A DISCOURSE Consisting of MOTIVES FOR The Enlargement and Freedom OF TRADE. Especially That of CLOTH, and other Woollen MANUFACTURES, Engrossed at present Contrary to the Law of Nature, Contrary to the Law of Nations, Contrary to and the Laws of this Kingdom. By a Company of private men who style themselves Merchant-Adventurers. The First Part. Imprimatur, NA. BRENT. April. 11. 1645 LONDON, Printed by Richard Bishop for Stephen Bowtell, and are to be sold at his shop at the sign of the Bible in Popes-Head Alley. 1645. To the Right Honourable the LORDS and COMMONS in PARLIAMENT assembled. Right Honourable, THE scope and substance of this following Discourse, is to demonstrate by clear and unanswerable Arguments, the Illegality of the Incorporation of those who solely ascribe unto themselves the names of Merchant's Adventurers, though they Trade but unto two Towns only, and those hard by: and to show further how their Patent trencheth upon the native Rights of the freeborn subject: which Patent hath been often complained of and clamord against from time to time, as an universal greevance to Town and Country, tending to the diminution of Trade, and of all sorts of Manufactures at home, and to the dis-repute of the Policy of this Nation abroad, the said Patent being accounted no less amongst all people, than a Monopoly, a word odious all the world over. This Incorporation hath been like an Ulcer upon the Body politic of this Kingdom a long time, which hath been often rubbed and lanced, yet it closed again and gathered more corruption then formerly, and now requires a greater cure than ever. Therefore in all humbleness it is prayed, that this Honourable Court and highest Council of the Kingdom, who have already done so many glorious things for the public Liberty, Rights and Immunities of the free borne Subject, would be pleased to peruse the ensuing Discourse, and poise the weight of the Reasons, Arguments, and proofs therein produced, which are derived from true fountains, and so to do therein what in their high wisdom and justice they shall think expedient for the redress of such a Nationall grievance. A DISCOURSE Consisting of MOTIVES FOR The Enlargement and Freedom of Trade, Especially That of CLOTH, and other Woollen Manufactures, Engrossed at present Contrary to the Law of Nature, the Law of Nations, and the Laws of this Kingdom. By a Company of private men who style themselves Merchant-Adventurers. THe Terrestrial Globe in cut out into Islands and Continents, both which are created to be a Mansion for men; and although they be severed by the work of Nature, yet they may be said to be joined together by Commerce, which is that great link of humane Society, that golden chain which unites all Nations; And though the Earth and Sea be of themselves, as differing Elements as any of the rest, yet the Divine providence by a special foresight hath so indented as it were, and embosomd them one in the other, that they make but one perfect Globe, to render them thereby more apt for the mutual Commerce and Negotiation of Mankind. Of all parts of the Earth, Islands (which by the violence of the Sea are torn off from the rest of the world) stand most in need of Commerce, as well for the increase of shipping, whereon their security and strength doth principally depend, as for divers other advantages conducing to wealth, to the expense of the superfluities of their own native Commodities, and the importation of foreign, to intelligence, and prevention of dangers, and lastly to the improvement of civility and knowledge. And this our Island (for aught any one knoweth) might have remained to this day in her first simplicity and rudeness, had she not refined and civilised herself by Commerce with those of the next Continent, and they of the next Continent, had they not crossed the Alps to Italy; and the Italians themselves, had they not had practice with the Levantines, and other Eagle-eyed Nations who dwell nearer the Sun rising. Amongst the Islands of the old world, Great Britain hath been cried up for the biggest, and best replenished with those Commodities that are most material and useful for the life of man, whereof she hath not only a competency for herself, but enough to spare her neighbours, which by way of surplusage she useth to disperse to most countries', whereby she beats a general Trade, and makes rich returns with her own home-growne goods: which Trade may be termed the prime sinew, and chiefest support both of her strength and riches. Now there is nothing so advantageous and commendable in a Trade, as Community and Freedom; for in this particular (as in most things else) the topique Axiom holdeth, Bonum quò communius, cò meliùs; the more common and diffusive a good thing is, the better it is. The most substantial and staple Commodity that our Country affords for the maintenance of Trade is Cloth, with divers Manufactures besides arising from Wool, which makes other Nations call Wool, England's Golden Fleece: and (questionless) the principal reason why in time of Parliament our judges (who are the Oracles of the Law) do sit in the House of Peers upon Wooll-Sacks, was to put them in mind of preserving and advancing the Trade and Manufacture of Wool: Therefore to bar any freeborn subject from the exercise of his Invention and Industry, to convert this universal native Commodity to his best advantage at home, or abroad, is to deprive him of part of his birthright, and of that which God and Nature ordained for his subsistence; and not only so, but it is to set a mark of strangeness, or rather, of a kind of slavery upon him in his own Country. Hence it may well be inferrd, that for one Company, or Incorporation to arrogate to itself, and to engross the managing, expense, and vending of this necessary inmated Commodity, is an injury to public right, and no less than a mere Monopoly: And it is held an undoubted principle of State, that there is nothing more pernicious and destructive to any Kingdom or Commonwealth, than Monopolies, which like Incubuses do suck the very vital spirits, and drive into one vein that mass of blood which should cherish the whole body: Nor doth this word Monopoly (according to its true Etymology) refer only to one individual person, but also to any one Town, where many men are incorporated or aggregated into one body, who have hooked to themselves the sole exercise and emolument of such and such a trade, whereby they only enrich themselves, and admit no others to enter into their Society without some exaction. The fellowship and Charter of them that term themselves Merchant-Adventurers (under favour) is a Monopoly of this kind, and is repugnant both 1. To the Law of Nature, 2. To the Law of Nations, 3. To the positive Law of the Land. First, it is repugnant to the Law of Nature, in regard that Wool, and the draping and merchandizing thereof, being the Cape Commodity wherewith Nature, the handmaid of God Almighty, hath furnished this Island, and wherein she hath given every freeborn Inhabitant equal interest, as matter for his industry to work upon; Surely she never intended that a thin handful of men, a small contemptible number in comparison of the whole (being but a few trading members, though their Company consists of a greater number) should appropriate to themselves the disposing and venting of the two thirds of this general grand Commodity, as by diligent computation the Merchant-Adventurers are observed to do. Secondly, it is against the Law of Nations, in regard that no Monarchy or Kingdom, whether elective or successive, nor any other Commonwealth or State throughout Europe hath the like example. What a hubbub would there be in France, if the vent of Wines were passed over to some peculiar men to furnish England withal? or in Spain, or Naples, were the fruits and oils of the one, and the silks of the other (being their prime Commodities) engrossed by a few hands? But admit there were some extraordinary restraints in trading to remote Countries, and that there were joint stocks, it maketh nothing to justify the Company of Merchant-Adventurers. We know our East-India Company * Which yet hath been lately questiened in Parliament as a Monopoly, & their Charter there disclaimed by themselves at illegal. here, and in Holland, have limitations, and have a Bank of their own, because the Purses of private men cannot extend to set forth Ships for making of such long, adventurous, costly, voyages. But the Trade which is beaten by our Merchant-Adventurers to Hamburgh and Rotterdam, is of another nature, for it is hard by home, and as it were at our doors, and may be performed by Ships of any seize, the transfretation being short; so that thought they seem to arrogate solely to themselves the names of Merchant-Adventurers, there are none that deserve it less, their hazard being so small, and their voyage so short. Thirdly, this Incorporation is repugnant to the positive Laws of this Land, as manifestly appears by Magna Charta, Petition of Right, Statutes of Monopolies, and several others; but for brevity sake let it suffice to insert here that famous Statute which was enacted by one of our wisest Kings, Henry the seventh, which continueth yet in full force unrepealed, and runs thus. Lo the discreet Commons in this present Parliament assembled, 〈◊〉. H. 7.1.6. showeth unto your discreet wisdoms the Merchant-Adventurers inhabiting and divelling in divers parts of this Realm of England out of the City of London, that where they have their passage, resort, course and recourse with their goods, wares, and merchandise, in divers coasts and parts beyond the Sea, aswell into Spain, Portugal, Britain, Ireland, Normandy, France, Civil, Venice, Dansk, Eastland, Freezland, and other divers and many places, regions, and countries, being in league and amity with the Kingour Sovereign Lord, there to buy and sell, and make their Exchanges, with their said goods, wares, and merchandizes, according to the Law and Eustome used in every of the said Regions and places; and there every person freely to use himself to his most advantage, without exaction, fine, imposition, or contribution, to be had or taken of them, or of any of them, to, for, or by any English person, or persons. And in semblable wise they before this time have had, used, and of right owen to have, and use their free passage, resort, and recourse into the coasts of Flanders, Holland, Zealand, Brabant, and other places thereto nigh adjoining under the obeisance of the Arch Duke of Burgoyn: In which places the universal Marts be commonly kept and holden four times in the year, to the which Marts all English men, and divers other Nations in time past have used to resort, there to sell and utter the commodities of their Countries, and freely to buy again such things as seemed them most necessary and expedient for their pofit, and weal of their Countries, and parts that they be come fro, till now of late, that by the Fellowship of the Mercers and other Merchants and Adventurers dwelling and being free within the City of London, by confederacy made among themselves, of their uncharitable and inordinate covetousness, for their singular profit and lucre, contrary to every English man's Liberty, and to the Liberty of the said Mart there, which is, that every person of what Nation that he be of, should have their free liberty there to buy and sell, and make the commutations with the Wares, Goods, and Merchandizes at their pleasure, have contrary to all Law, Reason, Charity, Right, and Conscience, amongst themselves, to the prejudice of all English men, made an Ordinance and Constitution, that is to say, That no English man resorting to the said Mart, shall neither buy nor sell any goods, wares, or merchandizes there, except he first compound and make fine with the said Fellowship, Merchants of London, and their said Confederates, at their pleasure, upon pain of forfeiture to the said Fellowship, Merchants of London, and to their Confederates, of such merchandizes, goods, or wares, so by him bought, or said there: which Fine, Imposition, and Exation, at the beginning when it was first taken, was demanded by colour of Fraternity of Thomas Becket Bishop of Canterbury, at which time the said Fine was but the value of an old Noble sterling, and so by colour of such feigned holiness, it hath been suffered to be taken for a few years passed, and afterwards it was increased to an hundred shillings Flemish, and now it is so, that the said Fellowship and Merchants of London take of every English man, or young Merchant, being there at his first coming, forty pound sterling for a fine, to suffer him to buy and sell his own proper Goods, wares, and Merchandizes that he hath there: By occasion whereof, all Merchants, not being of the said Fellowship and Confederacy, withdraw themselves from the said Marts, whereby the woollen Cloth of the Realm, which is one of the greatest Commodities of the same, by making whereof the King's true Subjects be put in occupation, and the poor people have most their living, and also other divers Commodities of divers and several parts of this same Realm is not sold ne uttered as it was in times past, but for lack of utterance of the same in divers parts, where such Clothes be made, they be conveyed to London, where they be sold fare under the price that they be worth, and that they cost to the makers of the same, and at sometime they be lent to long days, and the money thereof at divers times never paid; And over that, the Commodities and Merchandizes of those parts, which the said Fellowship, Merchants of London, and others their Confederates bring into this Land, is so said to your said Complainants and other the Kings true Subjects, at so dear and high exceeding pr●…e, that the buyer of the same cannot live thereupon, by reason whereof, all the Cities, Towns, and Burroughs of this Realm in effect be fallen into great poverty, ruin, and decay, and as now in manner they without hope of comfort, or relief, and the King's Customs and Subsidies, and the Navy of the Land greatly decreased and minished, and daily they be like more to decay, if out reformation be not had in this behalf. Be it therefore enacted by the King our Sovereign Lord, by the advice and assent of the Lords spiritual and temporal, and the Commons in this present Parliament assembled, and by authority of the fame, that every English man, being the King's true Leigeman, from henceforth have free passage, resort, course and recourse into the said coasts of Flanders, Holland, Zealand, Brabant, and other places thereto nigh adjoining, under the obeisance of the said Archduke, to the Marts there her easter to he holden, with his or their Merchandizes, Goods, and wares, there to buy and sell, and make their exchange freely at his or their pleasure, without exaction, fine, imposition, extortion, or contribution to be had, levied, taken, or perceived of them, or of any of them, to, for, or by any English person or persons to his or their own use. or to the use of the said Fraternity of Fellowship, or of any other like, except only of ten Mark sterling. And that no person English, as is afore rehearsed, hereafter take to his own use, or to the use of the said Fraternity or Fellowship thereof, any other English person of what estate, degree, or condition that he be of, so always that he be the King our Sovereign Lords true Leigeman, any fine, exaction, imposition, or contribution for his liberty or freedom to buy and sell Goods, wares, or Merchandizes in or at any of the said Marts, more or above the said sum of ten Mark sterling only, upon pain of forfeiture to our Sovereign Lord for every time that he doth the contrary of this Act 20. l. and also to forfeit to the parties so grieved in this behalf ten times so much as he contrary to this present Act, taketh of him: And that the parties so aggrieved shall have in this behalf an Action of debt for the said forfeiture of ten times, in any of the King's Courts within this Realm by writ, Bill, Plaint, or Information, and such process to be made in the same, as is or aught to be made in or upon an Action of debt at the Common Law, and the trial thereof to be had in such Shire, City, or Place, where the said Action is commenced or sued; and that the Defendant in any Action be not admitted to wage his Law, nor none Essoine or Protection be for such Defendant admitted or allowed in that behalf. This Act of Parliament is in full force and validity to this day; for there is none can deny, that the virtue of an Act of Parliament is such, that no Power can repeal or abrogate it, but the same Legislative Power that made it. now that a private Charter procured by gratuities, favour, and other clandestine ways (as shall be proved) should have power to suspend and stop the execution of an Act of Parliament, we believe no judge in the Land will affirm, especially considering that this Charter doth authorise a few men to exercise both at home and abroad an extrajudicial sway both over the consciences, the bodies, and estates of his Majesty's liege people, by oaths, imprisonments, amercements, and taxes. Touching the Oath they use to impose, it runs thus, being couched in this odd form. YOu swear by Almighty God, to be good and true to our Sovereign Lord the King that now is, and to his Heirs, and Successors, Kings of this Realm. You shall be obedient and assistant to Mr Governour or his Deputy, and Assistants of Merchant-Adventurers in the parts of Holland, Zealand, Brabant, Flanders, and within the Towns and Marches of Calais, as also in East Freezland, or any other Country or place on this or that side the seas, where the said Company are or shall be privileged. All States and Ordinances not repealed, which have been made, or shall he made by the said Governor, or his Deputy and Fellowship you shall to your best knowledge truly bold, and keep no singular regard to yourself in hurt or prejudice of the Common wealth of the said Fellowship, or else being condemned, and or dearly demanded, shall truly from time to time content and pay unto the Treasurer for the time being, all and every such mulcts and penalties which have and shall be limited and set for the transgressors and offenders of the same. The secrets and privities of the aforesaid Fellowship you shall heal, and not bewray: and if you shall know any person or persons that intent any hurt, harm, or prejudice to our Sovereign Lord the King, or unto his Lands, or to the Fellowship aforesaid, or the privileges of the same, you shall give knowledge thereof, and do it to be known to the said Governor or his Deputy. And you shall not colour or free any Foreigners goods, which are not free of this Fellowship of Merchant-Adventurers of England. So help you God. By the words of this extravagant Oath, one may see what high, illegal and transcendent power they assume to themselves to make Statutes, which is proper and peculiar only to Parliaments: Moreover, they style themselves a Commonwealth, in so much that though they cannot be termed Regnum in Regno, they may be well termed Dominium in Dominio. Besides this Oath there is another called the purging Oath, whereby one is bound to confess whether he hath offended in such and such particulars, and to accuse himself, which is point blank against Law, being a thing abhorring to nature; and for which, kind of Oath some of our Courts were lately put down by this present Parliament; and touching their Impositions and Fines, they lay them ad libitum, which they convert afterwards to their own benefit, whereas the King de jure partakes of all Fines: but they passed an Order, by which (to use their own words) they were pleased to allow him the one moiety; The true copy of which Order shall be inserted here with others, by which one may guess at the rest. At a Court holden March 4. 1603. THe Brethren of this Company assembled together, do bold it very requisite, for the better carriage of their Trade, that suit should be made unto the King's Majesty, by the means of my Lord Chancellor to be perferred, that in the confirmation of the Companies Charters of Privileges, this also might be added and inserted, that the Company, in their Courts as well in England as beyond the Seas to be holden, may impose reasonable fines and penalties upon such Subjects of this Realm, not free of this Company, that shall ship Woollen Commodities into the countries' and Places where they are privileged, thereby to cause such intruding subjects to desist from that trade, which properly appertains to the Company of Adventurers. In consideration whereof, and in hope of the more favour in some other suits they mean to move hereafter, they are pleased that the King's Majesty may have and receive the one moiety of all such fines and penalties as shall be imposed upon such intruders; and further they agreed to yield to his Majesty, in respect aforesaid, an anwall Rent of 50. l. or 100 Marks per annum. As before by the recited Act, so likewise by this order it appears that Merchants would not submit nor come into their Company (as they had just cause so to do) therefore suit must be made to suppress them, but the illegal power which the Company used, begat a Petition for free Trade in Parliament against the Company, in Anno 1606, which was judged in that Supreme Court so just and right, that there passed a Bill for a general liberty of trade, with great applause of the House, scarce forty dissenting from it. But the Company finding that the said Bill would have dissolved their Patent, they made a cross presumptuous Order, which for that they have dared to do, they may be truly termed Adventurous Merchants. At a Court holden April 5. 1606. THe Bill of general liberty of Trade was now read, and this Court hath consented that learned Council shall be entertained, and the enormities of the Bill laid open, with a manifestation of the necessity of a government in Trade. It is also further agreed, that all reasonable charges expended about the crossing of that Bill shall be defrayed by the Treasurer here. The transcript of this oath and orders were truly extracted out of their own Register, and is concordant with the original. Touching the first, which is a kind of oath of allegiance unto them, and hath touched the consciences of some, it is worth the observing how they mention a power they have to make Statutes, and it is proper for them so to do, if they be a Commonwealth, as they term themselves in the same Oath. And for the orders by these and the following, one may find upon what a tottering foundation their Charter stands, and by what indirect means they support it, being borne by strength of Purse and Court Donatives, which in true English are but complemental bribes, which dare not appear among their public accounts, as is obvious by the following order. At a Court holden Decemb. 23. 1622. ACcording to the Order of the general Court, this day they took into consideration the business of the Account required by the Commissioners, which this Court conceiving to be a matter that may concern divert occasions presented with gratuities: It is not thought meet to give any such account as may any way touch the said great Personages, but rather to a void the account by some good courses, to which end it is agreed that Master Governor and Master Deputy, or one of them, do take some such course as they shall think convenient. At a Court holden Novemb. 16. 1623. THe Court had consideration according to the season of the year, of their yearly presents to such Honourable Personages as they have received favours from; and first forasmuch as they have been extraordinarily bound to the favours of the Lord Treasurer, the remembrance is now to be enlarged at Newyeares' tide, and that they shall present his Lordship with 200. pieces of 22. s. in gold, and a piece of Plate, as an acknowledgement of his Lordship's special favours. Moreover, to the Lord Duke of Buckingham. To the Archbishop of Canterbury. To the Lord Treasurer. To the Lord Keeper. To the Lord Precedent. To Mr. Secretary Calvert. To Mr. controller, etc. Having made it apparent by the premises how this fraternity of Engrossers is repugnant to all Laws both of Nature, of Nations, and of those of this Kingdom, as not being able to produce any municipal right thereunto; it remains now to prove further, that this selfe-enriching society derogates from the repute and honours of the English Nation abroad, for they are esteemed (as indeed they are) no other than a Monopoly, which being odious every where makes them lose both love and respect as well in Germany as the Netherlands, for though they enjoy some immunities where they come for their diet and lodging, it is not for any love unto them, but for the increase of Customs and other advantages they bring along with them to that particular place. And it is observed, that they settled themselves no where yet, but there hath been jarring betwixt them and the Town at last, which hath made them remove their Tents so oft, and shift from place to place: besides there is commonly ill blood bred, and matter of contestation and envy betwixt that Town where they seat themselves, and other circumjacent Towns, as happened of late years betwixt Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Out of the precedent discourse and the circumstances thereof, this Inference doth necessarily follow, That the Company of those who style themselves Merchants Adventurers (in statu quo nunc) take them in the condition they are now in, is not only against the hereditary privileges, but also a pressure and a grievance of a high nature to the freeborn Subjects of this Realm of England. But in regard it is a common laying, that one tale is good till the other be told, let us examine and answer the arguments they produce for their own vindication and defence. The Arguments which the Merchant's Adventurers allege for their justification, may be all reduced to these three heads. First, they cry up the Antiquity of their Company. Secondly, the Ability of it. Thirdly, the Necessity of it. 1. Touching the Antiquity thereof, they affirm their Charter to have been granted them above 250. years past. 2. Touching their Ability, they allege that they are of sufficient wealth to take up and buy all the White Clothes yearly made in this Realm for ready money; therefore there is no need to have a greater number added to them. 3. Touching the necessity of their Company, they declare how by means of the same, and by their discreet government, the commodities issuing from Wool have been highly advanced, alleging that Clothes in the time of King H 7. being worth but 3. l. are now sold for twice as much. Moreover they say, that if liberty should be granted every man to trade as he presseth, the unskilfulness of the traders meeting with the subtlety of the people with whom they are to deal, great loss would ensue thereby to the Subjects of this Kingdom, besides the confusion that would inevitably follow. To the first of these concerning their Antiquity it is answered, that As it is a rule in Divinity, that Prescription cannot privilege an error, no more can it do in civil government. It is true, when Edw. 3. by his extraordinary wisdom had procured Cloth to be made so plentifully within this Realm, he incited and stirred up his subjects to the venting of those Clothes by transportation of them to foreign parts, whereby he granted them many favours: and Henry the fourth erected them to a Company that went by the name of a Brotherhood of Tho: Becket, Bp. of Cant. yet with this proviso, that any man paying the Haunce of an old Noble might freely consort and trade with them. But in the reign of Henry the seventh the said Company out of self-love and desire of lucre sought to appropriate the said privileges so granted to all solely unto themselves, and attempted to exclude their Neighbours and Countrymen from the benefit of that trade, contrary to the freedom and orders of all Mart Towns, which being complained of in Parliament, that famous Statute before inserted was made by that wise Legislator Henry the seventh; whence if one look backward, he will find that they cannot plead above 100 year's antiquity. The Staplers were far more ancient, yet we know to what a reformation they submitted themselves; besides, in the carriage of all mundane affairs, the quality of the times, and the face of things do alter ever and anon. Those Immunities which were granted in the Infancy of trade, to incite people to the increase and improvement of it, are not so proper for these times, when the Trade is come to that height of perfection, and that the mystery of it is so well known: and it is daily found by experience, that what was good and profitable to a State, by the alteration of times becomes prejudicial; as for instance, it was lawful for the Company of staplers to transport Wools, but when we attained to the knowledge of making Cloth, it was not good, and therefore prohibited. Touching the second allegation, that their ability can extend to buy and vend all the Clothes that are made yearly. For the first part of this Argument that concerns their ability, it is too well known by what extrajudicial, and monopolising ways they have thus enabled themselves to swallow up the market; for it hath been by a constant engrossing of the Trade so many years, to the impoverishing and prejudice of their fellow Subjects, and to the feathering only of their own nests. The strength of a Kingdom consists in the riches of many Subjects, not of a few, in so much that were this Trade enlarged, it would tend to the multiplying of able and wealthy Merchants, it would disperse it to a greater latitude, and further ennobling the Trade, and prevent the increase of poor men and beggars up and down the Land: for it is one of the main reasons why there are fewer beggars seen in Commonwealths then in Kingdoms, because of community and freedom of trading, by which means the wealth of the Land is more equally distributed amongst the Natives. But suppose they be able to buy all the Clothes, is it not against common reason, and the Subjects birthright, that therefore they should be permitted so to do and others debarred. Concerning the necessity of this Incorporation, it is enforced by a twofold reason. First, they pretend that the sale of our Manufactures is more advanced, and the esteem and price thereof borne up by their guidance and government, which is now double from what it was. For answer, it is true that the rates of our woollen Commodities, as of all other sorts of Merchandise, are much raised from what they were, but this is an act of time, as in all other Countries where Trade is free, in so long a tract of time, the prizes of all things change, especially since the discovery of the West-Indian Mines, which have so exceedingly increased the plenty of money through all parts of Europe. There be divers other reasons why the rates are raised, as the alteration of value in Coins and exchanges. Secondly the raising of Rents. Thirdly the endearment of victuals, which rise still with the increase of people. And lastly the chief reason is, because there hath been such vent for our Cloth abroad, and that is the main cause why our Cloth and other woollen Commodities are so much risen; but grant the Company bear up the prices of commodities abroad, may they not by the same power and policy keep up the prices of foreign commodities at home, by which means the Kingdom suffers both ways? Secondly they say, that if Trade were free, all would suddenly fall to decay, both Merchant and Clothier would be beaten out of trade by the Dutch; for if our Merchants who transport Cloth were not ordered by the Company, they would send such abundance into all parts, as they would not be able to gain thereby: and so the Merchant would be discouraged to send any more, or if he do send he will be sure to give the Clothier every time less for his Cloth, so that the Clothier nor Merchant will be able to live by it; and by this overclogging of the market, our Cloth will be brought into disesteem and not so regarded, as it is now by this Government. This Objection at first sight carrieth a specious show, but if it be cast into the balance of truth, it will bear no weight at all, it is rather a conceit then an Argument, for they cannot prove it by any act of experience, only they imagine such a thing. It is confessed that regularity and government is commendable in all things, otherwise disorders and a promiscuous kind of confusion will follow. The French and Spanish Companies sang the same note before Tertio jacobi when they were dissolved. There be general Laws to regulate trade, and to preserve it from confusion; we desire still a government, but not a Monopoly, that so few should engross the whole mass and bulk of the prime trade of England to two Towns only. Trade (though the comparison be homely) is like Dung, which being close kept in a heap or two stinks, but being spread abroad, it doth fertilise the earth and make it fructify; nor need we any foreign hands to spread it, we have enough of our own were they permitted. Touching the overglutting of the market, it might well fall out, that if free Traders were confined to two Towns only, they would peradventure surcharge them, but having the choice of so many Ports, and such a variety of places, there is no such fear of a glut. As touching the esteem and rates of our Cloth, which they pretend would be prejudiced, let them know, that it is not the high price but plenty that propagates Trade; and for the high rates of our Cloth, we may impute that not so much to their Government, as the policy of the themselves, who to make Dutch Cloth more vendible, hoist up the price of ours, and that our Cloth and other woollen Commodities are endeared by the Company here, shall be proved afterwards. There are two main things that conduce to make a trade flourish, plenty of Merchandise and multitude of Merchants. Now it can be proved that in the year 1633, before that strict Proclamation for restraint came out, there were near upon 600 Traders in those commodities: and in the year 1639 not above 180; and in Holland before that Proclamation when they made most, they made not above two thousand Clothes yearly, but since they have made some years twenty thousand, and they fell also to the making of Perpetuanoes, which they had never done before; so that trade is insensibly stolen away form us, our workmen by hundreds doing over to set up their manufactures in other Countries, because they were discouraged to exercise their ingenuity at home, and have freedom to make away to their best advantage any new-fashioned stuff, by reason of the said Proclamation of restraint, whereat there was much discontentment abroad, as well as at home, for Amsterdam and other Towns did stomach extremely, that his Majesty of Great Britain should exclude them, and that Rotterdam should be only privileged to be Mistress of the Trade. But they seem to object further, that such a general freedom of trade might give liberty to become Merchants without an apprenticeship, which is an injury to them that have served, and may hurt them who have not served, who adventuring unskilfully shall be sure of loss. It is answered, that the loss of the new Merchant may be conceived to be more the hopes then the fears of this Company. They that have served have the advantage of knowledge and skill for their time and moneys. And touching capacity and skill it might be urged, that by the same reason young Gentlemen should be kept from their sands for want of experience to manure them. But touching apprentices, it is not the least abuse amongst them, that taking such a considerable sum, as two or three hundred pounds with some, it makes the masters less careful to expect duty from them, and it makes the Apprentice more presumptuous, and take greater liberty. And on the other side we hope it will appear, that were there a freedom of trade permitted and published for Holland, Zealand, Flanders, Brabant, East Freezland, West Freezland, Hamburgh, and the territories of the same, and into all Germany, it would not only be a great benefit to this Kingdom in general, but also an extraordinary encouragement to all active and industrious spirits, to seek more Ports, and make quicker returns, and wind the penny sooner; whereas the affections of many are now dampt, because they must be subject to the Company in a servile kind of obedience, and are illegally sworn to obey all their unjust and unorderly Orders, whereof we shall here insert a few. First, let us take notice of the Taxes and Impositions, which the Merchant's Adventurers do lay or leavy upon all Woollen commodities which they transport, viz. All Loner white Clothes pay per Cloth— 4 s. 6. d. Short white Clothes per Cloth— 3. 0. Loner coloured clothes Saffron, Kentish and Redding per Cloth— 2. 0. Clothes died & dressed forth of Whites per colour 2. 0. Plunkets— 2. 3. Clothes died and dressed of Spanish making.— 2. 0. Kerseys count— 0. 6. Elbroad Perpetuanoes per piece— 0. 6. Yardbroad Perpetuanoes'-— 0. 4. 0b Double Bays— 0. 9 Single Bays— 0. 4. 0b Devons dozen single— 0. 4. 0b Northern dozen double— 0. 9 Northern dozen single— 0. 4. 0b Short Worsted hose for men pay per dozen— 0. 4. 0b Long Worsted hose— 0. 6. Woollen hose for men— 0. 5. Woollen hose for children— 0. 1. 0b Short Kersey stockings— 0. 1. 0b Long Kersey stockings— 0. 6. Meniking bays and Friz●does per piece— 0. 1. 0b Buffins narrow, Moccadoes, and Norwich Grograns per piece— 0. 1. 0b Buffins broad Philip and Cheaney— 0. 2. q. Carols of Norwich making— 0. 1. 0b Buffins double— 0. 4. 0b Cottons the hundred goads— 0. 9 Double Durances and Cameleons— 0. 5. Single of the same cont: 14 yards.— 0. 2. 0b Flannel the hundred yards— 0. 7. 0b Freezes— 0. 9 Venetian Fustians— 0. 3. Parogans of Norwich mixed and plain— 0. 4. 0b Pyramids and Floramides— 0. 2. q Porops Damosolos, broad Damas'— 0. 6. Middles Says broad— 0. 9 Narrow— 0. 4. 0b Narrow Linsey Woolsey dressed the hundred yards— 0. 5. Cloth Rash's broad per piece— 0. 9 Narrow— 0. 4 ob Now it must be confessed that these taxes do endear the goods, and therefore the Company cannot afford as cheap as other Merchants might do. Secondly, their order for stinting or limiting their members to transport but a certain quantity of Cloth, runs thus. At a Court holden Octob. 11. 1606. Letters from the Brethren of Middleburgh of the fourth of October 1606. were now made public, they give knowledge that they have agreed to the augmentation of the general stint, and of the yearly and monthly number of Clothes to be shipped out upon the free licence, referring us to the specification of every man's proportion of stint sent with their letters, and now read; which proportion of stint all the trading Brethren are enjoined not to exceed within the compass of any one year, upon the penalty of 40. s. per Cloth. And to prevent abuse, they ordain every Brother that shall ship any woollen commodity, shall be yearly purged upon his oath, the form whereof was now sent and read also: and in case any should refuse or neglect to take the said Oath by the last day of August every year, then be to pay 20. pound sterling, and to have no benefit of the free Licence till he hath taken the said Oath. Much might be said of this stinting Order, but we shall say but little for brevity sake: how prejudicial it is for any man to be stinted that would trade more freely if he were permitted, is best known to the members of that Company, and what an injury it is to the Clothiers, their Petitions depending in this Parliament can sufficiently witness. Thirdly, their order for shipping in no other ships than the Companies Ships, the substance of which Order is as followeth, viz. 27. April 1605. restraint of shipping but only in two ships, upon pain of forfeiture of 40. s. per Cloth. Orders of stint revived, and no news to be sent over of any more Cloth to be sent till hereafter, and men should forbear wholly shipping for a time. 27. Aprilis 1605. Richard Fox Clothworker, condemned to pay 40. s. a Cloth for mis-shipping. At a Court holden the 11. of September 1605. divers masters of ships made suit for taking in of goods, and were refused, and if any of the Company would lad as could, were restrained by order. This order tends to the destruction of the Navigation of this Kingdom, and the undoing of seafaring men, and this is the language of the Parliament in his late Majesty's reign, and the general complaint of the Mariners now; moreover, to ship in the Companies ships will cost almost double freight, which is no small matter. Fourthly, their order for shipping but thrice a year is to this effect. At a Court holden the 9 of February 1604. not shipping out of Cloth to Middleburgh but three times in a year, February, May, September. This order is of a threefold prejudice, in general to the Kingdom, in particular to the Merchant, and especially to the Clothier, who cannot sell but when the Merchant will buy, and the Merchant will not buy but when he may transport, and if he may not transport when he pleaseth, the cloth must lie unsold either upon the Clothier or Merchant's hands, which loss of time endeareth the commodities. It is to be feared this Company might for their private lucre also make an Act, that the members of their Company should be stinted in the price they should give for cloth, as well as the quantity they must buy or transport, and indeed they are come very near to it, as manifestly appears by this following Order. At a Court holden April. 19 1634. MAster Whithers did exhibit two several Papers to this Court to be considered of, concerning what abatements should be made for all defects of Cloth, whether in weight, length, or breadth, as also some points for the ordering of tar, which he desired might be commended to the Courts of Hamburgh and Delft, that they might consider thereon, and further advise of any other course, and it was accordingly ordered; but the Court of Hamburgh is to be desired to make no Act in this business, till they have acquainted this Court with their opinion therein. As for that Mr Withers desired might be considered here, to wit, that no brother should buy any white cloth that is made in Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, and the Eastern limits of Somersetshire, without abatements for all faults in which they shall be found defective: It was now by general advice and approbation ordered and enacted, that every brother of the Company who doth buy cloth contrary to that effect, shall forfeit 20. s. upon every cloth so bought, toties quoties without favour or pardon; and to the end that every brother may be acquainted with the contents of the said Draught now published, and whereupon this Order is made, it is thought fit that the said Draught be printed, and one given to each brother; but this is to be done after the Lords of his Majesty's privy Council shall have by their Order given countenance to this Act, to which end they Lordships are to be petitioned, and Mr Deputy accompanied with some of the Committees for trade, is appointed to present the same: After these things the Court did take into consideration the pains which Mr Withers hath taken in their business the last year, and have gratified him with 500 Marks, his time being to end with his account the 25 of March, he did now thankfully accept thereof. It is worth the observing when this Order was made, even about that time when they had by their often gifts at New years tide, and other left handed means, got their Authority to be proclaimed for restraining all Merchants, not free of their Company, from transporting any woollen Commodities, or to pay 100 l. and come in to the Company; then they make this Order to curb the poor clothier to abate for defects as much as they please; and though that Order was not to be enacted by them before the Lords of his Majesty's privy Council had given countenance thereunto, yet notwithstanding at a Court holden the 21 of May 1634, the said Order was confirmed without consent of the Lords. Thus we see how illegally the Company proceeds in their own Courts, against their own Orders, and molested the Clothiers by many suits in Law, and not only them, but also others, and were at vast expenses to get their own ends. At a Court holden March. 4. 1634. THe Committees that were appointed to deal with Mr Withers touching his entertainment, now brought back that business to this Court, for that they found his account of charges to be such, as they conceived it meet the Court should be made acquainted therewith before any resolution were taken touching his allowance of the same; for they find in one year, viz. since our Lady day last, being now almost one whole year, a matter of 270. l. laid out upon ordinary charges, and about 150. l. laid out in charges of Law suits, whereof some 100 Marks in a Star-chamber suit against Sir Edward Bainton, whereupon the Court had consideration, and conceiving that the Company might be brought into some disrepute by suits against clothiers, or taking the benefit of forfeitures of penal Statutes, but especially might perhaps be brought into some danger for maintaining that suit in the Starchamber, it was for present ordered, that the allowance of Mr. Withers said account should for a while be held in suspense until the Company were well satisfied what to resolve therein. In the mean while because Mr Withers is forthwith to go into the Country, it was ordered that Mr Treasurer should impressed unto Mr Withers 200. l. upon account of his ordinary charges, until further audit of his account, and Mr Deputy and Mr Peter Jones are desired to counsel in the Companies behalf with Mr Attorney General, what is safe and fitting for the Company to do in bearing or forbearing the meddling with the charge of Lawsuits, upon return of whose opinion the Court will resolve herein as they shall find cause. Here we see the cunning dealing of this Company, that when they had done their worst in Law, and perceived they could not prevail, than they seem to be very cautious to meddle with the account of charges. At a Court holden the 29. of August 1635. THis Court did proceed to consider of the gratification of Mr. Withers for his last year, and for payment of his bills of charges in the same, as also for his entertainment for the year to come, in which they desired to include his further charges whatsoever, and he not to account as hitherto he hath done; and having found that his bill of charges for the last year came to 420. l. whereof 150. l. was for Lawsuits in the Star-chamber, and other Courts of justice, it was agreed and consented unto, that the 270 l. for ordinary charges should be paid, but for the other 150. l. they would defer the payment thereof until the cause between him and Sr Edward Baynton were ended; and if then Mr Withers were loser thereby, than he should have recourse to this Court, who would then further consider thereof. Note the precedent order, the 150 l. expended in Law and Star-chamber suits, Mr Withers must not have until the Company doth see which way the scale will turn, and if Sir Edward Bainton be cast, than the Company will own the cause, if not, they will seem to disclaim it, and find out some back door or private way to pay or gratify Mr Withers. Fiftly and lastly, the Company toeth their Members to trade to two Towns only, viz. Hamburgh and Rotterdam. First, it is well known that to go to Rotterdam is but the entrance of Holland and other parts, and although the Merchant may transport his commodities as fare again and deeper into the Country for the same freight, yet he may not; nevertheless before the commodities do come to the Retailers' hands it must be transported from Rotterdam, and then it costs more freight and other charges than is paid from London to Rotterdam: thus unnecessarily they charge our commodities. Secondly, it is prejudicial in the highest nature to the sale of our commodities, for the petty Shopkeepers and Retailers will not come so fare to buy our Commodities. It is too chargeable, costly, and sometimes dangerous travelling, and will not quit cost to travel so fare to buy small quantities. Now this inconvenience is fallen upon it, that the great traders or buyers of our Cloth, which the Dutch call Grossiers, (and it is a proper name for them, because they are engrossers of our Commodities) do come and buy great quantities together, and when these men are come to Amsterdam and other remote places, than they furnish all those smaller Shopkeepers and other Chapmen with our commodities, and these men get a competent gain thereby; which if trade were free, our Merchants might gain so much the more, or afford our Cloth so much the cheaper unto the Retailer, and by cheap selling we should the sooner beat the Dutch from making. But there is a greater harm in it then this; for the chief makers of Cloth in Holland and those parts thereabouts be those great buyers or Grossiers, who aim at engrossing our cloth for two reasons; first, because they get good gain upon our commodities in selling them, as aforesaid, to smaller tradesmen; but secondly and principally, to advance the sale of their own home-made cloth before our English, which is easily done having the sale of both in their own hands, none can hinder them; and seeing it is so, that the Dutch do make great quantity of cloth and other woollen commodities, there is a far greater necessity of a free trade and selling cheap then heretofore, when the Hollanders made none, or but few; for than it was easy to make them give what price we pleased for cloth; but now we must not only endeavour to sell our commodities, but should chief aim to sell so cheap, as might cause the Dutch to desist from making of cloth The greatest bane which ever the commerce of this Kingdom received, was, that the Hollanders and others fell to the making of cloth, and other woollen manufactures; and if the Fleming should come to set up woollen Looms as the Hollander doth, to what a low ebb our trade of cloth would sink unto, it is an easy thing to be a Prophet. Therefore there is no one thing that requires the policy of England more, then to draw the one, and prevent the other from making of cloth and other woollen commodities in that abundance. Now there is no way under Heaven to do it but by devising ways to sell our Manufactures at cheaper rates, and disperse them more up and down the Country, which cannot be otherwise effected then by a free Trade, and multitude of Merchants, and by fitting all places and remote parts with such kind of Manufactures as are most proper for them: These reasons no doubt will give good satisfaction to indifferent men, who (under favour) cannot deny but this Company of Merchant-Adventurers is as prejudicial to this Kingdom as ever the French or Spanish Companies were, and to prove they were so, it will be requisite here to insert an Act of Parliament in tertio Jacobi, by which they were dissolved; the Act runs thus. Whereas divers Merchants have of late obtained from the Kings most excellent Majesty under the Great Seal of England, a large Charter of Incorporation for them and their Company to trade into the Dominious of Spain and Portugal, and are also most earnest suitors to obtain the like from his said Majesty for France, whereby none but themselves and such as they shall think fit, as being mere Merchants, shall take the benefit of the said Charter, disabling thereby all others his Majesty's loving Subjects of this Realm of England and Wales, who during in divers respects greatly charged for the defence of their Prince and Country, and therefore ought indifferently to enjoy all the benetits of this most happy peace, and also debarring them from that free enlargement of common Traffic into those Dominions, which others his Majesty's Subjects of his Realms of Scotland and Ireland do enjoy, to the manifest impoverishing of all owners of Ships, Masters, Mariners, fishermans, Clothiers, Tuckers, Spinsters, and many thousands of all sorts of Handicrafts men, besides the decrease of his Majesty's Customs, Subsidies, and other impositions, and the ruin & decay of Navigation, together with the abatement of the prices of our wools, Cloth, Corn, and such like commodities arising and growing within this his said Majesty's Realm of England, and the enhancing of all French and Spanish commodities, by reason of the insufficiency of the Merchants, they being few in number, and not of ability to keep the great number of our Ships and Seafaring men a work, and to vent the great store of commodities which this his Majesty's Dominion of England, doth yield. And by means that all Owners and Mariners with divers others (if these Incorporations should continue) shall be cut off from their ordinary means of maintenance and preserving their estates. And finally, by reason that all French and Spanish commodities shall be in a few men's hands: In respect whereof, as for many other manifold inconveniences growing thereby, much hurt and prejudice must needs redound to all his Majesty's loving Subjects of this his Highness' Realm of England, if reformation for the prevention of so great an evil be not had in due time: For remedy whereof, be it enacted by the Kings most Excellent Majesty, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons in this present Parliament assembled, and by the Authority of the same, That it shall and may be lawful to and for all his Majesty's Subjects of this his Highness' Realm of England and Wales, from henceforth at all times to have free liberty to trade into and from the Dominious of Spain, Portugal, and France, in such fort, and in as free manner as was at any time accustomed since the beginning of this his Highness' most happy Reign in this his Realm of England, and at any time before the said Charter of Incorporation was granted, paying to the Kings most Excellent Majesty, his Heirs, and Successors, all such customs, and other duties, as by the Laws and Statutes of this Realm ought to be paid and done for the same. The said Charter of Incorporation, or any other Charter, Grant, Act, or any thing else heretofore made, or done, or hereafter to be done to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding. Provided always, that this Act or any thing therein contained shall not be of force to enable, or give liberty to any person or persons to go over Seas without licence, who by the Laws and Statutes of this Realm, or by any Statute hereafter to be made, shall be restrained from going beyond the Seas without licence, any thing to the contrary notwithstanding. Were there nothing more said than what this Act of Parliament relates, it is sufficient to convince any rational man of the unsufferable wrong the Kingdom receives by such illegal Incorporations: several Parliaments have found and adjudged them so, and particularly this Company of Merchant-Adventurers, against which there passed also two Votes in full Parliament a little before his late Majesty's death, extracted out of the Parliament Records as followeth. Die Veneris 30. Aprilis, 22 jacobi. UPon a Report this day made to the Commons House of Parliament from the general Committee for Trade, concerning the impressed money set by the Company of Merchant-Adventurers of London upon Cloth, and after long debate thereof in the House, It is resolved and declared by the said House of Commons, that the opinion of the House is, that such setting of the said impressed money upon Cloth is unlawful, unjust, and a grievance to the people, and is to be taken off, and no longer to be continued by them: And upon further Report from the said Committee, and like debate in the said House, It is further declared, that the House thinks fit, that as well the Merchant Adventurers, as all other Merchants promiscuously, may transport to all places all Northern and Western Dozen, Kerseys, and new Manufactures. H. Elsing Cler. Dom. Com. Die Lunae 10. Maii. 22. jacobi. UPon a Report this day made to the House of Commons from the grand Committee for Trade, concerning the freedom of exportation of died, and dressed, and all coloured Clothes into the parts of Germany and the Low Countries, by other Merchants besides the Merchant-Adventurers, and after long debate thereof in the House, It is resolved and declared by the said House of Commons, that the opinion thereof is, that other Merchants besides the Merchant-Adventurers, may freely trade with died, and dressed, and all forts of coloured Clothes into Germany and the Low Countries. H. Elsing Cler. Dom. Com. But to this they seem to object the Ordinance of this present Parliament for the continuance of their Company: This, under correction, cannot hold plea, for the said Ordinance passed with this proviso and clause of reservation by the wisdom of both Houses, That all rights confirmed by Act of Parliament, or ancient Charters, should be thereby saved; so that it is rightly conceived that that Ordinance is not binding nor of a restraining nature. Therefore it is most humbly desired, that the aforesaid Patent of the Company of Merchant-Adventurers may not be binding to others not free of their Company, in regard it is Illegal, Unuseful, Prejudicial, Abusive. It is illegal, because it is repugnant to express Acts of Parliaments. It is against the natural right and privilege of free born Subjects, as appears by Magna Charta, and Petition of right. It is a mere Monopoly both in the intention and the execution, for by paying money the Subject enjoys his right, and denying payment he is debarred of it. it is a grievance of the highest nature, in regard it gives an extrajudicial power to imprison the Subject without bail or mainprize, to take away his goods, to contrive and impose oaths, to lay and levy taxes without limitations, and convert them to private profit to the prejudice of others, which is the truest badge of a Monopoly. It is grounded upon Prerogative, not warranted by Common Law, or Act of Parliament, but directly opposite to all. The pretence of it is the same that all monopolising Patents have, viz. Regularity and Conformity, but indeed to usurp a right, and liberty, and to restore it again for money. The Patent is obtained by some particular men, without the knowledge or consent of others; and it is a rule that no man is bound to observe that Law, which himself consents not to be made against him. It is Unuseful, because that this Trade, and every other profession in England, is subject to regularity, either by laudable customs confirmed by Acts of Parliaments, or by Statute Laws; and it is strange that a Projector should see a better way for regularity of trade, than ever was thought on by Act of any Parliament. That other Merchants have no such need of regularity, only they are subject in general to the Laws and Customs of the Land, yet they flourish and prosper; and in Flanders, Brabant, Artois, Henegow, and other Provinces under the King of Spain, there hath been no government by the Company for about fourscore years together, yet the trade of our Manufactures thrive fare better there, then in Holland, or Germany where regulation in trade hath been, and our Nation is fare more beloved and respected. That those moneys which are levied, are not any ways employed for the benefit of King or Kingdom, or for bettering the Trade, but serve only for bribes to perserve the ill-begotten Patent, and punish such as endeavour to enjoy their natural right against the said Patent, which ends with this odd clause, That every thing in it shall be taken, construed, and adjudged most strongly against us (that is the King) our Heirs, and Successors, and most benignly, favourably, and beneficially for the said Governor, Assistants, and Fellowship of Merchant-Adventurers. The Patent is prejudicial and abusive, for that they have done and do this Kingdom the greatest detriment that ever befell it in point of trade, by instigating the Dutch to make a virtue of necessity, by making them fall to the draping of Cloth and other woollen Manufactures, out of the hatred they conceive to their Monopoly. It is too well known what clashings and contestations have happened from time to time between them. To instance in one amongst others, about the year 1634 there was such a contention betwixt them and the Dutch about Tare, that the Company kept their warehouses shut up about seven or eight months, which made the Dutch, in mere despite, to set up his looms and to fall a draping, and so continueth. But were it not for the restraint they make, and the power they arrogate to themselves of appointing the place where, the proportion what, the manner how, the time when our woollen Manufactures should be transported, the Gentleman would have more Clothiers for his wools, the Clothier would have more Merchants for his cloth, and the Merchant would have more chapmen for his ware. And although the Company receive some Immunities from the Town where they seat themselves, yet are they prejudicial to the Kingdom in general, for in lieu thereof those Dutch in London and other places, who term themselves members of the Intercourse, receive the like Immunities here. And observable it is, that though the Company have such privileges both at home and abroad, whereby they engross the trade of the Kingdom in such a high measure, yet are they liable to pay no greater taxes than others that have neither Charter nor privilege. If they will have all the trade, it is reason they should pay all the taxes; but they are fare from paying more than ordinary taxes, although the taxes which the Company receives from their members are extraordinary; for as it is extracted out of their own books, that from the year 1616 to 1641 they received in taxes 182295. l. and odd moneys, besides what they received beyond the seas. The Company of Merchant-Adventurers do keep up their Patent for one of these three reasons, Either for the general good of this Kingdom, Either for the benefit of merchants in general, Either for the profit of their particular members. To the first, if it were good for this Kingdom in general, it is almost impossible but this Company would have been established by Law, the conveniences and inconveniences thereof having been so oft debated in Parliaments, as is clearly proved for above 150 years past; but on the contrary, it never was complained of, but it still was condemned by the wisdom of the Kingdom, and freedom declared for all Merchants to trade. To the second, if it were for the benefit of Merchants in general, then for a certain those Merchants of old time, and the succeeding ages, and the Merchants of these times would not have opposed and complained of them (as it appears they have) but they would have soon discerned the benefit, which would have been sufficient inducement for Merchants to have joined with the Company, and needed not to have been forced or beaten into that which is for their own profit, nor need the Company constrain Merchants to grow rich against their will, especially by indirect means. To the third, if it be for the profit of their particular members (as it cannot be otherwise conceived) than no doubt, but the Company will speed as informer Parliaments, which God grant. For were there a freedom of Trade, it would be the only means to cause the Dutch to desist form making of Cloth; and there is nothing that conduceth more to the enlargement of selling any commodity than cheapness, for the Dutchman always goeth to the cheapest, though from a Christian to a Iew. All the premises impartially considered, it is humbly conceived, that it will stand with the policy of this Kingdom to disannul, and cancel the Patent of those that ascribe unto themselves the sole name of Merchants-Adventurers, in regard it is already proved illegal, unuseful, prejudicial, and abusive. To conclude, this is not a new Complaint, but an old grievance, having been petitioned against above 150. years ago, and complained of since from time to time, and in this present Parliament there are Petitions depending against the Company, as a Nationall grievance, of Merchants of London, the Clothiers of Worcester, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Kent, Colchester, Norwich, etc. Whereupon it pleased the Honourable House of Commons to appoint a Committee to consider of the Patent of the said Merchants Adventurers, who being permitted to bring in their learned Counsel, yet they could not prove the legality thereof. Thus without any aim of particular interest, but for the general welfare of the Kingdom, with sincere hearts, and out of the deepest sense of sorrow and grief of mind, having long observed their miscarriages, we are emboldened to present this general grievance, as being thereunto bound by a twofold tye of duty. First, as freeborn Subjects of this Kingdom our birthright and hereditary Privileges are nearly concerned, and therefore we ought in conscience to endeavour to preserve them for our posterity, as they have been transmitted to us. Secondly, for that by the Protestation and Covenant lately taken by us at command of this Parliament, we are again engaged so to do: And truly those two vows (if remembered) will cause every truehearted man at least to pray for that which he is bound to defend and maintain with the utmost hazard of his life and fortunes. FINIS.