An essay for advancement of husbandry-learning, or, Propositions for the er recting [sic] colledge of husbandry and in order thereunto for the taking in of pupills or apprentices, and also friends or fellowes of the same colledge or society. Hartlib, Samuel, d. 1662. 1651 Approx. 34 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 12 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2008-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A37147 Wing D2970A ESTC R26090 09348590 ocm 09348590 42811

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Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A37147) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 42811) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1307:30) An essay for advancement of husbandry-learning, or, Propositions for the er recting [sic] colledge of husbandry and in order thereunto for the taking in of pupills or apprentices, and also friends or fellowes of the same colledge or society. Hartlib, Samuel, d. 1662. Dymock, Cressy. [4], 17 p. Printed by Henry Hills, London : 1651. "To the reader" signed: Samuel Hartlib. Written by Cressy Dymock? Cf. Dircks, Biographical memoir of Samuel Hartlib, 1865. Reproduction of original in the Goldsmiths Library, University of London.

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eng Agricultural education. 2005-11 Assigned for keying and markup 2006-03 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2007-03 Sampled and proofread 2007-03 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-02 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

AN ESSAY FOR ADVANCEMENT OF Husbandry-Learning: OR PROPOSITIONS For the Errecting COLLEDGE OF HUSBANDRY: AND In order thereunto, for the taking in of Pupills or Apprentices.

AND ALSO Friends or Fellowes of the ſame Colledge or Society.

LONDON, Printed by Henry Hills. 1651.

To the Reader. Courteous Reader,

I Find by Experience, that it is nothing but the Narrownes of our Spirits that makes us miſerable; for if our Hearts were enlarged beyond our ſelves, and opened to lay hold of the Advantages which God doth offer, whereby we may become joyntly ſerviceable unto one another in Publicke Concernments; we could not be without Lucriferous Employments for our ſelves; nor Unfruitfull to our neighbours, as now for the moſt part we are, only becauſe we mind not the Objects of that Induſtriouſneſs, which without a mutuall Concurrence cannot be advanced. For mine owne part, although J can contribute but little; yet being carried forth to watch for the Opportunities of provoking others, who can do more, to improve their Talents, J have found experimentally that my Endeavours have not been without effect as to this undertaking: for GOD hath brought beyond what J could imagine unto my hand from time to time, Objects of Service anſwerable to the enlargement of my Spirit: So that J muſt conclude that it is nothing but the Narrowneſſe of all mens Spirits that makes their Miſeries to ly heavy upon them: for there are infinite Meanes of Reliefe and Comfort, for all ſorts of Calamities to be found in Nature, and well ordered Societies, if men were not enviouſly, or covetouſly, or peeviſhly, or ambitiouſly, or drouſily ſtraitned within themſelves, in the uſe of that which God hath given them to ſerve the Glory of his Goodneſs withall; towards the reliefe of themſelves & others. And to waken ſuch as are Upright in heart, but yet Lazie and Drowſie under their Diſtractions, J have thought good to offer theſe Hints to the Publique, which have a long time lain by me; that in this Hopefull Appearance of your Settlement, thoſe that droope might ſee a poſſibility (if they will not be wanting to themſelves) to make themſelves and others in this Nation, and juncture of time, more happie & Plentifull in outward Poſſeſſions then their Forefathers have been; by a Colledge or Corporation of Huſbandry. For if in all other Trades & Sciences, Colledges and Corporations have been & are exceedingly Advantagious (if rightly ordered) for the Improvement of the Talents of thoſe that betake themſelves thereunto; Why may we not conclude that in the Science and Trade of Huſbandry, which is the Mother of all other Trades and Scientificall Induſtries, a Collegiall way of Teaching the Art thereof will be of infinite Uſefulneſſe? J ſhall leave the thing to thy rationall Conſideration, that if the leaſt part of Induſtrie is highly improved by Collegiall Inſtitution and Education, how much more may the Chief part and as it were the very Root of all VVealth, be advanced to perfection by this means? This Eſſay therefore is but an Overture, and a Hint of this matter, that it may be further in due time ripened, and with more mature conſiderations brought to perfection, for the good of the Common-wealth, and the relief of the poor therein, which is the very earneſt deſire of

Thine and the Publiques Faithfull Servant, SAMUEL HARTLIB.
PROPOSITIONS for Advancement of Husbandry-Learning.

IN humane affaires, and which relate not immediately unto God; nothing doth more tend to the good & wel-being of a Nation (God giving his bleſſing thereunto in an humble and right uſe of it) then plenty of Food and Raiment, and of all other Merchantable Commodities to ſend abroad; which will not faile to returne the proſperity and happineſſe of other Nations again in exchange. And ſurely a Nation thus bleſſed can want no Earthly Comfort; but will doubtleſſe be hated of ſome, feared of others, and ſought to of all. But neither the one, nor the other of theſe are any other, then the fruits of or in the Earth: And thoſe are not to be obtained but by the helpe of Ingenuity and Induſtry. The firſt wiſely teaching, what is to be done; the ſecond acting according to thoſe good and right inſtructions diligently and carefully. By theſe two (inſtrumentally) we enjoy all outward things; and without them nothing. Theſe are the firſt movers to all Trades or Profeſſions under heaven; and particularly, to that moſt Auncient, moſt Noble, and moſt neceſſary Trade of all others (viz.) good Husbandry, conſiſting of abundance of Parts, of which theſe are ſome.

1. Tillage, or ſetting or ſowing of ſeveral ſorts of Corne and Graine, for the reliefe and ſuſtenance of man and beaſt.

2. The breeding of Cattel, (in which the breeding of Sheepe may ſeem particular.)

3. The feeding of Cattel.

4. The Uſe of the Dairie.

5. The planting of Orchards.

7. The planting of Gardens.

8. The breeding and feeding of Swine.

. The breeding and feeding of the ſeveral ſorts of tame Poultry.

9. The planting of Hops.

10. The ſowing of Hempe, Flax, or Rape.

11. The breeding, preſerving and taking of wilde Beaſts, as Conies &c.

12. The breeding, preſerving or taking of wilde fowle, particularly of Duckes in and by a Decoy.

13. The making and managing of Rivers, Moats, Ponds, &c. for the preſerving and taking Fiſh of all ſorts for the uſe and ſuſtenance of man.

14. The planting of Woad, and all outlandiſh rare or extraordinary Roots, fruits or plants.

15. The dreining, fencing, mowing, and making of Graſſe in Meadowes into Hey.

16. The making of Malt.

17. And (that now ſo exceeding neceſſary endeavour) the planting all ſorts of Wood for Timber or fire.

Beſides very many others which I forbeare to name, as either not ſo eaſily practicable in this Nation, or included in or ſubordinate to the former, as Shearing of Sheepe, Thraſhing of Corne &c. or not vulgarly taken for the parts of Husbandry (though indeed they are ſo) as the digging of Coal-pits, & production of all Minerals, Quarries of Stone, or uſeful Earths &c.

As theſe are encouraged and enabled: ſo is a Nation more or leſſe proſperous, or outwardly happy; both theſe in their diſtinct natures or uſes are moſt excellent; and are alſo (at leaſt ought to be) inſeparable companions: of which if either precede it is Ingenuity; for that Induſtry as it is diſtinct from Ingenuity, can do nothing till the other have contrived what and how.

Men take him for a foole or a mad man, that having ſtore of wealth in his trunck, doth yet complain of want. What though the key be ruſty for want of uſe? 'tis eaſier to get that ſcoured, then to obtaine ſuch another treaſure. And ſurely I may upon moſt ſure grounds ſay, that our Native Countrey, hath in its bowels an (even almoſt) infinite, and inexhauſtible treaſure; much of which hath long laine hid, and is but new begun to be diſcovered. It may ſeem a large boaſt or meer Hyperbole to ſay, we enjoy not, know not, uſe not, the one tenth part of that plenty or wealth & happineſſe, that our Earth can, and (Ingenuity and Induſtry well encouraged) will (by Gods bleſſing) yield.

Now whereas there hath been earneſtly deſired (in the mean time, till the publique Magiſtrate ſhall be at leaſure, to give a more ſtrong and ample encouragement & aſſiſtance to a Deſigne ſo exceedingly for the honour & Advancement of the whole Nation) the erection of a private Colledge or Society of good Husbandry; wherein ſome may teach, ſome learne, and all practiſe the whole and every part of this ſo honourable an Art, ſo deep a Mystery, and that not onely in the more cuſtomary and Common way; but according to the moſt Excellent Rules, that Ingenuity and Experience gained by rational trials & real Experiments have or can attaine to; that ſo the honour, wealth, and happines of this State maybe multiplied, even before it ſelf is aware, and the duller members thereof wonne by emulation or example to ſuch practiſes for their own private & Publique Good, as no perſwaſion nor force could ever have effectually led them to. And in reſpect that there are already diverſe Propoſitions made, & ſome Engagements alſo in order thereto; ſo as the Worke hath begun to move, and is dayly advanced, and endeavoured to be advanced by ſome ſuch faithfull branches; as firſt and chiefly ſeek the Proſperity of the whole Stock, but have not ſufficient power in their owne hands to go through with, and bring to perfection this great and good Worke:

It is therefore PROPOƲNDED Firſt, to thoſe, whoſe great Wealth is joined with as great Vertue and Love to their Countrey; And Will as well as Power to advance the Publique Good, without ſeeking their own Private Benefit.

THat whereas it is manifeſt, that ſuch a Colledge or Society cannot be erected without the building or buying (at leaſt a long leaſe at an eaſie rent, if not the inheritance) of ſome large and convenient Houſe, with ſome good quantity of Land adjoyning and belonging to it (though that is not all the Land which muſt be had for this purpoſe); and it is as manifeſt that ſuch a purchaſe cannot be made without good Sums of Money.

It is therefore deſired, that all ſuch Well-wiſhers to their Countrey's wealth and proſperity; be pleaſed to contribute ſuch ſums to this good and laudable Worke, as in their own Wiſdomes and bounties appear neceſſary, and deliver the ſame into the hands of Mr. Samuel Hartlib, whoſe abundant Zeale for the Publique Good, renders him moſt worthy to be entruſted therewith, till there ſhall be a competent Stock obtained for the ſetting forward of this great and good Worke before mentioned: And to ſubſcribe their Names and Sums; that ſo the whole Society (when erected) and the whole Nation (when in due time they ſhall have taſted the ſweet effects from hence proceeding) may know to whome to render all due thanks through all Ages, as to the bountiful Promoters of; by contributing to a Deſigne ſo much conducing to the good of the preſent and Proſperity of all Ages to come: a Plentifull Reward to every Noble Spirit.

It is therefore alſo PROPOUNDED Secondly, to thoſe whoſe good Wills poſſibly are great, but their Powers leſſer then the former; and are therefore neceſſarily withheld from ſuch free and voluntary contributing.

THat whereas the knowledge and good influence of the actings of this Society and its members, cannot without a good, large, and conſiderable Stock encreaſe in its number and power, nor caſt it ſelfe into all the formes of Practiſe in the ſeveral parts of this Art before mentioned, or that may be mentioned: and for want of which, the maine End of the erection of this Colledge or Society would not be obtained, viz. the infuſing into the more ſturdy Husbandmen of the Nation in generall (now too much wedded to their more cuſtomary and leſſer profitable workings) the more perfect Principles of their own Art, and ſuch additional Ʋſes and Inſtruments, as ſhall make their Practiſes more rational, eaſie, & really effectual & beneficial, as to themſelves: ſo to the advancement and encreaſe of publique plenty and wellfare.

It is therefore Offered, that whoſoever ſhall diſburſe and engage any ſum, for the encreaſe of that Stock, and conſequently the imployment of the Society: ſhall by an unerring, unaltering rule, receive yearly; while his money remaines in the hands of the ſaid Colledge, for every 100. pound, 20. pound, and ſo for a greater or leſſer ſum proportionably. And if any particular Perſon ſhall deſire to have his ſum disburſed, to be imployed in any one particular ſingle part of this copious Art here before mentioned; he ſhall have his deſire fulfill'd: provided that his Stock be ſufficient to drive on that way; and that he be contented to forbeare his revenue till nature hath produced the returne.

And whoſoever ſhall thus engage, ſhall at any time (upon ſix moneths warning given) call in and again receive his ſum formerly disburſed.

And all thoſe that ſhall thus engage, are deſired to enter their Names and Sums, by ſubſcribing and delivering the money into the hands of Mr. Samuel Hartlib. And for Security they ſhall have; As to Law, the Propounders bond; As to Love, the word of him that deſires to prove himſelfe a just and honeſt man, to God and man, (to his utmoſt power) and to all Engagers a faithful Steward.

PROPOSITIONS, for the erecting a Colledge of Husbandry: and in order thereto for the taking in of Pupills or Apprentices: and alſo Friends or Fellowes of the ſame Colledge or Society.

I PROPOUND, That there may be a Colledge or ſchool of all the ſorts and parts of Good-Hu bandry erected; that ſo the knowledge and practiſe m 〈…〉 come more univerſal, and men may have more ſweet invitations and ſtronger allurements, to ſeek the knowledge of this deep and excellent Myſtery; and practiſe it to the advancement of a more general and Publique good: not as now in a ſordid clowniſh way, for meer ſelfe-profit; nor as now according to unſound and rather Cuſtomary then rational rules and grounds; nor as now in a diſhonourable drudging way; which indeed is the grand cauſe that hinders or takes off the moſt ingenious ſpirits (which yet are moſt fit to be engaged.) For it is plain, that the chief reaſon, why this ſo excellent an Art, hath hitherto arrived at no greater perfection, is; that no Publique courſe of incouragement and high prizing the ſame hath been thought of; and ſo the beſt wits ſhut out, that ſhould have ſearched it out, and diſcovered this Art more perfectly; which once generally known, together with the vaſt advantages thereby ariſing, as to the whole Nation: ſo to every particular practitioner; we need not feare to want Diſciples. It is moſt evident, that thoſe few Ingenious perſons, that have looked into the wayes of improvement, (having ſomething alſo to worke upon) of late years have advanced their particular Intereſts to a double or trebble proportion. I am very confident, that thoſe very improvements may again be doubled by yet better wayes.

That therefore Ingenuity may be ranſomed from her too tedious captivity; And Induſtry awaked from a kind of lethargie; occaſioned through wonted diſcontent: I PROPOUND more particularly, (to lay a little foundation for ſuch a Colledge or Society, which I doubt not, time, emulation, and my own profit, will agree to finiſh) That

If any Perſon of quality have a Son or Kinſman 15. years old or upwards, with whom he will give (beſides well-ſuiting him with all neceſſary wearing apparel, and more, to the value of twenty marks; in ſuch other neceſſaries, as the Ʋndertaker ſhall appoint) 60. l. in ready money at his first Entrance, and bind him Apprentice for ſeven years; he ſhall be in that time faithfully inſtructed in both the Theorick and Practick parts of this (of all others) moſt Auncient, Noble, and honeſtly gainfull Art, Trade, or Myſtery. And at the end of that time, he ſhall receive at one entire payment, to ſet up withal, 300. pound. And ſhall for foure years next enſuing the end of the ſaid 7. years, receive at the end of every year 100. pound more; the better to ſupport him till he have taken ſufficient root.

Note, that none are to be actually entertained till there be at leaſt 10. entered: at which entrance, they are to pay onely 10. pound apiece, and for farther performances reciprocal ſubſcriptions. And when there are 10. entered, they are all to be ready upon a moneths warning to appear, to pay down the other 50. pound apiece.

Note, that not above 36. will be entertained at firſt, neither afterwards; but as by death, expiration of time &c. there ſhall happen to be ſome wanting of that number.

Into this Colledge alſo any man may enter himſelfe as a free-man, or Friend to, and Member of the Society; upon the following conditions.

1. He muſt pay down at his Entrance 50. pound, as given to the Society for the encouragement of Ingenuity in the practiſe of Experiments, for the obtaining of yet more and more perfection in this (almoſt) infinite Science.

2. He muſt bring with him ſome skill, at leaſt Ingenuity; and teſtifie himſelfe to be a Well-willer to the profeſſion and profeſſors of Good-Husbandry; and particularly to the Maſter and Fellowes of this Society.

3. He muſt produce at leaſt 250. pound as a Stock to ſet up for himſelfe, to be driven by himſelfe, according to the beſt direction and aſſiſtance to be given by the Master and Fellowes of the Colledge·

4. He ſhall (not ſwear, but) ſubſcribe himſelf under hand & ſeale, a faithful Seeker of the Advancement of the Mystery and Society; and to be aiding and aſſiſting, to the Maſter and the Fellowes to his power, at all times, and in all caſes, (his own intereſt alwayes preſerved) and to conſent and ſubmit to all ſuch Orders, as ſhall be from time to time made, by the agreement of the Master and the Major part of the Fellowes of the ſaid Colledge, for and concerning the ſame Society, and to ſtand to their Award in any caſe of difference: And not directly or indirectly to diſcover all or any part of the ſame Art or Myſtery to any perſon whatſoever, upon any pretence whatſoever, without their conſent firſt had and obtained.

5. He muſt be alwayes in Commons at the Hall of the ſaid Society at the rate of 8. s. per week, or ſuch other rates more or leſſe, as the then preſent ſtate of things ſhall require. And he is alwayes to pay off all arreares at the end of each moneth at the fartheſt, without any deductions for abſence how long or ſhort ſoever. But if he keep a Servant (who muſt alſo be in Commons when preſent) he ſhall be allowed to deduct for his abſence. As alſo he is not to be accomptable to the Stable for his Horſe when abſent.

6. He ſhall at his firſt Entrance, pay for Himſelfe 10. pound, for his Servant 5. pound, for his Horſe 40. s. for their habitation: beſides providing of all neceſſary furniture; but be ever after free till death or departure.

7. Laſtly, he muſt be a ſingle man; and if he ſhall at any time marry, he is from thenceforth to be accompted dead to the Society, to all intents and purpoſes whatſoever; ſave onely in point of debt or diſcovery.

HONOURED SIR,

THe more I finde and conſider of the generall Backwardneſſe of men, to accept or joyne with me in the wayes by me Propounded for mutual Proſperity; the more I am taught to view and review the things Propounded, and that impartially. In order to this, I finde upon enquiry, that the maine Objections againſt what I offer are three, viz.

Firſt, the ſuppoſed Impoſſibility of performing (on my part) the thing promiſed.

Secondly, the Newneſſe of the Invention or Contrivance, which renders it within the liſt of things ſuſpected.

Thirdly, the Non-appearance of any ſuch good Security as is held ſufficient to encourage men to joyne with me freely, fully and ſpeedily (that is, ſeaſonably.) To theſe I anſwer thus.

Firſt, upon moſt aſſured, and generally experimented grounds I affirme; that one Acre of good ground to be ſowed with Wheate in the more uſuall way of Husbandry, will (one place in this Nation with another) require the charges or expence following viz. for rent 13. s. 4. d. dung 24. loads at 1. s. 3. d. per load, 1. pound 10. s. ſeed 9. pecks uſually worth 13. s. 6. d. (now more) twice ploughing, ſowing, harrowing &c. uſually 10. s. (now more) for weeding 3 s. for reaping &c. 6. s. 8. d. for fencing one (Acre amongſt many) 3. s. 4. d. which in all amounts to 3. pound 9. s. 10. d. out of which deduct 20. s. which will remaine to be accompted with the following crops, in reſpect of the vertue of the dung remaining ſtill in the land. Thus the Charge of ſowing one Acre of Wheate, amounts to 2. pound 19. s. 10. d. and for the returne of this, it is not unuſuall to have 3.4. or 5. quarters: But take it at the leſſer, and more generally certain rate, of three quarters on an Acre, and value that at the more conſtant and leſſer price, of 5 s. a buſhel, or 40. s. a quarter; yet the returne amounts to 6. pound, which is double to the charge. I could illuſtrate this with many other examples as full: but let this ſuffice.

To the ſecond I ſay, that the Newneſſe of my better way of planting or diſpoſing of Corne into the ground, ſo as (God bleſſing my endeavours) to obtaine a yet greater increaſe; is ſo farre (well weighed) from being a reaſon to hinder: that it is to me, and may be to others (when once rightly underſtood) a ſpurre to haſten towards ſuch an Engagement or conjunction: When it is conſidered that the Invention is yet our own, entirely; and conſequently the moſt juſt and ready way to wealth and all that outward honour & happineſſe (that accompanies riches well gotten) is open to us, and to us principally; we having the opportunity (while we prepare for, and open the door to ſo great a Publique Good) to Chriſten our own childe firſt (as they ſay) which alſo is moſt lawful, and appointed, that the Ox that treadeth out the fodder, ſhall not be muzled. Which of all thoſe (almoſt infinite) wayes or means, by which man hath been made Inſtrumental to the increaſe of his own well-being, was not in one age or other, as new as this Invention of mine doth ſeem to be in this?

Certainly it is not the Newneſſe, but the Vanity or Invalidity of any Invention, that layes it open to the diſlike of the more wiſe and Noble perſons: Or if the Newneſſe of an Invention can any way render it fit to be ſuſpected, it is onely in ſuch as being altogether New, ſeem alſo to diſagree with Natural reaſon, and treade quite beſide the path of Experience: Of this kinde it would be, if a man ſhould pretend to make bread of ſtones; but to ſay, that I can make more or better bread of the ſame Wheate, will appear impoſſible to none but inconſiderate perſons. And the thing which I hold forth is nothing elſe, but to ſcrew the moſt profound Myſtery of good Husbandry a note or two higher; but to do the ſame thing by a better way, and to more advantage.

To the the third and laſt, before I anſwer I will ſo farre digreſſe, as to enquire, what is or can be here meant by Security? If it be required in the moſt high and ſtrict ſence, 'tis vaine and impoſſible to be had in humane affaires, and is not to be had or hoped for in this world, where the Moth and ruſt do corrupt, and where thieves break through and ſteal: this is only to be had in Heaven; and can be no way procured on Earth; but by laying up the Treaſures of GOOD WORKES: Therefore he that will put forth his money upon good Security indeed, muſt vent it in the wayes of Charity and Piety, as relating to Gods glory and his ſoules Eternal happineſſe; at leaſt in a way of bounty and nobleneſſe for the Publique good of his Neighbour and Native Countrey, as relating to his good fame after death. But if by ſecurity be meant ſomething more moderate and ingenuous, onely a providential care to defend a mans ſelfe from being abuſed; ſo farre as ſuch proſecutions are juſt, and agreeable to good reaſon, and the Nature of the thing in queſtion, I allow; and approve of it altogether: but not when it rather proceeds from frowardneſſe, baſe and groundleſſe ſuſpition, and a naturall averſneſſe and enmity to all good. Thus when a man lends to another politically as a meer man, he requires bills, bonds, morgages, or the like. But if he gives, he doth not ſo, neither if he lend to the Poor, or to perſons ſo juſt that he eſteems their word ſufficient. I ſuppoſe there are very many in London, that do frequently take up great ſums without giving any formal ſecurity; nay that would take it for a great afront to have ſuch a thing required of them; and yet ſurely it is no abſolute miracle to ſee ſuch a one break; why then are men ſo eaſie in that, and ſo difficult in this? or is it for the mutual Advance of Trade? why, that very argument ſerves here too; unleſſe they be reſolved to advance no trade, but their own. And even that alſo comes in here; for what trade can more advance the Engagers Private, then that which is faithfully driven on for the Proſperity of him and his Poſterity? Or what can more magnify a great and populous City, then to ſtand in the midſt of a fertile ſoile, that affords her plenty and abundance of all good things, which is already the happineſſe of London? and this happineſſe ſhall by this meanes, by Gods bleſſing given unto and upon this means, be continually encreaſed.

Again, it is rationall, when men lend money for little or no advantage to themſelves, but onely to do their friend a courteſie; it is but reaſonable, that they ſhould by all good meanes ſecure the repayment of their principall. But when men put forth their moneys in hope of great Advantage, they muſt, and do uſually forbear to ſtand upon ſuch preciſe Security; rightly conſidering, that Gods providence is (as the beſt Inheritance; ſo alſo) the beſt Security that can be named, and will not faile to returne with a bleſſing, any thing that ſhall be thereto intruſted faithfully. Thus, what other Security (more then rational Probabilities) hath the Souldier; that ventures his life, limbs, liberty and all, and this without any other Security then a good conſcience, (or a good confidence at leaſt) in life or death; reſting in that ſucceſſe the Lord of hoaſts ſhal pleaſe to appoint. Thus the Merchant puts (if not alwayes himſelfe; yet) his Eſtate into a weak wooden veſſel; and commits it to the mercy of the winds and waves, having ſet up his reſt in the goodneſſe of that God that parted the Red-Sea by his power. Thus, the Mineraliſt layes out much money in ſincking his pits and quarries, onely in hope to finde that richer veine he conceives to be there. Thus the Patient commits his life health and eaſe (under God) into the phyſitians hands, as relying on his care and skill. I ſay, that all theſe, and many more, even all men in almoſt all humane actions, runne ſome kind of hazard; and more or leſſe do and muſt depend upon Gods mercy and mans integrity, without any other outward formal Security. Thus alſo do I propound (and that upon Probabilities as certain and rational (if not more as any of theſe) that we may agree, engage, and ſowe in hope; that that God that never ſuffers hope (rightly placed) to be fruſtrate; may make us return and bear our ſheafes with us, may make our valleys ſtand ſo thick with Corne, hat they ſhall laugh and ſing. Which that it may be thus, ſhall alwayes be the faithfull deſire and earneſt prayer of Sir,

Your most obliged, faithfull and humbly thankfull friend and Servant

SIr, by what is above ſaid, and by many other very evident reaſons, it is or may be proved, that in ſuch a caſe as this, it is not much rational to demand any other Security then the Propounders own obligation for performance of Covenants. Yet that all men may know, that my Intentions are fair and juſt, and my Aimes not ſimply at my own private profit; but that I alſo much more deſire the Proſperity of my Nation, and of all perſons that ſhall joyne with me. I OFFER & am content, that if the Subſcribers and conſequently Engagers ſhall think fit to meet, and amongſt themſelves chuſe three ſuch as I ſhall alſo like of, I will endeavour to give them (in the behalf, and as the Truſtees of and for all the reſt) ſome more plain and ſatisfactory Security, which is impoſſible to be done to every particular perſon, that ſhall perhaps underwrite and engage onely 25. pound. or ſome ſuch ſum.

FINIS.