THE PRESERVATION Of the KING'S MAJESTIE'S Royal Person, Crown and Dignity, The Preparing of the Fishing Trade, Maintenance of the Poor, preserving of Peace and Safety of the Kingdoms.  
By W. O. Gent.  
AD ARDUA PER ASPERAT ENDO  
London, Printed by R. D. and are to be sold by Francis Eglesfield at the Marigold in S. Paul's Churchyard, 1664.   

To the KING'S most Excellent MAJESTY. That your Majesty would be pleased to consider the Book hereunto annexed, which your Petitioner humbly presented to your Majesty, and also of this Petition which your Petitioner humbly presents to your Majesty's most gracious consideration.  
Humbly showing,  
THat the Charge of your Majesty's Subjects in the maintenance of the Poor, by Assessments, in the several Parishes of your Majesty's Kingdom of England and Dominion of Wales, is conceived to amount unto above Six Hundred Thousand Pounds per an. besides all Free gifts, Alms houses, and other Benevolencies given towards their maintenance; which sum being levied at one entire Sessement, together with their other Free gifts & Revenues, and many other gifts which would be given, if your Majesty's Subjects were sure the Poor should be set on work and provided for with it, and the Trade of Fishing already graciously propounded by your Majesty, and other things in your Petitioners Book were enacted and put in execution, would undoubtedly set all the Poor on work, and in a small time wholly ease your Majesty's Subjects of their Taxes, in maintaining them in idleness, and the profit of their work will amount to more than their Taxes, by which means the Fishing Trade will be more advanced, your Majesty's Seamen and shipping have more necessaries and employment, your Majesty's Seas more guarded and strengthened, your Merchants would have more Trade and encouragement, your Majesty's Customs and Revenues much more increased, all your Subjects more benefited, besides a sufficient maintenance for the Poor in all Counties.  
All which might be fully accomplished if this work of the Poor were effectually put in execution.  
That your Majesty would be graciously pleased to consider the neglect and oppression of the Poor, and how many of other Nations lives here and eats the bread out of your Poor Subjects mouths, and how strict they are over all Strangers under their Government, not suffering them to work as Masters but as Slaves who under them live.  
That your Majesty would be pleased to pardon your poor Petitioner in presuming to present these rude Lines unto your Majesty.  
And your Petitioner (as in duty bound) shall ever pray for your Majesty's long life, happy and prosperous Reign in this world, and life everlasting in the world to come.   

To the KING'S most Excellent MAJESTY; Humbly desiring Your most Gracious Majesty to take these Propositions into your Princely consideration.  
The Preservation of Your Majestie's Royal Person Crown and Dignity; The Preparing of the Fishing Trade Maintenance of the Poor; Preserving of Peace and Safety o● the Kingdoms.  
THat Your Majesty would be pleased, that an Act ma● be prepared, to Incorporate all Hundreds in Englan● and Wales as a body Corporate, only for the preparing of Work-houses in every Hundred for the setting of the Poor on work; and Work-houses in every Parish for all Poor people and Idle persons to be set on work in every Parish and such Work houses in every Parish and Hundred to be erected and built in such convenient places on every Lords waste▪ or other places, as two Justices of the Peace, one to be of the Quorum, together with the assistance of the Masters and Wardens of every Workhouse in every Hundred, and of the High Constables, Constables, Churchwardens, and ●…eadboroughs, in every Parish, in every Hundred, or the ma●…r part of them shall think fit and convenient.  
That all Parish stocks, and other gifts, and levies, and other ●…fts for the maintenance of the Poor, may be laid out and im●…oied in buying of Hemp, Flax, Timber to be hewed for boards, ●nd Vessels and old Ropes for making of Occom for Ships, Wheels, and other necessaries for Spinning of Yarn, for Nets, ●nd Cloth for Sails, Cords, Ropes fit for Cables, and other ●mall Ropes, and other Tackle for ships, and boards and Hoops ●or Vessels, and other Commodities for Fishing, and for Merchant's; and that every week or month (as occasion shall require) the same to be conveyed to the grand Work houses in ●very hundred, there to be made into small Ropes fit for Ca●…les, and other Ropes, Nets, Sails, Board's for Vessels, and o●her Tackle for ships, Busses for Fishing; with power for the bodies Corporate in every Hundred to see the Workhouse ●nd Poor in every Parish to be set on work, and provided for with necessaries.  
That the Timber fitted for Busses, Small Ropes, Yarn for Nets, Cloth for Sails, and other Cloth for your Majesty's service, for Soldiers, Poor people, and other necessaries, except ●he Cloth for the Poor, be sent to London, and other Seaport Towns into the Work-houses prepared for your Majesty's service, for the making and fitting of Busses, Ropes, Sails, Cables, Nets, and other Tackle for Ships, and there to be made fit to be sold and delivered for the use of your Majesty, and the Merchants at such rates and prices, as shall be thought fitting, (to buy them) and the money or Commodities to be returned to every grand Workhouse from whence they come; And that true and speedy return may be made to every Workhouse in every Hundred, from whence they shall be sent, and to be paid to the Poor of every Parish and Workhouse.  
That in every grand Workhouse in every Hundred there be provided necessary Lodgings for all such persons as shall be found idle & a begging; and for such persons as shall be there sent: and that no single person be suffered to live out of service without ability to maintain themselves, or their parents or friends maintain them.  
That if any person so sent to such Work-houses depart without Licence, such persons to be apprehended, and there to remain and work for one whole year without Bail or Mainprise, or to be immediately transported to your Majesty's Garrisons and Plantations beyond the Seas: and that if any person whatsoever knowingly shall harbour such persons, or give relief to such persons, such persons so harbouring or relieving, to pay 40 s for every night so harbouring, or giving relief to such persons, to the Treasurer of every Workhouse within the Hundred, where such offence is committed for the use of the Poor.  
That there be all manner of Tradesmen provided in the grand Workhouse in every Hundred and Corporation, as shall be thought meet, as Hewers of Timber for Busses, Rope-makers, Smiths, Knitters of Nets, Weavers of Cloth for Sails, and other cloth and Commodities, and other Trades, as well for Ships and Busses for Fishing, as for other things.  
That no Commodities or Merchandises whatsoever concerning any handecraft Trade which can be made in England; (except Silk and Linen Cloth) be brought over under penalty of Felony, and forfeiture of Ship and Goods, and all prohibited goods, which are to be transported, be also under the same penalty; and that no Foreigner or Alien be suffered to work as Master upon any pretence in any Trade whatsoever out of the grand Work-houses in every Hundred, under penalty of one whole years working in every grand Workhouse in every Hundred, or Corporation where they so work.  
That all young Children, whose parents and friends are not able to maintain them without relief, be brought up in every Parish in the Workhouse, and taught to read English; and after they attain the age of 8, or 9 years be bound to Trades in every grand Workhouse in every hundred, where they shall be born, and there to serve in the several grand Work-houses, as they are Capable for: and when they attain to age, to be capable to bear Arms, may be disciplined therein; and after they attain to be capable (may be sent) some to be brought up & sent into Busses for Fishing, others into your Majesty's Ships, others into Merchant men, as occasion shall require; and others to continue in their several Trades in the several grand Work-houses in every hundred, as shall be thought meet; so that there be constantly able workmen in every grand Workhouse, & them to have such maintenance as shall be thought meet, until they are capable to work and live of themselves.  
That care may be taken to set reasonable prices upon all manner of Works for the Hewing of Timber for Busses, making of Nets, Cords, Ropes, Cables, Sails, Guns, Muskets, and other Arms, Board's for Vessels, and Vessels fit for Fishing, and other Commodities so made both for Fishing, and the use of your Majesty's service, and of the Merchants: and that every Workhouse in every Parish, and Workhouse in every Hundred, be every week duly paid, for their work for the better maintenance of the Poor, and their encouragement in working, out of the grand Stock of the Parishes and hundreds, and out of such their work and other assessments in the said Parishes.  
That all moneys already raised, or hereafter shall be raised for the setting forth and preparing for the trade of Fishing, be paid into the several Treasurers to be appointed over every Workhouse and Storehouse in every Port Town, there to be employed for the making of Busses for Fishing, Cables, Ropes, Nets, Vessels, Board's hewed for battles and other Vessels and Commodities, and Tackle for Ships, belonging to your Majesty, and the Trade of Fishing, and Merchants, or others which shall buy them.  
That the Constables, Headborough, and Overseers of every Parish and Tithings, take care to send twice every week, or oftener to every Nobleman, Gentleman, and Farmer's house for their broken meat, and other their benevolence, towards the better maintenance of the poor people so set on work, and which are sick, and not able to do any manner of work.  
That if there be any poor people abuse each other in words or otherwise, so that it cause a disturbance, that such persons be apprehended, and the Fact tried by witnesses before two Justices of the Peace, and the Masters and Wardens appointed over every Work house in every Hundred where every such offence is committed, and that what punishment they decree or order the same to be put in execution.  
That an Act be made and passed, that after a time no English Merchant, or others, may bring over or buy any Cables, Nets, Sails, Cords, or other Tackle for Ships, or other Commodities made in the several Work-houses, except for their necessaries in their Voyages, but out of your Majesty's warehouses, and that your Majesty's Officers afford them to the Merchants and other Tradesmen at some convenient cheaper rate than they can bring them over from beyond the Seas into England.  
That if there be any want of Hemp and Flax, and not sufficient brought over for the supply of the work of the Poor, and other Tradesmen, that then every Farmer which holdeth any Farm of the Rent of 20 l. per. an. and so for every bigger or lesser Farm, according to the rate, be enjoined to sow two acres of Hemp and Flax every year; to the end there be no want of Hemp and Flax: this to be performed upon some penalty, or otherwise, according to the old Statutes and Laws to sow Hemp and Flax.  
That all Seaport Towns, and other Towns and Parishes within forty miles distant from them, be compelled to set forth Busses and other Vessels (according to the Abilities of them) for Fishing; and that for the better accomplishing of it, that your Majesty be pleased to give order that the Survey of your Majesty's Seas taken in the Reign of King Richard the Second, and other Surveys of your Majesty's Seas, be looked into.  
That no idle person, or Alms people or beggars be suffered to be idle, or go out of his, her, or their Parish or abode, without a sufficient Certificate from the Minister, Constable, or Churchwardens, for their good behaviour; nor be suffered to beg in the streets, or Parish, or at any man's house; and that no Pedlar, Tinker, or other persons, be suffered to wander or travel out of their Parish, except such as be sent unto, without licence from two Justices of the peace, and the Masters and Wardens of every grand Workhouse in every Hundred, upon pain of 3. months working in every grand Workhouse in the Hundred where they shall be so taken; and that every grand Workhouse have their Se●l belonging to their Corporation, that so it may be known to be the Seal of such a grand Workhouse.  
That care be taken that there be sufficient Fish brought into England for the supply of your Majesty's Subjects before any be transported beyond the Seas; and that your Majesty's Storehouse for your Majesty's Navy be always furnished for your Majesty's service, and that Lent and all Fish-days, and Fasting-days be duly kept, and that if any Cook or Victualling house presume to dress any Flesh on either of the said days except for sick persons by the Doctors and Apothecaries approbations, or for sick persons which cannot subsist without, be for every such offence sent to the grand Workhouse, there to work one whole week for such their offence, by which means all Fishermen will be encouraged to Fish; your Majesty's Seas will be always strengthened; and your Kingdoms kept in safety; and Corn will be sowed more than it is.  
That all poor Travellers and Soldiers that are to travel into their own Countries, may be relieved at the grand Work-houses in every Hundred, or Work-houses in every Parish, to the end that their necessities may be relieved, and the avoidance of pilphering: and that if any offer to beg, or go ou● of their way, then to be set on work in the grand Workhouse in every Hundred for some convenient time, and then to have correction, and be sent from Parish to Parish to the place o● their birth or last inhabitant, and there be set on work; and if any person refuse to yield obedience, than such persons to be transported.  
That Alehouse-keepers, and all other house keepers in every Parish or Corporation that shall have any Lodger, or other persons that shall lodge in his or her house, be enjoined to give from time to time the names and places from whence they came, of all his and her Lodgers, and other persons that shall lie● or inhabit in their houses, to the Constable or other Officers in every Parish, and such persons be enjoined to give an account how, and which ways he, she, or they live; or in default thereof such house keepers to forfeit the sum of _____ to the poor, for every such default; & if such Lodger refuse to give an account of his life & Conversation, than such Lodger to be sent to the grand Workhouse, there to remain at work till he, she, or they find sufficient sureties for his or her behaviour; and that every Constable, Churchwarden Tithing-men, and other Officers, be enjoined under some penalty to see all things performed within his Parish, and the High Constable in every Hundred under another penalty, to see the petty Constables and other Officers perform their Duties.  
That it would please your Majesty, according to the ancient Laws of this Kingdom to put down all Gaming Ordinaries, and that all bonds and other securities whatsoever for any money lost at play be void; & that if any man under & which have not the yearly value of 100 l per ann. play for above 5 s at one time, that such persons forfeit to the use of the poor treble the value of such sum as he so plays for.  
That there be reasonable Salaries for the said Treasurers and other officers of trust for their better care in their several offices.  
That care be taken also that a true and exact account be quarterly or oftener given to the Lord Treasurer of England, or such other Commissioner as your Majesty shall from time to time appoint, to be presented to your Majesty of all the work and stock of every Parish, and every workhouse in every Corporation and Hundred, and of every stock in every of your Majesty's storehouses.  
That care also be taken that the justices of Peace in every Division in any County, or such other Commissioners as Your Majesty shall appoint, do take care to see the poor people so set to work be provided for, and to see the Masters and Wardens perform their duty, to the end the poor be not overpressed and abused: So that there be not any Deceit or Falcify in any of the Masters and Wardens of every Hundred and Corporation, and of every officer within every Parish; and that a true account be given by the several persons afore named upon a good penalty by Fine and imprisonment as shall be thought meet.  
That it please your Majesty to consider the Cry of the poor in the streets, which comes through Idleness and for want of work, and neglect and want of Maintenance for them and their poor children; by all which means aforesaid being prepared, there is neither blind nor lame, nor aged nor idle person, but may be put on work and employed, and your Majesty's subjects provided for, and your Majesty's Navies and Armies furnished both with provisions for themselves and with faithful subjects, soldiers and seamen.  
That it will be more ease for your Majesty's subjects to maintain the poor at work then to maintain them in idleness, and the avoidance of the poor attending at Assizes and Sessions, for there are more poor people undone thereby, then peace preserved. And by work it is more for the glory of God, the honour and safety of your Majesty's royal person and Kingdoms, for it is observed that through gaming and idleness comes nothing but swearing, imbesling estates, blaspheming, destruction of young Gentlemen, Apprentices and others, and all manner of Rebellion, Robbery, Murder,, luxuriousness, poverty both to people and kingdoms, and all manner of vices and sins let in thereby.  
To prevent all pilphering, sheep stealing, robbing of Hen-roosts, and breaking up of houses, and such like fellows.  
That an Act be made that in every Parish there be kept one or more Bloodhounds that will draw dryfoot at the charge of the Parish.  
It is also observed, in reading of some ancient Authors, as The Dial of Princes, and other Books, where there were grave Sages that caused Laws to avoid Idleness, and that caused all people to be set on work, that the Emperors and other States and Kingdoms were able to defend themselves, and the Kings and People blest: but when Idleness crept in, and work laid aside, all manner of sins sprang amongst them, and Rebellion followed, and what comes of Rebellion and Idleness I humbly submit  
Your Majesty's most Faithful and Obedient poor Subject, WILLIAM OKEHAM  
FINIS.