No race of men did multiply so fast as the Jews, which may be
attributed chiefly to the wisdom of Moses their Lawgiver, in
contriving to promote the state of marriage.

The Romans had the same care, paying no respect to a man childless
by his own fault, and giving great immunities and privileges, both
in the city and provinces, to those who had such and such a number
of children. Encouragements of the like kind are also given in
France to such as enrich the commonwealth by a large issue.

But we in England have taken another course, laying a fine upon the
marriage bed, which seems small to those who only contemplate the
pomp and wealth round about them, and in their view; but they who
look into all the different ranks of men are well satisfied that
this duty on marriages and births is a very grievous burden upon the
poorer sort, whose numbers compose the strength and wealth of any
nation. This tax was introduced by the necessity of affairs. It is
difficult to say what may be the event of a new thing; but if we are
to take measures from past wisdom, which exempted prolific families
from public duties, we should not lay impositions upon those who
find it hard enough to maintain themselves. If this tax be such a
weight upon the poor as to discourage marriage and hinder
propagation, which seems the truth, no doubt it ought to be
abolished; and at a convenient time we ought to change it for some
other duty, if there were only this single reason, that it is so
directly opposite to the polity of all ages and all countries.

In order to have hands to carry on labour and manufactures, which
must make us gainers in the balance of trade, we ought not to deter,
but rather invite men to marry, which is to be done by privileges