their increase in those places, so that the markets are not, nor cannot be served, as in times past it hath been done.
Many other things for confirmation hereof might be spoken, as the great number of ships decayed which have been maintained by fishing; the wealth and commodity that fishing bringeth to this realm; the cause that certain days and times for expense of fish must of necessity be observed, grown by reason of the provision of flesh for the people's diet must be certainly provided: whereof the gentle reader shall be more at large instructed in a little book published to that effect, with sundry other arguments which for brevity are omitted. In hope the consideration hereof will be sufficient to persuade such persons as esteem more the benefit of their country than their own lust or appetite; setting before their eyes the fear of GOD in obedience to the Prince's commandment: especially in such things as concern the benefit of a commonwealth, considering Saint PAUL saith, "There is no power but of GOD. The powers," saith he, "that be, are ordained of GOD: and those that resist these powers, resist the ordinance of GOD."
It is further to be considered that there is no conscience to be made in the kind or nature of the meat being flesh or fish, as in times past a feigned ceremony therein was used; neither is the meat concerning itself unlawful to be eaten at any time: but the use thereof is unlawful, being forbidden to eat by the Prince having power and authority from GOD, and done by the consent of the whole estate for a commonwealth; wherein obedience ought to be showed, not for fear of punishment only, as Saint PAUL saith, but for conscience' sake, not esteeming the meat or the day but obedience to the law and benefit to our country and poor brethren. Remembering that the magistrate beareth not the sword for nought, but to take vengeance upon them that do evil. For Saint PAUL saith further, "He that will live without fear of punishment must do well, and so shall he have praise for the same."
And although fear of punishment will not reform such persons, as by affection conceived hath been addicted from the expense of fish and the observation of fish days: yet the foresaid things considered, let obedience to their Prince and benefit to their country persuade them to bridle their
