they are only so by God's direct providence, and no previous fault.

I think it would very well become this wise age to take care of
such; and perhaps they are a particular rent-charge on the great
family of mankind, left by the Maker of us all, like a younger
brother, who though the estate be given from him, yet his father
expected the heir should take some care of him.

If I were to be asked, Who ought in particular to be charged with
this work? I would answer in general those who have a portion of
understanding extraordinary. Not that I would lay a tax upon any
man's brains, or discourage wit by appointing wise men to maintain
fools; but, some tribute is due to God's goodness for bestowing
extraordinary gifts; and who can it be better paid to than such as
suffer for want of the same bounty?

For the providing, therefore, some subsistence for such that natural
defects may not be exposed:

It is proposed that a fool-house be erected, either by public
authority, or by the city, or by an Act of Parliament, into which
all that are naturals or born fools, without respect or distinction,
should be admitted and maintained.

For the maintenance of this, a small stated contribution, settled by
the authority of an Act of Parliament, without any damage to the
persons paying the same, might be very easily raised by a tax upon
learning, to be paid by the authors of books:

Every book that shall be printed in folio,