Chapter 12

Of the raising of the Price of Moneys by our Neighbours, and the
defect of our not raising of our Moneys accordingly.

    Both these Causes are assigned of the Rarity of Money, and
are indeed the same, and do both stand and fall together, and
both are assigned for causes of Exportation of our Gold and
Silver, and for Impediments of the importation of these Materials
unto us: For if it be true that our Neighbours by the raising of
the price of the Moneys of Gold and Silver, do the more abound in
Gold and Silver, it is true likewise, that if we do not raise
ours in the same Proportion, we shall much less abound in the
same Materials: And if it be true, that they by raising theirs do
draw a greater quantity of Gold and Silver into their States, it
is likewise true, that they do not only thereby withdraw from us
that quantity of Gold and Silver, which would otherwise be
imported unto us, but they do facilitate the exportation from us,
of that whereof we are already possessed: But, on the contrary,
if these Positions be not true, then all the Consequences
inferred upon them are not true likewise; Now because almost all
the deliberations in matters of Money do resort to the one or the
other side of this main Question, Whether the raising of the
price of Moneys doth really and stably increase the abundance of
Money in any State, or if it do increase the quantity, whether
that increase be not more prejudicial than beneficial to the
Commonwealth? I intend to handle this Question, and all the
incidents pertaining to it, as exactly as I can. And
    First I purpose to set down the benefits that do grow to the
State by the raising of the Moneys, and the Prejudices that do
grow by the not raising of Moneys: And then I intend to set down
the Benefits that do grow by the not raising of Money, and the
Prejudices that do grow by the raising of Money: The I purpose to
examine, and to answer, or allow the Reasons made on both sides.
    And lastly, I intend to set down what Remedies have been
propounded for the avoiding of all Inconveniences which may grow
to the State either by the raising or not raising of Moneys, or
both of them, and to examine the same: And here I must again
require an extraordinary Patience and Attention in the Reader,
because that upon the hinges of this Question, the whole Mystery
of the Government and ordering of Moneys in the Commonwealth is
moved, and the question it self is very intricate and perplexed,
and the Reasons alledged on both sides are full of Subtilty.