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.

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.

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.

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 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 Conway 1441 Gilbert Keate 600 William Robinſon 400 Alderman Saunders 210 Francis Tyrrel 700 John Heydon 100 Edmond Turvill 1000 Robert Lambert 100 Nicholas Stiles 100 Sir John Peachy 500 Richard Haile 200 Mr. Wheatley 100 Humphry Walwyn 600 Mary Robinſon 500 Total Summ 6551

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.

Grocers (inquit Minſhew) ab initio, ut ex legibus noſtris probat, nihil minutim ſed omnia al groſſo, by the Great, Magnis ſc. ponderibus divendere ſoliti ſunt. In libro Statutorum noſtrorum ſignificat Mercatores, Qui aliquod mercium genus totum coemunt. Skin. Etymologicon Linguae Anglicanae. THE word Grocers was a term at firſt diſtinguiſhing Merchants of this Society,Etymology of the Word Grocer. in oppoſition to Inferiour Retailers; for that they uſually ſold in groſs Quantities by great Weights. And in ſome of our old Books, the Word ſignifies Merchants, that in their Merchandizing dealt for the Whole of any Kind:Which after he came more Extenſive. But in after times the word Grocery became ſo extenſive, that it can now hardly be reſtrained to the certain kinds of Merchandizes they have formerly dealt in: For they have been the moſt Univerſal Merchants that traded abroad, and what they brought home, many Artiſts of this Society found out ways afterwards to change and alter the Species by Mixture, Confections, and Compoſitions of ſimple Ingredients; by which means many and various ways of Dealing and Trading paſſed under the Denomination of Groceries: They were the first Merchants trading abroad, and ſo prolifick, that other Companies have branched from them. And indeed this City and Nation do in a great meaſure owe the Improvement of Navigation to Merchants, originally exerciſing this Myſtery, as Trading into all Foreign Parts, from whence we have received either Spices, Druggs, Fruits, Gums, or other rich Aromatick Commodities. It is well known, this Company hath bred the moſt Eminent Merchants in this City, and this Society hath been ſo prolifick, that many other Societies have been branched out from hence, as will be owned by the moſt worthy of them.Improved Navigation. The Merchants Trading to the Levant Seas, and other Societies, have originally been the Off-ſpring of this Society, as appears by ancient Records of Indentures of Apprentices, to Members of this Company. And it is not inconſiſtent, and may eaſily be drawn within compaſs of Belief, That there was amongſt the Romans a Society agreeable to this of the Grocers, who were alſo Merchants trading into thoſe Seas, as may be Collected from Perſius, Their Antiquity. a Poet who wrote in Rome in the time of Auguſtus, deſcribing the various Inclinations of Men in their Courſe of Life. He inſtances them in theſe Words, (viz.)

Firſt called Pepperers by way of Eminency for all Spices, as were ſuch like Merchants trading in Rome. Where Pepper, being the moſt Royal Preſervative Spice, is only mentioned by way of Eminency for all the reſt: And ſo we may well conclude, that this was the Reaſon why the Society of the Grocers (whoſe Original firſt here exerciſed, may modeſtly be ſuppoſed to ſpring from the Romans) were, long before they were Incorporated, diſtinguiſhed by the name of Pepperers, although they traded before in all other the former Merchandizes, as well as that. It is impoſſible to give any other Account of the Original of this Society here in this City, ſo long at firſt excerciſed under the Denomination of Pepperers; for that the City of London it ſelf, at firſt under the Britains, and ſucceſſively after under the Romans and Saxons, and at laſt was over-run by the Danes; no Hiſtory now remains to give a certain Account of the firſt Methods of Government therein, farther than what may be collected from ſome late Writers of our own now extant, who have tranſmitted to us, what they could then diſcover by their Enquiry and Search into Antiquity; whereby we may plainly underſtand that the firſt Model of Civil Government, ſettled in this City, was from the Exemplar of Rome it ſelf; as Mr. Stow inſtances in the very words of an ancient Writer, who wrote in the Reign of King Stephen, From whence London had its firſt Model of Civil Government. (viz) This City (ſaith he) even as Rome, is divided into Wards, it hath yearly Sheriffs inſtead of Conſuls, it hath the Dignity of Senators, it hath Ʋnder-Officers, and according to the Qualities of Laws, it hath ſeveral Courts and general Aſſemblies upon appointed days. Some time after the City obtained their Chief Magiſtrate to be under the Denomination of Mayor,Firſt Lord Mayor in London. which was about the firſt year of King Richard the Firſt; the firſt Man we find advanced to that Dignity was Henry Fitz-Alwin, who continued therein 24 years ſucceſſively: And ſoon after (to wit) in the 17th. year of King Henry the Third,Their firſt Member Mayor, Andrew Bockerell. it appears Andrew Bockerell, a Pepperer, was choſen Mayor; and ſo eminent were the Pepperers in this Infancy of the Mayoralty,Pepperers Eminent, and frequent Mayors. that before the 36th. year of that King's Reign, a Pepperer had the Chair nine ſeveral years, and very frequently afterwards we find the Pepperers advanced to that Dignity: And it appears by ancient Books (now extant) That in the time of King Henry the Fourth, there were at one time no leſs then 12 of their Members Aldermen,Twelve Aldermen at once Members. of which Number were two Brothers, William Chicheley, afterwards Sheriff, Sir Robert Chicheley, afterwards alſo Sheriff,Sir Robert Chicheley twice Lord Mayor, and Founder of Wal-Brook Church. Still in their Donation. and twice Lord Mayor, who alſo was Founder of the Pariſh Church of St. Stephen Walbrook, upon a Plot of ground by him for that Sacred Uſe purchaſed of the Grocers, the Donation of which Church is at this day in the Company of Grocers. Which Society of the Pepperers increaſing, and ſpreading ſo Univerſal in Merchandizing, that it appears afterwards they were diſtinguiſhed by the Name of Grocers, (as being a more comprehenſive Name than Pepperers;Afterwards called Grocers. ) inſomuch that before they were incorporated by the Name of Grocers (to wit) in the Third year of King Edward the Third, Anno 1329. John Grantham was choſen and held Mayor by the Title of Grocer. And the firſt Charter I find of the Corporation of the Grocers, was granted by King Edward the Third, in the twentieth year of his Reign, Anno Dom. 1345. which appears to be long before the Mercers were incorporated,Firſt Charter of the Grocers, and before the Mercers. though they are now the only Company have Precedency of the Grocers; yet for the Reaſons abovementioned, it may be very well preſumed, that as the Grocers were long before them the moſt Eminent Society, ſo in aftertimes renewing their Charter by a more Comprehenſive Term,Afterwards Postponed to them. they might Poſt pone themſelves.

But though they thus March as a forlorn Regiment in the Front, (might the Hopes and Endeavours of many good Members prevail to have the Spirit of our Anceſtors revived in the preſent Generation,) this could no way eclipſe the Grocers, But not to Dimination of their Dignity. who have all the Noble Army of the reſt of the Corporations following them, than the Morning Star uſhering in Day before it, can eclipſe the Glory of the Riſing Sun.

Afterwards the Charter of this Company was ſeveral times renewed; as alſo it was in the Seventh year of King Henry the Sixth, and they then made a Body Politick,Grocers Incorporate. by the Name of Cuſtodes & Communitas Myſterii Groceriae Londini. And in the beginning of that King's Reign,Purchaſe of the Hall of the Lord Fitz-water, men late his Manſion-Houſe. they purchaſed the ground where the Grocers Hall now ſtands, with the ground belonging to it, of Walter Lord Fitz-water, a Noble Peer of this Realm, bounding the ſame between the Old-Jewry and Walbrook. And ſo conſiderable in the City were the Grocers long before that time, that they may be well preſumed (time out of Mind) to have had the management of the King's-Beam, as an Office peculiar to them; not only as principally uſing the ſame, but as being originally veſted therein;The Office of the King's Beam. they having had all along (beyond the Memory of Man) the naming of the Weigh-Maſter, and the naming, placing, removing, and governing of the four Porters, attending that Office, all to be elected out of their own Company, and to be Sworn at their own Hall; a Privilege allowed them, as their undoubted and inſeparate Right, as ancient as that Office it ſelf uſed in the City.

Their ancient Privileges of Inſpection and Correction of Abuſes in their Myſtery.Alſo amongſt other Privileges and ancient Uſages of this Company, I find recorded, even as high as Edward the Fourth's days, this Company had Power of Inſpection and Correction of Abuſes and Irregularities of all Perſons (though free of this or any other Company) in the City or Suburbs, any way uſing or exerciſing any kind of Grocery; and alſo to aſſay the Weights they bought or ſold by; and to take notice of all their Defaults, and return them to be Fined at the Diſcretion of this Fellowſhip, and to take 4 d. of every Perſon for their Labour therein, as well of ſuch as were offending, as ſuch as were not; which Uſage was always continued: And in the Charter renewed to this Company in the fifteenth year of the late King Charles the Firſt, this Privilege is Gonfirmed,Confirmed and Expreſſed to extend 3 Miles from the Liberties. and expreſſed to extend three Miles from the City, as well within Liberties as without, and hath only been omitted for ſome years paſt, when the Company began to be firſt interrupted in their Affairs.

The ſame King Henry the Sixth, by Charter under the Great Seal, granted to this Company the Office of Garbling in all places throughout the Kingdom of England, Garbling-Office. (the City of London only excepted;) which Privilege (though diſcontinued during the late unnatural War, and almoſt forgotten) is now ratified by their late Charter and Confirmation, and may be of conſiderable Advantage to this Company.

In the time of the Reign of King Henry the Seventh, the Company was greatly indebted,Sir Henry Keble, Sir William Laxton, Worthy Members and Benefactors, both buried in a Vault, in Aldermary Church. See Stow's Survey. and Sir Henry Keble, a Worthy Member, (ſometime Lord Mayor of this City,) lent them Money on their Hall, and their Revenue, (nigh the full value,) to clear their Debts, and afterwards, in the beginning of the Reign of King Henry the Eighth, by his laſt Will and Teſtament, freely gave back all to the Company, remitting his whole Debt and Intereſt: This Sir Henry Keble, at his own Charge, built Aldermary Church. Afterwards, about the eighteenth year of the ſame King Henry the Eighth, Sir William Laxton alſo, a Worthy Member, (and ſometime Lord Mayor,) by Deed executed in his Life time, gave the Company, all their Lands and Houſes in Canning-Street, and the Lanes thereunto adjoining.

I ſhall here add but one more, (who may well deſerve to be recorded among their chief Benefactors,) Mr. John Bilſdon, John Bilſdon, a Worthy benefactor of Houſes in Cornhill. a worthy Member, by his Will, dated about the fourteenth of King Henry the Eighth, gave this Company all his Meſſuages in the ſeveral Pariſhes of St. Michael's, and St. Peter's in Cornhill, which being conſumed (with the reſt of their Revenue in London) by the late dreadful Fire, many very fair Houſes have been ſince built on the ſame ground, by the Companies Leaſſees, on long Leaſes, under ſmall Rents, but of great improvement when expired.

Upon part of which ground ſtood the late Weigh houſe,Weigh-Houſe. where the Office of the King's Beam was kept, until the time of the ſame Fire.

And in order to prevent any difference, which might otherwiſe hereafter happen, between the City and Company, touching the intereſt of the City in Weigh-houſe-yard, I humbly conceive it to be my duty herein to inſert (in the beſt manner I can) the Truth of the Caſe, eſpecially ſince upon ſearch I could find no certain footſteps of it in their own Books at Guild-Hall, which occaſioned ſome difficulty in ſettling the draught of the Leaſe (hereafter mentioned) from the Company to the City: The City claiming Intereſt in the ſoil of the Weigh-houſe-yard, upon ſome ſurmiſe that they had more ground there (than what they claimed under the Company's Title) belonging to them, until I had made the contrary appear, (both by Evidence, and Certificate of the ancient Inhabitants there;) as alſo, that as well all the ground ſo demiſed by the Company to the City, as that whereon the Houſes on all parts of the Weigh houſe-yard are built, (being bounded on the North with the ground of the Merchant-Taylors, and fronting the High Street of Cornhill,) is part of that ground ſo deviſed by Mr. John Bilſdon to the Company of Grocers.

So as all the Intereſt the City hath there, appears to be thus, viz. The Grocers having (as above is mentioned) the management of the Office of the King's Beam, did formerly accommodate the City with a Weigh-houſe there,How the City have Intereſt in the Meſſuage in Weigh-Houſe-Yard. convenient for executing the ſame Office, under ſome reſerved Rent, for that the whole duty ariſing thereby (the Weigh-Maſter and Porters Wages deducted) belonged to the City, until the year 1625. ſome difference happening between the then Lord Mayor and the Company, touching the Nomination of one to ſucceed the Weigh-Maſter, then lately Dead; a Committee of Aldermen was appointed for the City, and a Committee of Grocers for the Company, who determined the ſame; and the Company, purſuant to that Agreement, were to grant the City a Leaſe of their Weigh-houſe, being one great lower room, for 99 years, under the Rent of 10 l. per annum, which the City accordingly had and enjoyed, and the Company to enjoy their Privileges, ſo to nominate the Weigh-Maſter and Porters.

The Company afterwards granting a Leaſe to one Lyonell Newman, of a ſmall Ware-houſe at one end of the ſame Weigh-houſe, and of all the Rooms as well over the Weigh-houſe, as over the ſame Ware-houſe, for a long term, at 40 s. per annum, the City afterwards purchaſed the ſaid Lyonell Newman's Intereſt; and the whole being ſo conſumed by the Fire, upon application of the City to the Judges at Clifford s-Inn,The Judges decree a Leaſe to the City of it. and on hearing the City and Company, they Decreed, the Company (for encouragement of the City to build) ſhould grant the City a Leaſe of the whole, with additional years, under the entire Rent of 12 l. per annum, which is drawn and prepared accordingly, being one Meſſuage erected by the City, on the ground whereon the Weigh-houſe and Ware-houſe ſtood, and now in the occupation of Mr. Williams the Leaſſee of the City.

The other part of the Company's Revenue, and the ſeveral Charities and Ʋſes wherewith the w •• le and every branch are charged: As alſo the Schools and Eccleſiaſtical Promotions in their gifts digeſted in Books at the Hall.The other branches of the Company's Revenue, together with the ſeveral Charities and Uſes wherewith as well Sir Henry Keble, Sir William Laxton, and Mr. Bilſdon's, as alſo every other branch thereof are charged, as alſo the ſeveral Schools, and Eccleſiaſtical Promotions, in the Company's diſpoſition, and under their Government and Inſpection, I have digeſted into an orderly Method (as moſt proper there to be ſeen) in Books for that purpoſe provided at the Hall.

Thus this Company long flouriſhed both before and after that time, with many Eminent and Worthy Members, who became very liberal Benefactors, and had ſo great a ſhare all along in the Senators of this famous City,Had always an Alderman their Master. Intruſted with many Charities; which they faithfully diſcharged, 〈◊〉 the Fire Conſumed their Revenue. that they never wanted an Alderman of their Members yearly to ſucceed Maſter-Warden of this Company; and ſo faithfully did they acquit themſelves of thoſe Charities they were intruſted withal, that it gave them the greateſt Reputation of any Company in London: Inſomuch that many well-diſpoſed Perſons, did covet to make this Corporation as it were the Corban of their Charities, which in proceſs of time became their Snare, as in this Diſcourſe will immediately appear; wherein I ſhall endeavour, by giving a true account of the Nature of thoſe Charities, to remove the reproach that hath been caſt on this Company, as if they had miſ-imployed them; and make it plainly appear, that the Company of Grocers have, in the Judgment of every impartial Man, (who ſhall well weigh their Circumſtances from the firſt to the laſt,) acquitted themſelves in all the Truſt and Affairs of this Company, as becomes Worthy Citizens, and beyond what the worſt of their Detractors might have juſtly expected from them; eſpecially conſidering how ſmall a part of their yearly Revenue remained to the Company, when the Yearly Payments iſſuing thereout, purſuant to the Diſpoſition of the Donors, are deducted.

MOST part of all the Land and Houſes,Though charged with nigh the value, and ſo rather charge than benefit to them. given to the Grocers Company, were by the Donors charged with yearly Charities, iſſuing thereout to certain Uſes, by them limited and appointed, well nigh amounting to as much as the Rent reſerved upon long Leaſes in being, and Let before they contracted any of their Debts, as is hereafter mentioned; all or moſt part of which lay in the City of London, and the ſame Leaſes many of them were nigh expiring about the time of the late dreadful Fire.

Thoſe other Charities, which were Summs of Money,In regard many of them were Summs of Money, left them to pay yearly Charities. given by ſeveral Benefactors unto this Company, (there to remain as a Fund,) who charged this Company on that account with yearly payments to certain Pariſhes, Places, and Uſes, well nigh as much as the full Intereſt thereof amounted to, or very ſmall advantage to the Company, over and above the ſame, ſo that the Company were neceſſitated to diſpoſe of thoſe Summs of Money at Intereſt; on the beſt Securities they could get,Which being put out on Securities, many proved bad. to enable them to make good thoſe yearly Charities; many of which Securities might in all probability become very backwards in payment, and ſometimes quite Deſperate; ſo that the Company having daily Money preſſed upon them, were inforced to accept the ſame at Intereſt, and thereout continued conſtant payment of thoſe yearly Summs; and alſo to accommodate Young Men of their Members with Money, on Security, to ſet up, purſuant to the Wills of ſeveral Donors of that kind, (whereof they had not a few Benefactors,) ſo that in time, by occaſion of many Loſſes and Caſualties of this Nature,And ſo loſs accrewed to them. it cannot be imagined but the Company muſt ſuſtain much damage, notwithſtanding all their Care and Endeavours, though they were not in the leaſt ſenſible thereof, till they had long after, under greater preſſure, tryed their Securities, their Credit being very High, and in great Reputation.

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 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.

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.

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 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, 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 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.

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 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 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 to

This to be underſtood in the Apoſtle's ſence, not otherwiſe.