THE KEY OF WEALTH: Or, A new Way, for Improving of Trade: Lawful, Easie, Safe and Effectual: SHOWING HOW A few Tradesmen agreeing together, may both double their Stocks, and the increase thereof, WITHOUT 

1. Paying any Interest.  
2. Great difficulty or hazard.  
3. Advance of Money.  
4. Staying for Materials.  
5. Prejudice to any Trade, or Person.  
6. Incurring any other inconvenience.   In such sort, as both they and all others (though never so poor) who are in a way of trading, may 

1. Multiply their Returns.  
2. Deal only for ready Pay.  
3. Much under-sell others.  
4. Put the whole Nation upon this practice.  
5. Gain notwithstanding more then ordinary.  
6. Desist when they please without damage.   And so, as the same shall tend much to 

1. every the people of this Land.  
2. Disperse the money hoarded up.  
3. Import Bullion from beyond Sea.  
4. Raise banks of money in divers places.  
5. Settle a secure and known credit.  
6. Make such credit current.  
7. Extend such credit to any degree needful.  
8. Quicken the revolution of money & credit.  
9 Diminish the interest for moneys.  
10. Make commodity supply the place of money.  
11. Engross the trade of Europe.  
12. Fill the Land with commodity.  
13. Abate the price of commodity.  
14. Provide store against famine.  
15. Relieve and employ the poor.  
16. Augment custom and Excize.  
17. Promote the sale of Lands.  
18. Remove the causes of imprisonment for debt.  
19 Lessen the hazard of trading on credit.  
20. Prevent highway thiefs.  
21. Multiply ships for defence at Sea.  
22. Multiply means for defence at Land.  
23. Incorporate the whole strength of England.  
24. Take away advantages of opposition.   All which in this Treatise is conceived by judicious men to be fully proved, doubts resolved, and Objections either answered or prevented.  
Eccles. 9.10. Prov. 8.12. & 13.4. & 20.4. & 22.13. & 24.30, etc. & 26.15. & 28.19. Matth. 25.14. etc.  
LONDON, Printed by R. A. and are to be sold by Giles Calvert at the black spread Eagle near the West end of PAUL'S. 1650.   

TO THE SUPREME AUTHORITY OF ENGLAND, The present PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED.  
Noble Senators,  
THat in the Frontispiece of this Treatise, there are humbly presented to your Honours and this Nation, a Collection of those many desirable consequences, which will follow upon the practice of this enterprise; is not, that I (so inconsiderable an instrument) do delight in professing things strange or unusual, (which to do, were neither rare nor difficult) being very sensible, that great undertake do many times weaken the credit of the best Authors, far more of such as myself, even to the rendering of their Proposals by prejudice, to be cast off as impossible, before any due trial or deliberate examination thereof.  
But observing, that in regard of the diversity of your weighty affairs, the multiplicity of books, and the vanity wherewith they are generally fraught, your Honours have just cause to be discouraged from taking notice of any books, except such as (at least) seem to be of some special concernment, I thought it necessary (though with much wariness, lest I should exceed in expressing the particulars) to premise a summary of the several advantages, which would, as I conceived upon solid grounds, appear to be the necessary effects of this attempt, as it may be managed in a way, that is not only practicable, but free from much difficulty and danger to the Undertakers, or any damage at all to others.  
In confidence therefore, that your own wisdoms will direct you to suppress all prejudice, that might arise from the consideration of the great desparity betwixt any such as myself, and that which is here professed, until by a serious perusal of the whole work, your Honours be able so far as need shall require upon just grounds, to reject what is amiss.  
And having nothing to expect, but (which to crave would imply a greater willingness in me then in your Honours) even a furtherance of this work, so far forth as in your discretions ye shall judge the good of this Commonwealth to be therein concerned; there remains only the reasons for making public, and thereby exposing to the view of all Nations, a work of such a Nature, as if being first set on foot by any other people in the world before ourselves, may through multiplying their strength put them into the better capacity to disturb the peace of those who not having also embraced the same, are the less able to defend themselves; as was well objected by a member of Parliament, truly honourable.  
In answer to which, it is to be considered, not only that this argument tendeth (if I may in this allude to those words of the Apostle in another case) to provoke to emulation those who are my flesh, and thereby to save them; but that the undertaking itself is of such a nature, as to have attempted any thing therein, without first preparing the minds of men, by publishing a full and free description of the whole enterprise, with the mysteries thereof, the manifold reasons for the same, the solution of doubts, and answer to objections, would through the subtle insinuations of those who desire not the prosperity of this distressed people, have occasioned (without question) many fair pretences, to have been spread abroad, for stifling the same at the very birth.  
And the rather, in regard that as innocency needs no corner, so ingenious men desire to be guided by their own light, in things which themselves are to practise, insomuch as the want of full satisfaction to all men (which without printing could not easily have been given) might both amongst your Honours, and those that should engage in this undertaking (besides others) have been interpreted a just ground of jealousy.  
Whereas an account of the whole being first divulged, if this Nation should then slight that, which other people make a profitable use of; the guilt which otherwise truly (I being persuaded in conscience of the reality of the thing, would have been heavy upon myself) doth no longer lie at my door, whatsoever the event should be.  
But to remove this danger of being prevented by other Nations, I have yet (as by the sequel doth appear) concealed one principal Adjunct, the ignorance of which, will make fruitless the endeavours of any, that without further direction, should either here or in any other part of the world, undertake this practice; wherein, notwithstanding when need requires, I shall not fail (God willing) to give full satisfaction.  
And although upon publication thereof, I conceive it not necessary, to seek any Privilege, Patent, Broad seal or the like, as other Authors upon such occasions (in reference to the satisfaction of their manifold expenses of time, pains, trouble, charges and hazard, which in such enterprises are not usually small) apprehend they have just cause to do.  
Yet (Renowned Patriots) it is not, for that in this endeavour, I have been less necessitated to any of all these inconveniences, than others in such cases generally are; but rather being confident (from experience) that if any within your Honour's Jurisdictions, offer so great an affront to Justice, as (endeavouring to reap what others have sowed) should thrust themselves into those employments, which are pertinent to this undertaking; your Honours will assuredly vouchsafe, upon an appeal, to interpose your Authority, whereby to suppress all such attempts, and that in as ample and effectual manner, as if the same had been desired, before any publication of this Enterprise.  
All which, was in duty thought fit, to be humbly submitted to the judicious and grave consideration of your Honours, By him,  
Who is as much desirous, as unworthy to be publicly useful. WILLIAM POTTER   

To the ingenious Reader.  
AMongst the many sad calamities wherewith God hath been pleased to exercise this Nation of late, the great decay of Trade, with the manifold evil Consequences depending thereon, is not one of the least.  
Upon serious consideration whereof, I being desirous so to improve my mean Talon, as it might tend to the most seasonable and necessary advantage for the public; have according to my ability bestowed much time and pains to find out some safe, lawful, easy and effectual Expedient, not only to prevent the aforesaid evil Consequences, but to improve Trade to a higher and more solid degree of prosperity, than ever England yet enjoyed.  
And for attaining this end, in such a way as the same might conduce most speedily, and with least difficulty and hazard to the enriching of the people, with the outmost accomplishment of all earthly comforts, that either Land or Sea could afford; I endeavoured to bring the same to pass (if possible) by that, which in all respects might be equivalent to a Mine of gold, discovered within their own Territories, yet without the inconveniency of being a temptation to any other Nation or people in the world, to invade the Land, either for surprising such Treasure, or enabling them to maintain a war thereby, in case they should.  
Now, as amongst all other objects that centre in this earth, the pitching my thoughts at this season upon this, was not without a special providence; so neither could it be without the same special direction (which usually in greatest matters employeth the weakest means) That I (so unlikely an instrument) should in a thing of so great importance, be carried on from time to time, until now at last, to discover even as much almost as in this particular I could have wished, viz. how all things which may be got for gold throughout this earth, are obtainable in all respects as happily and effectually, (yea and in a way tending to as great improvement of Trade, as is before mentioned) even by a means, though with some difficulty and hazard, yet in reference to the advantages thereof, so easy as may be admired; and (as a worthy Member of this Commonwealth well observed thereupon) may serve to demonstrate the vanity, not only of gold, but of all Worldly Wealth whatsoever.  
Yet being very sensible of the prejudice of people against any thing that is new; and which (though never so needful) doth not agree with their own fancies; I have been often exceedingly discouraged herein, & almost dissuaded from going on in the work: But on the other side, taking into due consideration, how fully not only mine own conscience, but the judgement of divers judicious men, (who have had some knowledge thereof) are convinced and satisfied, that it is no Chimaera or Dream, but really that which wants nothing but mere performance of some things, which to be done, are as fezible and facile, as in reference to a thing (I say) of such great concernment and advantage can be expected, to make it prove an effectual remedy against the present sad calamities of this Nation, almost in all particulars; I was persuaded, and therein found abundant comfort, to hazard much precious time, with other the advantages relating thereunto, in the not only perfecting of this invention, but digesting it into the fittest words for other men's understanding, and prosecuting the design so far as possibly I could, for the setting of it on foot.  
Yet, whether God will grant such success to my endeavours in this enterprise, as the thing itself doth seem to promise, though otherwise for mine own part, I shall (for aught I know to the contrary) suffer great prejudice, I am not much careful about it, nor dare I make it my dependence; but this is my comfort (which the uncertainties of this life cannot deprive me of) that at the worst, I shall but suffer in doing some part of that work, which I am confident I was by eternal providence, brought upon the Stage of this world to act.  
This one thing notwithstanding, I could beg with tears of all my Countrymen the people of this Land, that (laying aside prejudice, pride and fancy) they would judge, and act in this particular, no otherwise then as they shall by sound and sufficient reason be convinced; and then I am certain, that as by thus judging, they will be forced to acknowledge a remarkable hand of God, in proffering so seasonable a mercy; so by thus acting they shall be safe, from dashing upon the dangerous rock of refusing such proffers.  
And truly to the proud humour of man, the means may seem strange and despicable, but being effectual, it appears to me that there is the more of God in it, who though (in his very essence) he be bounty itself, yet his bounty being also justice, it delights him to tender the greatest of his blessings in such a way, as it requires true humility in us, to be willing to accept what is freely proffered by him.  
Now, forasmuch as this discovery extending itself naturally unto all things, which relate to outward good, cannot be made clear to the different apprehensions of men, without anatomising (or as it were, ripping up to the very bowels) the principles and methods of that Fabric of Devices, which some thousand years' experience (promoted by the unlimited desires and innumerable motions of mankind) have produced, for the obtaining, preserving and increasing of riches, peace and safety to themselves and Posterity, in reference chief to that principal means conducing thereunto, viz. [Trade,] which is indeed the main policy whereby people are not only, either enriched, or impoverished, the poor maintained or destroyed; but even all Estates and Commonwealths, either established or undermined, as I shall hereafter have occasion to observe.  
In this respect therefore, though the book be somewhat large, I desire it may be considered, that the Subject is no less copious; and (so far as I perceive) hath not been (in reference to Trade) fully treated heretofore.  
I have endeavoured to express my mind, in as few words as conveniently I could, yet so as (being for the most part to trace an untrodden path) I presumed to be rather somewhat ample, than any ways deficient, either in leaving out things necessary, passing over things superficially (without a full and clear proof thereof) or not preventing any objection material, which I could imagine, might (possibly) in the least measure lie as a scruple in the minds of any.  
I have studied to proceed in order, beginning first with those things which are most liable to vulgar observation, being as the grounds and foundations whereupon the whole Edifice is erected; which I observed not only for Method but necessity.  
Considering, that in teaching any Art or Faculty, it would be very preposterous to begin with things most difficult, and furthest from common reach; As in teaching Arithmetic to begin with Fractions, Cossick Numbers, or the finding of Square and Cube Roots, before the learner be skilled in Addition; Or as in teaching Navigation, to begin with showing the nature of the Rumbes, in respect of the various Circulation of those Lines, which each Rumbe (by making equal angles with every Meridian) doth describe upon the superficies of the earth and Sea, even before the Student be perfectly grounded in the clear and distinct knowledge of the several points of the Compass: or in brief, as if in teaching the word of truth, the Preacher should immediately go forwards to perfection, as the Scripture saith, without first laying the foundation.  
Now (courteous Reader) for these reasons, not having put that in the first place, which happily thou mightest have expected, I earnestly desire thee to exercise so much patience and diligence as to read this book throughout, in such order as it is composed; otherwise, I cannot but fear that by misapprehensions, through want of necessary preparation, (in things as essential to this discovery, as the principles, rules, and beginnings of any Art, are to the utmost perfection thereof) thou wilt be ready either to condemn (or at least to slight) what else upon due consideration thou wilt be forced to acknowledge, is amongst earthly things one of the most necessary, and  both to thyself and thy Country.  
Yet in regard, that (according to what hath been already hinted) many men look upon all Inventions, whilst they are new (though never so needful or profitable) as mere conceits or whimsies, as they are pleased to call them; in respect whereof, I conceive it necessary, to vindicate this and all sober attempts from such aspersions, before I proceed to the matter itself: I must therefore in few words, intimate some things here, which may serve to demonstrate the folly of all those, who suffer themselves to be infected with this strange kind of humour.  
In order to which, let it be observed, that Arts being no other than the fruits of human reason, applied to the discovery of things profitable, cannot receive their birth without Invention; so as whatsoever is spoken to the disparagement of Invention, doth tend to blemish not only any one Student or Professor, together with his enterprise; but even lays the axe to the root of Art itself; and by consequence, to all manner of learning.  
Which brings to my memory, what a worthy Author testifies concerning such as did profess themselves to be skilful and experienced Navigators; that it was usual with them (in a jeering manner) to call those men Sun-shooters, whom they perceived to observe the Latitude at Sea, by taking with an instrument the Sun's Meridian Altitude, before the practice thereof was common: yet not long afterwards, (to their great disparagement) they were forced to proclaim their own folly, (a punishment not unsuitable to the offence) by submitting to practice themselves, that which at first, they so unadvisedly scoffed at, in others.  
And what think you, would even the same Seamen have said, if they had been privy to his device, who first thought of the making of Ships, like houses, to ride upon the Sea, with such huge Masts and Sails, as to abide therein, would seem (if the contrary were not daily experienced) a far more desperate adventure, then to dwell in Mansions, built with high and large extent in the upper parts, upon a foundation more fickle than that of Sand? Yet how not only practicable, but profitable, the use of shipping is to the service of mankind, would require a volume to explicate.  
And if Invention, whensoever it produces any thing New, must needs be condemned, for presenting the world with Toys and Guegawes, what shall we say then of him who first busied his brains to devise that admirable and fundamental Art, the reducing of all articulate sounds to Letters, and Letters to writing; the rare effects whereof (as is reported) makes the savage Indians to be exceedingly amazed.  
In brief, were it not madness to condemn either the finding out of Printing and Weaving, or of those curious instruments of Art, such as Clocks, Mills, Cranes, Pumps, with many such like, (divers whereof cost men addicted to Invention, no small pains to make practicable) because at first, the use (no doubt) of such artificial devices (amongst those, whose dull capacities (like Carrier's horses) are unwilling (though the case be never so extraordinary) to be beaten out of the common road of such apprehensions, to which they have been long accustomed, seemeth for the most part strange, if not idle and foolish: who having their opinions in these particulars, not governed by sound and solid reason, must needs (herein) be left to the misguidance of such fantastic dreams, as they Father upon the Authors of those excellent Arts.  
For, is it not manifest, that the only reason, why we in these parts of the earth (so long inhabited) do so much despise the rude kind of life, incident either to the first ages of the World, wherein Men differed little from Beasts, (living upon Roots and Acorns,) or now to the brutish people of America: Is it not (I say) merely because we are by Art furnished with those Accommodations, which nature alone, (without improvement by the use of man's Reason) could never have afforded unto us?  
But (Courteous Reader) having too long detained thee in the Entry, I therefore abruptly desist, and refer thee to the Treatise itself; being really  
Thine, as thou art the Commonwealths W. P.   

In Commendation of this Enterprise.  

AS Stories feigned by wit, delight the Ear,  
and Shows without the substance, please the Eye;  
So, Music may the Fancy something cheer,  
but these to means of life, are not set by.   

If Art, by which the Quantity is known,  
of Land, be Judged a skill of high account;  
That Art, which makes such measured Land mens own,  
must needs then sure, the other far surmount.   

What doth the Practice of Physic avail,  
Though Doctors do in knowledge much exceed,  
If persons sick, for want of means should fail,  
Bread to obtain, in their extremest need?   

So Logic, Grammar and Philosophy,  
Arithmetic and Rhetoric also;  
How fruitless, if such Learning never be  
applied, as means some further good to show?   

So that, if Arts derive their Worth from such  
effects alone, to which they be ordained;  
And if the end, excel the means so much  
as that without such end, there's nothing gained:   

Then truly, may I style this rare design,  
(which shows at full, how Peace and Plenty each  
Are got with ease, passing a Golden Mine)  
The worthiest Art, attained by human reach.   

Therefore, let all such men whose livelihood,  
doth on the fruits of this Device depend,  
Encouraged be, to praise the name of God,  
For this and all his Gifts, world without end.   
DAVID BROWN.   

Another.  
AS God still pleaseth, when the straightened hand  
of want, doth threaten to devour a Land,  
To raise some worthy Persons, to procure  
Help, for the crying and the dying poor;  
So here, He prompts an Instrument to show,  
a way to live, by which the poor may grow  
In Riches, and the Rich may Wealth increase,  
and both enjoy such Wealth, in settled Peace:  
By Rules, which are so Just, so Plain, so True,  
as none but must confess, excel they do  
All Forms of Trade before: so none shall need,  
(who now will Work,) to want their daily-bread:  
That, all such Mercies they who shall possess,  
may evermore, the name JEHOVAH bless.  
Idem, D. B.   

THE CONTENTS OF THE Four Books, belonging to the ensuing Treatise.  

LIB. I. Showing,  
Sect. 1. THe Causes or Means in general, which tend either to further or hinder a People's comfortable subsistence, by their industry.  
Sect. 2. The Causes or Means tending to continue or increase amongst a People, either Riches (being already Rich,) or Poverty, being already Poor.  
Sect. 3. The Causes or Means, to make a Poor People (though in a Barren Land) Rich, and a Rich People (though in a Fruitful Land) Poor.  
Sect. 4. The effect of the aforesaid Means more fully, for making a Poor People Rich.  
Sect. 5. That nothing can be alleged against the aforesaid Means, for enriching a Poor People, but what argues as strongly against an increase of Trade amongst them. though it be at present never so dead.  
Sect. 6. How the aforesaid means for enriching a poor people, is fully cleared from all scruples and objections.  
Sect. 7. That where Commodity enough is to be had for money, quickness of Trading doth occasion a considerable fall in the price of Commodity, and deadness of trading the contrary.   

LIB. II. Showing,  
Sect. 1. (Or representing) in a parable the nature of the intended enterprise for increase of Wealth, by improving of Trade, according to the Title.  
Sect. 2. How inconsiderable the disadvantages incident to this Undertaking, are.  
Sect. 3. How one of the least of the Advantages proceeding from the intended Enterprise, doth much more than countervail all the said disadvantages.  
Sect. 4. What further means are requisite to make this undertaking prove effectual, for the producing of all the properties essential to a thriving Trade.  
Sect. 5. How the main (and as far as doth appear, the only) obstruction, that otherwise might hinder the speedy effect of this enterprise, may be totally removed.   

LIB. 3. Showing,  
Sect. 1. (In order to the unfolding of the aforesaid parable) the only (feasible) means, whereby both to revive and multiply the decayed trade, and riches of this Land.  
Sect. 2. The excellency of the aforesaid means for improving of Trade, by comparing the same with the ordinary way of Trading upon private credit.  
Sect. 3. That the means last propounded for Improvement of Trade, will come to one and the same effect, with that which was mentioned in the aforesaid Parable.  
Sect. 4. How the aforesaid means for increase of Trade, may be effectually accomplished by an agreement, amongst some few Tradesmen of known and sufficient Credit.  
Sect. 5. That although this Enterprise being attempted, should not suddenly take effect, yet the damage in continuing the practice thereof would not be considerable.  
Sect. 6. What great probability there is, that this Enterprise being set on foot, will suddenly take effect, if the Rules already prescribed (with some other here laid down) be dueby and carefully observed.  
Sect. 7. What great probability there is, that this Enterprise being once set on foot, would suddenly take a good effect, although none of the Rules prescribed in the precedent Section, should be observed.   

LIB. FOUR Showing,  
Sect. 1. How and in what sense, this Treatise is called, The Key of Wealth, or wherein it doth discover a new way for improving of Trade, lawful, easy, safe and effectual, according to what is expressed in the title page.  
Sect. 2. How, and where it is demonstrated, that a few tradesmen agreeing together, may both double their stocks and the increase thereof, Without 

1 Paying any interest,  
2 Great difficulty or hazard,  
3 Advance of money,  
4 Staying for materials,  
5 Prejudice to any trade or person,  
6 Incurring any other inconvenience.   According to what is affirmed in the Title page.  
Sect. 3. How it follows that the Agreement of the said Tradesmen, may be ordered in such sort, as both they and all others, though never so poor, who are in a way of trading, may 

1. Multiply their Returns.  
2. Deal only for ready pay.  
3. Much undersell others.  
4. Put the whole Nation upon this practice.  
5. Gain notwithstanding more then ordinary.  
6. Desist when they please without damage.   According to what is affirmed in the Title page.  
Sect. 4. How it follows, that all the aforesaid advantages may be effected, so as the same shall tend much to 

1. Enrich the People of this Land.  
2. Disperse the money hoarded up: And so forwards to the end of those 24. particulars mentioned in the Title page.    
With a Conclusion to the whole Treatise.    
The KEY of WEALTH, Or a New Way for IMPROVEMENT Of TRADE, etc.  


LIB. I. SECT. I.  
Showing, The Causes or Means in general, which tend either to further or hinder a People's comfortable subsistence, by their Industry.  
THough heavenly things should beyond all proportion, be preferred before earthly, yet where they are both consistent, neither of them ought to be at all neglected; for as the Earth since the Fall, requires much skill and diligence to be improved, to the best advantage for outward subsistence, so until matters be ordered in such sort, as all men that are willing to take pains in an honest Calling, may be put into a capacity of enjoying a Livelihood thereby; No man can be excused, who (knowing any means tending thereunto) doth neglect either to discover the same, or endeavour the effecting thereof.  
Having therefore, in reference to the duty I owe to this Nation, determined to demonstrate those remarkable things (for less I cannot justly call them) which by many degrees, and at several times, were by Divine Providence dictated unto me, as most pertinently conducing to the end before expressed: I find it expedient, to begin with A Discovery of the means in general, which tend either to Further or hinder a People's comfortable Subsistence, by their Industry.  
In order to which, it is to be observed, that as in the Body Natural, no Member can subsist by itself, without both serving the whole Body, and receiving (as a reward of such public service) a competent nourishment from it; So in the Body Politic, no Artificer or Tradesman can accommodate himself, with all things necessary to a comfortable subsistence, by his Industry in any one Calling, without transmitting the over plus of the fruits of his endeavours therein, to other the Members of the said Body Politic, and from them receiving instead thereof, a proportionable reflex of the surplusage of their labours and commodities.  
Hence it is evident, that though a Land be never so fruitful of itself, and lie never so fit for the Trade of Fishing and Traffic with other Nations, yet Commodities therein cannot be improved and multiplied, without the Industry of men in their several proper Callings; nor can any man afford this Industry faster, than he can find means for the Exchange of the fruits, of his own labours ● possessions, instead of such other necessaries as for his Trade or Family, he stands in present need of; and consequently in case of deadness in Trading, he is forced to slacken his endeavours, lest by taking in and preparing more Ware for sale, than he knows how quickly to dispose of, it lie upon his hands, till it be quite out of fashion, grow stolen, or be otherwise spoilt, to his great prejudice.  
For, if Trading be so obstructed, as men cannot put off (possibly) the tenth part of that Ware in the yeet, as for money or valuable consideration they could procure and prepare for sale: In this case as the Merchant cannot afford to bring in Comoditieses ten times faster, than the retailer can take them off his hands; so neither can the retailer take them off faster, than he can find sale for what he hath already; in so much, as if either the Wholesale man or retailer should have a stock of goods, as great as when Trade was ten times quicker, it must needs follow, that they would be ten times as long in selling it: whence (as I said) it would be spoilt, by lying upon their hands.  
Whereas, if there were a way found, whereby men might put off their Commodities for valuable consideration, even as fast as they could prepare them, it would occasion their returns to be so quick, and suddenly so great, and likewise so encourage all men, to employ the utmost of their Stock and Credit, in such a thriving way, as the store and plenty of all sorts of Ware, would soon amount to the greatest extent, that the Land and Sea by the Art and Industry of men, could possibly be made to afford; and each man (I say) being in present capacity to put off the same for valuable consideration, it would not only prevent the damage of having so great a store of Commodity spoilt, by lying upon his hands; but by multiplying his riches through such quick Returns, enable him to bestow a comfortable maintenance upon Himself and Family, whereby the Commodity thus augmented, is (through the enlargement of men's expenses) distributed amongst them, towards their comfortable subfistence, as fast as it is thus increased in quantity.  
For, seeing that the effect of all Trading, is but the parting with Commodities for such Money, Credit, or valuable Consideration, as procures other Commodities or Necessaries instead thereof; whereby each man's Ware being transmitted from himself, he in conclusion receives other Ware or Necessaries for it; it follows that the more Commodity they after this manner transfer each to other (seeing upon one man's parting with it another receives it) the more they receive each from other.  
And again, it being hereby handed from one to another, till it be at last transmitted unto persons for their private use, towards the comfortable maintenance of themselves and Families, it comes to pass, that if by this means they exchange each to other, every year as great a quantity of Commodity, as the Land and Sea by the utmost endeavours of men can be made to afford, they must needs receive one year with another towards their subsistence, no less; so as the Earth affording but Commodity enough, both the fruits of their Industry, and as a reward thereof) their enjoyment of outward good, shall be proportionable to the open and stree passage that is made, for speedy putting off their Commodities one to another.  
These things being duly considered, it is manifest, that if there were (I say) any possible means, whereby men might put off their Commodities even as fast as they could prepare them, and that for valuable consideration viz. in such a way as whereby in lieu of the Commodity so parted with, to receive each from other, that which will procure such other Commodity of like or greater value, as for their Trade or Family they should stand in present need of.  
Seeing that in this case, (they being (I say) able to put off their Commodities as fast as they can procure them, for valuable consideration, and it being so much for their profit so to do, (they would not spare to improve the Earth to the utmost that it could be made by Wit or Industry to yield, it could not produce any other thing, then to occasion that all this plenty of Commodity, (multiplied by the joint endeavours of so great a number of men,) would be in such sort transferred from one to another, as by that means it would be distributed to every industrious man, as the reward of his labours, towards the increase of his Stock, and comfortable Maintenance of his Family, even proportionable to his diligence in the Multiplication, Improvement, or Distribution of such Commodity, amongst the rest of Mankind.  
Seeing therefore, that men's increased endeavours are in this case rewarded, by the increased quantity of Commodity, which hereby they are in capacity to share amongst them, it follows that (especially in a Land which is not only plentiful of itself, but lieth fit for the Trade of Fishing and Traffic with other Nations,) nothing so much hinders a people's comfortable subsistence by their industry, as when matters are ordered, so as they cannot find a way to put off their Comoditieses, as fast as they could procure or prepare them for sale; and that the contrary, would tend as much to further their comfortable subsistence by such industry, which were the things here to be discovered: and though perhaps generally observed, yet (the causes, grounds, and nature of them not being so obvious) the clearing thereof, could not be omitted, in the sound handling of a subject of this kind.   

LIB. I. SECT. II.  
Showing, The causes or means tending to continue and increase amongst a People, either Riches being already rich, or Poverty being already poor.  
AS he alone is said to be wealthy, who hath not for the present only, but for some time to come, means of subsistence for himself, and perhaps for his posterity; so he that hath greatest possessions for the present, if for want of good Improvement, he spends out of the main Stock is not like to enjoy so much of his wealth, as he whose Estate though as yet but small, is in a fair way of thriving.  
Seeing therefore, little wealth would serve, if it were only for present subsistence, and considering that continuance of wealth, consists chiefly in the improvement thereof, it follows that except the said improvement, do but just maintain the charge of the Improver, (which seldom so remains long in an even balance;) it doth either more than maintain that charge, whereby it is not only continued but increased, or less than maintain it, whereby it is not fully preserved; so that it is with wealth much as it is with fire, which cannot lightly be upheld, but by the same means by which it is increased.  
And even as (I say) with fire, the greater it is, (a sufficiency offewel being added to it) the more violently it doth increase itself, by the excessiveness of its heat; so it it is with riches, for the greater a man's estate is, (he not wanting means to improve it) the faster doth such estate multiply, by the super-abundancy of his profit.  
And contrarily, when a man's estate is so small, as the improvement thereof will not serve to maintain his charge, it follows, that spending out of the main stock, such wasted stock is like to yield the less improvement upon the second return; whereby he being forced still to spend, so much the more out of the principal, his estate must needs decay so much the faster, by how much the less it is.  
Now, though this be a thing that haply hath come, within the compass of most men's observations and experience, yet I thought good to mention it, for that being applied to the purpose hereafter expressed, it serves to demonstrate the fickle condition not of particular persons only, but of whole Nations.  
For as the wealth of a Nation is greater or less, according to the value of the estates, (whether in goods, money, lands, or whatsoever else) of those men that live therein; so the end to which the riches of a Commonwealth serveth, being not so much the present, as future preservation of earthly enjoyments (which cannot be without the improvement thereof, by the profit of the yearly return of their stock;) it follows that except this return, do yield exactly so much increase, as doth but just maintain their charge, out of the profit of each return, (which seldom happens to be of long continuance) it must either increase their wealth, (and consequently put them into a capacity by their increased stock, to increase it yet more than formerly) or diminish their estates, by forcing them to spend out of the main stock, so as their profit upon their lessened stock, being every year less, and consequently their expenses out of this stock every year more, (and therefore also their profit yet less) such a people must without effectual means of prevention be used, be inevitably brought to utter beggary.  
And whereas it may be supposed by him, who hath not duly weighed the matter, that the decay of some persons in a Commonwealth, is so much the greater advantage unto others, and the thriving of many a prejudice to the rest, yet if the particulars following be well considered, it cannot but be granted, that (contrary to this mistaken imagination) as on the one side the decay of rich men, and the multiplying of the poor, is by the impairing of trade so much the greater prejudice unto all that cannot live, but by their pains in some calling; so on the other side, that the multiplying of the rich, and the diminishing of the poor (which is effected by a quick Trade) doth (by increasing the annual expenses, consequently the trade of a Nation) occasion no damage to any, but much advantage to all.  
And the truth of this, will appear to such as shall consider, that when a people by the abundance of their trading, are become generally so exceeding rich, as those who now need no trade to maintain them, are perhaps ten times as many as the other; their yearly expenses (in not only family maintenance, but feast, Journeys for recreations, and all such like comforts and delights, therefore also their trading) is perhaps ten times greater, then of those, amongst whom the major part do live upon the charity of Tradesmen, and few or none rich enough, without a trade to live.  
For, (I say) according to a people expenses, such is their trading, (seeing it is impossible their should be more ware put off in the year, (except what is sent to other Nations) than the people do one time with a nother, spend amongst themselves, Families and Friends; whereby it comes to pass, that if a Nation be so extreme poor, as they are not able to afford themselves a competent liulyhood; in this case though the land wherein they live be never so fruitful; yet, the revolution of commodities through the hands of Tradesmen, that is Trade, (and consequently industry) being hereby obstructed; it follows that both Tradesmen are ruined, the people as much distressed as if they lived in a barren soil; and (for want of the many employments occasioned by Trade) the generally of them, enforced to spend all their own Stock, and perhaps more, which they have borrowed of others, for their present subsistence, whereby the poverty of such a people, being by such poverty so much the more increased, and consequently (I say) their Trading and employments, so much the more diminished, they are, (without some effectual means be used to remedy the same) put out of all hopes of recovery.  
Contrarily, though a people through the superabundancy of their riches, should spend upon the comforts of this life, never so many thousands in a day one with another, yet by this means, there is the more commodity sold, whereby Trade is the greater, consequently each man in much better capacity to gain abundance of employments, with competency of lively hood thereupon, then if there were not in that Land, (by the universal poverty of the people) sufficient practice for one man in an hundred: so as by the riches of the generality of men, not only the rich themselves, are put into a capacity to enjoy the fruits of the earth, but by the current of commodities to such rich persons through the hands of Tradesmen, such Tradesmen are enriched, and by a multiplication of employment, (by reason of the abundance of Trade) the poor maintained.  
Now from all this, that which I said before is evident; viz. That the same means by which for the most part, the wealth of a Nation is preserved, is no other than that, by which it is increased, so as it is almost impossible that it should continue long at one stay, without growing either greater or less.  
For, if a people be at once generally so poor, as their yearly expense in a competent maintenance of themselves Families and Friends, is not great enough to make Trade such, as whereby Tradesmen one with another, may get so much as will maintain them, such a people (nothing preventing) must needs grow every year poorer than formerly, till both Trade and Stock be reduced to nothing; and that so much the faster, by how much the more their riches, and consequently their trading is hereby decreased.  
But, if the generallyty of a people be once so rich, as their yearly expense is such, as makes Trade to afford something more than a mere subsistence to Tradesmen; the Stock of such a Nation, that is their Riches, therefore their Trade doth yearly increase; and each increase making a greater addition to the Stock, and by consequence to the Improvement, it goeth on, nothing interrupting, till, like fire that wants no fuel, it be able to drink in, even so much commodity yearly, as all the Merchants that live upon this Globe of the Earth, are able to procure, and willing to afford for money,  
And this when once Trading comes to be something quicker than ordinary, much the faster, for that Tradesmen by reason of their great and quick Returns, growing suddenly very rich, leave off their practisce, and others from nothing falling into employment, and from employment to stock, and from stock into a way of quick trade, do soon arrive unto the same condition; whereby the number of such who are so poor, as not being able to follow a trade, must live upon the charity of others to the burden of the Commonwealth; being daily diminished, and the number of such as become so rich, as they need no trade to maintain them; being daily increased; the charge of the Commonwealth in maintaining such poor, is not only lessened; but Trade, by the increase of such rich, so much the more multiplied, the number of such rich, by such quickened trade, so much the faster increased; and Trade thereby again so much the more multiplied: and so ad infinitum.  
So then, the causes or means tending to continue and increase amongst a people, either Riches being already rich, is their present riches, with the consequences thereof; or Poverty being already poor, is their present poverty, with the consequences thereof; which were the things here to be discovered.   

LIB. I. SECT. III.  
Showing, The causes or means, to make a Poor People, though in a Barren Land, Rich; and a Rich People. though in a Fruitful Land, Poor.  
THat Security for making good, men's Estates, which is usually called Money, being given to Persons for their Commodities, upon no other account, then as an Evidence or Testimony, to signify how far forth men (by their joint Agreement to take it, being otherwise of no worth, for Commodities of real value) are Indebted for, and engaged, to recompense the fruits of their labours or possessions, in some other Commodities or Necessaries instead of those, that for such money they parted with; it comes to pass, that he who hoards up this public Obligation, without demanding present satisfaction in one way or other, doth (as he well deserveth) grow every day poorer than formerly, by living upon the principal Stock.  
For this reason, it is, that there are very few, who though they be of no Trade, and though the times be something dangerous, can afford to keep their Estates, or any considerable part thereof by them in money, but either, they let it out for Interest, buy land with it, or some other ways employ it, so as the principal may yield an advantage; and much more, must men that live by their Trades, the improvement of whose Stock is their maintenance (being generally not long able otherwise, to defray the charges of house-keeping) rid their hands of money for Ware, as fast as they receive it.  
Now, from this consideration, it is evident, that in reference to a Commonwealth, or any Society of men, the greater quantity there is amongst them, of money, credit, or that which is taken by them for Commodities, the more commodity they sell, that is, the greater is their Trade: For whatsoever is taken amongst men for commodity, though it were ten times more than now it is, yet if it be one way or other laid out by each man, as fast as he receives it, it must needs come to pass, that (resting no where) it doth occasion a quickness in the revolution of Commodity from hand to hand, that is Trade, proportionable to the greatness of its quantity.  
Hence it follows, that if the Stock of moneys, which drives a People's Trade, should every day increase, yet (granting that matters were so ordered, as men would not hoard it up; and then (it must needs follow, that by every man's continual putting off such money from himself, (endeavouring always to keep his whole Estate, if possible, in Ware or Commodity) they (as by a Sluice) do by degrees draw in such a flood of goods amongst them, from Land and Sea, as their Wealth in other things, will far exceed their Stock in moneys, if none of them do rest (as it is supposed they do not) until each of them hath so converted his estate into goods, as the money he hath in his hands, is not considerable thereunto; for when once it is so, it must needs follow, that what they are worth in money (though never so much increased) is not valuable to what they are worth in goods.  
Hence it is, that in any Nation where money is not hoarded up, that if all the Houses, Ships, Goods, Lands, and whatsoever else is any part of any man's estate, were prized but at an ordinary rate, the total sum would not doubt, exceed the value of all the moneys, that is in their whole Land an hundred fouled; whence it necessarily follows, that though money be never so much increased amongst them, yet by each man's endeavouring not to keep any considerable part of his estate by him in money, their estates in Ships, Houses, Goods, or the like, are multiplied proportionably.  
And this increasing of goods in a Land, by the increasing of money therein, comes to pass by this means, that one man's putting off of money from himself, for Ware, is not only the furnishing himself with another man's commodity; but the putting that other man in present capacity, to refurnish himself from Land or Sea, with some new commodity, by parting with that money which will produce the like effect, for a third person, and so perpetually.  
Hence, when the stock of a people in moneys doth so fast increase, as Tradesmen have (as I may say) much a do to keep the current of moneys, which then runs amongst them (it growing daily greater) at that low proportion, in reference to their goods, which by each of their constant endeavours (upon their recieving moneys every day anew) is pursued; In this case then, they so strive (as it were) to put off the money one from another in such great proportion, as trading becomes so quick, that Tradesmen returning and consequently gaining, as much perhaps in a month as otherwise in a year (and this gain being converted into goods, by each man's putting off the money for it) they daily increase their wealth ingoods, if not immediately proportionable to such an increase of money; yet until this be effected (in regard they never rest striving, to put off the money one upon another (to the drawing in of new commodities and increasing their trading, consequently their Wealth in goods, so as all the money they have amongst them, will not be considerable to the value thereof, their estates must needs (if not totally arrive, yet) perpetually hasten towards the aforesaid porportion, and that (the world affoarding but commodity enough for money) so much the faster, as by reason of such swift increase of moneys, it wanteth time to comefully up thereunto.  
But contrarily, in a time of Civil or Intestine wares, rich men as fast as they receive money upon any occasion, knowing not how to dispose of it, either by laying it out in Land, commodity, or otherwise; so as whereby to secure their estates from the danger of surprisal, do usually keep it up in their own possessions, and by consequence, obstructing the revolution thereof, do thereby hinder Trade, by preventing the sale of so much commodity, as by the current of such money from themselves, through the hands of others, must needs have been returned: and Trade being once obstructed by what means soever, doth make men find by sad experience, that if they keep as great astock of ware by them now, as when trade was quicker, it must needsly much longer upon their hand, till hapilily it be grown stolen or out of Fashion.  
Hence it comes to pass, that when through hoarding up of moneys or any other means, the quick current of trade is suddenly and considerably abstructed, though a people be at that time never so rich, and live in never so fruitful a Land; yet such as have their stocks in commodity, much more than proportiable to so decayed a trade, do upon their recieving moneys keep it, or the most part of it by them, without maintaining their stock in goods, to the same proportion as formerly; by which means, the current of money, and consequently of Trade; being yet so much the more obstructed, doth occasion (men keeping still the less ware by them) to convert so much the greater part of their estates into moneys, whereby, the revolution thereof, and by consequence Trade, is yet so much the more abated; therefore men induced to hoard up moneys so much the more; and so on, till the estates of all rich men, being in a manner wholly converted into moneys, and the generality of the people drained of it, they must needs in the end (if this course go on amongst them) expect such a total obstruction in the current of moneys, as they may well wait in their shops, without receiving one with another, near so much as may serve to preserve them alive, though they spend all they take, both Principal and Profit.  
Hereby, the quantity of goods that is amongst Tradesmen diminishing, not only in the hands of the rich, by their daily endeavours to convert their estates into moneys; but also in the hands of the poor, by their being perpetually forced, to spend out of the main stock, for their mere subfistance; (if this course (I say) go on) men who were formerly worth (perhaps) one with another 20. times as much in commodity as money, shall scarce have any thing but money amongst them; and yet their money no whit increased, so as they must needs be so much the poorer, by how much their estates in goods are diminished.  
I conclude therefore, that as on the one side, men's endeavours to post off money one upon another for commodity, by a constant striving to keep their whole estates (if possible) in goods, (especially, if such money daily increase amongst them) do multiply their trading, & by consequence their riches, so as the world affoarding but commodity enough, & that from other nations, though their own soil be never so barren, their estates in goods, will soon by many degrees exceed the value of all the money, that is so revolving amongst them, though never so much increased; and on the other side, men's hoarding up of moneys, or endeavouring to convert their estates into money; doth by obstructing trade, make men spend out of the main stock, more and more, till suddenly, though never so rich formerly, and living in never so fruitful a Land, they have scarce so much commodity left amongst them, as is equal in value to their stock of money, which being also for the most part hoarded up, by the richer sort, affordeth no advantage to the generality of the people.  
Thus, the causes or means to make a Poor people, though in a barren Land Rich, and a Rich people though in a fruitful Land Poor; do manifestly appear, which were the things here to be discovered.   

LIB. I. SECT. FOUR  
Showing more fully, The Effect of the aforesaid means, for making a Poor people Rich.  
BEcause, the full force and virtue of that Expedient for enriching a poor people, which I shall hereafter propose; depends chiefly upon the Effect, which money being not hoarded up, but multiplied in a fruitful Land, doth produce amongst them; that it may the better appear in what proportion, an increase of money not hoarded up, doth increase trade, and multiply men's estates in any land, where Commodity enough by the fruits of its own soil, and Traffic with other Nations, is to be had for money; let it be supposed, that there is a people amongst whom there is now, ten time as much money as formerly (or rather that money might be multiplied amongst them to any quantity required) that matters were ordered so, as none of them care to hoard up this money, that their land being fruitful and fitly situate for the trade of Fishing, and Traffic with other Nations, there is commodity enough to be had for money, though trade were 100 times greater than now it is; and then I say the consequence will be, that both trading and riches will increase amongst them, much more than proportionable to such increase of money, and that without increasing the price of commodity, as I shall prove in place convenient.  
And first, for Trading (I say) though their money be but ten times more than formerly, their trading shall be near 100 times more than formerly: for if this multiplied stock of moneys, would in this case revolve, about in near the tenth part of that time, as their former small stock would have done, (which I shall prove it would) it follows, that there is a double advantage in it: The first is, in that being ten times greater than the former; each revolution thereof (commodity not being dearer) causeth full ten times as great a sale of commodity, that is full ten times as great a Trade, as each revolution of the former small stock would have done.  
And therefore further, if this multiplied stock revolve about, in near the tenth part of the time as the former small stock would have done (that is near ten times about for the others once) it follows, that men receive near 100 times as much money, in the same space as formerly; consequently, that commodity not being dearer, their trade is near 100 times as quick as formerly if at least, there be not a greater number of Tradesmen then formerly; which if there be, than (seeing it is supposed, that money may be multiplied to any quantity required) let it be increased accordingly, and the effect shall be still the same.  
So that, what is here supposed being granted, and it being proved, that in this case commodity shall not rise in price, there remains nothing to be cleared, but that hereupon it would follow, that this multiplied stock of moneys, shall revolve about in near the tenth part of that time, as the other small stock would have done.  
In order to the demonstration whereof, it is evident, that if the quantity of money amongst a people in any Nation, be once so great as being dispersed, that which they have one with another, is a sum very considerable to lay out in a way of Trade; in this case, every of them thinking to employ his whole stock, lays out that considerable sum, which he already hath without intermission; and their doing this without delay, is that whereby they receive each from other, the same sums again with as little delay, and by that means do put themselves into present capacity to do the same, the second and third time, and so perpetually.  
For seeing, their thus putting off the money one upon another (though they perform it with never so much speed) cannot make the quantity of money that is amongst them the less, it must needs follow, that they have in their hands still one with another, ten times as much money as formerly, that is, a considerable sum, to lay out immediately in a way of trade.  
Whereas, when all the money amongst any number of men, is of so small a quantity as being dispersed, that which they have one with another, is not considerable to employ as a stock in away of Trade, (and much less to purchase Land, put out to interest, and the like) in this case, every man deferring to lay out that little which he hath, doth in a manner totally obstruct the current of that small stock, which is amongst them; whereby it is manifest, that this inconsiderable stock of moneys, shall not revolve about in the tenth part of that space of time; as (by each man's striving at once to put off his own share from himself) that other great stock doth.  
Therefore, (I say) this multiplied stock of moneys, shall revolve about in near the tenth part of the time, as the other small stock would, and consequently trading be in this case near 100 times as quick as otherwise; that is increased much more than proportionable to such increase of money, which was the first thing here to be proved.  
The second thing to be demonstrated was; that they shall hereby suddenly multiply their riches, to be more than proportionable to such increase of money, (I say) suddenly; for though (I confess) it is impossible, that by an increase of money men's estates should be increased proportionably, in the same instant without any intermission, yet money being increased to be now ten times more than formerly, (seeing that hereby trade could not choose but be near 100 times more than formerly, as is already proved) it must needs follow, that men's returning 100 times as much commodity in the same space as formerly, would so exceedingly hasten the increase of their stock, and consequently their estates in commodity, as their wealth in Goods would quickly reach to the utmost extent, that the world for money could afford.  
And having ten times as much money amongst them as formerly, though they had also already ten times as much Goods as formerly, yet that is no argument to prove that they would be content to keep, such considerable sums by them as through this means (every man's proportion one with another being multiplied by ten) would be dispersed amongst them: for though their stock be but yet ten times as much as formerly, yet they find sale for 100 times as much commodity as formerly, whereby they would stand in need of a stock of commodities proportionable, so as until (at least) they had increased their stock proportionable to their Trade, they would never rest posting off the money each upon other, with the greatest speed possible; which as I have already proved is the very means, whereby a Commonwealth though never so barren of itself, is suddenly enriched with plenty of Commodities.  
And seeing again, that though the money thus multiplied should stand at that stay, without being further increased, yet Trade once quickened (as is already proved) having a property by multiplying the number of the Rich, and thereby the expenses of the people, to increase itself like fire, to the utmost extent possible; it follows, that a stop in the increase of money, would no more occasion a stop in the increase of Trade, then forbearing to blow the fire after it is sufficiently kindled. would prevent its further increasing, seeing it is evident, that (as it is with fire in this praticular) by how much the more it should be hereby increased, by so much the faster it would still go on to increase.  
Therefore, the second thing which was here to be proved, doth follow, viz. That in the case before premised, men's wealth in goods as well as commodity would soon be above ten times more than formerly, that is, more than proportionable to such increase of money; and that so much the sooner, if money also should in the mean time be yet further multiplied: for then, though Trade like (I say) as fire, when it hath gotten strength) is apt enough to increase itself, yet will do it so much the faster, if it be (as it were) intended and forced (like the same fire with a stiff and fierce wind) by the multiplying of money still to a greater quantity, (I mean) that though, by the perpetual increase of money amongst men, their estates might possibly never come to be above ten tims more than the money, which they at present have amongst them; yet by the said increase of money, their estates would so much the sooner be above ten times more than all the money, that lately they had amongst them.  
By all which, the efficacy of this means, for making a Poor people (suddenly) Rich, doth more fully appear, which was the thing here to be demonstrated.  
Hence therefore, as it is no wonder why there is so much care taken by all States, to prevent the exporting of coin, who have not any mine of gold or silver at their own command, so the truth of what is affirmed by one Mr. Robinson of late, in a book of his, called Brief Considerations, concerning the advancement of Trade and Navigation, is here evidently demonstrated, his words are these, I conceive (saith he) it will appear upon inquiry;  
That, in whatsoever Country, the greatest Stock of money and Credit shall be raised, there will the greatest Trade of the world, be established.  
Which being in Effect, the same with what I have already affirmed, I shall pass from that point, as sufficiently cleared; and here insert, (as no less pertinent to the scop of this Trea 'tice) what the same Author in that place further addeth; viz.  
That, the greater Trade of one Country, hath a capacity of undermining and eating out the lesser Trade of other Countries;  
That the greatest Trade will be able, to make the greatest number of Shipping.  
That what Nation soever can attain to, and continue the greatest Trade, and number of Shipping, will get and keep the soveraygnty of the Seas; and consequently the greatest dominion of the world.  
The truth of all which, will be proved in their proper places.   

LIB. I. SECT. V  
Showing, That nothing can be alleged against the aforesaid means for enriching a poor People; but what argues as strongly against an increase of Trade amongst them, though it be at present never so dead.  
FOr that happily, the means of which hath been hitherto discovered, to make a poor people rich, may be liable in the apprehension of those, who have not seriously considered thereof, to some material objection; which to remove, is so essential to the main scope of this Treatise, as the Enterprise itself hereafter proposed, cannot otherwise be vindicated; I thought fit, before I proceeded any further, to insert such considerations, as might tend either to the preventing, or answering of those objections.  
Which therefore to do, with as much brevity as possible, I shall in this Section (before I come to the full clearing of all other scruples in the next) prove that nothing can be alleged against the aforesaid means, for enriching a poor people; but what argues as strongly against an increase of Trade amongst them, though it be at present never so dead.  
If then, in opposition to what is thus undertaken to be proved, it should be objected, that an increase of money would occasion an increase in the price of Commodities, proportionable to such increase of money, (that is, if the money were twice as much, Commodity would be twice as dear) consequently (going never the further in Commodity by the increase thereof) would not occasion any increase in the sale of Commodity: therefore not any increase of Trade; and yet (by causing the price of Commodities to rise) incur an inconvenience, contrary to what is before affirmed.  
I answer, that the Objection, (though for the better clearing of this point, I thought it not fit to be omitted) implies no less than a contradiction; seeing it is evident, (or at least by the sequel, shall be put out of all doubt:) That an increase of money cannot possibly occasion an increase in the price of Commodity, otherwise then by increasing the sale thereof, and that (as hath been already alleged) if such money being doubled, the price of Commodity be thereby also doubled, such increase of money doth not in this case increase the sale of Commodity: It follows, that it is no occasion of increasing the price of Commodity at all: Therefore, to say that an increase of money, doth by occasioning a greater sale of Commodity, occasion so great an increase in the price thereof, as not at all to occasion an increase in the sale thereof, is (I say) a plain contradiction: whereby it is manifest, that an increase of money, cannot occasion an increase in the price of Commodities, fully proportionable to such increase of money.  
Again, if it were so, yet this would incur no inconvenience, as in the Objection is intimated; For seeing, though Commodities should be upon this occasion twice as dear, yet there is also twice as much money dispersed amongst men; whereby they are in as good a capacity to purchase as great a quantity of Commodity, as if, having but half that money, it should go twice as fare; so that the inconvenience, is no whit greater than the advantage.  
But to admit, that an increase of money, must needs occasion a proportionable increase in the price of Commodities, as it is already made evident, that it would imply a Contradiction: so it is manifest, that there is a great absurdity in it: For either a people, having now ten times more money amongst them then formerly, though they have also ten or 100 times more Commodity, yet in this case, Commodities must needs be now, ten times dearer than formerly; or else a people, though they have now ten times more money amongst them, then formerly, cannot possibly have more Commodity amongst them then formerly; either of which to affirm, is (I say) absurd, and contrary to the truth of what, will fully appear in the Section following: Neither indeed, if this were truth, could the hoarding up of moneys, which is equivalent to a decrease thereof in quantity, occasion a decrease of Commodity (as by what hath been said, appears that it doth) and by consequence, an increase in the price thereof.  
If it be replied, that since the discovery of the Ours in the West-Indies, (whereby the world hath been filled, more full of money then formerly, Commodities are likewise grown, much dearer than formerly.  
I confess, that if there be now ten times more money, in the World then formerly; seeing it cannot be conceived, that the whole world is capable of affording, ten times more Commodity then formerly, it must be granted, that an increase of money in the whole World, may occasion an increase in the price of Commodities, (though not fully proportionable, neither to such increase of money; for it doth not appear, that Commodities are so many times dearer, as money in the world, is now of late years multiplied) yet seeing matters may be ordered so, as the whole world may be able to afford, ten times more plenty of Commodity to any one Land or Nation then now it doth, (& especially if the same Land might be improved so, as to yield much more Commodity out of its own Bowels, then for the present through the extreme poverty of the People, and deadness of Trading, men can find sale for:) in this case if the money in that Land, were ten times more than it is, it might soon come to pass, that there would be ten times as much Commodity to be sold for money; whereby the price thereof, (as I shall have occasion hereafter to observe) would be kept from rising: And thus, this scruple (I suppose) is fully removed.  
To proceed therefore, to the proof of what is before asserted: I say first, that an increase of money, cannot possibly occasion an increase in the price of comodities, (or any other Inconvenience) but by increasing the sale of Commodities For an increase of money can produce no evil, but what it doth by augmenting the quantity of that, which is either kept by or laid out: The quantity of that which is kept by, being Augmented, doth (indeed) embolden men to spend the more freely, through which as people live the more Comfortabely; so the sale of Commodity (that is Trade) is so much the quicker; but besides, this (I say) the Increase of that which lies by, occasions no Inconvenience, other than if it were so much Brass or Leather lying by, except what it doth by hindering the sale of so much Commodity, as by the currant thereof would be returned; yet this Inconvenience is not to be imputed to the Increase of money, but rather to the contrary, for that so long as it is kept by, it is all one, as if it were not increased.  
Now, that on the other side, by increasing the quantity of what is laid out, it produces no evil, other than what it doth by increasing the sale of Commodity (that is Trade) this is most evident and unquestionable, Therefore, this first thing to be proved, viz. That an increase of money cannot possibly occasion, an increase in the price of Commodities, (or any other Inconvenience) but by increasing the sale of Commodity, is true.  
Now then to proceed, from hence it follows, that if it were impossible for money to increase in any place, without increasing the price of Commodity, it would be as much impossible for Trade to increase in any place, but the price of Commodity, must needs also increase in that place; Seeing it is here proved, that an increase of money, cannot possibly increase the price of commodity, or incur any other inconvenience, but by increasing the sale thereof (that is by increasing Trade) consequently, nothing can be alleged against the aforesaid means, for enriching a poor people, but what argues as strongly against an increase of Trade amongst them, though it be at present never so dead; which was the thing here to be evinced.  
And for a further proof of this; though if I should say, that when trade is once decayed in any place, there is no means to quicken it, but by an increase of money not hoarded up, I should not only deny the truth itself, but the validity of that other means, which this Treatise, by the whole scope thereof, is designed to demonstrate; yet when it shall be seasonable to discover what this other means is, I shall then manifestly prove, that without an increase of money (not hoarded up) or the use of this or such like means, it cannot be expected; that when trade is once decayed in any place, it should possibly be quickened & revived: and seeing an objection against the use of that means, without which this or that enterprise at all can be effected, doth by consequence argue, as strongly against the enterprise itself; that which was here to be proved (needless any more to be repeated) doth follow.   

LIB. I. SECT. VI:  
Showing, How the aforesaid means for enriching a poor People, is fully cleared from all Scruples and Objections.  
HAving already proved, that nothing can be alleged against the aforesaid means, for enriching a poor people; but what argues as strongly against an increase of Trade amongst them, though it be at present never so dead: it is now to be considered, whether any thing can be materially objected, against an increase of Trade amongst any people, where (I say) it is at present dead; for if it appear, that there is not, than it is manifest, That the aforesaid means for enriching a poor people, is thereby fully cleared, from all Scruples and Objections.  
Now, if (all things considered) there were less inconveniency to a Commonwealth, in the continuance of deadness of Trading amongst them, then in the removing thereof, (seeing of two evils, the least is always to be chosen,) not only my labour in order to this enterprise, is frustrated; but the means to continue such deadness of Trading, (in case there were any danger of its being quickened) ought with all diligence in this respect to be pursued; which yet if to do, would in the judgement of all men, be both a ridiculous and pernicious practice, than it is manifest, that (seeing I say again of two inconveniencies, the least, if either is to be chosen) nothing can be materially objected, against an increase of Trade amongst any people, where it is already dead, which was the thing to be proved.  
And although, happily upon this ground, it may be conceived by some, that there needeth not any more time nor labour to be spent, in the further proof of this point; yet because upon the serious discussing thereof, many things very material will appear, which must have been somewhere suggested; it will be necessary for those, that would fully understand the scope of this Treatise, to take cognisance thereof, before they proceed any further.  
As that (therefore) is a quick Trade, which by a reasonable profit in the pound, doth more than maintain the charge of the Tradesmen; so that is a dead Trade, which by the same profit will not serve to maintain that charge; whence it necessarily follows, that if Trade amongst any people be dead, such a people without an extraordinary profit in the pound, being forced to spend every return, something out of the main stock, are, (as I have already more fully proved) so far from being in a way of thriving, as till Trade be made quicker, they must (of necessity) grow every year poorer than formerly, even until they be reduced, to the outmost extremity of want.  
And if to remedy this, the Whole-sale-man, retailer, and all others that are to have allowance, out of the price of any Commodity, do take an extraordinary profit in the pound; to the end, that such their profit, may something help towards the slowness of their returns; they make all sorts of Commodities so dear (as according to what is proved in the Section following) it costs them (near, if not altogether) as much extraordinary charge, to maintain their Families, as such increase of profit, which by this means they advance, doth amount to: Whereby, still they come (near, if not altogether) as far short of being able, to maintain a Family Charge by a dead Trade, without spending out of the main stock, as if none of them had raised the price of their Commodities at all.  
From all this it is evident, that there is no objection can hold, against an increase of Trade itself, if it be at present dead; but what argues as much, not against the enriching alone, but the mere preserving of a poor people, from falling by degrees, into the extremest want and beggary; whereby also for want of means to defend themselves, they are made liable to be enslaved by other Nations.  
Now, considering that amongst earthly evils, incident to any Nation, these two are the worst that can be imagined, (so as there being nothing fully to counterpose these inconveniencies,) it follows, that nothing can be materially objected, against an increase of Trade amongst any people, if it be at present dead, which was the thing here to be proved.  
Yet further, seeing it is manifest, that nothing can with any colour be alleged, against an increase of Trade amongst any people, except this, that it may tend to increase the price of their Commodities.  
To this I answer, that if it were so, that increase of Trade, did necessarily occasion an increase in the price of commodities, yet the Inconvenience [especially to those whose Trade is at present, in a declining condition] would not countervail the advantage; Seeing, that for a people [whose Estates through the deadness of their trading, doth daily decline] to have their riches increased, though the price of commodity, should also thereby increase, is a greater advantage than though commodity should be never so cheap, to have their estates in the mean time to waste and decay; the rather, for that an increase of Trade, doth occasion an increase in the current of commodity, whereby a greater quantity thereof being [as is already proved] distributed amongst men, for their more comfortable subsistence; in this case, if plenty of commodity [which is the effect of a quick trade] were not consistent with cheapness in the price thereof [though the contrary be most manifest] yet to have a plentiful share of outward comforts, though dear, is an advantage above that of enjoying a less proportion thereof, though never so cheap, as much every whit as the end is more excellent than that means, which without such end serveth to no purpose at all, therefore nothing can be materially objected, against an increase of Trade.  
Lastly, and chief, it is to be observed, that in any place where both Intestine and Foreign commodity enough, is to be had for money, an increase of Trade doth not at all occasion an increase in the price of such commodity: For though trade in any place do increase never so fast, yet tradesmen cannot make the price of commodity to rise, except [trading not being now so dead, as whereby to discourage men from bringing in much ware] they can order matters so, as it may not be brought in fast enough, to supply the present Market; for otherwise, if one Tradesman will not sell his commodity at a reasonable rate, another [glad of the opportunity] would suddenly furnish the Market; and [to make his returns the quicker] sell it as cheap as he can afford, that is [as I shall prove in the next Section] nuch cheaper, then in case trading were dead, he could.  
Hence, as there is a quicker Trade in London, then in any other City in England; So this (occasioning more commodity to be brought to London, then otherwise there would) doth prevent such excessive dearness thereof in that place, which otherwise could not choose but follow, upon such quickness of Trading.  
And there is no doubt, but that if any Nation (through the abundant expenses of the people, by means of their riches) do become unto the rest of the world, as London is to England, the Chief Seat of Trade, the reason for bringing in commodity to that place, more than to any other part of the world, is the same, for that of bringing in more commodity to London, then to any other place in England; Because, whensoever in any Land, there is but sale for commodity, before there should want commodity in that place to supply the Market, as fast as need requires, all the Merchants inhabiting here on earth, would cheerfully entertain the opportunity, to post it thither in great proportions, whereby (I say) the dearness of such commodity in that place, would be prevented, so as there remaining no other imaginable scruple, against an increase of Trade, I conclude, that the thing to be discovered in this place, doth sufficiently appear, viz. How the aforesaid means for enriching a poor people, is fully cleared, from all scruples and objections.   

LIB. I. SECT. VII.  
Showing, That where commodity enough is to be had for money; quickness of Trading, doth occasion a considerable fall in the price of commodities, and deadness of Trading the contrary.  
BY what hath been already said, (which yet in the conclusion to this Section, shall be more fully cleared) it doth appear, that where commodity enough is to be had for money, men are forced to sell the same at as low a rate, (I mean as small a profit in the pound) as with reference, to the quickness of their returns they can afford; so as the main Question is; Whether if Trade be extraordinary quick, (Commodities being sold as cheap as they can well be afforded) they will not thereby fall to a far lower rate, and yet tradesmen gain much more per annum then otherwise.  
In order to the solution of which doubt, let it be considered, that if when by reason of extreme deadness of trading, the Whole-sale-man cannot live, in case he have not 2. s. 6. d. per l. profit, upon each return, he of whom the Whole-sale-man procures his ware, nor yet the retailer to whom he sells it, under 5. s. each; that is in all 12. s. 6. d. amongst them all three.  
Yet if their Trade were ten times as quick, they might all gain twice as much in the year, upon the fist part of that profit, that is, upon 2. s. 6. d. in the pound amongst them, which coming short of 12. s. 6. d. by ten shillings, commodities might hereby be afforded at ten shillings in the pound, (that is, one half part) cheaper then otherwise.  
But besides, if trading be (suppose) ten times as quick as formerly, and that hereupon commodities of all sorts, should be sold at half the rate as formerly; Tradesmen in this case, would not only gain twice as much per annum, but out of that doubled profit maintain their Families, at half that rate as formerly; And consequently, might still afford to sell their commodities at a far less profit, which less profit of all the several sorts of tradesmen put together, (as before is observed) would make commodities, yet considerably cheaper, so as men might maintain their families still at less charge, consequently live by the less profit; and so until that which cannot now be afforded under twenty shillings, might be sold at twelve pence.  
And further, we have here only reckoned the price of commodities as they might be afforded, by abating the profit only of three several sorts of Tradesmen, thereupon, and that but in the half of the proportion, as is correspondent to the quickness of their trading, and we find it very considerable: But for Merchants, or such as traffic with other Nations, it is to be observed, that they buy their ware of those Tradesmen, who usually procure it of such handicrafts men, as make it fit for sale; who have their materials possibly of the Farmers, or some other ways out of the cattles or fruits of the earth; so as each commodity goeth through two or three hands, before it come to the Merchant.  
Again, the Merchant having exchanged it beyond Sea, for some foreign commodity, usually sells the same to the Whole-sale-man, or at least to a Shopkeeper in some chief City, that many times sells it (or the most part of it) to the Country Mercer, or some other retailing tradesmen; and they in great part to the Pedlar, before it be sold out to each one, for his private use.  
Now, if we take out of the price of foreign commodities ⅘ parts of the profit of all those Tradesmen that prepare domestic commodities for the Merchant, and also ⅘ parts of the profit, that the Merchant doth gain by exchange of domestic for foreign commodities; and ⅘ parts of the profit of all those tradesmen that hand this foreign commodity from one to another, until it be sold to each man for his private use; assuredly the commodity itself might in this case, be afforded for little more than a fifth part of what otherwise it could; and yet (men having now one with another, ten times more trading then formerly) gain twice as much per annum as formerly; and as hereby they get double to what they did formerly, so they might maintain their charge, at near the fifth part of the rate as formerly; whereby the aforesaid doubt is fully resolved.  
And to illustrate this yet more clearly, Seeing the worth of all commodities must needs consist, either in the principal and original value thereof, or in the profit of those that have to do therein, or in both; and considering that (as will appear to him; who shall duly weigh the same) there is no principal value in any commodity, besides the profit of every one that hath to do therein, (I mean the profit of the Whole-sale-man, Retailer, Artificer, Farmer, Landlord, and such like) it must needs follow, that if you make the profit of every one that hath to do therein, only the fifth part as formerly, you make the commodity itself to be worth, but the fifth part, as formerly.  
Now as this is most evident, that if every one who is to have an allowance out of the price of any commodity, takes but a fifth part of the profit as formerly, the commodity itself will thereby be afforded at a fifth part of the rate as formerly; And this also is clear, that if tradesmen sell ten times as much in the year as formerly, they gain twice as much per annum, by the fifth part of that profit upon each commodity, as if otherwise they had sold, for full five times as great a profit: So this also is manifest, that if men gain twice as much per annum, as when formerly commodity was five times dearer; they may now maintain their charge, upon the tenth part of that yearly profit, as well as before upon the whole profit.  
So as though in this case, they should afford Commodity at the fifth part of the rate as formerly, yet the Landlord for his Rent, and all others that are to have any allowance, out of the price of any commodity, taking but a fifth part of the rate as formerly; their advantage by maintaining their Families so much the cheaper, would be the same as if they had full five times as great a profit.  
Yet, if in this case, the Landlord should have the same rent as formerly, as his own advantage would be, that it would go in house-keeping five times as far as formerly; so the price of commodities in reference to the allowance of rent alone, would not be much the dearer thereby.  
Although in truth, the Landlord, in this case will not easily prevail upon the Tenant to value his land, at a higher rate, than the present worth of the commodities it yields, for that if commodities be now worth but the fifth part as formerly, it is clear that he who pays as much rent as formerly, will not in this case be able to make so much money of the fruits of such Land, as the rent thereof doth amount to.  
These things considered, it follows, that (at least) if matters could be ordered so, as by quicking of Trade both the value of men's rents, and profit of men's trades, could be made to fall by degrees, every day more than other, those things which now cannot not be afforded under 20. s. might at last be sold at 12. d. and yet no person prejudiced thereby, for that each man (being hereby able to maintain his charge at the twentieth part of that rate as formerly) might now as well live upon the twentieth part of that profit as before upon the whole profit: And as the Landlord would receive no prejudice, by such fall in the value of his Rents, in regard, that the price of all other things do hereby fall proportionably, so the Tradesman would notwithstanding, be by this means a gainer more than formerly, in full as great a measure as trade should hereby be increased, above what it was formerly; From all which in answer to the aforesaid doubt, it follows, that where Trade is extraordinary quick, commodities may be afforded at much less rate, and yet Tradesmen gain much more per annum then otherwise.  
Now, that in this case commodities shall be sold at as low a rate, as they can well be afforded, will appear from hence, That as when trade in any place is very dead, the Merchant is careful not to bring in any commodity, which [as far as he can probably foresee] will not go off at such a rate, as may something answer the charge of house-keeping, the skill of a trade, and hazard of a stock, which [in case returns be very slow, seeing an ordinary profit will not countervail] if he doth not apprehend some hopes of a greater profit, he doth forbear to bring in any considerable quantity of such commodity, till it be grown so scarce as (the price thereof risen) his profit may become at least a means of necessary encouragement.  
Hereby it follows, that as Tradesmen cannot afford to live, at near so little profit in the pound, when trade is dead as otherwise; so they make a shift by degrees, through their forbearing to bring in a competency thereof, to raise the price of each commodity in some measure correspondent; Though by making them pay so much the dearer, towards the maintinance of their Families; the inconvenience is [I say] almost, [if not altogether] as bad as the advantage.  
So contrarily, where trade is extraordinary quick, men are encouraged to bring in the utmost that the Market will take off, though the price thereof do fall thereby: For, that if through the quickness of their Returns, they can have but such a profit in the pound, as whereby to make (yearly) some considerable increase of their Stock (besides the defraying of their family charge) it comes all to one effect, whether their profit in the pound be greater or less.  
So as hereby, every one striving (I say) to take the most money, such as will not sell at a reasonable rate, must keep their commodities upon their hands, whereby not only commodities (I say) fall in price, but men save almost, if not altogether as much (in the maintenance of their charge) as they seem to lose by the abatement of their profit in the pound.  
From all which, it may be concluded, that where commodity enough is to be had for money, quickness of trading doth occasion a considerable fall in the price thereof, which was the thing to be proved.   
Here endeth the first Book.   


LIB. II. SECT. I.  
Showing, (or representing in a Parable) the nature of the intended enterprise, for increase of Wealth, by improving of Trade, according to the Title.  
OBserving that it is no unusual thing, for men to give a more upright and impartial sentence in matters, which are in such sort propounded, under some figurative and parabolical sense, as they discern not to what particular cases, such their sentence may be applied to the unexpected convincing them, by their own agreement, unto things which otherwise they would never have consented to.  
That many things are of such a nature, as they cannot so easily be obviated and illustrated, to the understandings of those who have not been exercised therein, as by some familiar similitude, taken from examples, with which through frequent experience, they are well acquainted.  
And that according to the Rules dictated by those, who have made it their design, to propose the most clear and compendious Method of Argumentation; the Major proposition of a Syllogism, (viz. that such a consequence or inference doth naturally follow, from a thing only supposed,) is before the supposition itself to be demonstrated; which order of proceeding hath the same ground in reason, when something instead of such supposition, will appear fully to make out the same effect and consequence.  
In these and some other respects, I concluded, that to discover the nature of the intended enterprise, for increase of Wealth by improving of Trade, according to the Title (in the most plain brief, and effectual method that I could devise) there would be a necessity (before the proposal of the matter itself,) to represent (by way of parable or supposition) some case, that (being as near as possible, parallel to it, in reference both to the inconveniences and advantages following thereupon,) I might (thus in a mystery) prevent all material objections, before I came to the plain discovery of the thing itself.  
These things premised, I shall give you the sum of all, in few words.  
Admit a certain MINE of GOLD discovered in this Land, were wholly resigned up to the dispose of such men, as should become engaged by Bond to restore within six Month's warning, both the use and possession of the said MINE: together, with so much of the said GOLD, as should be coined, or any ways disposed of: And (I say) that this would incur more inconveniences, and yet not afford greater advantages, (to those that should have the disposing thereof, or to any other persons) then what would follow, upon the enterprise hereafter proposed, as by what doth ensue will appear: In the mean time I proceed to represent something of the nature of this undertaking, by an explication of my meaning, in the words before rehearsed.  
A certain Mine of Gold, That is metal of such real worth, as will yield (with little or no loss) the money, if it should be sold to the Goldsmith.  
A Mine, That is not a Treasury which may soon be exhausted, but which may afford such a quantity of money, as whereby the same may upon occasion be multiplied to any proportion needful.  
Again a Mine, For this being not money ready coined, requires some charge of defending, digging, coining, and such like; yet as the charge of this enterprise, shall not be near so great, as that which is incident to the ordering of a Mine of Gold, so I shall show how the said Company, may be wholly eased of this Charge, without prejudice to any.  
In this Land, I confess (as I have already intimated,) the discovery of a Mine of Gold in this Land, could not choose but be a great provocation to all Nations, to conspire together against this people, for the surprising of it, and would enable them in case they should, to maintain sufficient forces, whereby for ever to enslave us, as the Spaniard doth those, whom they call Nicrolians or Natives in America; But (as is said) this enterprise shall not incur the least appearance of any such inconvenience.  
Were wholly resigned up to the dispose of such Tradesmen, That is, so as whereby they might not only be able to multiply money enough amongst them, for the increasing of their Trade and riches; but likewise to lend of the same, upon the terms hereafter expressed, each to other, as much as need requires, without paying any Interest: which will be the more seasonable, for that by the increase of Trade, (through such a multiplication of money amongst them) they will have so much the more need to increase their stock.  
Of such Tradesmen as should become engaged by Bond, That is, as Sureties each for other; so as if any one fails to restore the proportion by him borrowed, the rest must make it good; And therefore it must be supposed, that they always take sufficient security, each from other, for what is so lent unto any of them.  
To which end, let it be admitted, that they (I mean the whole number or company of them, this Mine not being at the dispose of any one of them without the rest) do lend of the said money being coined, unto any one person amongst them, no more then for borrowing of which he shall put in sufficient security, (by producing Sureties, Mortgaging Lands, or (if the company please to accept thereof) pawning Commodity of valuable consideration,) to repay within five Months after the demanding thereof: And do likewise renew such security as often as need shall require, for as long time as he intends to borrow of the said money: And also that he stand bound with the rest of the Company, for making good his proportion towards either the loss (in case any amongst them fail to repay what is by him borrowed) or any charge incident to this undertaking, if need require.  
Yet to prevent such Fayler each person besides his security,) which the Company (no doubt) will in this case take care shall be very sufficient) produce an Ensurer, (such as the Company shall accept of) who for some small matter, in the pound, (to be paid by him that borrows the money) will insure the Company against any prejudice, that can happen to them by the loan of the said money, upon such security: Whereby it may come to pass, that in case not only any one who borrows this money, but his Sureties (though judged very sufficient) should fail of being able to make good the debt; yet such Insurers bearing the loss, the Company may for this small charge in the pound, be freed from hazard.  
Restore within six Months, That is, what they have so borrowed, but not any Interest, or any part of their profit, though never so much, and for never so long a time.  
And though I speak here of Restoring, yet it is to be observed (in reference to the case, which I shall propose; that as there will be no advantage (I say) to an enemy to surprise this Treasure, so there will be no benefit, but rather prejudice to the owners (if any were) to have it Restored: so as it is not at all probable, that any such thing will ever be required.  
Both the use and possession of the said Mine, together with so much of the said Gold as should be any ways disposed of; That is, this Company must make good, not only the money lent each to other, but all the Gold (whether coined or otherwise,) that shall be imbezzelled, if they use not some effectual means to prevent the same.  
To which end, let it be granted, (for how much soever seemingly impossible, it shall be fully made good,) that there were a way found, whereby not any dram of this gold, whether coined or uncoined, could possibly be disposed of, to any though employed in or about digging, defending, etc. the Mine, coining the money, or howsoever, otherwise, then by the consent and express order of the said Company, without being presently discovered.  
And for defraying the Charges of this undertaking, let the said Company cause such a considerable quantity of Gold to be coined, as wherewith to purchase so much Land, as the rent thereof may fully defray the said charges, which charge, in regard (I say) it will not be near so great, as that of digging, defending, etc. a Mine, and yet the Treasure as great as need can require, may the more easily be done.  
And for securing them in their thus disposing of the said money, the Land so purchased being in the possession of the said Company, will be sufficient.  
Thus, (seeing by what hath been already discovered, it is evident, that Trade and riches through an increase of money, may be multiplied to the utmost degree possible; and that by means of such a Mine, money might be augmented to any quantity needful thereunto) I have in a Parable, represented the nature of the intended enterprise, for increase of wealth, by improving of Trade, according to the Title, which was the thing in this place to be discovered.  
Yet, least by what is here suggested, I might seem to bestow my pains in building Castles (as they say) in the Air or upon the sand, where there is no foundation, and not to be indeed in good earnest, I shall before I come to the end of this second Book, make it appear, that what is here represented in every particular, (though seemingly never so impossible or impertinent) will prove no other than like to that Parable of Nathan, nearer david's own case than he was ware of; and therefore desire, that every clause in this Section may be the more carefully observed.   

LIB. II. SECT. II.  
Showing, How inconsiderable the disadvantages incident to this undertaking are.  
HAving in the aforesaid Parable, represented the true nature of the intended enterprise, and thereby given a brief touch, as well of the Inconveniences as Advantages following thereupon, it will be needful in the next place, that both of them be seriously considered; In handling of which, I shall begin, first with the Inconveniences or disadvantages, which, if we take in order, as they are expressed in the former Section, it will be found, that the first particular, (which doth but seem like an Inconvenience) is that of the charge incident to defending, digging, coining, and such like; yet seeing that this charge, (yea, and for a need much more than this) may be wholly defrayed by the rent of the Lands purchased with the money so coined, it follows, that this supposed disadvantage amounts to just nothing.  
The second seeming disadvantage doth consist, in that the said Mine of gold, is Situate in this Land; yet (in a word) it being of such a nature as it is no benefit to such as should surprise it, this is also no disadvantage.  
The third (and indeed, only) Inconvenience is, that those who undertake the dispose of this Mine, must be engaged by Bond, as Sureties each for other, to make good what they borrow thereof, in manner aforesaid: Which implies first some hazard, because if any of them fail, the rest when the surrendering of the said Mine is required, must make it good. Secondly some difficulty, for that each member must produce security to the company for repayment, both of what is by him borrowed, and his proportion also towards the charge and loss, incident to this undertaking, (if any be) which security to procure may not be very easy to all men: And therefore (it may be remembered, that) in the Title page some both difficulty and hazard, is acknowledged to be incident to this undertaking; yet (I say) when all things shall be duly pondered, neither the one nor the other, will be found considerable.  
First, not the hazard: For though (I confess of all others, this comes nearest to the nature of a disadvantage; Yet I am confident, it will be granted, that it is not valuable, especially, if compared with those desirable consequences, that will follow upon this Engagement.  
For this hazard, is no other than that which it is well known, the several Companies in London, do frequently undergo, by lending out their moneys to young beginners, merely to do them a courtesy.  
And if the Company, that shall undertake the dispose of this Mine, be careful that they accept of no security each from other, but what shall appear very sufficient, the hazard will not be so great as that which men usually incur, by letting out moneys to interest; for in this case, if both the Principal and Sureties fail, the Lender (that is usually one man alone) must bear all the loss; Whereas, when money is lent out by a whole Company, if one in two or three hundred fail, (the loss being borne by all the whole Company proportionably) each man's share will not be much considerable; For that, as it is accounted a far greater hazard, for a Merchant to adventure his whole Estate as Sea, in one Bot●om, rather than in many: So there is the same reason for like difference of hazard betwixt the lending of money by any one person, over what the lending thereof would be by a whole Company.  
Yet, as those that let out moneys to Interest, do not usually trust any, without taking such security as they (at least) Judge very sufficient; (whereby it comes to pass, that there is not one case in very many, wherein both Principal and Sureties fail, of being able to pay the Debt;) So, if they did not conceive their Security sufficient, and if out of the profit of their Interest they could afford to Insure against hazards, as those of this Engagement, (not taking any Security, but such as (if they please) not only one Insurer, but a certain Company of them shall approve of;) may for less (I believe if they think it needful) than one in the hundred per annum. In this case, though perhaps one amongst two or three hundred, might possibly fail both in himself and Sureties; yet this Company of Insurers, must make good the debt.  
Whereby, seeing that such Insurers would (as they do by Insuring of Merchant's adventures upon the Sea,) get one time with another more than they lose, it follows, that what is thus paid to the Insurers, would of itself more then defray the losses, incident to this kind of hazard; which (I say) by the rent of the Land purchased in manner aforesaid, might be fully discharged, so as, this which is indeed the main and only Inconvenience, being duly weighed, amounts but to a very inconsiderable Charge, and that also defrayed without Charge.  
Again, seeing that if men put their moneys out to Interest, the hazard is greater than that which is incident to this undertaking.  
That if they employ it in a way of Trade, as the profit in good times, so the hazard at all times, is much greater, then that of putting out moneys to interest, as is found true by experience, and acknowledged by all.  
That if they purchase Land, (considering as the profit of rent is so small, as it requires a great Stock to obtain so much, as will afford a maintenance, so) an Estate in Land, if an enemy prevail, is more liable to surptizal or sequestration, then in any moveables.  
And lastly, that besides one of these three, there is no other way, whereby men can ordinarily dispose of their moneys; It follows, that (except men could generally afford to keep their stock by them in money, without Improving it, and so by spending out of the Principal, run wilfully upon speedy and certain ruin, for fear of incurring hazards, and losses some other way,) there is no possible means whereby they can dispose of their Estates, to be totally free, whilst they live in this World from all danger of losses.  
And considering that notwithstanding there is (as I have already proved) greater hazard in letting out moneys to Interest, then in this undertaking, though (I say) the hazard of that (amongst all other means hitherto used for improving men's Stocks, is one of the least) there are so many thousands, who not valuing the hazard, in reference to the advantage daily practise this course, in hopes but of a small profit of Interest, and by that small profit, do one time with another, gain more than they lose by such hazard, as is evident, by men's continuing this practice.  
These things premised, it must needs be granted, that though this undertaking were liable to far more hazard than that which may be Insured, or the loss thereof sustained, for less than one in the hundred, yet in regard it will appear that the profit of this undertaking, will be far greater than that of the ordinary way of Trade;) and especially in respect that this charge of Insurance, may be defrayed without any burden to the Company, it follows that such hazard,) though it were more than it is, is in this case not worthy to be accounted a disadvantage, to those (who take what course they will,) cannot avoid greater danger; except (I say) by keeping their moneys in their own hands, they are resolved, in hopes to escape some fears of loss, to incur unavoidable ruin, rather than engage in a course, which (though liable to so little Inconvenience) will (as I shall prove) afford far greater profit, than any that otherwise the generality of men, can expect to enjoy.  
If it be objected, that the danger of the times makes the hazard considerable; I answer, this argues as strongly against men's disposing of their stocks, in a way of Trade, or any other way of improving their estates; whereby (as I have already observed,) through the prevailing of an enemy, they may the more easily be surprised: so as although this danger of an enemies prevailing, were far greater than (through the goodness of God) it is at present: yet seeing men could not afford generally, to forbear all Trade and Commerce, those that account of these considerations as valuable, may choose whether they will meddle in this undertaking; For there is no question, but the generality of men, are sufficiently convinced that those, who forbearing to employ their Stock spend out of the Principal, do run a far more apparent hazard of utter undoing, than they who in fear of an enemies prevailing (though no man knows when or how) would endeavour to avoid, as is evident by the practice of most men; in that they continue still in some measure, not only to Trade, but purchase Land; lend and borrow moneys upon Interest, and such like, as it is said in another case, men will still do, until the consummation of all terrestrial things.  
Thus much as to the hazard; Secondly, for the difficulty, this being no other, then of procuring good and sufficient security, for the due payment of what is borrowed, is no more than that, which is required by the several Companies of London, when they proffer (as is said) to lend moneys to any young beginners, or others of their own Company; And yet few men having such a proffer made them, (esteeming the use of the money no small advantage) but will make hard shift, to procure friends one where or other to be bound for them (though they have perhaps little estate of their own,) rather than they will lose the opportuni-of such a proffer; but to those who have great Estates, this is no difficulty at all.  
And to clear all scruples, seeing that notwithstanding the present, not only danger of the times, but deadness of trading, divers men still continue this practice of taking up moneys upon Interest, to employ in a way of Trade, otherwise, how could such as let it out find any to deal with them:  
That by this means trading (as I shall prove) will be so multiplied especially to the Undertakers) as they shall have much more reason to employ the utmost of their Stock and credit, in a way of Trade, than now they have.  
And lastly, that neither the hazard of lending, nor the difficulty of borrowing that money, which is thus lent without Interest, is any greater, then that of borrowing money upon Interest. There is no objection can possibly beat any colour against the one, which doth not argue far more strongly against the other.  
And further, let it not here be forgotten, that though the procuring of sufficient security, for the borrowing of any considerable sums of money, may be too hard a task for the poorer sort of Tradesmen to perform; yet there will be nothing required of them, in order to the putting themselves into a capacity of multiplying their trading, and that with ready pay (as is in the Title Page mentioned) which hath any, either hazard or difficulty in it.  
The next and last thing (which seems like an inconvenience,) is, that this Company are bound to make good, not only the money lent, but the Gold, (whether coined or otherwise) that shall be Imbezzelled; yet having taken it upon my credit, to discover a way, how this danger may be totally prevented; so as upon this, there will follow no inconvenience at all. I may conclude, that all things duly weighed, the disadvantages incident to this undertaking, are not considerable; which was the thing here to be demonstrated.   

LIB. II. SECT. III:  
Showing, How one of the least of the Advantages, proceeding from the intended enterprise, doth much more than countervail all the said disadvantages.  
HAving in the last Section fully and freely declared, the greatest Inconveniences incident to this undertaking, with all the circumstances thereof, whereby (as I conceive) it may appear to all rational men, that the same are not valuable; though the profit of this enterprise were but ordinary; how much less considerable will those Inconveniences be, when it shall be found, that one of the least Advantages proceeding from the intended enterprise, doth much more than countervail all the said disadvantages; which is the thing that in this last place, I am to discover.  
Now, as there is nothing can be named, which is essential to a thriving Trade, but one of these four, viz. Competent Stock, quick return, reasonable profit, and ready pay, or good security; (all which by means of this undertaking will be obtained in a plentiful measure;) So the first of these four (though not equal to any of the other,) will be found of value, much more than sufficient to Counterpoise all the said Inconveniences.  
For the said Mine of Gold, affording money enough whereby men may borrow without paying Interest, as great a sum, and for as long a time, as they shall put in sufficient security to make good, they may thereby increase their Stock, two manner of ways.  
First, By having so much of that money lent them at present, as they are able to put in sufficient security, in manner aforesaid to borrow; whereupon, seeing according to men's credit (which is esteemed equal to their Estates) such is their ability for procuring Sureties, it will be no difficult thing for men ordinarily to produce such security, as whereby at least to double their Stocks, and perhaps much more; which was my meaning in the Title Page.  
The second way is, that if by trading with this doubled Stock, any one of this Company doth increase his estate, he may upon like security have so much more lent him, as whereby to double such increase.  
The consequence of this, is very great, as may appear by this instance; Suppose a man be worth in Land one thousand pounds, and Mortgaging that Land borrows one thousand pounds to follow a Trade, if from hence through such great trading, as must necessarily follow upon this course, he do at the end of one twelvemonths, gain clear two hundred pounds, (which gain is much within the compass, of what in respect of the said quickness of trading, we might reckon upon) that two hundred pounds so gained, shall be his own; and so (supposing that the profit of his Land hath maintained his family,) he is now worth in all one thousand two hundred pounds, (besides the one thousand pounds borrowed) therefore if now upon putting in further security, he be trusted with two hundred pounds more, his Stock for Trade shall be one thousand four hundred pounds, viz. One thousand two hundred pounds borrowed, and two hundred pounds gained, by which Stock of one thousand four hundred pounds, (his trading not falling to decay.) he cannot gain less, than three hundred pounds, for the next year, whereby his estate is now worth three hundred pounds more, that is in all, one thousand seven hundred pounds; And therefore be may now upon putting in further security, be trusted with three hundred pounds more, And so his Stock for Trade, will now at the end of two years, be no less than two thousand pounds, that is just double to the Stock first lent him.  
So that by this means his Stock at the end of every two years, shall be double to what it was two years before, that is, at the end of four years, it shall be four thousand pounds, at the end of six years, eight thousand pounds, at the end of eight years sixteen thousand pounds, at the end of Ten years, thirty two thousand pounds, at the end of twenty years (by the same proportion of increase,) above one Million, and at the end of forty years, above one thousand millions, the one half whereof only being borrowed, the other half is his proper Estate.  
And yet in this instance, we make no allowance (I say) at all for any extraordinary quickness of trading, but that which makes the sum so suddenly arise, to such a vast and unexpected height, is merely the perpetual doubling of the increase of his estate, by new money lent him without paying interest; which is not unlike unto that of doubling the number of Buttons on a man's Suit, or Nails on a horse Feet, where though you begin but with the worth of one Barley Corn, yet proceeding to double the value of every doubled sum, according to the number of such Buttons or Nails, it quickly amounts to a greater value, than the worth of a Kingdom.  
If it be here objected, that except men (by the quickness of their trading) can put off their commodities in some reasonable time, it will be to their prejudice to trade with so exceeding great a stock?  
I answer in a word, that men being once rich enough, may (if they please) leave trading, and give place to others; yet if their trading shall be hereby multiplied, even proportionable to such an increase of stock, few in this case will suddenly think their stock too great, which brings me to the second Property essential to a thriving Trade, viz. Quickness of returns.  
In order whereunto, it may be observed, that it follows by what I have already declared, (in Lib. 1. Sect. 4.) that where commodity enough is to be had for money, an increase of money not hoarded up, doth occasion an increase of trade, and that much more than proportionable to such increase of money; so as hereby men being in capacity to lend moneys each to other, till for a need the money that is amongst them, be even equal to what their estates are otherwise worth, (that is, till there be about one hundred times more money amongst them then ordinary) their trading by the revolution thereof, (that is, the quickness of their returns) must needs be multiplied, much above one hundred times greater than otherwise, if (I say) commodity enough can be got for money; or rather indeed, it is manifest, that by this means such money not being hoarded up, they might multiply it by purchasing of land, and lending the same gratis upon security, so as to improve trading to the utmost extent possible.  
Now by such quickness of returns, men's yearly profit (which was the third thing essential to a thriving trade) must needs be increased in no small measure, although their gains in the pound, and consequently the price of commodities in the mean time fall considerably, as is manifest by what is proved in Lib. 1. Sect. 7.  
Again, when by the current of this multiplied stock of monies, their take in ready pay are such as makes their trade as great, as they can possibly manage, they may wholly refuse to deal any more upon credit, and so enjoy also the last advantage requisite to a thriving trade, viz. ready pay, or good security.  
Seeing therefore, all tradesmen would rather be without a great stock then quickness of trading, reasonable profit, or good security: And that this interprize opens the door, not only to an increase of stock, but to so great a multiplication of trading and yearly profit, and that with ready pay, it is evident to all understanding men, that this advantage of being in capacity to borrow as much money at any time, as men are able to put in security to make good without paying interest, is (though very great) amongst those other things lest of all considerable.  
Yet if it be observed, that the hazard which men usually undergo, when three or four in a company take up commodities upon trust, (whereby each of them becomes engaged for the rest to pay the whole debt) or rather the aforesaid hazard of selling ware upon the particular credit of some one man, is a thing so ordinary, as it doth manifest, that notwithstanding such hazard, and the allowance of interest in the price of their commodities, the advantages thereof are generally greater than the inconveniencies, as I shall have further occasion to observe.  
That the hazard of this undertaking, (besides which there is no inconvenience worth the mentioning) may be insured, for that which is not considerable to interest.  
That such hazard is much less than that of putting out monies to interest, and therefore fare less than what is incident to the said ordinary way of trading on credit.  
That this new way of trading, puts men into a capacity of buying commodity (as with ready money) without allowing interest in the price thereof, which trading on credit doth not.  
All these things (I say) considered, it follows, that all the inconveniences incident to this undertaking are so inconsiderable, to those which proceed from any other way of Improvement, as that the aforesaid one advantage of doubling the stock with the increase thereof, though put in the balance against all the inconveniences incident to this attempt, will notwithstanding be found to outweigh them an hundred fold.  
Therefore that which was here to be demonstrated doth appear, viz. That one of the least advantages proceeding from the intended enterprise, doth much more than countervail all the said disadvantages.   

LIB. II. SECT. iv  
Showing, What further means are requisite, to make this undertaking prove effectual, for the producing of all the Properties essential to a Thriving Trade.  
TE four things premised in the former Section, as essential to a thriving trade, being all concluded as effects of this attempt; and having found (by comparing one thing with another) that the least of these four doth much more than countervail all the inconveniences incident to this enterprise, we are now to consider what further means are requisite to make this undertaking prove most effectual, for accomplishing all the aforesaid properties essential to a thriving Trade.  
For, whereas in the last Section it was alleged, that men were in capacity by having the aforesaid Mine of gold at their dispose, to lend moneys each to other, until for a need, there be a hundred times more money dispersed amongst them then was formerly; whereby their trading through the revolution thereof, (it not being hoarded up) must needs be multiplied more than proportionable to such increase of money, according to what was proved, Lib. 1. Sect. 4.  
Against this it may be objected,  
First, that perhaps as fast as such money should increase by the loan of it to some, it would be hoarded up by its passing through the hands of others, especially if [which I hope God will prevent] new grounds of fear, in reference to any further public disturbances should arise; so as the current of this and all other money being obstructed, by the hoarding of it up, this interprize for the increase of trade, would be frustrated.  
Secondly, that happily the number of those who will think fit to undertake the dispose of this Mine, may be so few at first, as they shall not be able upon sufficient security to borrow a sum equal to the hundredth part of the value of all the monies that is already in the Land, whereby the quantity of money dispersed amongst Tradesmen, will not be increased considerably, and consequently the increase of Trade by so small an increase of money, will be as little discernible.  
Now I must acknowledge, that both these Objections do carry some force against what hath been as yet proposed.  
To remove therefore the bad effects of that which is suggested in each of these two cases, let it be admitted, that the gold which this Mine doth afford being coined, were first not at all acceptable to be hoarded up, though the times were never so dangerous; Secondly, through some prejudice or misapprehension of the generality of men, were current at present only amongst a few.  
And then (I say) being true gold, that is, (according to what is already intimated) mettle of such real value as (though not current with all, nor acceptable to be hoarded up by any) would yield the money it is taken for, without any considerable loss, if sold to the Goldsmith; as in this case there could be no hazard in taking it; so by the increase thereof, it would further trading much more than the increase of any money apt to be hoarded up would do, because (as I have already sufficiently cleared) it is the speedy passage of monies from one to another, [without resting any where] that quickens the revolution thereof, and by comsequence trading.  
If therefore matters can be ordered so, as this money shall not be at all acceptable to be hoarded up, it will serve not only to answer fully the former of these two Objections, but to discover what further means is requisite to make this undertaking prove effectual, for the producing of all the Properties essential to a thriving trade.  
Now, in reference to the second of the said Objections, if this Company [and all those that are willing of their own accord to take this new kind of money, though not current by Law] should agree to put out some flag, sign, or the like, whereby they might be distinguished, and publicly known from others, it would follow, that those who in this case should be thus known for such as are agreed to take it, as their hazard [though they could not procure any to take it for ware] would not be considerable, in regard if they sell it to the Goldsmith they may have ready money for it; so the advantage they shall reap by its being current only amongst a few, over what would accrue unto them in case the same were universally acceptable, [like other money] would be much greater than can easily be demonstrated.  
For, this money not being generally current, will by those who [upon consideration of the true value thereof] have accepted of the same for their ware or labour, be [for the most part] brought to such men as are known by the aforesaid flag or sign, whereby both their acquaintance and their take in ready money, [that is, their trading] must needs be multiplied proportionable to the quantity, that is dispersed amongst them of this new kind of money; which, though laid out upon others never so often, will still be retorted upon themselves, [like stones cast up in the air by force, which will naturally return towards their centre; and consequently, the more shall be thus thrown up, the more will come down again,] so the more they have of this kind of money amongst them, the more will their take be multiplied.  
Whereas on the other side, if this new kind of money being once lent to this Company, should [like other money] be dispersed throughout the whole Nation indifferently, it would [as to them] be little otherwise then as water spilt upon the ground, which returns no more to the place from whence it came.  
Now therefore let it be supposed, that the quantity of this new kind of money, borrowed by the said Company, were equal to the worth of their own estates, and that to the end they might multiply the same to a greater proportion, if need should require, they had employed as much of it in the purchase of Lands, as is equal to the value of the estates of all those that [by hanging out the said flag or sign] have made themselves noted for such as are agreed to take it; so as the sum of this money [floating [I say] amongst such persons chief, who have thus published themselves willing to take it] being hereby made equal [or if need require, far more than equal] to the Estates of all such persons (though never so many) it must needs multiply their take in ready money in such sort, as trading might by this means be as much increased to them, as it would to the whole Land, in case any money generally current could be extended to the utmost quantity needful.  
And hereby not only the last of the two aforesaid Objections is fully answered, but a further means [discovered] requisite to make this undertaking prove effectual for the producing of a multiplied Trade, even to the utmost degree possible, (at least to those who are willing to use the means) and by consequence a capacity of gaining much more per annum, upon much less profit in the pound then ordinary, [as is proved, Lib 1. Sect. 7.] and all this with ready pay; so as the aforesaid way of doubling the stock, and the increase thereof, being already declared to be of so vast concernment, there seems to remain no further means undiscovered, that is requisite to make this undertaking prove effectual, for the producing of all the four Properties essential to a thriving Trade, (already mentioned) which was the thing here to be demonstrated.  
And this will appear the more evidently, if it be considered that as those who shall thus agree to take this new kind of money, may hereby increase the quantity thereof in such sort, as to multiply their trading to the utmost degree possible; so by means of such an extraordinary quick Trade, it follows (I say) from what hath been demonstrated [Lib. 1. Sect. 7.] that they shall be able both to buy their ware much cheaper, and sell for much less profit in the pound than others, yet gain much more per annum, and consequently undersell them, and that in no small proportion.  
Which seeing (as may appear by the sequel) it will be for their advantage to sell as cheap as they can afford, it must needs come to pass, that all others who are not minded to sit still, must use some means whereby they may be able to sell as cheap as they; and they in the mean time having got the start of them, being every day able to sell cheaper than formerly, shall thereby enforce others to sell yet cheaper, and so on perpetually, whereby the price of commodity must of necessity fall from time to time, so as all sorts of ware must needs be every day cheaper than other.  
Whereas contrarily, if trading were not increased remarkably to some persons publicly distinguished from others, no company of men would be in so fair a capacity of making an advantage by selling still cheaper than others; so as though by an increase of trade, the price of commodity might fall, (according to what is already in Lib. 1. Sect. 7. demonstrated,) yet not so speedily and effectually as by this means it must.  
Therefore in this respect also, seeing a fall in the price of commodity, is an advantage not only to the people in general, but in many respects (as I could prove at large) unto trade itself, it is requisite that this new kind of money should be current at the first only amongst a few, whereby to enable them, through the quickness of their trading, to undersell others.  
Neither can this their being able to undersell others, by the quickness of their trading, be any just ground of exception against their practice, seeing any person that doth but put out the same flag with them, will (by being publicly noted for one that is agreed to take this new kind of money,) thereby multiply his take therein, that is, his trading, and consequently put himself into the same capacity of underselling others, which flag to hang out will not be any trouble or charge worth the naming; and therefore (seeing this new kind of money will yield the sum it is taken for, without any considerable loss) he that will not take this course, if others [thereby underselling him] do engross the trade to themselves, the fault is his own: Thus in brief, to prevent an Objection, and so I refer you to the Section following.   

LIB. II. SECT. V  
Showing, How the main, (and as far as doth appear the only) obstruction that otherwise might hinder the speedy effect of this Enterprise, may be totally removed.  
HAving already discovered all the Inconveniences that are incident to this attempt, in case it should take effect, and found them to be little if at all considerable; especially, if weighed with the Advantages that follow thereupon; (in reference chief to those particulars mentioned in the last Section,) We are now to consider, what (in probability) is most like to hinder the speedy effect of this Enterprise, and how the same may be removed?  
Now, if the Loane of Money upon sufficient security, were proffered gratis to all Tradesmen that would borrow it, though like other money it were so generally current, as being laid out by them, it would not return unto them again, to the multiplying of their trading, as (according to what is proved in the last Section) this new kind of money will; yet there is no question, but that more than ten, or twenty men (a number sufficient to begin this attempt) would be glad to accept of the terms.  
But the only thing remaining to be cleared is, whether this money, being as is already intimated, such as the generality of the people may possibly have a prejudice against; will become so far forth Current, as is necessary for the carrying on of this undertaking.  
Yet considering that those who borrow of it pay no Interest, it follows, that if they cannot make it to be taken for Commodity, all they are Engaged unto, is but to return it again at the time appointed; although indeed if it be remembered, that this money is such as will yield the Value without any considerable loss, though sold to the Goldsmith; it cannot be doubted, but that all wise Tradesmen, will take it much rather than turn away a Chapman; though happily many at the first, may not be willing to hang out such a Flag or Sign, as is before mentioned.  
The truth of this cannot be questioned, if we do but consider how common a thing it is, for men to deal each with other, upon the bare Word or Bill of such as they judge sufficient, and upon this Credit, to sell for three or six Month's time; wherein besides the hazard for want of sufficient security, there is a loss both to the Buyer and to the Seller; seeing he that Buys pays for his Commodity so much the more in price, as if he had paid Interest after the rate of eight pound per Cent. for the time the money is forborn, and he that sells hath for that time no profit of his Stock, more than if he had put his Money out to Usury; which one time with another, must needs be less than what men generally gain by their Trades.  
And besides, this loss to both parties, men by dealing upon Trust, do so intricately involve their own Credits and Stocks with other men's, as few do certainly know what their own Debts and Estates are worth, much less what degree of safety or danger there is in trusting others; so as many thousands that begin with a good Stock, lose by this means not only the profit but the Principal; as is hereafter more fully declared.  
Yet, seeing all Tradesmen do frequently part with their Ware upon Credit, (I say) rather than turn away a Chapman; how much more willingly would they take that money for their Ware, which though not current by Law, will yield the value without any considerable loss, if sold to the Goldsmith.  
In case it be objected, that possibly every man will fear that he shall not meet with such as will take this money from him again, and consequently no man at all will take it.  
I answer, that though any man should be subject to this Fear, yet he will judge it greater wisdom in him to take it, then to sell his ware upon credit; because that for a need he is able to sell this money to the Goldsmith, (if he cannot make it to be taken,) and yet in the mean time is never the less able to take up ware upon Credit, then if he had sold his own ware upon Credit.  
From hence, it may be concluded upon safe and solid grounds; that for as much as every man (though he should not know where to put off this money, for Commodity) would find much more reason to take it, then to sell his ware upon Credit, therefore very few (if any at all) would refuse it; (at least some one or other of most Trades would take it) and consequently, men would be yet the more willing to take it, because they know where to procure Commodities of all sorts for it.  
So that it is now discovered, how this suppsed prejudice of the people, which seems the main, and as far as doth appear the only obstruction, that otherwise might hinder the speedy effect of this Enterprise, is or may be totally removed, viz. by making this new kind of money (though the people be never so much prejudiced against it,) to be of such real value, as may yield the sum it is taken for, without any considerable loss, if sold to the Goldsmith, for that in this case, few (I say) will refuse it.  
Which Expedient must needs take place the more effectually, the rather for that the fewer there be, who have made themselves publicly noted, for such as are agreed to take this new kind of money, the greater will be their advantage, who shall put out the said Flag or Sign, in multiplying their trading thereby; And besides the putting out of the said Flag or Sign, they may (if they please) cause their Names, Trades, and Places of abode, to be published in print, that such as please may know where to send unto them: both which for that they may be done without any considerable trouble, hazard, difficulty, charge, or Inconvenience to counter-poise the same, will be a great inducement unto all rational men, to strive who shall be the first in this attempt; so as this money being current with at least some of every Trade or Calling, there can be no occasion to dispose of it (I say) in any Commodity, but it will be thereby known where such Commodity may be had for it: Upon which ground, I might again conclude a more full discovery of that which was here to be demonstrated.  
And to make this new kind of money the more current if need require; those of this Company may agree to affix unto all their Commodities, a Note expressing the price at which they are minded to sell the same; binding themselves neither to take less, nor ask more than that price, except paid in this new kind of money, and to abate two shillings on the pound of that price, for so much as they shall be paid in such new kind of money, and not otherwise.  
Now in this case, if the rate thus affixed upon their Commodities, be but as cheap as others can afford, whereof they abate two shillings on the pound, if paid in this new kind of money; than it must needs follow, that (seeing none can afford to sell their Commodities so cheap as those of this Company, and they not so cheap by two shillings on the pound, as if paid in this new kind of money) those who have occasion to buy Commodity, and are willing to obtain it at the best hand, must of necessity first procure some of this new kind of money, wherewith to pay for the same; and may afford to give ready money, with above 12 d. in the pound advance, rather than be without it.  
Thus, if there be but a place and hour of the day appointed, whereby such as would Exchange of the one sort of money for the other, may meet together; it is evident, that this will invite most of those who have any occasion to buy Commodity, (whose number is never small) to attend at the said time and place appointed, and there to proffer of the ordinary sort of money for this new kind of money, and that with some advance, if it cannot be otherwise obtained, as shall be more fully cleared hereafter. And consequently if this course be taken, it will be no more difficulty to procure of the one sort of money for the other, than it is to get half a crown exchanged for two shillings and a ; in which respect it is manifest, that all wise men, will take the onesort of money as freely as the other.  
Therefore I conclude, that it is sufficiently demonstrated, how the supposed prejudice of the people against this new kind of money; which is the main, (and as far as doth appear the only) obstruction, that otherwise might hinder the speedy effect of this enterprise, may be totally removed; which was the thing in this place to be discovered.    


LIB. III. SECT I.  
Showing (in order to the unfolding of the aforesaid Parable) the only (feasible) means whereby both to revive and multiply the decayed Trade and Riches of this Land.  
TO the end this Enterprise might appear to be of such importance, as indeed it is; I have in the former part of this Treatise premised several things, necessary to be suggested, and seriously pondered by way of preparation to the discovery thereof. And therefore if any who perusing the same, should turn first to this place; supposing to find therein the sum of all that elsewhere is discussed, and so intent to save themselves a labour of reading the precedent or subsequent parts thereof; I earnestly desire such persons to spare the pains of reading any part of this Discourse at all. For this Treatise being as it were a discovery of a new Art, cannot choose but require (as all other arts, at the first learning of them do,) more pains to the clear understanding thereof, then that of once reading it over, and therefore much more than the viewing of some few parts or parcels here and there disorderly: So as I am certain the first reading of it, can at the most but prepare men for a more clear understanding thereof, upon the second and third perusal.  
He therefore, who shall think it too great a task to read this Treatise twice or thrice over, for gaining the knowledge of that Art whereby to live comfortably in the World; (for that I am certain it doth effectually discover) may (as I said) rest contented as he is.  
In the mean time, if any doubt whether their labour in thus doing may be lost, I acknowledge it is impossible, that men should be freed from this doubt, except they would be persuaded to run that hazard, which at the worst can but prove so much lost labour.  
Certain it is, that the pains (besides other things) which the devising and publishing of a work of this nature doth necessarily require, cannot choose but be much beyond such labour of reading thereof, which being done, will (assuredly) render much more than a proportionable recompense.  
And therefore (not to detain you longer) I proceed (In order to the unfolding of the aforesaid Parable,) to show the only feasible means, whereby both to revive and multiply the decayed Trade and Riches of this Land.  
Now considering, that if Tradesmen should be forced to defray the Charges of Family-Provision, Rent, and other things in the Commodities properly belonging to their own Profession, (that is the Shoemaker in Shoes, the Haberdasher in Hats, and the like,) it must needs produce many great inconveniences, (they being to pay the same to those perhaps that have no need of such Commodities) it follows that such exchange of one Commodity for another, cannot be ordinarily and frequently done, without the mediation of some other thing, which being accepted instead of the goods parted with, aught to be a firm and real Security to the Receiver, for obtaining other goods of like or greater value, upon the Credit of such Security.  
And there is no doubt, but that the due consideration of this, (together with men's daily experience of the necessity thereof,) did occasion at first that excellent Expedient of a general and joint Agreement (mentioned Lib. 1. Sect. 3.) to put a certain value or estimation upon metals, (out of which, money or coin is form,) and accordingly to accept thereof, which otherwise is of no worth, instead of such firm Security before specified.  
So as it is to be observed, that there is not at all any true worth (I say) in the best money or mettle that this Earth can afford, further than as by being generally accepted for things of real value, it gives to him that so accepts thereof, security for obtaining some other. Commodity of like or greater value; seeing otherwise (I say) such mettle would be of no advantage to the owner.  
Hereby, that which I noted before in the place last cited is manifest, namely; that money, is given to men for their Commodities, upon no other account then as an Evidence or Testimony (that is as it were a TOKEN or TICKET) to signify how far forth, other men are indebted for, and engaged to recompense the fruits of their Labours or possessions by Commedities of some other kind, instead of those that for such money they parted with.  
And from hence it is evident, that if matters can possibly be ordered so, as any thing else besides money, (whatsoever it be,) may give as good security to the possessor, for obtaining Commodities thereupon at pleasure, as so much ready money would do (the same being both as difficult to counterfeit, and easy to transfer from one to another) it must needs) giving I say as good security, etc.) be in all respects as good as money.  
Now it being clear, by what hath been demonstrated, Lib. 1. Sect. 3. & 4. That without a greater sale of Commodity, there cannot be a greater Trade. That without men's receiving a greater quantity, either of Money or Credit, (Commodity not falling in price) there cannot be a greater sale of Commodity amongst them. That without increasing the quantity or Current, either of Money or Credit, men cannot receive a greater quantity thereof in the same time.  
And it being evident, That in any place where there is no Ours of Silver or Gold, it is not easy to increase the quantity or Current, either of Money or Credit, upon all occasions to any proportion needful, and that besides Money there is nothing except Credit, upon which men can frequently & conveniently sell their Commodities: It must follow, that as the case now stands with us, the only feasible means, whereby both to receive and multiply the decayed Trade of this Land, is by increasing amongst Tradesmen some firm and known Credit or Security, equal to that of the Chamber of London, Bank of Amsterdam, or any Bills of Exchange, which being given in written or printed Evidences, may be fit to transfer from hand to Whereby the multiplication thereof throughout the Land, may produce the same effect in order to the Increase of Trade, as the increase of so much Money amongst them would do.  
And this the rather for that (as is clear by what hath been already demonstarted Lib. 1. Sect. 4.) money, though it should never so much increase amongst us at this time, yet either the fears of War (though they were groundless,) or the present deadness of Trading, would occasion it to be hoarded up even as fast (perhaps) as it should so increase to the great obstruction of its revolution, through the hands of Tradesmen; which will not at all hinder the quick current of such Bills, or evidences as are before mentioned; whereby Trade being once revived, it shall both encourage and necessitate as quick a revolution of money as of such Bills, and this not without a great Increase in the quantity of Bullogne brought from other parts, as shall hereafter be showed.  
Therefore seeing (as I noted before) an objection against the use of that means without which any enterprise cannot be effected, doth by consequence argue, as strongly against all endeavours for attempting that enterprise; it follows that nothing can be alleged against the multiplying of such a firm and known credit amongst a people, whose trade is at present dead; but what must carry a sufficient weight against any endeavour, of reviving their decayed Trade; which as I have already proved no earthly Inconvenience is able to Counter-poise.  
I say therefore, that if matters can by any means be ordered so, as these Bills or Evidences, may give as good and firm security to the possessors, for obtaining Commodities thereupon at pleasure, as so much ready money would do, (or for obtaining ready money if need require as any Bills of Exchange) and be made as difficult to Counterfeit and as easy to transfer from one to another, as money, (all which I shall hereafter demonstrate) they must needs be in all respects near, if not altogether as good as money; And consequently (in order to the unfolding of the aforesaid Parable) will prove the only feasible means whereby to revive and multiply the decayed Trade and Riches of this Land; which was the thing here to be discovered,   

LIB. III. SECT. TWO:  
Showing. The Excellency of the aforesaid Means of improving of Trade, by comparing the same with the ordinary way of Trading, upon private Credit.  
IN regard the greatest part of men's returns, in most places of the World, are either upon the Credit of particular persons, as here in England, or else, by means of some Brass or Copper money, made current by a Law, as in Spain, Holland and other places, both which are bad enough, though the former much more liable to hazard then the latter, as I could prove at large.  
And considering, that notwithstanding the so many and great Inconveniences, of Trading upon such private credit, so long experienced by men of all trades and Nations, it still continues so common a thing amongst them, to make use of their own words and credits, instead of money, for transferring goods to and from one another, (though not constrained by Law thereunto.) This constant practice of it, by the most wary, skilful and prudent men, is an undoubted argument, that all the aforesaid Inconveniences put together, do not fully outweigh the Commodity and necessity thereof.  
For it is in this case, as with Merchants adventuring beyond Sea, who though sometimes divers of them lose their whole Estates, and perhaps much more, by surprisal or Shipwreck; yet if there were not one time with another, more got then lost by such adventures, we might confidently conclude, that none would inter meddle therewith at all, much less would any take so small a matter in the hundred, for insurance.  
This way therefore of trading upon private credit, being the main hinge, upon which the much greater part of ware, is returned in most places of the world, is in such sort useful to us here in England, as if it should be left without introducing some other way instead thereof, must needs occasion our already decayed Trade, to be yet much worse than it is.  
Now, having in the foregoing Section, given some light to the discovery of that other way; it will not be amiss here, to show the excellency thereof, by a comparison of it, with the aforesaid ordinary way of dealing upon private Credit.  
In reference whereunto it cannot be denied, but that this usual way of Trading on private Credit, is through men's losses by desperate debts, a far greater prejudice to the generality of men, than the payment of taxes, excise, and all other assessments; Seeing it appears by frequent experience, that not one Tradesman of any considerable dealing amongst an hundred, could ever with his best discretion prevent the danger of some considerable loss first or last, by this means occasioned.  
Whereas, if it could be devised how all such Credit which men shall need to intermeddle with, in a way of trade, might be made as sure and firm, as that (I say) of the Chamber of London, Bank of Amsterdam, or any Bills of Exchange (which how to effect, I doubt not to discover,) certainly men would not look upon such hazard, as at all considerable.  
And though it be ordinary, for men to esteem of money much before the Bills or Bonds of such whose Credit is not good; yet it is no unusual thing for them, to part even with ready money, in hopes of a small profit of Interest, upon those private Bonds of particular persons, to which the Sureties are esteemed sufficient, accounting themselves in this respect, not prejudiced but advantaged, by accepting of such Bonds instead of money, and consequently would much rather accept of them instead of Commodity in a way of Trade, if the Security thereof were known.  
Yet, if it be considered, that such private Bonds cannot do the service of ready money, by being generally accepted for Commodity, though never so good a bargain be proffered; because the security for making them good is not publicly known (the rather for that the party who makes such proffer, knows not where to find one, to take them of him again for ready money, or such Commodity as he stands in present need of;) it follows, that in case the security for making them good, either in money or Commodity, shall appear not only firm and sufficient, but as publicly and generally known as the said Chamber of London, etc. It must needs be much more acceptable to all wise men in lieu either of money or Commodity, than otherwise; therefore much above the usual way, of trading upon the Credit of private persons.  
Again, The ordinary way of dealing upon Credit here in England, being to take men's worder promise for the debt; it comes to pass, that though a man hath sold never so much Commodity upon Credit, yet he cannot upon such word or promise go and re-furnish himself with new commodity, without engaging his own estate to pay the debt, (as in Flanders, upon the Bills each of other, to the great Improvement of their Trade they usually do.)  
Which inconvenience if it be not remedied here in England, it must needs come to pass, that though credit should be increased never somuch amongst us, (and that upon the most secure terms that are consistent with things on earth) yet men could not afford to sell more commodity upon such credit, than one year with another they receive ready money for; because in this case, look how much ware is parted with, and is not at one time or other paid for in money, is totally lost.  
So as if it happen that any considerable quantity of money be hoarded up, our trade for want of the revolution of so much money in the year, as formerly must needs be obstructed proportionably; notwithstanding such multiplied credit: And oftentimes it happens, that the generality of men fail of being able to pay their debts, at the time appointed (and thereby lose their credit) by reason of some sudden obstruction in the revolution of moneys: So that trading on credit (if it be not otherwise ordered then now it is,) cannot but be destroyed, (and by that means trade also) if the current of money be not maintained amongst us; which current of money (I say) is prevented usually either by deadness of trading, whereby men find no profit, or fear of war, whereby they find no safety in laying out their moneys, from neither of which we in this Nation, as things now stand, can expect to be suddenly freed, except by some such means as is here proposed; which by the blessing of God doth tend effectually to both.  
To sum up all therefore in few words, Seeing for that we cannot increase money at pleasure to any quantity needful; we have no feasible means whereby to quicken Trade, (as I said before) but by multiplying a firm and known credit amongst Tradesmen, fit to transmit from hand to hand.  
That all the worth of money itself, consists in being as it were a token or Ticket for obtaining goods at pleasure, which otherwise would be of no advantage to the owner.  
That though Bills and Bonds, if the security for payment of them be not good, are slighted in comparison of money; yet if such security be made unquestionable, they are so fare forth esteemed, as that men (I say) part even with money itself upon such security.  
That there is nothing can be named wherein credit comes short of money, but in one of the three respects before insisted on; viz. That the security it gives, is either not so good, or not so well known, or not so easy to be transmitted to others, all which by the use of such Bills, as are before mentioned, will be prevented.  
Hereupon at last, I reduced all my diversity of thoughts unto this firm conclusion, That if the mutual agreement of men, could by any lawful means be made effectual, for laying a Foundation, [as I said before] of the best and most known security that things on earth are capable of; no whit inferior to that of the Chamber of London, Bank of Amsterdam, or any Bills of Exchange; which given in such printed Evidences, might like money be transferred from one to another.  
And that some way were found, whereby such to whom these Bills are proffered, may be enabled as easily to discover any counterfeit, as they can any clipped or counterfeited coin in of money.  
It would beyond all controversy, not only tend effectually toinerease [even to the utmost degree possible] the Trade of those that should make use thereof, but much exceed in all the aforesaid particulars, that kind of slender credit, upon which men (I say) do frequently transmit considerable proportions of their Estates one to another (to the utter undoing of many thousands that begin with a great stock) And in all the three aforesaid particulars, be near, if not altogether equivalent to money itself, and indeed prove both to the Commonwealth in general; and especially to the persons that deal therein, a far more effectual means for improving of Trade, than so much ready money; [which I say men are apt to hoard up] And that therefore the means thereunto is not to be slighted, but encouraged.  
All which things, in order to the discovery of the Excellancy of this means for improvement of Trade, by a comparison thereof, with the ordinary way of trading upon private credit; were thought necessary to be here inserted, which was the thing here undertaken.   

LIB. III. SECT. III.  
Showing, That the means last propounded for Improvement of Trade; will come to one and the same effect, with that which was mentioned in the aforesaid Parable.  
HAving in the second book discussed what the several advantages would be, in case a Mine of Gold discovered in this Land, were resigned up to the dispose of such as should become engaged by Bond, to restore within six month's warning, both the use and possession thereof; especially if matters were ordered so as the said Gold, might not be generally current at the first, nor ever at all acceptable to be hoarded up.  
We are now to consider, whether the free Loane of such Bills as are already mentitioned, would not be altogether as great an advantage to the Borrowers, and to Trade in general, as if the same were such Gold. In case that first security equal [I say] to that of the Chamber of London, etc. were given to make them good in money within six months after the demanding thereof; and, that secondly there were a way found whereby any Bill, either counterfeit or added to the number, for which there is security given, might be discovered, as easily as clipped or counterfeit coin in receiving of money.  
Now, that such Bills as are already mentioned would not at the first, be so generally current, as our ordinary sort of money, nor yet at all acceptable to be horaded up by any, doth of itself sufficiently appear; Whereby [as is demoustrated lib. 2. Sect. 4.] they must needs prove a far more effectual means for multiplying the Trade of all those that deal therein, then if it were otherways.  
But the chief question is; whether they would become so far forth current, as the aforesaid Gold would have been: For it was demonstrated [Lib 2. Sect. 5.] That if Gold were dispersed amongst men, or any Mettle of such real value as [though not current by Law, nor acceptable to be hoarded up by any] would yield the money it is taken for, without any considerable loss, if sold to the Goldsmith: In this case, (because there could be no great hazard in taking it, whether it were current at all or no) therefore not wise man but would take it, much rather than continue the practice (which is so very common) of selling his ware upon trust, and consequently it would become sufficiently current for the carrying on of this Attempt, especially if this Company selling their Ware cheaper by 2. s. on the pound then ordinary, when paid in this Gold, and not otherways; it should thereby come to pass, that Commodity could not be had at the best hand without it.  
Now, to prove that these Bills would be altogether as current as such gold, let it be considered, that men (as is declared in the precedent Section) do not spare to part even with gold itself, or any money whatsoever, upon Bills, Bonds, or such like; in case the security for making them good be sufficient; So, as if there be any means whereby to settle a security equal to what is already expressed, and to prevent the counterfeiting and multiplying of such Bills as shall be given out upon such security, these Bills must needs (in respect of their security) prove equivalent to Metal of as real value, I say, as any which the Goldsmith will give ready money for.  
And from hence it is evident, that if such security be given to make good these Bills in ready money, within six months after the demanding thereof; in this case, though no Interest should be allowed for that six month's time, yet those that put their money out to Usury (represented by the Goldsmith) will upon such security advance ready money for these Bills, in case they be allowed a rebatement of Interest for six months, which though reckoned to ten per centum, amounts but to 12. d. in the pound.  
Now, if men should refuse to take these Bills for commodity, at a higher rate than 19, s. in the pound, yet seeing those that put their moneys out to Interest will give as much and more for them at any time in ready money, they might (I say) in this case have ready money for them, without any loss at all; and this must needs make them prove to all those that deal therein, as good as any Metal which sold to the Goldsmith would yield the money it is taken for, without any loss at all; Consequently, as far forth current as any such metal before spoken of would be. viz. Abundantly sufficient for the carrying on of this Enterprise; especially (I say) if this Company (selling their commodities above 2. s. on the pound cheaper than ordinary, when paid in these Bills) it should thereby come to pass, that commodities could not be had at the best hand without them, the Consequence of which shall be declared hereafter.  
Therefore I conclude, that the free loan of these Bills (the security being such as is formerly declared) would be altogether as great an advantage to the borrowers, as if the same were such gold as is already mentioned, concerning which secrrity I shall in the next Section demonstrate the sufficiency of it.  
In the mean time, if it be questioned whether these Bills may not be counterfeited, or rather whether those who are entrusted therein, may not add to the number for which there is such security given; I say in this case, as before concerning the said gold: Let it be admitted, (for how much soever seemingly impossible it shall be fully made good) that there were a way found whereby not any person whatsoever, (though employed or entrusted in or about the printing or making of them) could any ways add to the number for which there is such security given, [much less counterfeit any, but even those who are to receive such Bill, might easily discover the same not to be within the said number; yea, [I say] more easily than they can clipped or counterfeit coin in receiving thereof; And if what I say in this particular besteemed impossible to be done; men may forbear to intermeddle in this Undertaking, until the truth thereof be demonstrated unto them for their full satisfaction:  
Object. But debts cannot be made over to others without Assignments as money may.  
Answ. If these Bills be made payable not to this or that man by name, but only in general to the bearer thereof; (except security be proffered to prove he hath no right therein) and withal, he that accepts of them be required to give a full discharge to him of whom he receives them, (depending for his satisfaction upon the said company) then [by the Law of this Land] he can recover nothing from the person of whom he received them, and yet [though he have no Assignment] may enforce the Company to make them good upon producing of the Bills, because they have so engaged themselves; so as there seems to be no necessity of Assignments.  
And again, [though as matters might be ordered, such assignments may be made as little trouble some as receipts upon the payment of money] yet I doubt not but the Parliament [upon address by way of Petition] would make an Act, for the removing of any obstruction that might hinder the successful effect of this Undertaking, the practice thereof being so unquestionably lawful in respect of the Law of God, and profitable to the Commonwealth.  
Object. But such Bills cannot be divided into small parcels, to the value of shillings or sixpences, as occasion may require.  
Answ. No more can gold, yet there is silver enough to serve for exchange upon all occasions as are needful; neither can this prove any greater an inconvenience than is incident to those Bills, which [as I noted before] they use in Flanders in a way of Trade.  
Yet [when opportunity serves] I shall discover a way, how any one may take up ware of several Tradesmen, to the value of two or three shillings, or less, upon one and the same Bill; and how this may be done with ease, and as much security, as if the same were paid for in money.  
Object. But these Bills will not be current beyond Sea?  
Answ. It is so much the better, for the exporting of money, or that which goeth for such, is so great a prejudice to trade, as all States do generally use their best endeavours to prevent the same, for as we see by experience the late exporting of gold, hath been no small prejudice to England: Yet they passing currently here, will procure such Commodity, as being exported beyond Sea, will be never the less worth for being bought with those Bills.  
All which when discovered, it will follow; that the means last propounded for improvement of Trade [being placed upon such security as aforesaid] will come to one and the same effect with that which was mentioned in the aforesaid Parable: Which was the thing here to be demonstrated.  
Now, as to those particulars left uncleared in this Section, or elsewhere, I wish I may see as great a forwardness amongst men to further this design, as I shall be willing [upon observation thereof] to discover at large, what may give them full content, which oherwise to do at this time would cost much pains, and yet perhaps prove fruitless.   

LIB. III. SECT. iv  
Showing, How the aforesaid means for increase of Trade, may be effectually accomplished by an agreement, amongst some few Tradesmen of known and sufficient credit.  
THat Bills or Bonds, if the security for making them good, were no whit inferior to that of the Chamber of London, Bank of Amsterdam, or any which on earth can be given, would be much more acceptable in a way of Trade to all wise men, than the ordinary manner of dealing upon Trust, must needs be granted by such as have duly weighed the many considerations, already suggested to that effect.  
I shall therefore in the first place, show how by the agreement of a few Tradesmen of known and sufficient credit, a security for making good such Bills as they themselves shall borrow each of other, may be made equal to that which was formerly required of the said undertakers, for making good the gold of the said Mine, and then shall make it appear, that such security will be as good and sufficient as any which on earth can be given, which if it prove so to be, it will fully demonstrate how the aforesaid means for increase of Trade, may be effectually accomplished by an agreement of some few Tradesmen of known and sufficient credit, which is the thing here to be discovered.  
Admit therefore that several Tradesmen of known and sufficient credit, do cause a certain number of Bills to be printed, and putting a value upon them, as suppose ten pound the piece, do lend the said Bills each to other, upon no less security then if the same were so much ready money, or gold out of the said Mine, and bind themselves jointly to make good the same according to the terms following, viz.  
That they engage themselves upon delivering in of the said Bills, to an Office appointed for that purpose, (by those that have accepted of them for ware, or by whomsoever) to give a a Bond for payment of them in money within six months.  
That a Ticket expressing the total sum of the Bills, so brought in to the said Office in a month's space, [the total sum of each month being put distinctly by itself] be by an Officer appointed for that purpose, sent to the dwelling houses of the several Members of the said Company.  
That each of the said Members be bound to take notice thereof, and within four months after the date of the said Ticket, to pay in to the said Office, so much in money as his proportion for that month doth amount unto; in lieu of which, he is immediately to receive as much in Bills, as was so brought in to the said Office, to be made good in money.  
And to the end, that as few of the said Bills may be brought in to the said Office as possible, the said Company having affixed a note to their commodities, in manner as is already directed, expressing the price thereof, that they bind themselves upon a certain penalty, not to take less than that price if paid in money, but to abate 2. s. in the pound thereof, if paid in Bills.  
Now, not to detain you here with other things less considerable, though meet to be agreed on by the said Company,  
This Engagement for making good these Bills, is in effect the same with that, which was formerly required of the said Undertakers, for making good the gold of the said Mine, as will appear by comparing them together, which was the first thing thing here to be discovered.  
And in order to the proof of the second particular, [viz. That this security is as good as any which on earth can be given.]  
I say, that if a Company of Insurers [being proffered one per centum for Insurance of the Bills so lent] be permitted to have a Negative voice in the Loane of those bills; It must needs follow, that they as well as the said company, will do their utmost endeavour to take sufficient security, from each one that borrows of these Bills; because by insuring the same, their own estates lie at stake, to make good that which the Principal and Sureties cannot.  
Now, seeing if the said Insurers do take care, that each particular member of this Company, do put in sufficient security to make good his own proportion, they need not Incur a hazard greater than that which the said Companies belonging to the said several Halls at London, do incur by lending moneys to young beginners, merely to do them a courtesy, who without doubt are wise enough to order matters so, as not to lose one per C. one time with another thereby; it follows, that the said Insurers and Undertakers, may if they be careful, make the said one per cent. to be more than sufficient, to defray one time with another the losses incident to the Loane of these bills; which, if at any time it do not, then seeing the whole Company of Insurers are bound to make good the rest of the loss [which cannot be much] out of their own estates, it must needs make them so much the more careful, to take good security of each Member that borrows of the said Bills.  
And considering, that both these Insurers and Undertakers, are all subject to the Law of the Land, to imagine that they would [as I may say] be so free and prodigal of the loan of these Bills, as not to take competent security from each one that borrows of the same, [when I say they may as well preserve themselves from danger therein, as the said several Companies in lending moneys gratis] is to suppose that men are generally so void of understanding, as to neglect the doing of that which is both possible and practicable, when the safety of their whole estates depend thereupon.  
On the other side, grant that the said Insurers and Undertakers, (being subject I say to the Law, for the recovery of these debts] be but so far forth careful in taking sufficient security, as about one per C. may defray the charges of Insurance, and consequently more than defray one time with another, the losses incident to the loan of the said bills; then the said Company of Insurers securing the said Undertakers with their whole estates [if it prove otherwise] there can scarce in this case be any appearance of danger, incident to the said Undertakers; and how much less to those that accept of these Bills, according to the terms proposed, who cannot fail of obtaining those terms, except not only the whole Company of Insurers, but also the whole Company of Undertakers, and not they alone, but all their sureties do at once become unable to perform the terms proposed; and how this should happen without some general confusion, by surprisal of an enemy, or such like cannot be imagined, to the danger of which the security of the Chamber of London, Bank of Amsterdam, or men's trading on credit without these Bills, is no less liable.  
For, if the generality of the members of this Company, have been caused each man for himself, to put in good and sufficient security for the Bills so borrowed [the contrary to which must not be granted] it is not the failing of some few, that can make the loss so considerable, as that the estates of all these able and sufficient men, together with their sureties, besides the estates of all the Insurers [which must be supposed also to the generally very able] should not much more than countervail such loss; neither can it be imagined, that those few can both in themselves and sureties fail so, as not to be able to make good, the most part of what was so borrowed.  
All which considered, I may confidently conclude, that this security, as matters may be ordered, will not be any whit inferior to that of the Chamber of London, Bank of Amsterdam, or any which on earth can possibly be given, which was the second thing to be proved.  
And thus much may serve to discover, how the aforesaid means for increase of Trade, may be effectually accomplished, by an agreement amongst some few tradesmen, of known and sufficient credit.   

LIB. III. SECT. V  
Showing, That although this enterprise being attempted, should not suddenly take effect, yet the damage in continuing the practice thereof, would not be considerable.  
HAving laid down in the last Section, a way how sufficient security may be given, for making good of the aforesaid Bills, either in money at the end of the six months, or in commodity, at a cheaper rate by 2. s. on the pound, then for money can be procured, and all this to the end that the said Bills being established upon such firm security, might (going about currently for commodity in the place of money) not only prevent the trouble of making them good in money, but tend to the abundant multiplication of the trade of all those that deal therein.  
Let us now consider, what the damage in continuing the practice of this enterprise would be, in case being attempted, it should not take effect so, as to occasion that these Bills should become any ways currant.  
In order to which, it is to be considered, that the members of this Company, having received such proportion of the said Bills, as they have put in security to make good, according to the terms proposed, if they cannot make them to be taken for Commodity; in this case, the prejudice only is, that they have lost their labour in troubling themselves so far, as to attempt the setting of this enterprise on foot.  
If having found out such as are willing to deal with them upon this Credit, the said members or any of them have received Commodity, and parted with their Bills, to those that bring them in to the said Office, to be made good in money, according or agreement: yet in regard the Company have taken six month's time for the payment of them, and sufficient security from each particular person, to make good his own share, it is no more than having thus [as it were] taken up Commodity upon trust in Company with others, they must procure money in due time for the payment of the debt.  
If any of those that have received these Bills for their Commodity, shall bring them to any of this Company, and lay them out in Commodity again, so as they go about for any time in stead of money, then seeing this Company do not give Bond to make good these Bills in money, until the delivering of them in to the said Office, and from that time take six months for payment of them, it follows that so long as any of them shall go about for Commodity [as in this case they are immediately made good to the Creditor, by being accepted for Commodity in the place of so much money, so] the debt otherwise due in money, is during the time of their going about forborn.  
For that the said six months doth not commence, until the exchanging of them at the said Office for bonds, which if this course take effect, will, as to the most of them never be required, as by the sequel doth appear.  
If it happen, that some of this Company having got their Bills to be taken for ware, such Bills are immediately brought in to the said Office, to be made good in money, when others of the same Company having their Bills still in their hands, cannot procure Commodity upon them, and are yet notwithstanding to pay their proportion towards the making good of those that are so brought in; In this case, if they want ready money, it is but selling their Bills to those that put their moneys out to use, and upon rebatement of Interest they may have money in hand, either to buy commodity, or pay any debt as they have occasion: For it cannot be denied, but if this undertaking be ever like to come to any thing, the security must be such as those who put moneys out to interest may be willing to accept, which [I say] will be no hard matter to bring to pass.  
If it be objected, that the members of this Company, having engaged themselves to take these Bills for ware, will receive little or no money upon the sale of their commodities, wherewith to discharge those that are sent in to the said Office.  
I answer; the more Bills the said Company receive for their ware, the fewer they have to make good in money; and therefore it will be so much the easier for them, to provide money so to do, by the sale of those which they so receive for ware.  
On the other side; if all these Bills be brought in to the said Office, before they be returned to any of the said Company for Commodity, then in order to the making of them good in money, there will be this advantage; that all the said Bills being lodged in the said Office for six months, those of this Engagement cannot in this case be proffered any thing but money for their commodity; and therefore may as well make good these Bills at the end of six months (by the sale of their commodity for money) as if they had taken up so much ware upon their private credit, for the like time.  
But, if they be not all delivered in to the said Office, before those of this Engagement receive them for commodity, than the difficulty of making them good in money, will be so much the less: For (though in this case some of this Engagement, may be caused sometimes to accept of these Bills for their ware, who else might have been proffered money, Yet) these Bills being (I say, established upon such firm security, will yield those that have received them for ware present money, upon rebatement of interest, if they have necessary occasion for the same.  
And if those to whom these Bills are sold for ready money, do immediately bring them in to the said Office, so as they are still all for the most part lodged there; yet (I say) again, it is manifest, that if these Bills were wholly lodged in the said Office, the worst that can come, is but to make them all good in money, once in about half a year with interest, that is, about the end of each halfe year, receiving the Bills, and procuring commodity thereupon, to have them all lodged in the said Office for the next six months succeeding, and so perpetually.  
For, if never so few of them be for any small time stirring abroad, there is so much the longer time above six months given, for making good those few in money; and for the rest, it is (I say) no more than as if men had taken up ware upon trust, to be made good in money at the end of six months.  
Therefore, though this enterprise being attempted, should not suddenly take effect, yet the damage in continuing the practice thereof, would not be considerable, which was the thing here to be demonstrated.  
Now if it be objected, that in putting off these Bills at 19 s. 2. d. for commodity, and making them good at 2●. s. in money, they do in effect pay interest, which is a great prejudice.  
I answer, that those who take up ware upon trust, do allow interest in the price of their commodities, so as the damage in this respect is no greater than that of the ordinary way of dealing on trust.  
But how to make this course take effect, notwithstanding what hath been here premised, so as the said Bills may go about without being brought in to the said Office to be made good in money, not only for the preventing of this, and all other inconveniences, but for accomplishing of all the desirable consequences depending thereon, I doubt not but the way thereunto is fully and satisfactorily discovered in the two Sections following, to which therefore I refer you.   

LIB. III. SECT. VI  
Showing, What great probability there is, that this Enterprise being set on foot, will suddenly take effect, if the Rules already prescribed (with some other here laid down) be duly and carefully observed.  
THese Bills being placed upon such firm security as is already mentioned, and sufficient means used for preventing the multiplying or counterfeiting of them, there needs no more to make this Enterprise take effect, but that matters be ordered in such sort, as none can buy commodity so cheap by 2. s. on the pound with money, as with these Bills, the way whereunto is already discovered.  
For, from hence it will follow, that the full worth of these Bills in ready money, is no less than 22. s. on the pound, because he that hath occasion to buy commodity, and doth first purchase of these Bills, paying but 21. s. for them, doth gain the other 12. d. by the bargain; Seeing, that if he had been to pay for his commodity in money, than instead of 21. s. which his Bill cost him, this Bill hath procured that commodity, which in money would have cost him 22. s. and that at as low a rate, as in money alone could have been procured, in any place whatsoever.  
Now, let us observe but the consequence of this: Hence it must needs follow, that if any man hath a mind to part with his Bills for ready money, there being a place appointed where he may meet with those who (willing to procure their commodity at the lowest rate, which without these Bills cannot be obtained) do attend there to give ready money for them; it is not likely that he will part with them for less than 20. s. in the pound, when he knows that the buyer being convinced, it will save him two shillings in the pound, will be glad to give it, seeing a little saved is better than nothing.  
Again, seeing as I said before, few or none will refuse them for commodity, at the rate they will yield in ready money, it follows, that few will trouble themselves to proffer them to sale for money, when (I say) men will not refuse to accept of them instead of so much ready money for debt or commodity; and the fewer number there is of those that proffer them to sale, the more will they be sought after and esteemed; especially considering, that all those who have not received of these Bills for their ware, if they intent to buy commodity at the best hand, must be forced to purchase them with money, although they find few, or none that care to sell them: So as to be proffered them for ware at the rate they will yield in money, will be a courtesy.  
Yet further, seeing by this means they will pass for at least 20. s. in ready money, (and that so as the number of those that would give that price, will be greater than of those that will take it) it is not to be supposed that in this case, any will trouble the Usurer with them at all, who cannot afford to give full 20. s. for them, because he must have allowance of Interest for the six month's forbearance; and much less is it probable, that any will send them in to the said Office; where after they have stayed six months they are to have but 20. s. in money, viz. no more than they might have before they deliver them in.  
And as by this means the members of this Company will have little or no occasion to procure money for the satisfying of any of these Bills, so if having any of them in their hands, they should have occasion for money, how easy would it be for them to get it, without either troubling the Usurer, or allowing any interest in the sale of them, by selling these Bills those that (willing to buy commodity at the best hand) are content to give ready money for them: So as (in a word) this being done, it is manifest, tthat these Bills would be no whit less, but rather more acceptable than money itself.  
Thus you see what great probability there is, that this attempt being set on foot, will suddenly take effect, if the rules already prescribed, (although no other were propposed) be duly and carefully observed.  
But for the more effectual prosecution of this Enterprise, let it be supposed, that those of this Company [rating their commodities [by a note affixed thereon, in manner afore said] at full as low a rate as others can afford] do agree, to sell their ware at that rate, though paid all in money, but to abate 2. s. on the pound, of that price, for so much as they shall be paid in bills, the same not exceeding the one half of the sum; That is to say, they expect for their commodity half money, and half Bills; at least, that they will not allow the said 2. s. abatement upon above the one half, though paid in Bills, yet that they will abate the said 2. s. on the pound, upon so much as they shall be paid in Bills, not exceeding the said half.  
I say 2. s. on the pound, for that to abate 2. s. on the pound upon the one half, is no more than 12. d. on the pound upon the whole, which yet will make these Bills as well worth 22. s. on the pound, as otherwise; For he that having occasion to buy commodity, though he should pay full 22. s. on the pound for these Bills, to make up the one half of his sum, doth lose nothing by the bargain, seeing he is allowed 2. s. on the pound, upon that half in the price of his commodities; so if he pays but 21. s. he saveth 12. d. in the pound upon all the Bills so bought.  
Therefore, by this means, although the said Company undersell others but 12. d. in the pound, these Bills will be sold in money at as high a price as otherwise, if they undersell them 22. s. and no doubt will go currently for commodity, at that price they will yield in money.  
By this means also, they shall receive half the price of their commodities in money, whereby they shall not only be the better enabled to discharge such bills as are to be made good in money, but have their take double, to what they would otherwise be; seeing these Bills will not in this case pass through their hands, without bringing as much in money, and yet those of whom they procure their commodities, will be as well content to take all their pay in bills, (if need require) as otherwise, because they are not engaged to make them good in money, as those of this Company are.  
This being considered, it will follow, that those of this Company must needs have more money, then to pay what are so brought in immediately, even much faster than it would be demanded, which if they should perform accordingly, not being engaged thereunto, it would not only be another way, whereby ready money might be had on these Bills for the labour of fetching, but so maintain the credit of this Company, as none would trouble themselves to demand money on their Bills, but accept of them as freely, if not more willingly, than money.  
All which, doth tend to show what great probability there is, that this attempt being set on foot, will suddenly take effect, if the rules, already prescribed [with those other here laid down] be duly and carefully observed; which was the thing here to be demonstrated.   

LIB: III. SECT. VII.  
Showing, What great probability there is, that this Enterprise being once set on foot, would suddenly take a good effect, although none of the Rules prescribed in the precedent Section, should be observed.  
FOrasmuch, as in all things that are first propounded, it is meet before the attempting of them, to propose the worst that can probably happen in the prosecution thereof; Let it be admitted, that those of this Company at the first beginning of this Enterprise, being not able to afford Commodity at an underrate, it should not be true, that Commodity could be got with half money, and half Bills, at a less rate than with money; as was taken for granted in the former Section.  
Now, if from this ground, it should be objected, that they would not suddenly go about for commodity, but be generally sent in to the said Office to be made good in money.  
For the answer of this [besides that it is already proved, that in case they should not so go about, yet the damage would be no greater than if men had taken up so much ware upon credit] Let us call to mind [as briefly as possible] what was noted before, viz.  
That the Usurer upon rebatement of interest, will give ready meney for these Bills: That men rather than lose the sale of their commodities, are (generally) willing to trust the another: That therefore none would refuse these Bills for commodity at the rate they will yield in ready money; That if few men will refuse them at that rate, most men would take them at that rate, much the rather because most men are willing so to do.  
From all this, it may be concluded, that men knowing that they will be taken, at that rate, for commodity, (and rather than fail for money itself) few or none would trouble themselves to seek out the Usurer, for procuring money thereupon; and much less would tradesmen send them in to the said Office, where (having taken them at the same rate the Usurer will give in ready money) they must stay six months for no greater profit than the interest of their stock, which tradesmen cannot generally live upon.  
Now, these bills by this means, going about without being carried in to the said Office, shall not only prevent the trouble of making them good in money, but so multiply the trade of those that deal therein, as they shall soon be enabled to undersell others, whereby they may be in capacity to sell commodity (being paid in these bills) much cheaper than for money can be any where procured.  
And though (if the better to effect this) they should for a while sell the one half of their ware at the same rate it cost them, the consequence [by multiplying their trading] would soon recompense their loss an hundred fold; but I need not insist on this, seeing the speedy success of this attempt doth not much depend thereupon.  
If it be objected, that although it cannot be denied, but matters may be ordered in such sort, as those who put their moneys out to interest, may be willing to advance ready money on those bills, upon rebatement of Interest, for six months, which at 8. per cent. amounts not to 10. d. on the pound; yet if the Usurer will give but 19 s. 2. d. for these bills in ready money, than it is not like, that any will accept of them from those of this Company for commodity, at a higher rate; and seeing the said Company are to make them good at 20. s. within six months, it follows they do in effect pay interest for them.  
I answer first, that although the Usurer will not accept of these Bills but at 19 s. 2. d. yet it doth not follow, that others will not accept of them for commodity, from those of this engagement at a higher rate.  
1. Because at this rate, they will (no question) go about, without being sent in to the said Office, and consequently the revolution of them, with as much in ready money, must needs occasion such great trading to the Undertakers, as they may meet with persons enough, who for their constant custom, will be glad to furnish them with commodity at above 10. d. in the pound cheaper than ordinary; which is all one as to have the full interest due upon these Bills abated.  
2. Men expect but 8. per cent. when they sell their ware upon private credit, but would (no doubt) be glad of half that allowance, if the security were as good as that of the Chamber of London.  
3. Those that sell ware upon trust, cannot always furnish themselves with new ware, upon their own credit, and therefore take an allowance of interest upon consideration of the forbearance of their stock: But these bills being such as few or none will refuse, do therein supply the place of ready money.  
4. When men have sold their ware upon trust, their own estates lie at stake to pay for the new ware, they procure in stead thereof; whereas if they accept of these Bills for their ware, they may procure new ware thereupon, and have as full a discharge, as if they had paid for the same in ready money.  
And if notwithstanding all this, these Bills should not pass without a full allowance of interest, yet assuredly in reference to all these great advantages, no man but would prefer them much before private credit, which doth abundantly demonstrate the great probability there is, that this Enterprise being once set on foot, would suddenly take a good effect; although none of the rules prescribed in the precedent Section should be observed; which was the thing here to be discovered.  
2. For a further answer to the aforesaid Objection, (I say) that though this Company were not able to put off these Bills, at a higher rate than 19 s. 2 d. yet if they refuse to accept of them for Commodity, otherwise then at the same rate, then in case they should at this rate go about, without being brought into the said Office; it follows, that they are not put to make them good in money, at any rate whatsoever; and consequently in this case, have the use of them without paying any interest at all. Now (as I have already proved) it is altogether unlikely, that any number of them should be sent in to the said Office, to be made good in money; neither (I say) do they pay the interest of any more, then what are so sent in.  
3. It is supposed in the objection, that the interest of money is 8 per cent. whereas if these Bills become current in the place of money, and are proffered to be lent freely unto all that will borrow them, it must needs follow, that none will give any considerable interest for moneys, nay, that by this means the interest of moneys shall suddenly fall to nothing.  
Now to conclude, men parting (I say) with their ware upon private trust, at the same rate of interest as money, suppose first, they should accept of these Bills, but at the same rate, that no less than the one half of them, were one time with another brought in to the said Office; and that interest of money did by this means, fall but to half the rate as formerly, yet all these things put together, this Company would not pay above two per cent. for interest, which must needs make interest (and consequently such their charge of paying the same) fall yet so much the more, and so perpetually.  
But if it were not possible, to avoid the payment of some small matter for Interest (yet these Bills going once about for Commodity) both that, and all other charges incident to this Undertaking, yea and much more (if need should require) may be defrayed by the Land purchased, upon the Credit of these Bills in the manner proposed, Lib. 2. Sect. 1.  
Thus having demonstrated, that though this Company should not sell Commodity at an under rate, yet these Bills would suddenly go about without being sent in to the said Office, whereby not only to prevent, either the trouble of making them good in money, or the charge of allowing Interest upon them, but to multiply the Trading of those that deal therein, and consequently to the enabling of them to under-sell others; and putting them into a capacity of purchasing Land therewith, it doth thereupon sufficiently appear, What great probability there is that this enterprise, being once set on foot, would suddenly take a good effect, although none of the rules prescribed in the Section preceding should be observed, which was the thing here to be discovered.    


LIB. FOUR SECT. I.  
Showing, How and in what sense this Treatise is called, The Key of Wealth or (wherein it doth discover) a new way for improving of Trade, Lawful, Easie, Safe, and effectual, according to what is expressed in the Title-page.  
THe immediate causes and consequences of a quick Trade, being the or matter contained in the first Book of this Treatise; The speediest and most feasible means for accomplishing thereof, represented by a Parable in the second book; the said Parable interpreted, and applied to the discovery of the means itself, in the third book; There now remains only (as the scope of this fourth and last book,) an application of all, to a full demonstration of the truth of those many particulars asserted in the Title-page, as they lie in order.  
In pursuance whereof, I shall declare in this first Section, How and in what sense this Treatise may be called The Key of Wealth, or wherein it doth discover a new way for improving of Trade, lawful, easy, safe, and effectual; according to the first words in the Title-page.  
In the second, I shall lay open several considerations, Showing how and where it is demonstrated, that a few Tradesmen agreeing together, may both double their Stocks, and the increase thereof, without 

1 Paying any Interest.  
2 Great difficulty or hazard.  
3 Advance of Money.  
4 Staying for Materials.  
5 Prejudice to any trade or person.  
6 Incurring any other Inconvenience.    
According to the following words in the Title-page.  
In the third I shall show, how it appears, that the agreement of the said Tradesmen, may be ordered in such sort, as both they and all others, though never so poor who are in a Way of Trading, may 

1 Multiply their returns.  
2 Deal only for ready pay.  
3 Much under-sell others.  
4 Put the whole Nation upon this practice.  
5 Gain notwithstanding more then ordinary.  
6 Desist when they please, without damage.   Which are the particulars in the Title-page immediately succeeding the former.  
And (in the fourth and last, I shall show how it sollows, that all the aforesaid Advantages may be effected) so as the same shall tend much to 

1 Enrich the people of this Land.  
2 Disperse the money herded up.  
3 Import Bullion from beyond Sea.  
4 Raise Banks of money in divers places.  
5 Settle a secure and known credit.  
6 Make such credit current.  
7 Extend such credit to any degree needful.  
8 Quicken the revolution of money & credit.  
9 Diminish the interest for money.  
10 Make Commodity supply the place of money.  
11 Engross the Trade of Europe.  
12 Fill the Land with Commodity.  
13 Abate the price of Commodity.  
14 Provide store against Famine.  
15 Relieve and employ the poor.  
16 Augment Custom and Excise.  
17 Promote the sale of Lands.  
18 Remove the causes of imprisonment for debt.  
19 Lesson the hazard of Trading on Credit.  
20 Prevent highway thiefs.  
21 Multiply ships for defence at Sea.  
22 Multiply means for defence at Land.  
23 Incorporate the whole strength of England.  
24 Take away advantages of opposition.    
Which are the 24 particulars mentioned in the said Title page.  
Now, I desire it may be observed, that in what hath been here rehearsed, the words of the Title page are expressed Verbatim, and distinguished from the rest by an Italic print, which if read alone by itself, and compared with the said Title page, they will be found to agree so, as in making good what is affirmed in the said Title-page (as the sum of all) I shall need only to take the words (thus distinguished) in order; And after an explication of my meaning therein, where need requires, shall either refer you to those places where the truth thereof, hath been already sufficiently cleared, or proceed to further proof as there shall be need; To which purpose, because the end of all writing is to be understood, it will be necessary to repeat sometimes in brief, the sum of what hath been already at large insisted on.  
The first words therefore in the said Italic print, are  
The Key of Wealth:  
That is, an effectual means, by which the door (or rather a wide-gate) is opened unto the store-house of Riches.  
The store-house, is the whole world, which affords us riches, either by the Fruits of our own Soil, the trade of Fishing or Traffic with other Nations.  
The Key, is the people's being in capacity, to bestow upon themselves the Comforts of this life; For to give you in brief, the effect of what I have already to this purpose observed; though the Storehouse of the world be never so full of Commodity, yet seeing the Tradesman cannot afford to take it in, faster than he can find sale for what he hath already, it follows, that if the people through their extreme poverty, are not able to take it off from the hands of the Tradesman, the door in that respect is shut against Trade, and by consequence against Wealth; For without Trade, men's Wealth and Estates, are so far from being increased, as they are in a way of decreasing; and the rather, because by growing daily poorer, their expenses and consequently their Trading, is daily less than it was before, to the further increase of their poverty, and so perpetually; so that hereby the Storehouse of Wealth is (as it were) locked up against such a people.  
On the other side, let it be supposed that money (or that which goes for such) doth increase amongst them; it follows, that (they not hoarding it up but laying it out in Commodity, as fast as they receive it,) the more their hands are filled with such money, by the increase thereof, so much the more doth the sale of Commodity, that is Trading, increase; and this increase of Trading doth increase Riches, and that so much the faster; because such Riches increases men's expenses; therefore their Trading, therefore their Riches, and so perpetually; by which means then, you see the door is opened to the Increase of Wealth: (all which is at large demonstrated in the 5. first Sections of the first Book) Therefore increase of money, or that which goes for such, not hoarded up, is the Key of Wealth, according to the Title.  
Or,  
The Key of wealth, or a new way for Improving of Trade: I make that which tends to the multiplying of trade, to be the Key of Wealth; for that as without Trade it is impossible but a people should grow every day poorer than formerly; So trading being very quick, it is likewise impossible but they should grow daily richer, as appears Lib. 1. Sect. 2.  
A new way,  
If against this it be objected, in the words of Solomon, that there is nothing new under the Sun; I answer, his meaning is that there is no new matter, though there be new forms; no new Genus, though the species of each kinds may be new.  
As to instance, mankind have been from the Creation, yet this or that man never was before, so Invention hath been from the Creation, yet this or that Invention as of Printing, etc. never was till of late years; all this is so evident, as it cannot be denied.  
Yet the way of Trading upon Bills, is (I confess) used in Flanders, and other parts of the world, though (as I hope I may speak without boasting or offence) not in near so convenient a manner, as that is which I have here proposed.  
For Improving of Trade;  
That is, Not only to recover our decayed Trade to its ordinary measure, but to multiply it, to the utmost degree that can be needful, or in just reason ; as appears by the precedent part of this Section, and morefully (as is said) by the five first Sections of the first book.  
Lawful;  
For, as there is nothing (which I know) proposed, that is any way derogatory to our duty towards God, so for our duty towards our Neighbours, I shall prove by and by, that this practice doth not tend (in the least measure) to prejudice any trade or person, therefore it is lawful.  
Easie;  
There being no greater difficulty therein, then in that which is incident to the lending and borrowing of money upon security: viz. that he or they who borrow, must procure good security, and he or they who lend, must be careful to see that it is good; and that this is all the difficulty attending this enterprise: See Lib. 2. Sect. 2. and Lib. 3. Sect. 4.  
Safe;  
The hazard being not so great as that which men undergo, when they take up Commodities in company with others, wherein each man is bound to make good the whole debt, in case his partners fail: when as usually they take no security each from other, to make good his own share, much less from a whole Company of Insurers to run the hazard: Both which in this case they do, as appears Lib. 2. Sect. 2. and Lib. 3. Sect. 4. Therefore this course is safe.  
Again, it is safe, because it is such as whereby men may totally free themselves from hazards, (and great suits) incident to desperate debts, (besides the loss of time by the forbearance of the money) which are the ordinary effects of the usual way of dealing upon trust; and yet have as much trading with ready pay in these Bills, as can in reason be desired, Lib. 2. Sect. 3. Therefore this course is far safer than the ordinary way of trading.  
Effectual;  
It being such, as I am confident man's reason cannot imagine any way without it (or something to the same purpose) whereby either to recover our lost Trade, and enrich the people, as is evident, Lib. 2. Sect 1. or any scruple that may be alleged to make it appear that this way doth not tend most vigorously and effectually to produce the same, which he must needs acknowledge, who shall duly consider the said five first Sections of the first Book.  
The Conclusion.  
These things considered, it doth fully appear, how and in what sense this Treatise may be called, The key of Wealth, or wherein it doth discover, a new way for improving of trade, lawful, easy, safe and effectual, which was the thing here to be demonstrated.   

LIB. FOUR SECT. II.  
Showing, how and where it is demonstrated, that a few Tradesmen agreeing together, may both double their stocks, and the increase thereof, Without 

1 Paying any Interest.  
2. Great difficulty or hazard.  
3. Advance of money.  
4. Staying for Materials.  
5. Prejudice to any trade or person.  
6. Incurring any other inconvenience.   According to what is affirmed in the Title page.  
IN prosecution of this, let us take the words expressed in the said Italic print, in order.  
Showing how a few Tradesmen;  
Tradesmen; because they must be such as have ware to sell for these Bills.  
A few: Yea for a need one man alone, being of sufficient estate and credit, may both begin this attempt, and though none join with him, continue the same: For let that one man have but so much credit as to take up ware for six months, and assuredly the giving of a Bill to make good the debt, either in commodity immediately, or in money, within six months after the demanding thereof, can no whit weaken such his credit, or make it less acceptable; especially if he be caused to put in sufficient security, for making good the terms so proposed, and should procure the same to be insured also, by such as are sufficiently able to pay the debt, in case both he and his Sureties should fail so to do.  
And if the credit of one man alone would in this case be acceptable, how much more that of a whole Company of sufficient men bound each for other; though they were but about 10. or 20. in number, amongst whom though one or two should fail, yet to the whole Company it would not be much considerable: Of this see more, Lib. 3. Sect. 4. Therefore, I say, a few tradesmen would serve both to begin and continue this practice.  
On the other side, though a few (for a need) would serve, yet in case the whole Nation should join therein, the number would not be too many, nor hinder the profit each of other, as I shall demonstrate, when I come to show that they would notwithstanding gain more than ordinary.  
Agreeing together;  
Though their credit may be acceptable, as they are so many single persons, yet their agreeing together as a Company to be bound each for other, must needs make such their credit more firm and unquestionable.  
1. Because (in a word as being formerly noted) if one amongst many fail, the rest must make it good.  
2. Because it puts them upon a necessity of taking each from other, such security, and so insuring that security, as may (if possible) totally free the whole Company, from the least appearance of danger, and much more all others that shall deal with them upon this credit, Lib. 3. Sect. 4.  
May double their Stocks;  
I do not say double their estates, but double their stocks without paying Interest; which clearly intimates a capacity only of borrowing in money, viz. as much as their estates and credit can extend to give security for, Lib. 2. Sect. 1. and Lib. 3. Sect. 4.  
And this, seeing it shows men the way how by renewing such security, to continue the borrowing thereof to themselves and posterity, even to the end of the world; is upon the matter equivalent to the doubling of their estates: For to what purpose serveth an estate better than as a stock to be improved?  
The increase thereof;  
That is, if by trading with this doubled stock, any one doth increase his estate, he may upon like security, have as much more lent him, as whereby to double such increase; the extent of which advantage, is incredible to those who shall not read the demonstration thereof, in Lib. 2. Sect. 3.  
Without paying any Interest;  
How the paying of Interest may be prevented (or at least defrayed by the rent of the Lands purchased with these Bills) is sufficiently demonstrated, in Lib. 3. Sect. 7.  
Without great difficulty or hazard;  
I have proved in the last Section, that the Undertaking is easy, therefore without difficulty; safe, therefore without hazard; and for a more full demonstration thereof, see Lib. 2. Sect. 2.  
And yet these two things of difficulty and hazard, are as I said before, the total sum (as it were) of those Inconveniences, that can with any colour of reason be alleged, to counterpoise the manifold advantages issuing to the Undertakers, (besides others) from this attempt.  
Without advance of money;  
Great attempts do usually put men upon vast expense of money, before there be any certainty whether their undertaking will prove or no, but here is no such advance required, Lib. 2. Sect. 1.  
No danger though the attempt should not take effect, Lib. 3. Sect. 5.  
Nor any question but (being wisely managed) it will, Lib. 3. Sect. 6, 7.  
It may at the first Undertaking, happily cost such as shall profit thereby, some small matter out of such their profit, towards the maintaining of an Office, which yet will not be required of any, who shall upon their oaths testific, that they have not gotten more than seven times as much thereby.  
Yet if this practice be continued, this charge (as I said before) will be much more then recompensed by the rent of the Lands, purchased upon the credit of these Bills; neither is this any advance of money, seeing it is only required of those, that after proceeding therein, have profited thereby; so as being only out of the clear profit by this means occasioned, it cannot properly be called a charge, much less an advance of money; though the gains of this undertaking be thereby some small matter the less: Therefore this enterprise may be attempted and prosecuted without advance of money.  
Without prejudice to any trade or person;  
When that rare invention of Printing began first to be practised, how exceedingly was it opposed, and that with some show of reason; being alleged that it tended to deprive a considerable number of the race of mankind, of their daily bread; who indeed at that time had no other way to live, but by the use of their pen, in writing those books which since are used to be printed.  
Whereas in reference to this enterprise, it is most apparent, that the unquestionable consequence of it is, not to lessen, but to multiply employment upon men of all trades and callings, (except Usurers, Brokers and Lawyers) and that in such sort, as neither any trade, nor yet any particular person can be (in the least measure) prejudiced thereby.  
I confess it tends to the lessening (if not annihilating) of Interest, and to remove occasion for pawning of goods, or suits in Law: Neither need I dispute whether the practices, much less the Professions of Usurers, Brokers, and Lawyers, be lawful or not; seeing this is undeniable, that if there be any means whereby a people may be accommodated, with a sufficient quantity of money, (or that which goes for such) without paying interest for it, and so as they shall not need to pawn their  for food; and likewise matters so ordered, as Law suits may be prevented; In this case, though both Usurers, Brokers & Lawyers lose their customers, not any one of them can justly complain of prejudice.  
For I must confess, that if the practice of any thing may be truly called a prejudice to any one person, then though the consequence thereof were otherwise never so good, it were not lawful to be done; seeing it would be the same (at the best) as to do a small evil, that a great good might come of it: but for a people to use means to enrich themselves, and that in a way as may be most free from occasioning suits of Law, can by no means be denied to be lawful, though both Usurers, Brokers, and Lawyers lose all their customers thereby.  
Now seeing it is beyond all controversy lawful, therefore it can be no more a prejudice to any, than the doing of just things can properly be called prejudicial, which would imply a contradiction: Consequently this practice doth not tend to the just prejudice of any trade or person, which was the thing to be proved.  
Without incurring any other Inconvenience;  
A Negative is hard to be proved, but this I say, that other Inconveniences then what are already mentioned, I cannot imagine any.  
The Conclusion.  
Thus have I shown, how and where it is demonstrated, that a few Tradesmen agreeing together, may both double their Stocks, and the increase thereof,  
Without 

1. Paying any Interest.  
2. Great difficulty or hazard.  
3. Advance of money.  
4. Staying for Materials.  
5. Prejudice to any trade or person.  
6. Incurring any other Inconvenience,    
According to what was affirmed in the Title page, which were the things here to be demonstrated.   

LIB. iv SECT. III.  
Showing, How it follows that the Agreement of the said Tradesmen, may be ordered in such sort as both they and all others, though never so poor, who are in a way of Trading, may, 

1. Multiply their Returns.  
2. Deal only for ready pay.  
3. Much undersell others.  
4. Put the whole Nation upon this practice.  
5. Gain notwithstanding more then ordinary.  
6. Desist when they please without damage.   According to what was expressed in the Title-page.  
HEre (to follow the method already prescribed) the first words in the said Italicke print, are,  
In such sort, as they  
They, That is the said Undertakers: For not only those others that are hereafter mentioned, but even the Undertakers themselves may by this means double their stock, with the increase thereof, multiply their returns, deal only for ready pay, much undersell others; put the whole Nation upon this practice, Gain notwithstanding more then ordinary, desist when they please without damage; All which is clear by the whole scope of the premises.  
And all others  
That is, not only the aforesaid Undertakers but others, (though they being not in security to borrow of the said Bills, whereby to double their stock with the increase thereof yet) by hanging out the said Flag shall be in capacity to multiply their Trading, deal only for &c. to the end of all the aforesaid six particulars.  
Though never so poor, who are in a way of trading,  
That is, though they be in Debt more than their stock is worth, and have not any Credit to borrow of the said Bills; yet if they be in a way of Trading so as they have but Commoditys to sell; they may by hanging out the said Flag, multiply their returns etc.  
May  
That is, it is at their own choice, for it requires neither trouble, charge nor hazard considerable to hang out the same Flag with others, whereby they cannot be hindered from enjoying the effects thereof, as it tendeth to multiply their returns with ready pay, whereby to undersell others, etc.  
Multiply their returns,  
I say the returns, both of themselves and all those that hang out the said Flag; even to the utmost degree, that they are all possibly able to manage.  
For if these Bills be currant but amongst a few, the take (that is the trading) of those few will be so much the more Lib. 2. Sect. 4. if they be currant amongst many than the number of such Bills may be multiplied proportionably; by purchasing Land with them, and lending them Gratis upon such security as is already mentioned, yea until they have increased the number of them, and by consequence their take according to their desires Lib. 2. Sect. 1. & Lib. 3. Sect. 4.  
For it follows, by what hath been already demonstrated Lib. 1. Sect. 4. that the more of these Bills be stirring, the more will the take be, of those that hang out the said Flag; it is also manifest by what hath been declared Lib. 2. Sect. 3. that by this means, these Bills may be multiplied to the utmost quantity that can be needful, for increasing their trading to the greatest measure, that they are possibly able to manage.  
And therefore, I may safely conclude, that it is in the power of those of this Engagement, to multiply the trading both of themselves and of all those that hang out the said Flag, and that to the utmost degree that they are possibly able to manage; which was the thing to be proved.  
May deal only for ready pay,  
That is they may if they please, have (I say) as much trading as they are able to manage, and yet deal only for ready pay; I do not say ready money, but ready pay, either in Money or Bills.  
This follows from what was last demonstrated, where it was made to appear, that if it was in their power, to order matters so, as to have as much trading as they could possibly manage; yet it is manifest that it was not otherwise then either in money or these Bills; that is, in ready pay; and consequently may (without prejudice) refuse to deal any otherwise then for such ready pay.  
Much undersell others,  
That is, they may afford (if they please) to sell cheaper than others of the same trade can buy.  
For their Quickness of trading will occasion their buying much Commodity at once, their buying much at once will enable them (as it doth whole-sale-men) to buy it cheaper by one or two shillings on the pound then other men can and their Quick returns will enable them to live by much less Profit than others; so as buying their Commodities above 12 d. in the pound cheaper than others, they may through such quick returns live better upon that 12 d. Profit, than those others can do though they gain 5 s. on the pound upon all the Ware they sell; All which is more fully demonstrated Lib. 1. Sect. 7. Therefore they may (if they please) afford to sell Cheaper than others of the same Trade can buy; which was the thing to be proved.  
If any man should account this a prejudice to himself, what hinders but he may take the same course; or else show a reason why he cannot justly do so, which if he can, I shall then think it my duty to join with him, in an endeavour to prevent all others that should attempt the practice thereof; In the mean time if men complain of Prejudice, when the mends (as they say) is in their own hands, (whereby (merely) to hinder others from doing that, which tends to the preservation of themselves and the whole nation,) God and the whole World will witness against them.  
If any should say, that a fall in the price of Commodities (which upon this, must needs follow) is a Prejudice to a Nation; I answer, not except it occasion a fall in the price of their own Commodities in Foreign parts, whereby to prevent the importing of Bullion, as doth appear more fully where that particular is handled, to which I refer.  
May put the whole Nation upon this practice,  
That is, they may by this means suddenly, both necessitate and encourage all Tradesmen in the Land to follow this practice; viz. if not to borrow of these Bills, yet at least to hang out the said Flag, whereby to declare themselves willing to accept of them.  
First I say necessitate: For seeing few or none will buy Commodity but of those that are apparently known to afford much the better pennyworths; it must follow that all those who will not take this course, whereby they may be able to sell their Ware as cheap as others; will suddenly lose their Customers: so as all the trading being hereby as it were engrossed, by those that have put out the said Flag, they will be yet so much the better (if it were possible) enabled to undersell others, and others so much the more necessitated for their mere preservation to hang out the same Flag, whereby they may be in capacity to enjoy some Trading with them.  
Secondly, Encouraged: for so long as there is neither hazard, charge nor trouble in hanging out the said Flag or taking the said Bills; and yet the Advantage by multiplying men's trading to the utmost degree possible, is so exceeding great besides the removing of those many hazards and delays for want of ready money, that are Incident to the ordinary way of dealing on Credit, these things must needs (to all rational men,) be such strong encouragements, as arguments taken from necessity, will no doubt to them be superfluous.  
Therefore those that practice this course, may thereby suddenly both necessitate and Encourage all Tradesmen in the Land to do the like; which was the thing to be proved.  
May gain notwithstanding more then ordinary,  
That is, though all the Tradesmen in the Land should join in this practice, yet they may notwithstanding (if they please) order matters so, as whereby to have one with another, as much trading as they are possibly able to manage, and consequently may gain notwithstanding more then ordinary.  
For though all the Tradesmen in the Nation, should at once join in this Practice; yet by the free loan of those Bills and by purchasing Land with them (mortgaging that land to make them good) those Bills might (I say) be multiplied so, as to be equal to what men's estates are otherwise worth, though never so much increased by such quick trading; which will amount to a sum at least ten times greater than all the money in the Land; and consequently make their trading one with another one hundred times greater than now it is (as is demonstraed Lib 1. Sect. 4.) if men were possibly able to manage it; therefore what was to be proved doth follow.  
May desist when they please without damage,  
That is, not only those who only hang out the said Flag, may after some trial of the consequence thereof, take it in again if they see cause, without damage either to themselves or any others; but even the Undertakers themselves, (if they be willing so to do,) may by repayment of the total sum of the Bills thus borrowed; viz. By delivering in, all the Bills they have in their own hands to the said Office; and a sum in money equal to the total sum of the Bills dispersed in the hands of others, I say by this means they may desist when they please from this practice without damage to themselves or others.  
For whereas according to what was noted before, most undertake that seem to promise any considerable advantage, are of that nature as requiring a disbursement of great sums of money from those who attempt the same, do thereby necessitate such as would desist from further pursuing such attempt, to lose all the money so disbursed; yet this design requiring no such disbursement, but being carried on by a borrowed Stock, may at any time be laid down, by repayment of the Stock so borrowed, seeing that to lay down the practice of this enterprise, is no more I say then to pay the debt due upon those Bills.  
Considering therefore that for men to pay their Debts cannot be a damage to themselves, (and much less to others) it may truly be said, that those who attempt this Practice, may desist when they please without damage; which was the thing to be proved.  

The Conclusion.  
And thus I conceive it is fully discovered, how it follows that the agreement of the said tradesmen may be ordered in such sort as both they and all others though never so poor who are in a way of Trading, may 

First, Multiply their returns.  
Secondly, Deal only for ready pay.  
Thirdly, Much undersell others.  
Fourthly, Put the whole Nation upon this practice.  
Fiftly, Gain notwithstanding more then ordinary.  
Sixtly, Desist when they please without damage.    
According to what was affirmed in the title page.    

LIB. iv SECT. iv  
Showing, How it follows that all the aforesaid Advantages may be effected, so as the same shall tend much to 

1. Enrich the people of this Land.  
2. Disperse the money hoarded up, and so forwards to the end of those  particulars mentioned in the Title page.    
HEre wants (I confess) in the said Italicke print the word  
And,  
Yet [And] being no other than a Conjunction Copulative, signify; only thus much; that this enterprise tendeth to make good not only what went before, but that also which follows according to what I am now about to demonstrate.  
So as the same,  
The same; That is, the very same thing which affoards all the aforesaid advantages to the Undertakers, and those that hang out the said Flag, tendeth also to produce to the Generality of the people (viz by Encouraging and necessitating them to the same practice) all the accommodations hereafter expressed, without any diminution to those Advantages, though the whole Nation should join in this Enterprise, as hath been already demonstrated.  
Shall tend  
That is, as necessarily as natural causes, to produce their proper effects; which appears by the sequel.  
Much,  
That is, Many of the aforesaid 24 particulars; unto the utmost extent that in reason may be wished or permitted; and the rest in very great measure; as will be clear by what follows.  

First, To Enrich the people of this Land.  
That is, to put the Generality of the people into a capacity of bestowing comfortable maintenance upon themselves and Families, relief of Indigent poor, entertainment of Friends, Journeys for recreation, Physic and attendance when sick, and such like; as much as can in reason be wished, and yet be in capacity to lay up plentiful proportions for their posterity besides.  
By bestowing as much (upon the comfortable maintenance of themselves &c.) as can in reason be wished; I mean, either as much as they would though they were one hundred times richer than they are; or at least as much as from year to year can be procured for money and the best Credit, either out of the fruits of our own soil, the trade of fishing or traffic with other Nations: for all this must needs be the consequence of Trade and riches, when in creased to the uttermost, the way whereunto this enterprise doth discover, as is proved Lib. 1. Sect. 4. & Lib. 4. Sect. 1.  
If it be questioned, whether the utmost improvement of our own soil, the trade of fishing and traffic with other Nations would yield every year so great a quantity of Commodity as might in reason be wished?  
I answer, If the Tradesmen cannot with money and the best Credit, viz. ready pay in the aforesaid Bills procure commodity, so fast as by reason of the abundant riches of the people, they spend yearly upon themselves, it argues that his trading is such as Commodities go off his hands faster than he is able with such ready pay to procure them.  
Now if it were once come to that pass, that men could sell their Commodities, and that for ready pay, as fast as by their utmost industry they were possibly able to procure them; it can scarce be estimated, either how much such ready pay would encourage Industry, or how much such Industry, with such quick returns, would increase men's wealth and stock in abundant plenty of Commodity; by making the Land wherein they live (though the soil were never so barren,) a kind of Storehouse or Warehouse to the whole world; seeing that if men could find sale for one hundred times as much ware in the month as formerly, it is not to be believed that they would fail to store themselves proportionably, in case the whole world could but be made (by the Art and Industry of men) to afford it.  
And to this purpose it will be needful to note what I have once observed already; viz. That if there be but sale for Commodity in any place accessible, all the Merchants throughout the world would be sure to send it thither in as great proportions as could be needful; whereby such place though never so barren of itself, being (as it were) the seat of trade, might become as full of commodity in respect of the rest of the world, as London is to other parts of England.  
The Hollan. have put this truth out of question, by their own experience whose Land, though so barren as it yields in a manner nothing; yet it being their constant practice to hearken unto all Proposals, encourage such as are good, and set on foot all that tends to the advance of trade, Industry and riches (as conducing amongst other advantages to the increase of Custom, excise etc.) and in all these things to use dispatch; they have almost engrossed all trading into their own custody, and notwithstanding such Barrenness of their own soil, are as it were the Storehouse of Europe for plenty of Commodity.  
In which (by the way) that they should so much exceed, (nay that they should come near unto) us, (in regard of the great fruit fullness of this Land in comparison of theirs) what reason (seeing they have been exercised with War much longer than we) can be given, but our want of Industry and watchfulness to take all opportunities for advance of trade amongst us?  
And this doth indeed demonstrate, that we in England are (as one saith) like those prodigal spendthrifts, who being Heirs to a reasonable estate; waste and consume their sustance for want of good husbandry, till they reduce themselves to extreme want; whereas they in Holland like those young beginners that have little or no Stock, nor any friends to depend upon, do so seriously apply their minds to all the methodes of thriving, as they quickly become exceeding rich.  
Wherein seeing it cannot be denied, but that the many sad effects of those amongst us, who perish for want; will leave without excuse, such as shall neglect (in their places and calling) to husband natures liberal gifts to the best advantage (when an easy means thereunto is discovered) I hope the fear of God, will prevent all those whom it concerns, from sinning so much against the light of nature, as to neglect in any measure possible, the furtherance of that means.  
But to return from whence we have digressed; as to the fruitfulness of our native soil; it is well known, that before our late troubles, this Land did afford us plenty enough; that there is like to be much of it far better improved, both by the sale of that which hath not been ploughed up for these many generations (if ever at all;) And by many excellent ways lately discovered for improvement of Land, against the practice whereof there is no greater discouragement then that of a high rate of interest, (as hath been long since demonstrated by those who have writ of that subject) which by means of this enterprise will be exceedingly lessened, if not annihilated, as I shall show in its place: To which purpose if any desire further satisfaction concerning the improvement of Land; I refer them to a Book put forth by Captain Walt. Blithe called the English improver; and especially to the second edition thereof which I am informed (being now coming forth) will present the world with many excellent discoveries never before observed: I would advise those who are concerned therein to speak with the Author himself; who if he be able, as I hope he is, to give a rational account of his undertake to those that shall converse with him: it cannot but give much satisfaction.  
His lodging I believe, may be found by enquiring of him that prints his Book. Thus much I thought good to intimate, not for any skill I have to judge of this Author's Works; but out of a desire that all things tending to public good, might be inquired out and furthered here, as much as they are in other parts of the world.  
Now as the Land, so no doubt the Sea, would be as helpful to us, as it is to the Hollander; through the Trade of fishing which is of no small importance, by reason of the many several trades that depend thereon: the much employment for the Poor that it would occasion, & the great increase of victual which will by that means be produced; whereby not only Fish but Flesh would fall in price: For else the generality of the people might, (and especially the Poor would) feed so much the more upon Fish, till the price of Flesh did thereby fall considerably.  
Add to all this that the number of persons amongst us, are (though a thing much to be lamented) exceedingly lessened, by the abundance of Blood that hath been so unhappily spilt in these late wars, besides the multitudes that by reason of the new Plantations, and especially by reason of our late troubles, have forsaken this their Native soil.  
Now I say in all these respects it must needs be granted, that though the People of this Land were generally rich, whereby they might bestow upon themselves and families a comfortable maintenance; yet this fruit full Land, by the help of the Sea through the trade of Fishing and traffic with other Nations, would afford from time to time a store as much as at each time would be needful, or in reason .  
And consequently that by the use of the aforesaid Bills, in a way of Trade, trading may be increased, and by consequence riches, and that so as whereby, to put the generality of the people into a capacity of bestowing upon them comfortable maintenance of themselves and families, relief of Indigent poor, entertainment of Friends, Journeys for recreation, Physic and attendance when sick, and such like; as much as can in reason be wished, and yet be in capacity to lay up plentiful proportions for their posterities besides, which was the thing to be proved.   

Secondly, To disperse the money hoarded up,  
The aforesaid Bills not passing about but with half money, (in case there be money enough in the Land to double them, otherwise not but with a convenient proportion of money;) must needs by the revolution of them, draw forth all the money in the Land, to as quick a current through the hands of Tradesmen as the Bills themselves, the rather for that when men find trading quick, (though they have never so much money by them) they will (for their profit) be ready to convert all their stock into ware or commodity; whereas otherwise rich men, are forced to keep the most part of their estates by them in money which tends to the destruction of Trade, and thereby to induce men to hoard up moneys so much the more, to the greater obstruction of Trade, and so on, till all be brought to ruin, as is demonstrated Lib. 1. Sect. 4.  
Whereas whatsoever tendeth to the quickening of Trade, producing (for the same reason,) the contrary effect, it follows that this enterprise tendeth in both the aforesaid respects to disperse the money hoarded up.  
Again, some men engrossing moneys, as others do Commodities, to the end that moneys being scarce, the rate of Interest might be raised, if therefore (as I shall prove hereafter) Interest by this means will come to little or nothing, it must needs follow that such money-mongers will be prevented, and consequently, that in this respect also, this cause will tend much to disperse the money hoarded up.   

Thirdy, To Import Bullion from Beyond-Sea.  
That is, to cause Silver, Gold and Foreign coin in either, to be brought from beyond-Sea, and coined in the Tower of London, to the great increase of money, and consequently trade and riches amongst us.  
For as I shall show hereafter; by means of this enterprise it shall come to pass, that Foreign Commodities will be cheaper here in England then in the places from whence they are brought.  
I say cheaper, by which I mean, when the Foreign Coin that such Commodities do post our Merchant's beyond-Sea, is of greater value (weight and fineness considered) then the price in English coin, which those Foreign Commodities will yield here, whereby such Foreign Coin or Bullion (being brought hither) would yield more in English money (being coined at the Tower) than such Foreign Commodity itself; so as they who should return such coin or Bullion, without laying it out in such commodity, would gain more than by the return of such commodity.  
Now from hence it must needs follow, that Merchants would use all means possible to Import Bullion rather than any such Commodity; Therefore if by means of this enterprise, it shall come to pass, that Foreign Commodities will be cheaper here in England, then in the places from whence they are brought (as I shall prove in its place) it cannot be denied that this enterprise doth tend much, to cause bullion to be imported from beyond-Sea, which was the thing to be proved.  
Obj. But if English Commoditys fall in price as well as Foreign, Merchants would sell our English Commodities at so much the lower rate beyond-Sea, which would by the same reason, occasion moneys to be exported.  
Ans. Though English commodities should here fall in price never so much, if Foreign commodities fall here also, it doth not follow that Merchants could afford to sell our English Commodities ever the cheaper beyond-sea.  
For suppose, both Foreign and domestic Commodities, were but the twentieth part of the rate here as in other places; yet if in this case Merchants should sell our Commodities beyond-sea; at near the twentieth part of the rate as formerly, then seeing (beyond-sea) they must pay as much as ever for their Foreign commodities, and sell them here but at the twentieth part of the rate as formerly, they would lose about nineteen parts of twenty by the whole return.  
Whereas on the other side, if they gain 20 s. for 12. d. by the Commodities exported, then though by the cheapness of Foreign Commodities here, they lose 18 s 6 d. per l. by Importing of them, yet they gain 50. per 100 by the whole return; and would in this case, gain no less than 20 s. for 12 d. if they should return the Foreign coin itself, without buying any such commodity.  
It is clear then, that though domestic as well as Foreign commodities, do fall in price here in England; yet Merchants cannot afford to sell our English commodities ever the cheaper beyond-sea, so long as Foreign commodities continues beyond-sea, at the same rate as formerly; because by paying dearer beyond-sea, for those Foreign commodities than they sell them for here, they sustain a loss, which they must make up with some profit upon the whole return, by selling our English Commodities there, as dear as ever. And for the further clearing of this mystery take one more instance: suppose they lose tenpounds in the hundred by the Commodities imported, then though they gain thirty in the hundred by the Commodities exported, yet by the whole return they gain clear but twenty pounds in the hundred; whereas I say again, if they could return the Foreign coin or Bullion, they would save the said loss of ten pounds in the hundred, and consequently gain a thirty in the hundred by the whole return.  
If it be objected again, that in this case, men would Import no other commodity but Bullion, because it would be most profitable to them.  
I answer, this Nation doth scarce stand in need of any Foreign Commodity except Sugar; yet if our Merchants cannot procure their return in Bullion, they must return other Commodities whether they will or no; for other States, using their best endeavour to prevent the exporting of Bullion, Merchants cannot with safety make (frequently) their returns therein.  
If it be questioned, whether these Bills serving in the place of money, would not occasion that money being in this respect of less necessity, would be exported?  
I answer; that money (I confess in this case) would not be so necessary, nay if we had not one dram of money or Bullion in the Land, yet having a sufficient quantity of these Bills amongst us, I do not see what considerable inconvenience could follow in any respect whatsoever; for whether a Nation have any Silven amongst them or no, yet if they can Trade as well without it, what need they care? for their estates in Vendible Commodities, (and consequently their Credit) is of as real value as if it were in money.  
If it be replied, that money would be necessary for the retale of commodities, payment of Soldiers and such like.  
I answer, this might (for a need, as I have already in effect intimated) be done by these Bills without money; yet rather than want money for such an occasion, I will not say we might coin Farthings and halfpences that should be worth in sine copper about the value they are taken for; But we might purchase Bullion with some of our commodities; a law being made that Merchants shall make, at least the twelsth part of their returns in Bullion; which would enrich the Nation, more than such slight and Tall Commodities as are usually returned at dear rates, in stead of those many and excellent Merchandises that this Nation yields.  
But I answer again; that though in this case money would not be so necessary as formerly, yet that would be no motive at all unto the exporting of our coin; for it is well known, that particular persons in their deal in a way of Trade, do not look so much at what is most necessary for the Commonwealth, as what is most Profitable for themselves, now certain I am, that as the multiplying of these Bills amongst us (according to what is already proved) would in one respect make the importing of Bullion, more profitable than any other commodity; so it is clear, that upon no consideration whatsoever, it can make the exporting of coin more profitable to them, than otherwise it would be.  
If it be said that it may make money and Bills so plentiful here, as in other countries where money is scarce, men will give higher rates for it, and consequently, it will be exported to those parts.  
I answer, the scarcity of money in those other parts, cannot proceed from our plenty of Bills in England.  
Secondly, they must give such higher rates either in money, in commodity, or in exchange by Bills of exchange; if in money, than they lose more Bullion than they gain by the bargain; if in Commodities, that is no otherwise, but to sell their commodities so much the cheaper, upon condition they may have their returns made them in money, and not otherwise; and why, if money be scarce here, may not we in England take the same course, much rather than any other Nation, having in our own hands, all Commodities that are merely necessary for man's subsistence? And thirdly, if in exchange by Bills of exchange (if I say in this) they give a higher rate for our coin then formerly, it will be the occasion of importing their coin hither, and not of exporting ours to other parts.  
As to instance, if any Nation do give for any sum in English coin, a sum of greater value in their own coin; it follows, that they who having such sum in Foreign coin due to them, should receive it by exchange in English coin they should thereby receive a sum of less value, then that which was due unto them in Foreign coin; and therefore, (aiming at their own profit) would endeavour to import such Foreign coin hither, and not to receive it by such exchange in English coin.  
By all this than you see it is not with money, as it is with commodity, that the scarcer and (by consequence) the dearer it is in any place, the more like it is to be sent into that place; but the contrary.  
If it should be yet further objected, that such increase of Bills amongst us, may occasion Foreign Nations to enhance their own coin, and by consequence, to undervalue ours; whereby it should follow, that a Merchant having an hundred pounds due to him here in English coin, cannot get so much in value, returned beyond-sea in Foorreign coin, so as if he could export his 100 l. English coin, it would yield him more beyond-sea, then by Bill of exchange he can get there paid him in Foreign coin.  
I answer, the increasing of these Bills amongst us here in England, can be no motive to other Nations to enhance their money; they being every whit as like to do this, whether we take any such course of trading with these Bills, or no; which yet if they should, it would do us so much the more prejudice, by how much the greater a damage it will be to this Nation to have their moneys exported, when they have no other means to maintain Trade amongst them.  
Yet in a word, and so to pass from this, why may not we Enhance our monis (in order to exchanges abroad, though not to rents and debts amongst ourselves) as well as other Nations do theirs? and why should not we be as careful of our own preservation, as the very Persians, Turks & c? by applying ourselves to the use of some effectual means, whereby the price of our exchanges may be so high, as to occasion that no Merchants shall return their moneys, by exchange without great loss; so as then having no Trade amongst us by exchange for moneys with other Nations, but merely by Importing of moneys or commodities, and that of moneys being (by means of this enterprise) made most profitable of the two, this undertaking shall, (in this respect) tend to much the more, to the importing of Bullion from beyond-sea according to what was here to be proved.   

4. To raise Banks of money in divers places.  
That is, when this Enterprise shall be practised not only in London, but in most of the chief Cities and Towns in England, if those of this Engagement shall think fit to cause any considerable sums of money (payable to them) to be paid in to the said Office there to lie in Bank for exchange of those Bills when need requires, it must needs occasion the raising of so many Banks, as there are of such Offices.  
Yet, because the greatest Banks of money whatsoever, could afford no one advantage, but what will follow in as full a measure, from the use of these Bills alone, though no such Banks were raised (as appears by the particulars in the Title-page and because Banks (being in money) are liable to hazard, through the unfaithfulness of Officers entrusted therein, and divers other ways; whereby thousands are in danger of ruin at once, (to any one of which hazards, this enterprise is no ways incident,) I shall not put any stress upon this, but refer it to the consideration of others.   

5. To settle a secure and known credit.  
That is, both as safe and public as that of the Chamber of London; Bank of Amsterdam or any which on earth can be established, as is demonstrated Lib. 3. Sect. 4. The great advantage whereof is the Argument of the whole Treatise.   

6. To make such Credit current.  
That is to pass by Bills from hand to hand in the place of money, which (I say) may as easily be effected here as Bills of far less credit in other parts of the world are made Passable there; these being such as will yield the money they are taken for in hand, if the possessor of them hath a mind to sell them, as is evidently cleared in Lib. 2. Sect. 5. & Lib. 3. Sect. 3. 5, 6. & 7.   

7. To extend such credit to any degree needful.  
That is to multiply the number of the aforesaid Bills, so as to equalise in value men's estates in Commodity, if that were needful; Lib. 2. Sect. 3. And by consequence, to make men's trading one hundred times greater than formerly, as is demonstrated Lib. 1. Sect. 4. and Lib. 2. Sect. 3.   

8. To quicken the revolution of money and credit.  
That an increase of money (not hoarded up) or that which goes for such, doth occasion an increase of Trade, that such increase of Trade, doth quicken the current of such money (or whatsoever is taken in stead thereof) by encouraging men through such quick returns of Commodity, to lay out in such commodity all they receive, with the utmost speed possible, whereby the same money, resting no where, must needs occasion a quick current thereof; is sufficiently demonstrated in Lib. 1. Sect. 3.4.   

9 To diminish the Interest for moneys.  
To diminish it (I say) so as to make it suddenly fall to very little, and at last to nothing.  
For who will put in security to borrow money upon Interest, when he may upon like security, have such Bills as will pass in the place of money lent him gratis, & that in such a way, as whereby to be brought into a capacity of multiplying his trading to the utmost degree possible?  
This advantage will be of great concernment in many respects, as passing from one particular to another, I have, (partly already noted) and shall further note, where occasion is offered.   

10. To make Commodity supply the place of money.  
Commodity supplies the place of money, two ways; either when by reason of an extraordinary quickness of trading, it is (as they say) every man's money; and becomes so Vendible, as men could not lose to take it for money itself, at the rate of the Market; and this is no more than the effect of trade, when quickened to the utmost period-Secondly, Commodity supplieth the place of money, when money (or that which goes for such) is so plentiful as any man that hath commodity, and consequently Credit, may upon mortgaging thereof, borrow such money without paying Interest, and so may obtain new ware, and yet keep the old commodity (which gives him this Credit) still in his custody.  
Now, both these are the undeniable effects of this enterprise, and being put together, do like two fummes not added, but multiplied each by other, produce a third, much greater than the total of both: For the more saleable commodity is, the better security it is for borrowing money thereupon; and the better security it is the less are men constrained to undersell it, for procuring such money, and consequently the more saleable it is; hence it is yet so much the better security, therefore also yet so much the more saleable, and so ad infinitum; hereupon, (I say) these two advantages being put together, do tend to multiply each other, whereas either of them alone, makes good what was affirmed, namely, that this enterprise tendeth to make commodity supply the place of money.  
Now, whereas I here speak of Commodities being security for the borrowing of money, (by which money I mean the aforesaid Bills) yet I would not have it to be understood, as if the Company before mentioned, should ordinarily accept of Commodity for their security; but my meaning is, that those who have an Estate in Commoditity, if they make over that estate to such their friends or acquaintance, as being of sufficient ability, are willing to become bound as sureties for them, to the said Company, for borrowing of the said Bills; those sureties causing themselves to be insured against hazards of Fire, theft, and all such like sudden and considerable losses, and also engaging the principal to permit them to take a frequent account of their ordinary gains and losses; hereby if the sureties find the stock of the Principal to be at any time diminished, they may cause him to return a proportionable quantity of the Bills thus borrowed; so as from time to time to equalise the Bills borrowed, to the rest of the Principals estate.  
All this being done, I do not see that such sureties can incur any loss, but what they might easily have been able to prevent: for all sudden damages and disasters being insured against, it is not possible for a man to lose above the one half of his stock so suddenly, as not to be foreseen; in which case, the other half, will serve to pay the debt, due upon these Bills.  
All which things for that they tend to show how commodity may be made equinalent to money, (by being sufficient security for borrowing of that, which goes for money) were meet in this place to be inserted.   

11. To engross the Trade of Europe.  
The Hollander, (having a great stock) will sometimes engross a commodity from the Merchants of all other nations, in what land soever it is to be found; and then agree not to part with it again, but at their own rate.  
I commend not this course, in all cases; yet for a people to be in capacity to practise it when need requires, whereby they may be able to repay other Nations with their own coin, if for their necessary defence they be justly provoked thereunto, is very fit and requisite.  
Now, as it is clear, that the greater stock a people have, the better they shall be enabled to Vye with others at this kind of Game; so it is already demonstrated that by the multiplication of these Bills men's stocks and estates may in short time be extended to the utmost degree needful.  
But further, according to the words of Mr. Robinson before cited, the greater trade of one country, hath a capacity of undermining and eating out, the lesser Trades of other countries, that is, by buying cheaper and selling for less profit; And so selling the same commodities as cheap perhaps, as other Nations can buy them, it must needs tend to Engross all the Trade into their own hands; as the Hollander hath by this means done by the Trade of fishing: Therefore this enterprise tends much to engross the Trade of Europe.   

12. To fill the Land with Commodities.  
When matters are so ordered, as men do not generally keep their Estates by them in money, their Trading, consequently, their Stocks and estates in Commodity, must needs increase the faster, by how much the more such money doth increase amongst them.  
Now, by means of this enterprise, the aforesaid Bills; Therefore also Trading, consequently men's stocks and Estates, in Commodity, therefore Commodity; may be increased to the utmost degree that can in reason be wished; as is already sufficiently demonstrated.   

13. To abate the price of Commodity.  
This Enterprise tends effectually, to abate the price of Commodity, four ways; 

1. By increasing the plenty thereof, Lib. 1. Sect. 6.  
2. By quickening of returns, whereby men are enabled to live upon less profit per l. Lib. 1. Sect. 7.  
3. By reducing Interest to nothing; whereby men's bargains in a way of Trade, purchase, planting, Building etc. are rated accordingly.  
4. By enabling some to undersell others; whereby others are necessitated to sell as cheap as they; and so on, till this practice doth become universal Lib. 4. Sect. 2.    
Now, if the price of Commoditys fall never so much in England, yet such fall doth not hinder a further fall: for though, (as is already noted) both Foreign and domestic Commodities, should fall till those things which are now sold at 20 s. may be had for 12. d. yet seeing he that receives this 12. d. can procure as much new Commodity therewith, as formerly with his 20. s. it must needs come to pass, that by the same reason as Commodities fell to this low rate, they may fall still more and more perpetually.  
Further, in case Merchants (who export our English Commodities) should purchase them here at the twentieth part of the rate as formerly, than (though by such a fall in the price of Commodities in England, Foreign as well as domestic Commodities be sold at the twentieth part of the rate as formerly, yet) they may afford to sell their Foreign Commodities also at the twentieth part of the rate as formerly, and still gain as much per l. as ever, by the whole return.  
And therefore, that which occasions in England, a considerable fall in the price of Commodities in General, must needs occasion a fall in the price as well of Foreign as of English Commodities, although they should come to that low rate, as to be sold cheaper in England then they were bought beyond-sea; and from hence follows one thing, that in the particulars touching the importing of Bullion was taken for granted; viz. That this enterprise tendeth to occasion Foreign Commodities to become cheaper here, then in the places from whence they are brought; Therefore This enterprise tendeth to abate the price of Commodity; and that still more and more perpetually.   

14. To provide store against Famine.  
That is, when corn (or any provision fit to be store up) is cheap in any Land or Nation whatsoever; it may by this means be bought up, and pawned for Bills (according to such quantity as shall be allowed by authority) with which Bills (as with a new stock) men may continue to Trade, keeping their corn or such like commodity, till a time of scarcity; And this will both afford advantage to those that store it up, and help much to mitigate the dearth, which otherwise would sometimes ensue.  
For though, such storing up of corn or other provision, as it is managed by men looking solely at their own private advantage, is a practice much abused to the oppression (and not relief) of the poor; yet that should not debar men from the right and lawful Use thereof, in regard that (if honestly managed) it tends as much, to the relief of the poor in a time of dearth, as any one thing whatsoever; Thus than it appears that this enterprise, tendeth to provide store against Famin.   

15. To relieve and employ the poor.  
To relieve them, viz. First, by occasioning a fall in the price of Commodities. Secondly, by providing store against Famin. Thirdly, by enriching the generality of the people, through which means both the number of those that stand in need of relief, are decreased, by growing rich; and also those that should relieve them are so much the more increased, both in number and estate. Fourthly, by erecting Pawne-houses, through which, matters may be so ordered, as these Bills may be lent without Interest for some small charge per Cent. towards the maintenance of an Office; And that not only for inconsiderable sums, in the manner of Bridges in Flanders, but for sums of great value to accommodate Merchants and others. And hereby also it must needs come to pass, that not only extortion, but even Interest of moneys must needs come suddenly to nothing. But of this (God permitting) more hereafter, if need require.  
Therefore, this enterprise tendeth much to relieve the poor, which was the first thing to be proved.  
Secondly, to employ them. First by increase of Trade; for without trading there cannot be sufficient employment for such poor, as are willing to take pains, much less for others. Secondly, by enriching the people, whereby they are enabled to maintain more Servants and Attendants, both in reference to their Trades and Families, and that both in their health and sickness.  
Thirdly, by men's putting their nearest Friends and relations that are destitute of any means of livelihood into some credible way of employment: For men that are rich themselves, will be loath to see their nearest relations perish, (or to maintain them at their own charge,) when through a general quickness of Trading, the means of putting them into a thriving Condition, is made Feasible.  
Fourthly, through the abatement of Interest, whereby those moneyed men who are destitute of the skill of any Trade (of which there are very many) would be glad to lend their stock upon reasonable conditions, to such honest and wel-governed persons, as having skill in a Trade are out of present employment, for want of stock of their own; And this no doubt would occasion such men to be sought after, and put in a way, not only of livelihood, but of thriving.  
Fifthly; such Officers as shall at any time be employed in setting the poor on work, and entrusted with a stock to that end; may by only hanging out such a Flag as is before mentioned, find sale for their Commodities, and that with ready pay in money or Bills, though they should prepare them never so fast; without which it is manifest, their attempt would be both a prejudice to themselves, and to those poor that are willing to take pains for a livelihood: and likewise these Officers, if they put in security may also double such their stock with the yearly increase thereof; Therefore this enterprise tendeth much, and in many respects to employ the poor; Which was the second thing here to be proved.   

16. To augment Custom and Excise.  
According to the increase of Trading, such is the increase of Custom and Excise; which if Trading were multiplied proportionably, might serve in the place of all taxes, with a sufficient over plum besides, to the great advantage of the State, and ease of the People.   

17. To promote the sale of Lands.  
1. It is a rule that the decrease of Interest, doth increase the price of Lands.  
2. Who will not buy Land when by mortgaging the same, he may have his stock restored in Bills, whereby to follow a Trade?  
3. It will be for the advantage of this Company, to purchase Land, in manner as is declared Lib. 2. Sect. 1. Whereby they may increase the number of the said Bills, until they have multiplied their Trading, unto the utmost degree possible.  
Therefore this enterprise tendeth in divers respects, to promote the sale of Lands.   

18. To remove the causes of imprisonment for Debt.  
Seeing by this means, all men that will but hang out the said Flag, may have as much Trading as they are able to manage with ready pay, in the aforesaid Bills; (the truth of which I have already sufficiently demonstrated;) It must needs tend to occasion that trading upon private credit, (which doth occasion many men's running in Debt, further than they are able to satisfy) will soon be laid down: Therefore this enterprise tendeth much to remove the causes of imprisonment for debt.   

19 To lessen the hazard of Trading on Credit.  
For seeing by this means all Trading on private Credit, will be laid down and that the hazard of Trading upon the Credit of this Company, will not be considerable, in regard that the Security for making good what they undertake is (matters being ordered as is declared) no less than equal to that of the Chamber of London, Bank of Amsterdam or any which on earth can be given, as is fully cleared Lib. 3. Sect. 4. Therefore this enterprise shall tend to lessen (and in a manner to annihilate) the hazard of Trading on credit; which (in a word) will be no small encouragement to trade.   

20. To prevent high-way-Thieves.  
If matters be ordered so, as these Bills though surprised in the highways, shall neither be any benefit to the surprise, nor any loss to him, from whom they are taken (which how it may be done, I shall show hereafter if need require) it will occasion that men will seldom (if ever) send any considerable sums, from one Town to another in money; but exchanging their money for Bills (such Bills being as good (I say) as any Bonds whatsoever) will rather send those Bills in stead of money, whereby such robers' as aim at the surprising of money, will be disappointed.  
Now, seeing such Robbers will not find it at all worth their time, much less so apparent hazard of their lives and fortunes, to make a common practice of stealing goods, which in regard they must speedily sell them, before they could meet with a chapman (that would give them any thing worth the labour of carriage,) could not choose but be in great danger to be apprehended especially (I say) if they continue this practice.  
Hence, than it follows, that this enterprise tendeth to remove all opportunities of advantage from high-way-thieves, by that course of life; That is, to prevent high-way-thieves, which was the thing to be proved.   

21. To multiply Ships for defence at Sea.  
It is a rule that the more Trading doth increase in any place, the more Ships multiply in that place; especially if Interest fall to little or nothing; For by this means, men may procure money as well to build ships, as to improve Land or Build houses at a low rate; now the more ships any Nation hath, the more strong they are at Sea; Therefore this enterprise tends to multiply ships for defence at Sea; And whether to this purpose it might not be meet there were an Act against employing any Ships, but our own, I submit to consideration.   

22. To multiply means for defence at Land.  
A people being generally exceeding rich, and in a thriving way of Trade, the charge of maintaining a considerable Army (with full and due pay,) is in comparison of a Burden, but as a Fly upon the Back of a Camel.  
Now, this full and due pay, is in such sort the sinews of War, that (as it is very hard keeping soldiers together without it; so) there is no great fear of wanting soldiers, where such pay is to be had; Hence, it is clear, that riches is the principal means of a people's defence; and consequently, that this course tendeth to multiply means for defence at Land; as doth more fully appear upon a due consideration of the particulars following, concerning taking away advantages of opposition.   

23. To incorporate the whole strength of England.  
By both encouraging and necessitating the generality of men throughout the Land, to join in this engagement, it will follow, that the most considerable part of the whole Nation, will be incorporated into this one secrety or company; which (as matters may be ordered, will tend so to resolve all their Interests into one, as men will not be in capacity though they would, to side with parties, so as there will lie a kind of necessity upon them for their meet subsistence, to stick together as one man for their mutual defence; therefore this enterprise (at  as it may be ordered,) shall tend to Incorporate the whole strength of England; Neither can this be accounted a thing of small concernment.   

24. To take away advantages of opposition.  
When a people are very poor, the maintaining of a small Army, is accounted a great burden. And that together with the want of employment and other means of subsistence, doth exceedingly increase men's discontent, and vexations of mind, which do much dispose men to turbulence and commotion, especially having most of them, little other business or hopes, any other ways then by fishing n troubled waters (as they say) to preserve themselves from perishing, for want of maintenance; Whereas if men had generally as much Trading as they were able to manage, it must needs multiply such a heap of businesses upon them, as whereby to take off their minds from assisting such, as would pursue advantates of public disturbance.  
2. Men having generally little or nothing except a miserable life to lose, they care not how often the Land wherein they live, be exposed to Plunderings and public confusion: Whereas if the generality of them, had great estates in the same Land (like several Merchants that had great adventures in the same bottom) with a thriving Trade and much employment, whereby to divert and delight their thoughts, though the profits, pleasure and necessary occasions thereof, they would be so far from promoting, as they would be deeply engaged to endeavour the preventing of all occasions that might conduce, to the stirring up of new troubles, as tending to deprive them of that which most men account their chiefest happiness, viz. the riches and pleasures of this life.  
3. That all Vagabonds and idle Runnagadoes, should be not only reduced to some order and discipline, but also put in some way of employment is no doubt, one excellent qualification of a wel-governed Commonwealth, as being a principal means to prevent occasions of public disturbance: But how this can be effected with near that advantages to the Undertakers, or without prejudice to such poor, as are willing to take pains for a livelihood, in any place where trade is so dead, as it will not afford sufficient employment, even for such poor, who are of civil behaviour and good quality; How (I say this can be done except by some means that must tend to quicken our decayed Trade, is beyond my present apprehension  
For certain jam, that if there be not sale for any considerable part of the ware, that might be wrought even by such poor, who are willing to take pains therein; Then to set others upon the work, and find no other means to vend the same, is but to take the means of livelihood out of the hands of those that best deserve it.  
Yet, except some way be found whereby such idle persons as aforesaid, may be reduced to Order and employment, it cannot (I say) be expected, but the Commonwealth should be Subject to much disturbance thereby.  
For, as it is the want of Livelyhoode, that multiplies men's discontents and vexations, so it is the want of employment that not only deprives them of Livelihood, but increases the number (as by Swarms) of Roagnes and Cutthroats in the Highways and other places; Who not being Engaged in employment, (but being wholly at their own dispose,) are in their Wandering Progress, ready pressed upon all occasions for any mischievous design, that may tend to disturb the peace of a Commonwealth.  
4. Money, is of that nature, as the multiplication thereof amongst a people, doth not only encourage an enemy, in hopes of surprising considerable sums thereof, so much the more easily, but being seized on tendeth both to maintain the enemy's War, and to diminish the means of their own defence: And therefore to enrich a people, with such money as will do the enemy no more pleasure though it were taken, then so much waste-paper, nor yet the loss of it be any damage at all unto those from whom it is taken, is a very great advantage, and doth discourage an Enemy from attempting designs upon such a people.  
But that in reference to those Bills, matrers might easily be ordered so as to effect this, I could evidently show, if it were not too large to be at present insisted on.  
All these things considered, I conclude, that this enterprise tendeth much, and in many respects to take away advantages of opposion, which was the thing here to be proved.  
And thus in brief, (to avoid repetitions) are all the particulars in the title-page fully demonstrated, and most of them in a far greater measure, than was therein exqressed.     

The Conclusion to the whole Treatise.  
HAving thus discovered as much as for the present, I conceive needful in relation to this enterprise with the consequences thereof, and how all the particulars in the Title-page are made good by this undertaking, and most of them to a far greater extent, then is there expressed, it was my intention here to have put a period to my labours, in order to this work for the present.  
But meeting in the very close thereof, with a book called consuetudo vel lex Mercatoria, or, the Ancient law Merchant, wherein the Author takes special notice of the way of Trading used in Flanders, already by me mentioned, which is by accepting of the Bills of particular persons, in stead of money, which he calls Bills Obligatory, it being, as in page 71 line 19 He affirmeth, the most usual way of buying and selling Commodities beyond the seas, viz. At Amserdam, Middleburrow, Hamburrow, and other places, I cannot but desire it may be observed how exceedingly he (being a Merchant) not only commends (in several places of his book) this way of Trading but also doth plead for the use of the like practice here in England, as that which tends to many great and considerable advantages, chiefly to the benefit of Merchants, in order to the increase of their Trade.  
For to use his own words in page 73 line 1. If (saith he) this Man (viz. one who should accept of these Bills, for Ware in stead of money will not ride out (as they say) the time of the payment of the said Bills, he may go to another man and buy other commodities therewith, as if it were with ready money the time only considered; nay more, if he will have ready money for these Bills, he may sell them to other Merchants that are moneyed men, and abating for the Interest for the time, and commonly one month over, according to the rate as they can agree, and as money is plentiful, they shall have money at all times to employ in Commodities, or to deliver by exchange, or to pay debts withal, or to carry home in specie, or for any other purpose at their pleasure, which (saith he) is Commodious for many young Merchants, having small stocks, as also for all men upon all occasions; for it is properly as money paid by assignation; whereby great matters are compassed in the Trade of Merchandise, the Commodities are sooner vended in all places, the Custom and imposition of Princes do increase, the poor and Mechanical people are set on work, men are better assured in their payments, the counterfeiting of Bills, and differences are prevented, the more Commodities are sold, the less ready money is transported, and life is infused into traffic and trade for the general good; And herein (saith he) we see and may observe, that things which be indeed, and things which are not indeed, but taken to be Indeed, may produce all one effect; and every man is enabled with his own means and credit, to augment Commerce.  
By many such arguments in divers parts of his Treatise he laboureth to press the use of this practice here in England, to which purpose see page 48. beginning at line 53. page 71. line 49. page 73. line 43.  
I find in this Author likewise, many other things concerning exchange of money by Bills of exchange. (as in Page 277. line 24. and page 275. & 276, & 277, & 278, & 279.) interest for moneys, (page 223, and 224) Pawning of goods (page 227, 228, & 229.) all tending to confirm the truth of what I have asserted in these particulars.  
Neither, do I find any thing at all by him affirmed, that doth seem (in the least measure (to contradict what I have here purposed, save in this, that he takes the Vulgar opinion concerning plenty of money (that it makes things dear) for granted, without distinguishing of circumstances or considering where, when or how, it may become the occasion of increasing the plenty of Commodity, and enabling men by their quick returns, to take less profit in the pound, and by consequence, to sell there beware cheaper than formerly.  
Now, I Confess, it must needs be granted (as I have already observed) that where an increase of money doth not occasion a proportionable increase in the plenty of commodity, it doth tend to cause an increase in the price thereof; Yet the same Author in two several places where he saith, that plenty of money makes things dear, viz in page 45. line 5. and page 177. line 7. doth also acknowledge; that plenty of commodity makes them cheap: Now by his own confession, increase of money doth increase Trading, which yet would be to no purpose, if it did not increase men's Stocks and estates in commodity; that is, if it did not increase the plenty of commodity in a Land; and besides, it is already proved that it is a rule amongst Tradesmen to proportion their Stocks in commodity, according to the quickness or slowness of Trading; so that plenty of commodity (in any Land where Commodity enough is to be had for money or the best credit) must needs be the effect of a quick Trade, which is occasioned by plenty of money.  
This, if he had duly weighed, and had withal considered that scarcity of money is the means whereby obstructing the sale of Commodity, men through their slow returns are forced (for their mere subsistence) to take a more than ordinary Profit in the pound, to the raising of the price of their Wares, the rather for that scarcity of money causing a high rate of Interest, doth enforce Tradesmen to advance their gains per l. proportionably, as this Author himself urgeth in divers places viz. page 177. line 43. and Page 2●2. line 50.  
These things (I say) if he had considered; he would without question, have fully agreed unto what I have formerly observed to this purpose; besides that this Enterprise being ordered so, as I have proposed, tendeth to put some men into a capacity of thriving by underselling others, which of itself alone must needs be a most effectual means, to occasion a considerable fall in the price of Commodities.  
Yet if his bare affirmation without any argument, wherein he appears to be merely swayed by the vulgar opinion, and the seeming probability of the thing (not diving seriously into the matter do bear more weight in the eye of any man's reason, than those arguments which I have alleged to the contrary, let such men take it for granted, that Commodities would by means of this Enterprise rise in price; And yet nothing can be inferred from thence, to prove any, damage considerable to be incident to this, undertaking.  
For, though (as I have already observed,) Commodity were now ten times dearer than formerly, yet if a people have ten times as much money (or money worth) to purchase the same, the advantage in this case, must needs be as great as the inconvenience; especially such dearness of commodity being (as the same Author affirmeth) a principal means to occasion the importing of Bullion; by making the price of our English Commodities to rise beyond the Seas.  
And yet further, let it be remembered to this purpose, what I have already demonstrated, viz. That it is a mere absurdity to imagine that an increase of money should occasion an increase in the price of commodities, fully proportionable to such increase of money, because in this case, such increased Stock of moneys would go no further in the price of commodity than the former small stock did, and consequently would not increase the sat thereof, therefore would not at all increase the price thereof.  
And as to the price of English Commodities beyond the Seas, it is clear, that they are dear or cheap in Foreign parts according to the rIches or poverty of the people of this Land; for if the people of England be very poor (so as not being able to bestow upon themselves the tenth part perhaps of those Commodities, which the fruits of our native soil would afford, and which if their Trading and by consequence their riches were multiplied proportionably they would gladly spend amongst themselves in a Comfortable subsistence, in this case, the overplus of Commodities are sent to other Nations, which doth occasion such plenty of English commodities, in other parts, as the price thereof beyond the seas must needs fall accordingly; Whereas if through the expenses of the people of this Land, there were little of our own commodities to be spared for Transportation, it must needs be acknowledged that the scarcity of our Commodities beyond-sea, would make them dear in Foreign parts, and by consequence would be as means to occasion the importing of Bullion, as follows from what I have already proved to that effect. In which respect, whether commodities grow dearer, or cheaper here in England, then now they are; it will be no more considerable than whether we agree to measure our  and stuffs by the yard or by the ell, in ease we can but procure wands enough, of an ell long to measure them by.  
Seeing therefore, that something to the same purpose which I here propose, hath been and still is practised by Merchants in Foreign parts, to the great improvement of their Trade, and would (as this Author testifies) tend as much to the benefit of this Nation, as I am confident, all judicious men must needs acknowledge.  
And considering that this Enterprise may (according to what I have proposed) be both begun and carried on, by a very small number of men agreeing together; I hope the people of this Land, (and chiefly the Merchants of London, whom it most concerns) will not show themselves more negligent of the means of their own necessary preservation, than all other people in the world besides, when it is well known, that as things now stand in England, we are in as much need of using our utmost endeavours, for husbanding matters to the best advantage for increase of Trade, as ever any people were.  
And if for the stirring up of this endeavour, amongst the people of this Nation, God shall make use of these my poor labours; I shall think myself happy in being so far forth serviceable to the public: Howsoever, having now discovered that which I am certain, would tend effectually to the introducing of all those particulars declared in the Title-page, and cleared the several consequences thereof so, as it doth manifestly appear, that there wants nothing, but the mere consent of men, whereby to invest themselves with the full accomplishment of those considerable advantages, which to all lovers of their Country, (yea of themselves) cannot choose but be (in reference to riches, and in great measure to peace,) the most  and important amongst all things that are earthly, in regard especially, of the state of affairs in this Nation at present, I could judge it no other, than my duty to lay down the same to public view, leaving the issue wholly to God the Author of all goodness; unto whom alone all glory (as in duty) be ascribed, for these and all other the tenders and proffers, which he makes of any favours, Benefits or blessings, conducing to the inward or outward weal of Mankind.   

To the Honourable COUNCIL, for Advancing and regulating of TRADE.  
HONOURABLE GENTLEMEN,  
I Cannot but acknowledge it worthy serious consideration, that the same providence which hath thus far carried on my weak endeavours, should at the very time of publishing thereof, put it into the hearts of the Parliament, by an Act for Advancing and regulating the Trade of this Commonwealth, to Authorise Commissioners, in order thereunto; that (amongst other things) they might advise, how new ways may be found out, for the better venting of Commodities, and report the same accordingly.  
And for that a great part of this Treatise, was printed divers months before the coming forth of the aforesaid Act, when there was no Authority under the Parliament, to whom I could properly address myself, for the furtherance thereof, I thought no means more effectual, to make way for the promoting of these my endeavours, then to dedicate the same to the Parliament, and present divers members thereof, with several of the title-pages, wherein the effect of the whole treatise is comprised, to the intent that if they thought it convenient, they might be instrumental for the advancement of Trade, and the procuring of some Act in order thereunto; unto whom therefore I acknowledge myself, in this particular much obliged.  
Yet I must confess, that if I had not intended this work, chiefly fotr he satisfaction of the vulgar, and confuting (if possible) all gainsayers, (endeavouring the proof of those things, which otherwise I should have thought evident enough of themselves) but had prepared the same merely for the perusal of such, as (doubtless) are better acquainted with the grounds and principles of traffic, than I myself, much of this pains might have been spared, and the particulars said down with greater brevity.  
But being sensible, that this Treatise (as it is at present) is scarce ripe for public view, in respect of some impertinences (besides divers remarkable escaps, through negligence of the printer, both in words and sentences) which I must needs say, might have been (by a more retired and deliberate revisal, in great measure) prevented, and the whole matter better digested, had not my proceed therein, been by much other public employment, interrupted.  
Yet, considering the necessity of a speedy promoting some such effectual course as this, in regard of the languishing estate of Trade in this Land, and especially seeing God by his good providence, doth now make inquiry after things of this nature, even from Authority; I have resolved in relation to my duty, rather to let it thus escape in this rough draught, then merely for concealing mine own private imperfections, either to omit or defer, the first, or least opportunity of doing good to the public.  
My only request therefore, of this Honourable Council is, that ye would vouchsafe so far forth, to testify your acceptance of my real intentions in these my poor endeavours, as notwithstanding either the prolixity thereof, or the multiplicity of your other public affairs, to spare a little time and pains in some serious manner, for perusing the fame; and then I hope, that God, by your due consideration of, and sympathising with the distressed condition of this Nation, through the decay of Trade,) will move your hearts to improve your present call and trust, by the speedyest and utmost promoting of whatsoever just proposals, shall conduce to public advantage, for the relief of this afflicted people.  
And if I may here, add some few lines by way of digression, I am much the rather encouraged, to expect a blessing upon your actings, in order to the advancement of Trade; in regard that the generality of the people of this generation, have made such an Idol of him, who was guilty of the blood of so many thousand Saints and others, as I am confident many of those wretches, though they had certainly known, by testimony from heaven, that God had hated his proceed, yet they would still rather have been on his side then on Gods. So that if God by his just providence, should now (in spite of all their maledictions, for that which they would have as murder, to be revenged from heaven, by evil success) bless this nation with greater riches and prosperity then ever before, even under that very same Authority, who were the instruments of doing justice upon him, what a testimony would it be of God's high displeasure, against such obstinate Idoliters?  
Whereby, though (in that condition) they have no hope but in this life, yet so great is their malice, as they would account all their own shar in earthly blessings (proceeding to them by means of such instruments) to be more grievous than the greatest adversity whatsoever: which (amongst many other arguments) doth induce me verily to believe, that God as he hath with a high hand justified the Parliament (against such vain expectation of heaven's revenge, upon their pretended murder) in the late unparrelleld successes of our armies; will not fail still marvellously to prosper the same Authority, by making them the Instruments of wealth as well as conquest, to the yet greater vexation and astonishment of all such unplacable and malicious enemies, to God and his people. If therefore in this hopeful attempt, God shall see good to make you thus Instrumental, it will be a special means, whereby (amongst a multitude of other considerable advantages, mentioned throughout this Treatise,) the Parliament, to the honour of this Counsel) will in great measure gain the People's affections: And by encouraging such undertake as this, every one willing to spend time, strength, and estate, upon things publicly useful, will find it not to be in vain; which that it may effectually appear is my earnest desire, who, I trust am with all due respects to this Honourable Council, no less in affection then duty.  
Devoted to the public, W. P.  
FINIS.   

THe mistakes in printing being many (whereof, most such as every man's reason will enable him to correct in the reading) I shall here for brevities sake, note only those which do either alter or much darken the sense.  
Errata.  
Page 2. line 22. for bring read bring in: p. 13. l. 6. exclude, of and l. 33. exclude thereby p. 15. l. 26. for, at all can, 1. cannot at all, p. 19 l. 40. for 5 r. near 5. p. 20. l. 26 for bad r. great. p. 26. l. 20 & 21. for they who, r. that which: p. 27. l. 24. exclude, left: p. 39 l. 3 for his r. this: p. 42. l. 3. for of money, r receiving of money: p 44. l 32. for when r being: p. 47 l. 2. for the r. be & l. 35. for or r. to: p. 50. l. 50 for 22 s.r. 2 s. p. 67. l. 40. for them r. the: p. 68 l. 23 for cause r. course: p. 69. l. 29. exclude, a: p. 70. l. 5. for tall r. trivial: p. 74. l. 20. exclude the whole parenthesis beginning (though) p. 77. l. 29. for secrety r. society.  

Page 60. line 3. read  
4 Without staying for materials. There being no materials necessary, except paper and other things useful for printing, with fit place and accommodations for an office; all which may be easily and speedily procured.