A NEW-YEAR'S RESULT, In favour of the POOR; As also in the behalf of all Tradesmen, Necessitous Persons, and such others, as desire the increase of Traffic; who mind the Exterpation of Intolerable Usury, and the anihilating of the pernicious costoms of Forfeitures.  
Together with that which may be justly expected from all men of Estates on the like Case, who cannot be ignorant that such as endeavour not to promote the Public good, are no better than Brutes with Hoofs and Horns.  
All which is discussed by way of Conference between Mean-well and Experience.  
BY Sr. Balthasar Gerbier, Knight.  
LONDON, Printed by T. M. 1652.   

A New-Years Result, In favour of the POOR and other Necessitous Persons, etc.  
By way of Conference, between Mean-well and Experience.  Mean-well, 
WHen our Saviour told his Disciples, That they should always have the poor amongst them, they were likewise recommended to be provided for; and therefore the administering unto them of a timely, and a possible relief, is no less than a duty, That such persons who have tongues should not only speak comfortable words unto them; but also that such as have wealth, should be assisting of them; and finally, that such as have experience should not only think upon expedients in behalf of the Poor, reflecting on the saying, Foeneratur Domino qui miseretur pauperis: but also endeavour to bring such results to a head, as may be effectual, and beneficial unto them; when as alas! the poverty of many is so excessive, as that it works the same effects on them, which some diseases do on persons, who at last cannot so much as tell what they are sick off? nor, can they call for a Physician: and as this excess of want doth at last strike up into their brains, so it works on their senses, making them rave and exclaim; yea, sometimes accuse every thing they see, taste, feel and the like; nay, they even misconstrue every word which is spoken unto them by their best friends.  
Now when as distractions happen in a Country, and amidst a Nation; the Poor and such like necessitous persons are usually the first who suffer by the same; And therefore all well meaning persons, are so much the more bound to apply themselves, to think upon such favourable expedients, as might be effectual towards the relieving of the poor and needy. To speak for them, to consult with what experience hath laid up in store for them; and finally, to represent unto all those who may be in a capacity to reduce the same, into a result: To the end, that the same being tendered unto Authority as then (according to all probability) it may be crowned with desired effects, when as Authority cannot choose but take it well at the propounders hands, who shall have opened unto them the means whereby they may do good; nor can it be imagined that a good meaning in that kind is like to be mistaken.  
In regard whereof, it seems seasonable at present to call upon experience for to tender its opinion on such things as may be effected on this particular; they being no other save such as are grounded on the unquestionable ordinances of God, and on the maxims of all good men: the former whereof, having been manifested unto all Nations that are acquainted with God's Word, cannot be gainsaid, so likewise cannot those plausible maxims of godly men (who have had a regard unto the Divinc ordinances) be rejected, although they are practised by any Nation whatsoever, or of any profession soever in Religion; for that a good thing which is done, cannot be termed other ways, but what it is, although it be wrought by a bad instrument: And therefore it is the part of experience, freely to tender whatsoever is and hath been practised by others to a good end.  Experience. 
Since every thing doth naturally affect its increase and preservation; That the most ravenous Vultures and fiercest Tigers, have a love and charitable sense towards those of their own kind: How much the more ought men, of what birth, condition, or profession soever to have a charitable sense for each other; and therefore no distinction in the Tenants of Religion can be a bar for good examples, which are not prohibited, neither by the laws of God nor man; although they might happily be grounded on the practice of any who should differ in a profession of Religion. And therefore, it cannot be impertinent to mention such, as are in use even among the Papists our Adversaries. Let us therefore but reflect on those courses which they took, when as by the destructive fury of war, several parts of their Territories were laid waste, their Cities burnt to ashes, their Shires, Towns, Market-Towns, Boroughs, and Hamblets, so destroyed and overgrown with Trash; as that all the surface of those parts seemed to be a Wilderness; and that the poor were enforced to betake themselves to Caves and hollow Trees for shelter, there to become fellow inhabitants with Frogs, Toads, and other loathsome reptilesse: Why, even as then? Yea, although they were deeply engaged in war, some zealous men of those times resolved to raise a stock of monies, not for to disburse it at a clap on the poor and necessitous; for that they would soon have made an end of their several alotments; but to employ that stock in such an establishment as might serve to supply the poor for ever: and the which might be even as a Source and Spring, which produceth a continual torrent of water, and the which makes that Mill go, whereby the publics corn is ground, and whereby all such as will bestir themselves may be employed, according to the Dutch saying, viz Help yourself, God will help you.  M. w. 
I, but can it be supposed that this being practised here in England, in a time of war may have the same effects which you seem to hint at?  Exp. 
Why not I pray you? since the same is extant in divers well governed Commonwealths and States, as in Italy, Lorraine, the Land of Liege, Brabant, Flanders, Artois, Heynault, and chief and most completely throughout all the jurisdictions of the States Generals United Provinces.  M. w. 
Those I hope are not Papists?  Ex. 
The latter indeed are not; and yet if any Nation under the Sun be found to practise more charity than the former (although perhaps it be in a way about) then am I as yet far to seek in that quality which is supposed by my Title, viz. Experience.  M. w. 
But if the Papists did rely as much on Faith as the Reformed Professors of the Gospel (according to our English Tenants) do; or that the Reformed professors did so much practice Charity as the Papists do? why as then, both of them would doubtless run either to Paul's here in London, or to Peter's in the Vatican? At Rome were both of those Churches capable to contain them all; but to the point:  Exp. 
Go too then: A Neapolitan Cardinal named Aquaviva, (in English, living water) at such time as those Cardinals (according to the Etymology of the word) made good their profession, which was to be a Deacon; and who in time of persecution had a care to provide for the poor among the children of God: the said Aquaviva, did therefore issue forth his charitable spring at one gush, no less than fifty thousand crowns towards the laying of a fundamental stock, for the relief of the poor, which according unto the value of our English money may be accounted to be fifteen thousand pounds sterling; wherein the said Cardinal was seconded by many other charitable men; and also by a Pope, who took upon himself the title of Pious.  Mean-w. 
Truly this Nation cannot be taxed of backwardness in good examples of charitableness; as for instance, the several spacious Hospitals, Almshouses and such buildings, with the  reveneves which were thereunto appropriated.  Exp. 
But by your leave, I shall explain myself in a larger extent, than the providing for the lame, the sick, or the old decrepit persons may amount unto; For that charity cannot be confined within the walls of Hospitals or Almshouses, nor under the gowns of a small number of old men or women. That which at present is requisite, reflects on a more general good; for as it must extend itself to the relief of the very poorest sort of people, so must it be favourable and beneficial to all necessitous persons whatsoever; as also in the behalf of such as endeavour the increase of Traffic, as well as those who mind the extirpation of intolerable Usury, and the annihilation of the pernicious custom of forfeitures.  M. w. 
It were to be wished, that in the first place, we had such a spring amongst us here, as it might gush forth such a charitable proportion towards a like settlement, for the relief of the poor, as might prove a Loadstone to attract unto it all the Iron hearts of this obdurated Age; that it might be seconded by pious men in effect, and not in name; that so by our professing of the Tenants, which are the most answerablest to the Word of the true and living God, we might by unquestionable charitable actions (though not meritoriously forestalled nor boasted off) make good the Scripture phrase, viz. Let your light so shine before men, that they seeing your good works, may glorify your father which is in Heaven.  Exp. 
As I before told you of the Cardinals and Popes gratis Contribution, to so good and pious a work: In the like manner, the said Princes, States and Magistrates did in their respective Dominions lay the foundations of such like establishments; the which being most apparent and known, we shall not need to exemplify in: Only, we cannot omit to mark how that Albert of Austria Archduke of Brabant, and of the rest of those Provinces, together with the Archdutchesse Isabel his Espouse, did issue forth of their own coffers a stock of ten thousand pounds, towards the relieving of the poor in the abovesaid manner; at whose example also, the Archbishop of Machlen, and the Chancellor of Brabant contributed each of them five thousand pounds thereunto; besides the Legacies of several pious persons in the said Provinces. The like were also practised and settled (as we have already said) in the Land of Liege, in Lorraine; and finally in the United Provinces under the State's General's jurisdictions: unto which stocks of money were thus gratis, bestowed towards the foundation, of a relief for the Poor, and such sums of money were thereunto added, as could be taken up at Use or easy rates. And whereby, in the first place, the poorer sort were relieved. Secondly, other necessitous persons were supplied. Thirdly, New-beginners were settled in their several Trades and Professions. Fourthly, Merchants were succoured in their distresses. Finally, Husbandmen and Seamen, were also included in the benefits and advantages, which do accrue by such an establishment. Moreover, let all the world judge how easy a thing it would be here in England to attain unto so considerable a stock of monies, whereby so good and pious a work may be propagated. For that questionless, those who profess to open the Word of God, unto their brethren, would in the first place, not willingly be out-vied by the Papists Priests, who do closely attend all such as departed this life; and even then admonish them to leave some part of their substance, towards the founding of the said establishment; when as many of them reflecting on their Pope's recommendations in their Bulls, unto their Bishops, to pronounce Blessings on all such as do contribute to so great and general a good; do not make any difficulty at all to dispose of a considerable proportion of their personal estates towards the same; to the end, that although death bereaves them of their personal doing of good amongst men; yet their good works may follow them, even after their departures.  M. w. 
And do you not think that it would be a shame for us, who take upon ourselves to be Christians? Nay, who account ourselves to be the true select Chrildrens of God; more particularly enlightened by his most holy and blessed Spirit, reform according to the purity of his word, to be thus exceeded by the Papists. Nay, is it not a disgrace for us to seem (with a cold and seared up Conscience) to affect to have the poor always amongst us, and to suffer them to be in a starving condition? But it is not your opinion, that the Supreme Authority should be humbly sought unto, to command all such as profess the opening of the Word of God, to make it a part of their Duty, to endeavour to move their auditors, at seasonable times, to resolve on the setting a part of some proportion of their personal estates towards the same?  Exp. 
Why? doubtless this would be a good way to compass the same: so likewise might the Supreme Authority be pleased to order, that those said godly Ministers might admonish all such persons, as attain unto estates, to bestow voluntary gifts towards the said establishment, and to have a Box prepared for the same. Item, That there might be a Collection twice a year throughout all Churches of the Land, to the increasing of such a stock▪ Item, That all such as take Degrees in the Universities, and on whom Offices are bestowed in the same, should contribute towards the said establishment; as well as such on whom Benefices are instated. Moreover, the Supreme Authority might be sought unto, to the end that the Lord Major of London, and the several Major of the respective Towns in England, might impose on all such as receive Offices under them; especially, such as receive the said Offices gratis, (when as formerly they were bought) the bestowing of a gift towards the said Establishment. Item, That the Sheriffs and Aldermen might do the like with all their subaltern Officers. Item That all the several Offices of the Customs, Excises, Impositions, as well as the Postmasters, Clarks of the respective Committees, and the like, might do the same. Item, That the same method might be observed in the four Inns of Court; and that all such as enter themselves in the said Societies, might be obliged to contribute to the Box, for the said establishment. Item, That all Judges, Counsellors, Lawyers, Attorneys, Solicitors, and the like, who are admitted and depend of any Court of Judicature, may do the like at their respective admittances: As also that all parties, who gain their Causes, may contribute to the said Box. Item, That all Officers of the Army, at the receiving of their Commissions, may do the like. Item, That every Merchant's ship, that comes home safe and richly loaden, should likewise contribute to the said establishment. Item, That all Innkeepers, Taverns, Victualing-houses and Ale-house-keepers do the like, at the same time when as they receive their Licences from their respective Justices of Peace; or at their change of habitations, or signs. Item, That all those who cause rich gilt Coaches to be made, should not have them from the Coach-makers, unless they contribute to the said Box. Item, That all those who keep a Kennel of Hounds (on the which they spend only for their sport's sake, more than would maintain many Christian families) should do the like. Item, That such Merchants as keep Country-houses, for their pleasure, and Barks on the River for their recreation, should do the same. Item, That all those who purchase Lands, Houses, (especially Merchants and strangers, under what disguised name soever) should contribute towards the said establishment. Item, That all such Heirs of persons of means deceased, who enter them with pomp and hearses, should contribute to the said Box. All which being (as it's conceived) very reasonable, and possible to be put in practice, by the Authorities approbation: It cannot choose but produce a very considerable stock of money: besides, the particular contributions of all such persons, as are to be employed in the quality of Officers, in the said Establishment, which may be erected in the several Cities, Towns, and Market-Towns of this Land, in the same manner as they are in other parts; and whereby the public may be informed at large, whensoever the Lord shall be pleased to move the hearts of men, to desire that this said public good may take effect; and that they shall petition Authority thereon. Moreover, such Officers as are to attend the said Establishment, will find themselves in a very easy thiving way, and safe condition, drawing on themselves the blessing of the Almighty, and of all good men: When as the poorest and most incapablest of doing any work shall be relieved; So likewise all such as will endeavour any thing, which depends of a Vocation and Calling, may by some means be enabled and improved; Besides, all new-beginners of trades, may be strengthened therein, by the said Establishment: All Merchants relieved in their urgent occasions, when as for the want of such a help, many are constrained to break, although some of them have their Warehouses full of Merchandises. In the like manner, the Husbandmen and Seamen, (as aforesaid) may by the same be provided for in due time; the former, by being enabled to keep their Ploughs a going, and to put off their Grains, Fruits and Cattles, at due seasons, and at the best rates; So also the Seamen, may be enabled to take the opportunity of fair winds, by being assured of full fraughts and quick returns. And as the said Establishment proves to be thus beneficial in all places wheresoever it hath been, and is erected; so likewise doth it prove to be the extirpation of all Jewish practices and intolerable Usury, the Cankers of all Commonwealths; in the same manner doth it abrogate the pernicious custom of Forfeitures of Lands, Houses and Goods.  M. w. 
Why as then, let all godly people contribute to so good and necessary an intent: Let all poor and necessitous people unanimously Petition the Lord of Mercy and of Compassion, to grant unto the Supreme Authority of this Nation, a seasonable convenience to pitch upon the ordering of such an Establishment▪ to the end▪ that the poor, the desolate, the fatherless, and the stranger may bless the Lord, and acknowledge the Parliaments commiseration of them; and that they may not neglect those means which the Almighty hath ordained for their subsistances, nor seem to mistrust Providence by their not applying themselves unto that Authority, which can and will relieve them.  
FINIS.