The Toutch-Stone of MONEY and COMMERCE: Or an Expedient For increase of Trade, Money, and Shipping In England.  
Showing also how the Arrears of the Army, and other Public Debts, may be forthwith Satisfied, without laying more Impositions upon the People, or Burden on Trade.  
Together with CUSTOM and EXCISE REGULATED.  
Wherein is manifest the Destruction of Trade, by its Irregular mannagement at present: with means to prevent the like Inconvenience for time to come.  
By S. E. A Lover of his Country.  
LONDON.  
Printed at the Author's Charge, for his Country's good: and are to be sold at the Turcks' Head in Corn-hill, near the Royal Exchange.   

To the Supreme Authority, the Parliament of the Commonwealth of ENGLAND.  
Right Honourable,  
I Know you cannot be Ignorant of the (at present) Deplorable Estate of England, whose former Plenty, and Freedom, of Commerce, hath sounded as Echoes of Triumph to all Nations round about her: and in despite of envy or their Emulating her happiness, made her Trade the World's Exchange: until of late years (for such is her unhappiness) her Millions of plenty are grown to complaints, and such her Commerce into a Languishing consumption: so universally dispersed that even the greatest of her Gentry complain for want of Money, whilst their Tenants groan under the burden of Contribution and Taxes; The Merchant and Mariner, too late sorrowing for their loss of no less than 1300 Sail of Ships since the War with Spain, whereof many richly laden; to the ruin of their Owners and Proprietors; when others yet Trading, and paying Excise, with other great Duties, complain more for the Intolerable burden by the manner of Collecting it, than the duty itself: the laws of Excise being in truth contrived (as if purposely) to mantain a numerous rabble of Excise-men, the most useless and unprofitable members in a Commonwealth: who making themselves gainers by the ruin of Trade, go away with the greatest share of the revenue, whilst the private Soldier for want of pay is brought to a kind of beggarry; being driven to take upon trust, (where they can have it,) the very meat they eat; and considering their pennyworths to pay dear for the Interest. All which together with the complaints of many, Thousands poor Families distressed throughout the Nation, for want of Trade, being considered, I hope will so work upon your spirits, (now the Lord hath again, I presume beyond your own Expectations brought you together) that you will not rest till you have Improved this opportunity once more put into your hands of doing good for your Country, to which end you are called; wherein the Lord will undoubtedly own you, and those yet unborn be Obliged to Honour your remembrance.  
And apprehending that amongst other weighty affairs that of raising moneys for time to come, for supply of the Army, and Navy of the Commonwealth, by the most equitable and properest ways, not burdensome to the Nation, with the increase of Trade, Money, and Shipping, (all so much wanting in England) are not the least of Importance: and having had the perusal of the several reports, and proposals made this Parliament and Committee of Inspection, with all others that have written in reference thereunto; I have upon serious consideration substracted the most suitable and (as I apprehend) properest collections from the whole, and have taken liberty to publish it, with some additions of my own observations in England, and Experience in Foreign parts: which, when receiving the Honour of your debate, will I hope merit the favour of your good liking, and the Author have his expected reward, by being an Instrument of promoting the good and welfare of his Country.  
S E.   

The Toutch-stone of MONEY and COMMERCE.  
AMongst the diversity of Metals which God the Creator hath shut up in the concave Closet of the Earth; none is accounted more Excellent than Gold, and Silver; which since it became in use amongst men may properly be termed the Universal measure of all things, and the Staple of Commerce, which in All Ages, and Nations, where it goes drives the Wheel of Trade and Success. I shall therefore (since the World gives it that Esteem) begin with its Standard as in value here amongst us.  
The Alloy, or standard of England (I mean the Intrincical 
The English Standard better than Foreign.  value of Plate) being inferior to none, if not the best and purest of Europe. and the large proportion in weight allowed to our pound Sterling, gives it the greater value in Foreign parts, and is therefore by them the more coveted: so that its par or value running higher in the North-East parts of the World then our Native Commodities; England is by that means made but the Carravan for its transportation from the South-West parts thither; and by reason of the War with Spain, (a place that vended much of English manufactures) together with the Obstruction by us given, the Spanish West-India-Fleet which occasioned Plate to 
Plate decreased and the reason why.  run at a higher value there; England hath of late years been prevented of Importing Plate as Formerly; and her exports thereof greater by reason of the loss of her Southern Trade, from whence her Merchants usually sent Commodities for Holland and other Northern Countries of the production of English goods, which now are bought from the Dutch and others their Neighbours with English Coin: who by that means are become almost Masters, both of our Money and Trade, which will prove of dangerous consequence to England, if not timely prevented.  
Another reason of the Decrease of Plate, is by the abundance thereof melted down, and converted to the 
Plate Melted down.  making of Silver and Gold Lace, Buttons, and the like, in which un-necessary superfluity in the three Nations, of England, Scotland, and Ireland, is wasted no less than two hundred Thousand pounds Sterling Yearly, by a very good estimate of knowing persons dealing therein.  
Also there is a great demunition of the Coin of England, by converting it into Tankards, Bowls, and other 
By Goldsmiths.  Vessels of Plate, which in a superabounding measure we daily see in Goldsmith's Shops, and Gentlemen and Citizen's Houses: far exceeding the Estates and Fortunes of most of them, which though convenient for private uses, yet tends to the decrease of Monies, and the Public Stock of the Nation, and consequently to the decay of Trade: which is contained in a proposal late presented the Committee of Safety by one Mr. Martial, unto whom I give this remembrance, 
Mr Marshals Proposals.  though I know not the Author.  
And having I hope sufficiently laid down the reasons of the decrease, and exportation of English Coin, which 
Gold and Silver exported, how to be prevented.  is too apparent in the scarcety of Gold, but of late Years more frequently passing than Silver; and by the few half Crowns left in comparison of the abundance Coined since the War in England, (they being the most profitable to be exported, or melted down, as being least worn, and weighing more proportionably than small Coin, from the Mint, by so much as the labour of Coinage is less:) I now propose the means for increase thereof, with advance to Trade and the Public Revenue.  
That from hence forward the English Shilling may 
The English shillings to be made less.  contain in wait but 11d, and the Silver to be a penny courser; so that 10d in value according to the present Standard may futurely be allowed taken and reputed for 12d Sterling, and so be Stamped; and the standard fixed according to that value; all other Coin running alike in proportion.  
That the Mint in London, with others to be erected 
The Mint to be set going, and all Money new Coined.  in the most proper places of England, Scotland, and Ireland, may be set going; and all Monies in the State's hands above the value of groats (the small being worn and not considerable to return a profit,) may be forthwith new Coined according to that standard: and by degrees calling in the old Coin and paying the owners again with new, (they allowing for all Clipped, and Broken,) all the Money in England will (without obstruction of Trade) be new Coined into more necessary pieces as ⅔ parts into half Crowns, and the other ⅓ into Shillings, and Six pences, whereof at present there is to great a proportion, as being the more troublesome in counting; The Spaniard being so expert in this manner of new Coining his Money, that I have known all the Brass Money of his Kingdom (which cannot be less in number of pieces then 6 times the Sterling Money in England,) new Coined in two month's time, which I here intimate to show the facility of that, which some perhaps may think to be a work of great difficulty: But not approving of that cheat in Spain, I return to prevent the Cheats that some may also suggest will be practised in England, by false Coining, 
To pr●vent cheats in false Coinage.  though for my own part, I apprehend need not be feared.  
That it may be ordered upon some penalty that all Money within London and lines of Communication may be brought into the Guild-Hall, or some other safe place within the City: Or otherwise into some treasury to be appointed in every Parish; there to remain as in Bank until new Money be given in Exchange: so that all sums considerable (contracted for by Merchants or others) may be aswell paid from one to another in Bank, as if actually told and delivered: the experience 
Moni●… to be brought into Bank.  whereof we find continueally practised in Holland, Genua, and amongst other Bankers, who find both ease and profit thereby; and I think would be also of great use in England, if here erected. And for all petty sums for pocket use, it will presently be supplied by the Monies first to be issued out of the Mint. The like manner of bringing their moneys into a Treasury may be observed in other Cities and places of Commerce; and no moneys be suffered to pass in payments but of the new Coin Provided that any sum of moneys payable at a day certain by persons either of City or Country; if delivered into the next Bank or Treasury; may be held paid, and Credit given for so much to the person that of right aught to have it. And since I have hinted at a Bank, I shall give the manner of it; I suppose not known to all persons, but worth observation to some.  
A Bank is a Certain number of sufficient men of Credit and Estates joined together in a sto●k, as it 〈◊〉 for keeping several men's Cash in one Treasury; and 
The nature of a Bank.  letting out imaginary Money at Interest, for 2 ½, or 3 per Cent. to Tradesmen, or others that agree with them for the same: and making payment thereof by assignation, passing each man's account from one to another; yet paying no moneys: in so much, that if a Merchant or other person want Money: If he have or can but procure credit in Bank, he may make as good payment by assignment in Bank without it. As for Example, the said Merchant buys Cloth of a Cloathier for 100 lb. value more or less, and goes with him to the Bank, where he is debtor for so much moneys as he takes up; and the Clothier is made Creditor for so much as he sold his goods for to the said Merchant: Then such Clothier having occasion to pay Money to a Stapler or Wool-monger for Wool bought, the said Clothier is made Debtor, and the Wool-monger Creditor upon account: the said Wool-monger buys Wool of a Country Farmer, for so much Money, more or less; so the Wool-monger is made Debtor, and the Farmer Creditor: the Farmer must pay Rend to his Landlord, and is likewise made Debtor, and his Landlord Creditor: the said Landlord for his occasions buys good of a Mercer, Grocer, Vintner, or the like, or from all; then he is made Debtor, and such Mercer or other Tradesman Creditor: then peradventure such Mercer or other Tradesman buys goods from the same Merchants that took up the first Credit in Bank, and stands yet Debtor there, but upon sale of his goods to the Mercer, or other Tradesman both clears their accounts in Bank: and so in all Trads; as occasion presents, which is practised in many places as aforesaid, and is of very great use and advantadge to Trade; the payment made therein being generally esteemed better by ½ per Cent. then out of Bank, as preventing trouble and the receiving Clipped or bad Money: but being already published at large in 
Mr Lambs description thereof:  a Book written by Mr. Lamb, who is worthy of encouragement therein: I shall not stay longer hereon, but return to my purpose.  
That to prevent the melting down of any Coin, by Goldsmith's or others, to the prejudice of the State and 
To prevent the melting down of Plate.  decrease of Monies: An Impossition of 12d upon every ounce of Silver, and the like proportionably upon Gold, may be laid upon all Plate already wrought, and to be wrought into any form for use, other than the Mint, aswell in the hands of Goldsmith's as other persons whatsoever: and an Office to be appointed in London, and each respective County of England for the same to be paid, upon penalty of forfeiture: and to receive in testimony thereof some stamp of the Office, and accordingly to be registered. Always provided, that such as will bring in wrought Plate to the Mint, may be allowed to Coin it upon like terms as at present.  
That all Gold may be Coined alike in proportion, 
New Coinage of Gold.  regard being had to its current value, which now runs higher than Silver by 2sh in the pound: so that out of every 20sh piece of Gold will be taken the weight of 5sh 4ds. to make its parrity or quality equal with that Standard.  
That the superfluous wearing of Silver, and Gold Lace, Buttons, etc. may be prevented by good 
To prevent the waring of Silver Lace.  example given of some other more comely Trimming to be worn at Court; or by adirect prohibition against it, as is at present in France: Or otherwise by laying an Imposition of 1sh 6d on the ounce to be paid by the maker thereof; or by laying a yearly Fine or duty on the persons wearing it, of the quality of an Esq; or upwards 10l. each: the Gentleman 5l. and all of ameaner quality 3l. per Annum each: which I presume will bring in a Considerable revenue, or else cause the same to be held contemptible and not worn: either of which will prove useful to the Public good, and prevent such superfluous extravagancies.  
Which being done, I doubt not but in a short time 
Of the increase of Money, and Trade.  the want and scarcety both of Gold and Silver, will be found so plentiful in England, that our lost Trade will again revive; and no Commodity be held the dearer for this moderate advance of Monies; which is not here introduced to encourage the Supreme Authority of England to Imitate our Neighbours the Hollander, and other States and Princes, whose usual custom is to advance their moneys in their payments, and to decry them in their receipts; which though some account to be good State Policy, yet I am bold to call it great 
The manner of Inhancing moneys in Holland.  oppression, when no excuse can be pleaded other then State Interest; but otherwise, if in policy, done either to keep a Competency, or to supply a scarcity of moneys in a Kingdom or Commonwealth. As for instance, if the State of England had put the 20sh. piece of Gold higher in value but 6d. when it first began to rise itself; and be drawn away it would have stopped that currant, and perhaps also have prevented Foreign Nations of covetting our Silver, by keeping them Ignorant of its worth and value; and I wish hearty that such 
That the Export of Gold, and Silver might have been better prevented formerly.  timely care were taken in the preventing other Inconveniences of as great Consequence by inspecting the proceed of Foreign Princes, and States, touching Trade and Commerce, (wherein we are as much concerned as any,) that we might not suffer ourselves to be out-witted, and by degrees Courted out of all Trade, as we have from our Gold and Silver, for which the gap being now opened so wide, and the scarcity of Gold by degrees rising a disparrity from its standing value, to above 2s. in every 20s. and our Silver by being here (as I may properly say) bought at so low a rate, is found a better Commodity in Foreign parts than our Native Manufacture, and Commodities: so that the stream is even grown to an inundation and drowning of all Trade, for want of such timely prevention.  
And truly I apply this my design of advancing moneys more principally, as a means to reconcile the present 
This design is more to reconcile the value of Money and Trade, then for a Revenue.  disparrity of the Coin and Trade of England, with the currant Commerce, of Foreign parts, then singly to advance the State's revenue; though I confess, finding the same will prove so advantageous both to State and Common good, I am the more encouraged hereunto, and am glad to be serviceable to both; conceiving the State's advantage thereby cannot be less than 5 Millions, 
The benefit to the State, and Commonwealth.  besides the ease to the Commonwealth, of paying the like sum in contribution, and other Taxes; and no man have the less in esteem or value, but all will be enriched again by Trade, that will revive by the return of Treasure; which the Dutch having more plentiful in reality than England: besides being supplied imaginary, upon occasion by the help of their Banks, is the principal reason they eat us out of Trade, and by no better way than this to be prevented. Then will all English Traders have vent for their Commodities, and the Farmer have Money to pay his Landlord; Clothing and other Manufacturies will find a market, and be encouraged: the Soldier have his pay, and the Commonwealth in general again have Trade, all being now at a stand for want of Money the Usurer only excepted, whose ungodly gain is become the greater: So that if it should be admitted, the scope of this design were upon no other account but to satisfy the Immergencies of State. (which I hope I have given sufficient reasons of Contradiction) it cannot be more justly and equitably imposed then upon the greatest Money-mongers, who 
Usurers' have born the least share of Taxes.  of all Men have born the least Share of Burden in England, during the late Wars, and justly deserves this remembrance.  
And referring the ingenious State's man, that desires to inquire farther into the mystery and practice of Foreign States concerning rising and falling their moneys to the several and differing Authors that have written more at large thereupon; I conclude this subject, with this my observation, That whilst we put so high an esteem upon Foreign goods, and continue our Coin 
The reason why Plate is drawn away.  at the same value, it will be still drawn away, and our Exports become the less; which is wholly Inconsistent with the Common-good● of England; whose poor are employed, Trade increased, and wealth brought in by so much the more, as the current of her Exports exceed her Imports: which stream hath run backward ever since the Spanish War: which War more duly deserves the daily remembrance of the Supreme Authority of England; then Calais did to the Kings of France, whilst ●t continued under the English Sceptre.  
Having done with the subject of Money: I come 
Of Shipping and Commerce.  now to speak of Commerce and Shipping, the other Wheel of Trade, Driven by Merchants; but so laden with Impositions, and more by the abuses in collecting it, as if Merchants (the most honourable profession and principal Fountain, from whose Industrious streams floweth in the riches of a Commonwealth) were guilty of some high crimination, and not deserving the least encouragement. And since I have substracted the principal parts of this composure from other Authors whom I desire not to rob of the thanks due unto them for so Public a merit; I have and shall give each a due remembrance, and come now to Mr Hawkins, the substance of whose Proposal made 
Mr Hawkins his Proposal touching Excise.  to this Parliament and Committee of Inspection, was for the taking away of Contribution, with Custom and Excise upon all goods Imported or Exported in English bottoms: and that in consideration thereof, and for a Revenue to the State, an Imposition should be laid only upon Wine, Beer, and Tobacco, throughout England, Scotland, and Ireland; to be Collected by Commissioners, to be appointed in every County, in manner following.  
That every Vintner, Strong-water-seller, Innkeeper, Ale house, and Coffee-seller, in the three Nations should yearly compound for his drauft of any such Liquors and Drinks: and to pay quarterly the sum to be agreed with the said Commissioners.  
That all private Families whatsoever should pay yearly for the Drink spent in their Houses, according to the rates and qualifications following.  


All Gentlemen of 1000lb. per Annum, or upwards, or 10000lb. personal Estate; or a Merchant for themselves, and all in their Families per Head. 8 or 10s.  
All others of 500lb. per Annum, or upwards, or 5000lb personal Estate, to pay for all in their Families per Head. 6 or 8s  
All those of 100lb per Annum, or 500lb personal Estate, to pay for themselves and all in their Families per Head. 4 or 6s  
All worth 100lb, and those in their Families to pay per Head. 2 or 4s  
All worth 20lb Estate, and their Families, excepting all Children under, 12 years of age to pay per Head. 0 or 1s    
And all Persons of a lower Estate to go free.  
That all persons that take Tobacco by the Pipe, sneezing, or Chewing, to pay yearly as follow.  


All Lords and persons of Dignity, and their Ladies to pay yearly each. 3l  
Knights and their Ladies, each. 2l  
Esquiers and their Wives, each. 1l  
Gentlemen and their Wives, each. 10s'  
Yoewmen and their Wives, each. 5s  
Handicraft men and their Wives, each. 2s  
Labourours and their Wives, each. 1s  
All Servants and Children above 12 years, old. 1s    
The Calculation made of the Revenue that will be brought in by the Public draft of Wine, Beer, and other Drinks in the three Nations, is a Million yearly.  
By the rates set upon all private Families, for themselves, and those they have in Family, is computed will amount yearly to two Millions.  
Besides, for the Takers of Tobacco, which is uncertain till settled, and therefore not estimated. Which sum of three Millions  more than was ever yet Collected by Custom, Excise, and Contribution: besides by taking off the burden from Trade, Money, and Shipping, which are the stay and support of Commerce, will be again increased in England.  
This proposal receiving the debate of Parliament 
The result of the Committee of Inspection thereupon.  was committed to the Commit of Inspection: and upon their consideration confined only to the Public draft and sale of Wine, Beer, and Tobacco, in public Shops, and Houses: whereby I perceive they were not pleased to approve of any such Imposition to be laid upon private Families: Remembering (as I suppose) how distasteful it was in the year 1651. when Excise was paid by private Families, much after this manner. Neither do I thing it proper at present, considering how the State of affairs stand in England, to take off the Duty of Custom and Excise from a few Merchants that sell it again for profit, and place it so general upon all private Families, now not sensible of paying any thing; though in truth I heartily wish it gone from all, except from such goods as in policy ought to pay a greater duty then ordinary; for encouragement and setting a balance to Trade. But for taking away the trouble occasioned to Merchants by the ill method or manner of Collecting it, which is so great a Charge to the Public; that I think it most necessary to be forthwith done; which will be a most acceptable service and favour to Merchants. And for that I find it so rationally answered in a paper put in before the said Committee by Mr. Cradock (whose report also touching this subject, lies before them) I think it  to commit the heads thereof, also to public view.  
It's therein confessed, that the taking away of all Custom, and Excise, lying for the most part upon Foreign goods, will increase a Foreign Trade, and make 
Mr. cradock's answer to Mr. Hawkins his Proposals.  the Importation and Consumption of England to be the greater: But money and a great part of the English manufactures will by that means fall and decrease; for that by laying a duty upon such Foreign manufactures whereof the like are made in England, and the continueing of it upon Coals, Led, and Tynn, not to be had elsewhere but in England, doth not only bring Foreign Nations to contribute to our Revenue, but supports our Native Industry, which otherwise would be under sold and discouraged: and if not by that means balanced and supported with some more proper law made to prevent the Exportation of Wools, and Fullers-earth, whereby the Native Commodities of England exported may be made equivolent in value to purchase the Commodities Imported, and Consumed; It must necessarily follow that Plate must go to supply it, as it hath done for some years past. Moreover it were most Imprudent for this Commonwealth, not to have regard to the Encouragement of Trade with Friends, and Alyes, and with that Country which vends most of our superfluities, and supplies our defects: and otherwise to discourage that Trade which hinders our manufacturies at home, or proves otherwise prejudicial to our Plantations abroad; which will never be well inspected without a Committee of Trade. Besides, the method in Collecting the Custom and Excise, may be so amended that by taking away the superfluous number of Officers, and preventing the frauds of some Merchants that by saving their own duties are enabled to under-sell their Neighbours, to the great prejudice of Trade, that the revenue may be brought in by a more proper way for encouragement of Trade, and ease of so great a charge to the Nation.  
Which if once taken into Consideration, M. Hawkins his method would be found as much short in property, as his Calculation of so many Millions is too large in quantity: for allowing the 9725. Parishes in England to have 160. Families, in each Parish, at 6 Persons in a Family; the whole number of Persons makes 9336000. which being reasonably proportioned according to the rates set upon private Families, will not amount to the part of Two Millions, the sum estimated; and to expect from Scotland, and Ireland, above ½ as much, they both paying in Custom and Excise, not the ⅛ part, nor in Contribution more than the ⅓ part, were as unequal as impossible in those parts to be Collected.  
Also in the Calculation of the Public sale of Wine, and Beer, the mistake cannot be less: for if the late Farmers by so much complained of Extortion, could not make their Rents contracted for their respective-Farms of Beer and Ale in England, which together with the whole receipts of Custom and Excise upon Wines in the three Nations (which pays as much as it first Cost,) amounts unto in all but 420000lb per Annum; How can Mr. Hawkins expect to raise a Million upon the same, And admitting the Vintner may be compounded with at a Rate considerable; the Merchant being freed from paying Custom and Excise may drink Wine in his own house at half the Tavern price; As other private Families may also, that buy it from Merchants; which will not easily be prevented: so that the Vintner and that revenue will infallibly be ruined.  
And for Tobacco Mr. Cradock agrees with Mr. Hawkins, that the receipt will be uncertain till settled and approves of the conceit to be good, though not for the end Intended; for that the laying such an Imposition thereupon will peradventure cause many Gentleman and others to leave it for Fancy, as they took it: and the Ladies of England that now take it too public to do it more private, not to the dishonour of their Sex and Country.  
I have the rather been large upon this Proposal, finding it took up so long Debate before this Parliament and Committee of Inspection, and was taking with many of them. For I confess if so great a Revenue could be made out, and the People be brought to pay it willingly, such a method may be drawn from Mr. Hawkins 
Qu●ry whether it be best for Wine and Tobacco to pay by Licence?  his proposals as may be good for advance of Trade. But what the Committee of Inspection hath done in designing Wines and Tobacchoes to pay by Licence, I may not civilly contradict: yet am bold to Query; Whether that duty will be as properly collected from many hands, so dispersed throughout the Nations, as from the Few Imports thereof? And if it be by any alleged that it will much advance the revenue (which I fear will not prove so,) Whether it may not also be called hard measure when the Sellers thereof are compelled to pay such a duty, or leave off Trading in those Commodities, for which they have no warrant to rate the same in the Wines, and Tobacchoes, to be sold by any method or prescription, other than every man's fancy: it being otherwise (at present) in the Brewer's Trade, who makes his Drink so much the smaller, according to an exact proportion of so much the Barrel as is laid thereupon?  
But for Beer, Ale etc. in Public houses, it will be 
Beer and Ale, will be best collected by Licence.  undoubtedly the properest way of Collecting it by Licence, as Mr Hawkins hath designed, whereby the Commonwealth will be excused of 20000lb per Annum, now paid in Salaries to Officers, besides bribes, and the trouble of attendance upon Offices, to make weekly entries, etc. And the 10sh. yearly paid for every Licence to the Justices of Peace, their Clarks by the persons that sell Drink in Lycensed houses, will serve to pay half the rent of many of the poorer sort. But for that I find it most plainly set down in the report made by Mr Cradock, part in Print (but never published,) and part written, I have inserted it in the latter part of my Book 
Touching a method presented in, by Mr Cradock, to the Parliament  Verbatim; and also taken from thence the chiefest part of my Method, (touching Custom, and Foreign Excise, with the increase of Shipping,) the rather for that I find his method so well approved by many Members of Parliament, Colonel Harvy especially, whose experience in those affairs, I render inferior to none; I shall therefore proceed as follows.  
That the Book of rates for Customs may be referred to some fit Person experienced in Trade, to be rectified; 
Of Customs and Books of Rates.  and all Goods and Merchandise rated therein according to the true worth and value now Currant.  
That where regard shall be had to Impose a greater or smalller duty to be paid upon any Commodity either for advance to the revenue, the preservation of our own Trade, or to discourage or invite others to Trade with us, in general or particular Commodities; it may be done by imposing more or less to be paid in the pound, according to such Book ●o Rates, and not by putting a differing price upon Goods of the same specie and value; as is improperly done in the Book of Rates now in being and cannot be properly corrected in any part, without a new Impression of the whole.  
That the duty may bepaid upon all Goods alike, by all Persons, the difference to be only upon Commodities 
Foreign Ships only to pay Foreign duties.  Imported or Exported in Foreign Bottoms; (that is to say) such Ship or Vessel not built in England, or English Territories, or not in the possession of English Owners, and whereof the Master and ¾ of the Mariners are not Natural born Subjects of England: That such goodsand no other shall pay a greater duty in the nature of Foreign Custom, which will be of greater advantage to the State, be more agreeable with the government of a Commonwealth, and prove the best expedient for increase of Shipping, and encouragement of Navigation.  
That London, Bristol, Plymouth, Dover, Portsmouth, Hull and Yarmouth may be made free Ports for Merchants 
Of making free Ports in England.  to Import, Land, and House all dry goods in the State's Warehouses, without paying any duty, more than a reasonable rate for Warehouse room: and that such goods, with all other Foreign goods whatsoever, may be at pleasure exported in such English Ships as aforesaid; with all Custom and Excise paid, to be returned; and in Foreign bottoms with half subsidy returned, as at present: whereby goods may find a Market in Foreign parts to some advadtage. The State hereby cannot hazard more than 19000lb per Annum now received for half subsidy, which I am confident will return with great advance, when that Clog of Trade is Taken away, which only prevents goods here to be Imported: for Exportation, as in Holland, and Legorn, where most goods consumed or sent by land-carriage up into the Country pays a greater Excise then in England: besides English Shipping will be Employed in Exportation of great quantities of Foreign goods, yearly, that will then be laid on shore by Swedes, Danes, Hamburgars, and other of the East-Land Frozen Countries; whose Shipping coming home but little to late, are enforced to remain in our Harbours for safety most 
England as free as Holland, etc.  part of the Winter; during which time they might make another Voyage to the South-West parts, and return again Laden: so that excepting what is done in favour to English Shipping, which cannot safely be taken away, England will be as free as Holland, or any Port in Europe.  
That Timber may be Prohibited to be Exporred, and care taken for its preservation: For the Hollander 
For building of Shipping in England.  (though buying his Timber from us, and other Foreign parts) makes Shipping his great manufacture; whilst the English having it more plentiful both in England, Ireland, and New-England, instead of building one, imprudently buy four Ships from them, which will be prevented by putting this difference between English and Foreign bottoms, and will be so great an Encouragement for building here, that in few years' Shipping may become as great a manufacture in England, to her support against Foreign Enemies, and increase both of Trade and the Revenue.  
That to the end all Foreigners may be prevented of entering Ships for English, whose Proprietors, and building are not really such, all Shipping now belonging to the respective Ports and Harbours of England may be ordered forthwith to be registered, and a duty of 40sh. per Tunn: laid upon all that shall be bought for the Future, from Foreign Nations, to be registered also in like manner; and oath being made by the owners, or the major part of them, before the Commissioners or Collectors of the Custom house appointed for the Port, of each Ship really and truly appertaining to English proprietors, Certifficate thereof shall be given, under their hands and seal of Office; which with the usual oath at present made by Masters upon entry in Custom house, may be a sufficient testimony in any Port of England; and all other Ships be deemed as Forrain, and the duty be Collected for all goods Imported or Exported therein accordingly.  
That to prevent the Exportation of Wools, and Fullers-Earth, 
To prevent the Exportation of Wools and Fullers-Earth.  it may be made Felony for any person proved to be aiding, consenting to, or assisting in the Shipping or putting the same on board any Foreign Ship, or Vessel, or English Ship of War, (or some of them by report using to carry it for Holland, being never visited the Custom-house Officers,) and that the Captain, Master, and Mariners thereof (if within seven years after taken in England,) may be also adjudged as Felons: But if Shiped in other English bottoms, the Goods, and Ship, only to be forfeited: for that few Masters (if any at all) offend in that kind without approbation of their owners, who are too often consenting to, and Employers of Masters and their Seamen upon that account: so that by taking away the penalty from Masters and Mariners, (at present lying so hard that I conceive it dulls the edge of the Law) their Testimony, which is all that can be had, will not only be preserved, but Justice be more freely Executed. And if Wools were Prohibited to be water born, within the Dominions of England, and Scotland, upon any pretence whatsoever, (except to be brought from an Island to the Main) and also not to be put in any House, Barn, or other place nearer the Sea or any Navigable River than the owner's dwellinghouse, upon pain of Confiscation, with a greater fine, according to the nature of the Offence, I am confident it would prevent much fraud practised; which is of very great Importance to England, and most worthy of remedy.  
That upon seizing any Ship or other goods: whatsoever upon pretence of breach of any law, or for nonpayment 
Commissioners of Customs to have more power.  of Duty, the Commissioners of the Customs in London may be Empowered to call any person before them, and to take examinations upon oath touching the same; and if they see cause to discharge such seizure; (referring only such as they find in their judgement duly seized into the Exchequer,) and that the difficult proof now lying upon the seizor (which I doubt introduces 
The proof to lie upon the owners of goods seizen.  much perjury) may be put upon the proprietor; who if innocent of Fraud intended, is the best able to clear his goods without further expense or delay by suit in the Exchequer: besides much fraud in saving Customs, will by this means be prevented: Provided it may not be construed to extend any power to Officers of the Customs for seizing other goods but such as by very probable or apparent demonstration are in truth seizable, whereof the Commissiones of the Customs, may take care for preservation of Trade, and punishing offenders according to their demerrits.  
This being the substance of what I apprehend is deficient touching the premises, and necessary to be communicated to the Parliament, to whom I have presumed to Dedicate these my unworthy lines, Conceiving it within the power of the Commissioners of Customs to rectify other things amiss; in the method whereof more is spoken in Mr cradock's report; unto which I refer myself and others, desirous of the particulars, and proceed to the method for Excise.  
That the same Book of Rates to be made for Customs, may also stand and be for Excise; the difference 
Method for Excise.  of paying more or less than Custom to be rated so much more or less in the pound, in like manner as aforesaid: which will prove a kind of check to each Office, by the other, and be the best Informant to the general Surveyors that shall be appointed over both.  
That the Excise and Customs being dependent one 
Excise to be brought to the Customhouse.  upon the other, may be reduced into one Entire Office, (the receipts only to be kept distinct,) and managed by the same Commissioners and Officers; which will be very much to the ease and accommodation of Merchants in their dispatches, and take off the trouble from Shopkeepers and others of fetching tickets, (which is the chief cause of such complaint against the duty.  
That in order thereunto, instead of the first buyer 
Merchant's to pay Excise.  the Merchant may be made liable to pay the Excise; who doth the same voluntary already, in all the out parts, and many also in London selling their goods accordingly.  
That in lieu of the Merchant's standing liable to pay, 
Time to be given for payment.  Excise, six month's time may be given him to pay for the like quantity he entered innardss, and paid Customs, regard being had to such Commodities as are not sold or exported within the said term, which may have three month's time more, but no longer. Also that a certain allowance may be computed for Leakage of Wines, and other liquid or wasting Commodities, at so much per Cent, and no other allowance to be made upon any pretence whatsoever.  
That by making that a standing Law, which is now 
Merchant's will have warrant to sell the duty with his goods.  so differently practised, and falls out often as Controversies between the Merchant and first buyer, who although by the Law in being) is liable to pay the duty, yet the Merchant also stands obliged to see it done, and discharged upon his account (which trouble is in small parcels of goods sold a greater inconvenience than the payment of the duty) many suits will be thereby prevented, and the Merchant have more positive warrant to demand for and sell both the Custom and Excise with his goods.  
That all Collectors and Receivers of Customs their 
Accounts how to be kept.  Journal or day Book, of receipts may serve to charge the Merchant for Excise, whose Firm may also serve for Bill of Entry at Customhouse, and from thence be transferred to the Leagar, (which is all the trouble extraordinary,) and both accounts are completed: the trouble in this and all things else, will be to both Merchant and Officer shortened, the accounts upon occasion readier to be compared and examined, and many mistakes and other inconveniences that now happen between both, be prevented.  
That the 5 per Cent now allowed upon all Goods entered 
5 per Cent to be allowed.  in Customhouse may be taken off, and in lieu thereof 5 per Cent may be allowed the Merchant in Monies, upon payment of his Excise: Provided it be paid in at the day appointed, as aforesaid: otherwise the Merchant shall not claim any benefit thereof: whereby Arrears will be prevented, by which the State hath lo●… many hundred thousand pounds.  
That the Officers of Customs and Excise, are so far●… from corresponding one with the other, or the one to 
The Officers of Excise and Custom, help to cheat the state.  question that which might prevent a fraud to the other Office, (if it bring no profit to himself, as servants 〈◊〉 one Master should do,) that they are rather helpful 〈◊〉 cheat the State against each others Office, as thoug●… servants of two different Interest; which shows ho●… unnecessary and Inconsistent one of them stands with the Public good.  
That seven Commissioners may be appointed at the 
The number of Commissioners.  Customhouse to manage both duties; whether the Excise may be removed in all Ports: and that any three of the said Commissioners may be a Corum; so that they may divide into two Committees upon occasion: and that 8 hours in the Day may be allowed for all men to have their business done, either in Custom or Excise, (that is to say, from 8 in the morning till 12 a Clock, and from 2 till 6 in the afternoon.) And that all the Excise Officers may be discharged, excepting some few Accountants, and Surveyors, which will be inconsiderable in respect of the present number which accord-to this Method will be useless.  
That the prejudice to the State for want of reducing 
Excise makes less than Custom.  the Excise sooner to a more certain method is evident, in that the said Duties of Excise, set on Wines and many other Commodities is double as much (and in no particular less than the duty of Customs; yet as to the same Commodities, it ever came short in the receipts of what the Customs yields to the Revenue, as may appear by the account following, taken out of Mr cradock's report: which I have examined by the Auditor's Books, and do think it worthy to be hear Communicated.  


The total receipts of the Customs of England are 
Mr cradock's account.  usually 390000l. per Annum, as it amounted unto, for the last four years, taking them together; from which I subtract 95000l. per Annum, received for Native goods Exported, and 19000l. per Annum, for half subsidy of Foreign goods again Exported, and the real receipt of Foreign goods consumed in England is Yearly. 276000l.  
That the said Foreign goods consumed aught to pay Excise: which upon Wines, Drugs, and many other Commodities is double as much as the duty of Customs and upon all other Commodities 5 per Cent, more; so that the Excise may be reasonably computed at least ¼ part more than Custom, which then amounteth to 345000l. per Annum, from which is deducted for Leakage of Wines, and other Liquid Commodities after Housing 8000l. per Annum, which is all that can be pretended, and the real receipt of Excise Yearly aught to be. 337000l.  
For the Excise of Foreign goods, for the last four years passed by a Computed medium for one year have been received but. 175000l.  
So there appears to be lost in the Collecting it (by the present method) of what it ought to make according to the entries in Customhouse, Yearly. 162000l.  
Moreover there may be preserved by bringing the Excise under the Customhouse management, and taking away the superstuous number of Officers and other incident charges, Yearly. 030000l.  
Also by putting the Excise of Beer, and Ale, into the method following, to be paid by Licence in the several Counties of England (London excepted) it may be Collected for 6d in the pound better than for the 2sh at present allowed the Sub-commissioners; and thereby, will be also preserved Yearly. 018000l.  
So the demunition of the Revenue by the superstuous charge of Excise Officers and apparent loss (as I conceive by the improper method) in collecting it is Yearly 210000 pounds (allowing the Custom receipts the same, which by a better method might be also very much improved) I say. 210000l.    
I presume some that are acquainted with the receipts 
Excise Improved by Major Manron.  of the Excise may allege that a greater sum than 175000l, was received for Foreign Goods the last Years which is confessed; but Computing the last four Years (which is the properest way to find its real income) and it will be found not to exceed the said sum: yet I confess a very great Improvement was the last year made by regulating their Method, in keeping Merchants accounts, which was done by Major Manton one of the late Commissioners, whose ingenuity duly observes this remembrance.  
I confess my own opinion could not credit this account, with other particulars in Mr cradock's report, (as 
Custom fallen since 1655.  the revenue of Customs to be decreased 80000 l. per Annum, since the Year 1655. finding the total receipts as great as formerly) until I was convinced of its reality by a further inspection into the Book of Rates, as I have likewise made into the method of Excise, which I find contrived as if purposely designed to ruin Trade; by compelling every person buying or selling any Goods in the strickness of the Law to fetch a Ticket before it be delivered (though living at never so remote a distance from the Excise Office) or else must submit his Goods and himself and Trade to be 
Trouble to Merchants by the ill method and other inconveniences.  interupted by every (of the too many) Excise Officers, which is not all; for he that desires to walk according to their Excise rule, is so much enslaved by the long and tedious attendance upon Offices, that, besides his own trouble and hindrance in his Trade, requires a Servants labour extraordinary to all of any considerable deal. And I am bold to affirm that the very Officers of Excise are as chargeable to the Commonwealth, as a considerable Army: Besides, the present method refers so much to the Oaths of all Trades and their servants that he is become the most expert Merchant that swears with the most handsome reservations, and knows best how to equivocate: which custom of sinning hath so taken away the Conscience of it, that by such careless swearing is introduced most wilful perjury; to the great dishonour of God the scandal of our religion, and infamy of this Nation: so that if not speedily stopped, it will eat out the very life of Grace, and Spirit of Fidelity from amongst us: whereby that sacred bond of an Oath (observed by the very Turks, and Heathens, as the most binding tye on Earth, and should be also a Christians chief security) will expose the Lives and Estates of every honest tender Conscience to the cruelty and treachery of such profain persons.  
Truly, the hopes I have that this will be rectified have induce me to bestow this labour, in expectation, 
This written in hopes to cause Excise to be taken down, &c  that what advance shall be made to the revenue will be applied to extemate the burden of Trade: so that Clothing and other English manufactures, with the Oils and other materials, Imported to be Employed thereupon, will be exempted from paying the least duty: whereby we may recall that Staple from Holland, and prevent those ingenious Artists from under selling us.  
I find also in Mr cradock's report a second method touching Excise, which I remember to have seen practised 
The nature of Collecting Excise in Spain.  in Malaga, and as I suppose is in use in all other parts of Spain, where in truth Excise is greater than in England, but Collected (in my apprehension) by a much properer way than with us here: for there only two or three Officers with a Book (wherein the Merchant stands charged, goes to their Houses once in 5. or 6. months, and taking account of all Goods remaining ●pon the Merchant's hands give him another distinct charge, which being compared with his old account, they compute for all Goods found gone or sold, for which the Merchant gives his bill to pay accordingly at a month after: so that likewise by this method the Merchant is made pay Excise for as much as he entered in the Customhouse: and may deliver his Goods at pleasure, without ticket or trouble of Officers; and Oaths are not at all required. But I must return to the method of Beer, and Ale, which I conceive will be Collected most proper, and at least charge by Lycenses, as aforesaid, and the Excise now rendered so Compulsive be accounted a more voluntary duty.  
That in reference thereunto, the former Laws Prohibiting 
Method touching Be●r and Ale.  all Persons to sell Beer and other Drinks without Licence, may be revived, and enjoined to be duly executed; and that Lycenses may be granted only to such as the Justices of Peace in each County shall think fit and appoint at a yearly rate: unto whose assistance may be added a Commissioner, without whom nothing shall be transacted: who with a servant or two at most may be sufficient to manage any indifferent County according to this method, at little charge in respect of of what is now therein expended.  
That the unequallity in the Trades and draughts of 
How all men may be justly rated.  several persons appearing the greatest obsticle in this design, I conceive may be rectified by the said Commissioner, who making it his whole business, may inform himself by the former receipts, or by the People themselves, that are apt enough to inform him also what they paid the last Farmers; which together with the assistance of the said Justices may enable them to put an equal estimate upon all Lycenses, according to to the quality and trade of the Persons desiring them; who will not be unwilling to pay down a quarters rend, and give Bond yearly to be renewed, for the remainder.  
That no Licence granted to any Person may extend further then for Drink sold and spent in his dwelling 
Drink sold in Fairs to pay Excise.  House: So that the Drink sold at Public Fairs, may not be exempted from paying Excise, but may be Collected at so much the Barrel, by the said Commissioner and his servants, which will be of some use, if only to pay them their yearly Salaries.  
That the said Justices or any one of them, together with the said Commissioner may have power to call 
Power to punish offenders.  Constables and other Officers to their assistance in their several districts; and also to lay a Fine or other lawful punishment upon offenders (that sell drink without Licence, according to their demerits: to be paid one Moiety to the State, and the other to the poor of the Parish where the offence is committed: by which means the People will be made to observe the plain Laws by them understood, and be freed from that of Excise, often intrapping them, and so mystical to vulgar apprehensions.  
That all common Brewers not selling within London, 
Brewer's out of London to be discharge of Excise, except for small Beer.  and lines of Communication, by means thereof may be dis-obliged from paying Excise for all strong Beer, or Ale; and a penalty be imposed on such as shall sell to persons not Lycensed that usually are known to tapp out or retail the same: and that in consideration of the six pence per Barrel laid on smaller Beer, the Brewer that will not compound may be made liable to such Imposition quarterly to be paid as two of the said Justices and Commissioner shall reasonably calculate. Always provided, that any Brewer finding himself Injured by such estimation and shall together with the testimony of another make proof thereof upon Oath before the said Justices, etc. that then due allowance may 〈…〉  
That this way of management will not be so proper 
Brewers of London to pay as at present.  in London, and lines of Communication, where the Brewer serves all that is expended; and from whom the duty will be collected at the least charge; but as to the Country duty the case is much different, for their Excise being paid promiscuously by others as well as by Common Brewers, both must be kept to a survey, which if done to any purpose, the one fourth part of the receipts will not defray the charge: by which means both the former Commissioners and late Farmers have been enforced to compound with all in the Country at as good rates as they could: which in effect is the method here prescribed, dearly paid for, and brought from Holland to England, for expedition over the Alps.  
To this may be added, that the revolutions and Interruptions of Governments since the Death of the Protector, 
Obstructions in Government hinders the receipt.  have been great Obstructions, to the receipts upon both Foreign and Inland duties, which are (as I conceive) augmented by giving the Custom and Excise but a 2 or 3 month's continuance, and is no small Intemation to Officers (whose places seem the more contingent,) and others also to make Hay whilst the Sun shines: but apprehending the reason, I shall say no more, but that when the Excise upon all Goods is reduced to a certain sum, and day of payment according to the methods aforesaid, it may then be revived from one month to another, (if thought fit) without prejudice to the receipts; when contrariwise if it remain subject to supposed changes, under the present method, the revenue will be exposed to ruin, and many Merchants also receive prejudice by the advantage made by others that pay little (if any duty at all:) which is, and will be a great hindrance to Trade.  
And apprehending that the Excise laid upon Beer, Ale, Iron, Hops, with other Inland Commodities, (not usually exported,) is the properest to be continued as long as the necessities of State require to be so supplied, as being the least burden to Trade, and therefore in use, with the Netherlands State, whose revenues is chief supported thereby. I shall conclude with Mr Cradock, that if less were laid upon many particulars 
The benefit to the State and Commonwealth.  of Foreign Goods, more would be received into the revenue: and that by this regulating the Custom and Excise, the foregoing Orders and Tickets, whereby the State hath been abused, and still are with other frauds practised between the Merchant and first buyer will be prevented: the Merchant's colour of being so much in arrears as he hath been; (whereby the Commonwealth lost five parts of six, at once of all the debts in the Nation) and not good way to this day found to make the Merchant truly accountable, will be also remedied, the Shopkeepers and others freed from the trouble of fetching Tickets, the revenue of Excise and Custom be improved as may appear by the aforesaid account two hundred and odd thousand pounds per Annum; besides by such advance of Plate may forthwith yield profit to the State at least five Millions; and by the Imposition upon all wrought Plate half a Million at present, and 50000 lb. per Annum for time to come: which will discharge the Arrears due to the Army, and other Public debts with a great overplus. Navigation in England will be also encouraged, Shipping and Money increased, and the Excise Officeers so obnoctious to the People be taken away, the Commonwealth eased and the revenue be more quietly managed to the content of all People, and Encouragement of Trade.   

Postscript.  
TO the objections which some perhaps will make that these Particulars are of great weight, and therefore fit to be deferred till they may be more properly discoursed on, is answered; that what is said touching Plate, may soon be determined, and a Revenue thereby brought in sooner than by a monthly Assessment, and with more satisfaction to the Nation; and that the method here laid down for Excise and Custom doth a breviate the Circumstances (that occasion trouble) and superfluities (that beget charge) and brings it into a narrower compass, and the Revenue to a greater Certainty; which if referred to a Committee Experienced in Trade, might be composed within a fortnight, and would be a most acceptable service done in England.  
FINIS.