negligence of reproof deprived his Family of that great Dignity of the Priesthood . Solomon therefore had good reason to say , He who spareth the Rod hateth his Son. XIII . Having spoken of Children , I shall take the freedom to say something by way of Comparison between our English Law , and the Civil or Imperial ; as they relate to Succession for Inheritance . By the Civil Law every man is capable of having legal issue , as well as natural , and may adopt whom he will , though he have posterity otherwise . These adopted Children are as Capable of Inheritance as the natural , so as not onely the Childlesse person may provide himself of an Heir , but any other man use his judgment in choosing one educated , and of inclination according to his mind . Why this is wholly rejected in our Law , is left to conjecture . Our Lawyers have this saying , that God onely makes Heirs , and we know that he can make better choyce then we our selves . Sure I am , it may well become us to submit to his determination . To this it may be added , that there is not so much need of Adoption with Northern people , as with Southern , for we are more fruitful and generative than they . And by Adoption there is a total change of Blood , and a change more certain , then if the Succession were Spurious , or of Bastards by the Fathers side . This is very injurious to Progenitors , from whom Families often receive their Honour and Inheritance , for in the choyce of a new Heir the Father hath an election , but not they , who perhaps may be then deceased ; and for the most part there remains some of the Kindred lineally descended from those Ancestors , who yet become rejected , though numerous , and sufficiently deserving . But enough of this . XIIII . Now we have digressed , touching upon other Laws concerning Children . It may be pardonable to consider them about Marriage in some particulars . The most essential difference lyeth in two poynts , a multiplicity of Wives , and power of Divorce ; for both these we must acquiesce in our Saviours decision , which concludes against multiplicity of Wives , and limits the power of Divorce . The Jews ( saving their King and High Priest ) before the Captivity , might have as many Wives as they could maintain ; and at this day the Mahomitans permit Poligamy . The Jewish King's Dignity caused a limitation to him in Marriage ; but the Turks prerogative exempts him from Nuptials altogether . Oh the vast distance between several results of Humane reason in the same matter . I say of humane Reason , taking the Jewish Matrimonial Customes to be grounded not upon Divine Institution , but upon resolutions of Rabins like to judged cases in our Law. Let us compare Monogamy or single Marriage , with Polygamy , and somewhat weigh the conveniences on either side . Polygamy is said to be little lesse than necessary , to Nations desirous of Empire , as were the Jews , and now the Turks are , since abundance of People is chiefly instrumental in Conquest ; but to this may be answered , that no People was ever more ambitious of ampliating their limits , then the Romans , nor more desirous to abound in People then they , as appears by the Priviledge of Jus trium liberorum , and yet they never admitted Polygamy . It may be added , for Pol●gamy , that a single Wife wants the spur to Vertue , which emulation gives where there is more . But Religion is a sufficient spur to Vertue , and the benefit of Emulation may arise from the consideration of other mens vertuous Wives , as well as from Rivalls in relation to the Husband . But certainly in the Oeconomical way , a multiplicity of Wives must be very inconvenient , as causing many distractions and altercations within a Family , to the great disturbance of the Master ; for if one Contentious Woman be scarcely supportable , how must it be where there is many , and with power almost equal ? As to the power of Divorce , Christianity doth not allow it , but in the case of Fornication , for impotence produceth a nullity and not a Divorce . But the Jews ( and Romans also before they were Christian ) had a full liberty to Divorce . This was a great power to the Masculine Sex , which Women will readily tax as unjust , as was thought by Salome Sister to Herod , who to give a president for equality between the Sexes , sent a Bill of Divorce to her Husband , a thing opposite to the Jewish Custome . For liberty of Divorce , it is said , that otherwise a man is for life ( and without remedy ) confined to the inconvenience of a humorous , unquiet , and disobedient Wife ; but the fault is our own , for Marriage should never be without full consent on both sides . To conclude , our Levity and inconstancy is such , as the general unhappinesse would be much greater , if every man might be Divorced at pleasure . XV. The next part of a Family that offers it self is the Servants , and of a great Family ( for those that are little deserve small consideration ) the whole may be termed an epitome of hereditary Monarchy . The Master of such a Family si parvis componere magna licet , if we may compare great things with small , doth somewhat resemble the Soveraign Prince , his Children the Nobility or second estate , and the Body of Servants beareth some similitude to the Commons . And this comparison may the better be admitted , because Writers very considerable fetch their chief argument for Monarchy ( as being the most natural and ancient Government ) from its Conformity with the Paternal , which alwayes supposeth a Family . Let us see how this comparison is proper . All Power and Office is derived from the Sovereign in a State , and so is all from the Master in a Family . The Protection and Defence of a Kingdom belongs onely to the King , and so of a Family to the Master . All the People pay tribute to the Sovereign , and all work of Servants in a Family , whence profit may arise , is to the Masters use . Thus far there is an agreement , but in other things a difference . In Monarchy every Subject hath a natural Interest in his Prince , and the relation is indissoluble . But in a Family Servants have no natural interest in their Master , and the relation is onely indissoluble between the Father and his Children . Again , Monarchy is one of the Formes of political Government , and a principal end of all such Government is the whole Peoples welfare , whereof the Commons make the greatest part , whereas in a Family there is no other design or intention then profit and convenience of the Master , and his Servants have no concernment of their own in such things as peculiarly belong to the Family . Many other instances of difference might be given , but they fully concur in one particular more , which is this , that neither of them can well subsist withont due subordinations , and good order . XVI . The first Consideration belonging to Servants is their number , wherein no certain rule can be given , for respect must be had to several things , as to the Dignity and Revenue of the Master , his number of Children , &c. But it is absolutely against the Rules of wisdome to erre in the excesse . Better it is to have too few , then too many , as well in respect of their idlenesse , which is to be shunned as a Rock , and cannot so be in case a fit number be exceeded , as also in regard of encreasing charge beyond the Masters income , a most necessary thing to be prevented ; for what is , or can be more uncomfortable , then for a Master to find his Estate in a continual ebb or diminution . XVII . The next thing to be weighed concerning Servants in general is their condition , which as I conceive , may better be exprest by the negative then the affirmative . As first , that they differ not in Religion from their Master , for whatsoever their zeal may be otherwise , it cannot be excessive in relation to a Master , whom they think not capable of Heaven and eternal happinesse . XVIII . That they be not much addicted to any notorious Vice , and especially unto excesse of Drinking , which for the most part ( like the Crocadile ) grows as long as it lives with the person , and is every day more incurable , bringing with it many inconveniences into a Family , as well by ill example as otherwise , whereas other Vices in the habit of them , are not so frequent , and not appearing so often in publique , minister lesse scandal . XIX . That they be not affected with any Chronical disease , which must of necessity render them unfit for active businesse , since they are obliged to a continual observation of their health , and in that respect are much fitter to be served then to serve . XX. That they be not noted for extravagancy in the matter of their own expence , or much given to Gaming , for both these will need a continual supply , which cannot in any probability be wrought out but at the Masters charges , and the latter of these is deprived of all limits . XXI . That they be not disposed to wander much abroad out of dores , much lesse night-walkers , or lodgers out of the House ; which last consideration renders Married persons altogether unfit for Service , since they never want just occasion to lodge abroad , and it may be added , that a relation to two families ( whereof their own is one ) must be almost as inconvenient , as the serving of two Masters . XXII . The Proverb saith , So many Servants , so many Enemies ; and properly enough , for there is scarcely any waste in house-keeping but Servants or their favourites do fare the better for it , and even the best of them do sometimes build upon their Masters ruines , as it is seen in these dayes by Purchasers of their Masters Lands . It is also no lesse wittily said , that he who is served by one , hath a Servant ; he who by two hath half a Servant , and he who is served by three hath none at all . This is most applicable to Masters of small Families , but in great Families it may poynt out to this Rule . That the care of one businesse be not committed to above one person , for otherwise when accompt is taken , every ones answer is likely to be , that he thought others had done it . XXIII . I have thought it strange , that Servants are now worse then in former ages , and I have been apt to impute it to the iniquity of the times , and to degeneration of people from their wonted Integrity , but upon better consideration I find , that the way of retaining is much altered ; for not a full Century of years past , Masters gave small wages , and their Servants expected reward by a good pennyworth in some Farm when they were aged . This kept them in diligence , and in a strict observance of their Master , they having an eye to the reward , which still remained in his power . But now by Contract Servants have Wages equivalent to the Service they are obliged to , and being sure of that which is agreed upon , they may stand at defiance with their Master , and not care how perfunctorily they apply themselves to their duty . XXIV . In the choyce of particular Servants much care should be used , for respect must be had to the Employment whereto they are designed . Oeconomy is an Art , and every Artist ought to be curious in the choyce of his Instruments , and not onely so , but to trust chiefly to his own eye , cast either upon the whole work it self , or upon those who act in it . He must not choose a Young Steward , or an Old Husband-man , for the one needs experience to direct , and the other must have strength to labour . Every Servant should also have some knowledge and particular aptnesse to the businesse referred to his care . I knew a Person of eminence , who having observed a diligence and natural promptnesse in a young man trained up in his Stable , thought him capable of any kind of Service , and a considerable Farm being cast into his hands , he found it best to employ this young man as a Bayliff , who answered his expectation fully in point of diligence and promptnesse ; but for want of experience in Tillage the Master lost his Seed for divers years ; and then finding his errour , he was enforced from that time forwards to use a person who had been exercised in that way . XXV . In this Nation heretofore there were Villains , Servants by Inheritance , whose persons and Estates in Land , were lyable to be disposed of at the will of their Lord , and this continued with us a very long time , but at last it was found ( and perhaps upon ground of right reason ) that such a condition did not well consist with Christianity , unto which a natural Servitude is too opposite . But in processe of time that precious thing called Liberty of the People , gained so much ground in our Laws , as now a Master cannot sufficiently chastise his Servant , or put any restraint upon him within limits of his House , without incurring a Complaint to the Magistrate for breach of the Peace , or false Imprisonment , which giveth much presumption to Servants . XXVI . I cannot but mervail , that the French should term England , Pugatoire des serviteurs , the Servants Purgatory ; since all Europe affordeth no Countrey where they have more freedom ; and I no lesse wonder , that Francis Guichiardin , that excellent Authour in his Avertimenti Civili , taking notice how little Masters respect their Servants , and cast them off upon every small disgust , should more then once advise Servants to follow their Masters example , and to make more accompt of their own interests , then of their Masters , since all men are now so naturally disposed to self-love as nothing can with-hold them from advantaging themselves upon all occasions . XXVII . A Steward of the houshold ( stiled Oeconomus , to shew his usefulnesse in a Family ) is his Masters right hand in presence , and his Deputy in time of absence . He hath a general Command over his fellow Servants , and therefore ought to be a man of understanding , and somewhat of an Austere nature , that they may not too far press upon him in way of familiarity , but rather stand in awe of him . He must be of a higher condition then the rest , which will draw respect . And because he is highly trusted with receipt of moneys , he should be possest of some considerable Estate of his own , that he may be sufficiently provided to answer upon accompt . He should excell in quicknesse of apprehension , that he may readily see faults , and as readily give order for the reformation of them . He must be full of observance towards his Master , and careful that his Commands be put in execution , as on the other part his Master is imprudent , if he discountenance his Steward in presence of other Servants , though he do find him faulty , for such disgrace will much prejudice his businesse in relation to others of the Family , who may thence be encouraged , to dispute with him upon every occasion , and so retard the businesse to be done . Lastly , he must be a good accomptant , and not defective in memory , least he injure his Master or himself in setting down Receipts and disbursements . XXVIII . In great Families ( for we treat little of others ) there are many offices , and a Series of subordinations ; as a Gentleman of the Horse , and under his jurisdiction several offices belonging to the Stable . A Clark of the Kitchin , and under him the Cook with his underlings , and so the Butler , &c. and all these are to be countenanced in what they shall justly command to be done by their subordinates . Here the Master saith Go , but in small Families especially in the Countrey , the Master may say Gow ( as we phrase it in East England ) or go we , implying that he will accompany them . When Go is said , the Command is executed , but with some uncertainty , because the businesse passeth through divers hands , but Gow doth the businesse immediately , and with surer effect . XXIX . Though the Wages of Servants ( together with their Diet ) is supposed to set the balance even against their service to be done , yet they do so overween their own merit , as when they have long resided in one Family they are apt to become remisse in their Service , and make no difficulty to say , that being old Servants they ought to have an indulgence . Upon this ground divers persons have taken a resolution , not to keep any Servant for long continuance , except a Steward , and such as are necessary about their person , and this hath succeeded well with some of them , but others have been unhappy , falling into great losses by unfaithfulnesse . And the danger in this kind seemeth great , for how can it be , but in frequent changes some must offer Service coming with foul intentions . XXX . Some Masters there are , who never seem more displeased , then when they find much agreement and quietness among their Servants , fearing least there may be a consent in them to cheat their Master ; and thinking also , that when they quarrell they will be apt to accuse one another , if any thing be amisse . But certainly when there is continual disagreement and strife , it must be a great remora to them in the performance of what is to be done , and few there are , who hold it not the highest basenesse to accuse a fellow-Servant . XXXI . The industry of a Servant is not more useful in any office then that of a Gardner , who besides his care in Gardens of pleasure , by his improvement of the Orchard and Kitchin Garden may bring great plenty with little charge to the Kitchin , and so by consequence to the Table , from which ariseth the chief honour of House-keeping . XXXII . The Porters care is also of great use in a Family , who should be a man somewhat aged , that he may be endued with patience , to give attendance at the Gate , and take accompt of all strange faces who shall desire entrance , and especially of such as by Habit or Countenance give any the least suspicion , for it is most usual to suffer by such admittances , but most of all in City dwellings . And this Officer ought constantly to see the Gate made fast in due time at night . XXXIII . And since the well ordering of a Table gives so much honour to a house-keeper , the offices of Clark of the Kitchin and of Cook , cannot but be of great concernment . That of the Clark to provide and appoint what is to be used , and of the Cook to dresse it , and especially the Cooks office , which makes me call to mind how in the Family to which I have relation , there was a time , when notice being given of very extraordinary Persons to come to Dinner , and the warning being so short , as there was no time to fetch in Achates fit for such an Entertainment ; the Cook who had been trained up at Court , was such a Master in his Culinary way , as by well ordering of our ordinary Provision in making and well seasoning several Dishes of one sort of meat , he furnished the Table , so as it gave great satisfaction to the Guests , and caused little less then a wonder in us . XXXIV . The second person in a Family is the Wife , who if she be industrious , and prudent , flies at all within dores , and pitty it is that any obstacle should be met withal , which is well illustrated by the Queen at the game of Chesse , where the King , or Master , keeps his gravity by going but one draught at once , but the Queen as his Lievtenant , is not limited for way , since she hath power to march every way , nor for distance , so as she keep within compasse of the Chesse-board , which you may understand to be the House or Family . XXXV . Common use hath made the governing of Diet and Housholstuff so proper to the Wife , as a name of reproach is framed for such Husbands , as shall interpose in those matters . But that which is hers most particularly is government of Females within the Family , and good ordering of them is so necessary , as all that is neat depends upon it . They have one good quality wherein Men-Servants are defective , which is , the keeping themselves constantly within dores . And so many things besides are done by them with more perfection then by men , as it should be in that of Women-Servants , if I would exceed my number in any kind . XXXVI . Having in the last Article intimated the Oeconomical vertues of Women , it would be injurious to them not to mention one of them in particular . It is their attaining of a moderate skill in Physick and Chyrurgery , attended with their providing of Simples and other materials , as also their due preparation of them at the Still and Fire-hearth , and the exercise of that knowledge where need requires . This is a good fruit of Charity and of good advantage , as well within dores as without . And though it be much exclaimed against by Professors in those Arts , yet can it not be improper for the Sex , since the Prophet Samuel , reckoning up the several Tyranical oppressions that should fall upon the Israelites under their so much desired Kings , doth particularly expresse the taking of their Daughters to be Apothecaries , for so our old English Translation renders it ; and the word Vnguentarias ( used both by the vulgar Latine and Tremelius ) is not much dissonant . Much good ariseth to poor people by the application of such ordinary remedies , and it is of more certain benefit , then the dealing about Cures of extraordinary consideration , whereof observing the uncertain ( and sometimes dangerous ) event , some have taken occasion to doubt , whether there come more good , or harm , by those Arts in such difficult Cures . XXXVII . The Children , though of full growth and understanding , are not to meddle with businesse further then they are called to it by their Parents . In my own thoughts I blame such Parents , as make their Son and Heir an absolute Stranger to their Estate , though perhaps it may be reasonable enough towards an Heir remote in Blood. I was told by a Noble man of great Fortunes , that his Father , even to his Death , did so effect to keep him in darknesse , as he would take offence , if his Son upon any emergency made enquiry concerning the least part of his Estate . It cannot be , but by that means the Young man was expos'd to much abuse , when he came to be owner . The inclination of my Father was clear other ; for as soon as my years gave me Capability , he not onely acquainted me with matters of his Estate , but would sometimes take my advice , and frequently make use of my endeavours , which was the way to give me not onely experience in those matters , but ability for businesse in general . XXXVIII . The Master hath a kind of Pastoral charge within his own Family , and shall do well to take order for the external and publick Service of God there twice a day , and in case any of the Servants ( especially those whose businesse lyeth within doors ) be negligent to give attendance at the Chappel or other place assigned for that duty , he must either by himself , or his Chaplain , who is his substitute , in spiritualibus , if he have one , reprove them for it , and so for scandalous courses that any of his Family shall give themselves over unto . XXXIX . There was a piece of managery heretofore which is now wholly out of use , and yet might be beneficial . It is the having of a Wardrobe in considerable Families , wherein was kept such Houshold-stuff as seldom came into use , and there was also preserved all the old Vestments of the Master and Mistris , which had been any thing costly . This was a Store-house , out of which might be taken at any time materials , towards the making of new house Furniture , and Saddles , or such like things , but now it is grown a shame with us , to preserve any such frippery , as they call it . XL. Having in the last Observation mentioned Vestments or Apparrel , I cannot think it improper in this place to take that matter further into consideration . The most natural uses of Apparrel are these , to defend against the injuries of Weather , and to be a Covering for the obscene parts of the Body ; which last was the occasion of our Father Adams first piece of Clothing by Fig-leaves . But certainly it may also be used for ornament , or else our Saviour would not have said , that such as wear soft Cloathing are in Kings Houses ; nor S. Paul have spoken of bestowing more abundant honour on those members of the Body which we esteem least honourable . Excesse in bravery of Apparrel causeth much waste , and therefore some Rules should be given to prevent it . There can be little said in general , the condition of persons being so different in respect of Age , Quality , &c. As for those who are aged , especially in a retired way , they cannot be too moderate , for much vanity and great age should be incompatible . Most indulgence is to be afforded to people in the flower of their age , who may find advantage many wayes by adorning their persons . I knew a Noble-man whose course was this , to apparrel his Daughters in very plain Habit till they became Marriagable , and then he trimed them one by one in Garments of more cost , which succeeded very well , all of them being seasonably and fitly disposed of . The same course may be proper for Male Children , and the way is not irrational , for persons so trained up will return with lesse reluctation to plain attire , if need be . In the general , it is a good Rule , to defer the making of new Apparrel as much as may be , which at the long run becomes a great saving of charge . And on the contrary , those who must have many Suits of Clothes at the same time , find themselves at great losse , since the Fashion cannot but alter , before some of them have had their full wearing . That wise and frugal People , the Venetians , have a way to distinguish the quality and degree of persons by the form and not the bravery of their Habit , which of necessity must become a great advantage to their State in general . But the wiser part of every Nation must submit it self to the common usages of the whole ; yet prudence ought to be shewed in affecting rather moderation then affectation ; for men are not sooner concluded to be defective in judgement by any thing , then by their Apparrel ; and moderation is incomparably the best governour of expence , and no lesse so in this , then in other particulars . XLI . The Master ( and not onely he , but his steward ) ought to govern as much by Example , as by Command ; for how indecent must it be , for a man to reprove another for excesse of Drinking , or any other habit of Vice , whereunto he himself is given over , Longum iter per precepta , breve per exempla , the way by Precept is long , and that by Example short . And if the Example of Superiours be attractive , up the cragged rock of Vertue , it cannot be imagined , but our course after them will be speedy and somewhat tending to precipitation , on the smooth down-hill of Vice , when we are spurred forwards by our own depraved inclinations . Such persons as are Leaders had need be very cautious in the choyce of their way , since they have no small share in others faults XLII . It is a common precept , that the Master of a Family must be last in Bed at night , and soonest out of it in the morning ; for so he may see good order kept , and that the Servants not onely attend their businesse , but observe fit times for it . Yet in great Families the Masters dignity is such for the most part , as that , and other personal activities , are fitly transferred to the Stew●rd . XLIII . The Master shall do well to take his Stewards Accompt once in a Year at the least , and to be very punctual and curious in it , or seem to be so . This is good also for the Steward , for by that means he may the more easily satisfie his Master , as to particular disbursements , and the Masters seeming care , will make the Steward fear to be discovered , if he use any underboard play . XLIV . Masters of Families are much favoured in our Law , for their houses are termed their Castles , and have the priviledge not to be forced by publike Officers , but in prosecution of high treason , felony , present breach of the peace within dores , and some other extraordinary cases . XLV . The good government of Families is very profitable to the Prince or State ; for Servants well trained up in obedience , and free from Idlenesse , become good members of the Common-wealth , and none more fit for Soldiers then they , but especially those of the better sort , who by their breeding attain to a kind of generos●ty of spirit , which renders them most fit for the Martial profession ; and I am fully perswaded , that the great actions performed by our Kings in forrain Countreys heretofore , were chiefly acted by the Nobility and Gentry , who being obliged by tenure of their Lands to attend their Prince in person , carryed with them their Servants , and these had not their heart so much at a home of their own , as members of the Traind-Bands in our dayes . XLVI . It is necessary for Fortresses and Families to have a years provision before hand , the first to be in readinesse for Siege , and the latter to prevent losse by a year of Dear●h but as well in Corne , as in most other provisions of store within dores , the damage will be very great , if sufficient care be not taken in custody of them . XLVII . Money is said to be the Sinew of War , and it is little less in the way of Oeconomy , for if the Housholder have not money in hand he must bear much losse . Provisions will almost double their price , if they be not bought in due time , and in fitting place , for being taken up upon trust , they must be had of such persons as make a trade of buying and selling , whose manner is to work upon the necessity of others , and they will be sure to have great advantage by laying out their Money . Besides this , if the Family be resident in the Countrey , our Master will find that such Lands as he keeps in hand will frequently want stock , which must be accompanied with great prejudice . XLVIII . Some persons are so Rich , as they have many places of residence , & Romae Tibur amant ventosi Tibure Romam , these are delighted in variety of habitation , swimming in plenty , and may do well to change often ▪ having no need to be frugal ; but our thrifty Master of a Family shall do better , to keep constant to his chief habitation , unlesse the change afford him some certain and constant opportunity of gain , for no place can afford him otherwise so much advantage , as that where much time hath yielded means to settle things with convenience for habitation . XLIX . I have alwayes thought it a most uncomfortable thing to keep House in so sparing a manner , as to pinch the belly of Servants ; and some I have known , who doing so have yet wasted the greatest part of their Patrimony . Hospitality hath ever been a great honour to this Nation ; and certainly it is accompanied very far with Gods Blessing . And so thought King Charles the first , who being told of a Noble mans Estate much wasted by House-keeping , could not give credit to it , but attributed the decay to some other extravagancy . I have been informed of a Gentleman of the times little foregoing mine , who had been a great Traveller in Italy , and was very expenceful , as well in Apparrel , as in other matters of parade ; but for House-keeping so great a Lesinante or Miser , as it was his use to keep but one Meal a day , and to hold it about three in the afternoon , pretending that he did it for health . By this means he kept off all Company from eating with him , and made it so usefull as to bear out his other excesses without impairing his Estate . L. Having in the last Observation taken notice of a Blessing upon Hospitality , I think it fit to consider , how that happinesse may be procured . I conceive the readiest way to obtain the Blessing may be , to take care sufficient for relief of the poor neighbourhood , and best it is to appoint set dayes and times for it , with a method in the doing , yet so , as the set time and method do not any whit diminish the proportion fit for them . LI. It is a good Rule in House-keeping to observe fasting days according to the Law ; for much good ariseth thence . It becomes a great encouragement to the Trade of Fishing , by which Shipping is much encreased , and many Mariners are bred and maintained , whereof no Countrey hath so great need in the way of defence as ours ; Abstinence conduceth much to the confirmation of health , and the breed of Cattel being a great part of the Kingdoms stock is spared by that means . But the observation of this constitution may the better be thought reasonable , because there is no other particular ( to my knowledge ) either commanded or restrained within a Family by the publike Magistrate . LII . Alike to that of Fast dayes is the consideration of observing Feasts ( for between these the opposition is so far relative as they should answer one another ) and the latter is no lesse sitting in a Family then in a State , for chearfulness and plenty in Diet cause labour to be undergone the more willingly another time , which may appear the better , since the wisdom of Legislators have made Lent but an attendant upon Easter , and each Vigil Fast upon his relative Feast . I speak not of occasional Feasts , for to have these too frequent consisteth not well with the Rules of frugality . Yet sometimes even the Miser will have his feast famous for excesse . LIII . As good it is , to observe set hours for publike Meals , and for going to rest ; for by that means Servants know their proper times allotted to their businesse ; meat is the better drest and served in , and night disorders are much prevented , whereby there comes not only great wast for the most part , but danger by fire . LIV. Some have a way of diversifying their Dishes according to several dayes of the week in a constant course , and this not only affords variety , which is pleasing to Nature , but gives much ease to the Mistris of the Family , who hath so much lesse trouble in appointing what shall be drest LV. In houshold expences care would be taken not to have the excesse in such things , as require money to be immediately disbursed , and especially in those that drain the Kingdom it self of bullyon , as Wine , dried Fruits , Sugar , Spices &c. but rather in Commodities which arise originally upon the Masters own land , as of Cattel there bred , Corn of growth upon the same , &c. or at least of such , as are improved there , as Cattel bought and fatted . LVI . Nothing ( as I conceive ) can be fitter to close up the Advices to a Housholder for that which is to be done within his House , then to put him in mind of filling his petty Magazines in due season with those provisions of store which are necessary . These branch themselves into so many particulars , as here can be no room to specifie them , but so it is , as the very life of domestical frugality consisteth therein , and as to these , if occasion be not taken by the foretop , it will be little lesse then impossible to make these provisions at all , especially in a Countrey Family . And wheresoever the Family is , the Supply must otherwise be wrought out with infinite losse . Our Master therefore must not slumber in such matters , least his experience be too dearly bought . LVII . Most of these Observations do chiefly concern House-keeping in the Countrey ; and it is not unreasonable to have it so ; for the most considerable hospitality is held there . Families in the City are generally lesse , and being so , the care of them must be lesse also . Yet the principal consideration taketh place there , which is the disposing of money , all being there bought with the penny , so as he deserveth greatest commendation who hath the best faculty in spreading his shilling , as William late Earl of Bedford was wont to stile it , by which is meant a making of the best appearance with least expence . LVIII . We have already mentioned Villains Servants by discent or 〈…〉 ●nd have approved of their among us Christians ; But there is another kind , termed by Writers in politicks Servi natura , who are endued with extraordinary strength of body , but altogether defective in point of understanding . These receive advantage by being Servants , and may be of good use in a Family , if labouring in body be necessary there ; but I altogether disapprove of that use , which is made of them by great Persons turning their defect of Nature into sport . These do not much increase charge , as serving onely for Victuals and Rayment , and excel Beasts little in point of Reason , or in any thing else , save their outward figure , and in that they have an immortal Soul ▪ happy in being innocent , and possest of lesse malice , then appears to be in some Beasts . LIX . That famous Lawyer Sir Edward Cook , would often boast of it , as a matter of prudence , That he had never cast his Penny into the Water , nor dipt his finger in the Mortar ; meaning that he had never been an adventurer at Sea , not yet a Builder . I confesse that Building magnificently is a great honour to the Kingdom , and in that respect deserveth all encouragement ; but it is fit either for persons of very eminent Estate , or for great getters as Cook was ; but our Oeconomist takes it for a Rule , not to disburse any considerable summe , but where he may either find great profit in a return , or a prevention of a future expence , and therefore he useth expedition in necessary repairs of his Housing already built , for delay in that matter doth encrease charges beyond expectation . LX. It hath been observed as a great unhappinesse to our Nobility and Gentry , that generally they are over-housed . This must be meant of Capital Houses in the Countrey , for Buildings in the City are clearly matter of advantage and profit , because they may be rented out ; as for the other , the observation is true in both parts , for the Builders of such great Houses were persons either of wast , or rising fortunes , and they contrived their Mansions to be fit for their present or approaching condition , and no man will doubt , but Estates are much diminished , and likely to be so more and more . This puts me in mind of him who when his Kitchin was found fault with , as being too little for his House , answered , that the littlenesse of the Kitchin had made the House so great ; and contrariwise , where there is a very great House and a small Estate , we may for the most part say , that the great House hath made the Estate so little ; for it is like to great Personal titles , causing the owner to hoise up more Sail , then the bottom can bear , which draweth on his Ruin. All men know ( and some of us by experience ) the great charge of fitting a large House , and keeping it in sufficient repair , together with the uncomfortablenesse ( and seeming shame ) of living there attended by a small Family , so as it is hard to give advice to persons in such condition , especially if they be fettered so as they cannot transplant themselves , yet they may be wished , rather to affect ( and dispose themselves to ) the Italian humour of living in a Pallace with small retinue , then to our English inclination of abounding in number of Servants , with the inconveniencies appendent to it , and the observation may ●lso give a Caveat to rich persons , that they use not too much excesse in Building at their chief Habitation for their posterities sake . LXI . Though it be out of the circumference of our Circle to consider the niceties of Architecture , yet we may give some touches upon the difference , in point of convenience , between Building modern and ancient . The old way of building was , to seek out places sheltred from Wind ( unlesse it were for a Castle ) and to make thick Walls with small Windows , covering much ground with housing of moderate height . About the beginning of Q. Elizabeths Raign they began to enlarge their Lights , and of late the Buildings are made high with great Windows , and much uniformity is affected , after the Italian manner . I conceive this fitter for Cities , where ground is scarce and Houses strengthen one another being joyned , then for the Countrey , since to be expos'd to Tempest is so great an inconvenience , especially where the scituation is chosen high for prospects sake , as is now usual . Besides this , the Hall ( or basis of Hospitality ) is either wholly left out , or so contrived as to be without Chimny of Fire-hearth , which in Winter time should draw Company together , and give chearfulnesse to a Family . Great Staire-cases are also affected , which fill a house with noyse , and uniformity doth often deprive us of inward Rooms , and of Closets , with other little retiring places . These considerations and some others make me lesse forward , then the generality , in crying down the pretended rusticity of our Ancestors ; yet I must confesse , that not only Beauty both inward and outward , but even the fashionablenesse of Building is to be desired , where it may be attained with convenience , but certainly convenience ought to give the rule . And so I leave the matter to be taken into further consideration by others of better judgment who have more space for it . LXII . It is a rule in Menagery , not to entertain many Workmen by the day , nor Women to assist those of the Family within doors ; but in great Houses it is impossible to avoid day-men , since there is so much use of them about repairs , felling and making up of Wood , and such like matters . All therefore that can be done , is to decline them as much as may be , by removing the occasion . And when such are set to work , the Steward shall do well , morning and evening , to take accompt of what is done , by which means they must either be active in their businesse or run hazard of loosing employment afterwards . When any of the Servants are to work abroad , the same diligence is to be used in appointing what is to be done , and in taking accompt of it . LXIII . It is certain that Families of Noblemen are clean other , then they were antiently ; for within memory of some yet alive , it was usual for persons of the inferior Gentry , to put their Sons into such service for breeding , and it succeeded well , saving unto them many a penny , which would have been spent by sending them to London out of remote Countries , and in maintaining them there ; to this purpose may be related that which happned in the Family of Robert Dudley the great Earl of Leicester , and this it is . As he was sitting at his Table with many other Noblemen , a Letter was delivered to him , whereby appeared that an Earl was dead whose Heir served him in his House , being somewhat remote in blood from the deceased , whereupon he called the Gentleman to him , and acquainting his Guests with the Letters substance , made him presently to sit at the Table above himself and many other of the Lords . LXIV . A new Married couple , if they be young , shall do well not to engage themselves in House-keeping too suddenly , but to Sojourn with their Parent , or some other Friend , for some years , that they may have time to observe what order is to be held , and to provide themselves of Houshold-stuff , and of other utensils , in some measure , for otherwise they will be like fresh-water Soldiers going to a Military Command , before they are fitted with Arms , and understand the use of them , or what belongs to the exercising of their Soldiers . LXV . When the Heir becomes a Married man and Master of a Family of his own , yet sometimes the Parent thinks his Sons presence so necessary to him , as he will summon him again to Sojourn , which must be inconvenient , unlesse the Son hath brought himself by improvidence to an impossibility to live by himself . This I know by experience ; for having many Children I was called home by my Father several times , who finding the inconvenience of two considerable Families in a house , returned me as often to my own home , which was not onely a doubling of charge ▪ but a very great hinderance to me in my whole course . LXVI . A considerable Family ought to be furnished with Houshold-stuff accordingly ; but it is far from necessary to have it wholly modern ( or a la mode , as they call it ) as it was with an Earl whom a friend of mine found giving direction for taking down his hangings and some other stuff , which were decent enough , my friend asked why it was done , and his answer was , that they were out of fashion , and he would put new in their place . Upon this ground a Person of quality must change his furniture every ten years , for in or near that time the fashion changeth , and the same may be a motive for a House to be pulled down , and a new one to be set up in its place , as many have done , who were well housed before . LXVII . Now we are come to look abroad , I wish our Pater familias would take into consideration the situation of his Mansion-house , together with the Conveniencies and Inconveniences of it , that by his industry he may remove what is offensive , and add what may yield advantage ; for it argueth want of prudence , either to sit under an inconvenience , where it may be removed , or to bear a defect where it may be supplied . But by no means would I have him to fall out utterly with his Habitation , for it is an old note , That few persons thrive in the world , who quarrel with the antient Seat of their Progenitors . LXVIII . If there be any receptacle of impure water near the House , which may render it unhealthful , I should wish him cause it to be drayned ; for nothing is so precious as health , yet the provision of Fish is so necessary towards house-keeping , as he shall do well to make Fish-ponds at convenient distance if the situation will bear it , and how necessary it is to be furnished with Fish may appear by the placing of Religious Houses antiently , which were for the most part set near to running waters , so as they seemed more studious , to enjoy plenty , then to preserve health . LXIX . Our Law makes it wast , to cut down high Trees ( though they be not properly Timber ) standing for safeguard and defence of a Mansion-house , though it be done for necessary Reparation , yet many hold it unhealthful , to suffer a House to be choaked up with Trees , in regard that the Air wanteth free passage ; the choyce of a fit distance may reconcile this difference : But in these daies people are so disposed to quarrel with Timber , as there shall need no advice to fell Trees about a House . LXX . A Cony Warren yields so constant Dishes to a Table , as it is very fit to be had , where the Soyl will bear it . A Dove-house is as requisite , and though to have a Park about a House be not generally esteemed a point of good husbandry , yet to a person of the higher condition there can be no great losse in it , lying so conveniently , and the pleasure is very great , not onely in sight of the Deer , but in having so much Pasture-ground at hand lying open for riding , walking , or any other pastime . LXXI . To govern the Plow was an Entertainment used by the Roman Senators ; for Quintius Cincinnatus was called from the Plow to be Dictator , which Office was endued with the Soveraign Power for a time ; but it was in the Infancy of that State , when their Territory was small , and their Nobility not great ; but as for our Master of a Family , I should not advise him to use Tillage farther then his houshold necessities require , for Gentlemen , who cannot attend those employments in person , must be great loosers by it , Servants for the most part being perfunctory in those Services , which lie out of their Masters view . LXXII . I should not advise a Gentleman to keep any of his Farms in hand at great distance , to prevent diminution of Revenues ; for if there be losse in Tillage at home , the damage of necessity must be very great far off . He shall therefore do much better , to abate Rent in a moderate proportion , which course is confirmed to me by my own experience , for I have alwayes found most comfort , where I have let good penny-worths , otherwise our Farmes are now and then thrown up into our hands ( as the Country-man calls it ) by which means more losse is contracted in one year , then abatement of Rent would arise to in many . And Divines will also have it , that Gods Blessing doth not accompany such persons as are too hard to their Tenants . LXXIII . A great unhappinesse it is to the Nobility and Gentry , that they do not measure their expences , so as to keep them somewhat under their annual Revenue , by which being done they may continue a fair subsistence , and not otherwise . They consider high living as a great happinesse , and the least diminution of pomp , as a great dishonour , which causeth them to continue their wastful way , presuming of a supply to come to them out of the Clouds . This is no lesse then folly , yet those may deserve some pitty , who have not put themselves into that height , but were left in it by their Parents . For this the remedy is easie , for common prudence forbids all men , to continue in a consumptive condition , without absolute necessity , and therefore much better it is ( though it give occasion of discourse to the people ) to slack sail betimes by a reduction of the grounds of their expence , then to be dishonoured at last totally , by a ruine which might have been prevented in a resolution maturely taken . And let them not think themselves dishonoured , for there is no justification so sure , as that which is built upon necessity . LXXIV . There is one great danger which hath not yet been touched , and it is this ; That house-keepers upon their first setting up , either are already in debt , or by providing of necessaries contract a debt , which in the beginning is small , but too easie to be encreased for want of experience , so as at last they become enrowled in the Usurers Books . This groweth unawares to a masse , which like a Cancer so eats into the Estate , as ere long the very heart of it is in danger ; this with other ill managery becomes the ruine of much Gentry , for men are generally so unapt to think of a lessening , as they can hardly find any particular , that may be spared for sale . But I must advise our owner , above all to remedy this in good time , though it be by a fell of Timber , or by selling of that which may seem precious ; for as the French men say , Pays gasté vault mieux que pays perdu . It is better to be Master of a wasted Countrey , then of none at all . LXXV . Another danger there is , which though not to the generality , yet is very destructive to some , and it is a being engaged to Law Suits . An itch of being observed to prevail in matters of difference between Neighbour and Neighbour is too frequent , even with such as are not observed to be much bent to the having of their will , but with wilful people it surpasseth any other pleasure . This is a very chargeable entertainment , and bringeth bitternesse in the end , for such businesses are for the most part concluded with little advantage to any , but the Lawyers ; it is therefore much more convenient ( or rather Christian ) to make an end speedily by Reference , or mediation of Friends , which is the course whereunto I would advise our House-keeper . LXXVI . The point of non-residence at the prime Mansion house is of so great importance , as the chief ( or at least the most probable ) cause of it , may deserve consideration . I take it to be the abhorrence of Solitude , unto which the Countrey life is alwayes subject , and in a very high measure but especially in the conceit of those of the best condition , who have been constantly used to much converse , and who cannot with the least contentment apply themselves to Rural businesses . I confesse that Melancholly must be prevented ; for nothing can be more mischievous , and therefore they must entertain themselves with such delights , as may best quadrate with this course of life , so new and unaccustomed . LXXVII . It was an Observation of my Fathers ( and perhaps printed in his Forest ) whereof I may borrow the substance , and this it is ; That the English Gentleman can hardly be prosperous in government of his Estate ; for whereas the Genius of some other Nations prompteth them to particular excesses ; as the Italian to curiosity of House and Furniture ; the French man to bravery in Habit of Clothes and other matters of Parade , as abundance of Pages and Laquays , &c. And the German to variety and excess in Drinking ; but they are all frugal otherwise . Our English man affects all these together , as also that of our own , which is , a number of Menial Servants , and great plenty in Diet. Of this I shall make no application , but say concerning the Observation , Valeat quantum valere potest . LXXVIII . I have conversed much heretofore in the Family of a Nobleman of great fortunes , who having many Children , would never send any of them to travel beyond Sea , giving for a reason , that the seeing of so great variety and splendour , made young men dislike their own native Countrey and place of Habitation . The truth is , it proveth to be so too often , but as I conceive , the inconvenience ariseth from the persons disposition and not from travel , for it is not so with all Travellers ; neither is there reason for it , England being supplyed with all necessaries of its own growth ; nor is it destitute of matters of Ornament and Splendor . In many things we fall short for curiosity and beauty , but in other things we exceed our Neighbours ; as particularly in our Universities , which have no parallel , and London falleth not much short of the greatest forrain Cities . Besides this , our situation is such , in respect of the Sea , as we are not in want of curious Wines , and such delightful commodities . But to shew fully how prevalent the persons disposition may be , the said Nobleman gave breeding to his eldest Son , with charge extraordinary , at our Court and chief City , where vanity so far prevailed with him , as afterwards he bcame the wonder of those dayes , contracting a Debt greater then ever was known , by a person having little or no Estate of his own , for a foundation of security . LXXIX . Of Countrey delights , Study may deserve the first place , whereby our Gentry may in some sort converse with persons of the greatest rank and wisdom . It were needlesse here , to discourse upon the excellency of that Entertainment , which is so much treated of every where . In all wayes whereby delight is sought there must be variety , and therefore those Families enjoy a great advantage in the way of satisfaction , which are furnished , and inriched with plenty of good Books . There can be no direction given , for choyce of Authours , to those who seek pleasure in Reading , for different persons have different inclinations ; but if reason might be our guid , I should advise our Gentleman to the study of History ; and in first place to that concerning our own Nation , and his time will be the better spent , if by Reading he acquaint himself with the Laws of this Kingdom , as far as may be obtained without much labour , for pains : taking and delight can hardly consist together . But some men are altogether averse to Study ; and for such there must be found some divertisement of more activity . LXXX . Of active Rural recreations , Hunting offers it self in the first place , which Horace calls , Romanis solenne viris opus utile famae Vitaeque & membris . Or thus , A serious work to all of Roman name , Useful to life , and limbs , and of good fame . This is a Pastime Royal fit for Princes , inuring their bodies to motion and exercise , and as Machiavel observes , acquainting them with variety of places and situations , as Hills , Dales , Woods , Plain grounds and uneven , Moorish , and Dry , Enclosed , and Champain ; a knowledge very useful for Commanders Military , which Profession is fit to be understood , not only by Princes , but by the Gentry universally , it being their proper vocation , as appears in some measure by the ensigns of Nobility , their Coats of Arms impressed upon a Shield . This affords entertainment , not onely abroad , but at home in the discoursing of it ; and to this may be added Hawking , Bouling , Fishing , &c. LXXXI . Of Pastimes within dores Musick may challenge the next place to Study , and is more sociable , for it entertains many at the same time . This is more innocent then that of Hunting , for no living Creature receives vexation or damage by it , and no man can complain that his fences are destroyed . Horace his advice concerning verses , is , Quocunque volunt aninum auditoris agunto . Or thus , Let Verses gently charm the mind , And as they will th' affections wind . Which qualitie I have found more constant in Musick , from which I my self have received a great subsistence in this my retirement . When I found my self subject to be pensive , then by Musical Ayres , Corantoes , and Sarabands , I was rendred more chearful ; and when I desired to become Serious , the work was done for me by hearing Almayns , Fancies , and Pavans ; variety is most pleasing , and much of this is afforded even in the diversity of Musical Instruments , as the Lute , Harp , &c. but certainly no Musick can bear up with the Vocal , to which some suppose a continuance in Heaven it self ; but howsoever that be , Musick is found useful in the Service of God here below ( even with the most rigid who must have singing Psalms ) and so it was anciently in the Jewish Church . I professe not to know any pleasure exceeding Musick , saving that of Contemplation in matters Divine . Musick indeed may be said to be sensual , for it is altogether conveyed by the Senses , but certainly it hath a great approach towards Spirituality , or else the Prophet Elisha would never have called for a Minstrel , when an Inspiration was required . I may fear I have been too tedious concerning this Recreation , to which I confesse my self a little partial ; and I cannot but wonder at some persons , who are so much more then brutish , as they have a total aversion to it , whom I must leave in their misery . LXXXII . Some are so austere and rigid in the way of Religion , as they will admit nothing of pleasure farther then refection , which includes eating , drinking and sleeping , only supposed to be necessary . Recreation or Pastime they hold altogether unlawful , as injurious to better employment ; These mens Religion is very conformable to Mahometisme , wherein all Professors must have a Mechanical profession , even the great Turk himself , and they consider not the necessity of health , which cannot be preserved with a continual intention of mind . A Bow that stands alwayes bent looseth its strength in the end , and so it is with the mental faculties , if they be continually at the stretch . Immediately after meals all serious thoughts are prejudicial to health ; and certainly at such times entertainments of some levity are to be tolerated , and not onely then , but in the long winter evenings , a season unfit for stirring businesse , so as for the Master , and better sort of Servants , there may be then some use made of Gaming in a moderate sort . For can it be better to sit by the fire and sleep ( or for a man to rack himself by his own thoughts ) then to entertain himself by innocent pastime ? But in this I leave our Master to his own thoughts . LXXXIII . A Gentleman of quality , whom I consider chiefly in these Oeconomical Notes , living in the Countrey can hardly keep himself out of employment , under the Lievtenancy or Commission of the Peace ; and this may contribute something against the inconveniencies of Solitude . Though this gives trouble , yet it generates an Acquaintance and correspondence between those of the Gentry , and may also yield some inward satisfaction to a well disposed person , who ever desires to be useful to others ; and here , as I conceive , notice may be taken that our Soveraign is happy beyond other Princes ; for he is very much served gratis , in matters of Common Government , whereas others are enforced to use Mercinaries to their cost . LXXXIV . In these Observations and every of them , I would not be understood , to intend persons of vast fortunes , Noblemen or others , for it is fit that such should have their freedom , since they need not be obliged to any Rules of Frugality ; and I may say , it is for the honour of this Kingdom , that the Court and chief City should be frequented , and expence in bravery there , is not onely honourable , but brings advantage to the People , since many Trades and Manufactures subsist meerly by excesse , of that nature . Every man therefore must use his prudence , and do that which is most proper for himself , as well in relation to the publike as to his own private Condition . LXXXV . I think we cannot better Conclude these Observations , then with some notes concerning the Royal Family or Household , which as I conceive , hath not its Peer in Christendom ; exceeding all others , as well for Hospitality , as for Order . As touching the first , it hath no parallel ; for consider it as it was in the time of former Princes ( and as I hope now is ) and we may justly say , That more Flesh and Fish , Bread and Drink is spent yearly there , then is consumed in some Italian Cities , whose Bishops are capable of sitting in general Councels . And for Order , it resembleth rather a State , then a Family , having within it or thereto belonging , establishments for Government Ecclesiastical , Military , Civil and Criminal . First , there is a kind of Cathedral Church , with an Episcopal Dean , &c. adorned with a Quire , and Vestments for the Clergy , as also with materials for Musick very extraordinary : Then there is a Judicatory called the Green-Cloth , which determineth in matters belonging to the Houshold Provisions and Government , where the Lord Steward , the Treasurer , and Comptroller of the Houshold , are Judges , with several under Officers . Thirdly , there is two Military Companies , one of Horse-men called Pensioners , all Gentlemen ; and the other that of the old Guard , consisting of Yeomen , and these are under Command of two eminent persons their Captains . Lastly , it hath a Jurisdiction as well Civil as Criminal appertaining to it called the Verge , extending it self twelve miles about the Court , where the Lord Steward of the Kings House , and Marshal and a peculiar Coroner do respectively exercise a Jurisdiction , and none of the publike Judges may interpose in cases proper to that Court uncalled ; which limit of the Verge beareth some similitude to the Rural Territory of a City or State. Besides this , the Lord Chamberlaine of his Majesties Houshold hath governance of all the Gentry , and Officers above-stairs , who are very numerous . Lawyers tell us , that originally all Justice was administred within the Royal Family , and that the Kings Bench was stiled Aula Regia . Of these there still remains some shadow , in the stiles of Teste meipso , and of Coram Rege , and at this day the Privy Councel , an Assembly supposed to consist of the most eminent persons for Wisdom in the whole Nation , hath its residence within the Kings House , with a Jurisdiction extending it self over the whole Kingdom in matters of State. To this Royal Family relate two others , whereof one is that of the Queen Consort , who by the Law is a person distinct from the King , and may plead , or be impleaded apart . The other is , that of the Prince of Wales , when there is one , and both these have especial Officers of State belonging to them . It is a Prerogative of the Royal Family that the Servants are obliged to a faithful and diligent performance of service domestical , which as I conceive , is not by the Law permitted in the case of any person , who is a meer Subject . And all this under a Race of Princes of unknown Antiquity , linked in Blood with most of the Royal Families of Christendom , and that in all ages hath given to the world Illustrious Persons yielding to none for eminence in Wisdom , and vertue , and sometime such , as by forreign Conquests were famous for their Martial Power , and in great part Arbiters of the most important affairs of Europe , unto which Royal Race all true-hearted English men desire ( and pray for ) a continuance in Regality , even until the universal Day of Judgment . Morning Prayer for a Family . O Lord our most gracious God : We of this Family do acknowledge with all thankfullnesse thy many great Mercies unto us ; but more especially thy freeing us from danger and temptation during this night past , and thy giving of healthful and pleasing rest unto us therein , whereby we are enabled to perform the duties of this day , and chiefly that of prayer unto thee . For we justly confesse , that the glorifying of thee is the principal end of our life ; which glorifying is most advanced , according to our weak power , by invocation of thy Name , and by professing a full dependance upon thee in all our actions . We confess , that of our selves without thy especial grace we cannot step one step towards thee , by our actings in any Religious duty ; yet by means of that grace we are enabled so far to act , as to obtain acceptance at thy hands in Iesus Christ , which is sufficient for us . We above all expresse our thankfulnesse to thee , for thy mercies in thy beloved Son ; and more particularly for his undergoing the shameful death of the Crosse for us . Grant O Lord , that by his Blood and Sufferings , we may be purged from the old leaven of unrighteousnesse , and that by Faith in him our hearts may be purified and disposed to the performance of whatsoever duties are required by thee towards the attainment of everlasting Life . Grant that we may do all things with a holy mind and sincere intention in obedience unto thy holy will , and not with any self-love , which may be offensive unto thee a God of pure eyes , who canst not behold the least iniquity with approbation ; Grant O Lord , that we may this day apply our selves to the doing of our duty , according to our several relations and subordinations within this Family , looking still up unto thee as the foundation of all power , and under whose protection we can onely be happy . We know O Lord , that dutys perfunctorily done , satisfie the world but not thee , who art a God having an All-seeing Eye , from which nothing can be hid , and who hatest eye-service , being only well pleased in a pure heart free from all hypocrisie . We beseech thee therefore so to guid all our actions as we may do nothing but what is acceptable in thy sight , and that our demeanour this day , and all the other dayes of our life may be such , as not to fill up our measure of iniquity and sinfulnesse , against the Day of Iudgement , but that we may then be accepted of , as pure and holy by and through the Merits of the same Iesus Christ , by whom we expect our eternal happinesse . Evening Prayer for a Family . O Lord God Creator of Heaven and Earth , the preserver and Governour of all things that have a being . We thy poor Servants of this family laden with iniquity implore thy mercy unto us in the forgivenesse of our sins . We confesse , that there is nothing in us but the Seeds of impiety which daily spring up and generate actual sins , to the great provocation of thee our most gracious God. We confesse , O Lord that by the sin and disobedience of the day past we have added very much to the masse of our transgressions , in so much as the very weight of them may presse us down , even to the pit of Hell , to our everlasting ruin , unlesse it shall please thee to shew mercy unto us . O Lord , thy mercies in Iesus Christ are abundant , and sufficient to blot out , not onely ours , but all the sin in the whole World ; Yet thou wilt not do it to those that are impenitent . We therefore in his Name beseech thee to give us humble and penitent hearts , together with a resolution to forbear all manner of sin hereafter , as a thing that is totally opposite to thy nature , and therefore must become the destruction of all such persons as wallow in it without reluctation . We are fully bent , O Lord , to delight in our own wayes , and to be linked in Affection with the things of this World , which is enmity against thee . Cure us , we beseech thee , of this destructive malady , and enflame our hearts with the love of thee , which is so precious , as it cannot be enjoyed without a renunciation of our wicked selves , and all our impious wayes . Create in us , O Lord , a lively Faith , whereby we may lay fast hold on the Merits of our Blessed Saviour , and so become fully justified in thy sight O Lord , kindle in us by thy Holy Spirit a brotherly affection one unto another , so as we may be wholly disposed to do good , and not to delight in mischief through evil will and envy . Lastly , we beseech thee , more especially , to remit our sins of the day past , and so to blesse us this Night , as we may not therein fall into any temptation , by evil thoughts and immaginations , or otherwise , but enjoy quiet and seasonable rest , to the refreshment of our Bodies and Spirits , whereby we may be fitted for such Services as the day following shall require , and alwayes retain in our mind the fear of thee , restraining us from all manner of wickednesse . These mercies , and whatsoever else thou knowest to be necessary for us , we beg of thee , for thy own Mercies sake in Iesus Christ thy dearly beloved Son , in whose most absolute form and words , least our prayers should be otherwise defective , we conclude them , saying , Our Father which art in Heaven , &c. FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A52447-e370 Eccl●s . 7. 25. Vxor Ebr. lib. 1. cap. 9. Mat. 19. 12. 1 Cor. 7. 34. Ecclus. 16. 1. 1 Kings 1. 6. Prov. 13. 24. 1 Sam. ● . 13. Mat. 11. 8. 1 Cor. 12. 23.