GOOD WORK FOR A GOOD MAGISTRATE.  
OR, A short Cut to great quiet.  
BY Honest, homely plain English Hints given from Scripture▪ Reason, and Experience, for the regulating of most Cases in this Commonwealth.  
Concerning 

Religion;  
Mercy;  
Justice.    
By H. P.  PROV. 14. 34. 
Righteousness exalteth a Nation; but sin is a Reproach to any People.  
LONDON, Printed by William Dugard Printer to the Council of State. 1651.   

To the Supreme Power, and all true Patriots under them.  
Right Honourable!  
FEaring this little-nothing— Pocket— Pamphlet might come to your view by some other hand, it was thought needful to prevent prejudice, by assuring your Honours, they are the scribble of two friends divided by places, to satisfy each other about some practicable pieces of several kinds, especially looking at 

Religion;  
The Poor;  
Justice;  
Law;  
Navy;  
Merchandise;   Which now are the breeders of many thoughts amongst English men. And truly as he is foolish, that would dare to prescribe to your wisdoms; so is he unfaithful, that would keep a mite from your treasure.  
These are the chatterings of your ignorant and ruder servants, who only beg pardon of all sorts for their wishing thus, even that all the work of the Nation may be carried on faithfully, and with the least charge: facile est inventis addere. Every head here may procure a volume.  
And it is desired, that no man of any profession would despise these small things, or the day of them; but seriously attend them to enlargement and practice: for doubtless, an honest heart and a quick head will soon enliven all these.  
Your Honours know you are the Remainders of much winnowing: You know as your travels have been great and dangerous, so very successful: you know to whom you are indebted: this good we have already under you, that men may be as good as they can, but not so bad as they would. You may be assured the highest Liberty England gape's for is an open day once in a year or two to choos a wellcharactered Representative, who may tread in your steps of faithfulness and truth; which work (they say) you are engaged in, and is near perfecting. It is humbly conceived, Republics sow the seed of their ruin in faction: which wise men say cannot be cured but by frequent elections, and clear and plain dealings betwixt men in place, according to Mat. 18. And than who can say a Government of so many prayers and tears should perish? when after-ages shall read written on your doors, and practised by you and your successors: 
Haec Domus odit, amat, punit, conservat, honorat,  
Nequitiam, pacem, crimina, jura, probos.  
This House hate's sin, love's peace, and vice corrects,  
Maintein's just Laws, and honest men protect's.   
Then which nothing is more heartily wished by  
Your Honours H. P. Junii 7. 1651.   

For my dear friend J. T.  
My good friend!  
You must excuse me, if I join my thoughts with yours, and further give way to opportunity pressing the publishing our hearty short breathe after the good of the Commonwealth, raised and preserved even to miracle. Be not discouraged to continue your contributions. I know we now desire only to lay this rough work before better heads and hands: and be assured this Nation is not barren altogether of selfdenying spirits, and ingevous Patriots: and though Holland seem to get the start of Us, yet we may so follow, as to stand at length upon their shoulders, and so see further. Our present transactions make us look like Martha, we hope our great end will appear to be Mary's, One thing necessary. Bear with us till the North and South have blown peaceably and sweetly upon our Garden, and then call for the ripe fruits. For all present differences tie up your judgement a while, and know that God reigneth, let the earth rejoice: Doubtless mercy and truth will follow the Saints now deeply engaged. Live and love  
Yours H. P. Junii 7. 1651.   

GOOD WORK FOR A GOOD MAGISTRATE.  
THe ways, and means ordained of God, to bring any Nation to, and preserv them in as happy a condition as this world can afford, 
Isa. 54. 17.   
are by  
I. True Religion maintained and advanced by the Magistrate, and walked in by the people. 
Deut. 4. 5, 6. 6-17, 18, 19 7-12, 13, 14. 8. 18, Josh. 1. 8. Psal. 119. 1, 2.   
II. True Mercy towards the Poor practised, and advanced both by Magistrates and People. 
Deut. 15. 7. Mat. 5. 7. Prov. 14. 31. Prov. 20. 28.   
III. True Justice, and Righteousness amongst both Magistrates, and People, and towards other Nations. 
Deut. 16. 18, 19, 20. v. Prov. 16. 12.   
Not that here is intended a large discourse upon these heads, with which many Books might be filled; but only to give some hints of some things, the Magistrates may see practised to advance these ends; to satisfy a friends desire.  

I. To advance true Religion.  
FOr the Advancement of Religion, it will be expedient to show how the Universities may be made useful that way, as being the foundation, upon which the other is built.  
Though it may be disputed why illustrious Schools, or Colleges should not be separated in other parts of this Land, and not all confined to Cambridg and Oxford, and these so near, as in Yorkshire, Cornwall, and Wales, etc. yet because the regulating of these we have, may reach those thoughts hereafter, it is conceived, for present, fit to pitch upon that work only.  
And because the frame of these two seems very rotten, and much shaken, doubtless the Cure must be in the foundation; though it be offensive to some, reverencing too much the ashes of their founders, who (under the notion of Christ) served Antichrist by works of that kind.  
The true Regulating of these Colleges therefore will be the returning them to the service of Christ indeed. Though in the Gospel we have no footsteps at all for such conjunction of men in any place; yet doubtless they may have their use; and Learning will prove oil to the wheel in many works.  
I suppose it will not be hard to persuade men to take leave of those ornaments (or rags rather) the monuments of Idolatry, viz. gown, caps, Matriculations, with the many ceremonies about Commencements; but let Sholars live as other men for apparel, etc.  
Colleges properly are the meeting of men for the hearing Lectures, and improving their parts, not walls to contain monastic d●ones; and so lose the ends of other men's bounties, as of their own precious time.  
There need no volumes, nor tedious rules of ordering the way of Colleges, or studies, if we agree once upon the End.  
Two things therefore we propound: 

I. That the End be Christian and Noble.  
II. That the means be adequate.    
I. For the End, it is generally agreed, that it should be the preparing and sitting younger people for some service, in reference to their Countries; not for studying to determine in studying; especially in tendency to spiritual or civil good; commonly called Ministry, and Magistracy: with which terms I know not why any should quarrel.  
II. Then the Means need to lead that way, and to be suitable and certain, if possible. For present this is offered; viz. That supposing there be sixteen such Houses in Cambridg, eight may be laid apart wholly, and only for those intended for the Ministry: To carry this on  
1. That, as the Jesuits for wits, so we, for godliness, choose all such youth in any place, or condition where we find them at plough or trade, which are godly and tractable, and send them thither to study Logic, and tongues, and such to have their maintenance there out of Scholarships, etc.  
2. For whom six Tutors are to be appointed in each College, and have 200 l per annum wholly to attend that work; and the Senior of these six to be precedent first, and the rest in order for the carrying on that work.  
3. And all the rest of the Fellowships and Scholarships revenue laid up in a stock, to maintain these young Preachers, when sent out, till they be settled in the Country: and the Tutors of these Colleges shall give testimony for them so sent out; or else not to be received: and so if you need ten or twenty preachers at any time, you may have them and recruit again, as the Regiment in London doth now.  
4. And having such materials, every College may have in it a Church of Christ; and so eight Churches; and more may be in the Town, which may spread over all the Nation.  
5. That they be taught and exampled by their Tutors in the shortest way, for doubtless these godly Students will get more in months, than others in years; their own conscience being an alarm to them: And hence with submission it is offered, that Tutors would let them know what parts of man they must deal withal in preaching, viz.  

1. The memory: therefore Method must be had.  
2. The Judgement: ergò clearing of difficulties of all kinds.  
3. The Will: which the doctrinal part applied may convince home.   
And therefore they do well, that in their preaching, and public reading the Scripture, First analize the chapter; Secondly, clear all difficulties in it where ever it lies; and thirdly, draw some conclusions from the analysis, which must needs be the marrow of the Scripture. We are bold to conclude, these three things will make a good Preacher in reference to means (the help of the spirit supposed)▪  
1. Sound Judgement in the Scriptures; which must be got by prayer and daily reading. Many commentators will not do much good; the the last are best; for polemics your Jesuits will serve for water-bearers: Am●sius, and some such short writers are best, etc.  
2. A gift of Application, and bringing that to your heart which we know; here all those rational helps of speech will do well; here Christ's reaching by similitudes would be minded, which are properly the foolishness of preaching, and some have found do most good.  
3. Dexterity in case of Conscience: in which particular the misery of this nation ought to be bewailed, who were wont to be fruitful in cases. Perkins and Ames have done a little that way, but not much. What want of converting Preachers there is, who see's not? and that high opinion of illiterate men's doing so much good is a mistake, if generally observed.  
And when they are thus fitted, they may be sent out when there is need, and maintained by the Collegestock, till provided for in the Country, where they may gather Churches in the County. All well qualified for the work may join at first; and after, as the blessing of God appears, lesser Churches in several places may arise, and Communion held amongst them all, according to that way of New-England, set forth by Hooker and Cotton.  
Their maintenance may be of tithes, or rather from something answerable at two shillings, one shilling, or eighteen pence upon a pound-rent: which stock may be put into three gentleman's hands, chosen yearly for that purpose, and thence allow to these Preachers, according to their places, conditions, and families: and out of this stock thirty pound per annum to the widow, during widowhood, when any dies; out of this stock the poor may have help; yea good sums may be borrowed by the State in any exigent upon good security.  
And thus the State paie's them, and thus they have dependence upon the State.  
Two of the ablest of these, may one day in a week, at the Countie-Town, answer all controversies, according to a Rule after prescribed.  
And for the other eight Colleges, they may have in each six Tutors, to whom, all Gentlemen that would learn any other Arts or Science whatsoever may resort, and there may you have whatever any outlandish Academy can teach: from thence, if any will apply themselves to the Ministry, they may come to the other Colleges.  
And the stock also of these Colleges so preserved, that by that means they may send some to travel abroad, and be more furnished for the State's service, as the Hungarians and other people do.  
To all this I would add, that many of your Gentry, Lawyers, and Physicians might do well to apply themselves, being godly, and qualified, as many are.  
Or why might not some of the numerous Gentry in their Country, study, and either preach for nothing; or give Physic gratis, or advise in matters of Law freely?  
The sins of Sodom creep upon us: and whilst our Soldiers are whetting their swords for the next battle, how many are whetting their knives for the next feast? oh! why should any make Recreation a trade?  
The great Turk teacheth better doctrine, who must be skilled in some handicraft: and most foreign Princes are Merchants.  
After the foundation is well laid in the University, the building thereupon may be thus framed.  
1. Let certain able, fit, godly, and learned men be maintained that, not being tied by office to any particular charge, or flock, may, both in public and private, take all lawful advantages, and opportunities to preach, and dispute for true Religion, travelling continually to that end, and persuading all men, to forsake the ways of sin and error, and to retain and profess the truth, and walk therein. 
Acts 8. 4. Acts 17. 2. and ch. 19 v. 6. to 10. Acts 13. 3. and 14, 15, 16. v. 1 Cor. 14. 1.   
2. And some one or more settled in every great Town; that at certain set times, and places, weekly, may offer to dispute any point with any man, in public hearing of all that pleas to come; and some to be appointed Moderators, and one or two appointed by the Magistrates to fine, or mulct either party, that shall reproach, censure, or use any unseemly language, contrary to humanity, love, Religion, etc. The advancement of Religion hereby would be almost incredible. 
Acts▪ 28. 16. to 31. v.   
3. To countenance, and take into special protection all the Churches of Christ, who hold but so much fundamental truth, as denominate's them such, in spirituals to leave them wholly free; but not to suffer any brother uncivilly (though it be about spiritual Controversies) to abuse another, either in word or deed, in private or public, against which certain penalties may be made; so shall the Churches have peace, and be daily multiplied. 
Isa. 49. 23.   
4. To cause to be brought into a Method and printed, those plain Rules in God's word, which he hath ordained, to preserv, and increase love and peace amongst Churches, and Christians, which Rules are so plain and express, that hardly can any contention break into a Church, if the Elders do but practise them themselves, and see the Members do the like; if but the Rules to order men's words only were but well observed, 'tis strange, what peace and love there might be. 
Psal. 119. 5. to 16. v. etc. and 27. 32. 46. 52.   
5. Let every Church at their entering into that Estate (or after) petition the Magistrate for protection, etc. and at the same time also deliver up to the same Magistrate a book of the Articles of their Faith: and wherein they differ from others, and promise the Magistrate also publicly, to walk peaceably together therein▪  
That so, if, after that, any Brother fall from the Profession of all, or any of those Articles, and yet will neither leave that Church, nor suffer them to meet in peace, but still go on to disturb them (for such there are,) and is uncivil, through a pervers zeal, let him be punished in some sort by the Magistrate, according to his offence, and the Church to excommunicate him if they find cause, etc.  
6. To provide maintenance for Ministers, and learned men in all Languages, and learning what can be, especially, for Churches that are poor, etc. about which much might be said, etc.  
7. If the Magistrate see cause, to exhort, and stir up the Churches to keep close to their own Principles, and to be more zealous, both in word and deed, etc. 
Isa. 49. 23.   
8. To advance such to all places of power, honour, and wealth, who are purest in their Profession, and practise of true Religion, both towards God and man. 
Prov. 4. 8. 21. and v. 21. 1 Sam. 2. 30. Numb. 27. 20.   
After the love and honour of God, he chargeth us to love and help our Neighbour, the Magistrate especially, is charged with the weak, as the widows, fathertheless, the poor, and the helpless, etc. of which part of God's will the Magistrate is to have a special care; to accomplish which, a general rule must be, that the poor may have their commodities taken off at a markettable price; else they will rather beg, or steal then work. To which purpose the Council of Trade should be the Merchant for the State, and in all Counties to have a stock ready, to buy at usual rate the commodity of the labourer; so as he may live comfortably, and then the rule following may be attended. 
Isa. 1. 17. Job 29. 12, 13.   
1. Let all vagabonds and idle persons, and such as make a trade of begging, that are able to do any kind of work, be restrained, set to work, or punished. 
Psal. 109. 10. Ezek. 16. 49. 2 Thes. 3. 10.   
2. Let such provision be made, that all may be set to work that are able, and willing; that all excuse for beging or stealing be prevented, which is not so hard to be done. 
1 Thess 4. 11. 2▪ 3 10. 1 Tim. 5. 8.   
3. All lame and blind that are healthful, may be set to some work, and the sick, and unable kept in Hospitals; and it is the Magistrates duty to see it performed, out of love to humanity, and maintenance cannot be wanting if full endeavour be used therein. Amsterdam is far advanced herein. 
1 Tim. 5. 8. Judg. 16. 21.   
4. Let truly poor Families and persons be made partakers of the public Alms, either of the Churches of which they are, or houses in which they dwell; Amsterdam doth much this way, but this work might be much more advanced: and the Lord would delight in such, and do them good. 
Exod. 22. 22, 23. v. Prov. 14. 21. and 31. v. Prov. 19 17. and 29. 7. ch. 28. 27. and 22. 9   
5. Let in every town a Lombard (or bank of lending) be appointed, where the poor, that have no friends, or will not make their need known, and such as on a sudden are fallen into some strait, may have money upon their pawn upon a reasonable Interest; A Lombard well regulated, would be a work of much mercy; and the moneys of orphans might be employed in this way to maintain the fatherless, and increase their stock, so would good be done both ways. And herein lies the wisdom of the Magistrates, to do a public good, and yet not hinder, yea oft increase the public stock of the Commonwealth; many such things are done in the Low-Countries. 
Luk. 19 23.   
6. To give freedom of dwelling, Trading, and protection [mercy also] to all strangers; to make little or no difference, as the Lord of old commanded his People, and promised to bless them for it, and this will enrich a Nation mightily, as we see in Holland, and not hurt any Natives, as envious Persons think, and can by good Reasons be proved. 
Levit. 19 33, 34. Deut. 10. 19 Exod. 23. 9 and 22-21.   
7. A special relief to poor people, and great good unto all sorts is the coining of farthings, and half farthings, and other small money, 'tis incredible the good and convenience of it; and all former inconveniences as easily prevented: for which end, all money less than sixpences mixed with so much Copper or brass; that from one penny to four pence, all may be as big as sixpences, and the farthings or half farthings must be made so big, that they may have their value in copper, so will they not be made by others, when the profit is small, nor people lose them when they are made so big; but special care must be had, that so much copper and small money be not made, as would be a burden to any. 
Mat. 10. 29. Mar. 12. 42.   
8. A Chamber, or Court to keep secure, and advance the estates of fatherless Children, etc. is of great use and relief for Orphans; the Laws and Orders about it are many, and all must tend to the security and increase of the estates of such Children; as their Parents for the better security have by testament, betrusted the public with; or as it is in Holland, where the estates of all that die without wills, are seized by the deputies of that Court, and the nearest or best friends of the Children ordered to manage the estate of the children: yet so as they may do nothing without consent of the Lords; and what is done at last, is all upon good security, for safety and increase of the estate, which being managed by true Justice and mercy, is of great use to the fatherless, and of great use to the Commonwealth, as might be many ways proved. 
Ezek. 22. 7. Deut. 10. 18. Isa. 1. 17. Jer. 5. 28.   
9 And some course must needs be taken, that poor men especially, may not be for small debts clapped up in prison, and thereby they and their families undone in a short time, because he is not able to put in Bail; yea, how many a Merchant undone presently, that was in a thriving way, and strangers also oft undone upon mere pretences; and great is this oppression. 
Prov. 21. 13. Mat. 18. 30. to 33. v.   
10. Wherefore, let no houskeeper that hath dwelled in that place a year, or a year and a quarter, be liable to be arrested till after sentence, and execution be out against his goods; and if no goods can be found, than the creditor may have power to lay the debtor in prison, if he think he hath concealed his goods, and have any friends that will release him, provided the Creditor must allow him six pence a day, or less, so long as he keep's him there: and though this may be abused, yet cannot be so hurtful as the other. 
Prov. 14. 31.   
11. Another relief to poor and strangers is, that no stranger (that is not a Town-dweller) after arrest may be carried to prison; nor any suit begun till parties appear before the Peacemakers, appointed in every Town for that purpose, to see if they can end the controversy, and persuade them to peace and love; if not, let the debtor put in security to answer the debt, if possible he can: if not, let him be forced to put into the hands of the Peacemakers (or others) twenty shillings, fifty shillings, five pounds, ten pound, or one hundred pounds, as the man is of ability, and the debt in greatness, on condition to have his liberty presently in that Town, but not to go out of Town, till sentence be given one way or other, upon forfeiture to the poor of that sum deposited in the Peacemakers hands, if he go out of Town before the debts be paid, and the Creditor to take some other opportunity, to sue the debtor in the Town where the debtor dwells, or to arrest him another time, in the same Town, and then not so to be trusted again. 
1 Cor. 6. 5. Mat. 5. 9   
12. Great cruelties are committed in Prisons, by great charges for fees, chambers, and dear victuals, and by stinking and unwholesome rooms; all which in Mercy and love to humanity ought to be prevented. 
Psal. 107. 10. Mat. 18. 30. Prov. 14. 31.   
13. Some course also must be taken, that widows and under aged, and persons of small parts and education, may not be overreached, as oft they are by agreements, and under-writing of bills, for which are divers Remedies. 
Isa. 10. 2. Exod. 22. 22. Ezek. 22. 7.   
14. That none be pressed to serve the State as Soldiers, by sea or Land, against their wills, (the evil of which are great and many) unless in some very great exigent; and no State shall need to do it, if they manage State-affairs well; keep a rich, public stock, and pay well, you shall never want men; and should not they be just and pay well that are to administer Justice to all others? 
Isa. 5. 7. Prov. 14. 31.   
15. Needs must there be set up in every Town a house, to receiv and bring up to all manner of Trades, the Orphans of such, as die without any estate (or if they have so little, that none of their Kindred or acquaintance will take upon them, to bring up the Children) who being left to beg, or perish, etc. the civil Fathers of the * fatherless are to take charge of them; young babes to be nursed up, and after learned to read, write, etc. and when big enough, to be set to work, to learn something to live by; and if the stock will bear it, to have ten or twenty pounds to set up a trade for themselves, being big enough; or when they marry out of the Weeshous, as many do in Holland. The orders for to regulate this house are many. 
* Deut. 10. 18. Jeremy 5. 28.   
And for means to maintain it, every able Citizen, at first, will give ten, twenty, one hundred pounds, or more, being put on it by the Magistrates and Ministers, and more will daily be given by divers ways, and especially by Testament when men die, if all be right carried.   

III. Justice.  
Where there is true Religion and Mercy, no doubt but there will be good Justice; yea, Justice is more necessary to the immediate subsistence of a Commonwealth then the two former; for many Commonwealths subsist without true Religion▪ and much Mercy; but without Justice, no Commonwealth can long subsist; and it is, of the three, the most immediate and proper work of the Magistrate's office, 
* Rom. 12. 1.  to see true Justice executed.   

Here we take leave to propose a short Model for the Law, upon which Justice hang's, and which hath cost so much trouble and expense.  
1. REgisters to be settled in every Parish, kept every year by two men chosen to that work; and all Lands and houses entered into that book distinctly; and the Copy thereof transferred to the Countie-Town▪ in case of fire, etc. and in these books all alienations etc. entered; and none authentic but such, that so none might be mistaken in premorgages, or any other way; whereby every one may clearly be satisfied, in what he hath, or can claim as his own.  
2. That all papers for all contracts, for money or Lands, buying or selling by any writing, have a small Seal of the States on the top of it (for which three pence or six pence paid to the State, for which a Model is ready: such papers will be of great use for men's security that deal; and an insensible incom to the State.  
3. That in every County, every hundred yearly choos three men to be Peacemakers, or friend-makers for that year, to hear and determine all common-controversies between man and man; from whom they may not appeal; and the danger cannot be much by these often elections; for certainly, the happiness in Government will never lie upon Laws, but men; all good men carrying good Laws in their bosom: and therefore Venice, and other States have founded their welfare in Elections; To which Characters and qualifications must necessarily be given out by the supreme power: and the ballading▪ box never used but upon exigents, it being a Lot, and was wont to be a part of Worship; it being used in Scripture, only in two cases; Civilly, in the dividing Lands and inheritances; Divinely, in the choice of Mathias for an Apostle. And the Rule is, Where Providence doth no way appear in the use of other means, than the Lot takes place.  
But never do we read of a lusory Lot, made common by Cards and Dice, and urged by a grave Preacher in a dispute, betwixt him and learned Aims.  
To add a word more.  
In the choice of a Parliament▪ man, if a thousand meet to choos, let these choos an hundred out of that number to choos for them, and the rest depart; the one hundred then out of themselves choos twenty, to choos one for that service: and these upon oath to be faithful; if among these, two be in competition, then to ballading. No man to have a voice that hath been an enemy ten years.  
4. all entails may be cut off for ever, and men have liberty to bestow what they have to whom they pleas, the eldest having a double portion. What mischiefs have come upon families by greatning the eldest, and abasing the rest, let Englishmen judge; yea, the high ways and gallows can witness, and foreign plantations can testify. And if Daughters were ingenuous, and would work, they ought to have equal portions with sons. It is an unpleasing spectacle to see in the Cities so many men, fit for nobler things, to sell those wares, which were properly the employment of women, and their daughters. I wish a serious remedy hereunto: and that men should not blush to be sitting in shops, yea, the choice Gentry of the Nation, I much wonder.  
5. For a Body of Laws, I know none but such as should be the result of sound reason, nor do I know any such reason, but what the God of wisdom hath appointed. Therefore the Moral Law (that short Law called ten words) is doubtless best; to which Moses' judicials added, with Solomon's Rules and experiments, will be complete. I wish our Lawyers would urge these for Law; and not those obsolete precedents, which will hardly prov, or make a Sea man's suit to fit our occasions. Necessity isthe mother, and ill manners together, of the best Laws.  
I am fully satisfied with what the Supreme power shall give out daily; yea, though they daily alter something, if for the good of the whole.  
If any Lawyer be continued, let them be allowed, and paid by the State, and plead for justice, even for justice sake. Why should expenses in Law be thus bottomless? yea, such, as would maintain an Army, and the fountain and issues thereof generally malice, and rancour.  
Why are not the Fees of Physicians stinted? and than help commanded upon a known price? I know they cannot suffer by it.  
6. Wills and Testaments may be acknowledged by the next two Justices, before whom they may be proved without any charge; and then entered into the former Register of the Parish, or a Book kept in every Parish to that purpose.  
7. This being done, it is very advisable to burn all the old Records; yea, even those in the Tower, the Monuments of tyranny.  
8. No Lawyer to plead at any Committee.  
9 And for Arrests, that summons may be left at men's houses; and not such a nest of bailiff's maintained, even an Army of Caterpillars; the worst of men employed that way.  
10. None to distrein for taxes, or other debts; but the debtor's outward door taken away, and carried to the Town house, and as many other new doors as are set in the place. The shame and danger hereof will urge sudden payment.  

Rules for Justice.  
1. None can be free of great injustice, who by persecution for Religion take away liberty of conscience from any: whose Principles or practices are not dangerous to the Government, Peace, Propriety, and good of the Commonwealth; if they otherwise live but civilly. For as God himself: so his Vicegerent the Magistrate must cause his Sun to shine, and his rain to fall both upon good and bad. 
Isa. 59 ch. 11. to 15. v. Acts 5. 34. to 39 v. Acts 9 4, 5.   
2. And can it be just to punish any by loathsome prisons, before a hearing whether they be guilty or no: how many innocent persons have suffered this way, and how many have lost their lives by sicknesses got there; put in for small faults which are crying sins, and must needs be amended. 
Jer. 39 6. 9 Joh. 7. 51. Gen. 40. 15.   
3. Long laying in prison before sentence; or delays in Justice is great cruelty to many, and it mightily provoke's the Lord, as Isaiah saith: and certainly it may be remedied, if there were compassion enough to prisoners. 
Prov. 21. 3. Gen. 40. 15. Prov. 21. 7. Isa. 59 14. 15.   
4. Delays in suits in civil things, prove's great injustice, yea, an unjust Judgement would not be so ill to many, as are long delaie's before sentence; And some body must one day answer for people's great loss of time, and ruin to some, only by delays. 
Jerem. 5. 28. Prov. 29. 4. Chap. 21. 7. Ch. 21. 3.   
5. To attain to pure Justice is a very great blessing of God, both to Governors and governed: Wherefore let a Committee be ordained, one, or more to receiv requests, and advise from every particular Town and County; how true Justice may best be obtained, how all damages and hurts may best be prevented, and all suits be best hindered, but when begun, and committed: how soon and best ended, and remedied. 
Isa. 61. 8. Prov. 21. 3. Prov. 2. 2. 3. Eccle. 1. 13.   
6. And above all Laws whatever can be thought of, no way so good to attain good and speedy Justice, as to put into all places of Judicature, men that fear God, and are lovers of Justice, precise in their promises and performances; for there are godly men not very just nor wise, and on the other side, there are Turks and Infidels very just men, and abhor bribes, or to break their words, etc. 
Exod. 18. 21. Prov. 29. 2. Isa. 32. 6. Prov. 20. 8. Prov. 21. 15.   
7. Things must be so ordered, that no man (nor Court of men always) always be above Justice, or so powerful, but that he may be called to account, before a Court of Justice, and there censured if he deserv it; for if any be, the evils of it will be very great in time, as might be well proved. 
Deut. 16. 19 2 Chro. 25. 17. Isa. 10. 1, 2.   
8. Let no person, City, Court, or any kind of men have any Privilege, that may bring damage or hurt to the Commonwealth, or to any particular men; for this is to establish injustice by a Law, and great wrong is done to the Commonwealth by Privileges given to particular men, and companies (and oft under pretence of doing good to the Commonwealth) as might easily be proved: and therefore men take such pains, make such suits, and give such gifts, for to have such privileges, out of self-love. 
Isa. 59 8. Prov. 21. 7.   
9 For Civil Controversies, let there be in every Town, and place, (or Ward) appointed two or more Peacemakers; who may hear the differences between man and man, before any may go to Law, and if it be possible, let them end it: and fit men for such business, will end most controversies, and spare the Magistrate a great labour, and the Commonalty, great trouble, and charge, and only by persuading; yet these must be well regulated, they must hear no man in private alone; and many the like. 
Psal. 34. 14. Matt. 5. 9 Prov. 12. 20.   
10. That Justice may be near to all men, let there be in every City, town, and hundred, appointed five, or seven able fit men, to determine all Controversies for Debts, and strifes; and any three of them present, to have power to give sentence; and well regulated with other Laws; in weighty cases they may advise with learned men, both Advocates, and Divines, but the power to determine to be in them; as in Holland. 
Exod. 18. 21, 22, 23. Deut. 1. 15. and 17. v. Deut. 16. 18.   
11. Let no appeals be from these men (five or seven) that are yearly new chosen) but in very weighty Matters; first, let there be once in a month, or at some set times, a Court for appeals; of all these seven men (not one to be wanting upon a certain pecuniary mulct) for revision of the sentence of such as find themselves aggrieved at a former sentence, by three or four of these men, and if his case be found bad by them all, let him pay three, five, or ten percent, to the charges of the Court, for his presumption: and if he will yet appeal to a higher Court, let him first lay down the sum he is condemned in, into the Towns hands: which the demander may take out upon good security; And lastly, let there be no appeal, out of that County or shire, in which the party dwell's; for many weighty Reasons; and that, if the sum be but above such or such a value, as the Towns are in which the sentence is given: for if men be willing to give a just sentence, few cases are so difficult, but they may find the right; and if they doubt, they can take two or three day's time for consideration, prayer to God, and advise with other men, etc. 
Exod. 8. 22, 23. Deut. 1. 17.   
Much might be said for proof, and orders hereabouts, if it would not be too tedious.  
12. Besides the constant, set good men at first spoken of; there are many good men must be made use of, as occasion serve's; as many controversies about the goodness of Commodities cannot be ended presently by the Judges, till good men that have skill in such commodities, do view the same, and value things, etc. and if then they cannot make the parties agree, to make their report to the Judges, how they find things, and they to give sentence accordingly; so for accounts, not possible to end men's differences justly, till accounts be well looked over, and both parties are heard in private by good men, and divers the like: so that the Judges must know many honest, able men's skill in such and such things, unto whom they may presently refer each controversy, according to the nature of it, whereby they shall decide things more justly, and eas themselves of a very great burden: with better content to both parties, that have the difference. 
1 Cor. 6. 5. Mat. 5. 9   
13. Let every man plead his own cause, and if he think's his adversary too strong, or himself too weak, he shall have liberty to take a friend, or Neighbour to plead for him, whom he judge's able; But not to let any Advocates, Attorneys, Scriveners, nor any for salaries to plead for any man, for many weighty Reasons, unless the difference be about a great sum, as sixty, eighty, one hundred pounds or more; then to admit Lawyers to plead, if one, or both parties desire it; yet so, that after they have done, the parties themselves may have liberty to speak, if one or both desire the same. 
Acts 23. 1. 35. ver. Acts 24. 10.   
14. Let all men's Testimonies be taken by notarial writings under oath: or in the writing to offer an oath: if desired to verify what is therein attested, (yet so, that parties may be sent for, and examined by word of mouth, each apart, if any fraud be doubted in the testimony) which will prevent incredible loss, trouble, and vexation to many. 
jer. 36. 4.   
15. Let all Judges, Advocates, Attorneys, Scriveners, Sergeants, Jailers, and all whatever belong ro Courts of Justice, have their pay, or salaries out of some public stock of the Common▪ wealth; and to defray all charges herein; let every one that is condemned in his suit, or that sue's, and implead's another unjustly, or doth another wrong, and thereby forceth another to sue for his right, pay one, two, three, etc. per Cent. for a mulct or fine, to this public stock, and let them that sue, or wrong another most basely, and apparently unjustly, and out of plain deceit, and wrong pay half, or the whole sum that he would have detained another of: the half whereof give to him that was wronged, or sued unjustly, and the other half to this public stock, so shall men fear to wrong, and sue another unjustly, and prevent abundance of suits, and quarrels, and prevent charges to him that is, or might be wronged; and the unwillingness of these Offices to do their office, when they have nothing of them that set them a-work, may be prevented by other means. 
Exod. 21. 24, 25.   
16. In greater Cities (especially in London) where falls many differences, there must be so many Courts of Justice, that all suits may be ended in a week, or if there be too many writings to peruse, and difficulties to hear; then to be put to good men to peruse, and hear them, and they for to bring in their report, how they find things, if they cannot compromise it; and all ordinary suits to be ended at the first hearing, or next day at a second hearing; if some paper, or circumstance of proof be wanting, in the same City may be two or three Courts of the same kind: only one for a greater, another for alesser sum. 
Ex. 18. 18. 22.   
Besides, there may be one two, or three Courts for Sea matters, at London; if one be not enough to end all things quickly; one for quarrels; one for moneys, and one for agreements in writing, in which fall any differences; another there may be for quarrels, between Masters and men, Mistresses and maids, etc. and other Courts there may be, if there be need: and better the Judges sit, though they sometimes have little or nothing to do, than hundreds daily wait on them, and know not when they shall be heard, etc.  
17. Let not one man have power of any judgement alone, by any means; for besides, one is more capable to be bribed then many, that are changed yearly (only one in a Court, staie's on for the year after, and he to be the first precedent for that year:) one man cannot think of all things needful at that time, so well as many men can do; and oft divers men, or one amongst them finds a deceit better, and sooner than one man alone can do. 
Deut. 1. 16. Prov. 21. 14. Iosh. 20. 4. Deut. 21. 2.   
18. Let order be taken, that no man may be put in prison, and have his liberty taken away for debt, before sentence be past, and that he be condemned: and when any be put in prison, let their cause be heard, and presently determined; and if they be in debt, and cannot pay their debts, nor any friends for them; then let them be set to work, that in time he may pay his debts, or if possible some part of it; for that is just, and will make others take heed how they come into debt; and do much other good. 
Ezra 7. 26.   
19 All living men are so partial, that I doubt, there is not one alive hath so much grace, or truth, that at all times would impartially give sentence; and though some would not take money, or presents, directly and by compact; yet many will take some kindness, at lest indirectly, especially, from friends or kindred; and though some would abhor all this, especially for the most part, yet are there any living men, that dwell in houses of clay, and see through flesh, that would not at some times be partial to their near friends and acquaintance, and give such a sentence for them, as they would not do, if it were for an enemy, etc. 
Rom. 3. 10, 11, 12.   
Wherefore, it is of very great concernment, that some course be taken, to prevent, as much as can possible be, all partiality; for which many things might be done, and many brave orders made, if men were willing to do all that might be. 
Exod. 23. 8. Deut. 16. 19 Prov. 15. 27.   
Great punishments on them that take gifts, * or pervert Judgements upon any pretence, is one good means, and many other helps there are. 
Prov. 17. 8. 23. Deut. 17. 4. 29. 4.   
20. Sore punishment against falls witnesses; is of great conducement to justice, and few men there are that fear an oath, indeed much less a lie, or falls Testimony, when it may advantage themselves, or friends; and most men in words, do abhor a falls oath; yet very few in a temptation, that make true conscience of it: but find a thousand ways to absolv themselves, and blind their own consciences, that they may not think themselves forsworn, or to have born falls witness: wherefore against the subtlety and deceitfulness of man's heart, in this and the former article especially, all diligence of the depth of wisdom must be set on work, by means whereof, good Laws, and order, and right antidotes may be found to prevent all the mischief of these evils. 
Exod. 20. 16. Prov. 19 5. 9 Prov. 6. 19 Prov. 21. 8.   
And where any doubt is, each of the witnesses must be examined alone, in a room apart; by which means great discoveries of untruth will be found out, to wonderment. 
Acts 12. 19 Ezra 10. 16. Acts 25. 26. Luke 23. 14.   
21. Let some able men be appointed (but so as they be not known to be such) continually to ride up and down, and be present at Courts of judicature, sometimes in one town and County, sometimes in another; and when they find any Court to do apparent injustice, let them discover it to the State, for them to take a course, that such Judges may be punished, as they find each in that Court to have been guilty thereof; so shall all Courts of Justice fear to do wrong, lest some of these men be there present to disclose their injustice. 
jer. 8. 6. and 23. 18.   
Yea doubtless, it would be of admirable use, to have either Sheriffs, or some other, to give an account of the obedience given to all Acts of Parliament, yea, to see them obeyed in the Counties.    

For Justice in Criminal Causes.  
1. LEt the same men in every town, and County, that have the Judgement in Civil, have the Judgement in Criminal Causes; but in Country towns and places, where are no men of much judgement, let them not have the power of life and death in their hands, but only some other corporal punishments; yet 'tis strange to see in the Low Countries, how their Boars, or men in Country towns, that in many places have power of life and death, will do better justice then learned men in other Countries. 
joshua 20. 4. Numb. 35. 24. Deut. 21. 2. Deut. 1. 16.   
2. Next day (or two) after any are come or brought into prison, let them be examined, that if any be unjustly imprisoned, he may be forthwith set at liberty; and for such as are guilty, let them be tried, and sentence pronounced, and executed as as often as possible may be, that justice may be speedily exercised to the terror of evil doers; and it will save much charge to the Commonwealth, not to keep long in prison. 
Deut. 1. 16. Prov. 21. 7.   
3. Let no Malefactors against the light of Nature, and civil society, escape unpunished, but be justly and speedily punished, not in prisons before hand, by cold, heat, stink, famine, or any other wale; but out of humanity, let them be comfortably provided for, till sentence be given▪ and then let Justice take place; Tha● all Murderers, Thiefs, Whore▪ mongers, Adulterers, fals-witness▪ bearers, evil-speakers, deceivers▪ Bankrupts, Drunkards, roiotors Traitors, Blasphemers, and all manner of evil doers may be duly punished, rather inclining to mercy then cruelty, and always with a merciful heart. 
Deut. 35. 31, 32. Prov. 12. 18.   
4. Let no man or Court have power to pardon any offenders; for mercy to one offender is cruelty unto many innocent persons; for if one gets pardon, one hundred will hope for the like; and it increaseth offenders, and wrong's the Commonwealth, and tends only to the unjust greatness of him, or them that have that power, and by God never commanded. 
Deut. 35. 31, 32, 33.   
5. Let no difference be made between jews, or Gentiles, bond or free, stranger or Natives, in either Criminal, or Civil things: for so hath God commanded, and by this means shall the Governors be true fathers of humanity; And it will mightily populate, and enrich the Commonwealth, when the oppressed in any other Country know where to go dwell, under so just Government, with freedom from oppression. 
Deut. 1. 16, 17. Prov. 24. 23. Prov. 20. 8.   
6. That the children nor heirs of Malefactors be punished, or disinherited for the misdeeds of their Parents, because the Lord hath so commanded, and the punishment of children for their Parents faults in former times, hath been used chiefly by Tyrants, who, to secure * themselves the better against treasons, and hurt to themselves, set such sore punishments to deter all from hurting them, which should not have needed, had they lived justly. * If the Father forfeit his estate, do it, but let his small children have their portions out of it, if they have no way approved their father's evil. 
Ezek. 18. 20. Deut. 24. 16. 2 Kings 14. 6.   
7. And I believ it can never be showed out of any History, either Divine, or humane, that ever God changed or put down that Government, or brought so general a plague as war, etc. upon a Nation, to destroy half, or a quarter of the Inhabitants, so long as, but any reasonable measure of Justice 
* Prov. 16. 12.  was found amongst them; how much than will he bless that Nation, and Government, with all manner of blessings, both spiritual and temporal, where with good Justice, both true Religion and Mercy are advanced? And most certainly, 
* Prov. 16. 12.  that Government 
† 1 Sam. 15. 11. 23. 1 King. 2. 4. 1 King. 3 9  that followeth these principal Rules of God's word, shall never be changed whilst they continue so doing, 
* Prov. 16. 12.  and that Nation shall always continue most happy 
† 1 Sam. 15. 11. 23. 1 King. 2. 4. 1 King. 3 9  who are so governed; for the Lord will not fail of his good word, nor is his arm shortened.  

† Deut. 28. 2. to 13. and the whole chap.  It is very adviseable, that since England breeds so many thiefs, and hanging thereupon is so common and cheap, and yet little reformation, that two Galleys may be built to row from Gravesend to Queenborow, and where else they may, (according to weather) and put thiefs on these two years, seven, ten, or during their life; certainly this will help more than the Gallows, and more conformable it is to God's will; and since the root of many mischiefs is base swinish drunkenness, and the cure hereof never reached by all the Laws already made; there is but one main Cure propounded, Viz.  
That it be enacted through the Nation, that none drink to another, directly, or indirectly, upon the forfeiture of twelve pence, whereof six pence to the informer, and six pence to the poor; which, though it seem ridiculous, will prove the likeliest way of prevention; the practice being of men ingrammatical, and practised in no Countries, but among our neighbours in Germany, etc.  
ANd because Justice cannot be executed without Power, therefore God hath given the Sword into the Magistrate's hand to maintain the Good, and punish evil doers; wherefore the Militia must be always well looked to, and provided for. 
Rom. 13. 1. 4 2 Chro. 8. 3. 6. 2 Chro. 25. 5. & 9 ch. 25. v. and 32. 5, 6.   
1. By putting into all offices, both in Garrison and field, godly and trusty men, the State may rely on. 
Exod. 18. 21. 2 King. 22. 7.   
2. To have all Storehouses be near at hand, and well provided of all sorts of Ammunition, and constantly well dressed and looked to, both in peace, and in time of war especially. 
2 Chro. 8. 6. 2 Chro. 11, 12. Ezek. 27. 11.   
4. * To put the Sword into no private Soldiers hand, that is uncivil; much less into the hands of lewd persons, who love no Justice. * They will destroy victuals in plenty, cannot fast in want, sooner fall sick, and weaken the Army: mutiny sooner, and fail and faint in the time of battle.  
5. Let all Military persons, both Soldiers, and Officers, be truly and justly paid, whatever is promised them; for they that are to maintain Justice, must be first just themselves, and keep Soldiers from injustice, which cannot be without due payment; for by good payment you may have choice of Soldiers; and may keep them in good discipline, and may be so justly ordered, that they will be no burden, but profit to the places where they are. 
Levit. 19 13. Mai. 3. 5. Exod. 2. 9 Luke 3. 14.   
6. Do justly in advancing such to Offices in the Army and Garrisons, as are deserving men, and have longest, and faithfully served the State, and not to put in friends that never were soldiers, or other men for money, or other self-ends, whereby many are discontented, and the Army made less serviceable, and the State thereby weakened: when the soldiers see them in power so unjust. 
2 Sam. 23. 8, 9, etc. Psal▪ 125. 4.   
7. Let all roiotous, and deboist soldiers be turned out of service; for such are plagues to provoke God to wrath, they will brag much, and when it comes to fight, do little; when an Army is in plenty, they will devour abundance, and the sooner bring the whole to want; and when want comes they are the less able to bear it; but will sooner grow sick, infect others, die themselves, and weaken the whole. Neither can rioters fast when need is, so long as temperate men. 
Prov. 23. 20. Prov. 28. 7. 1 Pet. 4. 4. 2 Pet. 2, 13. Isa. 28. 1.   
8. Lastly that all Commissions and Orders pass in the military channel, and all Soldiers to give an account to the General, and the General to the State, no interfearing with them and the civil Government, the English soldiery being the most unparalleled men in the world.  
ANd because the Militia cannot be maintained without money; Therefore hath God commanded, that Tribute shall be paid to them that bear the sword of Justice; and things must be so ordered, that the Commonwealth may have a very rich stock, or revenue at least, to defray all charges plentifully, without which they cannot be just. 
Luke 2. 1. 2. Rom. 13. 6. 2 Chro. 10. 4. 18.   
2. The charges of the whole commonwealth, must be duly known, and all unnecessary charges cut off, and then a proportionable tax laid accordingly, plentifully to defray all those charges; so as no man must pay more currently, nor buy all things cheaper than the Commonwealth; for they must be an example of truth in what they promise; and Justice in performance to the whole Commonwealth, how will the Lord than bless them? 
Levit. 19 Mal. 3. 5.   
3. Special care must be had, that men fearing God and hating covetousness, may be chosen and trusted with the stock of the Commonwealth; and yet so regulated, that if any prove falls, they may do little hurt. 
Exod. 18. 21. 2 King. 22. 7. 2 King. 12. 15.   
4. The Charge of the Commonwealth may be made much less by lessening the state of Officers, both civil and military, by land and sea, which is nourished in a Kingly Government, to maintain their Port and Grandeur: But in a Common wealth, who desire wealth indeed, this stately Port is wholly needless, as hath most eminently been seen in the Low Countries, where 'tis strange to see (though now 'tis ten times greater than in the heat of their wars against the King of Spain) how small state, the States themselves hold: Lords of the Admiralty, Burgomasters of the greatest Cities, not one of an hundred have so much as a man or sergeant to wait on them in the streets, yet do the highest acts of Power, with as much vigour as the King of Spain himself. 
Prov. 16. 32.   
5. Let as many offices of the Commonwealth (as can be) be served by men of quality, who will do it freely without any charge or salaries; of which you need not doubt of choice; for how many thousands are in England, men that have enough to live on, and nothing to employ their able parts in; who gladly, some out of love of humanity and the common good, others, but that they might be well employed, some out of love of Authority, and honour, etc. would gladly serve the Commonwealth; yea, and would petition ten for one office, (if it were but brought into custom, as it was under the Roman Common-wealth-government*) and what a mass of money might be saved by this means, and the Commonwealth more honoured by being sued to to be served? and yet all offices better served then now by needy men, that desire still more to enrich themselves, and whose hearts say not yet, I have enough, as many men do, that live on what they have. * And should not Christians serve the Commonwealth freely, as well as the Romans? 
Nehemiah 5. 15. to 18. Prov. 21. 15.   
6. As many officers about custom, excise, Clerks, Treasurers, Committees, Towns, freeedoms, Officers of Companies, and many the like might be discharged, as would alone maintain a great Army, if all customs, Excise, and a hundred other ways of gathering money were put down, and instead thereof, all men throughout the whole Commonwealth, that are able to pay any thing * taxed once in a year, what each shall give, each according to his rents, estate, trade, and handicraft, and a place appointed in each town, and City, where every one shall themselves bring the money they are taxed at, with how few Officers and little charge might this be done, and how easy would it be for men to pay, when they should have all things so cheap without custom, Excise, or charge of thousands of Officers; how would men be enabled hereby to pay their taxes by the multitude of Trade that would flow in, if all Customs, etc. were free. 
Luke 2. 1, 2. 2 Kings 23. 25. 2 Chro. 24. 9 Deut. 16. 17.   
7. This tax to pay the whole charge of the Commonwealth (both the charge of the State, and all the charges of each town and City) may be ordered to be paid at once, or at three, or four several times every year; or rebate set for them that bring it in before the time limited, proportionable to the time; and many other means may be used, to cause people to pay willingly; or the tax may be laid much less, and the rest taxed upon Burials, weddings, and feast, or the like, and people forbidden by a Law, not to make such great weddings, burials, Christen, etc. and instead thereof, to give but the half so much to the State. 'Tis strange, what abundance of money might be gathered by this means, and yet people have never the less, seeing now they spend twice so much, in such things as be wholly useless, and do but hurt and trouble themselves, so to spend their money.  
8. Great would the advantages be, both to the State, and particular towns, to have a rich public stock; as a well moneyed man that is prudent, by God's blessing gets up above all his Neighbours; so would it be with a rich State, through God's blessing being well managed; I could be large herein: first, the State might be just, and pay all justly, and presently, upon which a blessing is promised. Secondly, all things might be bought for ready money, the advantage whereof is very great. Thirdly, you are ready to lend to any Neighbour▪ Nation, and take strong holds for security, which is oft of great concernment. Fourthly, you are ready not only to defend, but to offend any Nation that wrong's you, or assist any Nation oppressed, by which oft whole Provinces are gained, and in general all happiness attends this State; for as Christ saith to him that hath (using it well) shall be given, and this riches is your strong tower.  
9 'tis as easy for any State to get a rich stock, and Revenue, as for any private man that hath a good trade, to gather money, if he will be thrifty and diligent; but as no man can grow rich that will be gallant, and costly at first; So Kings, Princes, and States that will be thrifty, and diligent, may gather money like dust, and make silver like the stones of the street, and that in twenty, thirty, or fifty years' time; for think not but it must have a time, and may as easily spend all again, as we see in Solomon, or be always poor, and in straits, as all States almost are, and know not how to get out of debt, when 'tis merely their own faults, as may most evidently be proved. And no people, (when a State is settled) will be 
* 2 Chro. 10. 4.  unwilling to pay any taxations, when they but see, or conceiv that 'tis well used, and improved; but if States will go upon profuse charges, when they are poor, and keep thieus that steal the public stock continually, no marvel if people be unwilling, etc. 
Prov. 10. 4. 15. Prov. 12. 24. Prov. 21▪ 5.   
10. If this way of gathering money with most eas, and least charge cannot be brought about, without disturbance of the Commonwealth; There are many ways to gather more money by Excise and Custom, than now on foot, and with less grievance to the Common wealth.  
It is wished that all that use Coaches should pay fifteen pound, or twenty pound yearly to the State. And so for Hackney▪ men, according to discretion. And to give all encouragement to Weavers and others, to make all the manufactures of silk in England, and to treat with some Weavers, and merchants, for the setting up of Looms, and other inventions in England, for getting of the manufacture here, and that countenance by the Magistrates may be given to the undertakers of what Nation soever, provided they be bound to set only our English poor a-work, and bring over into England but a certain number, not exceeeding a hundred, to teach our Nation the manufactures aforesaid: this being done, would employ many thousands of our poor, and get this Nation a rich manufacture, and serve the exportation of our treasure, which ought now carefully to be looked after, the like aught to be done for the advancement of making all sort of linen cloth.  
That whereas great quantity of Gold, and Silver is wasted in this Nation, in the making Gold and Silver-lace and thread, and the vanity and excess thereof is grown so great, that an Act may be made for the putting of it totally down, that none be permitted to wear it (or expose it to sale under a certain penalty) or if it be allowed to be worn, then only for persons of quality, and that an Excise of at least six pence the ounce be laid on all the Silver Wyer (and strict order taken, that none of the currant coins of the Nation be melted down for the making of that manufacture, of Gold and Silver-Thred, or Wyer) and that all the workers, both men and women may be tied to such just Rules, as all the former abuses practised in this Trade, may be prevented in the making of that manufacture (and restrained only to persons of quality, to be allowed to wear Gold or Silver-lace;) By this means many people will have their money in their purses, to supply their necessary occasions, which they vainly lay out on their backs, to the great waste of their private fortunes, and damage of the Common wealth: for in all well regulated Commonwealths, the extravagancies of Coin, and profuse people ought to be restrained by the Magistrates. That all foreign Laces, such as are made beyond Seas, either in silk or thread, be debarred to be imported into this Nation, upon the forfeiture of ten times the value the Laces shall be apprised at: and if you will allow Laces to be worn here, then let our own poor have the benefit of making Lace here, and not foreigners.  
To advise all ways and means for the bringing in of Gold and Silver into this Commonwealth, and to inquire, and find out what ways and designs have been practised to obstruct the Mint and transport your Treasure, and to prevent it carefully for the future, and to give all encouragement to Merchants to bring moneys into the Nation; to do this effectually, would be a great advantage to the Commonwealth, and require's a diligent prosecution and inquiry after; to prevent the great abuses in clipped English money, to pass a Law it may all be cut in pieces, and none to expose it in payment; but as Bullion to be new coined upon strict penalties, against any person that shall offend in the premises; for the Commonwealth is very much cozened by clipped money.  
NOw as a man cannot be accounted very religious, who is slothful: nor can show much Mercy without plenty of means to do it withal; nor will be just to others, who is not just to himself, and Family, by diligence to do his utmost endeavour; in some honest calling; So the Magistrate in his place is bound to use, and see that all diligence be used, to make happy the Commonwealth. 
Pr. 18. 9 Prov. 21. 25. Prov. 10. 4.   

Which he shall do.  
I. By the advancement of Learning. 
Isa. 29. 11.   
II. By the improvement of Nature. 
Deut. 11. 10.   
III. By the encouragement of Arts. 
2 Chro. 24. 11, 12.   
IV. By the increase of Merchandise. 
Ezek▪ 27. 33.     

I.  
FOr the Advancement of Learning, Lord Verulam hath 
* Bacon's Advancement of Learning.  propounded many excellent things, and more may be added by other learned men; for doubtless, Learning will mightily improve all other things, if so regulated, as self might be less, and the public more intended. 
Eccles. 7. 12. Prov. 24. 6. 1 Kings 4. 30, 31. and 10. Ch. 8. Acts 7. 22. Dan. 1. 17. Prov. 1. 5. 7. John 7. 15. Job. 22. 2. Prov. 12. 18. Prov. 15. 7. Prov. 21, 22. Prov. 22. 17.   
Two books we want in England; viz. First another martyrology, continued from Queen Mary's time to the death of the late King. Secondly, the Experiments Ministers and others have in several cases of Conversion, and other cases of Desertion, with the quieting of souls, and means thereunto, with a probatum est, the names of the parties concealed: which if every able Christian would write, and keep by him, and print, how might Satan's Methods be discovered, and many souls comforted?   

II.  
FIrst for the Improvement of Nature, Lord Verulam hath also many excellent, and learned Problems, experiments, and speculations, and more in that kind may be added, and brought to act by other learned men, by the encouragement, and help of the public stock, in times of Peace, when war is ended. 
Prov. 13. 23. Deut. 9 10. Bacon's natural History.   
2. But of all things, I think there is nothing conduceth so much to the profit of all, as cutting of Rivers, where none are, and making them deeper that are too shallow, both within, and without Towns, and from one town to another; as we see in the Low-Countries, who have as the Lord Verulam saith, the richest mines above ground in the world: meaning their Rivers. For in a Country like England, the third or fourth part of all the Grain sown in the whole Land, is spent upon beasts for carriage, etc. which by Rivers might be spared: and might by a joint hand, and good order be made more easily than is thought of. 
Gen. 13. 10. Isa. 30. 25. and 32. 2. and 23. 3. Psal. 107. 35.   
3. Some Privileges may be promised, and made sure to such, to be enjoyed for life, or so many years, whosoever shall find any new invention, for improvement of nature in any kind; be it in manuring of ground, making it better, and finding any instruments, to till the ground mith more eas, or less charge or the like. 
joshua 15. 16. 2 Sam. 5. 8. Prov. 10. 4.   
4. Much may be done about improvement of Commons; making of some water's land, and gaining of ground out of the Sea, as is to be seen in the Low-Countries, to their great inrichment, and admiration of other Nations. 
Gen. 26. 12. Psal. 107. 37. Deut. 11. 10.   
5. A rich public stock in every Town, and City may hereby be laid out in improvement of Nature, to the great profit of the Revenue of the Town, and yet greatly to the common good, of which many examples might be produced. 
Eccles. 10. 19 Prov. 22. 7. Eccles. 7. 12.   
6. Days of public prayer to God, to bless the fruits of the earth, and of public thanksgiving for his blessing thereupon, is a special means for improvement of Nature ordained by himself, and will be blessed by him, if rightly kept, and then are special fruits of faith. 
Deut. 16. 10. 11. Prov. 10. 22. Deut. 26. 10. 11. Zech. 8. 10. 12.    

III.  
FOr Encouragement of Arts and Manufactures, great care must be taken, because it imploie's hundred thousands, who live upon it, and also is a chief ground for Merchandise, and many chief setters of people on work, do also much enrich themselves, to the great good of the Commonwealth. 
Gen. 4. 20, 21, 22. 1 Chro. 29. 5. 2 Chro. 24, 11. 12.   
1. For finding of new Arts, or for bettering of the old, by instruments, easiness, or the like, great riches, honours, or Privileges would be propounded, and assured, or the State to choos two men, and the inventor two; and if they agree not themselves to choos an Umpire, to determine the reward of the inventor, and the same liberally to be rewarded accordingly: the same whereof would set all the wits of the world on work, to advance your Commonwealth, to the greatest happiness that ever the world yet saw. 
Eccles. 9 10. 2 Sam. 5. 8. 15 joshua 16, 17.   
2. All means to buy Materials at the cheapest prizes, must in a special manner be endeavoured; and amongst other means a chief will be, to suffer all Commodities, from all parts of the world to be brought in free without Custom; and if they cannot make price to their minds, that they may transport them freely out again, at all times. 
1 Kings 5. 6. 9, 10.   
3. That all possible care must be taken, for cheapest transportation of goods, within the Land, from place to place, both by water and by Land; ' Also such order about laborers, boats, Carts, and all things thereupon depending; ' Also such order about workmen, and victual, etc. as may best conduce thereunto, about which much may be said, too large for this place. 
Eccles. 9, 10. 1 King. 5. 9   
4. That no Artist, or handie-laborer, that gain's not thereby ten or twenty pound a year (or so much as shall be thought fit, according to the cheapness of the place he live▪ s in) if a bachelor, or thirty, or forty pounds a year if he be married: and five or ten pounds a year for each child he hath besides, shall give any kind of taxation to the Commonwealth, etc. 
Prov. 14. 31. Nehem. 5. 18.   
5. That all Companies of Artists, or trades▪ men, give Freedom for all that will (and are capable thereof) to set up, or be free of that Trade, without paying any thing for freedom, either of the City or Company: for why should any thing for common good be so locked up, enclosed, or paid for? this freedom would be found true Freedom, if it were but in use, however it may seem at present. 
Prov. 22. 16.   
6. What if once in a year all of each trade (at several times) meet together; and he that could do best, or most of any Trade, to have some kind of prize, or honour that year, etc. 
Eccles. 9 10.   
7. Public days of prayer, that God would pour out his Spirit (as of grace especially, so) of sciences and Arts upon his people, etc. 
Eccles. 9 11.    

IV.  
FOr Increase of Merchandise, and Merchants, and helps for dispatch of their affairs; many things may be done by the Magistrate, and aught in a special manner to be looked upon, as a special means to enrich any Nation. 
Isa. 23. 8. Ezek. 27. 33. 34.   

1.  
To preserv the Commonwealth at peace, at home especially, and abroad also, as much as possible can be, with all Nations; is a chief means to increase Merchants, and Merchandise▪ And therefore to meddle very little with other States, but trust in God, who seldom order his people to that work; nor to keep any Leger-Ambassadors from other Nations. 
Levit. 26. 6. 1 Kings 4. 24, 25. Ezek. 26. 11, 12. Zech. 8. 10.    

2.  
To have special care to keep the sovereignty of the Sea, by numerous and able men of war, well furnished with all things; and Mariners, Volontiers, and well paid; and good order for constant convoys, for all places, that Merchants may be kept from losses; to accomplish which, many things are to be done. This short regulating of the present Navy may encourage others to add their thoughts. 
Dan. 11. 30. 40. Ezek. 26. 15. 18.   

The brief Regulating of the present Navy, which now costs five or 600000 l. yearly.  
The work consists either in the Governing, or the Executive part.  
I. For the Governing thereof.  
1. A Committee of Admiralty consisting of five or seven very able men, should always sit near the Council of State, with sufficient Secretaries: and these men (if need) may have competent salaries.  
2. These to be able to give satisfaction for all marine affairs whatsoëver at all times: these to have in them the Court of Admiralty also; which may easily be done; if the Law of Merchants were in force, who, by six men yearly chosen, may end the usual controversies among Seamen and Merchants. The Admiralty Court (as now it stands) being very offensive.  
3. In this Committee, the Admirals of the Sea, to sit, when they return home, as Assistants.     

TWO▪ The Executive part consists either in building the Ship, or employing it, when built: to which end  
1. Lay by all the Docks at Chattam, Detford, etc. whence near one thousand mouths are daily fed upon the State, besides Officers, etc.  
2. That the Ship be built in a Merchant way, at any Dock the Carpenter will, and so built per tun as can be agreed by the said Committee, and payment upon delivery; for we find the very carriage of the State's own timber is dearer than timber can be bought elsewhere.  
3. That for the performance of Covenants the Committee have a Check, or Overseer upon the ship, whilst building.  
4. That some Act be made for the preservation of timber through the Commonwealth, there being much spoil made continually.  
5. That the offer of New-England may be entertained, who tender the building of what Ships, or Frigates are desired, and to bring them into the Thames, and there their value impartially judged: who likewise may furnish iron guns, masts, etc.   

For the Sailing of the SHIP.  
1. That an able fit Captain be chosen, and the Ship commended to his care, whilst he is worthy.  
2. That the said Captain be in constant pay.  
3. That he rig, man, victual, and take the whole care of the ship himself, with a Muster-Master upon every ship, or Squadron.  
4. That the Captain's accounts be given up to the Committee aforesaid, as often as they pleas.  
5. That upon any miscarriage of his, he be made very exemplary.  
6. Seamen to be paid every six months, in the several places, where they come in to winter.  
7. That Ships be as well kept at other places as at Chattam.  
By which you save the charge of Commissioners, Victuallers, Pursers, Stewards, Docks, etc.  
By which means you need not press men; every Captain knowing how to get his own gang: and certainly he that is trusted with a ship worth 10000 l. may well be trusted with all the rest: he knows his Officers and men, whereby he may give a better account than now, when the ship is man'd by strangers; and then a Captain chosen for six months, not knowing the men he is to join with in his work, nor to see them more when he leaves them.  
3 Special care must be had to secure Merchants, and their goods on Land as well as by Sea, from danger by fire, by water, by Soldiers, Injustice of Courts, or any other way: the means for these ends are plain. 
Ezek, 26. 10. 12.   
4 To take of all encumbrance from Merchandise, as Custom, Excise, Passports, etc. by all which Merchants are extremely troubled, vexed, and hindered; and if men might ship, and unship their goods at all times, and in all places; and that without any toll or Custom, how would it increase trade? how would all the world make England their packhous, as now they do the Low-Countries, where small Customs are paid: much more would it be here, if no Custom were paid▪ besides the great riches to your Inhabitants, by factorage, packhouses, Porters and all trades would feel the benefit thereof, to the marvellous increase of the Common wealth, etc. 
1 King. 12. 4.   
5 To increase shipping and Mariners for the cheap transporting of Merchandise: for which divers things would be done; 'tis strange that in the Low Countries, though they have neither wood, Iron, hemp, etc. of their own, but must fetch all things to make ships (by ships) from other Countries, yet that they will transport Merchandise at a cheaper rate than any other Nation, and have got to this height in the midst of a most costly, dangerous war. 
Ezek. 27. 3. 9 Ezek. 27. 25. 27.   
6 To take such a course which may be easily done, if there be a will thereto; as all differences, debts, and quarrels amongst Merchants and Mariners about shipping, fraits, etc. may be both speedily and justly ended, and without any charge to him that hath the just cause; and a mulct upon him that doth or seek's to do wrong to his Neighbour. Let foreigners and all strangers, Jew, and heathen, have full as just, speedy and cheap Justice as any, so shall all Nations tell what the Lord hath done for you; how will Riches flow in? 
1 Cor. 6▪ 1. 5.   
7 But one of the greatest things in the world, to increase Merchandise, is to have money cheap at interest, as in the Low-Countries, where at three 3▪ and four per cent. a year, any Merchant, or any other that hath credit, may take up as much money as is incredible, upon his bare, private obligation, without any Notary or witness, which is of such concernment for the State itself, and all sorts of people therein as is incredible: and can be effected as well in England, as any where, for 'tis the mere fruits of Justice and Righteousness, and a secure State; by reason whereof all Nations in wars, or troubles, or in security, make over their treasures to that Country, where there is lest fear to lose it; which bring's treasures from all parts, and they at length being weary to have it still, give it out at interest at the best price they can get, which at last so many will do, that money comes to be so cheap as you have heard, and makes Merchants of other parts also send their goods to that Country, to lie still for a better market; when their loss is so little as three or four per cent. for a whole year, which also bring in great riches. 
Ezek. 27. 12. to 27. v.   
8 Upon which secure, and good state of things, a bank may be set up, as at Amsterdam, where lies a great deal of the Merchants, (and other) treasure; for 'tis in vain to set up a bank, if Merchants think not their money would be as secure there as in their own hands or surer. 
Luk. 19 23.   
1. The advantage of this bank is very great to the City, who stands for security, and whose Deputies (three of them, yearly two chosen) are trusted with the whole stock of the bank, which they keep in sellers, made with plaster of Paris, and iron doors with three locks; the advantage to the town, Laws and orders thereof would be too large here to rehears. 2. The advantage to the State is also great at some strait, where they may orderly borrow 
Eccles. 9 10. The advantage by letting out money is great, also selling and minting of money.  a great sum at low interest, giving good security for it: but if the State use any force, though but once, and necessitate, or force the bank to lend, then is the bank spoiled for twenty years, or an age, as the case may stand. 3. The advantage to merchants 
The advantage by lying one hundred years, and always keeping the best kind of money, is unspeakable in a manner.  is great, especially to great ones, to have all their money received, and paid for nothing, and most paid by bills, without stirring any money, only set from one man's account to another's.  
9 For saving of time, and that Merchants may keep a man the less, and that the Bank may also receiv, and pay their money the easier; there must also be minted or coined so many hundred thousand pounds in five shilling pieces, as that all great sums may be received, and paid in great money, the commodity whereof is great to Merchants, though there were no bank. 
Ephes. 5. 17. Eccles. 9 10.   
10 'tis also a thing of great concernment to make currant, at a true value the money of other Countries, by a wise Government whereof, suitable to the exchange, and other considerations, the riches of other Countries may by an unsensible subtlety be drawn into yours, as in the Low-Countries. 
Gen. 23. 16. Luke 20. 24.   
11 And great care is to be taken about the Mint, and falls Coiners, and not to mint too much or too little money of one kind; for Merchants, and all Inhabitants are accommodated, or disaccommodated greatly hereby. 
Prov. 30. 8.   
12 A common weigh-hous (two or three in great Cities) with four or eight several great and small balances, in every weigh-hous regulated with brave and just orders, is of very great use to Merchants; the seller to deliver his goods into the balance, and the buyer to receiv it as soon as 'tis weighed, the laborers about it to be sworn, and well ordered, and other things here about would be too large. 
Levit. 19 36. Prov. 11. 1.   
13 Let there be as many sworn Brokers (who may not buy or sell any thing for themselves) as will desire the office for accommodations of Merchants regulated with good Laws, and to be put out of office upon any falls dealing between man and man, and a rate set what they may take for brokerage of each commodity, etc. let them have the office gratis, and let them have Officers to decide all Controversies between two Brokers, that concerns their office, and to maintain their own poor, if you will amongst themselves, 〈◊〉 
Levit. 19 13. Gen. 29. 15.   
14 If a Court were 〈…〉ed to assure all Merchants goods, from Pirates, and Enemies, and fully to pay for what ever is lost that way (yet every man to be left free, whether he will insure or no) yea if the same Court did also insure against dangers by storms, or what is otherwise lost at Sea also; I conceiv the State, or City that stood the venture for so much in the hundred might make great profit thereby, and also further, and encourage Merchants to venture, of which much might be said. 
Acts 27. 10. and 38. 40. 2 Chro. 20. 37.   
15 A very great plague and hindrance of Merchants are Bankrupts; and certainly Merchandise would be much increased; if the fear of Bankrupts were but in part remedied, which might be by good Laws well executed; as that, whosoever trust any one man, with all, or more than he is worth; or venture so much in one or divers ships upon the Sea, or lay so much in one house, and loos it by fire, and by any of these means turn Bankrupt, shall be so and so punished. 
2 Kings 4. 1. and 7. v.   
16 That they that know, (or may know if they pleas) they are behind hand, and yet buy wares, or borrow moneys of other men, (under pretence of hope to get before hand again) and yet play Bankrupts, be also more punished than the former, especially, if upon examination it doth appear, they knew they must play Bankrupts, when they bought those wares, or borrowed that money; for than they differ not from thieus, only in circumstance, and to be the more punished, if when they had nothing, yet they wer● costly in apparel, and other expenses, and knew they spent of other men's, etc. 
Mat. 18. 25. and 30. v.   
17 That they, who under pretence of able men, under colour of Merchandise, get other men's goods into their hands, and yet, when they need not, bankrupt themselves on purpose to deceiv others, and enrich themselves, be sorely punished, as very great thieus. 
Luke 16. 1.   
18 That no Bankrupt may ever after come into any office, or bear any Rule in Church or State, etc. 
Mat. 25. 21. 23. and 28. 29. v.   
19 That if the Bankrupt be taken, and no friends will pay his debts, let him and his be set to work as a thief, and what they can earn, over besides their own poor living, to be given to the Creditors. 
2 Kings 4. 1. Mat. 18. 25. 34.   
These, or the like penalties well limited, and ordered, and executed, would prevent thousands of Bankrupts, which are like Cankers to the Commonwealth. And what with great and little Bankrupts, it is abundance that play Bankrupt every year.  
No week passeth without some Bankrupt in great Cities, and some week divers; and one Bankrupt doth more hurt then twenty thieus that are put to death, or sorely punished for it.  
BUt for London in particular, these things following would be reform, for the increase, eas, pleasure, and benefit of Merchants, and all other Inhabitants besides, and above many of the former things, that London vows.  
1. For landing of goods, etc. that a brave large Key be made into the Thames, from London Bridg to Wappin, or lower, and above the Bridge also, that ships may lie there safe all the way, to lad and unlade their goods with roomth and pleasure, and with much less charge than now; and there may be Pack-houses and Sellers made all along by the Key, to the great eas and accommodation of Merchants, and of great pleasure to Merchants, Mariners, and all sorts of people, to have such a large brave Key, of forty or fifty foot broad to walk upon, and dispatch their affairs at pleasure; and all this may be done without charge to any. 
Ezek. 27. 25. and 2●. 27.   
2. That Thames-street, for a mile or two long, be made as broad, or broader than any street in London; large, fair, and the houses light and pleasant; the street to be paved with ●●ch flat foursquare stones, as in Holland, and high in the midst with the gutters on both sides, and bricks on both sides next the houses, as in Holland; the profit, pleasure, and eas to the whole Inhabitants would be very great. The difficulty seems to be in pulling down, and new building of houses, or removing them on screws, as at Amsterdam: But things may be so ordered, as the profit to be made, by convenient building; and the value, houses, and ground will be at, by bettering the street and the Key, will fully countervail the charge of all this whole work; though it should be six, eight or ten years in doing, it might be made one of the bravest places in the world, where one thousand or two thousand ships may lie with safety all weathers etc. 
Nehem. 7. 4.   
3. The next thing some remedy must be found for, is the Passage up hill from Thames-street to London; for which Thames-street, it may be, will permit to be heightened a foot or two all along, which will much eas the passage upward; and besides, right against any street that goes into the City, Thames-street may be heightened six or eight foot, like a bridge; and Thames-street on each side for a hundred foot or more, to go sloping downward by an easy descent; and being against that place of ascent into the City raised eight foot, the ascent into the City will also fall easy by a small ascent; and if any inconvenience should be found in this, there are other inventions to remedy this great inconvenience for transportation of goods, etc. which is of good concernment, besides the delight and cleanliness of this manner of accommodation.  
4. But I would have no Carts used in the will City; for they are very uneasy to lad, and unlade goods, and besides, do so pester the streets, as Merchants, and others cannot pass the streets for quick dispatch of their affairs, to their great hurt and loss, of half a quarter of an hour, and thereby an opportunity is oft great loss to many.  
Now for remedy▪ let sleads be only used as at Amsterdam, that can draw an half, and a whole tun weight, as the horse is in strength: and besides the slead men alone ordinarily, can lad and unlade his slead, without other help, unless for very heavy things he desire's to lend a hand of one or other that stands by; 'tis a neat way, and of quick dispatch, etc.  
Some course must also be taken to lessen the number of Coaches, which too much pester the streets, and hinder men in passing too and fro: which may easily be done.  
5. Next we come up into the City, where we see most beastly dirty streets, the hurt of which is so great, as is strange; and what a world of work is daily made by the dirt and wet, in rotting of shoes and stockings, women's coats, fouling of houses, making clean of shoes, clothes, etc. as is strange and not possible for Merchants to live cleanly, and neatly, as in Holland without cleaner streets; which may in a very great measure be helped by paving the streets, with brave slate foursquare stones, the streets highest in the midst, gutters on each side next the houses, as in Holland, and bricks on each side next the houses, easy and clean for people to walk on, which, besides the great pleasure to all, would ten times pay the charge in saving shoes, stockings, etc. from wet and rotting, besides, all houses might be kept more cleanly, and Merchants live more neatly, etc.  
6. All wooden houses in London must down; and not any part be of wood, only windows and doors, as fast as they rot away: no reparations, or very little to be permitted, and no new houses to be built, but with brick or stone, to prevent fire, for security of Merchants and others; and it would make Merchants of other Countries the more willing to trust their goods in your City, when there is less danger of fire.  
7. Also divers means must be used for prevention of fire, more water must be provided at hand by Pumps, bored into the ground fifty, or one hundred foot, if water may be so had by orders of Clappermen, going about all night, as in Holland: then a Captain, and officers of fire in every Ward, to set good orders about quenching fire, also leather Buckets in every house, and in all public places, and leathers at hand in every ward always ready, and divers the like things are needful.  
8. As fast as the City is paved with new brave stones, to take the old stones and pave the high ways, every way out of the City, and to make the high ways so round and high in the midst, that they may be clean Winter and Summer, and to use all means, that all high ways may be well mended and kept, which will be great delight to Merchants and other Inbabitants, etc.  
9 Also a large Key may be made on Southwark side, all along the lanes, and Rivers cut out of the Thames with Keys on both sides; and Pack-houses built, where all course commodities, as Pitch, Tar, Iron, Millstones, wood of all sorts, as Masts, Timber, Planks, Deals, spars, Clapboards, and many others Commodities may be brought, and there be kept at small charge; and landed out of the Ships, at the doors of the the Pack houses, as at Rotterdam, and other places, to the great accommodation of Merchants, and furtherance of merchandise; and if these plain, and just Rules of God's word were observed; there would be no need of any deceitful, base, and Machevilian courses, to keep a Commonwealth, in peace and obedience, as may be seen in the Low-Countries, where no people have more liberty than they, nor pay such great taxations, nor so little state any where used to preserv Authority; and yet the people of so many Nations, and Religions live in the greatest peace, and plenty of the world, merely by good Justice, Mercy and Religion, and yet many things come short, of what they ought; and might be.    

Postscript.  
Refer these to their proper places. Concerning PRINTING, which well used is a great honour, and benefit to the Commonwealth These things would be considered.  
1. THat PRINTING be looked upon as a Mystery, not as a common Trade for every ignorant man to take up; but to be ordered by the State, as the Mint is for Coin.  
2. That Printing-houses be reduced to a certain number: as heretofore they have been: for the multiplying of them is a wrong to the Public, and oftentimes the ruin of private men.  
3. That all Popish and offensive Books, Libels, and loose Pamphlets may be suppressed.  
4. That no Books printed originally in England, may be imported from beyond Seas into this Commonwealth: other States will not suffer it: and we find by experience that neither Author, nor Printer, nor bookseller can be encouraged, when the Book, assoon as it is out here, shall be printed beyond Sea, where they have paper and printing at a cheaper rate, and hither imported, oftentimes to the ruin of the undertakers of a good work here.  
5. That the right of every man's Copy may be preserved. Much wrong hath been done this way by invading one another's right, in these licentious times.  
6. That all Books fit for public view may be licenced, and nothing printed which shall not first be allowed by some judicious men, in every faculty, appointed by the State for that purpose. This would be a means to suppress many idle, and noxious discourses; and a good warrant to the undertakers of solid and profitable Books.   

THat all Females from ten to sixty might be enjoined to spin, and have made into linen clothe one pound of flax every month, and registered in the Parish, where made; and returned again to the owners, with encouragement to poor maids that do best. This would by computation, employ two or three hundred thousand poor: for which a Model is ready. The business of the Fens need's great encouragement to this end for Flax.  
That since the foundation of Families, Villages, Towns; Cities, and Commonwealth's spring from Marriage, and the business merely civil, that the respective Magistrates in every place might not only do that work, which Preachers, quâ Preachers, have not to do with; but also look to the qualifications of those that join in that estate: and that two or three such Magistrates together may hear, and determine matters tending to Divorce: for all which much is wanting in this Nation, and whole Families perishing upon that account; and several sins increased.  
A Post set up in every Parish, or at the Church door a Paper stuck up of the Party's names to be married, and there to stick three weeks or a month.  
That where fees of Physicians are stated, a course may be taken for reducing that work to sont certain Rule.  
That Bedlam may be minded, the Army diseased, and Hospitals.  
That superfluities may be suppressed; as Coaches, and guilding Coaches: to which purpose those that will ride in them may pay five or ten pounds per annum to the State: the like for Gold and Silver-lace, and Bonelace from beyond Seas.   

 

 
* Deut. 11. 22. to 25. and the whole ch.