TO THE Right Honourable the Parliament, and the council of State of England.  
The most Humble Expression of Sir Balthazar Gerbier, concerning his Integrity and zeal to this State and Nation; and the account he desires to give thereof:  
WHEREAS the thoughts of men are only known to God, and men only to judge by words and actions; As it imports to all States that men should not offend by words or deeds; So it imports to know their intentions, especially in unsettled times, that there wants no men who mind but mischief; who also make it their work to traduce all such as run not their course; Which being a known Truth, justly moves the said Sir Balthazar Gerbier, to declare, first, that it was a true zeal towards this Nation, which moved him to come to it, in the year 1616 (from Zealand his Native Country, belonging to the state's general) and to apply himself during the best part of so many years since to the public service; he never to his knowledge by Word or Action, said or did any thing, that might or could contradict the truth of that zeal by him professed.  
Secondly, That as soon as he perceived this Nation to be threatened with disturbances, he (by the intercession of the Prince Elector Palatine, the than King being at York) became an humble Suitor for leave to retire, and to return beyond the Seas, resolving then to abandon all Court entertainments, and employments, that could have argued in him a disposition, contradicting what he had so long professed; and so preferred the keeping entire and spotless his Integrity before all other worldly considerations in general, as in particular, the recovery of all such sums of money as he hath disbursed during his Residency abroad, for the service of the State, and at home in his charge of Master of Ceremonies, for which he had gotten some Tallies struck upon Bishops, which were stopped soon after that it was told at Court, he ceased not to pay assessments, and which was the cause also that Sir Clement Cotterell being at Oxford, was instantly invested in his charge, though it was settled upon the said Sir Balthazar Gerbier, during life, by Patent under the then great seal of England, first as adjoin to his Predecessor Sir John Finet, and since his decease in quality of Sole Master of Ceremonies.  
Which could not be taken from him, except he had merited that which was most unjustly and injuriously told to his face, (by the Instigation of the Lord Cottington) that he had deserved to be hanged by his legs, for having named those who did betray this State. The Interest whereof, being the cause of what he then did, was ever so dear unto him as it shall ever be preferred by him beyond all that may concern his particular, as in that of his Office of Master of Ceremonies, during life, he shall never complain against the State, that it was, during his absence settled upon a Gentleman, who for his service in quality of public Minister hath well deserved; and who having all the necessary qualities, is so fit for the execution thereof.  
Thirdly, that during his seven years' absence, he hath not only continued to contribute to the maintenance of the Army by due payments of assessments, and all kind of taxations, (though himself deprived of all Employments). But publicly professed to wish the preservation of this State, against all foreign and Inland Enemies, with the same zeal and integrity of mind as he hath proceeded with, during his former twelve years constant Residency in the Court of Brussels, whence he did as diligently as possibly he could, advertise the State of all the treacheries intended and acted against the same, as he did divers times represent to the late King, that his Neighbours would never consider his power, except it was seasoned with an harmonious concordance of Parliaments, of which truth the said Sir Balthazar Gerbier, appeals to his journals which the State doth possess.  
But his fidelity to the State proved to him his utter ruin, so great then being the resentments of those who were offended; that in obedience to the Parliament he named those who advertised the public ministers of State in foreign Courts, especially those of Rome and Spain, of all the secrets of this State, and who did cross and overthrow divers of the most important affairs wherein the honour and greatness of this Nation was concerned. Fourthly  
That his late re passing the seas hither with his family was on the same grounds he first came to this State whence he departed without standing in need of any quietus est, having that of his own conscience, the free score whereon he was again moved to present himself, and to offer to give such a full account of all his actions as should be thought fit, besides the explaining of all such expedients contained in several of his papers, both written and Printed, and as were sent first by himself to the right Honourable Master Speaker, since the year 1646, and by M. Reni Augier this state's resident at Paris (to whom the said Sir Balthazar Gerbier shall always appeal, as to an infallible witness of his zeal, affection & fidelity to this State) By which expedients (whenput in practice) the revenue of the State may be augmented by two or three hundred thousand pound per an. & this with notable advantage & applause of the people, as may prove the present use of one of them, by him so long since proposed, which having been observed by the late Dr. Dorisla, hath also by some active person been presented to the Parliam. under the notion of an Office of general Remembrances of matters of Record, which when settled, and practised as it ought to be, may render to the State more than forty thousand pound per annum.  
And finally the ground of the said Sir B. Gerbier his coming over to be for the erecting of an Academy, on all such Principles and orders as are mentioned in his Treatises heretofore presented to divers Members of this honourable Court of Parliament, and of the council of State, and in the following leaves.  
For the performance whereof he in his own person (& in those of his own family) undertakes, as also to prove his said design to tend to the glory of God, the honour of the Nation, the improvement of all lovers of virtue, and the breeding of youth therein.   

TO ALL FATHERS OF Noble Families, AND Lovers of virtue.  
SIR Balthazar Gerbier Knight, the Author of the Academy at bednal Greene near London, wherein the honour of the Nation, the general satisfaction of all Fathers of Families, and the improvement of all men that are Lovers of Languages, Sciences, and all Noble Exercises is concerned, having, during his being conversant with foreign Nations, and his Residency among them, in service of the State observed both the advantages which Fathers of Families, and all Lovers of virtue procure to themselves by public Academies, as also the inconveniences whereunto many of those that travel, are subject; hath also fixed on this most Noble, and most necessary design (how great and laborious soever it may prove to him and his) to apply all his time, his cares, labours, faculties, and all possible industry, as well in his own person, as by those that shall teach the Hebrew, Greek, Latin, French, Italian, Spanish, German, and Low Dutch, several sorts of Hands of excellent Writing both Ancient and modern Histories, jointly with the constitution and Government of the most famous Empires and States of the World, besides the true experimental natural Philosophy, as also what is most necessary and most Noble, of the mathematics, to wit, arithmetic; the true method of keeping Books of Account, by debtor and Creditor, as is practised in Italy, and other parts of Europe.  
Geometry, geography, cosmography, Perspective, and Architecture, as well for building, as for magnificent shows, and secret motion of Scenes, and the like. But above all, what is most excellent of practical, mathematics, whatsoever belongs to Fortifications, Besiedging and defending of places, fireworks, ordering of Battalioes, and marches of Armies, music playing of all sorts of Instruments, Dancing, Fencing, Riding the great horse, together with the new manner of Fighting on horseback, and if there be any Lovers of virtue, who have an inclination to Drawing, Painting, Limbning & Carving either for their curiosity, or to attain to a greater excellency in several of the forementioned Sciences (viz.) Architecture, Fortification, &c. they may have them as exactly taught as any of the other Sciences, and by a short method, which shall give them a full insight in the theorical part of the said Sciences and exercises, at the self same time that they shall be taught in the foreign Languages? whereunto shall serve several Treatises held forth by the said Sir Balthazar Gerbier in the Languages aforesaid; he being fully persuaded, that all such Fathers of Families as mind the improvement of their sons, will cheerfully and readily embrace what is now proffered unto them, and prefer the placing of their sons in the Academy, to their travelling abroad, not only in troubled times, but at any other hereafter, for when all is done, Parents do spend much for keeping of some of their sons abroad, when during the said chargeable time, they for the most part become acquainted only with Academists, and they return, leaving to those foreigners the honour of their education, when if they be taught before their travelling abroad, they will then in a short time make themselves known among the best of men, in the Court of Princes, and there lodge a glorious impression of the abilities of the Nation, every whit as able of Body and Mind, as any other can be.  
They will also, Travelling in a more mature age, be the more secured against those, who make it their practice to corrupt young men, & to infuse into them destructive Principles, to their Country, and to their Religion, which is so generally manifest, as no doubt both Germans, Polonians, Swedes, Danes and Flemings will soon resolve to travel towards these parts, and to this Academy, which will also redound to a particular glory to the Nation, both for the present and for the future, and make good that the present time fovoureth what is so noble, and so generally useful and commendable,  
All Lovers of virtue, Are therefore invited to this Academy, where they shall be received, well used, carefully and diligently instructed, without exception of age, as it shall be in the pleasure of every scholar in this Academy to select the prosecution of any of the Languages, Sciences and Exercises in particular according to his genius or affection, and accordingly lessen or increase his charge.  
The Master or Professors shall be engaged to read weekly the Wednesdays in the afternoon's public Lectures on Languages, Sciences, and Exercises gratis, both for strangers of civil conversation, as well as the Academists.  
The Master and Constitutor being chiefly positive, only in the regulation, for preventing idleness, and consequently viciousness in life, or manners, hoping that beginning and and ending every day, with Prayers and Thanksgiving intended, and filling the rest of the time with virtuous Exercise and Study, God will so bless their Endeavours, as that he may be the more glorified, and this Nation better served.  

Orders to be Observed by the scholars in this Academy.  
THe scholars are to be ready in Summer time, beginning from the twentieth day of the Month of March, to the twentieth day of October following, at six of the clock in the morning, and in Winter at 7.  
They are then to meet at public Prayers at the second ringing of the Bell, at eight to take their Breakfast.  
Thence to repair until eleven of the clock to their Study and Exercises, every one of them according to that which they do learn and practise.  
From eleven to noon, they are to recreate according to their inclination, except with Dice or Cards.  
At the ringing of the Bell about Noon, they are to repair to the Washing place for the washing of their hands, thence to the Dining room, ranging themselves, after grace said, as they are entered into the Academy.  
The Grace before and after dinner is to be said by the Reader, and in case of some accident, by the learnedest scholar.  
The grace being said, are to eat decently, using civil languages one to another.  
They shall speak at Table such of the Languages as they learn, and also have the liberty to speak their Mother tongue.  
Having Dined, and Grace being said, they are to hear a Chapter read.  
Being risen, they are to wash their hands again, and then apply themselves for half an hour, to the Regent or to his Deputy, to be instructed in points of good manners, or to be reformed of those faults as shall have been observed in them, as also to be put on honourable and profitable Meditations.  
They are to recreate until half an hour past two, and at the first ringing of the Bell, are to repair to their Studies or Exercises, and to continue at the same until five of the clock at night.  
They shall then recreate themselves until seven of the clock.  
At seven go to supper, and observe the same Orders prescribed for Dinner time.  
They are to meet again for Evening Prayers at nine of the clock in the Summer, and go to rest at ten precizely.  
In Winter at nine, having been at Prayers immediately after eight of the clock.  
They shall not swear, which if they do, they shall fast all day, or pay a shilling for the poor.  
They shall not speak any injurious word one to another under the same penalty,  
They shall not without consent go forth on any pretence whatsoever, not only during the days of their studies, but the Wednesdays and the Saturdays in the afternoon.  
They shall not admit any Visit during the times of their Studies, nor no Maidens to come to them at any other time, except such as shall visit the Academy in company of their Mother, and that are known to be their Sisters or Cousins.  
They shall not repair to any kind of Victualling Houses or Taverns, on pretence of entertainments of such friends as they shall be visited by, but present them with what is fit within doors, their Chambers, Orchards, or Gardens, and without any offence or impediment to the Academy.  
They shall keep themselves cleanly, and never appear otherwise to any Company,  
They shall Civilly salute those by whom they shall be visited and return them humble thanks for their visitation.  
They shall not question one another concerning Birth, nor Means, nor Profession.  
They shall by a zealous emulation strive to become pious, and by fearing God, make good their desire to attain unto wisdom.  
Making it their only joy to improve in the profession of true christianity, thereby to perfectionate all their endeavours, Labours and Studies in a Religious conclusion by an exact observation of the Sabbath, (and of their improvement in the service of God) whereof they are to give a public due account at the close of that day, in the presence of the Regent or his Deputy.  
And whereas possibly by reason of the late years' disturbances in this State, and the great alterations, and variety of the dispositions of men, The Academy in the receiving of scholars cannot well except against any Lovers of virtue that are minded to improve themselves, Nor suffer any scholar to bring in question or quarrel about any former passages of the Times, as to reproach one another, much less to meddle with any matter of State.  
All scholars or others belonging to the said academy, are to observe and keep this said Rule exactly, or else to depart, and lose the quarters pay by them advanced according to contract and custom.  
Balthazar Gerbier Knight.  
FINIS.