to be scatter'd amongst the Poor;
since it is but a fourth part of what we gain by them: By this means, I am
confident the Poor of each Parish would be so few, that there would be
scarce enow to eat the spare Meat that comes from other mens Tables:
Howbeit, it were good, that a Law were made, that every person that gives
any Almes to any idle Beggars, or wandring People, (the Poor of their own
Parish only excepted) should forfeit 5 l. to the Treasurer of the Hospital
of that County in which they dwell, which would be no violation of the
Precepts of Charity, but an effectual expedient to restrain all Beggars and
idle people for the future.

If we believe (as I hope we all do) that the happiness of a Nation hath its
dependance on the good Will and Pleasure of God Almighty, and that the more
we please him, the greater Blessings we may receive from him. Let it be
considered, How acceptable an Offering it would be to the most High, when
by so pious an Act of Our Gracious King and Parliament, together with the
free Will Offrings of all able godly disposed people, so many Thousands,
yea Thousands of Thousands, in process of time, may be restrained, and
prevented from living in that broad way of Idleness and Lewdness, in which
is all manner of Debauchery. And now by this Reformation, from Generation
to Generation, may become attentive hearers of his Holy Word, which is the
most Infallible Directory to bring them to Heaven.

Obj: _You talk of great Profits made of Flax in other Countries: But some
are of the Opinion, That to raise the Linnen Manufactory here to that
degree, is utterly Impracticable; as well, because our Domestick Flax is
not so good as that which comes from beyond the Seas; as also, because our
people cannot work it so well._

_Answ._ This Objection, (which some are pleas'd to think very considerable)
consists of two Branches: The first is an Exception to the goodness of our
Flax; The second, to the Skill and Dexterity of our People.

As for the first; _Whether ours be as good as Outlandish Flax?_ It must be
considered, and cannot be denied, but, that the far greatest part of the
Flax which we Import from beyond the Seas, is _East-Country Flax_, I say,
the far _greatest_ part, ten to one in proportion; Now I am credibly
informed by several well experienced Flax-Men (who have dealt in both
Sorts) That _English_ Flax is _full as good_, to all intents, as this
_East-Country_ Flax, and do not doubt, but it will a