A LOVER OF HIS COUNTRY. The grand concern of England explained; in several proposals offered to the consideration of the Parliament. 1. For payment of publick debts. 2. For advancement and encouragement of trade. 3. For raising the rents of lands. In order whereunto, it is proved necessary, I. That a stop be put to further buildings in and about London. II. That the gentry be obliged to live some part of the year in the countrey. III. That registers be setled in every county. IV. That an Act for naturalizing all foreign Protestants, ... may be passed. V. That the Act prohibiting the importation of Irish cattel, may be repealed. VI. That brandy, coffee. mum, tea, and chocolata, may be prohibited. VII. That the multitude of stage-coaches and caravans may be suppressed. ... XIII. That the fishing-trade may be vigorously prosecuted, all poor people set at work to make fishing-tackle, and be paid out of the money collected every year for the poor, in the several parishes in England. London, 1673
First edition. 4to (14 x 19cm) [2], 92 [i.e.62], [2, blank]pp., without initial blank, upper margin of title-page trimmed close, otherwise a very good copy in modern calf-backed marbled boards, spine label titled in gilt.
A discussion of various proposals for the payment of public debts and the encouragement of trade. Amongst the suggestions made by the anonymous author is the prohibition of brandy, mum, coffee and tea on the basis that they hinder the consumption of natively-produced barley, malt and wheat. The author laments the massive consumption of brandy which has reduced the demand for beer and ale made with native ingredients and attacks the pernicious influence of languishing in coffee-houses which has, in his opinion, distracted people from their businesses. Stage coaches and caravans are also subjected to a detailed assault, including arguments that not only does travel by coach "effeminate his Majesties Subjects", lessen their skills in horsemanship and the quality of stocks of good horses, but it also reduces the consumption of English-made woollens and saddlery: "When they rode on horseback, they rode in one suit, carried another to wear when they came to their journeys end, or lay by the way: But in coaches, a silk-suit, and an Indian gown, with a sash, silk-stockings, beaver-hats men ride in, and carry no other with them, because they escape the wet and dirt, which on horseback they cannot avoid; whereas in two or three journeys on horseback, these cloaths and hats were wont to be spoiled: which done, they were forced to have new very often; and that encreased the consumption of the manufactures". The final chapter contains suggestions for occupying the poor with making fishing tackle, for, "applying themselves to nothing but begging or pilfering, and breeding up their children accordingly", they might profitably be set to work in "the making of the nets, sayls, cordage, and other materials for that use, the building of fishing-vessels, and the catching and curing of the fish".
£2000
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