THE SPEECH OF SR Richard Ford Knight, and Alderman of London: MADE AT GUILDHALL TO THE Liveries of the several COMPANIES of that CITY, on Michaelmass day, 1670.  
Upon their Election of Him to be LORD MAYOR of the same CITY for the Year ensuing.  
Taken in Shorthand Writing by a Person then present.  
LONDON, Printed for N. B. 1670.   

THE SPEECH OF Sir RICHARD FORD Knight, and Alderman of LONDON: Made at Guildhall to the Liveries of the several Companies, etc.  
GENTLEMEN,  
IF I should tell you, that this Election of me to this great Office was to me very much unexpected, I should tell you nothing but a very great Truth, and (if you believe that) than you will easily apprehend, that the Work of this day hath put me to a great surprise; therefore you cannot reasonably expect that I should entertain you, either with a long, or well concocted discourse; I know according to custom (and custom prescribed by book) I am (to do that which I own to be my Duty too, that is) to give you thanks, which I do with all my heart, and that to every individual person; and first to those that have had the charity for me, as to think me in some degree capable for the manage of this great Trust; and for those that had the charity to have prevented me from an Office of so great burden, they shall not go away without a share of my thanks, I do also thank them; and I shall be very heartily glad, that this little beginning of Union of you in my Thanks, may be the introduction to a perfect reconciliation of all those unhappy differences which have of late so much distracted both the Councils and Actions among all the degrees of Citizens.  
You have been pleased to call me to an Office, the burden of which I always apprehended (even in the most peaceable Times, and greatest Union of the Hearts of the Citizens) did require a person of the greatest abilities that ever this City bred, but I tremble to think what an insupportable Burden (and how impossible) it will be for you and me to render our Duties either to God, the King, or this great City, unless it please God to make up those breaches and animosities, which Gods just judgements (for our sins) have lately laid upon us; I do readily submit to the Call of God by you, and will endeavour by my Councils and Actings, to leave you at the latter end of my Year, in a more perfect Knot of Unity.  
I am more conscious to myself of my own weakness, than to be an Undertaker; and I would not put myself under a promise, of which I have not a very near prospect of abilities to perform; and therefore I shall not promise you much of myself, only thus much I do, in the presence of God, engage myself, That in the Execution of this Office, I shall endeavour so to comport myself, as that I may prove an Instrument of Peace amongst all the Citizens of London, as far as I can; and I shall neither sharpen the edge of the Sword (when it comes to my hand) to chastise any man beyond the intention of the Law, for any disrespect that I may have for his person, or his Principles; nor blunt the edge of it, for fear or favour of any of His Majesty's Subjects; and by the Grace of God (as far as he shall enable me) I shall in all things endeavour, to perform my Duty to God, the King, and this City, and in that, give you a real Thanks for the honour of this day.  
FINIS.