The Undoubted ART OF THRIVING; Wherein is showed. 

1. That a Million L. Sterling Money, or more if need be may be raised for Propogating the Trade of the Nation, etc. Without any kind of prejudice to the Liege's, but on the Contrair to their great Utility and Advantage.  
2. How the Indian and African Company may Propogat their Trade, and that Trade and Manufactures of all sorts may be encouraged to the Honour, Strength and Wealth of the Nation.  
3. How every one according to his quality, may Live Comfortably and Happily. Concluding with several thoughts touching the Management of Public Concerns.    
EDINBURGH, Printed by John Reid, 1700.   

To His GRACE, JAMES Duke of QUEENSBERRY, His Majesty's high Commissioner to the Session of PARLIAMENT, Comencing on the 21st. of MAY 1700. And all the Honourable Members in Parliament Assembled.  
MOST HONOURABLE,  
Some time ago, being by the Providence of GOD, Reduced to a low condition, like a Man that had fallen from a precipice. I began to look about, and to think by what means to Re●ascend; for that end strearched my Invention to the utmost extent, I took a view of every thing upon which I could fix mine eye. I examined the conduct of all sorts of persons, both as to public and private concerns, in order to find some footsteps by which to climb up. in my my survey of things, found severals that I thought might be Improven. And amongst many others, this project of making Notes to pass for currant money occured; as did likewise several others of no less moment, which I could have expanded on this occasion, were it not that too many projects at once, may rather obstruct than advance the procecution of any; And also that this one may be sufficient at the time, if it take effect, which if it do not I shall hencforth be discouraged to attempt any thing of the like Nature.  
After I had made several discoveries, as is said, New difficulties occured, as to the manner of giving them vent. The concealing matters of so great Importance I thought a Crime: On the other hand, fearing it was in vain for me to propose any thing of this kind having had so bad success in my own Concerns none would relay on any Overture I could make concerning the prosperity of others; I struggled long between these difficulties; However at last I resolved to put in form one of my projects, and show it to some who could advise me how to proceed therein; And accordingly made a short draught of this Note-Project, as that which was most likely to take effect, I showed it to some of the Honourable Members of Parliament. But the draught being short, and not so distinct, as what is here deduced, nor the Foundation on which it was proposed to be settled, so solid as what is now proposed, it was thought there might be several difficulties in it, wherefore I laid it aside at that time.  
The next Effort I made, was an Essey upon the manner of Husbandry, in which I thought most People of this Kingdom Committed Condsiderable mistakes, though this was not received with that Approbation, which I humbly conceive it deserveth, yet it found acceptace beyond my expectation, for it is not to be Imagioned that upon an overly Glance, one can have the same Sentiments as an other that has made it his business to consider it throughly.  
Now (I hope in a good time,) I Resume my Project concerning the Notes. The Kingdom at present being drained of Money, by reason of the great quantities of it that has been given for Corn from Foreign parts these several years past, and likewise People seem now Inclined to Cultivat Trade and Manufactures more than formerly, which certainly makes a project of this nature more  then at other tims; Wherefore in all Humility I present the following Sheets to Your Grace, Lordships and Honours; The first part of which Respects the Circulating of Notes may perhaps be some what dark at first view, yet after perusal and the serious thoughts of any person of Tolerable Capacity, I think it will be plain to a Demonstration. I have considered it over and over many tims, and according to what sense GOD has given me. I think nothing can be plainer, and doubt not in the least to Solve all manner of objections that can be made against it. As to what follows in the other two Chapters is plain at first view, and will not be difficult to determine what is fit to be done therein.  
Some years ago I Remember, there was an overture made to the Parliament, for the Streicking a vast number of Notes or Talies', but the manner of Circulating them was keeped a secret, till the Author should have the promise of a Considerable Reward; though it is but reasonable that a Man should be Rewarded for his good service, not only with Respect to the pains be is at. But likewise with Respect to the benefit others receive by his Good Offices: Yet I have made no such Preliminary overture, leaving that Inteirly to Your Wisdoms Discration.  
As when an Artificer has finished an Instrument of Music, with all imaginabl exactness, it may suffer the bending or unbending of several Strings, before it can be fited to a particular Tune or Air. In like manner the following project, may perhaps receive some inconsiderable Amendiments when it comes to be put in practice, which till then cannot be observed. Yet I humbly Conceive there is no material part wanting to make it Complete; However it be, my thoughts of it to be so, has induced me to lay it before Your Wisdoms, who after Considering of it throughly, can eosily give your Judgement therein. That GOD may give you Wisdom, and grant a happy Isue to this Session of Parliament shall be the earnest Prayer of  
Your Grace's, Lordships, and Honours, Most Humble and Obedient Servant Ja. Donaldson.   

THE Undoubted ART of THRIVING  
TO THRIVE and to PROSPER, Being Generally taken for one and the same Thing, 'twill be needless to Inquire into the Etymology or Signification of the Verb THRIVE; But seeing it may be taken in a threefold Sense, Viz. In Respect to the Soul, Body, and Estate, it's necessary to distinguish them, and to show which of these I intent to Prosecute.  
To make Provision for the Soul is undoubtedly the Duty as well as the interes● of every One, And that wherein most People are too Remiss; But to give public Directions therein, is that which I neither reckon myself called to nor qualified for.  
In matters of Medicine or Physic. I am not acquainted: And therefore shan't offer to meddle in things of that Nature.  
〈…〉 follows, That I must say some thing touching the Preservation or Increase of the Estate, or say nothing at all 〈…〉 in this also. I cannot pretend to much Knowledge. I would offer only things which I Humbly Conceive may be of Good Use, and perhaps a Foundation for some Good Architeck, to build a Magnificent Structure upon.  
〈◊〉 coun●●● be supposed, that a Thing of this Nature can be so ex 〈…〉 first Draught as afterwards it may be brought 〈…〉 therefore expected, the Discreet Reader will rather Correct than Rigidly Censure any thing he may find not so directly to the Purpose.  
Thriving being that which we are to fall about on good Earnest? I shall not detain ●he Render with 〈◊〉 tedious introduction, but: endeavour to 〈◊〉 what I have 〈◊〉 say, in the most co●ceise and plain Manor I ●an, so that any Person of Ordinary Capacity may the more easily comprehend the same, my Design being rather to write Intelligibly than Elegantly.  
'Twas observed in the Entry that Thriving may be taken in a threefold-Sense, and that it was in Matters relating to the Estate, of how that one may provide Necessaries for his Comfortable Living in this World, that I undertook to prosecute.  
When I speak of Ways and Means how one may preserve or increase his Estate; I hope it will not be incongruous to think, that at the same time he may be in a prosperous Condition also in both Soul and Body, there being no inconsistancy but rather a Harmony amongst them all. For a Person moderately exercising himself in the Performance of his lawful Employment, thereby purchaseth things  for the Support of his Body: The Body being supplied with things necessary and employed in moderate Exercises, is kept in a good Temperature and healthful Condition. The Body being in good Condition, is in Capacity to perform Duty to GOD and Man with the greater Alacrity; and reciprocally when a Person with Integrity performs his duty, he may warrantably expect the Favour of GOD and Man, and a Blessing upon his Labour, which he is the better able to perform while his Body is in Health and Vigour: Whereas on the other hand, one that cannot provide for himself, is commonly despised of Men, depressed in his Body, and dejected in Mind, by all which he is much indisposed to perform Duty to GOD or Man.  
But some perhaps may say, Commonly such as have great Possession employ these Benefits to quite contrary Uses, thereby strengthening themselves to the Patterns of Vice and Immorality, and do not only this way impair their own Health, but also proceed on a Course of Disobedience to GOD. and of injuring and oppressing their Neighbours.  
This is often too true, as may easily be made appear, but it doth not in the least repeal my Proposition, the misapplying of Benefits derogateth nothing from their Worth.  
That every Man should employ himself not only for the advancing of his own Interest, but likewise that he may propagate the Welfare of others, will, I suppose, be sooner granted than practised: but that we may the better conceive how every one may assist another, and contribute to the benefit of all, the several Professions, Callings, and Corporations of Men in a Kingdom State or Republic, may be compared to the several Members of a Man's Body, the King or Supreme Governor resembling the Head, by which the whole Body is Governed, These in Military Office may be compared to the Arms by which the Body is defended. Cities or Citizens may be compared to the Heart or Trunk of the Body, to which Retreat is made in time of danger, and Supplies brought from one extraordinary Emergencies. Mechanics or Tradesmen may be called the Hands with which Labour is performed; And the Husbandman doth resemble the Legs which supports the whole Structure. Money may be called the Blood which circulates through all the Veins of the Body, and convoys Life and Vigour to every part.  
I might proceed to show in what respects Persons of other Professions and Employments do resemble other Members of the Body, but my design being to show that every one ought to be Subserviant to another, and not to inquire what Anology is betwixt the Members of a Man's Body and the Members of a Commonwealth, I think it needless to follow the similitude any further.  
To give particular Directions how every one ought to Act in his particular Vocation or Profession, so as he may not only support himself, but also be Aiding and Assisting to others, will readilly be acknowledged to be a hard Task, and that which I cannot undertake, yet with Submission I would offer a few things to be considered, which I hope may be of good use unto all.  
Man's Calling in General (besides his chief Concern) being to provide Things necessary for the support of his Body, that requiring a daily Subsistance, and the Things needed for that use, or at least for the more comfortable Support thereof, being many and various, every one cannot acquire sufficient Knowledge in all the Arts Sciences and Employments that are necessary for the providing himself with every thing he wants.  
It's therefore necessary, That some be employed one way, and some another; So that each may attain to some Competent Degree of Knowledge of, and Dexterity in the Vocation or employment, he Professes, So that every One may be Useful and Assisting to another, And by a mutual Good Correspondence with one another, all may live Comfortably together.  
Man being thus destined to Labour for his Food and Raiment, and that by a special Command of the Supreme Law Giver, it is not indifferent for him to Labour or be Idle, even tho' his Circumstance may allow of the Latter.  
How much time Men ought to Labour each day is not positively prescribed (though the number of days to wit six of seven is, and by the By, those who enjoin Anniversary days would do well to consider by what Authority they do it) nor can we think all are required to labour alike much, it being very reasonable to think that these whom GOD hath Blessed with Plenty, may Warrantably enjoy his Benefits, and are not called to such Violent Exercises, as those whose Pinching Necessities oblige them to Labour hard, to Earn Bread to their Teeth; Yet it's both Necessary and convenient, that every one follow some Honest Vocation, and I think any Man diligently plying himself to Labour seven or Eight Hours a Day, may acquire as much as is necessary for his Subsistence; And others in the hardest Circumstances need nor labour above ten hours, which is no hard Matter; the remaining 14 hours being sufficient to Refresh themselves by Sleep and other ways.  
But as I have formerly observed, that the several Professions and Incorporations of Men in a Commonwealths, do resemble the several Members of a Man's Body, each having us proper Use and Employment assigned it, every one aiding and assisting each other; And besides there is more required for the propagating of a mutual Assistance amongst the Members of a Commonwealth, than that one Man make or prepare things that may be useful to others, seeing he cannot prepare all Things necessary for himself, there must be an Exchanging or Bartering of Commodities, which cannot be well done without some kind of Talees that may pass currant in all Bargains at a certain value; So that the Possessors thereof can have whatsoever they want upon the same, it being very hard, if not impossible for every One on all Occasions, to get the Product of his Labour Bartered for the very things he stands in need of.  
The Talees most in Use in all the Trading World are of Gold, Silver Brass and Tin, being appointed to pass at such and such Rates, as the several Kings and Princes of each Kingdom and State think fit to value them at.  
Ye may Remember I compared Money in a Kingdom or Commonwealth, to the Blood that Circulats through the Veins and Arteries of the Body, and communicats Life and vigour to Every Part, without which the Members would become Dead and Uncapable to assist or comfort one another.  
Seeing Metalling Money is of so great Use, tho' of little intrinsic Value, it being neither fit for Food nor Raiment, the chief Necessaries of Man's Life, tho' it may serve for Vessels or other necessary Uses; Yet Iron for many Uses is found much preferable to Gold, it being only the Scarcity or Rarity of that Mettle that makes it in so great Esteem: However it be, it's plain, that the Use of Gold and Silver-money is very convenient all the Trading-World over, yea partly amongst Barbarous and Savage People; And by Experience, we see the Possessors of it can command any thing the Place a Toords at their Pleasure.  
If therefore it can be made appear, that any thing besides Gold and Silver Money may be made Use of in all Transactions and Barganings, with as great Ease and Security as Gold or Silver can be; then shall the following Project be found both Profitable and Convenient.  
That something besides Gold or Silver Coin may be made Use of in Traffic and Merchandizing, that doth Answer all the Ends and Uses of it, shall by and by make appear.  
And that I may immediately come to the Proof, I think that I may refer it to the Judgement of all that are acquainted with the manner of the Circulating of Bank Notes. that something besides Gold or Silver-Money may serve in Exchange of Goods, or be made Use of in Commerce and Traffic.  
If I shall yet make it further appear, That such Notes may be struck o● made Current, without any other Fond of Credit than the public Faith of the Nation, I hope I have performed my Undertaking.  
The Public Faith, perhaps by some may be thought of no good Security; But if such Gentlemen will have Patience to hear me to Amen. I shall make it evident that the same shall be a sufficient Security, wherein there can be no manner of Danger.  
But before I proceed to the Author or Foundation of this Security, I shall first show in what manner those Notes may be Circulated without any Danger of Fraud, or Possibility of Forgery or Vitiation, which in my Opinion is the only point that can make this Project Practicable.  
The Notes to be made Use of must be struck and cut out of Books, much after the Fashion of those given out by the Bank, but with this Difference, that whereas the Bank Notes have the Value inserted in the Body, and on the Margin which are liable to Vitiation, it were sit the Value of their Notes be also at large in Letters upon the Seal; So if there should be a Vitiation presumed by Razing out a Word in the Body and Margin of the Note, and putting another in place thereof, it will not be possible to get that razed out off the Seal, and another put in its Room.  
But besides all this it will be necessary, that the Secretary or Clerk of the Office, after having Registered each Note in a Distinct Post by itself, give out with each Note, a Paper wherein he must write to the Effect, as follows, Viz.  
This enclosed Note Number first. Vol. first, is delivered to R. P. of G. at Edinburgh this 10th Day of June. 1700. By me A B. Clerk to the Exchequer Note Office.  
Then when the Person to whom the Note is delivered, has Occasion to give it to any other, he must in like manner write,  
At G. the 〈◊〉 day of 〈…〉 Years, delivered this enclosed Note of Five Pound to S. C. of B. by me R. P.  
And so forth, every Person to whose hands the same shall come must Transmit it in like manner; And if the Paper shall happen to be filled up by these Indorsements, before the time of Chequing the said Note, and delivery of a new Paper by the Clerk of the Office be accomplished, he to whose hand the same shall come last, must begin a new Paper, to the Effect following.  
I J. B. of K. having received the enclosed Note Number first, Volumn first, Value Five Pound, and the Paper in which it was enclosed being filled up by Indorsments, is retained in my Custody, and shall be produced, if there be Occasion or the same, by me J. B.  
And every one to whose hands the said Note shall come, must Transmit it to another, as in the first Paper; and at the end of the Year, or short time before the Year expire, viz: Two Weeks for all Residing within fifty Miles of Edinburgh, and others at a greater distance so much sooner, as may be convenient to have Notice given to the General Office, before the Year be at an end, must give in Accounts of what Notes are in their Custody, to one or other of the Offices appointed for receiving the same in all considerable burgh's of the Kingdom, and the Persons appointed for receiving such Accounts, must send Lists of the same to the General Office, which the Clerk must compare with the Books; And finding none a missing of that Days date, nor two of one Number, nor any of another Number than what ought to come in on such a day, they may safely Transmit new Papers back to the several Offices from whence the Lists were sent, bearing to the Effect, as follows.  
That whereas I have reoeived Advice from A. B. that the Note Number first, Volumn first, has been Transmitted in due Form, and was in the Custody of GOD, upon the _____ day of _____ and having compared the same with the Register, finds that no other Person pretends to have a Note of that Number, and value in his Custody. This is therefore to satisfy all concerned, that the said Note may pass current as formerly.  
This Paper being sent back to the Keeper of the Office, from whence the General Office had Intelligence, the person in whose Custody the Note is at the time, showing to the Keeper of this particular Office, that the same has been duly Transmitted to him, the same may pass for a Year longer, as at the first. Thus every Year once, must the Notes be Chequed, as is showed above.  

SECTION II. Anent the Security, Safety, and Ease of circulating of Notes.  
SOme perhaps may form many difficulties in the Prosecution of this project, and in order to their satisfactions, I shall solve all the Material objection which I conceive any can suggest against it.  
If it be said, that it will be an unaccountable trouble to Indors each particular Note every time the same shall be Transmitted from one hand to another; I Answer  
That considering the vast Benefit that will accress to the Nation by the use of them, a little pains may be the more Tolerable. But further if it be considered, that these Notes may contain in value five pounds' Starl: at least Reckoning great and small promiscuously, it will be found, that they may be sooner Transmitted by Endorsements than one can well tell over as much Money, especially when it is i● different Species, as most of our Money is.  
If it be said, that it will be a great trouble to give in Accounts frequently to the Offices throughout the Kingdom, and to receive back new Papers from the General Office as is above Narated; I say  
The Difficulty here is not so great as at first view some may take it to be, for this is not needful but once in the year, that is to say some short time before the date of the Paper, wherein the Note is enclosed be a year complete, as was above shown; And 'tis only he to whose hands the Note comes about that time, that is to be at that trouble.  
If it be said though the time of Chequing each Note be only once in the year, yet some Notes coming out at all times of the year, and that they are to be Chequed on the same day of the year they come out on, it will occasion a constant trouble, for some of all Dates may frequently come to hand; I Answer.  
If it be found Convenient, that a Vast Number of Notes shall be struck, 'twill be necessary that some of them be given our at all times of the Year, because the Chequing of them will take a considerable time, but if there be not a very considerable Number necessary, one Month or two will serve to give them all out in, each year: As for Example the Months of May and October, and in that case none will be put to this Trouble, but at these Terms of the Year.  
If it be asked why these Notes should be only Chequed once a Year, and why I would have the Clerks of the General Office ●o do it on the very Day on which they were given out.  
The reason is. that is any Cheat shall happen, that it may immediately be discovered; As for Example, I suppose Notes numbered from 500 to 700, should be given out on the 4th Day of May, all those to whose hands the Notes of that Days date shall happen to come in the Month of April next Year, must give notice thereof to the several Offices throughout the Kingdom, appointed for receiving such Accounts, so that the same may be notisied to the General Office, before the 4th day of May: and the Clerk ma●king down in whose hands these several Notes are in their  Posts, which must must be Ranked in Order as those in the first Book, where these Notes are marked down at giving out; if the Account of two Notes of one Number, or the Account of any Note of that Days date, that is not of the Number between 500 and 700 shall happen, to come to Hand, it can be easily discovered, and notice returned to the Office from whence he had the Account, to inquire anent it, and by the Indorsments the same may be traced to the Author of the Forgery or Vitiation, if any shall happen to be so impudent, as to attempt the same, whereas if these Accounts came not all in on one Day, it could not be so well discovered, if any Vitiation should be, and till they were beyond doubt, notice could not be sent back to permit the Circulation of the Notes, as formerly.  
If it be said, that here there is a Supposition of a Forgery or Vitiation, and if such a Thing may happen to be, how is any Person Secure, 'Tis Replied,  
Tho there be such a Thing supposed, yet it is next to impossible, that any such Thing can be, for first there is all the Security in the Note itself, which the Bank Notes have, and besides, the value of the Note may be put at large on the Seal, as was formerly mentioned, which the Bank Notes want: 'Tis true the Managers of the Bank are now about making Notes of divers Values in Different Characters, and also the Paper on which they are struck with this Moto, The Bank of SCOTLAND, made in the Paper itself, and if this be thought Necessary, the like may be made in their Notes likewise; But that on which I reckon the greatest Security of all depends, is the Endorsement, as above.  
My Reasons for it are. Let all the Art of Man be employed in making Notes of what Character they will, and with as many Subscriptions and Seals as possible, yet the same may be imitated; it being as easy for an Engraver to cut the exact Copy of 20 several Subscriptions and Seals as too Engrave the Note itself: Tho' perhaps it might be difficult to get People in this place who would engrave Plates, cut Seals, or make Paper, whereon Notes may be struck like those given out by the Office, because it were hard to get the same performed without being Discovered; yet how easy were it for any Rogue to go Abroad, or Strangers to come from Foreign Parts (where they could have all these Things done exactly) with Counterfeit Notes, if there were not something else Required than a simple Production of Notes. bearing the same Form and Figure with those given out by the Office; 'Tis true the Office by Cutting their Notes out of a Book, might that way Cheque them as not to receive any forged Note whatever; but what security is this to People that are some Hundreds of Miles from the Office, and the Party from whom they had them gone off before any such Trial can be had. Therefore it is absolutely necessary for the secure Circulating of the said Notes, that the same be Indorsed from hand to hand, as is showed above.  
If it be asked, may not Rogues that can Forge Notes as is above supposed, as well Forge Indorsements? I Answer.  
No, My Reason for it is this, either he is a Man of Stock and Reputation or not, if he be a Man of Stock and Reputation; It is not to be supposed that he will attempt so difficult a Work, where the hazard is so great, for considering that he must give it under his Hand, that he had this Note duly Transmitted to him; at the end of the Year when this Note comes to the Test, it cannot ●ut be discovered, and Undoubtedly he will be called in Question for the same; what his Dange● may be inthat case the Parliament can best determine: But if he be a Man of no Stock or Credit, than he can have no Prospect, so much as to get one Note fairly off his Hand, for any that are acquaint with him, being Jealous of the Deceit, have no more to do but to inquire at the Person who is said to be the last Indorser. whether he has Transmitted such a Note, to him, in whose Custody the said No●e is, which if he deny, as surely he will, if it be not so, than he is found out and brought to Condign Punishment.  
If it be said there can be no Traffic with, or payments made by these Notes to Strangers, because they cannot have Recourse to the Persons who has Transmitted these Notes unto their Hands, and consequently may be imposed on by some that may Forge Notes and Feign Indorsements. To this 'tis Answered.  
If Merchants or others have Occasion to go to a Place to buy Goods with such Notes, or make Payments where they are nor acquainted, it will be necessary to have Letters of Recommendation from some Persons of Credit acquaint in the Place, where the payment is to be made.  
If it be said, that such as intent to Forgo the said Notes, may also Forge Letters of Recommendation.  
I think it may be easier for such Persons to Fotge Precepts and Letters of Recommendations, which as the case stands, might procure Money from the Persons on whom the Bills are drawn, if Men may be supposed to be so simple as to accept of shame Recommendations.  
If it be said, 'Twill be a great dale of Trouble to obtain Letters of Recommendation so frequently. It is Answered.  
This will not be necessary but upon Extraordinary Occasions, it not being needful amongst Persons well known to one another, or living upon the Spot together, for in that case where there is the least Jealousy, by Enquiring at the last Indorser, the Cheat may be immediately discovered and I don't think any man will be at so great pains as 'twil cost him toForge the said Notes. when undoubtly he must be discovered before he can get one Note off his hand, unless he deal with persons supinly negligent; And such as have Occasion to make payments in places at any considerable Distance, use frequently to do it by Bills, it not being safe to carry Money, by reason of Robbers and other Accedents; And in that case there is mo●e pains required in procuring such Bills, than will be needed in obtaining Recommendations besides the Expense of Exchange on the said Bills. And in this Respect. these Notes are preferable to Gold or Silver Money, for not only may payments be made by them in the farthest places of the Kingdom without any Loss by Exchange, but also they may be Transmitted from one place to another without Danger or Robery. being of no use to any but to such as have them by Indorsments: And moreover when any of them happens to be lost by accident upon notice given to the General Office, with a particular Account of their Number and value, the same may be renewed to the Owner, provided that at the time of Chequing no other Person pretend to have any of the same Number and Value, Or if a Person were going to bestow Money in a Pair, in small Parcels among Strangers, 'twill b● no hard Matter to get his Notes changed to Gold or Silver Money.  
But if it be objected. That perhaps People may have Notes of the same Value regularly Transmitted to them, That is to say, true Notes, which by some Accident, such as death of the Owner, or otherwise may be detained, and Notice not timely given for the Chequing thereof, it was hard to give out Certificats to other People, whereby they might pass for god Notes. To this I answer,  
When any Po●son shall inform the General Office. that they have left such and such Notes, the same is to be marked down by the Clerk; and it at the time of Chequing no other Person pretend to have the same, it is probable that their Information is true. But to prevent Deceit in this Matter, l●t the Person who pretends to have lost the said Notes, give sufficient Caution to be accountable, in case any other Person shall produce the true Note (which he pretends to have lost.) orderly Transmitted to him.  
If it be asked what poor People that cannot write shall do anent the Transmitting of the said Notes.  
It will be necessary for them to have a Person or two present when they receive any of the said Notes, that may Attest under their Hands, that they saw the same fairly Transmitted to the foresaid Party; and this I think may be sufficient to satisfy him who shall next receive the same: Or when any of these Notes is offered in payment to a Person that cannot write, if he be due the like or greater value to any other Person he may order the same to be Indorsed in the Persons Name to whom he is owing the Money.  
If it be asked what People shall do when the Notes become old and torn. Let them present the same at the Office nearest the place of his Residence, appointed for receiving such Accounts, and let the Keeper of that Office fend Advice to the General Office to have the same renewed, who must send a new One of the same number and value and take up that which is torn, which the Managers of the Office must see cancelled.   

SECT: III. Showing the Basse on which this Fond of Credit may be Established, The Number and value of the Notes required, and the Expense of Management.  
SOme have a proposed raising a Fond of Credit by making a certain Number of Notes, and that it be lodged in the Hands of the Royal Burrows, others upon Security of all Lands in the Kingdom; The latter I do not understand and shall as little Inquire into, but that which to me seems the most preferable of any that has been hitherto proposed is. That, by the Authority of the Parliament, a certain Number of Commissioners be appointed for the Management of a certain Number of Notes to be struck, and Circulated in manner as above expressed and that the whole Value of the said Notes be reserved for a National Stock and applied only in National Concerns, or otherwise as the Parliament shall think fit.  
In that project for raising a Fond of Credit upon Seturity of all Lands in the Kingdom, it has been proposed that Tallees shall be made in the Value of 100 years Purchase of the whole foresaid Lands.  
To what Use such a Vast Number can be employed is more than I can Comprehend; for as 'twas formerly observed, the Use and End of Money is only to be given a pledge to the party of whom one is to purchase any thing he wants; And what occasion every Gentleman, and Heritor in the Country can have for six-times the value of his, lands in ready Money, is more than 〈◊〉 understand.  
'Tis tr●e, if of one Gentleman, two, three, or a dozen of them, had each six-times the volue of his Lands, in ready Money, perhaps thy could find Use for it, to lend to such of their Neighbours as had Occasion for it: But if every one had so much to lend and none need to borrow. I leave it to the Author of that project, to direct them how to employ it, for my own share I see not what occasion any Gentleman or Heretor that has a Land Estate has need for above a year, or half a years Rend lying by him in ready Money; And if Merchants or others that make a Trade of Buying & Selling or has their Stocks in Movables, have one third or fourth part ●f their Stocks by them in ready Money, it is fully sufficient to carry on a Trade.  
I do not mean, that a Merchant can never have occasion for more Money than the third or fourth part of his Stock, but if every one be so well provided, he may easily borrow what he wants on exerordinary Occasions.  
Now if so much Money can be provided as to supply every one with the quantities above mentioned, there will be no occasion to murmur for the want of Money, or any good design frustrated upon that Account.  
That such a quantity, or at least as much as shall be found convenient may be easily raised by the foresaid Notes (I Suppose) will be readily believed.  
And to satisfy such as may make any Difficulties touching the Circulating the said Notes. I shall make it appear, that the said Notes shall in the space of 25 years be totally cancelled, and yet the whole value of them still ●emain entire.  
I cannot particularly condescend on the number of the Notes or the quantity of the Stock this way to be raised, for that must be according as People shall ●al●e them out upon their Bands bearing Annualrent, for it is not to be supposed that these Notes are to be given People gratis, neither will it be necessary that they should be all strucker at one time, but from time to time as there shall be occasion, and at the end of 2 or 3 years, or as soon as there shall be abundance of them dispersed Abroad, so that People's Hands are thereby sufficiently filled for the carrying on of Trade, no more Notes are to be struck, but on the contrary 4 per Cent, or 〈◊〉 25th part of the whole Notes are to be taken up and Cancelled each year, so at the end of 25 years' none of them will be remaining, and yet their whole value will be entire.  
The Annualrent of the Money lent out will be sufficient to defray all expense of Management, and take up 4 per Cent of the whole Notes yearly, as doth appear by the following Calculation, Viz.  
I suppose one Million of Stir: Money may at least be struck in Notes. The Interest of which at 6 per Cent is Sixty Thousand Lib: Sterling. Forty Thousand Pounds of this must be given every year for the Notes that are Cancelled, and the other twenty Thousand  more than sufficient to pay Triple the Charge or Expenses of Management.  
Seven or 8 Commissioners I Judge may be abundance for Directors or Chief Managers, who may take Security from such as take out these Notes upon Loan, and when any Person in places at a distance would borrow, provided none of the Managers be acquainted with his Circumstances, it will be sit that they bring Certificats from the Magistrates of Burrows, Commissioners of Supply, or some other persons of Credit in the Place, so that the Managers may on all Occasions, be ready to Accomodat the Liege's upon reasonable Security; and once every Year, or at such other times as the Parliament shall appoint, produce their ●ournals unto such Auditors as the Parliament shall think fit to Nominat for Revising their Accounts, and Examining the whole Course of their Management.  
That such persons may be provided with reasonadle Salaries for their constant Attendance and Diligence, let two Hundred Lib. Sterling be allowed to each of them a Year, the Governor or Precedent the double, the Secretary two Hundred Pounds likewise. This altogether will not exceed two Thousand Pounds Sterling.  
It was formerly observed. That it would be a great Ease to the Liege's to have the time of Chequing of the abovementioned Notes at two Terms in the Year; and that the same may be effectuated, 'twil require the greater Number of Clerks for marking down and Chequing the said Notes at the Respective Torms of Chequing; And I Judge forty employed a Month or six Wheels about the Terms of Whitsunday and Martinmass Yearly, will be sufficient to Cheque the whole Notes, tho' they be upwards of a Million Pounds Sterling in Value; And that half a Crown per Day, will be sufficient allowance for to each of them.  
Forty Men three Months at half a Crown per day will require 360 Pounds.  
Besides these, six or eight Clerks would constantly attend the Office for giving out and Registering Notes marking down the Informations of such as lose their Notes, and dung every thing else requisite, 30 or 40 Pounds a piece yearly may be sufficient for their Attendante, which will not exceed 250 Pound.  
These that attend the Offices throughout the Kingdom must next be provided for; their number I think needs not exceed four or five score being fised at convenient places; Their pains and Labour not being equal, by Reason some will be in places of greater Repair than others, it's but just that their Sellaries be proportioned to their pains, and the twelve Weeks in which the Notes are Chequed being only the time in which their Bussiness is greatest; Let 20 sh. St: per Week be allowed to each of them promiscuously (because it were both needless and tedious to make a particular Calculation) during the said twelve Weeks; For the rest of the year they will have nothing to do but to give notice to the General Office of any Note that is lost in their Respective Bounds, or for the Exchange of worn or torn Notes: Therefore very small Allowance may be sufficient for all this pains.  
Now suppose them to be 100 Complete, 1200 will pay their whole Salleries for the ●●●●●●● in which they are chief employed, and grant they have 200 or 300 L, allowed amongst them all for their other Service, this will not exceed: in all ●● 900.  
The next Expense to be considered is the Postage of Letters to and again, and if a Hundreth Pound● Sterling or two be allowed for this, I think the Postmaster will be at no los●.  
But because some of these Offices being 〈◊〉 some perhaps a dozen or twenty Miles from any Post-Office, or off the Post Rod, it will be  that one be sent express with Accounts from such particular Offices to some Post Office, and this Expense also must come off the Public, and that we may Guess what this may amount to.  
I suppose 20 or 30 of these Offices lie 20 Miles off any Post way; being only at the Terms of Chequing, that there will be Occasion for employing such By-Posts, neither will they need to be employed above once a Week. Say 30 Fellows be sent with Expresses 20 Miles for 3 Months once a Week, or because some of the Notes may be sooner or latter given notice of, grant they are thus employed 4 Months in the Year, and that each of these Foot Posts have 20 Miles to go with his Letters, Whereas some of them will not have above six. Allow also each of them half a Crown for his pains each time he goes out and comes back with his Packet, the who●e Money to defray this Expenses, will not exceed 50 or 60 Lib: Sterl: but allow it to be 100  
Every thing being thus Reckoned at large, which on occasion may be Retrinchedone Third at least, the whole Expense of Management exceeds not 4410 Lib:  
The Interest of a Million at six per Cent. amounts to 20000 Lib, over and above the 40000 Lib: which is to be given out Yearly for the Notes that are to be cancelled  
Here is no less than 15590 Lib. of Annual Excressions, beside what defrays the Charge of Management, and taking up of the foresaid Notes, and yet the whole Capital Stock Remains entire.  
This 15590 L. may be applied for the public Concerns of the Nation, the whole time the Notes are Circulating, and at the end of 25 years, when the whole Notes are Retired, the whole 60000 L. will be a Perpetual Annual Fund to be applied for the Use of the Public.  
Before I close, I shall Answer two Objections or Scruples which some may have anent the Prosecution of this Project.  
The first I suppose will be by such as have considerable Sums lent upon Interest, lest the party in whose Hands it is shall borrow the like Value of Notes, and make payment to them with the same.  
To this I say, this aught to be no manner of Scruple, For a Law being Estbalished, ordaining the said Notes to pass in all payment whatever, and a Method laid down. rendering the persons in whose possession they are fully as secure as if they had the like value in Gold or Silver Money; (Yea in some Cases better as has been already shown) they can be in no worse Circumstances to have their Money paid in Notes then in Gold, unless they say by this project, Money will Become more plenty than ●●w it is, and therefore they would find it more difficult to get their Money Secured in good Hands.  
This Argument ● Judge to be much of the same Nature, with that which a certain Person proponed to the Council of a certain City, wherein an Epidemic Distemper raged, when some Encouragement was proposed to be given to an Eminent Physician that he might come and Reside with them. The honest Gentleman proudently moved, that the Council would consider, that whereas formerly there was but one Man in that Town, which made Coffins for Dead People, and that of late another had set up; If they should give Encouragement to this Physician, and his Medicines prove effectual, it might much prejudge the Trade of these Cossin-makers.  
Perhaps some may say, what if a Revolution should happen? what shall become of all those who have such Notes in their Custody? For we Remember during the Wars, about 50 years ago, considerable Sums were borrowed upon the Public Faith, which few had the good Fortune to get Repaied.  
I am almost ashamed to Form such an Objection, it being so far from the purpose, but that I have heard some thing of this Nature has been already Objected.  
In the first place I say, let all honest Menpray that no such Revolution may ever happen, and also thank GOD, Matters are so Established, that we have little or no Ground to fear it. Howbeit, seeing all things Earthly are Subject to Mutation and Accidents. I should think it a very ill Founded Project, if even an Accident of that kind could Overturn it,  
Therefore, I must tell any that makes such a Suggestion, that in my Judgement there is such a Vast Difference in the Comparison, that I may Warrantably say there is no Parallel.  
For in the case instanced. the Money was lent for the most part by such as were Reputed no great Friends to the Government afterward Established. That Money was employed to such Ends as the Government after Established did not approve. That Money then advanced was spent and gone, and would have been a Sensible loss to the Nation to have made it up; in all which Respects, the Project here proposed is Diameterically opposite.  
I have insisted on the two former Sections, beyond what I thought to have done, but because every one will not so easily conceive it. I thought I could not bestow too much Pains in holding forth a Matter of so much Consequence, and that I may make it plain to the meanest Capacity, do not think it impertinent to resume the whose Project in a plain Demonstration, Viz.   

SECT: IU. An Example of the whole Project of Circulating Notes.  
THE Clerks of the Office having made their Books with a distinct Post for each Note Numbered as the Notes themselves, gins to write, as follows. 

Volem 1.  Note 1 
Is delivered to Andrew Wright Carpenter in Lieth, this 10 of Oct. 1700  Note 2 
Is delivered to John Smith, Hamarman in Canogate, this 10 of Oct. 1700  Note 3 
Is Delivered to Matthew Long of little Town, this 10 of Oct. 1700.  Note 4 
Dito  Note 5 
DitO  Note 6 
Dito  Note 7 
Dito    
The Clerk with each of these Notes must give a paper bearing to whom it was delivered, as for Example.  
The Enclosed Note Number 7th. Volume first, Value five Pounds is delivered to William Long of Littletoun, this 10th of October 17000, by me  
Henry Green Clerk of the National Stock-Office.  
Edinburgh November 2d: 1700 Delivered this enclosed Note Number seventh Volume first. Value five L. to William Trader Merchant in Edinburgh by me, John Long  
Edinburgh November 15 1700 delivered this enclosed Note Number seventh Volume first. value five L. to Michael Good Ale, Brewer in Edinburgh by me William Trader. Edinburgh February 2d. 1700 Delivered this enclosed Note Number seventh volume first, value five L. to John Gentleman of Braeside in Aberdeen Shire by me Michael Good-Ale.  
Aberdeen Mar●h, 25 1701 delivered this enclosed Note, Number seventh, Volume first, value five L. to George Cook Vimner in Aberdeen, By me John Gentleman.  
Abercleen, May 10th 1701. Delivered this enclosed Note, Numb: seventh, Volume first. valne five L. to George Dier, L●tster in Aberdeen, By me George Cock.  
Aberdeen, June 15th. 1701, Delivered this enclosed Note, Numb, seventh, Volume first, value five L. to Jean Knitsicker, Stocken-Worker in Aberdeen, in Presence of John Waft and Thomas Thrumbs, Weavers there, By me George Dier.  
Aberdeen, June 16th. 1701, Delivered by Jean Knitsicker this enclosed Note Numb: seventh, Volume ● it value five L. to Andrew Fairdealer, Merchant in Aberdeen, before us Witnesses, John Wast, Thomas Thrum.  
Edinburgh, August 3d 1701, Delivered this enclosed Note, Numb: Seventh, Volume first, value five L. to John Barganer Merchant in Edinburgh, By me Andrew Fairdealer,  
I suppose by this time the paper may be filled up with Indorsements, and the Man in whose custody it now is, begins another paper, as followeth, Viz.  
I John Barganer Merchant in Ed inburgh, having received the Enclosed Note, Numb: seventh, Volume first, value five L. given out of the General Office the 10th of October 1700. and the Papers in which it was enclosed, being filled up with Indorsements, is retained in my Custody, and shall be produced if there be Occasion for the same; And in the mean time the Note itself here enclosed is delivered to Thomas Shepherd of Greenbraes, in the Shire of Dumfreis, By me John Barganer.  
The time of Chequing the said Note now approaching, as it may be perceived by taking notice what time it came out of the Office: Notice is thereof given to the Office at Dumfreis appointed for receiving such Accounts, and the Keeper of the said Office, sends in a List to the General Office, showing in whose Hands such and such Notes are to be Chequed that day; among which he notifies that the fore said Note Numb: 7. Volume 1st. value five L. is in the Custody of William Shepherd.  
The Clerk having viewed all the Lists of Notes of that Days date, and finding Numb: 7. Vol: 1. value 5 L. to be in custody of William Shepherd, be takes his Book with blank Posts, Numbered as that wherein the Notes were marked down at giving out, and in the seventh Post marks down.  
The Note Numb: 7. Vol. 1. is at present in the custody of William Shepherd of Greenbraes.  
Then he takes a Paper as at the first, and therein Writs, as follows.  
Edinburgh, Oct: 10th, 1701, Whereas I have received Advice from A. B. that the Note Numb: seventh, Volume first, value five L. has been Transmitted in due Form, and was in Custody of William Shepherd of Greenbraes, upon the 25th of September last. And having compared the same with the Register, finding that no other Person pretends to have a Note of that Number, Volumn, and Value in his Custody. This is therefore to satisfy all concerned, that the said Note may pass Current, as formerly.  
This Paper is sent back to the Keeper of the Office at Dumfreis, and if it happen that the forementioned person has Occasion to deliver the Note to any other Person between the time of his giving Notice that it was in his Custody, and the time of receiving of this new Paper, he must transmit it, bearing that he has given Notice thereof to the Office, and the Person in whose Custody the Note shall happen to be at the time when this Paper comes to Dumfreis may call for it, and when he has Occasion to deliver the Note to any other Body, make Use of this new Paper in Transmitting of it from Hand to Hand as in the first Paper, and when tho said Paper is filled up with Indorsements, begin one of new as was formerly Described, and next Year notice must be given in whose Custody the said Note is at the time of Chequing, which must still be the self same Day on which it was first given out, or at least on that Day which the Paper given out with it bears it is be Chequed on, and this Method must be follow, so long us the Notes are in Circulating, which will not be above 25 Years, if one 25th part of them be taken up Yearly, as is proposed.  
Or if at any time before all the Notes shall be Canceled, if the Parliament find it  that some Money be advanced on any National Concern, they may Suspend the Cancelling of any Notes for a Year, less or more as they shall think sit, and appoint the Money which should have been given for taking up of the Notes for that time, to such Uses a● they shall see meet.    

CHAP. II.  
Sheureth how the Notes proposed in the former Chapter, may be disposed of, and how the Honour, Credit, and Wealth of the Nation, many several other ways be advanced.  

SECTION I. How the Notes proposed in the Preceding Chapter may be disposed of in part.  
TH● SCOTS Indian and African Company hath been the Subject of much Discourse in the world for some time past, that it may be a profitable Undertaking to this Nation, is Undoubtedly the Concern of a●l SCOTS Men, and that to which every one in his  Sphere ought to ●he assisting, but the bad Success hitherto of the Efforts, for Propogating, it hath created such a Misunderstanding amongst People, that every one is Jealous of another.  
To ●nquire into the particular causes of the Disapointments, that has hitherto happened, in the prosicution of that design will not be so necessary, as to lay down Methods to prevent the like for the future, a Physician knowing the Distemper, though he do not publish the same, may prescribe Remedies; And a Man may quench Fire, though he inqure not how it broke our. and because the great obsticle or Impediment that frustcrats the carrying on of that design, is the want of Money; I think the Parliament may Lend upon interest a hundreth Thousand, or two Hundreth Thousand Pounds Str: of these Notes, to ou● Indian and African Company.  
Perhaps some may say, the Money that has been already given to carry on that Trade, has been so Mismanaged or misaplyed, that there is but little hope that there will be a good account given of this, provided the Parliament should allow them the same.  
The Setlement by all the Accounts we have of it may be made, one of the most Comodious and most Profitable Colonies in the World. The Spainards' are a People, which are not in a Condition to do us Damnage by Sea, if we had any considerable Naval Force; I mean even what we may have, if so much Money as is mentioned, were employed to propogat that Colony; Nothing need we fear from France, for in that case we may expect the Assistants of the English, it being the interest of England, that we should have that place, rather than the French.  
By Land there is no Danger, for not only are the Spaniards of those parts an Esteminate lazy People, unacquainted with Wars, but like wise are few in Number, scarce able to keep Possession of the Plantations they have already; Morover, they live at a considerable Distance from our Settlement, and the Woods between them and our People are unpassible for Armies with Wagons and Artillery, and other necessaries for a Siege.  
But the greatest Fears of some perhaps may be, that our own Countrymen entrusted with the Effects and Concerns of the Company, may prefer their own private Interest to the public Good, and by this means Ruin all.  
To prevent this, there would be special Care taken in the Choice of those who are to have any considerable Trust there, that they be Men of Conscience, Probity and Honour, for it is not to be supposed, that Men of no Principle will study the Good of the Company: further than it jumps with their private Interest; And it's but reasonable, the Parliament should have a special Hand in their Election seeing they lend the Company a considerable Sum to carry on their Trade.  
There would be likewise Care taken in the Choice of those who are to labour in the Plantation. that they be People inur'd to Work, for one Plew-Man, Wright, Gardner or other Tradesman bred with hard Labour, can be more serviceable in the Colony, than three Men bred to an idle Life; And the Expense of Transporting them thither, and maintaining them while there, is a like in both.  
The next Difficulty proponed, perhaps may be, that it will not be so easy to find Tradesmen, and Others Inur'd to Labour, as disbanded Soldiers, and other sort of idle People.  
Suppose it be so, yet the vast difference of their Usefulness will do more than countervail the Expense and pains that the One will cost more than the Other; For I suppose the Company cannot send a Labourer to Caledonia under Five pounds, considering he is to be subsisted from the time he is Listed till he be set a Shoar in the Colony: And it were better that they give a Lusty Able Workman Five pounds in Hand, and transport him to their Settlement, than to transport Two bred to Idleness thither, though they give them nothing in Hand, For not only is the Two as much Expense in Transportation as the Others and his 5 Lib. besides Transportationin, but this One shall be more Serviceable in the Plantation than the Other two, and live on the half of their Allowance whilst there.  
But after all, I do not think there will be any great Difficulty in getting Good Men, if the Company would make choice of some Farmers and Tradesmen of good Repute and Interest in the Country, to be Persons of inferior Charge in the Colony, for every One would find abundance of his Acquaintances to go along with him, and would be much fit to Direct and Oversee the Work of these under his Command, than disbanded Officers, and Gentlemen unacquainted with Labour.  
As to what may be Objected, touching their unfitness in Military Service, 'twas shown already, that there is no Danger of an Attack by Land, and I shall by and by give my Opinion how they shall be secured against any Attempt by Sea; But grant there should be Martial Action, these Labourers may be as fit for that Service as the other, provided they have a few Experienced Officers to head them, of which there are abundance already there.  
Besides these already in the Settlement, iuppose Twelve or Fifteen Hundred Good Men may be sufflcient for the Stock of a Colony, able to defend the same, and Cultivate the Ground, that it may be capable not only to afford Provisions to themselves, But likewise or all other that shall settle there, And to afford American Plantation Goods for transporting hither; And within a Year or two so much of the Ground may be Cleared and Cultivated, that whole Families may be transported thiter. For this end Seeds of several Herbs and Roots, as also Corn would be sown there, with all possible speed, that the Expense of sending Provision hither, may no longer be a Burden to the Company.  
Some say our Corn by reason of the strength of the Ground, shuts up to a Wonderful height, but is not Fruitful.  
I cannot positively say, what may be the Nature of that Ground, but I am apt to believe this proceeds more from want of Skill in Husbandry, than from any Defect in the Corn, for Sir Walter Raligh gives Account, that in the Province of Baby lon the Ground is so Fertile, that it bears 200 Fold, yet they have it Sown with Wheat like what we have here, which he says grows to the height of Trees, and is unfruitful if let alone, but that the Husbandmen Cropped it twice with Hooks, and once by Sheep, by which means it is kept low, and is exceeding Fruitful, This may be tried, and if it won't do, such Corn as is commonly used in the Indies must be made use of. Some Cattle would also be taken there as soon as possible.  
If at Sea they have their Ships that went on the first and second Expedition, together with these three Frigates that were made use of in the late War upon our Coasts, well Man'd, I dobut not but they are able to oppose the strongest Naval Force Spain can make against them.  
The Expense of Equiping and mentaining these Ships, will not exceed the Money mentioned to be lent to the Company, for several Years, and I doubt not but e'er a full Year Expire, that the Spaniards will be obliged to agree to reasonable Terms, which if they do not, Our Colony will be in a Condition to seize upon their Mines in those Parts, for as is said the Men that are already in the Colony, with 1200 or 1500 more, can oppose any Force the Spaniards can make against them, and those at Sea will be in a Condition to meet with their Fleet when they list.  
Some hard dozen of Advice Boats, or light Vessels to run too and from the Colony, would also be of great Use, the want of which hitherto has been prejudicial to the Company.  
Here you see a considerable Number of these Notes may be disposed of to Advantage but because it may be said, these Notes can only serve amongst ourselves but can be of no use beyond the Limits of this Kingdom. I shall show that there will not be any great Occasion for them without the Kingdom, but because it may be also objected in other cases, I shall refer it to another Place, and there give an Answer to all together.   

SECTION II. Which Respects Manufactures.  
MOst Nations in Europe Endeavour to Cultivat Manufactures to as great a height as they can, and that not only by the Industry of Private Persons, but also by Laws and other public Encouragements.  
That this is the Interest of every Kingdom and Common Wealth, is to obvious to need any Proof, for not only is it the Opinion of most Men and Encouraged and required by the Laws of all well Governed Common Wealt●s, but even by Divine Precept Industry is enjoined. Nevertheless it has been too much neglected in this Kingdom, to our great Loss and Reproach.  
It is well known, that the Inhabitants of this Kingdom are as Capable to Undergo Labour and Fatique, and to perform Mechanic Operations as most People in Europe, and that Our Soil and adjoining Seas produce what may make us Live as Comfortably as any People in the World.  
'Tis true, Our Soil is not so Fertile as in many other Countries, (yet in another Place I have shown that it may be made much more Fruitful than it is) but thus says nothing to other industry.  
The Seas which bond Our Coast, abound with Fishes of several sorts, particularly Herrings, of which I believe no Place of the World can boast of greater Plenty.  
How many Thousands of People that live idle, might be employed in Fishing, and though we have not at present such a way to Export Our Fishes yet several Methods may be fallen on to Increase Trade that way, particularly that Encouragement may be given to the Dutch, who are well acquainted in that Trade, to come and settle amongst us, and that Towns and Harbours be Built alongs the Shoar, at Places most convenient for Fishing.  
This perhaps may be rejected by some as a thing prejudicial, to suffer strangers to settle among us, and to allow them the Privilege of Natural Born Subjects, but if it be considered, that those People that come from Foreign Parts to reside amongst us, become one People with ourselves in a short time, that what prosites they make, tend to the Enriching and strengthening of the Nation, as much as that which is acquired by Natural Born Subjects. That in the mean time those People bring us to a way of Trading wherein we are but little acquainted, and that which is more, while we give them not Encouragement to dwell amongst us, they follow the same Trade, taking the Fish upon Our Coasts, and carrying them where they list, while we Reap no part of the Profit, I think all reasonable Men will readily acknowledge that the least of these Inconveniencies is to allow them to settle amongst us.  
But I am persuaded no such inconveniency follows the Tollerating of Strangers amongst us, as is commonly believed, I am persuaded it were the interest of the Nation to allow Foreigners as ample Privileges as Natural Born Subjects, I shall put the case whether is it not better that French Resugees that are obliged to abandon their Native Country, for not conforming themselves to the Idolatries and Superstitions of the Church of Rome be Encouraged to settle among us. sor setting up Silk Manufactures, and others wherein we are but little acquainted, as to send our Money out of the Kingdom to purchase these Commodity's, and thereby strengthen such as are Enemies to Our Nation and Religion.  
Here it may not be impertinent to Inquire into the Freedom or Privileges of Cities, burgh's, and Corpotations, whether it doth not more Obstruct as advance the honour, Wealth, and Popolousness of them, that there is such hard Conditions and Restrictions to obtain Communications or Freedom in Trade.  
In my Opinion, such Restrictions and Qualifications required of such as would partake of their Privileges, are very prejudicial to the Corporations themselves; My reason for it is, that the more populous a City is, so much is it the better for the Inhabitants in general; Let any Man take a Survey of all the Cities or Towns he knows, and see whither this does not hold in general; Now the requiring of hard Conditions of those that would incorporate, is certainly a great Impediment to Incorporating.  
The Objections I know against this are, we bought our Previlage dea●, either with our Money o● long Aprentissips, or both. We have it derived to us by our Ancestors or the like, and therefore if others that have not Purchased it so dear, shall be admitted, they shall share in the Profits, that we expect to make, and consequently prejudge us, of as much as they shall gain.  
By whatever means, those who have the present previlege, have procured it, it is not to the purpose, if the Admiting of others on easier terms be not prejudical, but on the Contrair profitable to the former, then have they no cause to rejict the latter. But so it is, that by admiting of every on that pleases, is the advantage of all.  
To make this evident, let any person make a Calculation, whither there be more Tradesmen of all sorts in Edinburgh or Musselburgh, I believe without much enquiry the majority will be granted to Edinburgh.  
Let is next be enquired, whither the Inhabitants or Tradesmen in Ediuburgh or Musselburgh, be most woalthy, and have the best Trade, I suppose also, the Prehemmence will be given to Edinburgh.  
But some says, what's that to the purpose Edinburgh is the Capital City of the Kingdom, the State of Superior Judicators, which occations the frequent Conflovance of People to that Place.  
Let them next inquire of the state of Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, Montrose, or any other Town they please, and if it be found in all these, that the more populous the place is, the more wealthy the Inhabitants are, 'twill be no absurd Consequence, to belive, that the Inhabitants of any on particular Town, should become the more wealthy, as the City grows populous.  
I suppose it will be easily granted that to tolerate all that please to come and reside in burgh's, to Trasfique and follow other Vocations, may be a ready expedient to make them populous; and upon strict Enquiry 'twill not be found prejudicial to any particular Calling or Corporation; For I make a Supposition, that upon Liberty granted to all persons to set up in Cities and Corporations for a small Ackowledgement, it would bring in six Mansions to this place: But says some of that Employment. we are at a great Loss, for so many Men will take away a great deal of our Profit; but if it be considered. that at the same time, Twenty Merchants, Ten Smiths, six wright's, Ten Tailors, and proportionable of every Trade and Calling come hither, by which means the Inhabitants are considerably Increased, so that the new Incomers will be Subject of Employment to one another; As for Example, if all these new Inhabitants shall Employ these Ten Tailiors, the New come Shoemakers', etc. There will be no Occasion of their being employed by the old Residenters.  
Much might be said, and Examples given, both For ●eign and Domestic ●● infor●● this; As for instance, let any inquire into the State of the ●rewars and Bakers of Edinburgh, The Bakers have a Privilege amongst themselves, that none but such as serve Aprentiship● to them, or that Marry Freemen; Daughters, can be received into their Corporation; As to the Brewers there is no ●e●trant, any Man may follow that Employment that pleases; yet it's obvious that the first are not E●●ri●hed by their great Privileges, nor the latter the poorer that they can de ba● none from following that Voc●●tion, but on the contrary the latter is an a much more prosperous Condition than the former.  
If this Example have no weight because it is too Private, Familiar and Domostick, look but over to Spain and Holland, ye will see that the former are very strict and nice in vouchafing Privilege of Naturalisation, and the latter so lax that they refuse none, which is doubtless one of the strongest Reasons that can be given why they are so Populous and Rich.  
Shipping is a thing we much want, and that which greatly encreasses the Strength, Wealth and Honour of a Nation, this we may have encreassed greatly by the striking of Notes as was described in the preceding Chapter; For not only may a considerable value of these Notes be Lent to a Company that shall be Erected for Building Ships, but I think it were very convenient that a Law should be made Prohibiting of any Ships under certain Penalties to Trade to this Kingdom but what are Built within it after such a day.  
I doubt not but at first view this may seem to be a very absurd opinion considering that we want Wood; Nevertheless seeing that which will buy one Ship Equipt and ready to put to Sen, will Buy Wood for four, though I had said Six perhaps I had not been much by the way;) and there is abundance of People in the Kingdom that may be Employed to Build them, and the same Mariner● which will serve to bring home a new Ship may bring home Wood to be one in another Ship, for I believe any Vessel is capable to bear as much Wood in her Hold as will build another of her own Burden; and there is a vast difference between the value of the Money or Goods given for a Ship Equipt, and the Materials to make it of.  
That Shipping may be here equipt, 'twill be necessary that Encouragement be given to Carpenters, some from Abroad, and chief that others at home may be Bred to that Employment; and it were very commendable that Gentlemen who are not able to provide their Sons to such Portions as they can live on suitable to their Quality. would breed them to this or some other honest Employment, rather than that they should be obliged to go and carry Arms in the Service of Foreign Princes; and some Gentlemen who are in Condition to provide their Children to handsome Live, would do well to give Example in this Matter, for commonly Mechanics or Tradesmen are so much despised, that those who would be reouted Gentlemen think it below them to apply themselves to such Employments.  
This will be a great Mean to promote the Wealth, Honour, and Strength of the Nation, for not only might many of our Countrymen, That go Abroad for a Lively hood remain at home, to be Employed in the Service of the Nation upon Occasion, but likewise much Wealth that is given for Foreign Commodities would be kept at home; and if Gentlemen or People of any Tolerable Stocks did Apply Themselves this way, they would certainly be more Capable to advance Trade than the meaner Sort of People bred to those Employments, who after having served their Apprenticeships have little or no Stock; and therefore can do but little to propagate Trade, whereas others who have but little Stock to follow a Gentleman Employment, would have enough to set up as a Mechanics, and in the Account of all considering Persons the best of the meanest Employment is preferable to the meanest of the best.  
There would likewise be some pains taken to bred up the Youth of poor People, that are not able to put them to Trades, even at the Expense of the Public. A small part of the 15000 L. Excressions on the Annual Profit of the Notes formerly mentioned. would go a great length this Way, and many that Live in Penuary and are a Burden to the Nation, might by this means support themselves handsomely and be Serviceable to the Nation.  
There will not be so great Difficulty in finding Carpenters as some are apt to believe, for a few Expert Tradesmen to direct, would perform a great deal of Work by the Hands of others, who have little Knowledge in that Employment. Any person that can handle an Axe by their Direction, is Capable to do most of the Work belonging thereto, and Masters of this and all other Employments we are least acquaint in would be got at any Rate.  
Much might be said on this Subject, and doubtless it's worth the Consideration of the Honourable Estates of Parliament to think on Ways and Means, and to make Laws for the Encouragement of Manufactures of all sorts within this Kingdom; It's a pity that so great a Number of Inhabitants that might be Serviceable to the Nation, should be so great a Burden to it, some of them actually Begging, Others Loitering about some Cottage in a Starving Condition, and many following silly Employments, whereas they might be more Useful to themselves, and the Nation in other Capacities.  
The Scarcity of Money having Rendered many good Designs impracticable or ineffectual, being Supplied by the Use of the foresaid Notes, it will be no hard Matter to get Manufacture● Erected; For several Company's being Form, may borrow of these Notes upon Interest, for Carrying on their Trade.  
If a Company for Building Ships were Established, I suppose they might have occasion to Employ 100000 L. Starling to carry on that Trade. A Company for Fishing would require twice as much, and many other Manufactures would require considerable Sums to set them up, against which none can make Objections for want of Money, for this may be Supplied by Notes as is said, which the several Companies may borrow upon Interest.  
But because some may allege Bussiness cannot be carried on by those Notes since they will not be received in Payments but only within the Kingdom, and that there will be occasion for paying considerable Sums Abroad for several Commondity's to Erect and Propagate such Manufactures, as also for maintaining the African and Indian Company us was for●●erly hi●●ed. To this 'tis Answered.  
First. A Fishing Company will not have occasion to Dispurse any considerable Sums in Foreign parts, but on the contrair will have considerable Incomes from thence. 2dly. What the other Manufactures will require will be much less than what is given out for the Commodities that are now bought Abroad, which may then be by them prepared at home. 3dly. What the Indian and African Company will need to give out in Foreign parts will not be much, for all their Mariners and others that receive wages may be paid, and their Ships Victualled here, till the Colony be in a condition to afford them Provisions, so that there will be no need of sending Money out of the Kingdom for their Support, but for Refitting and putting to Sea their two Ships at New-York and Jamaica, and that is inconsiderable in respect of what may be raised by the said Notes. And lastly, considering that as the Matter stands we have occasion to Export as much Goods as purchaseth all foreign Commoditys we want, it may be Rationally concluded after Manufactures of all sorts are here Erected, especially Fisheries, our Export will be much greater, and Import much less, for as has been said, Goods Manufactured cost much more Abroad than the Mattetials of which they are made. From all which 'tis visible that whatever Notes are Struck and Circulated in manner as above represented, is so much clear Gain to the Nation. And though it was supposed that there might be only occasion for raising a Million Starl: Money of them, yet I doubt not but three times as much might be raised that way, if Manufactures were encouraged as is said, and what a vast profit this may be to the Nation, besides the profit arising from Fisheries and Manufactures let any Person consider.  
Manufactures may not only be set up and Encouraged to the great Benefit of the Nation, but several other things may be done to promote the welfare thereof, such as taking efectual Measures to prevent the Export of Wool, the Import of Foreign Woollen-Cloth and other Commoditys that may well be wanted; togethtogether with many other things that no doubt the Wisdom of the Parliament will find convenient and profitable for the Liege's.  
I thought to have touched several other things of this Nature, but not knowing how this may be accepted, and being unwilling to be tedious,. I shall at present forbear, and give some Directions, to the effect that all in their several Ranks and Capacity's, may live comfortably in the World.    

CHAP. III. How all Ranks and Degrees of People may Live Comfortably.  

SECTION I. Which Respects the Poor.  
IT being hardest for those of the meanest Degree to live Comfortably, I shall begin with them, and proceed Gradually, ●ill I come to those of the highest.  
When I say every one may live Comfortably, 'tis not to be thought I mean every one may have all the Comforts of this Life at his Pleasure, my meaning is (and that which is the  meaning of the Words) that every one may have neceslars Suitable for one in the Rank it has pleased GOD to place him. If any can advance his Fortune by Virtue and industry 'tis well, but I know no Rule that can be given to make all Men Rich, for that were not only contrair to the Order GOD has Established, and Foretold, that there shall alwise be some Poor in the World, but also is in its own Nature impossible, for as one increasses in Riches, some others must Decrase as Natively asone Scale of a Balance goes up when the other is pressed down. Happiness doth not consist in the having of abundance of this World's good things, a Person following a Blow, or driving a Cart all Day, and going Home to his course Far and mean Cortage at Night, may have as much Satisfaction as the greatest Pear or Prince, And that every one may have Food and Raiment fit for him, is what I shall Endeavour to make appear.  
It hath been the Unhappiness of this Kingdom, that great Numbers of Beggars hath been Tolerated to go up and down Begging, from whence many inconveniencies proceed, for not only do many Vagatants and Lusty persons able to Work, go about ask Alms, but likewise many lewd Practices are amongst them committed without Censure, they not being under the particular inspection of such as aught to Curb Vice.  
Several Acts have been of late Inshued out by the Lords of his Majesty's most Honourable Privy Council, for the Regulating of Beggars, and providing for such as are not able to mantain-themselves, but hitherto these Acts have not taken effect, partly in that those who ought to put the same in Execution, are not so diligent in that behalf as could be wished; And partly through the indulgent Temper, and Charitable Disposition of many People that cannot forbear to give Alms to the begging Poor, that so frequently Accost them (many of whose Faces plead pity) not considering that this manner of Treatment Encourageth the Beggars to neglect the Entertainment they would get in Hospitals, and also o●ens a Door to Vagarants, (or as 'tis Vulgatly Phrazed Ranney Beggars) to go through Begging, who often by their importunity, gets more Alms than these who are ●ot able to Work for their Sustinence.  
But that they may be Supplied in the most equal way; is what ought Undoubtedly to be studied, and to put in Execution the several Acts already Emited to that effect, no doubt will be a good mean, but I humbly Conceive, several things might be done to Facilitat the same, Viz.  
First, That there be a certain Number of Men, such as Deacons of the Church and other honest Neighbours, appointed to Inquire into the Condition of all those within their several bounds, so that they may Verily know who are Objects of Pity and who not, in Order to inform the Magistrates of burgh's, Sherisss, etc. who are appointed by the Council to take care therein.  
Secondly, When any are found Begging within their Bounds to seize them forthwith, and send them to the place of their Nativity, Others would herein also Concur, and at least inform some of these appointed to take notice of the Poor, when they come abroad, for it will be hard to get this effectuate, if People indulge Beggars and give them Alms, except in Hospitals, or some other Orderly way.  
Thirdly, When any shall leave the Hospital or place of his Nativity, after being once sent thither, let him be brought back and Chastised by stricter Confinement, more Scrimp allowance, or otherwise as shall be most Expedient, and upon a second Disertion punished more Severely.  
Fourthly, The Poor of those parts where they are most Numerous, would be supplied from other places, for commonly the Shire or Paroch in which the Poor abound most, is least able to supply them, for it is but reasonable, every one should bear a share of that Burden throughout the whole Kingdom, proportionable to their Ability's. It were therefore very convenient, that such a Correspondence should be settled amongst all the Shires in the Kingdom, that the State of the Poor and Condition of the Inhabitants were Communicated to one another, and let Contributions be sent from the ablest to sustain the Poor of those parrs where they are most Numerous.  
5thly, What is appointed for the Poor for the most part would be bestowed on Provisions to be Distributsd for their Sustainance, for this being the way the Poor must bestow it themselves, it is to be presumed great quantities of Provisions can be bought Cheaper than small, and whatever is given less for them in Bulk than the Poor would do in retail, is saved, and those who are not put into Hospitals, but need some Monthly or Weekly Charity besides what Industry they can make, would also be supplied out of these Provisions.  
If this were but one year (or perhaps less) put in practice, it would be no hard Matter to restrain vagarat Beggars in all time coming, that Custom being once entirely supressed, few would attempt it and none would Encourage this manner of Begging. But by all means care would be taken, that none truly Objects of Charity be neglected even though the Contributions should not come in punctually for that end, these Entrusted with the oversight of the Poor most not let them want, and Measures would be concerted to Refound them, otherwise it is impossible ever to suppress the beeging Poor, for if the Poor be obliged to leave any Hospital for want of Entertainment, a Door is opened to let all Vagarants lose.  
The Difficulties objected against the Prosecution of this Bussiness, I Judge may be chief. That many People upon the Inportunat Demands of Beggars will give Alius, that will not give Monthly or Quarterly Contributions, That when Beggars come about they may be Refreshed with broken Meat, and otherwise suppleed more insensibly than by Monthly or Quarterly Contributions.  
Both these may be in part true, yet do not contravail the Inconvenionces above montioned, in Tolorating a great number of Ranie Beggars who perhaps obtain thrice as much Alms as would support the like number of necessitous Persons, and besides, those when are able to Contribute may be be compelled if they Refuse to give freely according to their Abilitys; I know not whither there be any standing Law to that Effect, but I think it very Equal that such as have abundance should be compelled to give part to the Poor if they refuse to do it voluntarly, and to that end a Law may be made if it is not already.  
If it be said that it will be hard to get all the Beggars sent to their Respective places of Nativity or Places where they have long resided, in Respect some of them have no certain place of Abode, and will be disowned by every place.  
The matter will not be very much in what Hospital they be sottled if a List of all the Poor in the Kingdom be taken once every year▪ and every Shire appointed to keep so many of them according to their Abilities, and this I Judge a better way than requiring every one to keep its own Poor, though at the same time this may be done as near as can be, and there would also be Measures laid down that such who advance any thing for Maintenance of the Poor may be at no loss that way.  
These who are born of poor People that have not whereupon to sustain and Educat them, are Undoubtedly. Objects of Charity, and aught to be taken care of, and supplied by others to whom GOD hath bestowed Substance; and to Educat and put such of them to Apprenticeships as are capable of instruction, and able to work; Would not only be an Act of Charity to them, but like ways free the Kingdom of the Burden of maintaining them for the future.   

SECT. II. Which Respects Servants and other Persons of low Degree.  
I Shall not enter upon the Duty of Servants in Relation to their Masters, that which I intent being only to show that People who have no manner of Substance besides their Appare, may by their Industry live Honestly and Comfortably; the Matter is plain to the Observation of every one, the greatest part of Men being in such Circumstances, and if it be possibie for those that have nothing to live comfortably. it is easy for others to live Comfortably also.  
But says some, It is easy for those that are in Service to be supplied, but others that are not in Service will find it more hard to sustain themselves.  
People that are Sound and in health, can scarce ever want Employment, unless such as have been enured to Idleness and won't apply themselves to Work, or otherways by their Undutiful Behaviour render themselves unworthy to be employed, and in this Case 'tis their own fault if they be straitened.  
But if Manusactures be encouraged there will be more Work for all sorts of People than hands will be got, and such as are able and will not apply themselves to Work, deservedly suffer for their Negligence when they are pinched.  
I know some People will not be altogether sit to work in Manufactures to which they are not accustomed, but nevertheless they may assist others that are Expert, and through time become capable to perform the most difficult parts of the Work without direction.  
By their Labour they may earn 6, 8, or 10 pence a day, more ot less, according to the manner of the Work they are employed about, and as they are capable to perform.  
According to their Incomes they may proportion their spending the least being sufficient for their Mantainance; For it is evident, that such as can and are able to work, may earn as much as may sustain them. I need not inquire how much this may be, it being demonstrated in the Experience of Multitudes, that these who apply themselves to work live by their Industry, even though the Employment they follow be mean   

SECT. III Which Respects Mechanics, Husbandmen, etc.  
TRADESMEN, Farmers and Others of the like Employments, being a Degree above the Common sort of Servants, come in the next Class to be spoken of; And though their Condition may seem to be better than the former, yet many times some of them are more straitened than Servants themselves, by Reason of some Accidents happening contrary to their Expectations.  
To prevent Accidents no Rule can be given; Nevertheless if People of these Employments be careful and Cautious, they may Regulat their Affairs so, that seldom any thing will happen to defeat their Designs.  
To give particular Directions how exery one may order his Affairs to the best Advantage, were a difficult Task, and that which would be very tedious; But that wherein I Judge People most frequently Err, and by which they come to fail, being a Miscalculation as to the State of their Affairs, not truly Balancing their Accounts, not considering how to proportion their Outgiving to their Incomes; this shall be briesly touched, and some General Rules given touching their Conduct in this behalf, as for their manner of Labouring buying and selling, and the like, I suppose they may be pretty expert, and shall therefore pass it this being the only thing infuised in them by those who bread them to their Respective Employments.  
That which frequently tends to the Impovirishment of many, Proceeding from their not making a Just Calculation as to the state of their Affairs, and not Ballanceing of their Accounts, as is said; that which every one would take care in, is to make a Just Balance of his Profits and Incomeings, to what he has Occasion daily to Disputses or give out, and if he find that his outgiving be greater than what he Receives, he must of Necessity Retrinsh his Spending, and proportion it to what he gets in, or otherwise he cannot expect to continue in any Tolerable Condition.  
Let none think that this is a thing Impossible, alleging that their Outgiving are already retrenched, as much as can be,, for it has been already shown, that those in the meanest Capacity are able to sustain themselves, and until their Outgiving be reduced to the lowest Degree, they may allwise be retrenched, and better to do it betimes as let it Run to too great a length, and then be Reduced to the last Extremity. No doubt, when most People find their Condition grow worse, they have Expectations to better it again, and for that end perhaps may take several Measures different from their former Course of Management, but if those prove likewise ineffectual, he most conform himself to such a way of living, as may Correspond to his present Condition, or otherwise he cannot Rationally expect, but it will daily become worse and in the end tend to his Irrepareable Loss.  
To make a particular calculation of the Incomes or Profits, and of the Expense or Dispursements of every different Degree of People is impossible, they being so Various, but some things in the General would be considered.  
First, That every one take a particular Account of his own Profit and Expenses, if at the end of the Year he find the Later to exceed the former, consider wherein he has been most Extravagant or Negligent, and therein make amends for the Future.  
2dly, It would be considered, that though his Profits may Balance his Expense, yet seeing some Extraordinar Accidents may happen, 'tis  that his Expense should be some less than his Profits, when nothing Extraordinar occurs, it being conveniant as the proverb is, that something be keeped for the sore foot.  
3dly, His own Circumstances at the time would be considered, that is to say, whither his Family be nomerous or few; If nomerous and consequently requiring so much to sustain it, that it will nor readily require more, than may he go near to spend his whole Profits, but if his Family be in its Infantry, that is to say while he has few or no Children, and Apparently will have more, he may not go so great a length in Spending as at other times, it being  that some thing be Reserved for the growing State of his Family, Again, when his Children come to Age, and are Capable to Work, they will be a great help to him, and conseqently he needs not Retrinch his Dispursements so much.  
And lastly, that at all times 'tis Convenient to keep within Bounds, and never let the Disbursements exceed the Profit.  
If it be alleged that this is Possible, for at some times they may meet with Disappointments and considerable losses, 'tis Answered these cases are excepted, for what I spoke of is only in O●dinar Cases, no Humane Endeavours can prevent Accidents, not provide for all Events.  
But if some should say that even in the common course of their Management, they are not able to get this done, either by the decay of their Employment, or that they have never fallen in a way of Trade. To this I can say nothing, but that they must Retrench their Dispursements till they bring them as low as can be, and rather let this be done in time, than after things come too great a length, for as the Proverb is hetter hain at the Breard as the bottom; and if they can afterward advance their Fortune they may easily their profits Live up to; And as to the matter of their Trade I would only say, deal fairly. ingeniously and discreetly with all, for as this is a duty in point of Conscience, so is it no less necessary in Matter of Interest, and the chief thing that will engage Customers: for whatever a covetous Person gains by fraudulent Tricks at some times, he is ●eady to loss much more by the wound this gives to his Reputation.  
How their spending aught to be proportioned to their Profits I shall touch in another place.   

SECT: IU. Which Respects Merchants, Shopkeepers, etc.  
BOok keeping is certainly very Necessary to all, and without which no person of Bussiness can easily understand the State of his affairs; But above all others, it is peculiarly Useful for Merchants. Captain Collison says in the Preface to his Book of Book-keeping, that he looks upon a Merchant, that is not acquainted with Book keeping, to be like on that Professes to be a Soldier, that knows not how to handle his Arms. I am much of his Opinion, for it is very hard, if not impossible, for a Morchant that understands not Book keeping, and doth not place his Accounts in Method, to understand the state of his affairs as he ought to do if he have any considerable bussiness, and how any Man can proportion his Debu●sements, or Spending to his Profits or Incomes, that understands not his own Condition, let any Person Judge.  
In so far as, the Circumstances of Merchants doth agree with these mentioned in the Proceeding Section, what Respects the one is Applicable to the other, but in many things it is more difficult for Merchants to keep an equal Poise in the state of their Affairs, than for Mechanics or Trades Men, for not only are they uncertain of the sale of their Goods, but likewise run many Risks by Sea, as well as by the Rising and falling of Mercats, the decay of several sorts of Goods, and others that goes out of Fashion, if not speedily sold off, besides many other hazards, as bad Debtors, danger of being Overseen in buying and the like.  
All these things being considered, 'tis no small difficulty for a Merchant to guard against so many dangers and keep his Stock entire, not to speak of making profit: 'Twill therefore be very hard to lay down any certain Method by which they may sustain themselves and Families and keep their Stocks entire: Howbeit provided these following Rules be observed I think there will be no great danger, Viz.  
First, That an exact Journal of all their Barganings be placed in their Books, and the same Transmitted to their Legers and balanced in due Form; This gives exceeding great satisfaction to behold how every thing is disposed of, especially if they meet with disapointments, and when their Endeavours succeed well, it directs them yet further towards the Improvement of their Stocks, and in fine let their Condition be prosperous or otherwise, they at one glance will see their Condition, and consequently may know how to take Measures accordingly.  
2dly. That they be not do rash in bargaining or buying any quantity of Goods they are not throughly akilled in, or knows not how to dispose of.  
3dly. That they Risqu● not too much of their Stocks where there is any eminent danger though there may likewise be great prospect of Gain. Be●●or one should regrate his want of a considerable Gain, that he might have had, provided he had bestowed a great sum on such a Commodity, as have to say Iventured my whole Stock upon a very promising Bargain, but alas it misgive and I'm totaly Ruined.  
4thly. That they be cautious in buying any sort of Goods that may soon decay or go out of fashion, unless they know how to dispose of them speedily.  
But besides all this, there is something else to be adverted, for if a Person live higher than his Stock can afford, it will diminish by degrees and he at last be reduced to a low Condition. 'Tis therefore absolutely  for all sorts of People to Proportion their spending to their profits, that is to say that the former may not exceed the Latter.  
But because it may be a Question (and that none of the least) what part of his Stock or Profits may a man spend, so as his Stock may not be wested or he rendered incapable to provide for his Children as fit for one of his degree or quality.  
At first view one would think he may spend his whole Profits, But there is a great many things to be considered in this, for as was observed in the preceding Section, there must be Respect had in this to the present state of his Family. If it be upon the growing hand, than may he not go the whole length in Spending that his Profits for the time may bear, for in case he should be obliged to Retrinch his Spending, or at least be more straitened to mantain his Family upon the same allowance, when it becomes more Numerous; and likewise that there is a great many Accidents that commonly fall out, which will require Money besides what is needed in the common Course of his Debursements, which something most be Reserved for, otherwise his Stock will be diminished by the Defraying such Extraordinar Expenses, beside several other things of which I shall speak more particularly in the next Section.   

SECT: V. Which Respects Merchants and Tradesmen together, etc.  
HAving said something concerning People of those Employments separately, in the Proceeding Sections, And seeing what agrees to the one Respects the other likewise in many things, I shall more particularly in this place such what Relates to the daily Debursements.  
When I mention Merchants and Tradesmen, it is not only to be thought I Restrict it to these Allenerly. But that all others of Inferior quality are likewise to be understood under that Denomination.  
It was formerly showed, that a person who can Earn six Pence a Day, may live Comfortably upon the same,  
It is therefore plain, that whoever can earn more may Live at least as well upon the Product of his Labour, provided he conform his way of living, to what he is able to baer forth.  
It was formerly Remarked. That the sole or principal occasion of People's Running themselves a Ground, proceedeth from their not proportioning their Debursements to their Incomes or profits, and that perhaps not so much from their Total neglect of this, as from their not Considering it throughly, for one that can Earn 8 or 10 pence a Day, or what else you please, most not in his Ordinar Course of Living, spend his whole Day's profit each Day, but he ought to consider, Accidents may frequently befall which may not only Incapacitat him to Earn his usual Wages, but may likewise require even more than Ordinary De●ursements. Therefore, he would alwise keep with in bounds, and Reserve something for Extraordinary Occasions.  
How much of his daily Profits ought to be reserved for Exterordinary occasions, must likewise be proportioned to the Circumstances of the Party, that is to say if his difficulties be apparently upon the decreasing hand; That which is to be Reserved for Extraordinary Occasions may be less; But if they seem to Increase, it would be be the more. However, I think one 5th part may be a good Medium, if his Circumstances be not very extraordinary.  
So much concerning such as have no Stock, and live only upon the product of their Labour.  
The next sort of People that are to be spoke off, are such as have but small Stock, yet by the frequent changing of it, and them having a constant Trade, may Reckon upou some certain daily profit, Proportionably far exceeding what they could make, if their Stocks were any thing considerable, of this Sort may be reckoned Ink-keepers. Retailers of Liquors, small Shopkeepers, Hooksters and the like.  
Tho this sort of People can not certainly know their Daily or Weekly profits, yet after some times Experience they may guests pretty near what yearly Profits they can make, and must proportion their outgiving to the same; That is to say in like manner as the Tradesmen , Viz. still to reserve about a 5th or 6th part of it for extraordinary occasions.  
Those whose Stocks are Considerable, must observe an other Method in their spending, because they will not so frequently get the same bestowed, and because of the many Risks and hazards they run, as was formerly mentioned, they cannot well Reckon upon any certain profit beyond the ordinary Interest of their Stocks, and consequently aught to proportion their spending to the same▪  
This perhaps may be thought too little, as certainly it is, if their Stook be small. but in that Case they are partly to be considered as the innkeepers, etc. above mentioned, but if their Stocks be considerable it will be sufficient, and if their Condition can allow of more, their Stocks will Encreass the more speedily, and consequently the Interest thereof will be the more, to which they may alwise conform their spending.  
In these three Classes, all Tradesmen and Trading People may bo comprehended, and if every one would keep a particular Jurnal of his profits and Debursments and Regulate his Affairs So that he doth allwise keep within Bounds, and know the State of his Affairs; None could ever altogether fail, unless by some unexpected or extraordinary Accident.   

SECT; VII. Which Respects Gentlemen, etc.  
HAving given some hints at what may be expedient in the Conduct of several sorts of People. as to the Regulating of their Affaris. I come in this Class to touch what Respects Gentlemen and other Persons of Quality, as to what Concerns their Living Comfortably in their several Ranks, and according to their Estates.  
We shall begin with such as are in public Office, and for their Service, have either a certain Annual salary, or Pension allowed them, or some certain Casual Profits or Emoloments pertaining to their Office.  
Some may say, there is no great difficulty for such People to Regulate what Concerns their manner of living, And that if their Spending do not exceed their Profits, think all is well enough.  
In this there is a very great mistake, for if those in public Office, such as Ministers, Officers of the Army, etc. who commonly have not considerable Stock (besides what they gain by their public Service) shall Spend their whole Annual Revenue, how shall their Children be provided for, who being Bred as gentlemen's Children, cannot apply themselves to mean Employments, or Boorish Drudgery, and wanting what is  to support them, will be ready to Embrace many Temptations, and to take Unapproveable Measures for their Subsistance; If Persons in such Circumstances do not lay aside one half or thereby of their Yearly Profits, for the use of their Children, they will Undoubtedly Render them more Miserable than the Children of Boors or Tron-men, and no doubt the Neglect of this may be one principal Cause of the Vulgar Opinion, that many of the Children of Ministers, become no great Patrons of Virtue, though at the same time, I believe People takes more particular notice of them then of others, something more than Ordinary being expected from their Education.  
But if those who Act in public Capacities, have any Stock besides what they gain by their Service, they may Spend the Annual profits of it, as other Gentlemen that have Heiteable Estates, And as their Stock encreasses by what is added to it of that which is laid aside, gained by their public Service, the Interest of it will become the greater, and consequently able to support them the better.  
And as to Gentlemen who have Heritable Estates, and follow no manner of vocation, but only live upon there Rents, they most proportion there Expense to what they have to receive from their Tenants; neither would they in the common Course of their Management Spend all that they get in, for Consideration ought still to he had to several Extraordinary Occasions, which may occasion their Debursing of more than was expected, and also that they may be Disappointed of what they ought to get in.  
Some perhaps may think there is no Difficulty for such as have Land Rents or other certain Annual Prosites to preserve their Estates and Live Honestly, but I may Warrantably say, there is no less Art in preserving an▪ Estate, than in acquiring it.  
The Conduct of Gentlemen, or such as have no manner of Employment, but only to Husband, and Live upon their Rent, is different from any of those abovementioned, for whereas the Husbandman, the Trade's man, and other Labouring People, have less difficulty to mentain their Families, when their Children come to Age than formerly, because by their Labour, they are helped to support the same, neither is it to expected, that they can provide Opulantly for them, they being in as good Condition as can be expected from those of their Quality, though nothing of Consideration be left to them, besides their Education; and Merchants Living within Bounds, as was above proposed their Stocks will Encreass, unless they meet with cross Providences, and consequently they will be in Condition to provide for their Children, but Gentlemen, not having any other way to supply their Families, and provide for their Posterity, but only to Husband well what they have, they must not go so great a length in Spending of their Yearly Prosits, as those above mentioned: Respect must be had to the present State of their Families, as of all the rest afo●eid, that is to say while their Families are but small, they must Spend the less and as it Encreasseth, they will have the more, to Supply it.  
Perhaps some may think, if they go not beyond their Yearly Incomes at any time, there will be no hazard but that I may show how ill grounded this Opinion is, I shall make a Supposition, that a Gentleman of 4 or 5000 Marks a Year, having new taken up Family, keeps out a Port, so as to Spend a Years Rend the first Year, next Year having a Son or Daughter born unto him, it will Require something more for keeping a Nurse, and other things necessaty for the Child, besides some extraordinary Expenses at its Birth, All which he must Retrinch off his last Years Spending or so much of his Stock will be diminished, next Year again, perhaps he has an other Child, which will require the like Expense to mentain it. Thus his Family increassing from time to time, within 20 or 30 Years, several of his Children may be Marriageable, and most be provided to Portions Suitable to their Quality, besides what is given out to Educate them, let any Prudent Man consider, whither one in such Circumstances should not far Outshoot himself by such Conduct.  
I think no Gentleman who has no other way of living, can be reckoned a good Husband, if he spend above an half of his Rent while his family is in its Infancy. And as it Increases, having ●aid by what he saves while his Family's on the Increasing hand, he may be in Condition to provide portions to his Children, Suitable to their quality.  
I might proceed to make a particular Calculation, showing how much he might lay by each Year; As for example, the first year 100 Lib. Starl. the 2d. 90 Lib. Starl. and still less and less, as his Family Increases, till perhaps he could not lay by any thing at all; But this being no defieult matter to conceive, I only in the General would desire every one to Consider their own Circumstances, and to make a Calculation of their Spending, and how they will be able to bear it forth; For as I said at the Entry of this Chapter, that which occasions the failour of most People proceeds from their not Proportioning their debursments to their Incoms; And that Chiefly from their not throughly considering the same.  
It will be needles to make any more instances of this kind, let the Annulrent or yearly incomes of Gentlemen, be it little or much, if they have no other way of living, but what accresses from these certain prosits, they must proportion their spending to the same, as above said. viz. To save about on half of it, while their Family's are small etc. And that they may the better understand the state of their own Assiairs; Book-keeping is very  for them to Learn, as it is likewise to all others, that have any Considerable business in the World.   

SECT. VIII. Which Respects the Mannagement of Public Concerns.  
AS every person is Concerned to provide for himself, so is the Prince or Sovereign Lord concerned to give  orders, apointing every one to his proper Post, for the Public good, of those under his care.  
It may seem a piece of Arrogance for me to offer my opinion in things of this nature, or to middle in matters which concern the Government of a State; But for as much as all human Capacity is finite, things  to be considered, my escape the Remembrance of the most Judicious, I hope it shall be no Crime, to offer a few things which at present occur, with respect to this matter, some of which (so far as I know) have not yet come u●der the Cognizance of the August Assembly, to whom I intent to present this, and as I humbly conceive may not be nuworthy of their Consideration.  
The King or Sovereign having the Oversight and Care of the whole Nation or Realm committed to his Charge, is not only obliged to Care for what Concerns the support of his own Dignity and Grandeur, but likewise for what may most promote the welfare and Prospetity of these over whom he Reigns, and as in all things the means are Adepted to the end for which they are designed, & just measures taken in effecting thereof, otherwise they cannot be imagined to accomplish it; And as has been observed, every Degree and Rank of People above Represented are obliged to proportion and accomodat their manner of Living, to the fund by which they are suported. it will not be doubted, but that certain measures are to be observed by Princes, for Regulating their Affairs, and that a King or Prince may sustain as much prejudice, by not proportioning his Debursments to his Revenue, as People of mean quality may do by keeping out a Port above what they are able to bear forth.  
The Revenue of Princes are certain Taxes and Customs upon their Subjects, it being must reasonable, that every one according to his ability, should Contribute to the support of the Government, under which he is, that a sufficient Force may be always in radiness to defend the Kingdom or State, from any Foreign Invasion, and to Supr●ss all intestain disorder or Broils that may Happen; Nevertheless this must be proportioned, to what the Subjects are able to bear, otherwise their Hearts are Aleniated, and they become uneasy.  
A Prince's greatest Wealth and Security is the Hearts of his People, for when he has this, he can want nothing that is in their Power to grant. Neither can a People be more happy than under the Conduct of a good and Virtuous Prince, who makes it his Endeavours to make them Happy, wherefore I think it not absurd to affirm, that the Prince and People's Interest is not Divided, and that both may do what in them lies for the public Good, aught to he the Prayers and Endeavours of all good Men.  
Punishments and Rewards ought not only to be Dispensed in Obedience to Divine Authority, but in policy it is  to Chastise Vice and Encourage Virtue, the Vicious person being like a Gangrin or F●estered Member, ready to insect the whole Body, if not timely Cured or cut off, and a Virtuous person is no less profitable to a Common Wealth than the other is prejudicial thereunto.  
Some think it  for Princes to bring Disaffected persons over to their Interest to heap Favours upon them, alleging that those who are true Friends, will still continue so, and by this means, others may be gained.  
No cloubt, such as are good Men, will never be so Disobliged for missing favours, that in Justice they might have expected, that they will turn Enemies, but I shall scarce be persuaded, that the like Fedelitly will be found in one who for self ends is brought over, as in him who has a Heart Affection, and will not easily be brought over as the other who joins with him that bids most. Neither doth every one attain to such a degree in Mortification, as not to entertain some disgust when he thinks himself hardly used.  
Clemency is an Excellent Virtue, but Excess in it becomes a Fault.  
The Psalmist in extoling the Government of the Supreme Judge, says, Justice and Mercy are the Habitation or Bases of his Throne, and it is the Glory of Princes to establish theit's upon the same Foundation.  
A merciful Prince is like an indulgent Parent, that out of Tenderness to his Children, does not Correct them according to the degree of their Ofsence, for which reason they become the less Obedient, presuming to much on his Goodness.  
The end of Chastising being not only for punishment of Crimes past, but for Example and Terror to Others, to prevent the like for the Future, in Correction, Respect would be had to the Consequence, as well as Satisfaction made for the Offence Committed.  
Any person may forgive Injuries done to himself, but what Respects another, he cannot without the party's Consent.  
Justice says, give every one his due, and ●ransgresions against GOD cannot be forgiven by Man.  
Being straitened in time, I shall only mention a few things more, which more particularly Concern the present State of this Kingdom.  
The Genuis of People seem at present to Run more upon Trade than formerly, and besides what was formerly said on that Subject.  
I humbly Conceive, it will be nessary for the greater Security of Companies, or these that enter in a joint Trade, that it be Enacted, that whoever has the Manadgement of other men's Effects, shall be a person throughly acquainted in Book-keeping, and that he post all his Company Transactions in ample Form; And if it can be made appear, that in one Article he hath dealt unfaithfully, let him be Doemed worthy of Death, and accordingly Exicuted, or at least that he suffer Consiscation of Goods.  
This may seem too serve, there being no proportion between the Offence and Punishment, but when 'tis Considered, that the Consequences of dealing gently with such Rogues, (for no better Name can I give such, who deal Deceitfully towards those that Credit them with their Effects) opens a Door to all manner of Fraudulent Dealing, and consequently interups Trade, the want of which Renders this poor Nation Miserable. It will be found as Tolerable as for a General to put to Death him that leaves his Post, when he is set to Watch the Motions of an Eney. I need not insist on this, for a Word's enough to a Wise Man, Only I humbly Conceive, Trading in Company is Impracticable in this Kingdom, if some such Law be not Exacted.  
Law Processes are very Tedious, and much complained of on that Account, I am not ignorent that 'tis better to defer Justice, as to give Sentence Rashly, without the  Informamation of both parties, Nevertheless, I think a dozen, sixteen, or Twenty years to long for a Cause to be Depending, and doubts but some Expedient might be found for Discussing of it sooner; But however it be, I think such as are visibly Litigious, and by Hook or Crook having once got Possession of another Man's Effects, fights him with his own Weapons, and at the Latter end when obliged to restore the other Man his own Gear, after a long use of it, aught to pay the Injured party the whole Expense and Damnage that he sustains at least, if not to be further Puniched as a Felon or Thief, And as 'tis a Crime before GOD, to assist an Unjust Person in the wronging of his Neighbour, so I think an Advocate or Procurator that pleads in an Unjust Cause, where 'tis Visible, that he can not but know it to be so, ought likewise to be Punished as Art and Part with his Cliant  
Advocations and Suspensions are oft times founded upon slender Grounds, and some times the Defender will Remove a Cause from an Inferiors Court, merely to Vex and put his Creditor to Expense. I think, where the Grounds are not Pugnent in Advocations, 'tis most reasonoble, that the Cause should be Remitted to the Judge before whom it was first Called, or rather that it should not be brought from before him, for according to the first Constitution of Judicatures, small matters were appointed for the People's case, to be Decided by Inferior Judges.  
Perhaps this Doctrine may not be agreeable to some of the Members of the College of Justice, it not being usual in Millers to wish Corn to go by their own Mills, but if the Wisdom of the Parliament find it: reasonable, some thing may be done therein for all that.  
If a Blind Man might be permitted to Judge of Colours, I would say only a short Word concerning the Law itself.  
Our Laws I believe are as good as those of our Neighbours, (though oft Complained of, as not being put in Execution) but that they might be made better I nothing doubt, for whoever considers from what Fountain we have Our Laws, may easily think they might be brought from one more Pure and Wholesome.  
The Roman Laws were good, considering how they had them Transmitted from Age to Age, and from one Nation to another, the best Way the Wits and Learning of those times could Convoy them from hand to hand, but that they come far short of the Copy whence they were first taken, I think no Christian will deny.  
Moses in his Exortation to the israelites. Duet: IU. 6. Tells them that GOD would give them Wisdom and Understanding in the sight of all Nations which should hear all these Statutes, and say surely this great Nation is a Wise and Understanding People, and in the 8 Verse, And what Nation is there that hath Statutes and Judgements so Righteous as all this Law which I set before you this Day. I believe it will not be much doubted, but that the Roman Law, and Laws of all the best Governed Nations in the World, are founded upon the Law delivered by Moses, and that they have Received no Advantage by those through whose hands they have come.  
Our Modern lawyers, (as well as our Moderen Poets, that use the pagen manner of Invocation) do too much imitate the Pazens. I wish some able Lawer would begin and reform this, the Scriptures of Truth may afford him Matter to Work upon, for as they contain a Complete Body of Divinity, so do they contain an entire Body of Law, directing how to Dispense Justice between Man and Man, as well as in things relating to the Worship of GOD. Why shhould we follow an imperpfect Copy, when we have the Original at hand.  
As to the Execution of the Law, let there be no partiality, for one Offender fin●ing favour, gives Encouragement to 20 Others, to presume to do the like Offence, and think themselves injured, if they meet not with the like favour.  
Let inferior Magestrats or Others who are to put the Laws in Execution be punished for their Omissions, if they pass an Offender without full Satisfaction for his Offence.  
This will be so far from being any Discouragement to inferior Magestrats, that it will be a great ease to them, and they could with the greater Courage Execut the Laws, for as the matter stands, when they proceed according to Law against Offenders, they in some cases must either take the prejudice of the party upon them. or allow them what favour they ask, especially if the party shall afterward obtain the favour that he sought of them from a higher Judicature, and if the Majestrat were to suffer himself for his Omission, no Man could have the Confidence to desire a favour of him, nor the Wickedness to Entertain a grudge against him who refused it.  
There are some Fourteen pence pieces, and 3. d half Pennys, that Create a great Unoasiness to the lieges, and oft times the poor suffer by it, though such as pay Sums can oblige the patty to whom he makes payment to receive them, yet when they come in single Ones to poor People's Hands, they are obliged to pass them with an Abatement, besides not one in half a Paroch has Scales to Weigh them in the Country, and won't take them upon the other persons Word. It has been thought by some, that as much Money has been given for Scales to Weigh that kind of Money, would have made up all the Loss of Recoining it. Some have likewise thought that the Managers of the Bank would have taken it all in for the Privilege of Coining as much Coper as the value of it, which will not be very much.  
If this shall be thought an injuring, of the General of the Mint, it were to be wished that the Parliament should lay on a Tax to make up any Loss that would be in Recoining of it; Better that every one should bear a part, as let the Poor suffer.   
FINIS.   

READER,  
BEsides Words not right Spele●, turned Letters, pound for pounds in several places, together with other such Omissions, which doth not mar the Sense, take the following Errata.  

ERRATA  
PAge 14, line 7, for off, Read of, P. 15, l. 20, for or, R. ●or, P. 38, l. 6. for six Wheels, R. six Weeks, P. 29, for it was, R. it were, P. 59 l. 5, for many, R. may, P. 60, l; 12. for Others, R. Other, P. 62. l. 12, for hither, R. thither, P. 64, l. 10. for hard dozen, R. half dozen, l. 11, for Run too R. Run to, P. 65, l. 10, for to Obious, R. too Obvious, P. 67. l. 4, for alongs, R. along, P. 100, l. 19, for possible, R. impossible, P. 101, l. 17, for may easily their Profits live up to, R. may easily live up to their Profits, P. 11o. l. 20. for them, R. their.