CERTAIN PROPOSALS In order to the People's Freedom and Accommodation in some Particulars.  
With the Advancement of Trade and Navigation of this Commonwealth in general.  
Humbly tendered to the view of this prosperous Parliament, in this Juncture of time, wherein They may both with more safety and fare better deliberation judge thereof, and if they see requisite, put them in a way of speedy execution, to the great enriching, securing, cementing, and contenting the Universality of this Nation, which hath been much desired, and shall be still endeavoured by Henry Robinson.  
LONDON; Printed by M. Simmons, in Aldersgate-streete next door to the Golden Lyon. 1652.   

To the Supreme Authority of this NATION, The High Court of Parliament.  
RIGHT HONOURABLE;  
I Cannot say I now present You with much more than what I have formerly either in Print or Manuscript pressed upon several Members of Parliament, which perhaps were taken, as I observe They receive every morning of course as They pass into the House, other men's Papers, Petitions, Books, which, through the present business They are then to fall upon, many of Them may be necessitated to put into their Pockets, without so much as examining the Title, much less perusing them afterwards.  
However I am induced to take this farther pains, in briefly recapitulating only the heads thereof, and varying their dress, with somewhat more exaggerating their necessity for this Nation's welfare, and Your own honour and concernment, to see them put in speedy execution; Expecting to find You now not only better at leisure to give ear thereto, but even seeking out all manner of opportunities for Employing the remainder of this Parliament, about such Affairs as may yet surpass, and serve as a Crown to all Your former glorious Acheivements of war, to wit, the putting and establishing Us in the ways of Peace, which cannot be done without confounding the distiction of Courts of Common Law and Equity, and reducing them into one kind, at least, mixed both of Common Law and Equity; The Reformation of many irrational and destructive Laws, supplying new ones in their stead; But especially by blasting the present expensive delatory and corrupt manner of proceed in all Courts, particularly that of Chancery, both endless and boundless; all which do eminently favour the Rich against the Poor; such as are strong in friendship against the Fatherless and widows; even the Just against the Innocent, and Right against Wrong, so certainly, as that whensoever the Poor, Fatherless and Widow, Freindles and Innocent happen to be sued for any thing this world affords them, could they but so much deny themselves, and these worldly superfluities, it were far better for them, according to that Gospel advice, Matth. 5. 40. to renounce them, than wage a suit at Law, though at last they were sure to get the victory, in regard if it be rightly estimated, it cannot countervail the loss of time, expense of money, and the vexatiousness of so many years soliciting and attendance: But I shall take occasion to insist hereon more largely another time; and at present chiefly present You with several particulars, in order to the establishing the People in their freedoms, and setting the wheels of Trade a running; Some whereof are of imminent necessity, and without which, these three Nations cannot so speedily attain to such a competent estate of Riches and accommodation, as either to live secured from Foreign Powers, or contentedly amongst themselves.  
It is not the bare name of Liberty, and of a Commonwealth, or Free-State, can long satisfy the People, much less content, or really make them happy: Some form of Government is necessary, but all Forms are good, though one more perfect and better than another; And doubtless, it may be safely affirmed, that even the worst kind of Government is capable of being so managed, or ordered, as that a People might enjoy better days under it, than ever any yet did under the very best of Governments from the beginning of the world; So lgnorant have most former Governors and Powers been; I rather choose to Impute their errors to their Ignorance, because I conceive it may be found upon debate, that no sort of People have been more Ignorant of their own Charge and Duty, and more to seek in their respective Stations and Callings, than Governors, or the Powers of what kind soever, especially Monarchical or Imperial Powers; and yet what Rank of Mankind have so great advantage, or can descharge their trust, I mean so far forth as the People would rest satisfied therewith, with so much ease as they, If they were not more Ignorant of their own Condition, their Mystery and Trade, than other men? Poor People, Subjects as they are called and made throughout the world, are even become contented to bear with small oppressions, and cannot easily be provoked to attempt the wresting the sword out of a Tyrant's hand; they are easily prevailed to submit unto the strongest sword, so they may but enjoy the Liberty of their Consciences, the Freedom of their persons, and what they moil and toil for: Now, how easily may the Powers in being, of any Country at Peace, see this accomplished? And this being done, improve, increase, and multiply their own Revenue, even to what extent they themselves please, without aggrieving of the Subject, if They that take upon them to be Masters of the World, did but understand the World aright: If a single man that hath 10000 l. in his purse, must either be a weak man, or find out ways to maintain himself in an honourable Posture, and increase his stock besides; with how much more advantage may a Prince, or the Powers in what Land soever that have a yearly Revenue of 100000. l. or of a million, do the same? The late King had raised his yearly Revenue almost unto a million; and it is said his Ambition as then aspired no higher than the completing it to a million: Now this Revenue of his, though it had yet been less, had his expenses been managed with frugality, and the advance at years end been improved with dexterity, I will be bold to say, it might have put him into such a capacity, as that at one twenty or thirty year's end, he might not only have bid defiance to all this Nations enemies, even the King of Spain himself, but have reduced him to his own conditions, though that King's yearly Revenue was then near ten times as much, as being the first Master of all the gold and silver which from year to year keeps all Christendom together by the ears.  
It is not so much the transcendent wisdom and abilities of any Prince or Powers that gives them so great advantage over others, as such other respective Prince or Powers gross Ignorance or Weakness which exposes them thereunto; and I believe it will be granted me, that Princes and Commonwealths, in the game they play amongst themselves, do commit more oversights, and those grosser too, then private persons, for this cause only, in that private persons, as their business is far less, so they can better fathom and look after it; Whereas Princes, for the most part, think no care so well becoming them, as that of their Recreations and Passtimes: And the Ministers of Commonwealths many times, are so intent after their own private affairs, and that under colour, and in a pretended pursuance of the Public; or else if it cannot be made gainsome to them, shift it off from one to another until in the upshot (according to our own Proverb, Every man's business, no man's husines) it happen to be neglected by them all: To prevent which great mischief from endangering this happily begun Commonwealth, I should crave leave to propound, that as there were in all times & Countries, allowed necessary Revenues, unto Kings and Princes that took the burden of Government upon them, for the maintaining of their charge; So, if the same course be not taken with all Officers and Ministers of a Commonwealth, that they may have a full maintenance allowed them, they must either be found to neglect their own Families, whilst they study and follow after the Public Affairs, which they will neither long have Joy in, nor be accounted wise men for so doing; or seek themselves, not only to the scandal, but perhaps even to the endangering of the Commonwealth.  
I would not be mistaken, as though my Judgement were, that Members of future Parliaments or Representatives, which I hope will be able to dispatch all the business that is proper to them in some few months, should be thus provided for by Salaries; but absolutely on the contrary, whereby they may not have the temptation of coveting the Employment.  
I may not here omit to make mention of Your great Wisdom and Integrity, in passing those selfe-denying Votes, of resolving to put the Powers formerly committed to sundry Parliament Committees, about matters for the most part totally below You, and exentrick, into the hands of such as are no Members of Parliament, which otherwise would not only have grown to be an occasion of great offence unto the People, but have absolutely disappointed the main end of Parliaments, through want of leisure to do such things, and transact such businesses only as cannot be done by any less or Inferior Authority, then of Yourselves Assembled in Parliament.  
Be pleased therefore for the better direction of future Representatives, in convenient time to consider and declare Your Judgements what work is peculiar for Parliaments, and what not, and accordingly become a Precedent, though You cannot become a Law unto Them.  
Be pleased to consider, whether all Petitioners, or even a Boy or Messenger in their behalf, ought not to be admitted, and that as they come to Your door in course, and in like course be dispatched speedily with a short answer endorsed upon their Petition, that they may know which way to steer, and what to trust to: Also whether the like freedom for all persons to Petition the Council of State, be not necessary at alltimes; as also for audience to be given, so many days in a Week, to any person whatsoever, coming at such hours as shall be agreed upon and published: So much the rather, that by this means many Addresses unto future Parliaments will be prevented, which is to be endeavoured by all means possible. The great state and distance which hath continually been kept between the Rulers and the People, in times of Tyranny and Ignorance, wherein poor Suppliants could not be admitted or heard, how equitable soever their Supplications were, without the Intercession of some State-favourite or other, doubtless over-swayed the poor hood-winked Papists to make so many Mediators in Heaven: O let not this Hopeful Commonwealth, run the hazard of being blasted for not better guarding us from this Idolatry, or suffer us to languish any longer in the like sad condition, wherein it hath been almost impossible for any one to get a Petition to be read either in Parliament or Counsel of State, unless he had a Saint there to befriend him, who if he were not both very eminent and zealous, would likely either refuse to promote it, or not prevail to get it granted, though perhaps it ought to have been done of course. But for Parliaments, and in the intervals, for such in whom the chief Power resides, to shut up their doors and ears from receiving Petitions, and granting audience to all Comers, is a symptom of the most desperate Lethargy in the Powers, and consequently of sudden Innovation and misery to the Nation.  
Nay I will go one degree higher, and assert, that it is far less mischievous to indulg a Liberty of Libelling, then to deny the freedom of Petitioning and speaking truth; though indeed that which some Persons and those in Powers too, sometimes term libelling, may prove too sad and real truths; This Nation hath encountered much there of whithin these twelve years; And yet it ought to be as ingeniously acknowledged, that even our Createst Deliverers have been as highly slandered; But what are they the worse for it? Hath it not added to their renown? And they become so much more glorious Conquerors of their own Passions, whilst they continued doing good for such as required them with evil? Whereas if the Liberty both of Speech and Printing had been restrained, under pretext of preventing libelling, we had to this day been continued in that deep ignorance and superstition, which together with our Predecessors we were borne in, never have been freed from Tyranny, nor exempted from Taxes of all sorts, as shortly we may expect to be: The Citizens of Rome, even in these latter Centuries did so highly value this Liberty of speaking their minds, as that they would not be baffled out of it by their Pope's spirituals nor temporals; Witness that weatherbeaten mainsed statue of Pasquin, which they Fished up again from the bottom of the River Tiber, and placed it where now it still is to be seen, a most constant Avoucher & Abettor of whatsoever they are forced to Publish in the Streets, because it will not be admitted in the Court.  
Be pleased then to Proclaim an absolute Liberty of Conscience, with a Toleration of all differing opinions, provided they reproach not one another, much less those forms which shall be chief countenanced by Authority: Let not the Assembly prevail with their Bugbear words of Heresy or Blasphemy, thereby transporting You to act beyond Your own Reason or Understanding, until they can tell You the difference between blaspheming God, and the King, and what is meant by blaspheming of the King, 1 Kings 21. 10. Or Infallibly demonstrate this or that which they assert for Heresy to be so.  
Be pleased to take away the scandal and temptation from the Gospel-Ministry, not only of being Tyth-coveters, but of persecuting and Impleading People for their Tyths sake, which even the Jews to whom only they were due, and they only of the Tribe of Levi, and that Canaan only, were never warranted by the Law of Moses; nor did any of them ever practise otherwise then receiving them from such as paid them voluntarily, except the Sons of Eli, who for that cause were called the Sons of Belial, as You may see 1 Sam. ch. 2. from vers. 8. to the 17. Ease many of the best of People of this Nation by dismounting that Ordinance for Triple damages for refusing payment, which they do most conscientiously and sincerely: The work would neither be difficult nor chargeable: Please only to Enact all Tithes, etc. payable at present to the Ministry, to be paid unto Officers of the Commonwealth, and that the Commonwealth allow a competent maintenance to all approved Preaching Ministers, whether in Parochial or private Assemblies, as hath been for many years, and is still practised by the Provincial, States of Holland, even towards the English both of the Presbyterian, and congregational or Independent way at Amsterdam: But this is not all, the Inequality of Tything both of the Minister and Impropriator is destructive to Husbandry, and occasions that Bread-Corne is continually so scarce and dear amongst us: to prevent which, It may likely be found expedient, that such lands as are ploughed be rated by the acre, and rather pay less than other land, in regard of the great charge and consequently hazard the Husbandman is at in ploughing of them up, whereby he may be encouraged to blow greater quantity then formerly.  
Be pleased to declare our freedom from being compelled to any manner of Oaths of Covenanting Engagements, which, as Light and Liberty burst out amongst us, do daily more and more discover, not only the unnecessariness thereof, but even the Evil and Entanglements, into which they brought us avoidable through the People's differing Judgements and apprehensions, each one interpreting them (and that rightly too) in their own sense, whereby they think themselves obliged to persecute and oppose one another, who before lived lovingly in Peace, and might have still continued so, had they not been jointly engaged by Oath, which it was impossible for them all explicitly to understand alike, and consequently must find themselves bound to fall out and quarrel, even for Conscience and their Oaths sake.  
In the next place be pleased to cast your thoughts on what is to be enacted for the Recovery and Advancement of Trade; The Council of Trade are said to have prepared several Bills in order thereunto; and it is high time that not only all manner of obstructions be removed, but also that all manner of Advantages be searched out and made use of before it be too late.  
The first great pre-eminence which (amongst Foreign Nations) the Hollanders and some others of the United Provinces have of us, is, In that their Inhabitants live together in Towns and Cities of indifferent magnitudes, neither too little, nor too big, whereby they are enabled to accommodate and help themselves to the best advantage, without making Provisions, as to Food or Trading over dear.  
The second is, in that so many of their said Towns and Cities, either lie Situated by the Seaside, or have Navigable Rivers or Ditches from one unto another, and so into the Sea, by which means they have not only all manner of Victuals brought so much cheaper unto them, but also all manner of Raw or unwrought Commodities, whereby their People are set a work, and by this means can afford all sorts of Manufactures, and Artificers work, so much cheaper as is the difference between Land and Water carriage.  
Thirdly, they have most of their first materials for building and rigging Ships cheaper; man them with fewer persons, and Victual them with courser fare, and at cheaper rates, by which means they can carry all manner of bulky Commodities (the sraight whereof rises high) so much cheaper, as must necessarily beat us out of all Markets, where they have a desire to do it.  
Fourthly, they always have great store of monies, even whatsoever sums can be desired upon good security at Interest for four or five in the hundred.  
Fiftly, They have in a manner the whole Fishing Employment, as it were engrossed unto themselves, I mean those of the United Provinces, but chief the Hollanders and Zealanders, which with Butter, Cheese, Roots, (for little Flesh serves their turns) does not only fully victual themselves, bit are by them exported into other Countries in such great abundance, as that the whole Trade of those Provinces is but the Return of their Fisheries, so manifoldly complicated, as that it far exceeds, and is of far greater concernment to them, than all the Trade of these three Nations.  
To countermand which, we have no other remedy, but to fly to their own weapons, until better present, and that is,  
1. To make all Rivers Naviagable as much as may be, and cut havigable Ditches in all places where the ground and scitutation will permit, and where there are no Rivers near unto the Towns already built, nor possibility of cutting Navigable Ditches; it will be necessary to see where such Navigable Rivers or Ditches may be made, and accordingly have them, cut with all convenient expedition, and Towns and Cities built upon them in such manner, as the said Rivers and Ditches may be brought through the said Towns and Cities is sundry Channels, and that as much as is possible there be an outlet from the said Rivers or Ditches into the Sea.  
2. That without farther delay the Parliament order, and see it put in execution, that in all the Fens already drained, or to be drained, there be no straggling Tenements or houses for any persons to live in, except for Husbandmen, who are not to be fare from their work and Calling, but that there be Towns and Cities built at an indifferent distance, where People of all other Occupations are to reside, and navigable Rivers and Ditches made from one to another, and so into the Sea, which may be done with so many, and such great advantages, as no part of the United Provinces do yet enjoy the like, and make those Fenny Lands, which at present are unpeopled, and so little worth, become more fruitful, more populous and rich, not only than any part of England, but even of the whole World, as having the pre-eminence of being designed so from the first foundation and beginning.  
3. That the Parliament (before the Nursery of Timber for building Ships be quite destroyed, whereof there wants but little, I mean near the water side to be had at easy rates, it being almost thrice as dcare as it was about thirty years ago) do prohibit not only the cutting down of Timber for Shipping, but that none capable of becoming fit for Shipping be used for building Houses (I mean about the walls) in any part of England; nor for firing, but where there is no possibility of having Sea-coal or Pit-coale at moderate rates; and that the Nation be put to seek out and fetch from abroad all manner of Timber to build Ships withal, before the day of our extremity, till which, if we happen to deserre it, we shall then in likelihood not be able to attain it, except by permission of our emulating, if not envying Neighbours, whose mercies we may find to be Amboyna- like cruelties, and so much worse than their vassalage, by how much that People, though subject to Excise and Taxes, may be thought one of the happiest throughout the known world, in that they have not only speedier Justice, than elsewhere, amongst themselves; but are by their Powers, who find the advancing Trade to be the only true State Interest and Policy, protected from all Foreign Injuries, and enjoy a full liberty of Conscience, and by the wise management of their Overseers, have such accommodations and advantages of Trading provided for them to their hand, as that they scarce have a beggar amongst them, and generally live so comfortably and contentedly, as no Nation does the like.  
4. That some course be taken whereby the Money stock of the Nation may be increased to such a plentifulness, as that moneys may be had for all men's occasions at four or five in the hundred, according to the security to be given, which the Act lately come out for reducing Interest to six in the hundred cannot do; since, (besides the being compulsory, which perhaps were in all cases best to be forborn, except where one man injured another in person or estate): that Statute cannot increase the money stock of the Nation, but rather contrariwise, as occasioning less money to be had at Interest, and if the taking higher Interest were not punishable, Foreign Nations as they did before these troubles, would likely bring in Moneys to put out at Interest, and we had better pay twelve or thirteen in the hundred, as they do in Turkey, if we cannot get it cheaper, than be quite without it. Now the Hollanders can better a while longer forbear that benefit which they made in England by Interest, than this Nation can their Trade, which like water being once stopped in its usual course, makes its own way by another channel, and is not so easily brought back again. Wherefore some other course must be fallen upon, which hath power of multiplying the said stock of the Nation, either effectively or virtually to all intents and purposes; several whereof are herein propounded, and have been upon other occasion more largely insisted on, which had they been made use of, would long since have been successful against all objections or oppositions.  
5. That the Fishing Trade be fallen upon in earnest what ever it cost, without which there can be no considerable nursery or succession of Mariners, nor the Trade of this Commonwealth become predominant, and if not predominant over others, must become subserulent unto others.  
6. That withal possible conveniency we enlarge our Foreign Plantations, and get farther footing in Barbary, East and West Indies, with other Countries wheresoever it may be compassed. Not only that we may the better provide ourselves of Canvas for Sails, Masts, Timber, with all other things necessary for Shipping within our own Dominions; but also in that a little spot of ground, as England is, with its Dominions, if it do not enlarge them, in future generations, I fear me, will be found inconsiderable in respect of Spain, Portugal, the United Provinces, or any other European Nation, which shall have arrived to, and be armed with sieve or ten times a greater strength, power, and riches, either from their Asian, African, or American Dominions.  
Please to prohibit the kill Lambs for some few years, until Sheep become multiplied to as great a number as ever: But if you desire to recover the departing woollen Manifacture, or prevail with the Remainder not to bid adieu, You must not only prevent the exporting Wools out of England, Ireland, and Scotland, but must necessarily find means of compassing all the Wools of Spain for some years together, whereby Germany, France, Italy, and the Low Countries, being disappointed, not only our own Runaways, but their respective Manufactors will be necessitated to repair for England to be set a work.  
Be pleased, for the ●●●sent, to appoint a certain number of Free Ports (that all ●●●●s may enjoy the like immunity so soon as it may be gran●●d without lessening the Public Revenue) such as are most commodioully situated for trading with Foreign Countries, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 more equally distributing all manner of Foreign Commodity's throughout this Nation, as also for the b●●●●● and cheaper exporting the Manufactures and superfluities of this Common wealth, that all Merchandise which shall be b●●●●●● into any of them, and afterwards for want of a good M●●●●t again exported, may be free from Custom and Exci●●; A course which almost all Sea- Towns in Europe have more or less made use of at some time or other, as no slight Stratagem to make them become populous, and for furniming themselves with all manner of Commodities at easiest rates, because being once brought thither, Merchants will rather sell them at indifferent prices, than carry them to another place, with so much more charge, danger of the Seas, and loss of time.  
Let the Natives of any Foreign Country, who shall come to trade with us, be equally free, as to Taxes and such like immunities, with the Natives of this Commonwealth, which will of necessity induce them to take up their habitations amongst us, who else cannot make such benefit thereof, as otherwise they might; Now righteous gains and profits are the Rule which all wise men steer by, and the end at which they aim; and even such Foreigners as shall resolve to reside and live amongst us, will get the advantage of the others that only come to sell their goods and return again, who in such cases cannot take the best of the Market, neither to sell their Commodities, nor make returns: But if it be said, that these n mble pated Foreigners will hereby eat, or work the Natives of this Commonwealth out of their Trades and Callings; I answer, that such Foreigners can only prejudice such Natives as are negligent, less industrious, or that use false arts in their ways and Trades; For if the Natives be but equally ingenious and upright in their Trades and Deal, they being versed and settled therein already, will have the start and advantage enough of any Foreigners that shall afterwards begin and fall into the same Trades: But if some Foreigners be more nimble, ingenious, and industrious in their ways of Trading, than generally the Natives of this Land; may it not be consistent with, nay even a special demonstration of the Wisdom of our Governors to encourage such active spirited Foreigners to a cohabitation with us, whom the Fishermen Manifactors and Artificers of Foreign Nations will certainly accompany, for all follow and depend upon the Merchant, whereby their offspring in the next generation become Natives like ourselves? And if by such course any of the less ingenious Natives of this Land happen to be outgone in their own Trades and Callings, let them apply themselves unto some other which requires less ingenuity and activeness, as they ought to have done at first; and will not the industry and ingenuity of such Foreigners be a good lesson and example to us, and contribute much to the enriching and accommodating the whole Nation in general?  
Be pleased that secure Harbours and Ports be made in as many places as can possibly be round about England, and in each of them a strong impregnable Castle that may command the Port or Harbour, and that in each of these Castles or Forts there be Storehouses, with all manner of Provisions and Ammunition for shipping laid in at the cheapest rates, to furnlsh both the Commonwealths and all Merchant's ships upon occasion, but especially in the Isle of Wight and Harwich, or in any other place where the Commonwealth's men of war may ride or lie at Anchor securely all the year long, and upon Intelligence of an Enemy upon our own Coast or elsewhere, with all winds and weathers, from one safe Harbour or other, put forth to Sea, and get upon them before they be awares. Whereas at present our Enemies may (and 'tis possible we shall feel it hereafter more sadly) every night in the year, If not even by day time, come ashore almost round about the Coast, burn, fire, sack, make our People captives, kill, with what else they please, and be gone again, before their Country Neighbours which dwell so straggling, can come in to help them, or our men of War get out to Sea, to prevent it, or rescue them And that in all these places there be Docks for building Ships all the year long, & that being built they may continue there in a safe Harbour, until there be just occasion to put to Sea; and that when cause requires, they may be found ready to put out to S●● with all winds and weathers, & being at Sea, have Provisions & Necessaries of all sorts, sent them from thence, both speedier and cheaper; leaving nothing unattempted for securing Ships riding at Anchor in the Downs, about Sandwich, or the Isle of Tennet, where a secure Harbour would be more advantageous, then in any place of England.  
That Mariners be encouraged by certain Immunities to take up their dwellings in the Isle of Wight, Harwich, and in all such places especially where the Ships usually Winter, or are usually laid up in when they come from Sea, that they may be there in readiness when the Ships go to Sea again: by which course most of them may be discharged so soon as the Ships get in, and not need to be embarked until the Ships be ready to put to Sea, which will save some months pay unto them yearly; for the time which the State's Ships spend in expecting Tide, Wind, and Wether, in getting up or down the River of Thames, and out to Sea, and that so many thousand Seamen as the Commonwealth shall have need of, be kept in continual Pay all the year long, to be always in readiness when they shall be called upon, and to have their Diet over and above when they are in Employment; after which manner I believe the Commonwealth may be furnished at cheaper rates then at present, and Pressing or compelling them prevented; which, whether for Sea, or Land-service is a very great, if not the most eminent body of our former bondage, and next to the degree of Bondslaves, liable to be sold in a Market, and no where in common practice throughout Christendom, except in England. If You have money You cannot want men, and You may have money enough if You will Yourselves make use of such harmless ways as have been propounded to You.  
Prevent the overbalancing of Trade, Encourage the Importation of Bullion and Foreign Species of Moneys; and Regulate the Marchandizing Exchange, which because they are the most mysterious parts of Trade, I shall crave leave to enlarge a little upon them.  
Moneys were invented to be a measure or price of all things, and to prevent the carrying up and down more bulky Commodities to Barter or Exchange withal, which was first in use, and for that purpose monies were made of the scarcest, sinest, and purest Mettle, that it might be so much more transportable to and fro.  
Then as the World went on more refining itself, Exchanges were found out, as well to prevent the exportation of moneys out of one Country into another, as also the danger and troublesomeness of carrying monies to and fro within each several Country and Jurisdiction: upon which respect the most politic and expert Merchants in lieu of money send nothing but a small piece of Paper, called A Bill of Exchange, which being subscribed by men of credit, is thought equivalent to so much money as the Bill of Exchange engages for. But whereas Exchanges were especially contrived to prevent the exportation of moneys out of one Country into another, through regardlessness of our Magistrates, the said Exchanges have been so Managed by the self-seeking Interest of particular Merchants, as did not only prevent the importing of Bullion, or monies into this Land, but necessitated the exportation of our monies, both Silver and Gold.  

Monies are likely carried out of England.  
I. Either because there is more profit to be got by our monies abroad, then by remitting them by Exchange, or employing them in Commodities. Or,  
II. Because it may be most commodious for Travellers, or other Passengers to Carry them: Or,  
III. Because such passengers are ignorant both in Employing them, and remitting or returning them by Exchange. But,  
IU. And especially, because all the Corn which is brought by Strangers, and all the Fish which the Hollanders take upon our Coast or elsewhere, and sell in England, as at Yarmouth, Plymouth, etc. are sold for ready moneys, and those moneys in likelihood all exported, etc.   

The gain on transporting monies may proceed.  
1. Either because our Commodities are grown dearer here in England to be bought. Or,  
2. Grown cheaper abroad in Foreign Parts to be sold. Or,  
3. Because that they give more for our Moneys then the Intrinsical value, to melt them in Foreign mints, or make them currant in Payments above their value.   
And all these three respects will vanquish if we can but keep our Trade in Balance, or rather enlarge our Exportation of Commodities, above our Importation, and establish the Exchange between us, and other Nations according to the Par.  
The undervaluing our moneys by Exchange, the accommodating Passengers with monies wherever they go, who desire not to be troubled with Commodities though they might get somewhat by them, And the supplying their ignorance both in employing, and returning them may be done by engaging all Merchants to observe the Par in their exchanging according to certain Tables wherein the intrinsical value of Foreign Coins in relation to ours is to be published; and if this fail, it may infallibly be effected, by constituting a Public Exchanger, or an Agent of the Commonwealths, who may be obliged to Furnish all Passengers with the full value of their moneys in most principal places where they go, as likewise all Merchants with whatsoever Sums they desire; in which case men will not hazard the danger of exporting their moneys, and if they do and be discovered must be made to pay for it without remission.  
And when this course is settled, than it is propounded, That all persons be again prohibited exportation of moneys; and that if the Captain or Master, Master's Mate, Purser, Master Gunner, or Gunner's Mate, or Boatswain do contrive or assist the Exportation of moneys, or but know thereof, and do not discover it, it shall be Confiscation of the Ship, besides double penalty to each of the parties so assisting, or concealing; and that the accuser or discoverer have one ½ of what is recovered, provided it be within five years after the fact was done. Within which time if any of the parties shall accuse the other, and make it appear by one or two Witnesses, or otherwise the accuser for the first time shall not only free himself from any penalty, but enjoy one half as discoverer. And the having above such a Sum of money aboard any Ship or Vessel, so long time together, and in such places, shall be understood a guiltiness of an Exportation thereof. And if any other Mariner or person belonging to the Ship or Vessel shall assist, or conceal the Exportation as above said, such Mariners or person shall forfeit all his Wages then due to him, and if he have none due, be Liable to a Fine, etc.  
Now for enabling the Public Exchanger, or furnishing the Commonwealth's Agent with a stock of money and Credit, whereby he may furnish all men's occasions by Exchange, according to the Par, as aforesaid: It is necessary that he have a Stock, and how that may be raised gratis hath been made out to several Worthy Members, and shall be further demonstrated when required. Then,  
If the Commonwealth keep a Correspondent, or Banker in Paris, Antwerp, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and in such like principal places of Trade, and have a stock of money, or Credit with each of them, their Public Exchanger may either return moneys upon them, or receive Charges from them according to the Par. or  value, which will hinder transportation, and this can be no damage or loss unto the Parliament, because their Agents deal only according to the true worth of the Coins in themselves at the Mint, what ever the denominations be, or however they be Lightened or Embased: & besides  
1. If all moneys Delivered or Received by Exchange, pass through this Public Exchanger or Banckers' hands, or be ordered to be paid in Bank, you may see who are Deliverers, and who Takers, and to and from what parts moneys are remitted, and received, and by whom: and by this Balance of Exchanges you may see how the pulse of the balance of Trade beats, by whom, and from whence the Mischiefs concerning the same proceed, and be enabled to redress them.  
2. As by an exact rule in the Customhouse you may know what Goods each Forreigner Imports and Exports; so here you may see what moneys he remits, or receives and make a balance; for Strangers may be thought to be the greatest Exporters of our moneys, and those Seamen, Chiefly dealing likewise much in Merchandise. Now till this be more fully made out by practice, it is humbly moved,  

First, That no Goldsmith or other person upon great Penalties be suffered to melt any of the Commonwealths Coin.  
Secondly, That no Gold and Silver Lace be made in England, but of such Silver and Gold thread or Plate, as is imported, until we see the Bullion begin again to be imported into England.  
Thirdly, That no moneys be permitted to be sent into Ireland, New England, Barbadoes, Newfoundland, or any of our other Plantations, until Bullion begin to come in again.  
Fourthly, That all Gold and Silver Mines formerly discovered within this Land, may be now further searched into, and others more nearly sought after, for supplying us with a Money Stock of our own, until we can bring in one from abroad.  
Fifthly, That there be no pence nor half pence made of Silver, because so subject to be worn out, broken, and quite lost.  
Sixthly, That it be afresh declared what Quantity of the Commonwealth's Coin, and how much Foreign Coin every Ship may carry for her own Store or Provision, against all wants or accidents, etc. and how they are to be furnished, etc. against all Immergent occasions.   
Be pleased to erect a Court of Merchants for the speedy determining all Controversies about buying and selling, or any other emergencies rela erect a Court of Merchants for the speedy determining all Controversies about buying and selling, or nay other emergencies relating to Trade and Navigation.  
That Bonds, Bills of Exchange, or other Bills of Debt, be made irrevocably assignable from one man to another, as often as the last Assign shall please, together with the delivery of the said Bonds or Bills of Debt, which will virtually multiply the stock of this Nation, as to trading to all intents and purposes, especially if you can induce the People by advantages to a voluntary registering thereof, for which purpose only there is a short Proposal ready prepared to be produced upon command.  
But above all other Engines or Instruments, the greatest pre-eminence is due unto a Bank, which hath a capacity of infallible preventing the exportation of our own moneys, and necessitating the Importation of Bullion and Foreign Coins, it will prevent the passing of false or clipped money, with the wear and waste of money by telling it; save all the time now spent in telling money; Overrule the Merchandizing Exchange, whereby the Merchants of this Nation have been merely cheated in all parts of the world, where exchanging by Bills of Exchange is practised. It is this only that can reduce and keep the Grand Balance of Trade in favour of this Nation, by preventing the Importation of a greater quantity of Foreign Commodities, than we export of Native; It is capable of multiplying the stock of the Nation, for as much as concerns trading in Infinitum: In brief, it is the Elixir or Philosopher's Stone, to which all Nations, and every thing within those Nations must be subservient, either by fair means or by foul.  
Be pleased to let the Bill for a Country Register at last to pass, which hath been so many years preparing, and yet retarded, no doubt by some private respects or Interests; I mean to pass in such a manner, as that a man being to make a purchase of Lands or Houses, may in a quarter of an hour, and for a twelve-penny matter or thereabouts, see who is the true Proprietor thereof, and what Judgements, Mortgages, and other Encumbrances there are upon them; which with the voluntary Registering of Bonds and Bills of debt, as aforesaiss, will prevent three fourth parts of all Law-suites, that otherwise will happen, and shorten such as shall be begun hereafter.  
But what is it I have with so much confidence affirmed? Is there so great complaint of the want of moneys, especially at such low Interest, as were requisite to drive Trade withal? And will the assigning over Bonds and Bills of debt irrevocably, virtually multiply the stock of the Nation so much, or so often, as the innumerable Bonds and Bills so many several times turned or assigned over from one man to another amount unto? And hath a Bank yet a farther capacity, even of increasing it unto an infinity, as I may say, by multiplying it virtually, as to trading complete in all its dimensions and perquisits, to whatsoever sum a Nation can possibly stand in need of, though it were to engross and monopolise the whole Trade of the world unto themselves, as much and as effectually, as if all the money of the world were effective brought into that one Nation? And is it possible that the numberless Law-suites may thus easily be prevented, the Remainder shortened, and the unmerciful expensivenes abated, and will we not make use thereof? Will such easy and obvious means be still rejected, or not made use of for multiplying our money-stock, and for increasing Trade, which only will, and without which nothing can revive and repair this wasted Nation? I beseech Your Honours to pardon this seeming familiar manner of Interrogating, uttered in much tenderness, and with all submissiveness tendered to Your gracious censure and acceptance: and yet I may not, nor can I smother how heavily and sharply the Proceed of the Courts of Westminster, and even that of Parliament pinches us Commoners, which will be easier digested, and sooner forgot, if it be remedied hereafter.  
Please to take into consideration how all the remaining Fens may be drained, and all Commons enclosed, which would produce a great increase of all things that the Land brings forth, provided it be done with so large alotments unto all people that have any interest or present benefit thereby, as they may be gainers by such enclosures, if they will be industrious.  
Confirm the Laws in being with a clearer explanation of them, for encouragement of all new Inventions and Improvements, that each Improver and Inventor may know what advantage he may expect, and how it is to be determined and secured unto him, without so much attendance and charge.  
Consider whether it be according to the Law of God, or a well ordered Commonwealth, that the Creditors Children or Heirs of Malefactors should be punished for the sins of their Parents, Predecessors or Debtors, and how heavily this hath lain upon many well affected to the State within these eight years: If it be said that this is done the rather to keep people in obedience to the Laws, and that many desperate persons, who regard not their own lives, have notwithstanding for their wife's and children's sakes forborn to commit such flagitious crimes, to prevent the ruin which would have befallen them also; I easily believe it, but do not see how it can be lawful, to do the evil of punishing Children for their Father's offences, that the good of restraining their Fathers from committing such offences may be compassed thereby.  
Please to prohibit the no less delusive and irrational (as we stand perplexed between Common Law and Chancery) than unconscionable way of penary Bonds and Mortgages, which though they always find favour at Common Law, yet a man always loses by them, and shall never have them made good in Chancery, no nor so much as his Interest, damages, and full charges allowed him. And if an honest man that hath a Bond, with a double penalty, shall apply himself first unto the Chancery, desiring the Justice of that Court for his Principal and Interest only, alleging that he is necessitated thereunto, and to become first Plaintiff there, or else after so many expensive terms at Common Law, to be made Defendant, and hung up by an Injunction upon formal Cavils and suggestions for several years together; some sycophant or other about that Court might possibly put an evil Interpretation upon such proceed, and endeavour to have the Bill dismissed; whereas if it were admitted, it might likely come to a hearing, and be decreed in a year, in regard by this course the greatest part of those formal suggestions, which delay the Hearing are prevented; whereas if between Common Law and Chancery, two, three, four years or more are spun out, if the Creditor dies his children or heirs are less able to carry on the suit, though it be upon a Bond signed and sealed in presence of a hundred witnesses, yet if the Debtor have but the Impudence to deny the payment, the Heirs must be put to prove it, and if they cannot tell the very person that paid the money, or if he be dead, for all that I can learn, it is in the pleasure of the Judges to make them lose their money; and if the debtor die before the business come to be decreed, and satisfaction gained, if he left a personal estate, that is generally in great part imbeasled; If land, that is made appear not liable to pay debts; so gracious are our Laws, and so favourable is the Interpretation of them to such as stand in most need of being relieved, and instead of penalties in Bonds, if the time of payment be elapsed, declare the Interest to be due, or such greater damages as the Creditor shall make proof of to have suffered for want of his moneys, besides full costs, if not double; and in stead of Mortgages that such Lands be interiorly engaged for payment of Principal Interest or damages and costs as aforesaid, and so much thereof only sold as will satisfy the same.  
Be pleased to Enact all Wills and Testaments to be Registered in the Country Register, within eight days after the decease of the Testator, or that the Will be found or brought to light, and that no person be permitted to dispose of, or so much as remove any goods of the Testators, until the Will be Registered and proved by the Country Magistrate, or such other nearest Judicature, as this Supreme Court shall appoint for determination of all other causes, which will much prevent the embaselling of the estate to defraud just Creditors, and secure the Remainder to the Legatees and Heirs.  
Please to enact that single Bills once proved or acknowledged, be as valid as Bonds, or any other Obligation, and that together with Bonds they may have present execution.  
That Merchants and Shopkeepers Books of Account be of unquestionable credit for liquidating or clearing debts, being demanded within a certain term of years, as in Your Wisdoms shall seem convenient, unless such Merchant or Shopkeeper be proved a knave, or that strong presumption appear of some mistake in relation to the Account in question.  
That no man be arrested till after Judgement, unless upon clear evidence of intended removal of his usual habitation, or concealment of his goods or person upon affidavit, and that suddenly upon a Judgement, even in that instant, execution be granted both against person and estate of what sort so ever.  
That all deceitfulness in Spinning, Carding, Weaving, Dying, with all other frauds of what kind soever, in any manner of Commodities or deal, which are exceeding destructive to Trading, be enquired after, and prevented in the future.  
That all new Manufactures, Handicraft mysteries and Trades, practised in other parts, or else with greater facility or exquisiteness, and not as yet brought into England, at lest with its perfections, as Dying of Blacks in Holland and Germany, Crimsons in Venice, Watering and Chambletting of Silks equal to those of Florence, Bononia, Lucca, Venice, and other parts of Italy; making all sorts of Linnins, especially for Sails for Ships, and the like, which will yield large matter to work upon, and may be all safely and advantageously undertaken with advice and direction of such as are well versed in all sorts of Commodities and Trading; and (if we regard our own safety and plenty, both which are easiest purchased by purchasing of Trade) ought to be throughly pursued, though to loss at first; And there is scarce any Art, Manifacture, or Workmanship in any Foreign Country, which with Integrity and Industry of the Overseers, may not in a short time become English, in greater perfection and exquisiteness, than in any other Country, because I do not find all these advantages which have been tendered to this Nation, discovered to any one, nor to all the Nations throughout the Universe, nor such diligence so exactly practised as might be, which will still yield Employment to all numbers of People, though they multiply beyond Precedent or belief, provided they have but elbowroom to dwell by one another.  
Be pleased to Erect Lombard's or Banks of Loan for furnishing all people with moneys at Interest upon pawns, personal or Land security, at reasonable rates, which will not only increase Trading exceedingly, but also be of very great accommodation unto all others of whatsoever profession: and the same Bank to be obliged to furnish all poor people that shall desire it as 20.s at one time upon pawn gratis, to be repaid at six months, or the pawns to be sold: and that the same Bank be also obliged to take off at certain reasonable rates all such Commodities as poor people shall find remaining upon their hands, and through deadness of trading cannot find to sell them off, whereby 〈◊〉 buy themselves victuals, and continue in their Callings, which being well managed by persons well versed in the prices of Commodities, with the seasons when, and the places where to sell them, may rather turn to the increase than detriment of the said Bank.  
Be pleased to Erect a certain number of Work-houses in all Cities and great Towns throughout the Nation, whereto, all People, whether men or women, boys or girls that cannot provide better for themselves, may have recourse, and be set to work, of one sort or other, which persons of the meanest capacity, may easily attain to, and perform, at such usual wages, of some small matter under that which People of the like professions do give unto their Journeymen or women, provided they do the same work, both for quantity and quality, that they may live comfortably thereon, and lay up somewhat by their frugality, as may furnish Tools, and purchase a stock to set up for themselves afterwards: This will not only keep multitudes of People from stealing and other lewd courses, but much increase the Manufacture and Handicrafts workmanship of the Nation: Nay, how many hundreds, if not thousands, would such a course as this have saved, who within these ten years, have even been starved to death, and merely died of want, or grief at least, because they had but little means of relief, and in a continual fear of wanting necessary food and raiment?  
Many of these Proposals which I have taken boldness to make unto Your Honours, I know to be of very Public and great concernment, but this as being an Act of Mercy, extending to very many, and they in greatest extremity of want, I deem to surpass all the rest, as more savouring of Humanity, and more approaching to the ways of God himself. This being once established, who ever shall be found a begging, may be confined hither to be kept working a certain reasonable term for bare food and raiment: And though this may seem to be matter of charge, and at least must require a stock to begin withal, yet it is capable of being so managed and improved, as had I but a lease of my life for five years, I would not doubt, to have some such work a foot, as besides the reliese which I here hold out unto the needy of the Nation should have been sufficiently beneficial to the undertaker and it might have been attempted long ago, when I was likelier to live to manage it, and joy in the success thereof, could I have attained to an equality of Justice, or so much favour as a per●●● obnoxious to Delinquency hath had.  
This Workhouse might likewise take care of all Children, boys or girls which are found about the streets, as also lame and blind people who are not able to help themselves, which here, both according to their capacities and abilities, may be set a-work; and every man or woman with one arm or leg, only being kept at work, may earn so much as will maintain them in a comfortable condition.  
Then I hope it will be found necessary to appoint certain trusties or Commissioners, of untainted Integrity, and free from Covetousness, who may have Power of taking into their protection and care, all Orphans and their Estates, to see the managing and Improving of them to the best advantage during their minority, and to be accountable to them when they come to years: These are a People who cannot help themselves, whereby not only their estates oftentimes become a prey to men of evil consciences, but they themselves, destitute of pious and discreet education, do too too often miscarry in their persons.  
That Public Schools where there are none already be erected in all parts of England, with competent stipends to so many head-Masters and under Ushers as shall be requisite in each place, to which all poor people may be free to send their Children, whether boys or girls, to be taught gratis, both to write and read at least, and such Youths as are designed by their friends to a course of learning, be there instructed until they be sit for the Universities, or any other kind of Clerkship. And because Divine Providence hath cast our lot in an Island, which cannot subsist securely without Commerce with other Nations, which must necessarily be carried on by Merchants and Seafaring men, who by their Professions are called out to cross the Seas, and see the Wonders of the deep: As also in that this Land is very subject to high Waters in all parts, as that there is no travelling about our just occasions without being endangered thereby; I should propound First, That in stead of putting Malefactors to their Clergy, they may learn to save their lives by swimming.  
And secondly, That these Public Schoolmasters may be Engaged to see all their Scholars learn to swim, and that all others, Parents or Guardians, be obliged to teach their Children elsewhere to read, writ, and swim, or to send them to these Free-Schooles to be taught: The benefit of Writing and Reading, though it be not sufficiently considered by all Parents, and many poor people have not accommodate opportunity, and competency of means to get their Children taught, yet generally it is understood to be a pretty portion for Children that have nothing else to trust to, to read and write in some pretty perfection, and therefore do what they can to get their Children educated accordingly, but Free-Schooles are so rare throughout this Land, and Writing-Masters so weak in their Frofession, as most Children and Youths by this means come short of that perfection which otherwise they might ataine to; And besides, whereas if the Children of the poorer sort be of any bigness as to become serviceable to their Parents, they cannot well be spared all day long, which the Parents are forced not withstanding to dispense with, and children to spend between going so fare to School, and returning, together with the eight hours which are usually spent in the School, the whole day; when as the Master of Usher cannot attend or teach every individual Scholar one whole hour in a day; Now if but one, two, or three hours a day were set them, I mean to each particular Scholar, and so some apppointed to come at one hour, and some at another, and the Master or Usher to apply themselves to each Scholar in particular when he comes, the School being supposed to be near, the Scholar might quickly be at home again to con his lesson, or practice by himself, until he be weary, I mean so long daily as shall be requisite, and bring him to a competent perfection, as to Reading and Writing, and have the remainder of the day to serve his poor Parent in, which will become as a Recreation to himself: But as to this feat of swimming, that all youths should be trained up to it, I know it is a new Proposal or Novelty, however when well weighed, I doubt not but it will be well approved of; and being so easily attained, and of such use, as that few men who have been good swimmers, and made often Voyages either by Sea or Land, but first or last have not only saved their own lives, and other men, perhaps more than once, but even the Ship with all her Seamen, Passengers and goods, which many times are lost by the mariners deserting her through faintheartedness, because they are not expert in swimming, and hastily betaking themselves into the boat to get ashore, whereas if they tarried aboard so long as the Ship could be kept above Water, they might possibly save the Ship and goods by pumping, and themselves at last by swimming, when there were no other remedy. Which how true it is, is manifest by the often meeting Ships at Sea forsaken of their men upon springing of a Leak, that within a few days, perhaps hours, must have sunk for want of pumping, had they not been so met withal and saved. And besides, upon occasion of each approaching danger, expert Swimmers are less perplexed, which may justly be interpreted a fare greater deliverance, than even from death itself by drowning.  
That Physicians and Chirurgeons be appointed in every County throughout the Nation, particularly to every proportionable division of this great City of London, at the Public charge, who may be obliged once a day to visit and administer according to their respective Professions, to whomsoever in that Division shall desire it, without any other fee or consideration, but what the State allows them.  
And lastly, that Hospitals be erected, and endowed, in every County and proportionable Division, to which it may be free for all poor people to repair for taking Physic, as well to prevent sickness before it comes, as when it hath seized on them, at the sole charge and attendance of the Hospital.  
And now if any body of a Judas-like spirit or disposition shall object, that I herein express myself a very unprofitable servant unto the Commonwealth, in tendering to Them such chargeable Propositions.  
I answer, that since the greatest part of this, or of any other Nation, are contented to be subject, poor, and labour all day long, that others may more securely Command, be which in the abundance of the Creature, and live at ease; That such, the Powers or Great Ones of a Nation, even in discretion to themselves, can do no less, than contrive and cast about, how such Subjects, servants, and labourers of theirs, who after a sense may be said to be their very strength and riches in the abstract, be so provided for in all respects, especially of sickness, which makes them so helpless in themselves, and against which their small pittance of portion in this world cannot possibly make provision, as that they may the better be enabled, not only to continue strong in their subjection, serving and labouring for the Powers and Great Ones, but that they may live under, and go through it cheerfully, and be prevented as to all thoughts and contrivances of change and Innovation: And yet because if all this were to be compassed without charge unto the State, the Nation might likelier enjoy the benefit thereof the sooner; I may not longer forbear to assert, and be engaged upon my life too, to make it out, if I were called thereto; That there is no one of these Proposals, nor all of them together, but may be made demonstrable unto any ordinary capacity, and by this Commonwealth be established and put in execution within a very very few years, without greater (and perhaps with lesse) charge than they are at, at present, and free from all manner of danger and inconvenience whatsoever; And being once effected, not only prevent so many of the Nation in their Importunities for a new Representative; but both dispose them to be willing, and put You into a capacity of resigning freely that Authority wherewith You have been so long invested, with Safety and Honour to yourselves, and those that have adhered to You. All which is humbly submitted to Your Honour's deep Wisdoms to be considered on before it be too late.   

Errata.  
PAge 9 line 35. add after is, no. p. 13. l. 22. r. then. p. 14. l. 32. r. in, p. 18. l. 5. r. emergent. p. 21. l. 28. r. embeselling.