Now, whereas in Arithmetick, out of two false Positions the Truth is extracted, so I hope out of two extravagant contrary Suppositions, to draw forth some solid and consistent Conclusion, viz.
The first of the said two Suppositions is, That the City of London is seven times bigger than now, and that the Inhabitants of it are four |28| Millions 690 Thousand People, and that in all the other Cities, Ports, Towns, and Villages, there are but two Millions 710 Thousand more.
The other Supposition is, That the City of London is but a seventh part of its present bigness, and that the Inhabitants of it are but 96 Thousand, and that the rest of the Inhabitants (being 7 Millions 304 Thousand) do Co-habit thus, 104 Thousand of them in small Cities and Towns, and that the rest, being seven Millions 200 Thousand, do Inhabit in Houses not contiguous to one another, viz. in 1200 Thousand Houses, having about 24 Acres of Ground belonging to each of them, accounting about 28 Millions of Acres to be in the whole Territory of England, Wales, and the adjacent Islands; which any Man that pleases may Examine upon a good Map. |29|
Now, the Question is, In which of these two Imaginary states, would be the most convenient, commodious and comfortable Livings?
But this general Question divides it self into the several Questions, relating to the following Particulars, viz.
1. For the Defence of the Kingdom against Foraign Powers.
2. For preventing the Intestine Commotions of Parties and Factions.
3. For Peace and Uniformity in Religion.
4. For the Administration of Justice.
5. For the proportionably Taxing of the People, and easie Levying the same.
6. For Gain by Foraign Commerce.
7. For Husbandry, Manufacture, and for Arts of Delight and Ornament. |30|
8. For lessening the Fatigue of Carriages and Travelling.
9. For preventing Beggars and Thieves.
