THE PREVENTION OF POVERTY: OR A Discourse of the Causes of the Decay of Trade, Fall of Lands, and Want of Money throughout the Nation; with certain Expedients for remedying the same, and bringing this Kingdom to an eminent degree of Riches and Prosperity: BY Saving many Hundred Thousand Pounds yearly, Raising a full Trade, and constant Employment for all sorts of People, and increasing His MAJESTY'S Revenue, by a Method no way burdensome, but advantageous to the Subject.  
By R. H.  
The Rich man's wealth is his strong City, the destruction of the Poor is their poverty.  Prov. 10. 15. 
LONDON, Printed for Nathaniel Brooke, at the sign of the Angel in Cornhill near the Royal-Exchange; M. DC. LXX IU.   

TO THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS PRINCE, RUPERT, DUKE of CUMBERLAND, EARL of holderness, and KNIGHT of the Most NOBLE ORDER of the GARTER, and one of His MAJESTY'S MOST HONOURABLE PRIVY COUNCIL, etc.  
May it please Your HIGHNESS,  
THE Consideration of my own Unworthiness, and obscure Condition, would easily check my Thoughts from the Presumption of troubling your Illustrious Eye with these mean Lines, did not Your Princely Clemency and the nature of the thing make such Address in some respect necessary.  
For since 'tis Eminently known, that Your Highness hath, not only by most excellent Conduct, and personal Hazards in War, given Matchless Proofs of Your great zeal for the Safety and Glory of the English Nation; but also by the prudence of Your Counsels endeavoured ever to promote its Welfare, by discovering and cherishing useful Arts, and profitable Inventions, and encouraging all things that tend to its Honour, Wealth, and Prosperity, though tendered by the lowest and never so despicable Instruments: for which public-spirited Generosity Your Highness justly merits much more Honour and Applause, than my weak Capacity is able to express.  
Whether then should these unpolished Papers (wherein I have with more Affection than Encouragement) endeavoured to propose some Expedients tending to this Kingdoms future happiness, fly for shelter in this slothful envious Age (wherein many that will never study any thing for general Good themselves, are too ready to crush, abuse, and misrepresent those that do) but to Your Highness' Protection, who are Ennobled with the clearest Judgement to Censure, and the most obliging Candour to pardon them.  
At Your Highness' feet I therefore cast them with all humble submission, and if in any part they shall obtain the Honour of your Princely Approbation, and be thought fit to be Encouraged in the least, as conducing to general Good, I shall not afterwards fear the Censures of Envy, but sit down secure in the Conscience of having endeavoured to be serviceable (to my weak power) to my Country, and the happiness I have hereby to declare myself  
YOUR Highness' Most Humble and most Obedient Servant RICHARD HAINES.   

The prevention of Poverty: OR, A Discourse of the Causes of the Decay of Trade, Fall of Lands, and Want of Money throughout the Nation, with certain Expedients for remedying the same.  
SO general and loud, for divers years passed, have been the complaints, for want of Trade and Money throughout this Nation; and so pressing are the Necessities of most men, that there is scarce any person can be insensible of it: And this is not only in time of War, (though then more especially,) but also in time of Peace, when the Seas were open, and we might promise ourselves the largest share of Prosperity. Whence 'tis evident, that the Causes are not wholly Outward or Accidental, but rather Internal, and as it were in our own Bowels, which consume us, and have reduced us to such a low Ebb, that a general Poverty seems to have invaded the whole Nation, Leases being continually thrown up in the Country, and Tradesmen daily Breaking in the City. In brief, all conditions of men seem to have changed their stations, and sunk below themselves; the Gentry, by reason of the fall of their Lands, and uncertainty of Rents, being brought to live at the rate of a Yeoman; the Yeoman can scarce maintain himself so well as an ordinary Farmer heretofore; the Farmer is forced to live as hard as a poor Labourer anciently; and Labourers generally, if they have Families, are ready to run a begging, the Poverty of most Parishes being such, that they can hardly supply or relieve them.  
The consideration whereof, and that no man is born for himself, but aught to do what in him lies to promote the public Good, and general Welfare of his Country, has invited me (though uncapable, and not sufficiently qualified to do any considerable Service, yet however) to testify my well-wishes, and throw in my mite into the public Treasury, by endeavouring some Expedients for raising the Trade of the Nation, and advancing the temporal prosperity of all its Inhabitants.  
In order whereunto I first applied myself to find out the Causes of such National Poverty, which like an armed Enemy hath threatened to invade the whole Kingdom.  
Secondly, to discover a Remedy, if possible, that might not only subdue this potent Adversary, but also introduce and maintain a constant stock of Trade and plenty of Money, and so consequently Riches and Honour both to King and Kingdom, and Prosperity to all Estates whatsoever.  
I do humbly conceive, that the General Causes of Poverty (unless it be purposed by the Lord by reason of Iniquity) are  
First the daily Decrease of Goods and Commodities of our own Growth fit for Exportation.  
Secondly, the double Increase of Foreign costly Goods and Commodities, brought over more and more from beyond the Seas, viz. Iron, Timber, Brandy, French-wines, Linnen-Cloth, and other French Commodities: and also Mum, Coffee, Chocolet, Salt, & Salt-petre, with many more. All which Expensive Commodities have been brought into General Use, and Imported in this Nation, within the space of Forty years last passed, or little more, (Linnen-Cloth and Wine only excepted.)  
The value of these Commodities Imported cannot but amount to a vast Sum, we may modestly (though at rovers) guess it Twenty or Thirty Hundred Thousand Pounds every year; which mighty Sums of Money, thirty or forty years ago, were for the greatest part kept at home.  
Now easily observable it is, that ever since such prodigious Increase of new Imported Goods, our own most great and richest Manufactories have decreased, and the Manufactors become impoverished, especially in those of Woollen Cloth and Iron; and forasmuch as no Commodities answerable have been raised in their stead, equally to balance what we have therein lost of our own Growth and Production.  
It remains then, that of necessity those vast Sums of Money aforesaid, must every year go out of the Nation to make the Balance of Trade even, and this for the greatest part in ready Coin, as may, I conceive evidently be demonstrated. Thus, if Money were not transported, than our own Manufactories, which are much diminished, and become far less than what they were thirty or forty years ago, would now find quick Markets, and yield good Prizes, to the great encouragement of the Manufactors; but the contrary is notorious: wherefore I conclude, that according to the present course. Money every year must unavoidably decrease amongst us, to the great impoverishing of the whole Nation.  
Obj. If it be alleged, that I mistake the Cause of this National Consumption, and that the great Taxes and many Impositions laid upon the Nation, obliging us to part with so much Money for his Majesty's uses, aught to be assigned as the grand Cause of this great scarcity of Money.  
Sol. I humbly Answer, that this cannot be the Cause for this Reason because what Moneys are given by the Representatives of the Nation to his Majesty, are but like the Moistures drawn up by the Beams of the Sun from the Earth, which soon return down again in showers to refresh the Ground, or like the Blood in its Circulation; for what is carried out of the Country goes but into the City, and is there expended again; and forasmuch as it goes not beyond the Seas, soon returns again. So that in the Nation there is not one Groat the less to be bestowed on what the Farmer, or any others have to spare: wherefore, and for that the Public Coffers do not hoard or keep up any extraordinary Sums, I humbly hope I may conclude, That this is not the proper Cause. why the Nation is so empty of Money, and that general want of this necessary thing (which beneath Grace, and Glory, and what is conducing thereunto) is most to be desired.  
But doubtless it is the many Hundred thousand Pounds, which our bad Husbandry and ill Conduct sends every year beyond the Seas, which we see again no more, this is the grand Cause of our Miseries, wasting thus our noblest spirits, that hath brought the Body Politic into this pining Consumption, and makes us so loudly complain of bad Trade and empty Pockets, and that the Nation is become thus indigent and discontented. But alas! what advantage is it only to complain? Diseases are not cured with Out-cries, but rather increased; let us then wipe our Eyes, and make use of our Heads and our Hands to get out of this quagmire of Necessity, wherein we are unhappily plunged.  
Too true it is, that we are very poor, and, as I conceive, 'tis no less plain, that the reason of it is the necessity of parting every year with vast Sums of Money, to make the Balance of Trade even, because we Import much more than we Export, and therefore I humbly apprehend the best means to prevent this growing Evil, must be  
First, to raise new Manufactures, whereby to improve what doth or may arise of our own English Growth: by which means our Lands may some other way be employed, besides that of Corn and Cattle.  
And secondly, to shut the door of Importation against those new imported Goods, especially such as are superfluous and injurious to the well-being of the Kingdom.  
Thus the first Manufacture to be prohibited that may be made of our own Growth, and most advantageous to the general Good and Profit of perfons of all Estates, is Linen Cloth: for it is most certain, that our English Ground will produce Hemp and Flax in such abundance, as may make Linnen-Cloth susicient for all occasions; whence feveral great Conveniences, of much advantage to the Public will arise. As  
First, it will improve the Lands, which are proper for Hemp and Flax, to that degree, that what before was worth but twenty shillings per Acre for Corn or Pasture, by this means will be worth forty or fifty sillings the. Acre per annum.  
Secondly, great numbers of poor Families, who have little to do from the beginning of the Year to the end there of, unless some few of them in the Country, in time of Harvest, might hereby most profitably be set to work constantly, by raising a continual stock of Employment, not only for Men, but alfo Women, Boys, & Girls, that can do little thing besides it; whereas for want thereof most of them now are trained up in Idleness, and live by the labours of others, whose number by computation, after the rate of threescore in each Parish throughout the Kingdom, doth amount unto five Hundred and Eighty Thousand people, and upwards. Thirdly, by this means every Parish, which by reason of Poverty is not able to set up a Manufactory for the employment of their Poor, in making of Wolen Cloth, according to the Statute in that case made and provided, may easily provide Employment for them in making of Linen, whereby many thousands that now wholly rely on the Parish wherein they live for maintenance, might very well support themselves.  
Fourthly, some thousands of wand'ring persons that go from door to door, to the great dishonour & disadvantage of the Nation, might by this means become Instruments for the enriching of the same. And though there be very wholesome Laws in being for preventing this intolerable Inconvenience of Vagrants, yet Officers are generally too remiss, and to avoid trouble, or the imputation of being overbusy, and the ill effects thereon depending, seldom put the same in execution. For this to my knowledge is true, that several Officers, who willingly would do their Office, and put the Laws in Execution, have told me, that the number of them were so great, and dangerous, that they were afraid that their Houses and Barns might be set on fire, whilst themselves were asleep, or that some personal mischief should be done them. And indeed no small cause there is for these Jealousies, their confidence is so very great: for no longer ago than the last Assizes, holden for the County of Sussex, so impudent they were, as to appear in the very face of the Court, insomuch as to stand in the sight of the Lord Twisden, one of his Majesty's Justices of Nisi prius for that Circuit, whilst he was giving his Charge; and although upon this occasion his Lordship sufficiently and loudly pressed for the putting the Laws in execution with severity against them, yet notwithstanding the Town was still haunted by numbers of them, all the time the Assizes lasted. For remedy whereof, it might possibly be convenient to propose a sufficient encouraging Reward to be paid every such poor person or persons, that shall seize any such Vagrants, by the Overseers of the poor of that Parish where they are taken, and that a severe Penalty be imposed on Constables, and other Officers neglecting their duties, when any persons so apprehended are brought to them; by which means those many thousands, which are idle, may be employed to their; own good, and the Nations advantage, so that in six months' time, there might not be a Beggar in the Kingdom, if such Enconragement were given.  
Lastly, besides all these Advantages, several hundred thousand Pounds, which are now expended and sent out of the Nation for Linen, might hereby be kept at Home, or better Improved, to the great advantage of His Majesty's Subjects. Besides, a farther advantage by this planting of Hemp, etc. will accrue towards making of Sails, Cables, and other Cordage necessary for Shipping, of which sufficient may be made at home, without being beholden to our Neighbours for a Commodity so important for Navigation, parting with our Money to Strangers for it, as we usually do to a very great yearly value.  
Obj. If any allege, that this planting of Hemp and Flax, employing a great part of the best Lands, will create an Inconvenience, by causing both Corn and cattle to be less plenty.  
Ans. I answer, that I apprehend no grounds for such fear. For as for Corn, great quantities of rich Lands being broken up to be planted with Flax, may after Flax be most properly sown with Corn, and that to great advantage; so that on the contrary, Corn will be hereby the more plenty. Then as for the decrease of Cattle, it is easily cured; for Land, kind for Corn, when by long sowing 'tis impoverished, so that 'twill bear Corn no longer, may be sown with Trefoil, or Clover, and then one Acre shall produce as much Hay or pasture as two or three Acres did before; and as soon as that is decayed, the Land will bear Corn more kindly than before (provided it be ploughed up before the Couch-grass gets in it;) for Clover and Trefoil, I know by Experience, prepares the Ground for Wheat, as much as a good Crop of Tares or French-wheat, otherwise called Buck-wheat, can do. Besides, if cattle should fail, the remedy is easy and cheap; for when the King and Parliament please, Ireland is ready, and will be glad to supply us speedily.  
A second thing to be prohibited coming over, is the growing trade of that outlandish, robbing, and (by reason of its abuse) Mankilling-Liquor, called BRANDY, which will promote the Consumption of our own Commodities, as Beer, and Ale; or if such a Liquor be thought necessary for Seamen, or the like, then to raise some Commodity of the like nature and strength at home: for (as I am credibly informed by persons well experienced that way) as good and as strong Liquor may be made with what doth abound at home. Which if so, the Profit will not be inconsiderable, since Three hundred thousand Pounds, that Brandy now costs us every year, will be kept at home.  
A Third thing to be prohibited, may be Bay-salt from beyond the Seas: for it is well known, that Salt for all occasions, and as good for all intents and purposes, may be made at home; and that not only to the great Improvement of much Land on the Sea-Coast, which now lieth waste, and is of no profit either to King or Subject; but will also preserve in the Nation Fifty thousand Pounds per annum to the great enriching of the Kingdom, and may be done with very much ease, and as little difficulty.  
A Fourth commodity to be prohibited may be Salt-petre, of which we might make and raise in our Nation sufficient for all occasions.  
A Fifth Improvement, which I conceive may be made, is in Iron, which most certainly might, as well now as heretofore, be raised at home, the benefit whereof would be very great; because some Hundred thousand Pounds might hereby every year be saved, or otherwise improved, (and many Thousands of His Majesty's Subjects employed) which now is expended in that Commodity.  
Obj. But if it be supposed, that such Iron works would too much consume our Woods, I must so far beg leave to think otherwise; that I conceive, and many well skilled in those works, are of opinion, That the neglect of Ironwork has been a main Cause, that our Woods are so much decayed, and so many Coppices grubbed up, and converted into Tillage. For when Iron-works were carried on, both Wood and Coals would yield ready Moneys, which encouraged the Owners not only to preserve the Coppices and Woods from destruction, but also to plant and promote more; whereas now without doubt in a few years, our Oak-Timber (deservedly accounted the best in the world, and a great strength and ornament to the Kingdom) will be so far destroyed, that little will be to be had; and the reason is, because the only Nurse that maketh the Oak, and other Timber to flourish, is Vnderwoods, and where Vnderwoods are not, there cannot (or very rarely is) any good Timber; so that although great quantities of Wood may be consumed by Iron-works, yet Woods becoming thereby more carefully preserved, they grow again, and consequently there is no less plenty, but for want of Iron-works they are destroyed, both Wood and Timber, Root and Branch, and that more and more every year.  
And this the rather, and more to the destruction of Timber, because people in divers Countries have got a mischievous Trick, to elude and avoid that wholesome Statute, whereby it is Enacted, That on every Fall of Underwoods they should leave so many Standels, Tellows, or young Trees to grow for Timber; which indeed they will do, but then at the next Fall of the same Wood, viz. about nine or ten years after, they will cut those very Standels or Tellows lest before, (so that they never become Timber) and then they leave new ones, and this successively, whereby the Intention of the Statute is unworthily defeated.  
Obj. But if it be objected, that Iron sufficient for the whole Nation cannot be made, except much Land be turned from Arable and Pasture to Woods, which will cause Depopulation and Dearth.  
Sol. I Answer, that there are Woods sufficient in the Nation already growing to compass the work, without planting any more, (provided they were improved, and not needlessly consumed otherwise, as they are now in too many places.) Besides, it would encourage the planting of Woods in places, which are now otherwise of little or no use. And doubtless it might be convenient and advantageous for the whole Kingdom, if all the Inhabitants, who live within some few Miles of the Sea and navigable Rivers, were prohibited burning of Wood for any general use, as Kitching-Service, brewing of Beer, or the like, whereby many hundred thousand Loads of Wood would be spared every Year, and that to the great advantage of the Nation for the use aforesaid. Nor will such Inhabitants have any just cause to complain, since they might be supplied with Sea-Coal upon cheaper terms, and those vessels which bring Sea-Coal, may in many places carry away their Charcoal to places of use for such Iron-works, and so Boats, Ships, and Seamen, will be increased and employed, to the great advantage and safety of the Kingdom, and the Nation will abound with this necessary Commodity of Iron, which now costs us at least five hundred thousand Pounds per annum; whereas otherwise for want of Iron and Timber, we shall in short time be reduced to such a kind of condition, as the children of Israel, truckling under Philistin slavery, 
Sam, 13 o.  were in; they were forced to go into another Nation, to sharpen every man his Share, his Coulter, and his Axe, only with this difference, They had Iron but no Smiths, by reason of the oppression of an Enemy, we have Smiths and Carpenters enough, yet shall have no Iron, and but little Timber, by reason of our own fatal ill Husbandry; so that for want of Iron and Timber, our Shipping will be dearer continually, and we beholding to others for materials, athing of very pernicious consequence. I well remember, I have somewhere read in History, that Edgar King of England did take greater delight in his Shipping, than any Recreation whatsoever. And no small reason had he so to do, considering of what strength, wealth, and safety the same is to any Nation, much more to an Island as ours is; and therefore once every year he would sail round his Kingdom with a Navy of stout Ships, consisting of four thousand Sail, which (saith the Historian) we find upon Record.  
Obj. But I suppose here may arise an Objection against the Trade of Iron and Linen Cloth both together, viz. both these Commodities may be bought cheaper from a broad, than we can make them at home; and doubtless 'tis the best Husbandry to buy all Commodities where they may be had most cheap.  
Ans. To which I humbly Answer, That although the Inhabitants of this Nation may have those Commodities from beyond the Seas cheaper at present, than yet they can be bought being made at home; yet I conceive if we would industriously set upon it, it might in short time be otherwise. And besides it is much better Husbandry to give Twenty pounds for that of our own Growth, than but Fifteen for what comes from beyond the Seas; because in the last case our Money is quite gone, and will return no more; in the first it still remains, within the Nation, and will come again, and besides employs Thousands of his Majesty's Subjects, that otherwise be chargeable and burdensome. And as by one Trade Money decreaseth, so by the other Money will increase, when our Commodities are for Treasure exported; and easier it is to part with twenty Pounds, when Money is plenty, than with Fifteen when money is scarce, as at present.  
Obj. But if it be farther objected, that I am all this while mistaken, for that it is not Money, but Goods, that pays for all these Commodities, by means whereof we have the better Trade for what we have to spare; but if this Trade be lost, than our own Goods which we have to spare, will be of little worth, and so our Case becomes much worse than now it is.  
Ans. Whereunto I humbly Answer, that I still conceive otherwise, and that the Objection is under a mistake; for what the Nation hath now to spare, and fit for Exportation, is much less than was forty or fifty years ago, as aforesaid; and yet then, when none of these things, with many more, did come into the Kingdom, there was a better Trade by far than what is now; for Commodities than went for Commodities of greater worth, without parting with any Moneys, and in those days our Commodities went farther from home, and instead of Brandy, Iron, and the like, produced far better returns: so that then, both Silver and Gold, not originally produced in England, was very plenty, but now our Moneys and Commodities are carried forth, and in conclusion turn to little or no account.  
And unless our Commodities for Exportation did increase answerable to the Increase of Commodities Imported, As it is most certainly true that they do not, then of necessity out goes MONEY, and in comes POVERTY; the truth whereof doth appear by sad Experience. For all that our Goods and Money bring in is soon consumed, and comes as it were to the Dunghill, whilst our Wealth becomes a prey to other Nations. Whereas if the door of Importation for those unnecessary and injurious Commodities were shut. Money would be prevented from going out, and people unavoidably would apply themselves to the making them at home, whereby there would be a far better and quick Trade, and all people would have sufficient Employment to gain a comfortable Livelihood, and the said Commodities in a little time become as good and as cheap of our own Manufacture, as now we have them from beyond the Seas, and the Importation of Bullion no way hindered, but greatly promoted hereby, and the Exportation thereof prevented, and consequently Money much more plenty than ever it was.  
To these several Commodities, which I humbly conceive fit to be prohibited to be Imported, might be added Commodities which necessarily should on greater Penalties be forbidden to be exported, and some better means used for that end than what hath yet been appointed. Such are Fuller's Earth and Wool, the one of excellent use, the other being a very plentiful Commodity of this Kingdom, which to be converted into Cloth would employ great numbers of our people, and bring in much wealth to the Nation; but by reason of the Exportation thereof privately from hence, or growth of Wool in other Nations, those vast Advantages formerly arising hereby, are now greatly diminished, others furnishing those Markets where formerly our Commodities found quick Trade and good Prizes. And since 'tis well known, that Woollen Cloth cannot be made without Fuller's Earth, and that Fuller's Earth is no where to be had but in our Nation; Then to prevent Fuller's Earth from going beyond the Seas, must infallibly revive the former flourishing Trade of Woollen Cloth, without which many Nations cannot subsist, and by which we may become very rich; which if so, what care ought not to be taken, to secure this one thing, so useful, that Silver Oar by way of Exchange is not to be accepted for it.  
We might likewise add the conveniency, though not of a total Prohibition, yet of some Restraint of the extraordinary Importation of French Wines, for the encouragement of the Manufactories of this Kingdom, which abounds with Excellent Liquors, as Beer, Ale, etc. the consumption of which ought to be promoted, and foreign Drinks discouraged. Besides, the want of French Wines might be easily supplied (in some measure by Wines made at home, for some Gentlemen have experienced it with very good success, or however) by excellent Ciders, which being produced in our own Climate, may be more agreeable and wholesome for our bodies than those foreign Liquors, especially when adulterated. But I dare not launch out too far into this Ocean, for me thinks I see a powerful Objection arising, that like a Tempest seems to threaten no less than the Blasting of all our Projects, viz.  
Obj. If Linnen-Cloth, Iron, Brandy, Salt, etc. shall be wholly prohibited from being Imported, His Majesty's Revenue arising out of the Customs will be much impaired and diminished.  
Ans. To which most Important Objection I humbly Answer, That having by the Expedients before mentioned settled a constant and sure method of Trading, Commodities for Commodities, His Majesty's Revenue may for the future stand upon a firmer Basis, and our own Commodities fit for Exportation being hereby increased, will doubtless bring home greater Returns than formerly in other Commodities, and those of a richer nature, and such as our Industry at home cannot supply us with. For instead of things before mentioned to be prohibited from being Imported, out of which Customs now arise, we may have Spices, and other Indian Commodities brought in, and afterwards again exported from hence to other Nations; as is practised in Holland, which thereby is become the common Spicery for the Northern Nations, and most part of Europe, which way of Trade may, as 'tis conceived, supply His Majesty's Customs, so as in some measure to balance the loss in the Customs of Brandy, Linen, Iron, etc. especially if that Ancient staple Trade of this Nation, the Making and Exporting of Woollen Cloth, were but encouraged and promoted as in former Ages, and Fuller's Earth secured, as possibly it may.  
Secondly, That since such prohibition tends to the great Advantage of the whole Nation, and that His Majesty in kindness to his People shall part with such part of His Revenue, His Subjects will be obliged not only in Duty but Gratitude to supply His Majesty; and the wisdom of their Representatives may find out some other way by Taxes, Impositions, or the like, to compensate such His Majesty's loss, which now may with great advantage, and more easily and cheerfully be born and paid, seeing all people by this means only, may enjoy a quick Trade, and plenty of Money, nor may it be given upon a better consideration.  
Furthermore, if it were not too much a presumption, I would willingly (though still with all humble submission to those in Authority, in whose power alone it lies to make the Alteration) propose a way and means more advantageous, which in my Apprehension, if it may be approved of by better Judgements, may serve considerably towards His Majesty's supply, and also be a means to raise and preserve plenty of Money, and also tend much to the wealth and prosperity of the whole Nation, which is thus. If all His Majesty's Coin were called into the Tower, and Threepences taken out of every Twelvepences, and then new coined for a Shilling, then might His Majesty have five Shillings out of every Pound: and so suppose that in the whole Nation there be Eightscore hundred Thousand Pounds, a fourth part being taken out of it, will amount to forty hundred thousand Pounds, or four Millions of Money for His Majesty's use, charges of Coinage only deducted. And for as much as 9d d in Weight is made 12d d in Value, no Subject may complain that he is hereby a Penny the worse.  
But if Threepences be thought too much, instead thereof suppose it but Three-halfpences, there will arise for His Majesty's use thereby, two Millions of Money, Coinage deducted as aforesaid.  
What Inconveniences may hereby arise I confess I cannot foresee, but to me it seems that these Conveniences and Advantages will not fail to be the consequents of it.  

1. It will enrich the whole Nation, since there will be near a fourth part as much Money more than was before.  
2. After all Money's new Coined, it will invite persons, who have stocks of Plate, to melt it down, and have it put into Coin.  
3. As it increases Money, so it will secure it from going beyond the Seas; for by its being made more in value, and less in weight, all Nations will cease to rob us of it, as in some measure they have done of our Guinny Gold, which by reason of its being lighter than others keeps at home the better.  
4. Whereas before, His Majesty's Coin, being more in weight and less in value than that of His Neighbours, the profit thereby to be made, gave great encouragement to them to covet our Moneys and refuse to take our Goods for their Commodities, those very ill effects will now cease.  
5. By this means those very Merchants, who carried away Money from us, will now rather bring Money to us; because that as before it was for their advantage to carry our Money, being heaviest and least in value, so now on the contrary it may be their advantage to bring their Money, being now the heaviest, to us, where it may suffer the same Improvement.  
6. As by this means only, Money will increase and continue, so all Commodities that we have to spare, and fit for Transportation, will unavoidably find quicks and good Markets, so as to encourage all people cheerfully to manage their Affairs.  
7. By means of this variation of Coin, a considerable advance will arise to His Majesty's Revenue; for if Bullion be brought into the Tower at the Rates as heretofore, then so much as Money is made less than formerly, so much profit and advantage will arise to the Crown.   
And now behold how happily would the Tide be turned, seeing our Moneys will hereby be secured within our own Borders? What abundance of Goods and Commodities now must the French take of us for their Wines, which before were paid for with ready Money, and the like in many other cases. So that whereas at present our Moneys go out to enrich others, and poverty like a destroying Torrent comes in upon us, now of necessity (our Coin being kept at home) out go all our superfluous Goods and Commodities which we have to spare, and consequently in comes a quick Trade, Wealth and Prosperity, like a refreshing stream, spreading itself all over the Nation, adding life, courage, and cheerfulness to its weary and greatly discouraged Inhabitants, who as yet lie groaning under the grievous Tyranny of that Intolerable Oppressor, every where known by the name of Poverty, whose power is now increasing, and stoutly guarded and supported by that only growing Trade, viz. Beggars, and Vagrants, together with the daily increase of distressed people in each Parish; but by the means aforesaid how suddenly might his Guards be forced, himself totally vanquished, and Prosperity, Wealth, and Honour flourishing in his stead.  
Obj. But say some, the French are so Devilish wise, and politic, that they will keep their Wines from us, rather than part with them on that consideration. They will not be pleased with toys and fancies as we are with theirs; they must drink Water and no Beer, wear wooden Shoes rather than Leathern ones, and Leathern Jackets not Cloth, rather than afford us their Wines to us to please and make us merry, unless it be for our ready Money, and consequently we shall have no wines at all for Physical use and necessary occasions.  
Ans. To which I answer, that if this be true, I am very sorry for it; for I fancy French Wines are good to cause Appetite, and help Digestion: but since Experience tells us, that Cider will do the same thing, and also that a Glass of Sack is more Cordial and cheerful, and both may be had upon terms much more advantageous to the Nation, it would doubtless be as great Wisdom for us to deal with them as they with us, (that is) to have no more Wines etc. of them, than they have Goods of us to pay for them. And if they shall indeed keep their Wines etc. from us, the worst I conceive of it is only this, that we shall thereby save at least Ten hundred thousand pounds (or one Million) of Money yearly, and yet have sufficient for more than necessary use; for it is reasonably supposed, and also affirmed, that the value of French Wines which are spent in this Nation amounts to no less than Twenty hundred thousand pounds per annum.  
Obj. But if not withstanding all these Conveniences, (and the Exemplary practice of most neighbour Princes and States, who usually raise their Coin when themselves want it, and abate it again as they find greater plenty, and less occasions,) it shall still be objected, That making Money less than what it ought to be by our present standard, will be dishonourable to the Kingdom.  
Answ. I would humbly entreat that it may be considered, whether that National Policy, when it compasseth wealth and power, be not more honourable than that which in self may be brave, and only esteemed honourable, but proves indeed according to our present condition injurious to the Nations wealth and prosperity in general? And whereas it is alleged as an Honour, that the Coin of England is heavier than any in the world; would it not be a far greater dishonour, if it should be truly reported to be the poorest Kingdom of Europe, as by the consequence it seems to be threatened? But now by this means His Majesty's Coin will continue in this Kingdom, to the great advantage of after-Generations. For supposing one of His Majesty's late Predecessors had done such a thing in their times, would it not have prevented the present scarcity of Money? For although One of their Half Crowns had been worn as thin as a Shilling, and a Shilling as thin as a Sixpence, yet would it have passed as well as doth an Old Groat, which hath not so much Silver in it as a Twopences, and yet continues Currant and passable.  
Obj. If it be objected, that by reason of this raising the value of our Coin, both our People at home, and Strangers trading hither, will raise all commodities proportionably.  
Ans. I humbly Answer, that MONEY is principally intended for the Conveniency of Traffic between persons of the same Nation only, and to them it is all one, since the same is made Currant by Authority, and the small Piece to purchase as much as when it was greater: and as for Strangers, when they bring Commodities, though we sometimes pay them with Money in specie, yet it is not intended they should carry it away, but bestow it here on Commodities, which they may buy with the same at the Rates accustomed, not with standing this Variation of our Money, and so be no Losers at all thereby, but only in respect of the opportunities they have heretofore had of defrauding us, by carrying away our Money in specie to their advantage, and our vast detriment as aforesaid.  
Obj. If it shall be farther objected, That there is a Necessity for the East-India Company to export Cold and Silver in their course of Trade;  
Ans. I humbly Answer, by referring it to the consideration of Authority, whether there be (at least when our own Manufactures are encouraged and increased by the means aforesaid) any such nccessity at all. But if there shall, then it's humbly proposed that such Gold and Silver may be Exported thither in Ingots, or the Mass fitted for that purpose, and not in Coin, as hath been of late accustomed, which renders ready money scarce amongst us.  
But if after all this, there should as many Inconveniences be found attending this Means as there are Advantages arising by it, which I think improbable, or that I should be mistaken in all or any the Proposals before discoursed; yet should I hope that my labour herein may not be wholly lost: for since, as the Lord Bacon somewhere says, it deserves Commendations to make even Wishes that are not absurd, I trust my Endeavours may obtain a Pardon, though in all points it's possible they may not answer Expectation, being undertaken upon no other motive than an unfeigned desire to serve His Majesty, and the Nation wherein I live, and to promote the Honour and Prosperity of them both; and without repining or envying at the glory of more happy discoveries, shall rest satisfied, although this small Essay of mine prove but like a Whetstone, (which sharpens other things, though blunt and dull itself) stirring up the Industry of abler Wits, and better Experienced Heads, to find out more plausible, profitable, and feasible Expedients.  
However, for a Conclusion of this brief Discourse, give me leave to add a few words to take off the edge of one Objection that may yet possibly be levied, alleging,  
Obj. That Corn and cattle are now got to a good price, by means of which we in the Country hope to pay our Landlord's Rent, and also be enabled to provide well for our Families; so that neither Landlord not Tenant may complain, and consequently we should do well enough without any of these Projects.  
Ans. To which I Answer, That what is now by this means gotten, is little better than pinched out of the bellies of the Poor; so that as the Landlords and Land-occupiers Prosperity increaseth, in like manner the Poverty and Misery of the Poor increaseth; and like the Scales of a Balance, look how much the one is raised, the other is depressed. For suppose that at present all Corn, cattle, and Clothing were very cheap, by means of which the Landlord and Farmer are greatly impoverished; yet might the Poor in like manner say, What reason have we to complain? for we enjoy all things at easy rates to the full: and therefore the prosperity of the Rich is envied by the Poor, and the Wellbeing of the Poor neglected and despised by the Rich, because that what is in this case good for one is injurious to the other; but by the means aforesaid, I would hope that the Prosperity of both may be equally promoted, and the Advantage of the one be to the comfortable Encouragement and well-being of the other, so that the Landlord, the Tenant, and all others may live happily and in love together.  
And oh how glad should I be, if I might in an any wise be an Instrument to promote the future Honour, Safety, and Well being of the Land of my Nativity, and its Inhabitants! yet if my desires therein should be answered, let God have the Glory; and those who are under him in Authority, that shall approve of the Means, and prosecute the same, receive the whole Praise and Honour; for to myself Nothing is to be ascribed, since I have done but what is my Duty, as I am a Subject enjoying my Christian Liberty, and Civil Rights and Privileges.  

A Calculation of the vast Sums, endeavoured to be saved to the Nation (amongst other things) by the foregoing proposals, in the space of Forty years, according to the best information.  There is believed to be expended yearly for Brandy, Three hundred thousand pounds. 300000l. For Iron, Four hundred thousand pounds per annum. 400000 In Linnen-cloth for our own use, which may be made of our own Work and Growth, Five Hundred Thousand Pounds per Annum. 500000 For Bay-Salt, and Salt petre, Fifty thousand pounds per Annum. 050000 All which amounts to One Million, two Hundred and fifty Thousand Pounds per Annum. 1250000 Which in the space of Forty years makes the Total Product of Advantage, by prohibiting the said Goods, to amount to the Sum of Fifty Millions of Money. 50000000 Besides Ten hundred thousand pounds yearly, that may be well saved, by prohibiting the excess of French Wines, and yet quantity sufficient for necessary use, and Persons of Quality to drink, which in Forty years makes no less than Forty Millions Sterling. 1000000 Whence it appears, that the Total Sum of all Moneys which might be thus saved (to the wonderful, great, and admirable wealth of the whole Kingdom in general) in forty years' amounts to Ninety Millions. 40000000 A prodigious Sum of Money! 90000000  
FINIS.