A SHORT ACCOUNT OF THE COMPANY OF GROCERS, From their ORIGINAL.

TOGETHER, With their Case and Condition (in their present Circumstances) truly stated.

AS ALSO How their Revenue is settled, for Payment of their Charities; and Provision made for the well-governing their Members and Mystery, to preserve a Succession in their Society.

Designed for Information of all, and Benefit of the Members, and for Satisfaction and Encourage­ment of their Friends and Benefactors.

LONDON, Printed by Eliz. Holt, for the Company of Grocers. MDCLXXXIX.

TO THE SACRED MAJESTY OF King WILLIAM AND Queen MARY.

May it please Your Majesties,

HAVING already presumed to offer to Your Majesties Sacred Hands, a mean Present, (in a small Treatise,) Entitled, NOSCE TEIPSƲM, wherein I have endeavoured to give some account, how I have spent my Holy Days, since I have been Clerk of the Company of GROCERS; with the Reasons and Arguments inducing me to join in the Communion of our National Church, when I had examined and tryed all other different Persuasions.

Your Majesties Gracious Acceptance of that, together with You my Dread Sove­reign's [Page] vouchsafing to become our Supreme Master, have embolden'd me to offer at Your Majesties Sacred Feet the following Sheets, as the Product of my Working Days in the same Service.

I may not hope Your Majesties should spare time to look farther; but I most humbly be­seech Your Majesties to cast Your Gracious Eyes on the few following Lines, which I have recorded in our Register, immediately before the entry of such Your Majesties Gracious Condescention: Whereby I humbly Hope it will plainly appear, no other Company in London, might so justly presume, to beg the Honour of Adoption by a Crowned Head.

That Your Majesties Sacred Names may be Illustrious, from this little Orb, through­out all Your Majesties Dominions, to the ends of the Earth, shall be the daily, and hearty Prayers of,

May it please Your Majesties, Your Majesties most Dutiful, Loyal, and Obedient Subject and Servant, WILLIAM RAVENHILL, Clerk of the Company of Grocers.

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE CHARLES EARL OF Dorset and Middlesex, Lord Chamberlain of his Majesty's Houshold.

My Lord,

THough my Station be but low in this little Province; yet I can (now) without Breach of my good Behaviour, humbly boast of the Honour of being (therein) Your Lordship's Fellow-Servant, under one Sovereign Master, so Good and Gracious, that He delights in nothing more, than to encourage the Diligent and the Faithful.

The Company of Grocers, who have suffered an Eclipse of late Years, from the sad Effects of War and Fire, are now, under the Sun-shine of His Ma­jesty's Gracious Influence, to be restored to their Pristine Lustre, so as with Courage and Comfort they may improve their Privileges and Immunities [Page] for Publick and Diffusive Good, in discharge of their great Trusts, agreeable to the Original End and Design of their Corporation.

My Lord, Though this Society had not the Mammon of Profit and Advantage, to Court Your Lordship's Patronage; yet I may adventure to tell Your Lordship, that by implanting Your Self into it, You gave the Grocers no more than their due; for it cannot be doubted, that a Body Politick, that makes out so fair a claim to a Crowned Head, can be defective in their just Title to the most Honour­able and Heroick Member. This I have here en­deavoured to demonstrate, as a Testimony, how am­bitious I am to manifest my self Their Majesties Dutiful and Loyal Subject; and

May it please Your Lordship, Your Honours most Faithful, Obliged, and most Humble Servant, William Ravenhill, Clerk of the Company.

To the Right Honourable, Right Worshipful, and the rest of the Worthy MEMBERS of the SOCIETY of the MYSTERY of GRO­CERY, London. William Ravenhill, their Clerk, humbly offers and prays their Acceptance and Perusal of these following Papers; as a Testi­mony of his Hearty Desires, and Sincere Endeavours, to vin­dicate the Reputation, and improve the Interest of this Society.

AS soon as by the good Providence of God I obtained the Favour, and had the Happiness to be chosen your Clerk, I resolved with my utmost Diligence, to pursue and perform my Duty in this Place, and thereby gratefully answer the expectation of my Friends, who promoted my Election; and also lay hold on so fair an opportunity, to ingra­tiate my self into the Favour and Esteem of Good Men: Being convinced, that if I should neglect my Duty, it would render my Folly and Ingratitude more conspi­cuous to the World: Therefore, that I might in doing the one avoid the other, I endeavoured, in the first place, to inform my self of the true State and Condition of the Company; upon Inquest whereof, I found it plain and manifest, that for want of Knowledge of the Truth thereof, many Reproaches and Reflexions were cast upon this Society, both from Strangers (with whom [Page] they have been no way concerned) and also their Cre­ditors, who rendred them obnoxious in Courts of Law and Equity, and before the Commissioners for Chari­table Uses, as if they had been a Company that possessed a great Revenue, sufficient to pay all their Debts; yet were so averse from doing that, that they wasted and consumed their Estate in Feasting themselves, refusing to pay, unless they were compelled by Chargeable Suits; which not only aggravated their Creditors, but alienated the Affections of many good Persons, as well Members as others; and caused many chargeable Suits and vexatious Prosecutions against them, notwithstan­ding the great Care and Endeavours of some Worthy and Good Members, who used all possible means to avoid the same: Therefore I made it my great Design to ac­quaint my self with all their Affairs, and past Tran­sactions, that I might be able to make a true Represen­tation of the Company's Condition, both what it was before they contracted their Debts, and how they be­came indebted; what they have already done towards it, and what means and methods they may best use and prosecute to discharge themselves; to the end those great Reproaches and Prejudices (which through Mis-appre­hensions and false Reports have been cast on this Com­pany) may be removed. And every true-hearted Mem­ber, that bears a Christian respect to the Pious Memory of our Ancestors, (who were Worthy Benefactors,) and would in discharge of his Duty commend himself, after their Example, to Posterity, may willingly and chear­fully [Page] lay to his helping hand. And as a farther Testi­mony of my hearty desires to serve the Members, having so briefly stated the Company's Case, I shall endeavour to give you a short account of the Antiquity, and first Creation, and Continuance of the GROCERS, as far and clear as I can make Conjecture, or have received any probable Account; also I have regulated and di­gested the Company's Books into an orderly Method; as also their Evidences to clear their Titles to their several Rents, Lands, and Houses, and the several Schools un­der their Government: And also the several Ecclesiasti­cal Livings in the disposition of this Society, with the Names of their Founders, and how they became Vested in their Right; and also other Privileges peculiar to this Society; and how their whole Revenue (as a most righteous Sanction) is settled to secure the due payment of all their yearly Charities; so as it may appear obvious and plain to be understood by every individual Member, of which it will not be proper here to give an account; but I refer to the Books and Records themselves, more fit to be inspected at this Hall, by such as have Right to know them, than to be exposed to view of others, whom it no way concerns.

To which I have added a short account of some En­largement of Privileges, granted them by King Charles the Second, after the Quo Warranto brought against them; which though it were an Invasion of the Subject's Rights, yet, by the over-ruling Providence of God, it became an occasion of advantage to this Company, as it put them [Page] upon searching into, and Examination of their Consti­tution, so as to discover their Defects and Irregularities; and by advice of Learned Counsel to obtain a subse­quent Charter, without dependance on, or relating to any Surren­der; and without injury to, or interfering with any other Company, otherwise than to regulate mis-usage, and to preserve their own Rights; but rather tending to the benefit and advantage of the whole City, as it explains and settles the Species of their Mystery, and incorporates the whole (in London and within three Miles) into one Body, to answer the Original End and Design of their Corporation, and to prevent a Spurious Mixture, (the Cause of all Abuse and Disorder in every Mystery,) by putting in Execution the By-Laws and Ordinances, made and provided, pursuant thereto, for well-govern­ing and regulating their Members and Mystery; which By-Laws and Ordinances are now examined and approved of (as the Law directs) by the Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners for the Custody of the Great Seal, and the Lord Chief Justice of either Bench, (Sir John Holt, and Sir Henry Pollexfen,) to oblige all Persons using their Mystery, as Grocers, Confectioners, Druggists, Tobacconists, or Tobacco-Cutters, in London and three Miles distant, (as being so incorporate and declared a part of their Myste­ry,) to a compliance therewith, in order to support their Charities, and to preserve a Succession of Members in the Company.

THE COMPANY'S CASE Briefly Stated.

MOST part of the said Company's Revenue is charged with yearly Charities to several Parishes, Places, and Ʋses, amounting to near the yearly Profits they receive; most part whereof consisted of Houses in London, which were all consumed by the late dreadful Fire, when they expected to have ad­vanced great Summs of Money, by way of Fines, on renewing of Leases, towards Payment of their Debts.

They had also heretofore many and great Summs of Money paid into their Hands, as a Fund for the Ʋses following, (viz.)

To pay yearly Summs in Coals, Faggots, and Money, to several Parishes and Wards about London, and elsewhere.

To several Prisons for Redemption and Release of Prisoners,

To the Poor Members of the Company.

To be lent to Young Men that had served their Times to Members of this Com­pany on Security, with little or no Interest, to set up, and to be returned again.

To buy Impropriations, for maintenance of Ministers, where their Livings are small. And

To maintain several Schools and Alms-Houses.

They complyed punctually with all their Trusts, continuing in very great Credit and Reputation, until the sad Effects of War and Fire rendred them uncapable to discharge their yearly Charities, where they have no Fund left. And

The remaining part of their great Debts which they contracted, as followeth, viz.

Anno 1640. To accommodate the late King Charles the First, in his Exigencies, on Security of some of his Peers, — 4500 l.

Anno 1642. To Subdue the Rebellion in Ireland, and Relieve his said late Ma­jesty's Protestant Subjects there in distress, — 9000 l.

Anno 1643. They were compelled to lend the City, for which they had their Common Seal, — 4500 l.

All which they took up on the Company's Seal, nor were singular therein, but necessitated thereto, in compliance with all other Companies, and indeed with the whole City.

[Page] Ʋpon their taking up this Money, they made a By-Law to levy the same on them­selves, if their Stock fell short; and so they continued payment of their Interest; and as one Creditor called for his Money in, they took up of others, and paid them off, depending upon getting in their said Principal; all which failed them, till at last their sole hope was of advancing Money by renewing of Leases, many whereof were nigh expired; but the Fire in 1666. consumed their whole Revenue in London; they having already paid for Interest of Money, between 1640. and 1666.—30000 l.

As their Debts exceeded any other Companies, so their loss herein was exceeding great, so that now they were uncapable any longer to pay Debts or Charities.

They applied themselves to the Parliament, then sitting, on their said By-Law, but were rejected, as binding to no more than were Parties to it, most of whom were dead.

They had then no means to raise Money, but by letting their Ground to Builders for Fines, on long Leases, great part whereof they were compelled to, by decree of the Judges at Clifford's-Inn.

And by voluntary Subscriptions, both which were set on foot soon after the Fire; and to encourage Subscriptions, Sir John Cutler, erected the first Building in the Garden.

They raised considerable Summs, and propounded to pay their Creditors their Prin­cipal, part thereof down, and the rest at two Payments.

And after many Meetings, most of their Creditors inclined to accept of such Pro­posals, finding how it must be advanced; but some of their Members being backward, and some Creditors ill advised, Sued the Company, and seized their Hall in Ruines, which put a stop to all, though those Creditors themselves repent this; afterwards loosing their Charges, and glad to comply on lower terms, than at first offered.

Afterwards the Company raise Money, what they could of kind Members them­selves, and take up the residue on the Assignment of the Sequestration and Conveyance of all their Estate, to pay off the Creditors that Sequestred, and some other remaining proportions to Creditors, who had not yet received any: And to supply what was wanting, they let their Land in Ireland, on Fine, sinking their Rent to 10 l. per Annum. But the Hall continuing in Ruines, the Company was thereby rendred reproachful.

The Apprentices bound at other Halls, and turned over.

The Freemen take their Freedoms of other Companies.

And all Benefactors decline as despairing of any good to Posterity.

So that the Members every year dying and failing, and many removing into the Country, and none to succeed in their Places,

It must needs follow, that the Company in few years must dissolve for want of a Succession of Members, which would most reproachfully have rendred the Members then living, who were numerous, and equal, if not more eminent, than any other Company, not only most ungrateful to their Predecessors, who have been so liberal Benefactors, and have left such Grounds (though the Buildings were so consumed by Fire) yet now built on, gives a great hope to Posterity, but also obnoxious to Poste­rity.

[Page]The consideration whereof alone, moved Sir John Moore, another Worthy Mem­ber, (then next in course to succeed in the Chair,) to repair the Body of the Hall, and also Sir James Edwards, and other kind Members, to enlarge it with Com­modious Buildings for the Seat of a Chief Magistrate; that it might not only encou­rage the Freemen, Apprentices, and Benefactors, to preserve the Company a Nur­sery of Charity, and Seminary of good Citizens, but also answer the Charge of the Building, in improving the yearly Revenue of the Company; and is indeed (if rightly considered) in the Company's present Circumstances, of greater advantage to the Company, than any one thing that hath been done for them. For

I. It hath much incouraged the Apprentices and Freemen, so that whereas there used to be bound one, two, or three Apprentices in a Month, and one or two made free before, and those but poor Artificers; they encreased afterwards to a far greater Number, as well of Freemen, as Apprentices; and many of them of good Quality.

II. It hath given great satisfaction to several Eminent Members, who have de­clared themselves very inclinable to contribute largly towards discharge of the Com­pany's Debts and Charities, if they see but any Encouragement from the rest of the Members.

III. This Building, though it amounts to much more than what it was at first de­signed, yet a great part thereof hath been freely laid down, on purpose for this work; and whatever is farther laid down towards it, (which it is hoped the whole will be raised by kind Members to answer these good ends,) would never have been so given, but for this very purpose.

And that the Building and Beautifying the Hall, may not be a bait to Creditors again to seize it, so again to discourage the Members,

The Hall, and the Company's Revenue, is, by advice of Counsel, settled by Con­veyance and Decree.

I. Subject to secure the Money so taken up to discharge the Sequestrations, &c. And when those, and what Monies they should be so necessitated to take up to compleat the Buildings, shall be discharged.

II. Then to secure (so far as the same will extend) the yearly Charities where­with the Company is chargeable, by many Benefactors who so heretofore left Money in their Hands, as a Fund to secure the same; no part whereof now remains; as being a trust they are liable in the first place, as a Duty incumbent on them, both to avoid a Curse, and in order to obtain a Blessing from God upon their Endeavours; and also to avoid prosecution of the Commissioners, upon the Statute for Charitable Ʋses, who have yearly put the Company to vast expences already upon that Account.

And these things having been made known to their Creditors, who were also con­vinced (by the ill success of others) how vain and fruitless it would be to put them­selves and the Company to trouble and charge, whereby they might hazard the loss of their Debts, but not in the least better secure them; the Company have been not only free from Suits and Prosecutions, which they were not at any time before, since their troubles began, but also the Wardens and Assistants have been (in a great mea­sure) freed from those daily Clamours, which disturbed them in the Company's Service.

[Page]And now so fair an opportunity being offered to deliver the Company, and to give Encouragement to Benefactors; it is hoped there is no Member but will chearfully embrace it, whereby they shall not only draw others on, by their Example, to preserve this Society still a Nursery of Charity, and Seminary of good Citizens; but also encourage Benefactors for the future, some in their Lives, and others at their Death, liberally to extend their Kindness towards this Company; and without all doubt, such works as these are acceptable to God, in times of greatest Trouble and Danger; and such Benefactors may hope (on no less Security than God's own Word) for Ease and Comfort on a Sick Bed, and Deliverence in time of Trouble.

And moreover their Creditors (being now made sensible of the Truth of the Com­pany's Condition) are inclined to comply with any reasonable Proposals shall be made by any on the Company's behalf, and (as some have already done) others are willing, and ready to embrace such Terms, as may be agreeable to the Company's Condition in their present Circumstances, for their Satisfaction.

I have thus abstracted the Company's Case in these four Pages: To the end all Persons concerned (whether Members, Creditors, or Benefactors) whose time will not permit them to read the following Sheets, may be more readily informed upon all Occasions of the Truth of their Condition: And for their ease, who shall desire farther Satisfaction in any particular, I have added marginal Notes in the following Pages for their Direction.

And now having at last by God's assistance, and with unwearied industry, accomplished my design; and having also traced their Revenue to the Ori­ginal Donors and Purchasers, I did (by order of the Assistants) prepare and cause the several following Tables to be set up in their Hall, which I have here inserted, (as a Monument more lasting) to the end the Names of their Friends and Benefactors, from whom they have received All, may be kept in Memory, that the Generations to come, as well as the present Age, may not only bless God for such a Foundation, but be quicken'd from their Example to build and enlarge thereupon, that their Names may in like man­ner survive in the blossom of a sweet smelling savour, when their Bodies are turned to dust.

The several Tables, &c.

THE Right Ho­nourable Charles Earl of Dorset and Mid­dlesex, Lord Cham­belain of his Ma­iesty's Houshold, a Faithful Friend and Patron of this So­ciety; admitted in­to this Fraternity, October the 22d. 1689. Our most Gracious Sovereign Lord King William having been first chosen the same day their Sovereign Master.

WILLIAM the III. King of England, &c. by his Majesty's Royal Per­mission, was on the 22d. day of October, in the First Year of their Majesty's Reign, chosen, &c. Sovereign Master of this Com­pany, graciously ac­cepting the Instru­ment of such his Ma­jesty's Election and Freedom in a Gold Box.

Soon after which, the Ordinances for well-governing and regulating the Mem­bers and Mystery of the Grocery, were examined, and like­wise approved of (as the Law directs) by the Right Honourable the Lords Commissio­ners for the Custody of the Great Seal, and the Lords Chief Justices of either Bench.

War­dens.
  • Sir Ralph Box, Kt.
  • John Butterfield.
  • Richard Peirce.
  • Francis Chamberlaine.
CHARLES the II. late King of England, &c. and Sovereign Master of this Company, was graciously pleased by Special Warrant, un­der his Sign Manual, to ascertain the several Branches of the Mystery of the Grocery, de­claring Druggists, Confectioners, To­bacconists, and To­bacco-Cutters, (as all springing from it) to be a part of the My­stery; and pursuant thereto, they were af­terwards by Charter, under the Great Seal, duely Incorporated, and made one Body with the Grocers, (never to be sepa­rated) to preserve a Succession of Mem­bers in this Com­pany.THE Right Ho­nourable John Earl of Mul­grave, one of the Lords of the Bed-Chamber to King Charles the Second, and after that Lord Chamberlain, &c. having taken his Freedom of this Company, was most affectionately assist­ing to procure the Species of the My­stery explained and settled in order to preserve a Suc­cession of Members in this Society.

THE Site of this Hall and Garden, with the Ground whereon Sir Robert Clayton's Dwelling-House stands, was for­merly the Mansion-House and In­heritance of the Right Honourable the Lord Fitzwater, of whom the Company purchased the same, in the Reign of King Henry the Sixth, and soon after built their Hall thereon; for both which, they borrowed great Summs of Money: And afterwards, in their languishing Condition,

Sir Henry Keble, Kt. and Al­derman, some time Lord Mayor, lent them Money, on Security of their Hall and Revenue, to clear their Debts.

And, by his last Will and Testa­ment, dated in the sixth Year of King Henry the Eighth, freely gave all back to the Company for ever, to support their Charities.

SIR William Laxton Kt. and Alderman, also some time Lord Mayor, by his last Will and Testament, dated the 17th Day of July, 1556. gave, for ever, to this Com­pany, all his Lands and Te­nements in Canning-Street, and the several Lanes adja­cent, whereon are now erected many fair Dwelling-Houses, by the Lessees, after the late dreadful Fire;

To maintain a School-Ma­ster and Ʋsher, and seven Alms-men, and a Woman to attend them, at Gundle in Northamptonshire; and the Surplusage to support their Charities.

The Bodies of these two Worthy Members and Benefactors, were both laid in one Vault in St. Mary Aldermary Church, with fair Monuments over them, demolished by the said late Fire.

The said Sir Henry Keble, at his own proper Charges, built the said St. Mary Aldermary Church.

BENEFACTORS, From whom the Company have received their Revenue, designed for the Support and Relief of their poor Members, and Discharge of other charitable Ʋses.BENEFACTORS, Who gave the Company Summs of Money to purchase Lands and Tenements; which (with much more) they laid out in improving the Lands and Tenements so gi­ven by other Benefactors, that the same might also answer the yearly Charities appointed by those Donors of such Moneys.
The DONORS Names, and the Streets and Places where their Lands and Tene­ments so given are situate.
Sir Henry Keble,Broad-Street.
Sir William Butler,Thames-Street.
Mincing Lane.
John Maldon,Botolph-Lane.
Thomas Gore,Grace Church-Street.
Lombard-Street.
John Billesdon,Cornhil.
Sir William Laxton,Canning-Street.
Bush-Lane.
Abchurch-Lane.
St. Nicholas-Lane.
Eastcheap.
Sherborn Lane.
St. Swithins Lane.
John Wardall,Walbrook.
Thomas Knowles,St. Antholins.
Emme Bachus,Wood-Street.
Steyning-Lane.
Sir Thomas Middleton,Baynerd's Castle.
William Robinson,Grub-Street.
Elizabeth Burrel,Cheap-Side.
Peter Bloundell,Donning's Alley.
Sir John Hart,Shore-Ditch.
Lady Anne Middleton,Montgomery-Shire.
Cornwall.
 lb
Lady Conway1441
Gilbert Keate600
William Robinson400
Alderman Saunders210
Francis Tyrrel700
John Heydon100
Edmond Turvill1000
Robert Lambert100
Nicholas Stiles100
Sir John Peachy500
Richard Haile200
Mr. Wheatley100
Humphry Walwyn600
Mary Robinson500
Total Summ6551

The present Rents (with some small Addition from the casual yearly Profits) do discharge the whole yearly Charities of both kinds; and the Arrears of each Branch are secured to be paid out of the first Fines on renewing Leases, and other Improvement of the same.

And to preserve and augment their Revenue, they have made provision to pre­vent adding to any Term, whilst five Years remain in being; and not to reserve less than 10 l. per Cent. per Annum, of the full improved yearly Value, on Demise of any part thereof.

Benefactors,

WHO gave Summs of Money, to be lent to young Members of the Com­pany, on small or no Interest, at the Discretion of the Wardens and Assistants; wherewith the Company having charged themselves, the same are now decreed to be raised out of the first Fines on renewing Leases, or other Profits arising out of their Revenue, (above their yearly Charities,) imme­diately after the Arrears of their yearly Charities shall be discharged; and for ever to be continued a Stock for these, and to be applied to no other Ʋses whatsoever.

 l.s.d
The Lady Slaney10000
Edmond Turvyll10000
Henry Anderson10000
John Newman10000
Gilbert Keate5000
Thomas Wheatley5000
Sir John Lyon20000
Edward Elmer5000
Thomas Farmer10000
Lettice Deane20000
Richard Lambert10000
Edward Jakeman20000
Katharine Hall10000
Roger Knott10000
John Heydon10000
Sir Thomas Ramsey20000
Peter Houghton40000
Thomas Ridge10000
John Grove10000
Gilbert Keate5000
Thomas Dawkins2000
Robert Brooke10000
Mary Robinson20000
George Holman10000
Richard-Hall10000
Thomas Westraw10000
Robert Bowyer5000
John Hudson10000
Sir Robert Nappier10000
William Pennyfather10000
Thomas Moulston20000
Stephen Abberley25000
John Mevil10000
Thomas Gamull20000
Constance Wrightman10000
Sir Edmond Wright5000
Thomas Freeman10000
William Pennyfather23368

This was not only a great Encouragement for young Men so to behave them­selves, during their Apprenticeship, as, by a good Report, to recommend them­selves capable of such a Favour from the Company; but is a great Obligation on such of them as, by God's Blessing on their Endeavours, shall, from small Beginnings, gain ample Estates, to become themselves also liberal Benefactors.

IN the Reign of King Henry the IV. Henry Chicheley, the Eldest Brother, being then Lord Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, his two younger Brethren were both Aldermen, and Members of this Company, viz. Sir William (the Second) and Sir Robert (the Third) both in their turn Sheriffs, and Sir Robert afterwards twice Lord Mayor, who purchased the Ground whereon St. Stephen's Church in Walbrook now stands, which he built at his own charge, the Advowson whereof remains in the Company of Grocers to this Day; which Church being consumed by the Fire, Anno 1666.

The Right Honourabie Sir Thomas Chicheley, (also a Member of this Company,) who descended in a right Line from the said Sir Robert,) late Master of the Ordnance, afterwards Chancellor of the Dutchy of Lancaster; and to King Charles the Second, and (some time) to King James the Second, of Their Majesties most Honourable Privy Council, laid the first Stone, and was a liberal Benefactor towards re­building thereof.

And being their Master, Annis 1686/7. at his own charge built the Company a new Barge, and purchased them the Ten­nant Right of a Barge-House; in grateful remembrance where­of they have caused his Picture, and this Inscription to be here set up.

If I were to give a Title to this following Table, I humbly conceive it might be (not improperly) called ‘The Insurance Office.’ That the Heir may not sooner prodigally waste, than his Ancestor frugally got the Estate.

ΑΠΟΚΑΛΥΨΙΣ, ιδ. ιγ. * [...].

ALthough Good Works (or well-husbanding our Ta­lent, lent for Improvement) be not Meritorious; yet (in the Dialect of the Apostle) they are esteemed the best Evidence of Faith, and Obedience, and remain a surviving Testimony of a Faithful Steward, when silent in his Grave.

And it is observable, that in all Ages, Honour and Estate have been most lasting in their Families, who have most a­bounded in Works of this Nature.

So that if it were modest to assign the Cause why so many great Estates have been sooner wasted by a Prodigal Heir, than gotten by his Frugal Parent; we may (with humble submission) conclude it is from a defect in this great and necessary Duty, so generally Crown'd with a Blessing on Posterity.

SIR JOHN CUTLER, Knight and Baronet, a Worthy Member of this Company, having Fined for Sheriff and Alderman, nigh forty years since, was chosen and held Master-Warden, Annis 1652/3. and did immediately after the dreadful Fire, Anno 1666. at his own proper charge, erect (out of its ashes) the fair Pile of Building, now the great Parlour, and entertaining-Room over it, and again was chosen and held Master-Warden, Annis 1685/6. And also in kindness to the Company, Annis 1686/7. was Assistant, and Locum Tenens to the Right Honourable, their then Master-Warden: And this present year 1688. in their greatest Exigence, (when others, whose turn it was, de­clined them,) consented to be chosen the fourth time their Master-Warden.

Under whose happy conduct, the Company's Revenue hath been settled, (as a most righteous Sanction,) to secure the due payment of their yearly Charities.

And the Members now restored to act in their several Ca­pacities, (according to their Seniority and Merit,) in order compleat the Company's Deliverance.

SIR JOHN MOORE, Knight and Alderman, and late Lord Mayor, a Member of this Company, at his own charge, repaired and beautifyed the Body of this Hall, Annis 1680/81. whose leading Example therein, gave such encouragement to other Worthy Mem­bers, liberally to contribute towards enlarging and compleating it with additional Building, so as to make it the most Commodious Seat for the Chief Magistrate in this City; in grate­ful acknowledgement of whose kindness, the Company afterwards caused his Picture, and this Inscription (as a Memorial thereof) to be here set up.

This HALL

BEing situate in the centre of the City, was designed and adapted for the Seat of the Chief Magistrate, at the ex­pence of 4800 l. in new Building and accommodations, added to the Body of the Hall, Kitchen, and Sir John Cutler's Build­ing, on this Confidence, that as it is every way the most Com­modious Place for that Publick Use, and would yearly save the Lord Mayor so great and unavoidable Charge elsewhere, so it should be considered accordingly, and in some proportion aug­ment the yearly Revenue of the Company, for support and dis­charge of their yearly Charities, and other incident charge of Repairs and Duties, &c.

Annis 1679, and 1680.

  • Sir James Edwards, Alderman, and late Lord Mayor, Master-Wardens.
  • John Beale, Warden.
  • Thomas Bourne, Warden.
  • William Buckeridge, Warden.

Annis 1680, and 1681.

  • Sir Henry Tulse, Alderman, and afterwards Lord Mayor, Master-Wardens.
  • Ralph Box, Warden.
  • William Winch, Warden.
  • Roger Reeve, Warden.

Justice and Charity Revived.

IN a most Righteous and Voluntary Settlement of the whole Revenue of the Company of Grocers, by Inquisition, De­cree, and Coveyance, (in Trustees,) for ever to secure the due payment of the yearly Charities, appointed by their Donors and Benefactors.

Annis Domini 1686, 1687.

  • The Right Honourable Sir Thomas Chicheley, by Sir John Cutler, Knight and Baronet, and Sir John Moore, Knight, Master-Wardens.
  • William Hart, Warden.
  • Thomas Horton, Warden.
  • Edward Sheerwood, Warden.

Annis Domini 1687, 1688.

  • Ralph Box, Esq; Master-Wardens.
  • John Banks, Warden.
  • Stephen Coleman, Warden.
  • Jonadab Balaam, Warden.
  • Edward Underhill, Esq; Alderman, Master-Wardens.
  • John Banks continued, Warden.
  • Robert Knight, Warden.
  • Francis Lasco, Warden.
  • Thomas Short, formerly Warden, assisting therein.
  • Samuel Brewster, formerly Warden, assisting therein.

All Glory be to GOD.

There are several other Charities (wherewith the growing Revenue of the Grocers will be charge­able) appointed by pious and well disposed Per­sons, who in like manner left several Summs of Money, which were laid out in improving the Company's Lands by Building, and consumed by the same unhappy Fate; particularly,

FOR support and relief of decayed Members, and their sickly Families; as also for their Widows and Chil­dren in like distress.

For augmentation of maintenance for Godly Ministers, where Livings are small.

For encouragement and advancement of Maid-Ser­vants in Marriage, who have faithfully served Members for a certain number of years.

And for defraying the charge of sober Anniversary Festi­vals, in moderate Entertainment of the Members, to main­tain and encrease mutual Friendship, and Christian Con­versation in the Fraternity, as well in Ease, as for Encou­ragement of the Members who should successively hap­pen to be Stewards, whose Burthen is in the mean time made light by the present Ordinances, (whereby all other charge of Members is also made very easie,) to the end the Stewards and Members, who are to contribute towards the charge, may be as merry themselves as their Guests, at those Festivals.

[Page]All which are faithfully recorded, to take place, and be discharged out of the yearly Revenue of the Company, (which will be very great,) upon expiring Leases, (all decreed and settled, so as to be improved to the utmost,) to answer those great Trusts so reposed in the Members at the Helm, as being first so well designed by the Donors, and now again made Sacred for such uses.

And let Anathema be pronounced by every Faithful Member, against every one (and who can be now igno­rant, that is concerned as a Trustee) that shall (know­ingly) attempt or endeavour to alien, take away to them­selves, or again misapply the same.

And may the great Pilot of Hearts quicken and in­cline many others, (to whom God hath lent large Ta­lents,) from the Example of those worthy Benefactors, whose Names are now here revived with a sweet smelling savour, when their Bodies have so long peaceably slept in the dust, to build on their Foundation, in chearfully con­tributing towards the support and relief of such numerous Objects of each kind, as the present Age affords, (in whom the voice of God calls aloud for it,) till such help shall arise from the Holy Seed here sown, for a better supply in a future Harvest from thence.

There would need no motive to this Sacred Duty, would Men consider that they are no Proprietors, but Stewards (in Trust) of all they have; for which, as well as for what they leave of it to Posterity, (without such allowance as is here spoken of) they shall most assured­ly render a strict Account.

[Page]And therefore the best and surest way, to entail a Blessing on their Children and Posterity, in what they leave them when they die, on like Trust, to improve for the good of others, (for the property can never be al­tered,) is, by thus taking care, and liberally providing for the miserable and helpless Members of their Masters great Family.

And certainly, had many Men (especially such as made profession of Religion) in their life-time, foreseen how soon a Vicious Consumption hath been made, by their Children or Successors, of all they left them, for want of a better insurance of it, by thus disposing some conside­rable part of their Lord's Estate, according to his own Will, they would (if it were to doe again) most willing­ly have disposed of more to such uses as these.

And therefore, I hope such as are convinced of this Truth, and have been Eye-Witnesses of such sad effects in others, will begin in their life-time, and prevent the fraud or negligence (besides other contingencies) at­tending their Executors, in disposition of their Charities, when they are dead; for when their own Eyes are Over­seers of such God-like disposition, they may sweetly taste that Peace and Comfort in their own Bosoms, whilst they live, which the World cannot give; and per­severing in their Christian Duty, they shall thereby assuredly (though not meritoriously) treasure up to them­selves Eternal Happiness hereafter, Where neither Moth can Eat, nor Rust Corrupt, nor Thieves break through and Steal, and where they shall be for ever above all necessity of [Page] aid from the fading Enjoyments of this World, when they shall be there entertained with a Well done Good and Faithful Servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord and Master: For most assuredly as the succour and relief of the Hungry and Naked, the Aged and Impotent, do daily ascend in silent Prayers to the Ears of the Om­niscient Father of Mercies, and bring down (at least) Temporal Blessings in this Life, on their Children and Posterity, who thus, as Faithful Stewards, become their Patrons and Benefactors; as we may read to this pur­pose, that Jehu (for the small Good he did) swayed the Sceptre to the Fourth Generation: So most assuredly, the silent Sighs and Groans of the Widow and Orphans, the Aged, the Captive, and the Impotent, under op­pression, and in their Want and Misery, do cry as loud in the Ears of the same righteous Judge, for Vengeance (in all the Curses and Miseries attending Mortality) on the Heads and Families, not only of all such as either covet, defraud, take away from, or hinder those poor Objects of their Right, their Portion or Relief, but also of such as come short in their Duty herein, according to their Power, Interest, and the opportunity they have, to shew it towards them; as they themselves are appointed of God, but Stewards in Trust, for those poor Members of one Christian Body.

POSTSCRIPT.

THE Company of Grocers, at the time when the Quo War­ranto was brought against them, Anno 1684. were (of all Companies in London) under the most irregular Go­vernment, as to By-Laws and Ordinances,The Company, when the Quo Warranto was brought, was very defective, as to By-Laws and Or­dinances, having none made that are extant since King Henry the Eighth's time; and those (though fitted to the Distempers of that time) were most obsolete, and out of use now; which might have proved fatal, had not the Company had a Quietus by their late Charter; wherein (by aid of our late Master, the Earl of Mulgrave) are several Privi­leges granted this Company, First, a Confirma­tion of a Charter granted to this Com­pany by King Hen­ry the Sixth of the Office of Garbling, in all places in England, (London only excepted) Secondly, The Mystery of Grocers is explained, and all Druggists, Confectioners, Tobacconists, and Tobacco-Cutters in London, and three Miles compass are Incorporated herein, and never to be separated from this Company. to warrant their Actions and Proceeding, not having any extant (that I could find) made, and legally confirmed, since the time of King Henry the Eighth; in whose Reign (by search) I found on Record, in the Town-Clerk's Office, many suited to the Distempers and Nature of the Mystery of the Grocery in those days; but having taken Copies of them (nigh an hundred Sheets,) on perusal I found them most Obsolete and out of Use, and very defective to cure, or an­tidote the Diseases or Corruptions of the present Constitution of the Company: So that the Renewing, and Confirmation of our Charter, proved an happy opportunity to this Company, not only to have a Relaxation and Quietus of all Offences and Misprisions that might have proved fatal, through defect of such Sanctions of Government, (which are essentially necessary to every Corpo­ration;) but by the aid and favour of the Right Honourable the Earl of Mulgrave, then our Master, interceding with his late Ma­jesty, King Charles the Second, of Blessed Memory, (who graciously condescended to own himself our Master) our Charter was en­larged with these following advantages, viz. a Confirmation of a Charter made by King Henry the Sixth, granting the Office of Garbling to this Company, in all places in this Kingdom, (the City of London only excepted;) which Privilege, by non-usage for some years, was grown almost out of knowledge to the Members, until by search for other Charters, I found it on Record in the Tower.

By declaring the Species of the Mystery, which before in the former Charters, was expressed generally under the Denomi­nation of Grocery; but thereby declared to include all Druggists, Confectioners, Tobacconists, and Tobacco-Cutters, as having been branched out of, and bred by Grocers, (there being then no Com­pany of them, or any of them.)

Afterwards that Charter, (so granted upon and after this Quo Warranto) with those Additional Clauses and Privileges, being vacated, a new Charter (by advice of Sir Henry Pollixfen, and [Page 18] other Learned Counsel) was obtained, (independent of any surren­der) whereby all Persons using these Species, as well as Gro­cers, in London, or within three Miles of the Liberties of the same, are incorporated into this Company, and never to be separated from them, or otherwise incorporated; with liberty given to all Persons using any part of the Mystery, whether Free of any other Company or no, to incorporate themselves therein; not judging it reasonable to compel them, (as Men that have born Office in one Parish,And positively en­joyning all Persons using this Mystery, as Grocers, Con­fectioners, Drug­gists, Tobacco­nists, or Tobacco-Cutters, for ever after to bind their Apprentices to Members of this Company, in order to preserve a Suc­cession. And for an acc m­medation of such as have no other Friend, there is an Order of the Court of Assistents, for them to be bound to the Beadle of the Grocers, and turned over to their Masters. The abuse of taking Freedoms by Patri­mony set forth, and the Error detected; That it is only to extend to the City, but not to the My­stery, unless the Son n of the same My­stery, whereof his Father was Free. from thence into any other) to doe the like.

But it positively enjoyns them all to bind their Apprentices, for the future, to Members of the Grocers Company, and to be turned over to their Masters, to serve their Apprenticeships, and all (as well those whose terms are expired, as) those that are not to take their Freedoms of the Grocers, in order to preserve a Succession in this Company, which otherwise must in few years have sunk, for want of Members, to the total ruine and destruction of their Charities and Government: And for their Accommodation in that behalf, there is an Order of the Court of Assistents, for the Beadle of the Grocers Company, to be the Medium, (in cases where they have no other Friend of the Company,) for their Apprentices to be bound to him, and so turned over to the Master whom he is to serve; which Clause in the Charter for so doing, was at first much scrupled, by reason of the Custom (supposed to be) in London, for a Freeman's Son to have his Freedom by Patrimony (at his own Election) of whatsoever Company his Father was a Member, though the Son had been bound Appren­tice to a Member of another Mystery; wherein (upon due Exa­mination) it was found to be a vulgar Error, and a great Mistake, by long usage, grown into a Custom, extending this Custom of Patrimony (which is restrained only to a Freedom of the City) to every Company in the City; whereas the Apprentice, though he may have his Freedom (whether he serve or no) of the City by his Father's Copy, yet he ought (according to the Original De­sign and Intent of every Charter of Incorporation) to take his Freedom of his proper Mystery, where there is any Corporation of such Mystery: For that every Mystery hath been incorporated to no other end, but to have all their Members, and all using their Mystery, well governed by proper Judges, viz. by Men best knowing and experienced therein; whereas the contrary practice hath introduced a spurious Mixture in all Societies, and caused all abuses, possibly in the Government of the City, and made Men as lawless and ungovernable, as their corrupt and loose Principles will lead them to.

[Page 19]As for Example, a Member of the Barber-Chirurgions, As for Example, that a Carpenter, or Blacksmith, ought not take his Freedom of the Bar­ber Chirurgions, though his Father was of this Com­pany a Member. puts his Son Apprentice to a Carpenter or Black-Smith, or any other Me­chanick Trade, if the Son (having thus served his Apprentice­ship) out of Pride, Prejudice, or sinister End, shall take his Free­dom by Patrimony of the Barber-Chirurgions, (whereof his Father was a Member,) he is thereupon Sworn to observe the By-Laws and Ordinances, made for well-governing of the Barber-Chirur­gions, which is to bleed, dress Wounds, &c. things unknown to him, and impossible for him to observe, and (which is worse) makes him never after mindful of his Oath, and frees him from all Obligation to take notice of, or to observe those Ordinances made for well-governing the Carpenters, which is his proper Mystery; and so he becomes a lawless Person, and from thence, in that, as in other like Cases, the End and Design of all Corpo­rations is totally abused and defeated, besides the great wrong done to the Company, which is thus deprived of its Members, which should support the Charge and Grandeur of their Society, of which Injury no Company in London, have more cause to com­plain than the Grocers; but all other Persons using a Calling, of which there is no Corporation, in being as Norwich-Factors Merchants, &c. are at liberty to take their Freedom of what Company they have served to, or by Patrimony of their Fathers, or by Redemption of what Company they please, but having once made their Election, they are obliged to continue therein, unless they shall be translated thence by order of the Court of Aldermen, and consent of the Company, into another.

And whereas two Causes have been assigned for discouragement of Persons to take their Freedom of the Grocers, viz. The Causes discou­raging Persons from taking their Free­dom of the Gro­cers, viz. the great charge and burthen. The reproach of their Hall in Ruines, and under Sequestration, are now removed.

First, The great Charge they were incident to bear above other Companies.

Secondly, The Reproach contracted, by reason of their Hall lying in Ruines, and under Sequestration, and the great Debts they owe; both which, by the Prudence and Care of our Government, (now blessed be God) are removed, and on the contrary, greater Arguments may be used to incourage such as left us to return, and others to incorporate themselves into this Company,And on the contra­ry, for their encou­ragement (besides the many Privileges in this Company) the charge of every Office is not half so much. besides the many ancient Privileges, which the Members of the Grocers Com­pany are intituled unto: For ease of their Members they do not take Fines to excuse them of Warden or Steward, as heretofore, but in special cases, neither do they call them on the Cloathing, (as in most other Companies,) but when it is most manifest they [Page 20] have been of long continuance, or are of sufficient Ability, freely to accept it; and so it is (usually) a long time before it comes to a Young Man's turn, to bear any charge or burthen here, and when it doth,And none are suf­fered to Fine, and if they do, it is not above half so much as it was heretofore. the charge of Livery, Steward, and other Offices, are all reduced to a very low and easie rate; or if they Fine, or Hold, the charge is not much above half so much as it was heretofore; all so settled by the Court of Assistents, for ease and encourage­ment of their Members.

There is provision made for the due payment of all our Charities, which for many years have been too much neglected and oc­casioned great Cla­mour, and Reproach on the Company.Our Hall having been new built and beautified, there is a most certain Ground-rent, by Decree settled, to answer all our yearly Charities, as well (where we have, as where before we had no Fond) to secure the due and constant yearly payment of them to their proper Object, to remove all that daily Clamour and Re­flexion, which for several years past in all places, rendred them reproachful throughout the City and Kingdom.

Our By-Laws and Ordinances are with great Care, and by Learned Counsel, prepared for well Ordering and Governing our Members, and all using the Mystery; and for encourage­ment of all who ob­serve their Duty; And also for pu­nishment of all Transgressors, and so to encourage our Benefactors, that this Company be restored, as it was 100 years since, a Nursery of Charities, and Seminary of good Citizens.Our By-Laws by most learned Counsel are settled, and again perused, examined, and approved of, as the Law directs, (in the First Year of the Reign of our now Sovereign Lord and Lady King William and Queen Mary,) by the Right Honourable the Lords Commssioners for Custody of the Great Seal, and the two Lord Chief Justices, Sir John Holt, and Sir Henry Pollixfen, pur­suant to our late Charter so enlarged, whereby our ancient Usages and Privileges, for well Governing and Ordering our Members and Mystery are in every kind regulated, augmented, and sup­plyed with addition of new, suited to all our defects, which will without doubt encourage our Benefactors, liberally to contribute towards discharge of the Remainder of our Company's Debts; so that there cannot be a better foundation laid, to raise and restore our Company, as it was 100 years since, a Seminary of good Citi­zens, and Nursery of the best Charities in London; and so conse­quently no Apprentice can well, or probably may hope to be planted in a better Corporation, in order to his future advantage.

And that this Com­pany may no longer suffer, either by not observing or trans­gressing them, the Heads of such as concern all using the Mystery in Lon­don, and the Pre­cincts aforesaid, will be Printed and Published, that all may have notice to Conform thereunto.And to the end that all Persons concerned using this Mystery, either as Grocer, Druggist, Confectioner, Tobacconist, or Tobacco-Cutter, in London, and within three Miles of the Liberties thereof, may have notice thereof, and give due Obedience and Conformity to what hath been so designed by the said Charter, By-Laws, and ancient Usages, and this Company suffer no longer by their De­faults, either in not observing, or transgressing the same; the Heads thereof will in short time be Printed and Published, and left at their several Dwellings, and places of abode, for their Caution and better Information. And certainly, all this considered, [Page 21] it cannot be doubted but every Member of this Company, will call to mind the great obligation he lies under (if he will mind his Oath, either as a good Christian, or an honest Man,) in and by all things according to his Power, on all opportunities, not only to publish and make known unto all Persons concerned, what is so required of them, but will also move and excite them, by the best Arguments and Ways they can, speedily to comply with their duty herein, and so avoid the Penalties and Charges they will otherwise expose themselves to, in a chargeable way, and be compelled at last to yield Obedience and Conformity thereunto.

THE CONCLUSION, In a few Motives to Good Works, as the very Life and Soul of Religion, and the best Evidence of a sincere Christian.

The Conclusion by Address.HAving thus stated the condition of the Company, as it long flourished in Splendor, and gradually through various Pro­vidences, and the sad Effects of War and Fire; how it groaned of late under so great pressure in its sadder Circumstances: And having set before you the happy encouragement already now given, and the Methods propounded again to raise and restore this Company to its former splendor,Most humbly mo­ving to the great Work of Charity. I now tu n to the Honourable and Worthy Mem­bers of whom it consists: And you, my noble and good Masters, under whom I hold my Station in this place, I most humbly pray you (of your wonted Benignity) to bear with my Zeal and Freedom, and the boldness I assume, most humbly to move you, to set to your helping hands in this Work, so excellent and acceptable to God and every good Man.

And pressed with a five-f [...]ld Argument drawn from the nature of this great Duty. From example of their Pious An­cestors. 1. By remembring you of those eminent good Charities, for which those Worthy Members who went before you in former times, and are to this day celebrated; and have left us such grounds as (being now built) gives us the prospect of a great Revenue when the Leases are out, which (though far distant) are and will be every year (like useful Timber) a more growing hope to Posterity.

Whose Foundation they have to build in. 2. That you would not only think it enough to praise them, but be provoked by a generous Emulation, to follow their Example, liberally and bountifully to afford your Assistence, not only to secure, but also to increase this growing hope, that our Burthen and Reproach being re­moved, our Benefactors may be encouraged, and this Society still pre­served [Page 23] a Seminary of good Merchants, and as a Treasury of Charity; that so the succeeding Generations may Bless and Honour you, as much as you do those Worthy Members in former times, when your Names shall be recorded, as Raisers and Restorers of the Company of Gro­cers.

3. That what you doe, you would doe speedily; whereby you will draw on others, that need quickening and encouragement, by your Example; and in so doing, you will not only have the Comfort of what you doe your selves, but be the happy Promoters in others, of what the Company will have cause to bless God, and give you thanks for.

4. That you will consider how great a deliverance you had to escape the late dreadful Fire with your lives; and how Gracious God hath been to you still, to entrust you with his Talents for improvement (as Stewards) in his Work: And that this Company which suffered so much in that Calamity, hath no other Hands but yours to repair her breaches.

5. That you can have no such true comfort in the World on a Sick Bed, or in any other Calamity, as to be conscious of doing good Works of this Nature, when as faithful Stewards of that which is not consigned to you into Property, but into Trust, you have (as Good and Faithful Servants) but well disposed of a Parcel of your great Lord's Estate, according to his own Will.

And for your encouragement, this is a Work most acceptable to God, and inviting to every good Man, the Redemption, Relief, and Support of the most Ancient and Illustrious Corporation in this Metropolis, with all her numerous Offspring, the Aged, the Widow, and the Father­less, the Blind, the Lame, and the Impotent, all that God (who is Wisdom and Goodness) himself commends (after his own example) to your Charity, and as capable of Alms, with most extensive Blessings,Encouraging it. Promises of Rewards, and to be neglected under the most severe Threat­nings and Punishments.

And farther, this your kindness will not perish as a Meals-Meat,As an Object most acceptable to God, and inviting to every Good Man. or a draught of cold Water (though that has encouragement, a Man would think, that will give credit to our Saviour himself,) but this your Cha­rity will be as a lasting Seed, laid on the purest Foundation of those Holy and Good Men, who were our Pious Founders, and whose Names, after so many hundred years, smell sweet and blossom in the dust; and are now Blessed with God, receiving the Recompense of their Reward, whilst their Works follow them, and praise them in the Gates; so that what you shall here bestow, will be to open and feed those Fountains, as their lasting and refreshing Comforts and Relief.

For though Good Works in themselves (as flowing back to the Foun­tain from whence they spring) can be no way meritorious; yet they have [Page 24] been always so acceptable to God,And not only as the best means to secure what they shall leave to their Chil­dren and Posterity, (which without this usually is sooner by them spent, than got by their Pa­rents;) but will for ever remain. that we find in every Age, Estates and Honour continue longest in the Name and Family of such as have been most diffusive in Works of this Nature, that if it were modest to render a reason, why so many great Estates are sooner wasted by a loose Heir, than gotten by his frugal Parent, it may be well presumed, it is because so little of it was bestowed to such uses, when Men return so little to God, to whom they owe all they have; and most assuredly no Article in your Account at the great Audit, will be sooner allowed toThis to be under­stood in the Apostle's sence, not otherwise. cover many other Errors, than what is thus disposed. And now as Spice is a great Ingredient in this Mystery, and is a part of your Arms, so I pray con­sider how Alms in Scripture are called, an Odor of a sweet-smelling Savour; A sweet Perfume in the Nostrils of Men. And an Odor of a sweet-smelling Sa­vour to God. and it is these Perfumes that will prove acceptable to God, and have a good Savour amongst Men. So I conclude, with my Prayers to Almighty God, to incline all your Hearts, according to your several Degrees and Qualities in this great Work, to acquit your selves as good Men, and as good Citizens and Grocers; and that I may be happy in discharge of my Duty, which alone moved me to make this my humble Address to you all, and shall be my endeavours to perform.

FINIS.

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