9. As to the preventing of beggars and thieves.
I do not find how the differences of the said two states should make
much difference in this particular; for impotents (which are but one
in about 600) ought to be maintained by the rest. 2. Those who are
unable to work, through the evil education of their parents, ought
(for aught I know) to be maintained by their nearest kindred, as a
just punishment upon them. 3. And those who cannot find work
(though able and willing to perform it), by reason of the unequal
application of hands to lands, ought to be provided for by the
magistrate and landlord till that can be done; for there need be no
beggars in countries where there are many acres of unimproved
improvable land to every head, as there are in England. As for
thieves, they are for the most part begotten from the same cause;
for it is against Nature that any man should venture his life, limb,
or liberty, for a wretched livelihood, whereas moderate labour will
produce a better. But of this see Sir Thomas More, in the first
part of his "Utopia."
10. As to the propagation and improvement of useful learning.
The same may be said concerning it as was above said concerning
manufactures, and the arts of delight and ornaments; for in the
great vast city there can be no so odd a conceit or design whereunto
some assistance may not be found, which in the thin, scattered way
of habitation may not be.
11.
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