A brief discovery of the damages that happen to this Realm by disordered and unlawful diet. THE BENEFITS AND Commodity's that otherways might ensue. With a persuasion of the people: for a better maintenance to the Navy. Briefly compiled, by Edward jeninges.  ROMANS. XIIII. Let not him that eateth, despise him that eateth not. And let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth. For the kingdom of God is not meat nor drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the holy Ghost. 
Imprinted at London by Roger Ward, dwelling upon Lambart Hill, near old Fish-street. 1590.   

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE SIR Charles Haward, Lord high admiral of England, knight of the most honourable order of the Garter, and one of her highness privy Counsel. Edward jenings wisheth long and prosperous health, with increase of all happiness.  
RIght honourable and my good Lord, after long consideration had of the sundry and great discommodities that happeneth to this Realm by the misdemeanour of divers disordered persons contrary to many good & commendable laws carefully ordained, heaping harms on our own heads thorough wilful disobedience. As a poor member amongst the rest lamenting this careless contempt, I pondered earnestly in my mind, what way to employ my labour and small skill for some redress herein to the benefit of my country: and considering amongst many other things, the great harms that happen to this realm sundry ways by the contempt of fish, and inordinate or unlawful expense of flesh, growing as may be supposed through want of true understanding, to what end the law in that behalf made is ordained, as one amongst many much unable effectually to discharge so great a work, of a zealous mind I have compiled this small treatise for the persuasion of such as herein will be persuaded. And adventuring to proceed with all humbleness I have made bold, for the better publishing thereof to shroud myself for defence under the protection and favour of your good honour, as a special and careful magistrate for such things as concern the commonwealth of this realm, ordained of God under her Majesty to have the oversight and government in these affairs which concerneth most chief a maintenance to her highness Navy: besides the sundry and great commodities otherways growing to the whole commonwealth. Not only needful to be published, but most carefully also considered and remembered, as by the discourse following shall manifestly appear. But the common sort of people to avoid the ceremonical abuse heretofore used by observation of fish days, notwithstanding the pains and penalties by the la threatened, not only neglecteth, but utterly contemneth the same: nothing remembering the harms that to them thereby may happen. And some reason is for that no matter hath heretofore been showed, so largely explained to persuade them as in this my small work is rudely compiled. Most humbly craving your honours favourable patience in considering the contents thereof, not respecting the rude still but my affectioned heart and mind for the benefit and safety of my Prince, and country then as unworthy of such acceptation, I shall find myself for this small pains, most bountifully satisfied, and according to duty pray for your honourable and prosperous estate long to continue.   

To the gentle Reader.  

Gentle Reader have patience to peruse  
The rude contents which in me are contained:  
My authors faults very feign I would excuse,  
But that they are so manifestly explained.  
judge therefore the best, let rigour be restrained,  
Accept his heart, his hand, and willing mind:  
Then all is well what fault soever you find.   

For well he meant, and well he hopes 'twill prove,  
Well to persuade such as well will be content:  
But those that well nor ill their affection can remove,  
My author forceth little, he doth him not repent  
Of any thing here done which he hath said or meant:  
Hoping the wise of his willing mind will conceive,  
To whose judgements he, that his small works doth leave.   

Much more there might by arguments be alleged  
Then are here set down for proof sundry ways,  
But by few things the wise will be persuaded,  
Considering the contents, he seeketh no further praise,  
But good acceptation, grant therefore no denayes,  
And his small pain, and travel he hath spent,  
He will right well accept and find himself content.   
FINIS.   

CONCERNING OBEDIENCE TO THE politic laws ordained by Princes. Their care for the commodity of the people. The disobedient are to be punished, some laws are more earnestlier to be cared for then other some.  
AS it hath pleased almighty God to ordain Princes to rule and govern. So hath he also commanded that the subjects should obey. For confirmation whereof S. Paul in his 13. chap. to the Romans saith. Let every soul be subject to the higher powers, for there is no power but of God. The powers saith he that be, are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth that power resisteth the ordinance of God. He saith further, that Princes are not feared for good works but for eu●ill. If therefore thou wilt be without fear, do well: so shalt thou have praise of the same, for he is the minister of God for thy wealth. But if thou do evil fear, for he beareth not the sword for nought, but is the minister of God to take vengeance on them that do evil. Further he saith obey your Magistrates not for fear of vengeance only, but for conscience sake.  
If this lessen of S. Paul were perfectly remembered there should be little cause to put so many pennall statutes in execution as at this day there be. But we consider not besides this good lesson of S. Paul, what great care, study and labour our Prince and Magistrates accompanied with the most learned of the land, not only hath, but daily doth by their earnest labour, practice and devise by sundry godly and politic laws for the maintenance, preservation and continuance of the whole commonwealth, like as careful parents cease not to study and labour for the education or bringing up of their children, Gently admonishing and earnestly commanding to observe and keep the said good laws and ordinances, which for our own benefits by them are so made and ordained.  
But we like careless children little regarding the careful travel that herein by them for us is taken: look only to the time present, satisfying our sensual lust and desire, not remembering the dangers and damages that thereby may unto us afterwards ensue and so run headlong negligently and thorough disobedience into our own decay, contemning the prince's commandment which is God's ordinance. Wherefore divers pennalties and punishments are by virtue of those laws appointed to be laid upon the disobedient, which being executed, seem grievous and painful and the informer greatly abhorred and evil thought on whereas in truth, such as give information to the magistrate of offences with an earnest desire of reformation, and not only for covetousness, aught of good men rather to be loved and commended: for the life of the law is execution. Therefore a law made and not executed lieth dead, & small availeth to the intent for which it was made.  
And as all pennall laws at this day enforce, appear very needful to be observed yet are some of them more requisite to be looked into, for the universal benefit of a commonwealth then some other, for that by proof they import matters of greater weight, yet the effect not considered of, they seem of little value.  
Amongst which there is one a most necessary and politic law, not so much esteemed as the effect doth import, for divers benefits that thereby may grow unto the realm, ordain most specially for better maintenance of the Navy, a thing earnestly to be regarded, which concerneth the expense of fish and sparing of flesh. And the same not only ordained for the sparing of flesh whereof thorough the great goodness of almighty God we are sufficiently furnished. But for divers and sundry discommodities, dangers, and damages which thorough neglecting the times and seasons for expense of fish not only hath, but daily doth and will bring upon our realm and the whole common wealth thereof, except earnest reformation be had and used amongst the common people: for whose commodity the said law was made with a great penalty upon the offender.  
And for that the greatest number of people, doth not perfectly understand the commodities, that may grow unto them by observation hereof, nor the discommodities that may happen by neglecting the same, neither yet the certain cause wherefore this law of abstinence is ordained: For the better instruction and pesrwasion of such persons hereafter followeth certain arguments which concern a reason and cause, that this law amongst others ought most carefully to be observed: That although fear of the penalty will not force them or forgetfulness of dutiful obedience hath caused a neglegence, or the ceremonical abuse which in times passed thereby was used, doth persuade a contempt, yet a consideration had of the commodities that may thereby grow, & the discommodities that may happen, will happily persuade such persons as bear a christian and brotherly love to their country, after the counsel of Saint Paul, to obey even for conscience sake, considering the same doth concern not only their own benefit, but the benefit of their children that shall come after them.  

Great numbers of ships have been maintained by the certain expense of fish. The cause of their decay. A remedy sought to repair them again.  
TO this realm of England in times past belonged a strong navy of ships maintained chief by fishing, wherewith the Prince and country were compassed for their defence, as with a forcible wall, the repair whereof was very well supplied by the certain utterance and expense of such fish as was taken and provided which grew by the observation of such days as was appointed for the abstinence from flesh and eating of fish, and thus was this wall or navy kept in a sufficient repair as a ready defence for the Prince, and this Realm against all foreign assaults, whensoever or howsoever the same should happen, until the superstitious abuse thereby used, caused some few to omit the observation of fish days according to the accustomed order, which at the first appeared no harm. Then some more did the like, and yet little harm appeared. But in continuance of time, in manner the whole multitude by ensample of others, did break that order: some in part, and some in the whole, whereby the accustomed buying and expense of fish, whereupon the continual maintenance of the said Navy grew, became so small, that there appeared a great decay in the Navy: nevertheless every man proceeded from time to time in breach of the said accustomed order, which before was certainly observed: and so in few years the Navy was abated from five ships to two in divers parts of this realm, whereupon the force thereof touching that matter was weakened much, to the great peril of this realm, and encouragement of the enemy.  
In avoiding whereof with earnest consideration had by the nobles and commons of the whole realm, considering the danger that thereby might ensue, it was by them thought necessary to devise some means how the navy might be repaired again, & being assembled in the parliament holden at Westminster the fift year of the Queen's highness most gracious reign, a law was there made and ordained, that the accustomed order for fish days should be observed in abstaining from flesh, that fish might be the more plentifullier spent.  
Which law for a time of great numbers was observed: but from thence grew not sufficient contribution to repair and maintain the Navy, for that the universal multitude had little regard thereunto, whose ensample divers other followed: and so many of the greater sort joining with the lesser sort, became more careless (for want of due execution) than any time before they had been: And thus the trade of fishing and provision of fish out of which exceeding great maintenance grew unto the Navy, was brought from great to greater decay, which decay increaseth.  
For which cause her Majesty with the nobles and commons of the realm considering the disordered behaviour concerning breach of the said law most commonly used in many common Wherefore, taverns, tabling-houses, cooks houses, and other common victuallers, in which place a wonderful number of fish might be spent if the said law by them were duly observed. In a parliament holden at Westminster, the 27. year of her most gracious reign a law for the better observation of the said days and times was further ordained against them, with a greater penalty than before had been set down for the other, that reformation therein might be had, if by any means it were possible. But thereof in like case so little care of obedience is used, that the offence in most places rather increaseth than decreaseth, to the wonderful great damage of this realm, as by the arguments following may well be considered.   

Certain arguments concerning unlawful diet. Reasons alleged for the expense of flesh, with the answers to them. The Navy may be maintained by other trades then fishing, but not without peril, the commodity of fishing.  
IF the realm in defence thereof be furnished with five hundred ships, and that we should suffer the enemy by policy or open force to consume or destroy three hundred of them, were it not a great and a reprooveable negligence. But if the natural subjects of this realm by their negligent manners, shall consume or destroy three hundred of them, is not their so doing worthy grievous punishment: But if they shall obstinately or wilfully do the same, what punishment such aught to have, I leave to the judgement of those that have a wisdom to consider thereof.  
In as much therefore as by our diet we abate the Navy by proportion from five ships to two, is it not to be accounted great negligence, and worthy of punishment. But after we have espied this negligence we do wilfully continue the the same, can it be in truth any other, than a practice to overthrow our own country by weakening the force thereof, to lay it so much the more open to the enemy.  
Further when the Queen's Majesty hath occasion to send forth, and maintain her Navy at the seas, must she not be constrained either at the first setting forth, or in the supply to furnish and man the same for lack of seafaring men, with wherrimen and bargemen from the Thames and other Rivers? who although many of them be tall and lusty men sufficient and able, to do good service in such affairs, Yet the most part of them in respect of such service may be accounted but fresh watered soldiers not able to do such service at the first as shall be necessary, for want of skill, nor able to abide the Seas in such labour for want of use, and therefore wanting sufficient Seafaring men amongst them, their service is in danger to turn rather to the carrying and keeping forth of ships to deliver unto the enemy to increase his force, then to resist or diminish the same. We therefore bring this to pass by our diet, what other thing then do we but by our said diet, seek to strengthen the enemy, and weaken ourselves?  
Furthermore let us make another allegation or argument and sa, The Queen's Majesty is head of the commonwealth, which the Lord for his mercy's sake long continue. The common wealth is the seat that she sitteth on and ruleth the legs that bear up this seat, are the forces of the same, if any one of these legs fail or decay, it weakeneth the rest, and putteth all in danger, like a disjointed frame which reeleth, and is in no certain safety longer than the joints hold sound together. And so when any of the principal joints decay, the whole rest are in peril, till that joint be repaired and made sure again.  
Therefore forasmuch as the Navy is one of the principal forces or legs that this commonwealth standeth on, which is the Queen's majesties seat, & that the people do with their teeth, hale or draw that leg asunder which with their teeth they are wont to draw & knit together, fast joined to the rest of the legs. What other thing do they but with their own teeth undermine the seat of the Prince, putting that in peril to fall to their destruction, which standing upright and fast, would be their tecture and defence.  
But many there be that perhaps will judge this argument very vain and frivolous to persuade them, remembering the abuse which in times past hath been used in the observation of fish days. And for that abuse, sack utterly contemn the same without remembering the politic device for the benefit of the Realm, whereunto at the first invention or ordinance thereof in this land, it was in some part (in my judgement) ordained, as now it is in the whole: our country being an Island environed with the seas as our walls.  
Othersome taking hold on the words of our saviour Christ in the xv. of Matthew, where he saith, That which entereth into the mouth doth not defile the man, but that which proceedeth out of the mouth. And by that means take liberty to offend. But they consider not further, where S. Paul saith, all things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man that eateth with offence. And who thinketh not but that is eaten with offence which is eaten contrary to the Prince's laws, and to the hurt of a common wealth. Neither doth our Saviour give any warrants by these words, that the thing which entereth into the mouth with offence doth not defile the man: but his meaning in that place is to be construed off, according to the words in the text specified, where (in my my judgement) the argument grew about the washing of hands, through the scribulite of the Scribes and Pharisees.  
We have also another note to consider off, when the wife of Tobias had provided a Kid, and brought to her husband, saying, she would make ready the same for him to eat: he caused her to stay, and would not suffer her so to do, until he had examined whether she came truly by the same or not, fearing it had been stolen, or in such like case come by, and should so eat of it unlawfully, which he esteemed to be an offence to God. Many other places of holy scripture may be alleged in this case, which I will at this time omit, and leave the interpretation thereof to the learned divines, whose office my simpleness cannot attain unto, but return to the matter which I have taken in hand to prove by argument in temporal causes as followeth.  
Others perhaps do think and some in truth will say that concerning a maintenance for the Navy with mariners, besides the trade of fishing, there be divers ways to increase and maintain a sufficient number of Mariners for service, whensoever occasion shall require by other trades and traffics of merchandise: as for ensample, was the Realm ever heretofore so well furnished with serviceable ships, as at this time it is maintained only by trades of merchandise, wherein also are increased great numbers of mariners, more apt men in such service.  
Unto which it may be answered that many such mariners indeed are increased, but yet not such a sufficient number as wars if they have any continuance will require, wherein very many such persons are to be employed, as well in other ships of this Realm, as in her majesties own ships.  
And if it should be granted that these trafickes should increase mariners sufficiently for the supply aforesaid, yet if we should depend thereon, we should express ourselves more to lean to things that bring and breed damage, then to things that bring and breed profit.  
For in truth a great part of our merchandise are rather superfluous then needful, & more damageable than profitable, for example: is not the one half of our sugars and other groserie wares, rather daintily consumed then necessarily spent? Again, are not four parts of five of those silks and velvets that are brought into this realm, rather superfluously used by men of mean estate, then conveniently worn by such as are of higher estate?  
Further, are not three parts of five of the Wines that are brought into this Realm, rather wastefully consumed to the decay and destruction of men's healths, then necessarily s●ent for the sustentation of men's bodies, to continue or increase their healths? And for the transporting of torn and diverse kinds of merchandise out of this Realm, by reason of those trades, if they be done at sometimes commoodiously for the benefit of the Realm, they are done at some other ●imes discommodiously to the damage of the Realm, which hang is well known to many.  
Now when all these trafickes and trades are compared together, and their commodities with their discommodities, it will appear that the treasure and strength of this Realm is by the superfluity of them rather consumed and abated, then increased or continued: notwithstanding I speak not this that it were necessary for such trades to be left off or extinguished, for thereby groweth great benefits to the Realm sundry ways, not only for sufficient and serviceable shipping, but other necessary commodities also. But contrariwise, concerning the trade of fishing, it is all ways commodious and no ways discommodious, it increaseth wealth and provision of sustenance, but abateth none. And the more for that fish is always spent for the necessary sustentation of men's bodies, and not for superfluity.  
There is yet another thing to be considered off concerning the trade of merchandise, that in all manner of trafickes where merchants must come within the Dominions of other Princes, much danger and peril may happen, for that it is in the wills of those Princes, within whose dominions they are to stay such ships as there be, and employ them at their pleasures in their service. And so England with great peril may increase mariners & shipping to serve other Princes, which may happen sometimes to be against ourselves. Also in divers traffic many mariners travel far journeys, by means whereof it may be that the Realwe shall want them when it should be needful that they were at home to be employed for the defence of the realm.  
Therefore it may plainly appear that the trade of merchandise only for breeding & maintenance of mariners, though it be necessary & needful to the realm, yet the same is not without great doubts & perils. Whereas contrariwise by the trade of fishing, if such fish might be certainly spent within this realm as might be taken & proved a sufficient number of mariners & other sea-faring-men for the supply of those the then may want, might be much more profitabler, and saflier bred and maintained at home, all times in a readiness to be employed for the necessary service and defence of the Realm, how suddenly so ever the same should require.   

Fishing is the greatest Nurse for to increase Mariners: the dear prizes of fish, how it may become cheap.  
THere is yet further to be considered, that the trade of fishing is a wonderful great Nurse for the breeding or bringing up of Marrineas, for whereas a Merchant's ship using the traffic with merchandise, being furnished for the voyage with twenty men, there is amongst them not passed two or three boys which in that trade is brought up and instructed. And if it be so the danger of the voyage considered, that these children can, and commonly do endeavour to be brought up and instructed herein, yet the increase of them will not be sufficient to furnish the Navy, especially in the time of wars.  
But the Fisherman going to the sea, or upon other waters in great or small vessels, for every one man there is of them commonly two boys, who being trained up therein, are so accustomed with the hardness and painful toil which in that exercise they are used to, that they are not only able to sustain all labour to a seafaring man belonging, but in short time become a sufficient sailor, master, or Pilot, as well for service in her majesties ships as in the merchant's ships. They are also acquainted and know the rocks, sands and other dangers upon the seacostes: where they lie, and how to avoid them by reason of their accustomed haunting the seas in the trade of fishing. And by means of their travel from one port to another for the sale or utterance of the said fish, and other things wherein at unseasonable fishing times they are employed.  
These and divers other arguments before rehearsed might be a sufficient occasion to cause us without penalty or pennall law for the benefit of our country, to restrain and bridle ourselves from our accustomed and unlawful diet, but many there be that will and may truly say, the utterers of fish sell the same at such excessive prizes, divers and sundry times, that it discourageth men to buy thereof. And the more for that they can a great deal better cheap make their provision with flesh as well for their family, as themselves.  
Many arguments are to be made that will be sufficient to answer this matter. And first we are to consider the times and seasons of the year that it serveth not always alike, for sufficient provision of freshfish, at which time little store being taken by reason of contagious and contrary weather, wherein the fisherman adventureth both life and goods, & not only himself but many other hath their livings thereon depending, great reason is that the same be sold the dearer: for besides his said adventure, he hath been at no less charge than though he had taken great quantities. And for remedy hereof, that men might have in such a scarcity some other good sorts of fish, not commonly used. To satisfy their diet in times passed there hath been provided for the markets these sorts of fish, that is to say, Puffens, Tunney, Porpus, Seal, Holibut fins, Holibut heads, & many other things, whereof was made fine & delicate dishes, which now for lack of use is not only left unprovided, but also utterly forgotten, how or in what sort it should be used, dressed, or served: and worst of all, how it should be eaten, and digested, for that the proportion and substance of them is by many forgotten, and the use and taste forgotten of all. There were also the sounds & heads of the Cod, which in fishing time were salted and preserved to be a diet, in such scarcity for the poorer sort: all these things being by God's creation ordained for our sustenance, ought rather to be thankfully received than contemtiously cast off and refused.  
Besides this, that wind and wether being contrary for fishing, is a great cause that fish is many times very scarce & dear yet the chiefest thing that generally causeth the same, is lack of certain utterance, as by these few arguments following doth plainly appear, wherein it may be said.  
As utterance increaseth, or abateth in any trade, so the trade will increase or abate.  
The trade being abated, the commodity therein used, will wax scant and less provision thereof made.  
The less provision that thereof is made, the dearer the commodity is.  
The cause of small provision is the uncertainty of sale or utterance: certain sale or utterance encourageth many providers to buy of the commodity.  
Which in the beginning though it be chargeable to the buyer or spender, it will by certainty of utterance become cheaper.  
For the dearness thereof will cause many providers of the same to increase.  
The increase of them will make plenty of the commodity.  
The plentifulness whereof doth make cheapness.  
When there was spent in this realm more fish in one year then there is at this day in five year, they might have had for one shilling that which now we pay twain.  
God is the only nurse or herdsman to feed & cherish that kind of victual, without any help of man, he blesseth & multiplieth than, according to his good pleasure & wil The contempt of whose blessings may be cause of the scarcity that now is in taking of fish, more than in then in times past hath been, and no doubt but the embracing thereof with thankfulness for the same, God may and will cause it again to multiply.   

The harms that hap to the realm by the unlawful expense of flesh, what numbers of people are thereby put from their livings, the discommodity thereof, the remedy.  
further and greater matters than yet hath been spoken off are to be considered, that by the usual and unlawful eating of flesh, the utterance of fi●h being small & uncertain, hath caused a great number to forsake the accustomed haunting of the seas, for taking of fish, whereby three things doth happen.  
The Navy decayed, a multitude of persons are put out of work, and the provision of sustenance for the people greatly abated, from which other three evils do spring.  
The strength of the realm decayeth, much idleness & many Rogues and thieves are bred, and famine and distress, the rather happeneth amongst the people.  
These are such evils as bring decay and danger unto the common wealth: and therefore it may be said that the usual and unlawful eating of flesh, bringeth decay and danger unto the common wealth.  
It may further be said, that by the small utterance of fish the accustomed haunting of the seas for taking of fish is abated from five parts to one,  
By the abating whereof we may make account that ten thousand persons which heretofore have & might still live by fishing on the seas, are thereby put out of work and living.  
Also there were very many besides fishermen, that by means of fishing lived upon the land. As shipwrites, cowpars, smiths weavers, sailemakers, netmakers, dressars, utterars, and cariars of fish, with such like, which may be accounted to extend in number to other ten thousand: these are hereby in like case put from their living and maintenance, and so in number they are together twenty thousand persons, their wives, women-servants & children, whose livings did depend on them, & now by their want made destitute of maintenance are thirty thousand at the least, these in the whole extend to fifty thousand persons, whose livings depended on fishing, and is now abated.  
Besides the value of the fish that was yearly taken and spent, more than there is now towards the sustentation of the people, which by estimation was worth three hundred thousand pounds at the least, for there may be very probable reasons given that there hath been the value of so much fish spent yearly in this realm more than now there is.  
Hereby we may understand that a great number of able men for service in time of war, as masters, pilates, mariners, & sailors are greatly decayed & abated, by means whereof the strength of the realm must needs be much weakened & made of less force to encounter or resist the enemy upon the seas, which, is & hath been great part of defence & service to the realm, by abating the taking of fish & utterance thereof, the trade & maintenance of the people on the sea costs, must needs abate also, amongst all sorts of people especially artificers, whereby port towns hath and dally doth fall in decay, waxing depopulated & so daily grow of less and less ability to resist the enemy when necessity shall require. Also it is to be understood, that by the usual and unlawful eating of flesh, the same victual groweth or becometh the dearer.  
The dearness of the said flesh victual causeth great gains to be raised by the fatting of cattle.  
The rasing of such gains causeth men to convert their grounds and farms from tillage to pasture.  
By that means a multitude of people are put out of work and from their livings.  
Thereby a great number of them are constrained to become idle Rogues or to practise other superfluous & vain things that breed divers other great vices.  
These be things that bring great detriment and decay unto the commonwealth: and therefore, as afore hath been said, the usual and unlawful eating of flesh bringeth great detriment and decay unto the commonwealth.  
Hereby it may also be understood, that by the decay of tillage, twenty thousand persons which have and might still live thereby, are put from their accustomed work and livings.  
Their wives, women servants and children, whose maintenance did on them depend, are in number thirty thousand, at the least, these in the whole extend to fifty thousand, beside the increase of a great number of sundry forts of victual which in a farm house is increased towards the sustentation of the people.  
For a farm containing sixscore Acres of ground, being employed to pasture only, for the breeding and feeding of cattle, there doth come no further increase of victual but beeves and Muttons only, and it may be proved that the yearly increase thereof will not find yearly above ten persons of those that make their common and only food of flesh.  
But let this farm be employed into tillage, & there will be a reasonable increase of Beef and Muttons: then is there account to be made of all kind of grain, as well for bread as drink which is the chiefest victual for maintenance of the people.  
Further there is in the said farm, raised and increased, Veal, Pork, Bacon, Pigs, Geese, Ducks, Hens, Chickens, Capons, Milk, Butter, Cheese, Eggs, and Fruit. Draw all these together in account or comparison, and they will sustain and find yearly twenty persons at the least, I mean not those only that are kept in the farm, but such as are sustained with the victuals that be sold out of the farm at the markets: whereby it appeareth, that ten persons that are fed and nourished with those victuals that are increased of the farm in pasture doth eat up ten of those persons, that should have been fed with such victual as might have been increased of the same farm if it were in tillage. This is a wonderful decay in a commonwealth: and aught with christian charity of all men to be lamented. That for the satisfying of our lust contrary to a good and commendable law for a commonwealth ordained, we seek our own hurt, and the utter decay of our poor christian brethren, may not this be called the eating up of God's people like bread against whom the Psalmist earnestly crieth. Psal. 14.35.  
Thus we are to consider, that by the unlawful eating of flesh, three special damages fall upon us.  
The realm is weakened, and made of less force to encounter and resist the enemy, both on the sea, and seacoastes.  
An hundred thousand persons are put from their work and maintenance.  
And of the victuals which heretofore hath been and still might be increased: there is the value of three hundred thousand pounds yearly abated, by reason whereof, three greater damages and dangers proceeds, that is to say.  
By abating the force of the realm on the sea and seacoastes, it is in the greater danger of the enemy.  
Also by putting of an hundred thousand persons out of work and maintenance, there must needs grow the greater increase of idleness, rogues, and thieves, with which sort of people, it grieveth them to be endamaged and endangered that breeds them, for we would have no ashes and yet still increase the fire. Also we would sail in safety, and yet bore holes through the bottom of the ship.  
Further by the yearly abating of three hundred thousand poundes-worth of victuals there must of necessity grow a great want of sufficient sustenance, especially for the common sort of people. The misery whereof, although it be not felt by the rich, yet the same grievously lighteth amongst the poor, for ponderous things fall to the bottom, and they that strike others, feel not the smart themselves.  
For remedy herein, there hath been divers devices & plots made, and set down how fishermen might be set a work, fish might be taken, brought in, and provided for service of the realm, and strait laws made for the expense and utterance thereof, but little is said or done, that the said law might be certainly executed and observed, for as before hath been said that it is utterance that maintaineth the trade of any thing, and as utterance increaseth or abateth, so the trade will increase and abate.  
For ensample, the great increase and utterance of flesh that hath grown by the unlawful eating of flesh, hath so increased the trade for grazing and fatting of cattle to be spent and uttered, that thereby hath grown all such detriments as before hath been set down to happen by the decay of tillage.  
Also thereby (as before hath been said) the utterance of fish is become so small and uncertain, and the trade of fishing, and the buying and selling of fish by the same so abated, that all the rest of such dangers and damages as before are set down, have by that means grown and happened.  
Therefore as the increase of the utterance of flesh, and the abating of the utterance of fish hath been cause of the evils aforesaid.  
So the increase of the utterance of fish, and the abating of the utterance of flesh must be cause of the remedy.   

What flesh may be spared in a year by one days abstinence in a week. For what cause there ought to be certain days and times appointed for the expense of fish.  
ANd for that it may the more plainlier appear what great numbers of beeves, Muttons, and other kinds of flesh victual may be spared in the realm yearly, by one days abstinence in a week, to the wonderful great increase of the said victual and comfort of the whole commonwealth, I have thought good to set down an estimate of the same supposed to be spent within the city of London, and the suburbs of the same to be considered of with patience of the gentle Reader,  
First it is to be considered, that in the year are 52. weeks and in every week, seven days, which are in all for the year 364. days.  
The lent with friday and saturday in every week, and the the other accustomed fish days, appointed by the laws of the realm to be observed, being collected together: extend to 153. So in the year there is 153. fish days and 211. flesh days, which amounteth unto 58. flesh days more than fish days.  
Now touching the expense of flesh in London, and the Suburbs thereof, and what may be spared in those places only by one days abstinence in a week. First the year being 52. weeks: let seven of them be excepted, for the time of lent, wherein no beeves ought to be killed, and then remaineth but 45. weeks, wherein butchers do kill cattle.  
Then let us say there be threescore butchers, freemen of the city of London, that commonly kill beeves, and every butcher to kill weekly one with the other, five beeves, which is for 45. weeks, in the whole 300. beeves: which amounteth for the said 45. weeks, to 13500. killed by the said freemen.  
The foreigners dwelling in the suburbs of London, and such as come out of the country to serve the markets of the city, on the market days, kill and utter there, as the butchers of London affirm, four times so much as the freemen of the city, which amounteth yearly to 54000. beeves, & so joining the beeves, killed & uttered by the freemen of London & the foreigners together, ●hey extend in all for the year to 67500. beeves.  
It is herein to be noted that the account by this estimat is but for five days in the week, for the friday and saturday are days of abstinence from flesh, and therefore out of the said five days we must suppose to take one, and the account aforesaid is so to be made, for that in them flesh is certainly spent otherwise there can no certain account be made.  
Now if we would know what number of beeves might be spared as afore is said, let us say there be in the week five flesh days, accustomably served with the expense of flesh whereof one being taken away, there resteth but four.  
In like sort let us divide the proportion of beeves that are killed for London and the suburbs for a year into five parts. And the fift part supposed to be saved by the fift days abstinence is 13500. the just number killed for a year by the freemen of the City.  
It is also reported and well known, that for every Beef killed, there is killed ten sheep at the least. Then if there might be spared yearly in the places aforesaid by one days abstinence, 13500. beasts, there will by that reckoning be spared 135000. sheep, besides lambs, calves, and hogs, whereof like proportion is to be made according to the times of the year wherein they be spent or should be spent. But the abuse therein is great by killing them at unlawful times contrary to good laws and ordinances carefully made and provided for the increase of cattle, whereby wonderful great damages groweth unto the realm, as by sundry probable arguments might be expressed.  
Moreover there is like account to be made of such fine flesh victual as is uttered by the poultars, which on the fastingdays is most commonly spent. By this estimate, concerning the City of London and the suburbs, it may be easily discerned of, what might be spared thorough the whole realm, which being well considered may happily persuade some men the more to the observation of such good laws and ordinances as for observation of fishdays is provided.  
But concerning this the expense of fish, many there be, that perhaps will say, we agree that the taking, uttering and spending of fish is laudable and well to be liked of: but wherefore should we make choice of days or times, seeing there is no prescribed rule from God, for the choice of meats at any one day more than another, and that it hath pleased almighty God to give us his blessings with multitudes of the same in the seas, confessing the same also to be given us from God, for our sustenance, which being taken & provided, may be brought or carried unto cities, towns, and markets, and there sold and uttered to such as will buy on every day in the week, and at all times and seasons when it is taken.  
Herein we must consider, that if it should so be observed the uncertainty of sale would cause the providers of fish, to forsake their trades and the fisherman his fishing in a short time: first, for that most men by nature in these days are affectioned from fish for divers causes, by them conceived: secondly, when the same is sold at a dear price, so that their provision may be made of flesh a great deal better cheap.  
But we must consider, that although wind and weather serveth well at some times, that there is great plenty of fish taken, and by reason thereof sold reasonable good cheap, yet other sometimes either the wind and weather, or the time and season serveth not, so that little store of fish is taken. Nevertheless as afore hath been said, the fisherman's living depending only thereupon must have a sufficient maintenance to live, for him and his family, being continued therein with great charges divers ways, and therefore if he be not certain to sell that small store of fish which he hath taken in such a time of scarcity and that also at some good round price to recompense the travel and charge which with the adventure of his life and goods he hath obtained, he neither would nor could continue his said trade, and this hath been, and is the only cause that many seafaring men do leave the trade of fishing, and settle themselves to other exercises, rather hurtful then beneficial to the commonwealth.  
Further it is to be considered concerning the uncertantie of time in providing salted fish, to be by the fishmonger ready seasoned for the people's diet. As Salmon, ling, Haberdines, Greenefish, herrings and such like: if there should not be a certain time for the spending, the providers could in no case season or make the same ready to be sufficient for the eater or spender when it should be eaten or spent, which being seasoned for one day, will scarce serve for another: Especially when the weather is warm, and therefore being uncertain of his sale although he make some provision of fish to sell dry, or in the salt, yet he will not season any with water, fit to be eaten, for the uncertainty of his sale, by reason he knoweth not when the people are minded to eat fish except a day or a time be appointed certain for the same.  
Also it is a victual, not to be had, as beeves, muttons, veals, and such like in the pastures feeding, at all times in a readiness to be spent, but is at liberty in the wide and large seas, upon the taking and providing whereof, diligent attendance must be given, and also some sorts or kinds of fish must be taken and provided long time before, it will be sufficient to be spent, so that if there be not certain days and times appointed for the certain expense of fish, The fisherman shall be uncertain to sell as he may be a gainer thereby when the same is taken, the merchant or utterer of fish, unwilling and discouraged, to buy and provide for the markets, and thereby a more scarcity of fish, and a greater decay of fishing will daily increase to the wonderful decay of the Navy, and damage of the whole realm sundry ways.  
It may well be thought therefore, that this thing many years since was carefully considered of, with the commodities and discommodities that would grow by the uncertainty of the utterance of fish, that certain days and times might be appointed for the fish to be uttered and eaten, whereby a certain and sufficient provision might be also made or provided, and although as before hath been said, abuse in continuance of time did grow, by observation of the said days and times so appointed, yet the necessary use thereof considered, it is not for the same to be refused, especially for that by the assent and consent of her majesties learned and wise counsellors, it hath been not only thought good for special cause that the accustomed times and seasons should be observed, But by her highness also strait commandment and earnest charge given from time to time for the due observation thereof.   

Concerning abstinence from flesh, there is a conscience to be made in transgressing the law, for what cause obedience herein aught to be showed: the judgement of some men which answer thereto.  
NOw for that I would not any man should mistake me concerning my opinion, and true meaning in the premises, I have thought good (under correction of the better learned) to set down the same, as followeth. Wherein I do pronounce that the eating of flesh or forbearing to eat flesh, is not any matter or thing concerning salvation of man, or that it is the service of God otherways then all other politic laws are, and be: for it is not the abstinence from flesh, that pleaseth God, nor the eating thereof, that offendeth him: But it is the obedience which God requireth to be yielded, and borne unto the Prince, and the care of the benefit of his people that pleaseth him, and it is disobedience to the Prince and the neglecting of his people's benefit that displeaseth him.  
I do also affirm that there is no conscience to be made in eating of flesh at any time, as touching the flesh that is eaten, but there is conscience to be made in that the Prince is disobeyed, which is a contempt of God's ordinance, and the people's benefit neglected, which God requireth to be earnestly sought: and therefore a disobedience of the Prince's laws, cannot be done without offence to God, for as God hath ordained that Princes should govern, so hath he in sundry places of the Scriptures commanded that subjects should obey, and the offence in every transgression is the more by how much the damage unto the people thereby groweth greater.  
For we are taught to obey the necessary laws and commandments of Princes and not to neglect and contemn them to labour and seek for public wealth, and the universal commodity of others, with carefulness & not to be wilful overthrowers and destroyers of the same: whereby we may gather that a man without offence may do all things which by the scriptures are not forbidden, until they are forbidden by lawful authority. Likewise what is commanded by lawful authority, and not by the scriptures forbidden, a man is bound to obey & cannot without offence omit the same.  
We must also consider that God hath disposed things so by creation, that the increase of the earth doth not suffice for the sustentation of the people: but such things as he hath created in the seas and waters must also be provided, and it may be remembered but few years past, that fish did well nigh as much sustentation to the people of this realm as the flesh, and therefore to omit this relief, must needs increase a scarcity of victual divers and sundry ways.  
Furthermore some men more rash than true in their judgement, will not only think but say, he that thus earnestly persuadeth for an abstinence from flesh, is either one of these three that followeth, or all: that is to say, a superstitious person, an hypocrite, or a Papist.  
And first he is accounted a superstitious person for that he is a forbidder of meats, persuading the people thereunto, and maketh conscience where no cause of conscience is, esteeming that unlawful which is not by God forbidden.  
Herein such rash givers of judgement are greatly deceived for in truth he is a forbidder of meats that forbiddeth it at all times, and in all respects like as in the Apostles time some superstitious jews persuaded the Christians, but forbidding of the use at certain times appointed by lawful authority done for a commonwealth, is not an utter forbidding of the thing, the cause and reason being considered, and therefore no conscience to be made in the kind or nature of the meat, but for the commodity of those, for whose cause it is forborn or forbidden, and so the meat is not unlawful but the use unlawful, being eaten at a time forbidden by such as have authority from God to forbid it, done for the benefit of his people: for although it be lawful for a man to spend or use the things that he cometh lawfully by, it is unlawful to spend or use the things that he cometh unlawfully by, for then the commandment is transgressed so, although it be lawful to eat flesh at all times, as the creatures of God given for the sustenance of man, it is unlawful to eat the same at times forbidden by lawful authority, for therein God's ordinance is contemned and the benefit of his people neglected.  
Secondly, some perhaps may name him to be an hypocrite, because he will not eat flesh on such days that he might seem holy, and one that more careth for his salvation then other people, as thinking to obtain the same by abstaining from eating flesh on a few prescribed days and times: but of wise men this is to be considered, that hypocrisy is privy sin, couched in the mind and intention of man, and although judgement may be given in or by the dealings of some persons, yet in truth the thing cannot be generally discerned in any man but by the wisdom of God only.  
For what virtue soever any person useth, if it be done for the praise of man, and not in consideration of the duty which God requireth, is none other but flat hypocrisy: For example, who so accustometh to read or hear the holy scriptures preached and taught with a show of holiness, thereby to be praised of men, and not learn to live or bring forth fruits according to the same, he may be accounted a mere hypocrite, nevertheless the reading and hearing of the scriptures is not hypocrisy, but being unfeignedly and rightly done, is the lively nourishment and food of man's soul. So abstinence from flesh is not to be accounted hypocrisy, when it is done for obedience to the law & in respect of that law and duty which God requireth of every man to be borne towards his neighbour.  
Thirdly he is called a Papist, for that saith some, also he thinketh it is necessary to abstain from eating of flesh, & doth like & allow of those laws and devices made and used in the time of Papistry, and by ancient authority of the Pope, whom we should not in any thing imitate, but rather in all things be contrary.  
Here may be said is zeal without knowledge, understanding blinded, and a great want of true judgement: for ensample, mine enemy teacheth me two things, the one I find evil by experience, the other good, and because I will not follow the counsel of my adversary, shall I cast away the good for the evils sake.  
Or thus, it may be said I am taught by mine adversary to run into the fire and escape the water, but because contrary to the mind or teaching of mine adversary I have escaped the fire, shall I therefore of mine own will run into the water and drown myself: many good laws and ordinances in the time of papistry was by them made and ordained, but the same is not therefore to be contemned or neglected, for that their devise in many things for the benefit of a common wealth cannot be amended.  
Much more might be said concerning this matter, but few words are sufficient to satisfy such as are wise and discreet, whose wisdom can sufficiently conceive by this small treatise what thing of the author is intended, whose heart and mind is known to God, that for the benefit of his country he hath taken this small pains, craving patience of the gentle Reader for his rudeness, being in respect of many others, but simply trained up in learning, requireth herein of the wise to be accepted. And that these his simple persuasions might be an occasion without the pain and penalties of the law, to persuade an obedience in the premises, amongst his native countrymen, both for themselves and their families. Then the author shall think himself recompensed: and such as live but few years both see and feel the great benefits to them thereby growing, not only for increase of victual and better maintenance of the people, but great strength to the Navy for the more service and defence of this Realm.   
FINIS.