In the first place take your direction for the SCHOLLER.

• His Education.
• His Maintenance.
• His Advancement.

FOr his Education. The Free-Schooles generally afford the best breeding in good let­ters.

So many of them also afford some reasonable means in ayde of young Schollers, for their diet, lodging, and teaching, gi­ven to them by the Founders or Benefactors of such Schools.

Some of them be of the foun­dation of some Kings and Queenes of this Land, and they are commonly in the gift of the King, or his Provost, or Substi­tute in that behalfe. Others be of the foundation of some Bo­dies or Societies incorporate. And they are commonly in the gift of such Masters, Wardens, Presidents, and their Senior fel­lowes, such chiefe officers of a­ny other title, or such Master Wardens, and Assistants, or such Opposers, Visitants, or Committees of such bodies re­spectively as be appointed thereunto. Others be of the foundation of some private per­sons: And they are for the most [Page 17]part in the gift of the Executor, Heire, or Feoffees of such Do­nor, according to the purport of his Will, or Grant, or both.

Of every of which severall kindes respectively are:

• Eaton.
• Westminster.
• Winchester.
• The Merchantaylors Schoole London.
• The Skynners at Tunbridge.
• Suttons Hospitall.
• St. Bartholomews.
• And very many other the like.

Briefly, few or no Counties of this Kingdome are unfur­nisht of such Schooles. And some have so many, that it is [Page 18]disputable whether the Vniver­sities with the Innes of Court, and Chancerie have where to receive them or no.

Some of such free-Schooles againe, have Schollerships appen­dant unto them, in one of the Vniversities or both.

To which upon Election yearely, they are removeable, As,

• From Eaton, to Kings Colledge Cambridge.
• From Westminster, to Trinity Colledge Cambridge, or Christ-Church Oxon:
• From Winchester, to New Col­ledge Oxon.
• From the Merchantaylors, to St. Iohn's Oxon.
• [Page 19] And the like, from many the like.

Some other Free-Schooles have pensions for preferment of their Schollers, and for their maintenance in the Vniversity.

Some Companies Incorpo­rate (especially of London,) ha­ving no such pensions in cer­taine, doe usually out of the Stock of their Hall allow main­tenance in this kinde.

Besides that, there be many other private persons (upon my knowledge) who doe vo­luntarily allow yearely exhibi­tion of this nature.

Now if you would know how to finde what is gi­ven to any such Free-Schooles, [Page 20]and in whose disposing they now be.

Search

In the Tower of London, till the end of Rich. the 3.

For Grants and for License of Mortmaine, inde.

And in the Chappell of the Rolles.

From thence till the present,

And for the like.

In the Register of the Preroga­tive Court, for such things devi­sed by Will, by King, Queene, or Subject,

For such Grants given by Will.

And sometimes you shall finde such things both in the Tower, and the Prerogative, and in the Rolls, and Prerogative re­spectively.

For the time since our refor­med Church of England began here.

Search

Doctor Willets Synopsis,

For all from the King, or from any other.

Search

In divers of our Chronicles For the like.

Next adde certaine helpes for discovery and attaining thereof.

FIrst (if it may be) procure a sight of the Liedger Books, of such as in whom the disposi­tiō of such things resteth, which they keep for their owne use.

Next be acquainted with some of the Disposers them­selves.

Next take the directions of the Master or Teacher of such Free-Schooles.

Especially, to be interessed in the Clarkes or Registers of such Societies as have the disposing of [Page 23]any such things.

Also to use meanes by Letters of persons powerfull, and use­full to such disposers.

For (indeed) it is not the sound of a great mans name to a Letter in these dayes, wherein they are growne so common, and familiar to our Societies (of London especially) can prevaile so soone as the Letter subscri­bed by the Lord Maior, or other eminent Officer of the Citie, to whose commandement they be immediately subjugate.

Lastly, if you use the meanes least seene, most used, and best allowed, together with these: For discovery and attaining of any such thing, it will not [Page 24]be besides the purpose as I take it.

Now suppose your sonne is brought to the Vniversitie by Ele­ction, or as Pensioner.

THe first thing you must take to your care is. In case he come not by election, but as a Pensioner, to live for the pre­sent upon your owne charge, how to procure him a Scholler­ship in the Colledge where you bestow him.

Or in case he come elected in­to one, how to procure a far­ther addition of maintenance to him.

To bring him into a Scholler­ship, [Page 25]place him with a Senior fellow of the house (as Tutor) though you allow to some Iuni­on fellow somewhat yearely for reading unto him.

This Senior fellow if the number of places voide will beare it, may nominate your sonne for one in his own right, if it will not beare it, he may call to his ayd some and so ma­ny suffrages of the rest as with the speaking merit of your sonne may worke your desire.

Then how to procure a pensi­on for addytament of meanes.

The chiefe skill is to finde it out, being either in the gift of some body Incorporate, or of some private person. Wherein [Page 26]the discovery is to be made (as aforesaid.)

If you sue to a Company con­sisting of many persons Trades­men, you must enquire who be the most potent Patritians, and best reputed Vestrie wits a­mongst them, such as carry their gloves in their hands, not on their hands.

Amongst an Assistance of ma­ny, onely two or three strike the stroke, and hold the rest in a wonderfull admiration of their extraordinary endow­ments. And how to speake sen­sibly to these two or three is no Mystery. You know they are faithfull fiduciaries in the e­lection. And therfore, you must [Page 27]not presume to offer any thing by any meanes. Onely you may desire them to accept this poore peece of plate, with your name and Armes upon it, and binde you unto their love, in keeping the memory of you hereafter. Doe but try them in this kinde, and attend the suc­cesse. I tell you, this with a Bucke at the Renter Wardens feast, may come somewhat neer to the matter.

But for the pension to be ob­tained of a private person, the way is not the same. It procee­deth of the givers meere chari­ty, and must be taken by the hand of a desertfull receiver. Though withall it may some­times [Page 28]fall out, that merit is made by mediation, especially of some such reverend Divine, as he doth most respect and fre­quent. For other, letters can lit­tle prevaile with such persons.

The best note to discover a man inclinable to allow such a pension, is to examine how wealth and charity are equally and temperately mingled in him. And be sure withall that he be a man of some reasonable understanding in what he doth in this kinde. For a fooles pensi­on is like a new fashion eagerly pursued at the beginning, but as scurvily left off in the procee­ding.

Your next care is, in his due [Page 29]time to put on a fellowship, when he shall put off his Schol­lership, seeing the Schollership keepes him company no far­ther than to the degree of Ma­ster of Arts, and a quarter of a yeere after, in those Colledges, where Schollerships are lon­gest lived. And in some not so long.

In some Colledges, The Fel­lowship followes the Scholler­ship of course, and as the one leaveth him, the other enter­taines him. But in the most it is not so, but comes by Election. Which Election passeth by the Master and Senior Fellowes, whereof every one doth name one, if the number to be Elected [Page 30]will beare it: or if not, then they passe by most voyces.

Where note, that the Master hath a double voyce, and in some places he hath the nomi­nation of one, if there be two places voyd, yea if there be but one at sometimes.

In Colledges the letters of great persons, especially of the Lords grace of Canterbury, and the Vniversitie Chancellor have been of great prevailance. But it is not so now in these dayes.

There be beneficiall gradati­ons of preferment likewise, for Fellowes in their Colledges; as Lecturer, Deane, Bowser, Vice-master, and Master. But for my [Page 31]part, I better like and commend those who when they finde themselves fit to put forth into the world, take the first prefer­ment that is offered unto them, rather than such who live cloy­stered like Votaries: who have Sacraments to fill up their pla­ces be it but to keep out others, such as use no exercise, but wi­ping the dust off their bookes, and have an excellent activity in handling the foxe tayle, such as hold no honour like to Sup­plicat reverentijs vestris. And to be had Bowser of the Colledge, as good as to be Chiefe Butler of England.

These preferments of the Colledge all but that of the [Page 32]Master comes of course by or­der, and antiquity. Therefore no meanes but patient abiding needs for the acquiring of them in their due time.

I hasten to send your sonne out of the Cloyster into the Common-wealth, and to shew you how many wayes of Ad­vancement are open unto him abroad, with the meanes to dis­cover, and attaine.

And first for the Ministry.

FIrst for his ease, let him looke no farther than next to hand, and enquire what be­nefices belong to their owne Colledge, and are in the gift of their Master and Senior fellows (as most Colledges have divers such) and amongst them which are void at the present, or whose incumbent is not like to live long. And if he finde out any such; than if he know not after so long continuance among them to speake in his Seniors owne Dialect, let him never tra­vaile beyond Trumpington for me.

More indigitly, For attaining of such a Benefice, let him en­quire where the Mattens are read with Spectacles, or where the good old man is lifted up into the Pulpit, or the like, and make a way for Succession ac­cordingly.

Where note, that many times a fellow of the house may hold such a Benefice together with his fellowship, or a Pension for increment of livelyhood. And such tyes as these, are common­ly the bond of matrimony whereby they are so wedded to the Colledge.

Next, he must climbe up to the maine top of Speculation, and there looke about him to [Page 35]discover what Benefices are emptie abroad where the In­cumbent lives onely upon the Almes of Confectio Alchermi: Or where one is ready to take his rise out of Sierge into Sattin, out of Parsonadge and a Pre­bendarie, into a Deanarie and a Donative, let him not be slow of footmanship in that case by any meanes.

For Benefices abroad.

Benefices abroad are in the gift of

The King immediately.

Or the Lord Keeper for the King.

• Some Lord Bishop,
• Some Deane and Chapter:
• Some Body incorporate:
• Some Parish:
• Some Private Patron:

You shall finde in the Tower a collection of the Patent Rolls gathered of all Presentations made by the King in those dayes to any Church Preben­darie or Chappell. In right of the Crowne or otherwayes from 1. of Edward the first, till the midst of Edward the third.

The King himselfe onely and immediately presented in his owne right to such Benefi­ces as belong to him, and are a­bove twenty pounds value in the first Fruit Bookes.

For attayning of any which I can advise you of no better course, than to learne the way to the backe stayres.

The Lord Keeper presents for the King to all such benefi­fices as belong to his Majestie, and are under twenty pounds value in the bookes.

Now to know which of these are full, and who are Incum­bents in any of these.

Search,

The first Fruits Office.

The Clarke, who hath the writing of the Presentations.

The Lord Keepers Secretary being.

Where note that the King hath used very seldome to [Page 38]grant any such living in Rever­sion.

And the Lord Keeper now being. His care is so great in this, as in all cases of common good to provide for mans me­rit, and cherish industry in the growing plants, that no one can offer unto him a request of this kinde, without trespasse to his good disposition.

In the next place concerning Benefices in the Presentation of any of the Lords Bishops.

Note that most Bishopricks in England, have presentation to divers Benefices belonging to their Seas.

For the number and present estate of these.

Search

Their owne Leidgers.

Their Registers.

Enquire of

Their Auditors.

Their Stewards of their Courts.

And sometimes you shall light upon some of their books of this kinde, in the hands of the heyres or Executors of such as have borne such offi­ces under them.

He that is Chaplaine to such a Lord Bishop, hath for the most part the best meanes, ac­cesse, and opportunity, to at­taine to such a Benefice.

The commendations of such a great personage as to whom this Patron oweth greatest re­spect, [Page 40]especially for his affai­ring in Court, may doe some good in the matter.

The like wayes of discovery, and the like meanes of attaining any Benefice in the Presentati­on of any Deane, and Chapter, are to be used with them respe­ctively, as with the Bishops.

With every Deane and Chap­ter, are likewise divers Preben­daries to be obtained of their gift after the same manner, and by the same meanes also.

The other bodies Incorpo­rate, besides those of Colledges, and Deanes and Chapters have many of them especially of London, and some subordinate Societies thereof) right of the [Page 41]presentation to divers Benefices.

Also some Parishes by pre­scription doe present to their owne perochiall Benefices. And many Patrons are content to present, according to the ap­probation of the Parishioners upon their hearing, and allow­ing, and due exclamation of the integrity of the life of such su­tors, and no otherwise, di­vers governours, and gradati­ons of the lands of divers Hospitals, and Mesons de dien have like right of presentation to Benefices, as have other bo­dies Incorporate. And the meanes of discovery and attai­ning are likewise the like.

In Parishes, and Companies of Tradesmen Incorporate, [Page 42]some very few rule the roast.

Your Alderman of the Ward his Deputy, your Common Councell-man. Yea sometime that petty Epitomie of Warde-mote Enquerst, that little busie morsell of Iustice (the Beadle of the Ward) will make a strong partie in the election, if he be put to it. The Probotory Ser­mon, that must be made upon such tryall before such an Audi­torie, would be according to the capacity in generall. But more especially, according to the hu­mour and addiction of those whose wits the rest have in sin­gular reverence. As Mr. Fran­cis Fiat, a good understanding Fishmonger (I assure you) you [Page 43]may give the stile of right wor­shipfull to them, though the best man of the company be but a Wine Cooper, and his judge­ment better in Claret, than in Concioclerum a great deale.

If your sonne upon his tryall can but fit their pallats smooth­ly which is hard to doe; In re­gard that they are so hollow mouthed, let him be sure though he misse the Benefice for want of preperation, yet tenne to one but they will straine themselves, to bring him in as a Lecturer, which is a thing they reverence farre be­yond the Person of the Parish by many degrees.

Lastly, to private Patrons, [Page 44]and the Benefices in their gifts;

Search,

The Bishops Register: for Institution, and Pre­sentation.

The Archdeacons Register: for Induction.

The Archbishops Register: if it be a peculiar.

It was my chance lately to see a booke of all the Benefices within the Diocesse of Canter­bury, with the manner of their tything in every each one re­spectively. In which I finde, that there are, or should be with the Register of every Lord Bi­shop seven Bookes kept for En­try of the matters, and businesse of their Diocesse, of which this [Page 45]of Benefice in the chiefe.

The like I saw formerly of the Diocesse of St. Davids, which confirmes me in the in­stitution, and custome of kee­ping the said bookes also in o­ther Diocesse.

And seeing that severall pri­vate patrons are of severall dis­positions, some more Lucrative and Covetous: Others more charitable, and religious, I can give you no other rule of attai­ning the Benefice than this, viz.

That your sonne bring with him ability of learning, Integri­ty of life, and conformity of behaviour, according to the or­der of the Church establisht a­mongst us, and these shall make his way, with the good and ge­nerous [Page 46]Patron. But for the o­ther patron it makes no matter at all for learning, and a very little for manners, or whether he be a man conformable or no. Truely he is indifferent, for his part very indifferent.

To such a Patron your sonne must present himselfe: thus (if he meane to be presented) ac­cording to present necessitie. He must both speake and prove himselfe a man indued with good gifts. For he shall have to deale with a Patron of a quicke Capacity, more dexterous in apprehension than your sonne or you can be in delivery.

Be this Patron what he will, your comfort is, the Benefice [Page 47]must be fild, and that within a limited time, howsoever it is dangerous to attend the ending of the day in this case, (For sel­dome doth the Clarke of the market get any thing by their standing too long and above their accustomed houre.)

Lapse by reason of Simony, and Lapse for not presenting, in due time, Both offer ad­vancement to learning. But the first is at hand to discover as a witch: And the second as rare to finde out as a faithfull fiduci­arie or a fast Friend.

The degrees of rising in the Ministrie are not easier knowne than practized by the industri­ous man.

Briefly if all Church livings in England were equally distri­buted, There is no one of the Ministry if he want not lear­ning, or good manners, needs want maintenance, or good Livelyhood.

Here I could wish to God; That it might please the right reverend Fathers of the Church the Lord Bishops, That they would once in every of their times cause a true Catalogue of all the Benefices within their severall Diocesse with the names of the patrons thereof according to the last presentati­on to be sent into the office of the first fruits for the better in­formation of al such as deserve, [Page 49]and would gladly attaine to some meanes of maintenance, which they may the better doe by having recourse thither, there to take notice of all things of this nature. For I know that many sit downe in their wants, having good meanes to many private Patrons, onely for lacke of knowledge of the same.

Note that it is an usuall thing in private Patrons to grant re­version, and Advowson of such livings.

My selfe intended heretofore to collect all such Benefices with their Patrons, into a cer­taine Callender for such dire­ction (as aforesaid) and made some passage into it. But the [Page 50]farther I went, the more impos­sible I found it. And I am now resolved that without the Bi­shops assistance it cannot be done.

And so much for the Ministery.

The Preferments at which they arrive, are these:

• Chancellor to the Bishop.
• Archdeacon.
• Commissarie, where they have
• Commissarie. Officiall.
• Iudge, and Surrogate.
• Advocate for the King.
• Mr. of the Chancerie.
• The Kings Proctor.
• Advocate, and Proctor at large.
• In these Courts, viz.
• The High Commission.
• The Delegates.
• The Prerogative.
• The Consistory.
• The Arches.
• [Page 54] The Bishops Courts.
• The Archdeacons Courts.
• Chancellors, Commissaries and Officials Courts.
• The Admiraltie Courts.
• The Court of the Kings Re­quests.

In times past.

The countenance of some Bi­shop, especially of the L. Archbi­shop upon a Civilian, will much advance his practice as an Ad­vocate, and give him promoti­on as a Iudge.

There are under the greater Officers aforenamed, divers o­ther inferiour Officers: as

• Register.
• Arctuarie.
• Examiner.

The number of the Doctors (though I finde them never to have beene limited,) Yet it is certaine that the time was with­in memory of man, when the house of their Commons did commonly give them all suffi­cient lodging, and dyet. And as for the number of Proctors, they were of late times limited. How it is now I know not.

For the Common Law.

FOr breeding of Students at the Common Law, take dire­ctions for their method of study out of that Tractate which Mr. Iustice Dodridge did in his time pen for the purpose. Onely (for my part) I doe much commend the ancient custome of breeding of the younger Students. First, in the Innes of Chancery; there to be the better prepared for the Innes of Court. And this must needs be the better way, seeing too much liberty at the first proves very fatall, to many of the younger sort. I have ob­served, [Page 57]and much commend al­so the breeding of some Com­mon Lawyers in this kinde, viz.

That when they have beene admitted first into an Inne of the Chancery, they have beene withall entred as Clarkes in the office of some Prothonotarie of the Common-Pleas to adde the skill of the Practicke to their speculation. And if a Student be thus bred, by his foundation in the one, and his experience in the other, he shall with more facilitie than others, who step into the Inne of Court at first, attaine to an ability of practise.

Besides other ordinary requi­site parts and Arts in a Com­mon [Page 58]Lawyer. Skill in the Re­cords of all Courts of Record, and in other antiquities of Presi­dent. With some Reading in the Civill Law, also will much inable him.

The Common Lawyer is to be bred onely upon the purse. The charge most at the first. For after he hath spent some few yeares effectually, he may attaine to the imployment of some private friends, for advi­sing with, and instructing of greater Counsaile, whereby he shall adde both to his meanes, and knowledge.

It is true, that I have knowne some Attorneyes and Sollici­tors, put on a Counsailors [Page 59]gowne, without treading the same usuall path to the barre (as aforesaid.) But indeed, I never looke upon them, but I thinke of the Taylor, who in one of his Customers cast suits had thrust himselfe in amongst the Nobility at a Court Maske, where pulling out his Handker­cher, he let fall his Thimble, and was so discovered, and handled, and dandled from hand to foot, till the Guard de­livered him at the great Cham­ber doore, and cryed, farewell good feeble.

If the Common Lawyer be sufficiently able in his professi­on, he shall want no practice, if no practice no profit.

The time was that the youn­ger Counsaile had some such helpe, as

• To be a Favourite.
• A kindred.
• To marry a Neece, Cousin, or a Chambermaid.

But those dayes be past, and better supply their roomes.

As fellowes of Colledges in the Vniversities get Pensions, or Benefices, to adde to their live­ly hood: So Barresters and Counsailors of the Innes of Court, advance their meanes by keeping of

• Courts of Mannors.
• Leets, and Barrons:
• Swannimootes of Forrests.
• Stannaries.
• [Page 61] Cinque Ports, &c.

By places of

• Iudges of Inferiour Courts. As
• London, and other like Corpora­tions.
• The Virdg.
• The Tower of London.
• St. Katherines near the Tower.
• Borough of Southwarke.
• The Clinke.
• Wentwort and like Liberties.

By office of

• Recorder of some Corporate Towne.
• Feodarie of some Counties:
• The Kings Counsaile in the
• Marches of Wales, or at Yorke,
• or Iudge, or Counsaile of some
• Countie Pallatine:

The greater places of prefer­ment for Common Lawyers are

The Iudges at Westminster, and elsewhere:

The next, are all the severall

Officers of the Courts of West­minster and elsewhere:

All which you shall finde set forth briefly in Smiths Common­wealth of England, and part in mine owne Search of Records. And all these, together afford sufficient maintenance for thou­sands of persons who may be here well provided for.

Here I should and here I could for better direction of yonger brothers, shew what meniall Clarkeships of large exhibition, [Page 63]are under the great Officers of the Land, the Iudges, the Kings Counsaile, and other Officers which are not elsewhere pub­lisht. And I know it would open a doore to many a proper mans preferment especially; under the Lord Keeper: as Secretaries for Chancery businesse, and Spiritu­all promotions the Commission of the Peace, Iniunctions, the Dockquets. And other the like under the Lord Treasurer, as Se­cretaries for the businesse of the Realme, and the Custome-house besides the Inlets to so many preferments about the Cu­stomes, and Escheators: places, under the Lord Treasurer, under the Chancellour of the Exche­quer [Page 64]Dutchie, and Principality of Wales, and Duchie of Cornewall, as Seale keeper, Secretary, &c.

Vnder the Master of the Court of Wards, as Secretarie; under the Iudges, as Marshall, Clarke of the Bailes, &c. Vnder the Barons of the Exchequer, as Examiner; Clarke of the Bailes and other Clarkes.

Vnder the Kings Attourney Generall, as Clarke of the Pattens, Clarke of the Confessions and en­tries, Clarke of the References, Booke bearer. Vnder the Solli­citor Generall, Clarke of the Pa­tents, Booke bearer. Besides many other Clarkes under the white staves of the Court, and in the Counting house, and [Page 65]many severall offices. Al which with hundreds more that I could name, with a plainer and more large deduction, were it not for fear that what I well in­tend for general good, would be taken in offence for private pre­judice. But for the Clarkeship of the Kings houshold, examine farther the Blacke booke in the Exchequer.

Their means of Advance­ment are in these wayes, viz.

To be Physitian of some Col­ledge in one of the Vniversities, (as divers Colledges have such pla­ces)

Physitian to the King or Queens person.

Physitian to either of their housholds.

Or to some Hospitall, (as most have such.)

Or to some great persons, who may prefer them hereafter, and be somewhat helpfull in the meane time.

To a good old Vsurer, or one that hath got his great estate toge­ther [Page 73]unconscionably: For they feare nothing but death, and wil buy life at any rate: There is no coward to an ill Conscience.

It is not amisse, to make way of acquaintance with Gallants given, to deepe drinking, and surfetting: For they are patients at all times of the yeere.

Or, a Gentlewoman that would faine use the meanes to be pregnant.

Or, your Lascivious Lady, and your man in the Perriwig will helpe to furnish with a foot-cloth.

A Citizens wife of a weake stomacke, will supply the fringe to it.

And if all faile. And the Bathe [Page 74]will affoord no roome: Let them finde out some strange water, some unheard-of Spring. It is an easie matter to disco­lour or alter the taste of it in some measure, (it makes no matter how little.) Report strange cures that it hath done. Beget a Superstitious opinion in it. Goodfellowship shall up­hold it. And the neighbouring Townes shall all sweare for it.

The Land Soldier followes.

IF the Land-Soldier thinke to thrive and rise by degrees of service, from a Common Sol­dier to a Captaine in this age, (alas) he is much deceived.

That custome is obsolete, and growne out of use. Doe what he can doe in Land-service, he shal hardly rise by his single merit.

His happinesse shall be but to fill his hungry belly, and satiate himselfe upon a Pay day.

But if he be of kin, or a favo­rite to some great Officer, he may carry the Colours the first day, be a Lieutenant the second, and a Captain before he knows [Page 108]how many dayes goe to the week in the Regiment.

The Land-service where a man may learn most experience of War discipline, is in the Low-Countries, by reason of the long exercise of wars and variety of Stratagems there.

Beyond that Northward, the service is both more unprofita­ble and more dangerous, and lesse experience is to be there learned.

The more your Sonne turnes his face to the South, the more profitable the Land-service is.

Lastly, if he have no friend or kindred to raise in the Land-ser­vice, I assure you that there is no Law against buying and sel­ling [Page 109]of Offices in the Low-Coun­tries, for ought that I have redd. Neither is it markable amongst them.

After the Soldier returnes home, it makes no matter what number of wounds he can rec­kon about him.

All the wayes of reliefe for him that I can nūber are these:

A poore Knights place of Windsor; If the Herald report him a Gentleman, And the Knights of the Honourable Or­der of the Garter wil accept him

A Brother of Suttons Hospital; If the Feoffes have not servants of their own to prefer before him.

A Pensioner of the County; if the Justices finde him worthy. [Page 110]And that he was prest forth of the same County. S. Thomas in Southwarke, and S. Bartholomews Smithfield; only til their wounds or diseases be cured and no lon­ger. And that if the Masters of the said Hospitals please to re­ceive them.

For the Savoy where Souldi­ers had a foundation, I know none now.

And other Houses appropria­ted for reliefe of Souldiers now in use I remember none.

For the chiefe are long since demolished. The Templarij are gone. The Knights of S. Iohn of Ierusalem forgotten. That fa­mous House upon Lincolne green is rac'd to the ground. And ma­ny [Page 111]the like now better known by the Records than the remaines of their ruins with their Revenue, are all diuerted from the uses of their first foundation to private and peculiar Inheritances, which I pitty more than the dissoluti­on of all the Monasteries that ever were.

Here you see is preferment e­nough for your six Sons though you bestow every one upon a severall Profession. Onely take this generall Rule for all, viz.

To what course soever your Sons shall betake them. Be sure that they al have Grammar lear­ning at the least. So shall they be able to receive and retaine the impression of any the said [Page 112]Professions. And otherwise, shall scarce possibly become Masters in the same, or any one of them. Or if they doe, It will be with more than ordinary paines and difficulty.

For their breeding.

I Would have their breeding like to the Dutch Womans cloathing, tending to profit on­ly and comelinesse.

And though she never have a dancing school-master, a french Tutor, nor a Scotch taylor, to make her shoulders of the full breath of Bristow Cow-say. It makes no matter. For wor­king in curious Italian purles, or French borders, it is not worth the while. Let them learne plaine works of all kind, so they take heed of too open seaming. In stead of Song and Musick, let [Page 114]them learne Cookery & Laun­dry, And in steade of Reading Sir Philip Sidney's Arcadia, let them read the grounds of good Huswifery. I like not a Female Poëtresse at any hand: let grea­ter personages glory their skill in Musicke, the posture of their bodies, their knowledge in languages, the greatnesse, and freedome of their Spirits; and their arts in arraigning of mens affections, at their flattering Faces: this is not the Way to breede a private Gentlemans daughter.

If the mother of them bee a good Huswife, and Religious­ly disposed, let her haue the bringing up of one of them. [Page 115]Place the other two foorth be­times, & before they can judge of a good manly Leg.

The one in the house of some good Merchant, or Cittizen of civil and Religious goverment: the other in the house of some Lawyer, some Judge, or well reported Justice or Gentleman of the Countrey, where the Servingman is not too predo­minant. In any of these she may learne what belongs to her im­provement, for Sempstry, Con­fectionary, and all requisits of Huswifery. She shall be sure to bee restrained of all ranke com­pany, and unfitting Liberty, which are the ouerthrow of too many of their Sexe: there is a [Page 116]pretty way of breeding young maides in an Exchange shop, or S. Martins le grand. But many of them get such a Cricke with carrying the Band-boxe under their Apron unto Gentlemens chambers, that in the ende it is hard to distinguish whither it be their belly or their band-boxe makes such a goodly show and in a trade where a womā is sole chapman, she claims such a pre­heminence over her Husband, that she wil not be held to give him an account of her dealings, either in retaile, or whole sale. A Merchants Factor, and a Ci­tizens servant of the better sort, cānot disparage your daughters with their society. And the [Page 117] Iudges, Lawyers, & Iustices fol­lowers, are not ordinary Ser­ving-men, but of good breed, & their educatiō, for the most part Clarkely, whose service promi­seth farther and future benefit.

Your daughter at home will make a good wife for some Yeomans eldest sonne, whose father will be glad to crown his sweating frugality, with alli­ance to such a house of Gentry.

Likewise the youngmans sin­gers will itch to be handling of taffata, and to bee placed at the table, and to be carved unto by Mistris Dorothy, it wil make him and the good plaine old Ione his mother, to passe over al respect of portion or patrimony.

For your Daughter at the Merchants, and her sister if they can carry it wittily, the City affords them variety.

The young Factor being fan­cy caught in his dayes of Inno­cency, and before hee travaile so farre into experience as in­to forraigne Countries, may lay such a foundation of first love in her bosome, as no alteration of Climate can alter.

So likewise may Thomas the fore man of the Shop, when beard comes to him, as Ap­prentiship goes from him, bee intangled and belymed with the like springs. For the better is as easily surprized as the worse.

Some of our Clarkly men complaine the moysture of their palmes. Others the Sorpe­go in their wrists, both moving meanes.

With a little patience your daughter may light upon some Counsailor at Law, who may bee willing to take the young Wench, in hope of favor with the old Iudge. An Attorney wil be glad to give all his profit of a Michaelmas Terme, Fees and all, but to wooe her through a Crevice. And the Parson of the Parish being her Ladies Chap­laine, will forsware eating of tithe Pig, for a whole yeare, for such a parcell of Gleb Land at all times. And so much for [Page 120]your Sons and Daughters.

I now espye mine Host of the Bull here in S. Albons stan­ding at his doore uppon his left leg, like to the old Drummer of Parish-garden, ready to enter­taine us: therefore I will heere conclude with that of the Poët

The Courtiours method followes.

FIrst he invites his Creditor to a dish of Court-Ling, with Masculine Mustard plenty.

Then hee shewes him the privie Lodgings, and the [Page 130]new banqueting house.

Perhaps the Robes next.

Then the great Magolls tent in the Wardrope: And so much serves for the first meeting, and to procure an appetite to the second.

To the second meeting our Creditor is summoned, and brings behinde him his Wife, like to a broken wicker glasse bottle hanging at his taile, and enters into the Masking roome.

Whereat the Courtiers skill in delivering of the Maskers names, under their severall dis­guises, did purchase an ever­lasting and indissoluble City-consanguinity with his female charge, over whom the more [Page 129]sleepy her spouse, the more vi­gilant was my Cousen Cour­tier.

And now hee hath made his party strong enough to visit my Citizen, and to borrow and take up of him at his owne home, in the most familiar phrase that can bee devised for such like use and purpose.

Then for the quickning, continuing, and enlargeing of of his credit, our Courtier pre­tends how hee has received newes that his faign'd kindred is very sicke: and thereupon a takes occasion (in stead of ve­nison) to send her bottle of that famous and farre fetcht Fron­tineack: Hee bids himselfe to [Page 130]dinner the same day, and there in a cursory way of commen­ding the excellent art of man, in matter of Manufacture, hee fals by chance upon the re­membrance of an extraordina­ry stuffe which hee saw a great personage weare lately in Court, not doubting but that his couzens shop did afford the like: His purpose was to have a suit of the same very shortly, if they would but lay it by till his moneyes come in: Yet with a very little intreaty so cleanly exprompted, hee was perswaded to take it along with him, but onely for feare lest the whole peece might be sold by the foolish fore-man [Page 131]unawares before his returne.

The Innes of Court-man, and his method.

FIrst hee makes himselfe ac­quainted with the Creditor, by going to him in company with one who is a knowne cu­stomer there, and an approved good pay-master.

Then hee procures this knowne customer to take the man of credence (as it were) modestly apart, and at his backe [Page 132]while hee is walking downe the shop and aversed, to whisper: That this gentleman whom you see heere, is son and heire to that worthy Knight so po­tent in the Peake, or that most markable Malster of much Marlborne: or the great Gra­sier of Grims borow, or the like. Then he returnes to the upper end of the shop, and the Ma­ster takes an occasion to call to Thomas to give the Gentleman a stoole, and tels him that hee knowes his friends very well: The ancient Mannor house, and the Mill, and goodly medowes a little beneath in the bottome: adding further, that no doubt but if hee please the good old [Page 133]Gentleman, hee may in time bee owner of them all him­selfe.

Bee owner; saies my Innes court man. Why I tell you, that Water-mill came by my mo­ther, with all the Meddowes of that Levell: And my Father would hang himselfe hee can­not give them away from mee.

And whereas you say I may be owner in time, I thinke the old man has held them long e­nough: unlesse you would make his time endlesse, and him a very wandring Jew. I wis my Grandfather serv'd not him so, hee knew what he did when he dyed. Hee did it out [Page 134]of true judgement, in fulnesse of understanding, able to penne his owne will himselfe, when he was no longer serviceable to his Countrey, hee would not live onely to mend the fire, or preserve it by applying every circumstant cinder within his reach: but though I pinch for it awhile, a time (I hope) may come.

Whereat my Creditor inter­rupting him, saies, alas you pinch for it? That shall not need) God be thanked) your credit it worthy to be rankt in a shop booke, cheeke by jowle with any debitory disposed Gentleman of this towne what­soever. Besides, if you would [Page 135]bee loath to have your name extant in so publicke a Reper­tory, you are able by such e­state as is inseparably annexed to your person, to give farther assurance (I doe but speake it if neede were) by otherwaies, and otherwise at your plea­sure.

Further assurance (replies my Gallant) A pox on't For assu­rance they shall have what they will: And for price of a­ny thing, it is my desire they should gaine by mee, yea they shall gaine by mee: For other­wise how should you be able to live by it?

Now sir, you speake like an honest gentleman (saies hee a­gaine) [Page 136]gaine) I would al our customers were of your minde, there bee too few such as you are; if you have neede of any thing heere, either for your wearing, or else for conversion, wherein I hope you conceive mee sir, it is at your command.

Hereupon the man of the sword sweares that he shall not out-doe him in noblenesse: Had hee robbed the Statuaes of the new Standard of all their roy­all resolutions. Hee vowes to returne thither againe, and that speedily to bring his Tailor with him advisedly: to take up for divers uses with much fa­cility, and to give assurance ac­cording to the direction of his [Page 137]owne Scriviner, a Bow lane most legally.

And so leave we him like a horse put up to dyet, whereby to bee prepared to runne his traine sents on the deepest ground of assurance, that City counsell can finde out or de­vise.

The Country Gentleman his Mothod

THe Countrey Gentleman, he is by this time come up to London; and has brought his Atturney with him, one that professes the taking up of mo­ney by writ of right. His Attur­ny brings him to the Ship be­hind the Exchange, and leaves him there while hee goes to fetch the onely Noverint in in those parts, whom hee pre­pares at his shop with the pur­pose, advising him withall in his eare, so to handle the matter in hall, that beards may wag all, which hee delivered with a [Page 139]most familiar wringing of him by the hand, to insinuate his meaning as unto his share: Hee then brings the Scrivener unto the taverne, good compliance is in all parties, and the Scrive­ner according to the true pra­ctice of most of them, at the first meeting, especially while they are with the borrower in the taverne, was more easie in promising, then they in pro­posing.

The Atturney then softly tels the Gentleman apart, that hee should doe well to bespeake supper instantly, assuring him that if he could but fasten that courtesie upon the Scrivener for the present, hee were their [Page 140]owne for ever after, neither the summe nor the security could bee matter of any dif­ficulty.

The counsell was held whol­some as unto the supper, the Atturney was forthwith pre­ferd to the Bar, where he spake so learnedly in the cause, that upon the same hearing they recovered three full dishes on their side, the boyes drew the proceeding of the businesse ve­ry Clarke-like, the Kirchin­maid supplied with the Tales. The Mistresse call'd earnestly for the Postea, and the Master he rated and allowed the bill of costs.

At the execution whereof, [Page 141]my Scrivener fearing lest the shot should disperse and scatter it selfe amongst them, while the Gentleman was feeling for mo­ny to discharge it; he to facili­tate that hand, askes him softly in his care; What is the summe that he would have? Then su­specting the long dwelling of his hand in his pocket, hee tels him, He shall have what summe he will: Let mee see, faies the Scrivener, there comes in this night of Sir Samvan Skynkers money, five hundred, and to morrow as much more I can supply you from one hundred to ten out of that as your occa­sions require: how say you?

Wee will have no dry recko­ning [Page 142]replies the Gentleman: Heer's the full summe of the bil and and a pottle over; though wee be Leicester-shire fed, yet we be not Brackly bred, I assure you.

And for the summe which I should (or at least would have) for especiall occasions, Let me see: there is a horse-race at Northampton on Munday come sevenight: I must needs have new furniture for Crop­care, which I will send downe by Leicester Waggon.

I wil have that Hawke which I saw in Southwarke this after­noone: clothes would doe wel: but thats my least care of a thousand. A poxe a pride I say.

Howsoever I must see the party I told you of by the way, before I goe out of towne, by any meanes if shee keepe the same lodging & the same name that she was wont to doe: thats all now. Lets see, a matter of some three hundred will doe't so far forth as my present and most urgent occasions do presse me at this instant:

They are nothing so impor­tant and concerning as the least of these: I would not misse Munday come sevenight for three such summes, I tell you Sir: Munday come sevenight! That were a jest indeed.

For that and what you please beside, saies the Scrivener, you shall find no default on my par­tie: This honest Gentleman that is with you knowes the course of these kinde of busi­nesses: He and I shall take my leave at this time.

The Scrivener departs, and the Gentleman staies behinde, onely to hugge and endeare the endowments of him that procured this meeting: Hee [Page 145]praises the prosperity of their journey, commands the comely carriage of the Scrivener, and vowes everlasting acknow­ledgment of his Atturnies acti­vity. And so they betake them­selves to their lodging likewise for that night.

The next morning my gentle­man sends his Atturney to see that the money which he spake for, be told out and made rea­dy for him against his com­ming, which should be when and where it shall please the honest Scrivener. (For by this time hee had attained so much of reputation among them.

The same day and the next were both spent in continuall [Page 146]quest of the Scrivener. But the Boyes in the Shop according to their masters direction made answere, one while that he was gone to Sir Sam for monies: Another while that hee was at the sealing of writings at such a place: Then that he was at the speeding of a Commission of Bankeruptisme at Guild-hall, God blesse the place, and eve­ry good man of the Grand Ju­ry: And then shortly after, that he was but even now gone forth, and that it was impossible but that he should meete him, unlesse the dust of Popes-head Alley had put out his eyes by the way.

The time weares out, and the [Page 147]horse-race comes onward, the apprhension whereof puts our Gentleman into such a perpas­sion, that on the next day early in the morning he goes to the Scriveners shop, where sudden­ly and unawares hee findes him saying his prayers, while hee was withall crosse gartering of himselfe: and had he not known him better by his crosse-garters then by his prayers, question­lesse he had lost his labour.

Good morrow (sayes the Gentleman) perhaps I doe di­sturbe your devotion?

You Rascall, how chance you doe not hang out the Labells? (saies the Scrivener to his boy) Then hee proceedes with his [Page 148]prayers, and suddenly bespeaks the Gentleman, asking, What is your will with me Sir? Have you any businesse with me I pay now?

O Lord Sir, (saies he) I hope you remember what past be­tweene us at the Ship on wed­nesday night last, touching the three hundred which I was in­deed to have the next morning, parcell of the thousand which was to come in then

Hum (saies the Scrivener) I thinke there was some such matter: I remember wee tal­ked of it: But what were the names of your security which you did then give me.

For names (replies he) why I gave you none, for I con­ceived it should not need: Or if it doe, you shall have lands and that for seat and site, value, and Virgine title, shall beare and ballance your morgage downe to the center.

Now you come to me (saies the Scrivener) goe you to the Antwarp, but onely to pre­pare mee a particular of this land, and I wil be with you pre­sently.

They goe before the parti­cular is made ready. The wine is burnt, the Scrivener with much paine has past through his prayers, and recovers the Taverne doore, by that time he [Page 150]was come to (Amen.) He returns to his old complement, pockets the Particular which they de­liver him, and puts all unkind­nesse into this cup; He drinkes freely, and promises nobly: So that now there was no doubt made but we might be at Nor­thampton most opportunely. And so much for that meeting.

After dinner they came both againe to the shop; where they found my Scrivener wrapt warme in his gowne about him, fast asleepe (good man.) For if ever he were good, he was then good: Or (at least) I am sure he was then and there at the very best of Scriveners good­nesse; the height of their ho­linesse, [Page 151]and the perfection of their punctuality.

They must by no means trou­ble him before he bee fully re­covered and enabled for a se­cond meeting at the Mermaid after Exchange time. They attend the while: the clouds of Claret shortly spend them­selves: he wakens, they salute him.

At length with much a doe he cals them to remembrance, and askes them for their parti­cular: they shew the errour in his pocket, and so hee promises their dispatch the next mor­ning without any faile, and they are gone to be speake furniture for Cropeare in the meane [Page 152]time. At the appoynted houre my Atturney comes to know if the writings were ready to seale, and the mony proportio­ned into severall hundreds, in so many severall bagges or no.

The Scrivener replies, that it should bee forth with prepa­red accordingly, so as they should bring good Citty secu­rity with them, but onely to undertake for the property and transparancy of the title of the Lands so tendred, and that was all should neede for the matter, procuration being over provi­ded for, and writing taken to estimation according to the repute of the place where it was to bee written, and that [Page 153]was all that was now remaining to bee considered of on the Gentlemans behalfe. This new taske required more time in possessing and perswading some Citizens his Country­men, who knew him and his Lands so well, that it was dis­putable, whether was more deare and desired unto them.

They joyne with him in the security, and become immedi­ately bound with him by bond for the payment of the money at a certaine day to come, and to the great amazement of the Scrivener, thanke him for this counsaile in advising and dire­cting them to the cautionary cause-way of security both [Page 154]latterally & collaterally, by di­rect and oblique lines which he most methamatically had ima­gined & contrived in his head, as well for his owne commo­dity as for their indempnity, without demanding of any o­ther assurance as yet, and so my Gentleman is dispatcht without further tie upon Lands or per­son hitherto, saving what is mentally reserved upon the growth of this summe; by these his loving friends and coun­trimen.

The Citizen, a Redempti­onary Freeman, his Method.

THe last, but not the least of these, is our City borrow­er, a hopeful yongman (though I say it:)

Now this youth, not alto­gether free by Patrimony, but partly by Matrization, is won­derfull cautious of being a bor­rower upon Record, or in the eye of the World. He wil not have his name tendred unto a Scrivener by any means, while hee is yet but easily declining upon the streame of ready mo­nies, and not in stocke, like the water which though it fall and sinke by the sides, yet runnes up [Page 157]in the middest with a manifest current long after.

Hee now studies how to take up without expression to bee a principall for himselfe, or to be too promptly drawn into secu­rity for others. Hee finds out for property for this purpose a young heire, who for a third share of the summe, was con­tent to beare the only name and blam of Borrower, and to yeild to the ensafing of my Citizen, by such Counter-bonds, sales, and assignements, as by the Scrivener and himselfe, could bee devised to uphold the Re­putation of a wonderfull wary man.

Can you now cal this man [Page]a Borrower for doing his friend a courtesie? Or is this man in a declension, when it appeares by the booke, that he is in the way of purchasing? No such matter, this cries up his credit: And howsoever these monies be repayd, yet hee is sure of the Land, which before any insol­vency shall appeare on his par­ty, hee does intend to convey over in trust secretly, to the uses of his lively-hood for the time of restraint to come, and like one that prepares his tomb while he is yet living, hee re­solves what lodging to take up on the Masters-side, when his credite shall depart this Mortall life.

Besides, hee had another way of borrowing, he findes out an old Usurer of the same Parish, Father to divers daugh­ters, who catcht at Espousall preferment, onely by their Fa­thers countenance, and their concise carriage.

The one of these hee singles out from the Heard, and pre­tends most pure and unfaigned love unto her: He visites her in his gown at Midsummer, where at the old man conceives great joy and comfort, glories in his gravity, and delights in his de­cency. Hee on the other side perceives the powle-cat in the purse-net, makes present use of it. He shewes him the convei­ance [Page 160]which the Heire made the other day unto him of all the houses in Conny-hoope-lane a one side; and desires to bee fur­nisht by him with so much as might bring the other side into his property likewise: for that it was now offered unto him up­on reasonable conditions, so should he reduce all (as it were) into a circle, and his daughter should hold that for her joynter and have the Evidence in her owne custody.

The old man lik't this passing well, and for feare least the bar­gaine should bee snatcht out of his hand, he takes him into his closet, tels out the Monie, and sends him away instantly.

The old man turnes him a­bout, and (poynting at her sweet heart) bespeakes his daughter thus:

There goes hee that labours for you most industerously, studious your good right care­fully, I pray God make you thankfull for him accordingly: For you shall have an Husband (be it not vainely spoken) that for thrift and Husbandry may be the very browch of of al the City.

In stead of going forthwith unto his Chapman, for the hou­sing and candle rents, he is hou­sed presently at a widowes in the way, where hee spends his time till candle-light.

Here he likewise protests and professes love by whole-sale; he shewes her the monies, and tels her what a bargine hee could now have, if she would joyne stocke with him in such a commodity come lately into the Downes with the last East-Indian ships. It might please God that this might bee a happy occasion of uniting their persons as well as their parcels together.

The Widow was hereupon taken with such a Sorpego in her wrists, that her fingers ends itcht to be testing out of her part, and to take issue upon his promise of the union, which she performed with much dexteri­ty.

Then he puts altogether, and assures her that hee will bee gone the next tide to Graves­end,

When hee comes home, hee dispatches letters speedily to the old usurer, certifying him of his good progression in Cony­hoope-lane, and desiring his pa­tience for certaine dayes, which the contriving of his assurance by good and sufficient counsell would take up.

The time pretended for the Downes, and to draw downe a good estate for his young Mi­stresse, is upon better conside­ration bestowed at Rumford, where whosoever had seene him in the lift of his liberality▪ [Page 164]would little thinke him to be so little a thing as might be contai­ned within the compasse of a Counting-house, or bee confi­ned within the prospection of a false light.

The Innes of Courts mans weapons

HIs first weapon is a wel­pen'd Letter, excusing his delay by incompetency of ex­hibition.

Or by the necessity of atten­ding the revolution of their te­nants sixe monthes day of pai­ment, according to the custome of the country.

But especially by occasion of his fathers great and dan­gerous sicknesse (though there were no such matter) for that he knew was the only vis­couse matter to belime his Cre­ditor that could bee devised or applyed.

The next weapon, when the former way is stale of assiduity, is his good sword, a watchfull eye and a ready hand.

The last is the deviation and avoyding of the most frequented passages and streets, and to hold compasse at the halfe point, through the Let-goes of Allies, Tavernes, with backe-doores, or by water, as stands wit most ac­commodation.

The Country Gentleman his weapons.

THis youth (alas) hath nei­ther occasion at the first to practise his defence, or knowes the use of the weapon, nor will he bee brought to it of a long time; when payment is prefixed to be made to him the said Sa­lomon set in silver street London, hee in his better wisedome is betting of all his white money at the Cock-pit in Coventry.

And when all comes to all, when farther occasion hath drawn him into a farther respe­ctuality with his undertakers in London; so that he must either [Page 172]stand upon his guard; or lose the Bleane, with all meadowes, pa­stures, feedings, woods, under­woods, and other the appurte­nances worth tenne times the mony borrowed.

Then, O then, hee lookes out his manly munition.

The ancient sleeping entaile.

The old mother joyncture.

The endowment of his wife, ad ostium Ecclesiae.

Al these he brings to his Cut­ler of Chancery-lane, and be­stowes so much upon the oyle of equity, and will scoure them up cleanly, and make them fit weapons of defence against al the cossaques of the City.

The City borrower his fence.

HE handles his weapon with the best grace of them all, his Creditor dares scarce come within his reach, but onely aske how hee does as hee goes by. And if he doe presume to leave word with the apprentice boy, that he would have him tel his master that he was here to speak with him about the other busi­nes, it is a very bold adventure, [Page 174]and a sawcy presumption taken very censoriously by my young master, at his comming home, especially if he have bin at the Renterwardens feast, the Ci­ties occasion the Cōpanies con­vention, & the parochical pro­vision: these be the things that challenge propriety and priori­ty in a comely Citizen, before all other respects whatsoever. He wil not discontent the first, nor disapoynt the second, nor disfurnish the last for obser­vance of whomsoever.

For the mony taken up of the Scrivener, the interest on­ly needes to be paid in as yet: and the Scrivener (to stop his mouth) hee shall have the im­ployment [Page 175]and benefit to eject the Tenants of Cony-hoop­lane, and withall hee will have the Scrivener sue the bond both against the heire and himselfe, upon which he will appeare to suffer judgements against both right willingly. (Marry) he shal take execution against the heire onely.

For the old Usurers mony, he found that the assurance could not be perfected til the next Mi­chalmas terme, for it required the ceremony of the barre, and before hee would debarre his wife of any ceremony belon­ging to her, he would bee re­puted the unperfectest member that ever ministred in the Cities mysteries.

And for the Widowes money bestowed in the Downes, hee found the commodity not so vendible here as beyond the seas, therefore hee thought it best to send it into Holland, where it attends the next mar­ket, and would not so much as suffer it to touch at our cost.

Their noted places of re­fuge and retirement followes.

The Iubilees and dayes of pri­viledge follow.

THe unparaleld Parliament is the first, and of all others the best: the very tunc temporis wherein Iupiter hath the full ef­fects [Page 198]of his influence, when he is in his Masculine House, and in a full aspect (hor a optima.)

The next is a time of a raging pestilence: for if the Serjeants do not then feare the plague of God hanging over their heads, I know not what the Divel will feare them.

The next is the time wherein my Lord Maior takes his oath: For then the Serjeants and their Yeomen are all at Westminster (hor a hona.)

The next is that wherein the Sheriffes are sworne: For in the fore-noone the Mace-men at­tend their Masters. At noone they have enough to do to wait upon M. Maior of Oxfords cups: [Page 196]& in the afternoon, it is as much as they can doe to get home.

Other daies of priviledge are all such wherein they are al ge­nerally tyed for to attend their Sheriffes to Pauls, as that of Christmas day, All-saints day, Candlemas day, the Coronation day, the Powder-plot, and the 5. of August, (hor ae mediocres,) On­ly take heede how you touch at any Taverne neere unto Pauls after the Sherifes are once set, & untill they bee ready to depart, for feare of Free-booters.

I cannot say what hope there is in the priviledge of the Sab­both, but there is great presump­tion uppon the benefit of those times, wherein the Serieants [Page 200]we are their best apparell, for I have observed that they will make bold with their zeale, when they place much matter of conscience in their cloathes.

The daies of their Spittle-ser­mons are speciall good ones: for their Masters and Mistresses be­ing then in Conjunction, it re­quires that they should be dou­ble diligent the while.

The dayes wherein the great Lords come down to ociate, or negotiate, cate, or treate with their Masters, are very good.

Whitsunday at the New-Church-yard does well, but I am affraid that they wil not be altogether so mad, as to be all comprised within the peram­bulation [Page 201]bulation of Bedlam, where I wil leave them at this time: & pro­ceede unto

The Discipline now offers it selfe, and the Mace is lifted up, in Terrorem populi

WIthin London there are two regiments of Mace­men. The one is incamped in [Page 205]the Poultry: The other in Woodstreet: The great num­ber of them attend their colours where they are ever ready to sally upon the Alarum or sig­nall given. Other of them guard their Collonels person by turnes.

And the rest are appoynted and exposed (as followeth.) So many of the best able and most trusty in their Cavallerie, as their service requires, espe­cially in terme time, are planted at Chancery-lane end, to make good that place, and to cut off such as issue out of the works on the other side, or come downe from other parts to put them­selves under the protection of them.

Of these Chancery-lane end men, if the designe doe deserve it, some one or two are drawne out of them, to defeate the pas­sage betweene the middle Tem­ple and the Bell, or the Bar-gate, but this is upon especiall occa­sion, and therefore seldome at­tempted, but when they have intelligence of some extraordi­nary booty, or good pillage comming that way.

Others of them are quartered in Smithfield, where every mon­day, wednesday & friday, they stand charg'd with cocke up, ready to give fire at every poor Butcher in the grasiers quarrel, and these are of their Infantry.

Others are on every market [Page 207]day commanded for Leadenhal, where they serve one day under the Tanner, against the Shoo­maker, another day under the Butcher against the Tanner, and sometimes the Scrivener, against both. Others are appoynted to other several markets, where rather then they will want en­tertainement, they will beare armes against the very butter­wives (enough to make their hearts to melt with the very thought on't) the eldest sort of them, such as hold charge, ra­ther for their advice then their ability, are laid at the Exchange, where though the service bee daily, and the Nation against whom they serve are all people of great stomack, meeting ever [Page 208]at dinner and supper times only, yet the danger is but smal in re­gard they have the Countrie round about to friend.

The onely Despervieos a­mong them are severally ap­pointed to the severall gates; where they scoure and keepe cleere the passage to the Barres, being the utmost extent of their workes. They are all right per­fect at their Postures: As,

Beare your Musket under your left arme, id est, Be sure to touch the prisoner on the sword side. Pull out your scourer, id est, Draw your warrant. Advance your Pike, id est, Exalt your Mace. cocke your Match, id est, Enter your Action.

And so for every posture, pun­ctually and particularly in his order. Then for Strategems of war, they ride the ancient disci­pline, quite dagger out of sheath

The best that Roman Histo­ries affoord us, is of that one noble resolution, who to gaine beliefe and credit of the ene­my, mangled himselfe, running out of the gates into their Campe to complain of his own misery and his Countries ty­ranny, with offer of giving them up into the enemies hand, onely for actuation of his owne revenge.

But give me the plot that conquers at farre lesse price.

A Porters Frocke (a Project of excellent carriage.)

A Lawyers gowne, (Latet quod non patet.)

A Scriveners Pen and Inke­horne (a designe of deeper [Page 210]reach than you are aware on.)

These shall make his passage, sine sanguine & sudore.

This is your onely Projector indeed, whose first ancestor was begot between the man i'th Moone, and Tom Lancasters Laundresse, upon a faire fagot pile, from whom are descen­ded the onely Choristers of our counter-quire.

It would doe you good to heare the whole packe of these together, they are so excellent for sent and cry.

But the best mouth'd among them in truth, and for my mo­ney, the onely mouth is with­out Bishopsgate.

And the best sented at the up­per [Page 211]end of red-crosse street, just at the entrance into Golding­lane, into whose sweet bosome I commit them all, and there leave them.

It may be expected that I should say somewhat of the Discipline of the Bailiffes, but especially of those of the Vierge and the Clinkonians.

But some of them have no Discipline or order at all, and the rest very little.

The poore Pichard cannot out pilfer them in the plaine path-way of their practise, they hold no good quartering with any man, but are more desirous of prey then of lawfull con­quest.

The better sort of them goe in bootes without spurres, and they for the most part are bought in Turning-stile lane in Holborne: the Author holds them not worthy his penne, or to be rank't with the men of the mace before mentioned, and therefore by his good will he will have nothing to doe with them at any hand.

For the charitable extent of the Creditors curtesie.

VErily this man of Credence doth observe these princi­ples in all his proceeding of this nature.

First, that he may lend or trust upon such conditions as may tend to the benefit of the Borrower or Debtor chiefly.

Then, that his owne gaine may be moderate.

Then, that there may be Re­cord thereof kept for testimony of his sincere intention, in two or three severall bookes at the least.

And lastly, he doth not onely lend or trust, but farther giveth it a blessing, that it may yeeld much increase to the borrower and debtor.

The reasons hereof are all as preg­nant as pious.

1 For it is better for him to build than to pull downe.

2 He will not grinde the fore-head of his poore brother.

3 His booke cannot erre, for it admits no tradition, but the pure and uncorrupted text it selfe, as it was delivered in the primitive register, while Tho­mas his fore-man was yet li­ving, and did beare record as a faithfull witnesse of these pro­ceedings.

And though the blessing be bestowed upon a dead commo­dity, [Page 216]yet I hope it argues no su­perstition in him that giveth it.

And all this is apparantly good till we come to

The mystery of Multiplication.

TRadition, it is not tollerable but an abhomination, and yet our Creditor holds that Addition in the secret of shop-booke may be very well allow­able.

For so long as he doth onely make up in credits what he hath lost in stocke, or what is decaid in necessary expences, and not riotously or vainly, seeing the wicked are but usurpers of the [Page 217]riches of this world, it is lawful for him with an equall hand to be carried among his Debtors by way of apportionment, to rate and assesse them at his dis­cretion.

He will take no interest, nor wrong his conscience for any good, his shop-booke hath hi­therto held good name and fame. Heresies may creepe in­to the Church daily, but never into his shop-book in any wife: there is nothing there but what hath beene delivered, and his servants (especially one a­mongst the rest) will as boldly as any Brewers desperate Clarke maintaine and justifie it: shall he not maintaine his ma­sters [Page 218]mystery, when they are both to be saved by the same faith? Why, he shall put the debtor in minde of the delivery of every parcell, with all the circumstances to it, for he re­members it as perfectly, as if it had beene done but yesterday. Now the Debtor beginnes to quarrell the Shop-booke, my Creditor is most justly incen­sed: And therefore now in the next place,

The Crow lookes to eat the Oyster alive, but is caught in the attempt, and the hand in the Shop-booke breedes the winde-col­lique in the warehouse, which shak't the Fabrique [Page 219]and foundation of all his factory as followeth:

Suppose the tide is now com­ming in, and the poore Oyster gapes for some refection in the moisture of it. The Birds of prey (scilicet) the shop-keeper the Crow, and the Vsurer the Cormorant: these hover about it, each of them hoping to pull it out of the little tenement where it dwels, and to devoure it alive. Hereupon the Cormo­rant and the Crow contend for the prize: The Crow claimes it as a Stray lost, and left with­out the bounds of any watry coverture on the dry land at a low ebbe, The Cormorant challenges it neverthelesse, as [Page 220]being still within his high wa­ter-marke; Then the Crow al­ledges that it is so wasted (wan­ting water) that it is become no better than Carrion, and therefore it does properly be­long unto him. The Cormo­rant denies that, and assures him that the Oyster is yet alive, and therefore no carrion. But the Crow had given so much credit formerly, that he would now scarce beleeve his owne eyes (especially in his wifes case) he would by no meanes beleeve this to be true, and therefore in hope to cousen the Cormorant, he desires that he may onely feele with his bill whether it were so or no: [Page 221]Leave is given by the Cormo­rant, who thought it was e­nough for the Crow to smell upon the prey, intending that never any more should come to his share: Then the Crow who knew how to ticle a Trout at his pleasure, did without assi­stance of Constable or advice of Counsell, make a most vio­lent entry upon the Oyster, which presently claps to his doore, shuts the Crow within, and caught him so fast by his bill of entry, that all Colchester and the custome-house can te­stifie to this day, with what un­customed and uncourteous en­tertainement he was there re­ceived.

Well might the Crow cry and call for his companion the Cormorant to redeeme him from captivity, but all was in vaine. The doores were shut up, he could not so much as belch at the key-hole, or let out the winde which troubled the warehouse by any meanes for­ward or backward, the very foundation of the shop and shopbord were shaken with the violence thereof.

Being in this extremity, and so taken with the winde, that nothing applied inwardly could possibly helpe him, he cals for the shop-booke, and begins to conjure the collicke with such terrible charmes and [Page 223]incantations, as the like were never devised nor put into any pentacle: Then he raised the great Prince, In primis, out of his Easterne Emperie, with a le­gion of Items attending him.

These two he sets to taske, and enjoynes them to distin­guish his Debtors in Spero, from those in Despero, and to deale more plainly with him herein, than Widdowes use to doe by their Husbands estates in the Court of Orphans, and else­where: They performe his designe instantly, and the greater number appeared to be perdues directly desperate and debilitate, amongst the which my cousin Courtier and [Page 224]my Innes of Court-man were of the number.

The Courtiers suit did long languish and was palliated and upheld with letters commenda­tory, it complain'd much of the disease called the reference, it was a little lightened by a Cor­diall certificat laterly, yet in the end no meanes nor medi­cine could serve the turne, but of a stopping and obstruction at the great seale it died.

The Innes of Court man was neither heire nor aged suffici­ently, for the enabling of any such act as he had undertaken publikely by deed, or privately in the shop-booke. The Scri­ver, the City counsaile, himself, [Page 225]and all were fatally infatuated, betraid with a beard, and foold with formality.

The winde rises more and more, the storme increaseth, strange stitches on every side of the shop, wonderfull weake­nesse in the ware-house, and convulsions in the Counter­boord and boxe, complaine and cry out upon the Collicke, at whose mercy we leave him, expecting the eruption thereof very speedily.

And so dismisse we them till then.

IT may be you looke I should have spoken somewhat of the Cracke of my City-gallant, but it is improper to place him a­mongst Creditors that has been bred a borrower from his Cra­dle, and that according to the custome of the Citie: let it one­ly suffice, that though he had not his country house, yet he had his country Hostesse, and though he dealt not in Court Projection, yet he kept a vile coile for court Protection.

His Hostesse she paid the old Widdowes and his young Mi­stresse their debts in the same coyne that he tendred to them.

And at last when his insol­vency appeared upon every post, she preferr'd any Iustice of peace his Clarke thereabouts to her respectuality before him, so that there was neither abiding at Rumford, nor returne to London, but he must of neces­sity make a voyage, be it but to Britlesey, where he lies close under a borrowed name, which was the last commodity that ever he tooke up, till his friends shall have rectified his credit, and restored him to the [Page 233]estate from which he was so lately collapsed and fallen.

The recovery of the old man, with the common comfort which it did beget, hold the next place.

AFter dinner all the Credi­tors met againe on the Ex­change, where they hold full three houres conference, during which time not any one of them did beleeve one word which another spake unto him, for they were too wise and learned in the use and exercise of conformity, to speake the simple truth, because they were [Page 234]to deale in a matter mixt and compounded of many ingredi­ent credits commedled and put together.

From hence they goe to the house of their Debtor, in num­ber as many as a whole col­ledge of Physicians to enquire for their Patient: they are forthwith brought up unto him into his Chamber, where they found him in an old suit onely fit for garbling or eating of green-fish, with as many night­caps upon his head, as there be cups in a nest of Court dishes, and the old gowne which was alwaies wont to lye at the Hall for ordinary dayes: in stead of plate there were onely two full [Page 235]Vrinals standing upon the Court-cubbord, by which they might discerne the great disa­bility and weakenesse, which the winde-collick had wrought within him.

And in stead of accounts, bonds and bils, and other evi­dences, there lay onely open before him, the foresaid Cata­logue consisting of desperate debts and debtors (as afore­said)

They salute him as if they did in a manner partly remember him, and then all together, as well the man of ten, as he of two and twenty hundred in credits, without difference, put forward for the first deli­very [Page 236]of his minde unto him.

This disorder was much bla­med by the graver sort, and upon better advice, select men were drawne out of them to compound, for so many as would voluntarily conforme themselves, which was to be done according to the Cata­logue, and as the ability would beare it.

In the meane time a letter of licence is sealed for his liberty, to call in and recover what was due unto himselfe.

This Letter of licence begat a commission of conformity, and then to worke they goe full roundly: some of the chiefe who had taken other and better [Page 237]conditions of satisfaction of him in private, then the rest, shewed much forwardnesse in the publike way of compositi­on, and in the end did so streng­then their party, that they pre­vailed against the other.

The whole debt was cryed downe to sixe and eight pence in the pound, the windowes were opened, the servants in the shop flung up their caps, the Curse was removed from their house, their Master was a reco­vered man, and none but a ban­querupt would say to the con­trary.

Their Mistresse was sent for home with all the speed that might be, and this night all her [Page 238]kindred and their masters friends were to solemnize this happy recovery of the decayed man, where they meant to drinke to the health of sixe and eight pence, from sixe in the e­vening till eight next mor­ning.

The common Comfort onely remaines.

NOw the recovered man makes a most strickt scru­teny and review into his shop­bookes, as well for debtors sol­vent as insolvent; he confers his Registers all together, and where he findes a debt uncrost in any one of them, though it be discharged in the other two it makes no matter, this is it by which he must stand charged, and unlesse he can discharge himselfe by this also, he is like to perish and receive condem­nation by the very letter with­out tradition.

He will spare no man whom the Law puts into his hands, lest he become a partaker in his in­iquity. He cals home all things which he had formerly con­veighed out of doores. And sets forward his building in the country.

He flourishes as he never did before, and will give 1000. pound with his lame daughter now, more he then offered with her at the last swan-hopping.

Hee'le out-bid all the towne for the great and lesser formes.

Briefly, he vowes:

To redeeme the time past.

To prevent the evill day to come.

To runne the course, and tread [Page 241]in the footsteps of some of the right worshipfull, and in reverence of conformity to convert his old composi­tion gowne into a faire and comfortable foot-cloth.

By the Counsaile of Ramme Ally.
Non nobis nati sumus.

VVHereas in these latter times it concernes us in civill pollicy, to be so much the more industrious as we are become numerous above for­mer ages, and no endeavour can be so beneficiall and ho­nourable as the enlarging of our territory by discovery and plantation in parts habitable and agreeable with our debito­ry disposition, where we may disperse our Colonies with [Page 243]more conveniency and advan­tage than at this present: for which purpose we have lately imployed and set forth the good ship, called (The least in sight) accompanied with that approved and well appointed Pinace (The pay nought) the charge and command of both which, we conferd upon Sir Oliver Owemuch, who man'd the same with persons best qua­lified in the Art of Insolvency, the greater part whereof, him­selfe had knowne and tryed to be men of much trust, being his owne Creditors, and crea­tures of his owne discretion, whose loving kindenesses he required in manner of imploy­ment [Page 244]following, viz.

His Mercer he made Master of (The least in sight) and his Ba­ker Boat-swaine.

And because his Vintner had bestowed many a shot upon him in prosperity, he made him Master Gunner in his adversi­ty.

His Tobacco-man desired to be the Gunners mate, be­cause he would make all smoake againe.

A Purser they needed not: for besides that, they had all bad memories in calling of things past to remembrance, they held it a foolish thing to keepe accounts where there was no purpose of payment.

His Haberdasher came some­what with the latest, but his Laundresse by the power of her Letters commendatory, preferd her husband to be Controller of the Coile, Re­membrancer of the Bilbowes, and Yeoman Squabber of (The pay nought.)

And his Taylor last of all, be­cause he had the best stomacke to the action, he was made Ste­ward, and had charge of the vi­ctuall for the voyage.

Being thus provided on Mun­day the first of March, the winde blew faire from the East, when they left the Temple­staires; And the same day be­ing Saint Davids day, the ayre [Page 246]grew thicke and very foggy, in­somuch that the Pinace had lost the Admirall, had it not in stead of a light in her Lanthorne, hung up a Leeke in the maine top, by the sent whereof it re­covered sight of her againe the next morning by breake of day.

On the second, third, and fourth day, the weather was very variable and stormy, how­soever they still spoon'd on­ward for most advantage.

About eight of the clocke on friday the fifth of May, their Pylot who had beene a Specta­cle-maker and a Prospectuary without Temple barre, descri­ed a saile making towards [Page 247]them, which they suspected by his flag to be the water-bailiffe of London.

Hereupon a Councell was call'd aboord, the Captaine to consider what was to be done in this imminent extremity.

Some advised that it were fit to make to the land, if they knew where to touch without hazard.

Others of higher resolution advised to stand the fortune of a Sea-fight, and to draw their number out of sight into the hold, whereby to encourage the enemy to a neerer approch, which opinion was generally received and allowed.

Presently, as the occasion re­quired, [Page 248]it was agreed that for the sublimation of every sparke Spirit amongst them, there should be an extraordinary al­lowance made instantly (that was) the full proportion of one pipe of Tobacco, and a Tem­ple-pot of six to every two of them, which when they had cheerefully past about; the Taylor whose conscience was more tender than his stomacke, would needs be resolved in two points concerning his souls health before the fight should begin. The first was, whether the cause and quarrell which they were to undertake were justifyable orno, for that he e­ver held Ludgate more worthy [Page 249]than Newgate in divers re­spects: and the next was in case he should miscarry in the action, whether Limbus patrum & infantum, were not under his owne shop-boord or no.

Before my Taylor could have opinion herein of their Captaines Chaplaine, who had beene a Vineger-man former­ly, and a fellow of excellent sharpe apprehension: the suppo­sed enemy came within shot, whereupon every one of them began to apply him to his charge.

But just as Master Gunner was ready to let flye, (not for feare I hope) they perceived no other assailants but the Church­wardens [Page 250]of new Brainford, who were bound for London to buy bels, not for the Church but their morrice dance against the ensuing Whitson-ale. Hereup­on for their better recouery, the allowance was againe doubled to every one of them. And on they passe bravely till on Satur­day the sixth, they discerned firme land, lying upon the Sa­voyans Eastward. Here the Captaine drew out the one halfe of his forces, and with his long boat put them to land, where they found a most spa­tious continent fit for plantati­on at foure degrees beyond the Temple, the climate excee­ding temperate so long as you [Page 251]pay the Tennis-court keeper for your lodging, the accom­modations most excellent, ei­ther thorow the white Hart in­to the Covent-Garden, and so into the Country round about; or from the great house thorow the Swanne into Drury-lane, and so forth free as bird in the ayre: The Lacedemonian wo­men supply them with fish and fruit of all sorts, which they bring downe in abundance from the upland countries: in­somuch as there is neither feare of want of victuals, so long as they haue money; Nor of secu­rity while they doe put them­selves under the protection of Denmarke-house: Here they [Page 252]left the Haberdasher and cer­taine other to winter it, and the rest returned aboord the ninth day of May, bearing their course still West & by North: On the twelfth day, Cape Virde, or Greenes wharfe, did shew it selfe unto them, where they likewise put in, and forraged cleane thorow it on both sides. This place (besides other good­ly beasts of all sorts) is most fa­mous for Harts, whose hornes are of the comeliest branch and spreading, as also of dimension and extension that can be; so that in memory of them, the Captaine named the place Harts-horne-Ally: Then the which no place hitherto disco­vered, [Page 533]is of a more capable con­tinent, or more rich in Mine­rals, Vegitatives or Victuals, or more agreeable with the con­stitution of our countrymen, especially if they be married. The severall commodities and merchandizes whereof you shall receive more at large upon returne of the Least in sight, from thence.

In the meane time we exhort you that both with cheerefull contribution, and otherwise with your advice, you doe not onely uphold the old ones, but also further and advance the said two new plantations so happily discovered, and so prosperously pursued hitherto, [Page 254]by you the Councell and Ad­venturers of the said company, and at your onely charge and expence.