Memorials For the GOVERNMENT OF THE royal-burghs IN SCOTLAND. With some Overtures laid before the Nobility and Gentry of the several Shires in this Kingdom. AS ALSO, A Survey of the City of ABERDEEN, with the Epigrams of Arthur johnstoun Doctor of Medicine, upon some of our chief burgh's translated into English by I. B. By 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (Or,) A lover of the Public welfare. ABERDEEN, Printed by JOHN FORBES, Printer to the CITY and UNIVERSITY, 1685. By the Blessing of the Upright the City is exalted: but it is overturned by the mouth of the wicked. Prov. 11.11. When the Righteous are in Authority the people rejoice, but when the wicked beareth rule the people mourn. Prov. 29 2. When Themistocles was mocked by his companions that he was ignorant in some of the liberal Sciences. He answered, that he could not sing to the Harp, nor make use of the psaltry: but he could make a little Village, or a small Town a Great and Famous City. Plutarch on the life of Themistocles. Unto the Right Honourable, Sir GEORGE DRUMMOND of Milnab, Lord Provest. THOMAS ROBERTSON, Bailie. THOMAS HAMILTON, Bailie. ALEXANDER BRAND, Bailie. DAVID SPENSE, Bailie. CHARLES' MURRAY of Hadden Dean of Gilled, GEORGE DRUMMOND Thesaurer. And to the Rest of the Honourable Council of the City of EDINBURGH. RIGHT HONOURABLE, I being a person who (without vanity) may say, that Heaven hath blessed with so much of a Public Spirit, that I feel in my heart an inclination that would do good unto all men; but since my ability quadrats not with my desires, (that being GOD'S peculiar Privilege, whose Omnipotency can only equal his Will,) I must rest satisfied with the extent of my Cordial Good Wishes for the Welfare of all: from which Principle, (though I am not in a capacity to act,) I could not forbear to express somethings in these Memorials, whereby I humbly conceive, the Good and Welfare of the Burrows of this Kingdom may in some measure be advanced, if acceptably improven. It would be from a defect of Charity, if any apprehend I have wrote these out of conceit of my own ability, for I am not so fond of any Talon I have acquired, that if my earnestness to cast in my Mite into the Treasury for the Public Good, had not overbalanced the mean thoughts I have of any thing I can do of this nature, I should never have dared to present you with them. But now here they be, and such as they are I presume to lay before You, who are the Representatives of the Chiefest City of this Nation. It is your Discretion, your Zeal for the Publick-Good, your Christian Wisdom and Behaviour, your Righteousness and Piety, that influences not only the rest of the Burrows, but also most of the Subjects of this Kingdom. I am not ignorant how much I expose myself to the Critic Censures of many, in permitting the Publishing of this Tractat, considering the Politness and Learning of this Age, and my own Imperfections in undertaking such a Task: Yet if ye shall be pleased favourably to accept hereof, Charitably constructing my Zeal, and covering my Defects and Over-reachings, I need care the less what thoughts others have of me or it. And because it is frequent with many, to measure their Esteem of Books by the respect or disrespect that is had to the Author, I have therefore suppressed my Name, that it may neither be undervalved, or possibly by some overvalued upon my account: but that all may be left to consider what is said, then to inquire who said so. And how ever it be, it shall be the cry of my heart, that ye may acquit Yourselves in all Your Places and Administrations like Men and Christians, and that with Jehoshaphat Ye may prepare Your Hearts to seek the LORD. To whose Wisdom, Counsel and Direction, I commend You all, as becomes Right Honourable The cordial Wellwisher of the Prosperity of Your CITY, and to serve You in the LORD, PHILOPOLITEIUS. Epistle to the Reader. IT hath been a great question amongst the Ancients, what kind of Government was most conducible to the Happiness and Welfare of the Life of Men some preferring the Government of one Wise, Just and Discreet Man for making Laws, and commanding Obedience to all others, and this is called Monarchy simply: Others preferring the Government of many, who may perhaps disscerne better what is needful for the Public Good than one, according to that saying P●us vident oculi quam oculus. But forbearing to trouble any with the Opinions of Plato, Xenophon, Aristotle or Cicero, who have severally written Books concerning Civil Society, and wherein they have differed one from another; they having treated of these Governments, to which sovereignty and supreme Authority belonged. But the subject of this following Treatise being only of Ro●all-Burghs within this Kingdom, I think it the duty of all persons concerned therein to be thankful to GOD, that they live under the Power and Protection of a Potent MONARCH, who Governs according to the Laws made by Him and his Royall-Ancestors, with consent of the three Estates of this Kingdom, and preserves all the Privileges of His Subjects accordingly; so that by the foundamentall constitution of Government; we are under the best temper and composure of any Nation in the World And if we will be good Christians, good Subjects, and a virtuous happy People; we have the advantage of the best Laws of any Kingdom in Europe. As to the particular improvement of that Power, which every City in this Nation hath within itself to contribute to its own Happiness and Prosperity, I have taken the freedom to set down these few Memorials for the benefit of all, not out of any conceit of my ability for such an undertaking, (as I can truly say) but out of a desire to be useful according to my mean talon to Youngmen, who perhaps are not acquainted with such things, though these that have had experience are probably far beyond me in Knowledge and Parts. And seeing there are Books written for every Science, Art or Employment, from the highest to the lowest, I have fallen upon this Essay, if it were but to stir up some of more pregnant Parts and acute Engine then ever I laid claim to, whereby they might benefit their Native-Countrey, seeing the Government of burgh's within this Kingdom is a Subject that might very well beseem the exactest Pen, till which appear, let these concerned admit of this testimony of my respects, who am, A Cordial Wellwisher to all the Burrows of this Kingdom. PHILOPOLITEIUS. To the Author of these MEMORIALS. WEll may thou own to have a Public Spirit, And Philopoliteius named for it; And for this Book, the Royal-Burrows all May ratify thy Name, and thus thee call: Thy wholesome Counsels if practised be, Our Nation happy we shall shortly see. Our Burrows prosperous by Forraign-Trade, Our Country to make Famous: all made glade To see our Kingdoms-Glory every way Increase by Virtue: and what ever may Its Praise advance, which surely will not miss, If all our Rulers shall account of this. Then these Memorials shall esteemed be, And by our Cities kept in Memory. A Friend to the Author. Another to the AUTHOR of these MEMORIALS. HEre doth a Public Spirit breath, Tho by a private Pen, Both to provock and to incit Like minds in powerful Men: Moore to prefer the Public Good, And seek that to advance; Then Property or Interest Or Breeding, brought from France. And if Ambition laid some men To seek Renown and Praise, How much more should Religion then Above this Region raise? True Christian Virtue doth aspire; To Eternize their Fame Before the LORD, by doing so As He'll approve the same. A lover of the Public Good, Here is this Author's Name: Let all who read this Book, make choice Of this habitual frame. A Lover of the Author. The Contents or Index of the Memorials contained in this Treatise. CHAP. I. Anent the Diversity of burgh's. Viz. burgh's of Barony, Regality, and Burghs-Royal. Pag. 17 CHAP II. Anent Government in general and in special, and the advantages of the Burghs-Royall, by the Ingredients of the several sorts of Government. Pag. 19 CHAP. III. Of the Council and their Duties in general, and their two chief Ends they should aim at. Pag. 25. CHAP. IV Anent Religion and Holiness, wherein it consists not, and wherein it doth consist. Pag. 27. CHAP. V. Anent justice and Righteousness, and the Branches and Effects thereof in a City. Pag. 32. CHAP. VI Anent Sobriety and Moderation. Pag. 34. CHAP VII. Anent bearing down Ambition, and joining in Elections of Magistrates and Council. Pag. 38. CHAP VIII. Anent Sloth and Neglect in Rulers, and their public Administrations. Pag. 44. CHAP. IX. Anent Envy and Vainglory, being both enemies to Virtue. Pag. 55. CHAP X. Anent Love and Concord, as the surest foundation of a Kingdom, City or Commonwealth. Pag. 62. CHAP. XI. Anent Observation of Laws, both national and Municipal. Pag. 70. CHAP. XII. Some select Acts of Parliament, anent Royal-Burghs, the Conservator, & anent the Staple. Pag. 74. CHAP. XIII Concerning some Means in general, by which a Burgh may flourish Pag 88 CHAP. XIV. Concerning Merchandising. Pag 94. CHAP. XV. Concerning some general Overturs for improvement of Trade, mostly relating to the Chief Rulers of the Kingdom. Pag. 98. CHAP. XVI. Concerning Mechanick-Trades. Pag. 111 CHAP. XVII. Concerning Planting, both for Profit and Pleasure. Pag. 115. CHAP. XVIII. Concerning Charity, and care of the Poor. Pag. 120. CHAP. XIX Concerning Magistrates in General, and the Qualifications required in them. Pag. 125. CHAP. XX. Concerning the Duties & Office of the Provest Pag. 134. CHAP. XXI Concerning the Office and Duties of the Bailies Pag. 137. CHAP. XXII. Concerning the Office and Duty of the Dean of Gild. Pag. 140. CHAP. XXIII. Concerning the Office and Duty of the Towns-Thesaurer. Pag. 146. CHAP. XXIV. Concerning the Office and Duty of the Town-Clerk or Recorder. Pag. 148. CHAP. XXV. Concerning some Duties incumbent upon the Magistrates jointly. Pag. 151. CHAP. XXVI. Concerning justice of Peace Courts, to be holden within Burgh by the Magistrates thereof. Pag. 159. CHAP. XXVII. Concerning some Considerations laid before the Youth, in every City or Corporation. Pag. 165. CHAP. XXVIII. Directed to the Inhabitants, and Free●men of Cities. Pag. 176. CHAP. XXIX. Some Overtures, humbly offered to the Nobles and Gentry of the several Shires in Scotland. Pag. 182. MEMORIALS For the Government of royal-burghs in SCOTLAND. CHAP. I. Anent the Diversity of burgh's, Viz. burgh's of Barony, Regality, and BURGHS-ROYALL. IN the Kingdom of SCOTLAND, there are three sorts of burgh's, some are burgh's of Barony, some are burgh's of Regality, and some are Royal-Burghs. burgh's of Barony are such as the Barons hath full power to choice their Bailies. burgh's of Regality are such as the Lord of the Regality hath the full power to choice their Bailies; unless power be given them in their Infestments be him to their Commonalitie, to choice their own Bailies; whereof there are divers instances in the Kingdom. Some are Royal-Burghs, so called, because they hold immediately of the KING; and by their first Erections, have power to choice their Provest, Bailies and Council: and have the only Privilege of Forraign-Trade and Merchandising; and have their own Common-Lands holden of the KING, their Houses and Burrow-Lands holden in free Burgages of the KING, can enter an Heir to Tenements of Land within Burgh (brevi manu) without Service or Retour, and enter them thereto and give them Seizing by Hesp and Staple: and have many more Privileges conferred on them, (some of them being Sheriffs within themselves, as Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Striviling &c.) Having briefly set down the differences betwixt the three several sorts of burgh's My design relating only to Royal-Burghs, I shall set down first the manner of the Government thereof. 2dly Shall set down the nature of the Town-Councill, and the Duties incumbent unto them in reference to GOD, and the welfare of the City. 3dly. Shall set down the Qualifications of an able and fit Magistrate, upon whom a chief part of the prosperity and happiness of a Town depends. And then the particular Duties, relating to each of the several Magistrates in particular, and next of their Duties jointly together. CHAP. II. Anent Government in general and in special, and the Advantages of the BURGHS-ROYALL, by the Ingredients of the several sorts of Government. AS to the Government of our Cities and Towns, several Politic Writers have concluded, that a well mixed Government, made up of all estates and Ranks of Persons, is to be preferred, to any of the three sorts of Governments that hath been; or at this day is in use in Kingdoms Commonwealths or Cities as they are simply considered; as Democracie: which is, when the People, or mixed Multitude, have the Supreme Power in them, Magistrates are chosen by them, Laws are made by them, and that which is carried by the greater part, is esteemed to be the Judgement of the whole: Their great end is Liberty to live as they please, and do what they think fit; and this kind of Government degenerats often into confusion, and many gross abuses have been committed by it. Secondly, Aristocracy, which is, when a few persons have the Sovereign Power in them, and this often degenerats into Faction and Division. Thirdly, Simple Monarchy, when one person hath absolutely the whole Power in himself to make what Laws he will, and do whatsoever he thinks good, and this often degenerats into Tyranny. But as is said, a well mixed Government, made up wisely of all Estates and Ranks of persons, is preferred before any of these. Such is the Government of this our Ancient Kingdom, and in some respect, our Cities are mostly so constitute; for since a Commonwealth or City, consists of several Degrees of men of different conditions and employments, some Merchants some considerable Heritors that live upon their Rents, some Tradesmen and Handicrafts, the want of which, would make a great defect in a Commonwealth, all the Members are useful, and make but one Body, that as 1. Cor. 12.21, 22. The Eye cannot say to the Hand I have no need of thee: nor again, the Head to the Feet I have no need of you: nay much more these Members of the Body, which seem to be more feeble are necessary. It cannot then but agree with reason, that every estate and condition of men, should have their own share in the manadgement of these things, according to their proportions and interests in the whole. We have matter to bless GOD, for the equal and just constitution of Government not only of the whole kingdom (which of itself is as good as any in the World,) but also for that well tempered mixture, granted to us by our KINGS, & left unto us of our Worthy Ancestors, which is in our Cities, and more particular Commonwealths, being thus. Our Town-Councills is chosen out of the whole Citizens and Burgesses of the Burgh, the Citie-Roll being read at every Election of Council, that if Aristotle were alive, he would not censure us as he did the Government and Laws of the Grecians, given by Minos and Radamanthus: for their Cosmi or Magistrates were not chosen out of all the People, but out of some few of every Tribe; though they did pretend that all their Laws were made by Jupiter's advyce: and for this, the most of the Grecian Republics did imitate them, particularly Lycurgus the Lacedaemonian, there being a large List drawn up of all amongst us, where is set down every one whom any person of the Present Council desires or nominats: then they choose the prefixed number, that are appointed to be New Counselors for the ensuing Year: Next they choose out of their own number, who have been ruling the Year preceding, so many as are by the Law appointed to continue, Ja. 3. P. 7. c. 57 And lastly, so many of the Deacons of the Trades, as should complete the number of the Council, all which being presently called and convened, they with the Old Council, and the whole Deacons of the Trades, (besides these Tradesmen that are on the Old and New Council) do elect of these that are chosen for Counselors for the Year to come, Provest, Bailies, and all other Office-bearers requisite. Thus brethren of Gilled, and Tradesmen, of which our Cities consists, have all their equal share in the Government of our Royal-Burrows. When any matter of more than ordinary Importance comes to be consulted of, if the Council find it meet, they call the former years' Council, and joins both in the Consultation and Determination and if it be a business of setting on of a Tax, or Levying of Money; whether for national, or Particular Use, or such like, the consent of the whole is called for in a public Head-Court convened by Authority of the Magistrates: for the Reasons of the said Tax, or Imposition is holden out to them, so that by this, it may be evident to the judicious, that we have the best Ingredients and Advantages of all the several sorts of Governments. Though some are Privileged to be Sheriffs within their Jurisdiction, and so have Power of Life and Death in some cases, yet we may look on ourselves as more happy in several respects, under the Government of the well constitute Monarchy we live in, then if Sovereign Power were in our own hands, as many free Cities and Commonwealths have. First, Because we are hereby fred from the fear of overthrow, oppression, or subjection to the lust of any proud or ambitious Neighbour, that perchance might have more Strength than we, being under the Fatherly Care and Protection of such a Powerful Monarch. When we look back upon the manifold dangers, that Famous and Renowned Cities have frequently been assaulted with in Elder times, or at present Beholds the many staggerings, and violent agitations, that free Towns have been surprised with in this our Age; by reason of the Power, Ambition, and Avarice of their Insidious Neighbours: we may bless GOD for our Peace and Security. Secondly, If any intestine jars may unhappily arise amongst Citizens, which may draw Parties to Factions, and great Animosities and Seditions; wherethrough not only the Names, Fames, and Estates of the Inhabitants might be in hazard: but the Lives, Liberties, and Interests of the Commonwealth might utterly be destroyed and subverted thereby. We have the Supreme Authority of this Kingdom, to prevent all these evils, and to crush them in the bud; whereby our Concord, Unity, and at least our Peace and Security is through God's blessing safer than the great Imperial City of Rome, when likely to have teared out her own bowels, by that unnatural War betwixt Sylla and Marius, which destroyed the chiefest and best of her Senators, and so many thousands of her own Citizens. The like apparent Fate, being wisely and seasonably prevented, (when that unhappy difference arose in Aberdeen, about the Year 1590., called the Common-Cause) by the Prudence and Authority of King JAMES the sixth, and the Interposition of the Convention of Burrows, who by the King's approbation, did determine the controversy, which before, through slaughter and blood, had drawn to that height, which if not timely adverted unto, might have brought with it destruction and desolation. Whereas, since the Government is so regulated, as is above showed, and established upon surer fundations then formerly; that through GOD'S Blessing thereupon, no such thing hath had any appearance since, not (we hope through Mercy) shall ever again. Next, though it would be pertinent to speak of the Magistrates, and their Qualifications, yet, I shall refer it till I intent to speak of their duties in particular, where, to hold out immediately before their Qualifications, will be more recent and proper, and therefore shall speak of the Council in general. CHAP. III. Of the COUNCIL and their Duties in general, and their two chief Ends they should aim at. A Council is a certain Assembly, lawfully chosen to give advyce to him, or them, that have the Power of Administration of Affairs within the Commonwealth. The Romans called the Counsellors Senators, for their ●ravity and Age, and sometimes they were ●●lled Fathers, from the care they had of the commonwealth, as Parents are careful to pro●●de and see for their Children, what they stand 〈◊〉 need of, or what their condition may re●●ire, Counsellors should do the same for the republic. They are custodes Legum, the keeper's of the Laws, and appeals are made to them ●●●m the Magistrates, when any person conceives ●●mself wronged by them, The Grecians, and the Romans for the most part, composed their Councils of old wise and expert Persons. It is a great prejudice to a City, to have persons chosen, more out of a design to strengthen a Faction; then for their worth and abilities especially when an Oath is taken by every Counsellor at his admission, to be a faithful Counsellor, in all, and every thing that concern the Commonwealth. In all Royal Burrows the Council Acts are th● Rules (for the most part) by which all th● Affairs are ordered, and according to whic● the Magistrates should walk in all their administrations, next to the public Laws of th● Nation. Wherefore, though the Magistra●● were never so well disposed, or qualified; cannot be but a great discouragement, and a● impediment to them, if the Council be not composed of Wise, Judicious, and Able Men: mu●● more, if they be wicked, or vicious, always opposing good things, discouraging the Godl●● and Virtuous, and strengthening the hands ●● the Wicked. I shall hold out something of the Councils Duty in common. It's their Duty, both a●● and every one, to propose to themselves, a●● seriously to mind two Great and Honorab●● Ends, wherein all their Consultations and A●● should terminat. viz. The Glory of GO● 2dly. The Good and Prosperity of the Cit●▪ ●●ese two Generals comprehend all the Particulars of their Duties, and they cannot be separated; for in Honouring of GOD, much of 〈◊〉 Happiness of the City consists: and in advancing the Happiness and Prosperity of the Ci●● there will redound Glory and Honour to ●OD. CHAP. IU. Anent RELIGION and HOLINESS, ●●erein it consists not, and wherein it ●●th consist. THere is no way, whereby GOD is more Honoured amongst men, then when they live according to the Rules of true Religion, as is holden forth in the Scriptures of Truth, and these are Plain, Spiritual, and Universal; according to ●●at place in Titus 2.11 12. For the Grace of ●OD that bringeth Salvation, hath appeared to ● men Teaching us that denying all ungodly●●●s and worldly lusts we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. This comprehends all true Religion, To wit, a turning from all evil, and a doing of all good. There are two things specially requisite in al● that would serve GOD aright, and worship acceptably, One is a serious conversion of the heart from all worldly lusts and ungodly corruptions. 2dly, A measure of a humble holy spiritual lively frame upon the heart: without the former, all Religious Duties are but acts of Hypocrisy, according to Micah 6.7. and though they would multiply their services and duties t● the uttermost bounds of human powers, it wer● to no purpose, if there be not a washing from filthiness, lusts, and unrighteousness; according to Isa. 1. from the 11. to 18. verse. So Isa. 66.1. to 6. verse. without which, any may see, how the LORD hates and despises all the services and acts of worship in his people▪ See this at length in Amos 5.21. etc. I hate and despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies, though ye offer me burned offerings, and your meat offerings, I will not accept them neither will regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts and so forth. But let judgement run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream etc. I mention this the rather, and these clear Scriptures, because it is a common fault amongst many Professors, to lay the stress of Religion and Holiness upon the bare observation of Ordinances and outward Duties; though the ●●ide, greed, and vanity of the hearts, and in ● word, the spirit of conformity to the fashions ●f this world, remains and is in the dominion ●ith many of them, contrary to Rom. 12.2. See Psal. 51.16, 17. There are Sacrifices ●hich GOD cares not for, and there are that ●hich he regards: A pure heart, and a brocken ●●ontrite spirit, are the most acceptable sacrifices to ●OD. A pure mind is the best service of GOD ●●e most religious Worship of GOD, is to ●●llow and imitate him, and the way to Honour ●OD is not to be evil, says Senec. Lauct. Merc. Trism. Yet I would not in this be so understood, as ●● I were crying down all outward duties, seeing ● is their abuse my testimony is only against. ●nd therefore, my 2 d. requisite I speak of, was ●hat they ought to be performed with a measure ●f a Humble, Holy, Spiritual, and lively ●rame of Heart; without which, Duties are ●ut dead, and will be as abominable in the ●●ght of the LORD, as if they under the Law, ●ad brought a dead carcase of a beast, to offer ●p in Sacrifice before the LORD. But not to insist further in this, I shall set ●own a Testimony or two, of a Judicious and ●earned Man, concerning true Religion. Peter ●harron in his second book of Wisdom, Cap. 5. concerning Religion, sayeth thus. That of so many divers Religions, and manners of serving GOD, which are in the World or may be, they seem to be the most noble, and to ha●● greatest appearance of Truth, which without gre●● corporal, and external service, draw the soul in itself, and raise it by pure contemplation to admire and adore the great and infinite Majesty ● the first cause of all things, and the essence of essence without any great declaration or determination thereof; or prescription of his service, but acknowledging it indefinitely to be goodness, perfection, and infirmness wholly incomprehensible, and not to be know●. Again, (sayeth he) Religion consisteth in t●● knowledge of GOD, and of ourselves, (for it a relative action betwixt both,) the office thereo● is to extol GOD to the uttermost of our power, a●● to beat down man as low as may be, as if he w● utterly lost; and afterwards, to furnish himself wi●● means to rise again, to make him feel his misery and his nothingness, to the end he may put his wh●● confidence in GOD alone. Again, (sayeth he● The office of Religion, is to join us to the Author a●● principal cause of all good, and to reunite man, a●● fasten him to his first cause, and to his root; where●● so long as he continueth firm and settled he prefers himself in his own perfection; and contrariwise when he is separated, he instantly fainteth a●● languisheth. Next, as to Religion, all in Authority a●● to evidence their zeal for the LORD, i● bearing down all open scandalous Vices, a●● Drunkenness, Whoredom, Cursing and Swearing, ●hest, Oppression, Bloodshed, Cheating, and all injuries that are not consistent with the good ● Civil Societies: And on this account he is the ●inister of GOD, and is not to bear the Sword ● vain. Rom. 13.1, 2 3 etc. Next, he is to honour true Religion in his ●wn personal walk, in all his private or public acts: he is to show himself exemplary, and ● guard and watch against any scandalous fail●ngs; for as one says, Magistratus ubi enim de●nqunt, longè majus exemplo quam culpa peccare vi●ntur, Minores namque omnes eorum vestigia se●uuntur, vixque se errare putant, cum ejusdem cri●inis reum aliquem Senatorem ostendunt. That ●, When a Magistrate doth transgress, they ●em to sin more by their example then fault; or all their inferiors follow their footsteps and ●arce imagine they err, when they can hold ●ut a Ruler guilty of the same crime. Pat. ●inensis Instit. Reipub. Lib. 3. Tit. 3. And as he would wish to be honoured of GOD ●o be an instrument of good in his place he ●ust make conscience to look up to GOd, ●nd wait upon him for his blessing in all his ●ndertakings. Prov. 3.6. If we acknowledge ●e LORD in all our ways, he will direct our ●aths. And without this waiting on the LORD or his blessing, how can any expect to prosper ● their undertake and consultations. The forecited Author, says in that same place. Ib● nunquam res humanae prospere succedunt, ubi ne●gliguntur divinae. There human matters never succeed well, where divine are neglected. And he adds, Tit. 4. Let the Council be diligently careful, that what ever is done in the Senate, they may have GOD for their Author, whose favour being obtained, by the Sacrifices of spiritual Prayer nothing can succeed ill, nor fall out wrong in th● Commonwealth. When a Popish Prelate goe● thus far in this matter, Professors of Truth should much more depend upon GOD, and acknowledge him, having many promises annexed to the Duty, as jerem 29.12 13. Zach. 13.9. Psal. 10.17. Philip. 4.6.7. Prov 15.8, 29. joh. 16.23. Thus for the duty of Holiness, which is the● first branch of Religion. CHAP. V. Anent justice and Righteousness, and the Branches and Effects thereof in a City. City's that would honour GOD aright, would study in all things to be Just and Righteous. This Righteousness and Justice of all the blessings o● Civil Society is the greatest: for ●t lays the foundation of Civil Society, and without it there could be no Civil Society, or Corporation whatsoever: yea, without it, all ●he duties of Holiness and Religion will prove ●o be but Formality and Hypocrisy: according to Amos 5.21, 22. The property of this Divine Virtue, is to do wrong to none, and ●s the Civilists desyne Justice, it is to render ●o every one their due. To those that have ●eserved well, thanks, praise and reward; ●nd to offenders, rebuke and punishment. It is very notable duty, and a branch of this virtue, to keep promises, pactions, ●nd covenants; and all such engagements; ●nd that not only with Citizens or Strangers with whom we have to do, but also with our Enemies. There can be no base imputation ●pon these who have the charge of the Commonwealth, then to break promises and engagements, which reproach can never be obliterated by any progress of time, as we read of the Carthaginians, whom Ennius called Covenant breakers, which was the chief cause of the overthrow of that Famous City, which had so long contended with Rome for the Empire of the World. Cicero calls this fidelity, a constancy of words and Counsels, that all ●e done which are promised. Let these therefore, who have charge of a City embrace Righteousness, from which, neither fear nor favour, hope nor promises, nor any other allurement ought to di●ve●t them. Let this Righteousness appear in all concernments, both public and private weights and measures, in guarding against oppression of any, doing wrong to none encouraging and defending the just and virtuous, and punishing the unjust and vicious. From this Virtue, (when carefully made conscience of,) their will spring forth many more, which will contribute much for the good of an Corporation. As Innocence, Freindshipe, Concord, Kindly Love, Thankfulness, Courteousness, Gentleness, all which are Ornaments of the best Citizens. The Righteous LORD loveth Righteousness Psal. 11.7. And Blessings are upon the hea● of the just. Prov. 10 6. The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: The righteousness o● the upright shall deliver them: And to him that soweth righteousness, shall be a sure reward Prov. 11.5.6.18. CHAP. VI Anent Sobriety and Moderation. THe third thing that most immediately relates to the Honour of GOD, is a Christian Sobriety and Moderation, whereby all pride inordinate passion or hastiness, excess of meeat drink and vanity of apparel will be evited. Pride and self-conceit hath occasioned many evils both in Church and State: But I shall say as the Apostle said, Rom. 12 3. For I say through the grace given to me, to every man that is amongst you, not to think of himself more highly nor he ought to think, but to think soberly, according as GOd hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. This Virtue will not permit any rash course to be taken, but will make men carry themselves moderately; both in Prosperity and Adversity. This will not let Rulers imperiously Command, as through passion or hastiness to abuse the Citizens, and to encroach upon their just liberties and privileges; but wisely and moderately persuade and exhort where that can take effect, and to do nothing by force; because power is in their hands, which is very unsuitable, yea most detestable in a free City, and amongst a free people, unless inevitable necessity require it. This will not permit a Magistrate to be elated or lifted up in his mind, but will suppress that vanity and ostentation that many are subject to. Valerius Publicola was most imitable in this: That when the people of Rome had expelled their Kings, and they with the Senate had conferred the supreme Authority upon him; yet he used it most soberly and modestly, and of his own accord, assumed Spurius Lucretius for his Colleague, and because he was a man of a greater age, caused transferr the Rods or magistratical Ensigns on him. By the exercise of this Virtue, all excess in meat and drink will be eschewed, and all vanity or prodigality in apparel evited and kerbed; and here I cannot but mention the commendable Laws made by Zaleucus to the Locrenses, to this purpose. Amongst many good Laws for that Commonwealth to bear down the pride of women, He appointed that no woman whatsoever should wear Gold, or any precious or costly Garments; unless they did publicly profess themselves Whores: nor that men should wear Gold-Rings, or Milesian-Garments, unless they should be looked upon as Whoremasters or Adulterers: whereby Diodorus says, through fear of reproach and shame, he did most wisely curb all excess and superfluity, which are amongst the Vices that wrong a City or Commonwealth. If there were more of this Virtue in Cities, there would not be such unlimited deboarding in rich and costly Apparel; that there is nothing the most Noble in the Land can wear, but Citizen's Wives and Daughters, yea sometimes of the meaner quality must have it, if they can reach it. It were very suitable to the Wisdom of a grave Senate; by Penal Laws, to restrain these excesses which neither GOD'S Law, nor Conscience can bear down. It's sad to see, when divers Acts of Parliament have been made to restrain this excess, and yet, that Magistrates and Councils should let them perish, through their slackness and want of Zeal to the Public Good. The best fruits of this Prodigality in a City, is to uphold and increase Pride, Emulation, Lust, and to diminish particular men's Estates; which should relieve and uphold the Commonwealth under incident Burdens. It were more praise worthy, if the expense made upon costly Apparel, (beyond what might serve a comely and due decency) were bestowed upon Gardens and Orchyards, in and about each Town, which would be more useful for the health, life and pleasure of Mankind; and would be comely Ornaments to a City, and yield in time good profit. I would have all Christian Women minding that command, 1. Pet. 3.3, 4, 5. Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning, of plaiting the hair, or wearing of gold, or putting on of apparel: but let it be the hidden man of the heart, which is not corruptible even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of GOD of great price. For after this manner of old time, the holy Women also who trusted in GOD adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands. In this was the bravery of holy Women in old times, who desired to be in more esteem with GOD then with men. And thus I have spoken a little to these three particulars, whereby men may most grorify GOD, and which more immediately tendeth thereunto. CHAP. VII. Anent bearing down Ambition, and joining in Elections of Magistrates and Council. HAving in the third Chapter, proposed what were the two great and Honourable Ends which the Council should aim at, to wit, GOD'S Glory, and the City's Welfare and Prosperity; and having spoke at some length concerning these Duties which relate most immediately to the Glory of GOD, in recomending Holiness, Righteousness and Sobriety: I come now to ●peak of these Duties which more ●mmediat●y concern the good and prosperity of the City, and first I shall speak of some evils which ●re very proper for a Council to consider; the prevention or reformation whereof may tend ●o the good of the whole Body, as the abuse hath often times hazarded the prosperity of a Commonwealth. One is, that it is a very concerning business for a Senate to consider and use all means that may crush ambition, bribing or unlawful suteing for places of Magistracy, which is called by the Latins, crimen ambitus; and in some Cities their forty years bygone being termed Joining By this Factions are made, heart-burnings kindled, discords multiplied, malice and wrath fostered, pride nourished, and the best and worthiest depressed, when the emptiest and worthless are advanced, the good of the public neglected, yea many times overturned, if not destroyed: As may be seen in the example of Sylla and Marius, Pompey and Cesar, through whose ambition and inordinate desire, to have all the Government in their Persons, Rome lost a greater number of Citizens, than she did by the propagation of her Empire over the world, and though we who live under Monarchical Government, are not in such hazard to ruin ourselves, that Parties and Factions dare come to that height, as these Cities that had Sovereign Power, and none above them to overaw them; yet sure I am, great are the prejudices and decays these ambitious and factious persons bring upon a City, for whatever one person speaks or does, whether it be according to reason or not, the other does always oppose it. It is reported of Themistocles betwixt whom and Aristides there was a great emulation and hatred, they two being the most Famous and Worthy Persons in Athens; yet always opposed each other, so that the Senate at a time rising without any thing concluded by reason of their janglings, Themistocles cried out, Unless ye throw him and me into the Dungeon, the Athenian Commonwealth can never prosper nor be safe. In a word, by this many works of the Devil are carried on, and the Spirit of GOD greatly grieved and provoked. All these sad effects would be carefully cured by removing the cause, which is this Joining. I think it will be below the Spirit of an Ingenious Man, to abase himself to these reproachful ways, that many ambitious persons falls upon for putting themselves into Offices of Magistracy in Towns, and for strengthening their Factions whereby they may rule as they list, and bear down their Competitors. ● know not with what Faith they can ex●ect direction from GOD, or strength from ●im under difficulties, or success in their undertaking or consultations for the Commonwealth, seeing they did not wait for his call; but did run unsent, whereas one that never had a hand in his own Election, but only by the esteem and good opinion that the Erectors had of him, is called to place or office of Trust; he may look on it in some measure as a call from GOD, and confidently seek wisdom, direction and success from him in all his undertake, and may expect strength and furnitur for cutbearing of him at all occasions accordingly. Now this Ambition and joining work is for the most part carried on with the inferior sort of people, that have hand in Elections as some Deacons of Trades. I desire not that I should be so understood, as meaning by all Deacons of Trades in general, for I doubt not but many amongst them are discreet, virtuous and sober men, that will not comply with any design prejudicial to the public welfare of their respective Towns: for these who are greatest sticklers for strengthening of Factions and promoting of themselves, finds themselves concerned to invite these to Taverns, and keep meetings at drink and collations at unseasonable hours, whereby to work upon the minds of these men, to gain their votes and secure their designs, without considering that by such means any naughty person may be gotten easily preferred to the most deserving, that cannot comply with these ways or the humours of such men. Even as it fell out with Pub. Scipio Nasica, (to whom the Senate of Rome for his many notable services to the Commonwealth, had given the Title of A brave and most Excellent Man,) when he was upon the list to be Aedilis, or Master of the Public Works or Houses, taking an labouring man by the hand, which he found very hard, (as hardy Craftsmen uses to be) asked in jest, whether he walked on his hands or feet? which the Tradesman taking so ill, many being round about him, it went presently through all, and was the cause of an repulse to that excellent man, because they thought he mocked them. Yea, was not Paulus Aemilius often repulsed, because he would not join: And was not that brave Fabius Maximus repulsed, and Terentius Varro preferred to be Consul by the votes of the Vulgar, (though he was none of the Patricii or Nobility, but come of the Plebeian sort,) and had thereby almost ruined and lost the whole Estate of Rome, and the City itself, after the Famous Battle of Cannae, lost by his temerity and folly. Wherefore it were a work worthy not only of the Councils of particular burgh's, but of the grave and judicious Meeting of the Convention of the whole Burrows, to take away so far as can be, this bitter root which hath troubled the burgh's of these Kingdoms so long with so many sad fruits. The Romans made Laws against it, other Cities to cure it, did choose their Senators and Councils by Lot, as Florence and Sienna, which often proves dangerous. The Venetians mix Lots and Elections together unto this day, of purpose to bear down Ambition, whereby great Concord is preserved, and their State hath flourished wonderfully, having stood above eleven hundred Years. And if the Zeal of these Wise and Potent Cities for the preservation of their Civil Liberties be such, in the care they take in their Elections, though these things amongst us be of so far less importance, even beyond all comparison; yet Christians in their Sphere though never so low, aught to be no less careful to bear down Sin, and to be tender of the Honour of GOD, which suffers not a little often times by these things. Wherefore, I must recommend it to be thought upon in an effectual way, being confident, the KING, Parliament and Council, will be ever ready to ratify what may be in this for the Honour of GOD, and the good of such a part of the body of the Kingdom. CHAP. VIII. Anent Sloth and Neglect in Rulers, and their public Administrations. THe next evil a careful Senate and faithful Rulers should beware of, both in themselves and others, of whom they have the charge, as they would wish matters go well, is Neglect and Sloth. It's too common a fault amongst many in public trust, they look more to the Dignity than Duty of their Charge; but a person whom GOD hath called will make conscience of their Employment, and mind their business, and study a faithful discharge of their Duty. 2. Chron. 19.3. It's said, that King Jehosophat prepared his heart to seek GOD, which is as much as to say, he seriously bethought himself, how he might most advance the Honour of GOD, in that high station the LORD had placed him in, and we have excellent fruits of that seriousness, mentioned 2. Chron. 17.6, 7, 8. And 2. Chron. 19.4. and to the end of that Chapter. 2. Where this Sloth and Neglect hath place, there is no good minded nor acted, even although men be of great and pregnant Parts, otherwise, whereas careful and diligent Persons, though they may be far short of that quickness and abilities which others have, yet may do more good, and to better purpose prosecute their business, than they from whom more might be expected. It's reported that the Famous and most Eloquent Orator Demosthenes, had no great promptness or natural parts, but only by Pains and Industry, became to outstirpt all in Greece; yet when provoked, he would speak nothing immediately, till he had premediated in his Nocturnal Lucubrations what he was to say: which occasioned Pythius an Athenian Orator to say, That Demosthenes Orations did smell of a lamp. Also, when expediency would require, that he should speak for himself ex tempore, Demades behoved to plead for him, who was very prompt, and did excel all others in an extemporanean discourse, being by Nature and Engine far above all others in Athens, though by pains and industry Demosthenes did far outstrip them all. It falls often out, that painful and diligent men will do far more, than many that are of much greater natural Parts; for care and diligence will supply what is wanting in Nature and Engine: on the contrare, these o● sharpest Wits, trusting to the strength of their Parts; oftentimes are slothful and lazy while they remain too confident in their Gifts of Nature. 3. My meaning is not here to condemn seasonable and suitable divertisement, for I know the nature of man is such, that his Spirit cannot always keep upon bend, except it debilitate and loss its vigour and activity; for Nature itself craves refreshment by sleep in the night, after the travel in the day; so the Earth ceaseth to bring forth her Herbs and Fruits at all Seasons, but being spared be the cold nipping frosts of Winter, returns with new strength to shut forth her tender buds in the Spring. It's reported in Ecclesiastical History, that when some persons came to see John the Apostle, through the Fame they heard of his Holiness and Gravity, they found him feeding a Bird, who perceiving they wondered some what at him, as being disappointed of their expectation, takes the Bows which were in their hands, and asks them why they did not always keep them bended? They answered it would weaken them much, and render them more unfit for service when they should have use for them: even so said the Apostle, must I take some divertisement, else my Spirits should fail. 4. Augustus Caesar having changed Capri for the Island of Inarime with the Neapolitans, that he might retire thither for his health, did build there a glorious PALACE, which he made use of for honest recreations when wearied with business. Recreations are not only lawful but expedient, yea sometimes necessary, but when men are too much in them, and at unseasonable times, they are sinful and very unbeseeming any, but especially public persons; for then not only is time lost, but oft times needful and weighty business neglected, justice delayed, the poor and oppressed not relieved. Even as Tiberius abused that Island exceedingly, which Augustus did use soberly, for he went thither to befool himself thorough sordid neglect and sloth, and when he was to depart from Rome, set out an Edict that none should call for him, and sent some of his Train before, that all who in his journey thither were like to meet him, might be put out of the way and no person to come to him; that being entered this Isle, he might lay all care of the Empire aside: whereby he permitted Armenia to be taken by the Parthians, Mysia by the Dacianes and Sarmatianes', and France by the Germans, with great disgrace and hazard of the whole Empire. He in the mean time taking liberty through the secrecy of the place, which was guarded on every side with high Rocks, and no entry thereto but a narrow shore, did abundantly and freely discover the ill dissembled vices of his mind: And with Pomponius Flaccus, L. Piso spent both days and nights in feasting and drinking. To the One he gave the Province of Syria; to the Other, the Government of the City of Rome, calling these his most jovial Friends and Companions for all seasons. His greatest delight of that Isle was, that there he could execute his cruelty more easily, (wherein he took singular pleasure) for whom ever he did hate, after most exquisite and long torments, he caused throw them into the Sea. It's sad when the lawful recreations of some, are turned into such excess by others, that they become their shameful snares and sins. 5. Demetrius' King of Macedon, in the beginning of his Reign, was exceedingly given to sluggishness, and delighted only in solitary idleness, that it was very hard and difficult to get access to him, which was the more recented by his Subjects, that King Philip had been so accessible, that any might have got audience from him at all times. It fell out that an old woman finding the King not busy, requested him to hear her graciously: The King replied somewhat passionately, that he had not leisure to hear her, but she fastening her eyes cried out, that he should not be a King if he irked to hear: Demetrius considering and becoming more mild, gave her audience at great length, and did her business and sent her away with very affable words; and after he had pondered the words of the old woman, he changed his way and became very accessible and gracious to all that made address to him, so that a great part of the day he spent in hearing and giving answers; not without great profit and delight. 6. By all this, I would desire a due diligence in all Affairs, with that seriousness that becomes, not excluding seasonable and moderate divertisement, which will rather whet then blunt the Rational Faculties for their proper exercises. And that neither Magistrate nor Council may satisfy themselves with the name of their charge, nor with the form of their appointed diets and meetings: but labour to consider the particular affairs of the Town, and of their respective Charges and to consider of every good and laudable Motion that concerneth the same, and not think it sufficient to approve the same in words, or with a verbal consent; but so to entertain it, and prosecute all these public concernments, as not only to stop the mouth of any that may challenge them of neglect; but fully to have the answer of a good Conscience towards GOD, before whom they have lifted up their hands to be faithful in their charges and employments. 7. And here I judge it not unfit to offer it to consideration, that as this is a Duty of persons in public trust to mind their own Administrations; so it were worthy of a Judicious Senate, that would advert to every thing commendable in a Commonwealth, to study all ways and means to check the idleness and negligence of all within their Corporation: especially of the Youth, whose spirits being naturally in the greatest heat, and consequently fittest for action, would be carefully kept at virtuous Employments, which by the Favour of GOD may greatly conduce to the good of the City, and preservation thereof in its prosperity; otherways if Idleness get liberty, all the activity of their Spirits will vent itself in Vice, which is not only their personal ruin, but the decay of the whole Body in a short progress of time. 8. Homer the Famous Grecian Poet, when he would mock and jeer Idlesit and Lazines, he brings in the Cyclops, or Ancient Giants who pass their whole time in Idleness, and esteems it their chiefest happiness to be doing nothing, he allots Lands to them that neither needs ploughing nor sowing, but all fruits grow there naturally of their own accord, by which they are plentifully fed: and lest they should be troubled with the meanest thought, he commits all care to the Woman. His Verses are rendered in Latin to this purpose. Omnia per seize nullo nascuntur Aratro, Non Fora, non causas agitant non sancta Senatus Jura, said in celsis habitantes montibus antra Et puer, & magnis de rebus judicat uxor. Englished thus. All things grow of themselves without the pleugh, They plead no causes nor in Courts do sue, Regarding not the Senate's sacred Laws, But in high hills they dwell and dungeon caves: They to their wife and children do commit To judge of weighty things, as they think fit. This kind of Idlesit is most hateful, because it is to be esteemed the greatest enemy to Virtue, and opposes every commendable Art and Calling: and because it abhores the meanest care, therefore it's called by the Ancients Incuria, and by the Grecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is without care. I would have all (especially of the meanest rank) to hate Idlesit, because it hath three evil Companions attending it, Reproach, Poverty and Famine, which are three exceeding fierce destroying beasts. 9 But though I was saying something in the former Chapter against unlawful hunting after places and preferment, I cannot but take occasion from this, to show such a fair way to satisfy their desires, and for this let them take notice of the word: Prov. 22.29. Seest thou a man diligent in his business, he shall stand before KINGS, he shall not stand before mean men. Here a promise of Honour and Preferment to the careful and the diligent, and this is a commendable and most lawful way of seeking preferment, if when a man from a right Principle out of Conscience of Duty, studies a sedulous carefulness and diligence in all he is called to go about. Upon the contrare, Idleness, Sloth and Laziness is threatened with difficulty vexation and pain. Prov. 15.19. The way of the slothful man is an hedge of thorns. So Prov. 13.4. The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing. Prov. 21.35. The desire of the slothful killeth him, for his hands refuse to labour. See Eccles. 10.18. Prov. 24.30.31. I wish all persons both in private and public employments may seriously mind these threatenings, relating to this common guiltiness of Idleness and Neglect. 10. But for the encouragement of any who are grieved for their Sloth, and aversation from Pains, Industry and Virtue; I shall give them two or three instances, that may raise their hopes and preserve them from utter despondency, and sinking under this burden: But I must say it were a ground of good hope, if such as have been usless in their generation, either through a natural sluggishness of Spirit, or depraved manners, frequenting loose and dissolute company, that they were so far come to themselves as is said of the Prodigal, Luke 15.17. To reflect upon their Folly and Sloth, and thereby become weighted with it, so as not only to desire, as Prov. 21.17. but seriously and effectually to resolve, to set a work after Duty with all their might: To such I will set before them these instances. 11. We read of Manlius Torquatus, son to Lucius Torquatus, (a most brave and excellent Roman,) that he was of such a blunt and blockish nature, that his Father did appoint him to live remotly in the Country as being unfit for either private or public business; yet notwithstanding, a little after being wearied with his sluggish disposition, he so bestirred himself, that he relieved his father (being found guilty) from the hazard of the Law, and by the War and Victory he had over the Latins, he obtained a Triumph with the great applause and consent of the whole people. What greater corruption could appear, then in Fabius Maximus in his Youth, but when he came to riper Years, there was nothing wanting in him that could be for completing the gallantest of men; to whom the Surname of Allobrogis was given, in honour of the Victory obtained over the Gaulis or Frenches by his particular care and conduct, which Surname never wore out of his Posterity. Neither is that passage concerning famous Themistocles to be passed over in silence, whose profligat and abominable-Life was so despaired of, that his Mother did hang herself for grief, yet afterward coming to more years, he attained to such excellency, that the most Eloquent Cicero stood not to call him the Prince of Greece, and not unworthily, seeing he gathered the distressed Forces of Greece, when Xerxes with his innumerable Navy began to burn Athens and other Towns, and became the Valiant Avenger of his Country, and compelled that King whom the Seas seemed not sufficient to bear, to return with trembling into his own Country in a small fishing boat. O that such may be the fruits of many that have long stood as barren Plants in their Generation! Let all that are sensibly touched with a deep impression of their unfruitfulness and usless life, improve by Faith and Prayer, that refreshing Promise, Psalm. 92.12, 13, 14. The righteous shall flourish like the palmtree: he shall grow like the cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the LORD, shall flourish in the courts of our GOD. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age: they shall be fat, and flourishing. Now the LORD is faithful, And his truth endureth for ever. Psal. 117.2. CHAP. IX. Anent Envy and Vainglory, being both Enemies to Virtue. IN the next place, I would have Counselors and Citizens watching against Envy, whereby a man grieves at his Neighbours Good, Prosperity and Success, and rejoices at his hurt; or when any cross event befalls him. If the good of the Commonwealth were sincerely aimed at, it would be the joy of all the Members that the Body were well. If any were blest to be an instrument of good to the Public, every Ingenious Person that hath a Public Spirit would rejoice therein, and esteem more of the person, and give all the Glory to GOD the chief Author thereof: and would be far from that venomous disposition, to detract, misconstruct, defame or look with an envious eye upon such as did deserve better from all. 2. This evil of Envy rages most against the best deserving, and therefore the more hateful. If any one be blessed to be an instrument of good, and because thereof, be commended by some according to demerit, this stirs up Envy in others, and occasions detraction and misconstruction of the best deeds or endeavours, contrare to the rule of Love, 1. Cor. 13.4 5. Charity envieth not, thinketh no evil. 3. Envy hath brought ruin to many Famous Cities and Persons. It was the misery of Athens, that could never endure to see one Citizen become more Famous and Deserving beyond his fellow Citizens, but either he was killed, banished, forefaulted of his Estate, or otherwise tempted to put hand in himself. It was Envy that was the death of that moral and most strike Philosopher Socrates, whom, when his Wife Xantippe (though a most perverse Woman, and had been a daily Trial to the Good man, yet,) when she saw the Executioner reaching the Cup of Poison, which he was sentenced to drink, cried out, That he was an innocent man that was now to die. Socrates' answered, What? thinks thou it better I should die guilty? What may be said of other Famous Athenians, whose Glorious Actions both in Peace and War, at home and abroad, did not honour them with the Glory of Trophies or Triumphs, but procured the Punishment of an miserable Exile. Themistocles after he had beat Xerxes in a Sea-Fight, and had delivered his Country and all Greece from the Command and tyranny of the Barbarians, behoved to yield to Envy. He is rewarded with ten Years Banishment, and the best excuse the Athenians could put upon it, was that they might bear down his Spirit, lest otherwise by Power and Glory, he might be lifted up and transgress the bounds of that popular equality that was fit: yea, they permitted Tymocreon a Rhodian Poet to defame him in Verse, and to accuse him of Covetousness, Unjustice, Wickedness and Perjury. 5. Aristides who by Virtue and the Glory of his Actions was most Honourable, and through his Zeal to Justice, was surnamed Just; was ejected and banished out of his Country, though he had preserved, enlarged it, and with so great Honour made it Famous. When he was going out of the Town, he lift up his hands to Heaven, not with imprecations against his Citizens, but prayed to the most High GOD, that all things hereafter might befall the Athenians so happily and successfully, that there might be no more occasion to remember Aristides. Examples might be multiplied, to show how Envy hath depressed many excellent Men, and rendered them uncapable to do their Country or Commonwealth service. 6. But because this is the thing that envious ones most desire, I shall mind them of some scriptural instances, that may deter them from so base a Vice. Let such consider, that Envy is a disease that torments themselves, more than it can do the person whom they envy; Therefore Antisthenes said, that as rust eats iron, so does envy the person that envieth. Solomon says, Its rottenness of the bones. Prov. 14.30. So David, Psal. 112.10. speaking of the envy of the Wicked to the Righteous, says, They shall gnash with the teeth and melt away. job. 5.2. Envy slays the silly one. 7. It was Envy that made Corah, Dathan and Abiram provoke the LORD, to cause the Earth open her mouth and swallow them up. So Psal. 106.16. compared with Num. 16.30, 31. verses. Envy was the first rise of the ruin of Pharaoh and the Egyptians, Exod. 1.9. Behold the People of the Children of Israel are more and mightier than we. GOD who is Love itself, and takes pleasure to do good, and also in the welfare of all his people, cannot endure Envy; wherefore, if we would approve ourselves to be of one Spirit with Him, we would not envy the Honour, Esteem, Riches or any Virtue which others do happily procure, but when ever Providence should bless any, to be instrumental of public Good, we take the Obligation as our own, thinking ourselves bound to recent it as done to ourselves. 8. But because naturally the Spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to Envy: james 5.5. all persons would need to watch against Vainglory and Vaunting, as they would wish to be fred from Envy, for nothing provokes others more to Envy, than the vanity of boasting of their Virtues, Worth, and of any Good they have done. It's good to keep an equality and carry soberly, not permitting ourselves to be blown up with any wind of vain Conceit or Applause from others, nor to hunt after it. Many Heathens have given eminent Examples of Moderation in shunning all causes of Envy, some have removed themselves from their Native Country of purpose to eschew the Envy of their Citizens; others have refused Rewards for their most Notable Services. As Pittacus Mytelaeneus, who was holden for one of the seven Wise Men of Greece, for when he had fred his Country from Tyranny, and had killed Phrynon the Athenian General in a singular Combat, when the Supreme Command of the Commonwealth was offered to him he refused it, and when his Countrymen offered him great and large Lands, he requested that they would not give him what many would envy, and many more covet: Wherefore of all these (says he) I will have no more, but so much as may declare the moderation of my Spirit, and be testimony of your Good Will towards me; for lesser Gifts and Rewards are of greater duration, and great things are scarce thought a man's own. I might add many more Instances of the like Sobriety and Moderation in great Persons from several Histories, & particularly from the Famous and ever to be Honoured Commonwealth of Venice, where it may be observed, that there was very little personal Ambition, or Affection of airy Applause, for all they contended was for the Good of their Native Country, and Wealth and Honour thereof; for they would not admit of Sumptuous Tombs, nor Magnific Statues, nor the Warlike Ensigns of their Glorious Victories to be set up as the lasting Monuments of their Virtuous Achievements: but to give one of the many of such instances, Caspar Conterenus that Noble Venetian, in the description of the Venetian Commonwealth, shows for proof of this, that Andreas Contarenus Duke of Venice dying shortly after that most remarkable Overthrow he had given the Genoaves, prohibited by his Latter-Will that no Ensigns or ducal Coat of Arms, neither his own proper Escotcheon or Name should be engraven on his Tomb, that no person might know where such a Worthy and Well Deserving Person was interred. This and the like, may check the airy and vain Spirits that hunt after the vain applause of the World. 9 The Apostle gives an excellent Direction, (which all that have a right esteem of Gospel Rules will walk by,) Philip. 2.3. Let nothing be done through strife, or vain glory, but in lowlyness of mind, let each esteem other better than himself. Again, Gal. 5.26. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provocking one another, envying one another. 10. As for Avarice which is a most dangerous and destructive evil to a Commonwealth, when it gets place in the hearts of Rulers, it's so gross a Vice in public Persons, and I having never seen, nor known any prejudice done by any in power within the City I live in, to the common Treasury or damnage thereof: I shall not insist on it, GOD Himself having by Jethro given it as a special Qualification of all that should be in Authority, that they should be men Hating Covetousness, Exod. 18.21. Thus having touched at some special Evils very prejudicial to a City, I shall in the next place, fall to speak somewhat of the particulars, which the Town-Councill should be careful to cherish, for promoving the good and welfare of their Corporation. CHAP. X. Anent Love and Concord, as the surest foundation of a Kingdom, City or Commonwealth. THe foundation of all Kingdoms, Commonwealths, Cities, Societies and Families, is LOVE and CONCORD; for as our Lord said, Mat. 12.25. Every Kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every City or House divided against itself shall not stand. This may alone suffice to discover the absolute necessity o● Concord and sweet Harmony in a City and Commonwealth, therefore have I chosen to lay i● down in the first place, as the only and sur● foundation of a happy and prosperous City. For what is the Origen of a City or Civil Society but an harmonious Concord and Agreement to live together for mutual Aid and Assistanc● in all common Concernments: and when thi● common and necessary principle is forgotten and every one minds mostly his own things, with the utter neglect of the common-Good; it may be said, that People and Place are going to ruin. And in no Age since the World was, can any instance be given, where such a City or People did prosper; multitudes of instances may be given where it was the dismal presage of an inevitable destruction, and that of the most famous and magnificent Cities in the World. To forbear the many miserable effects, which at first view are obvious to any judicious beholder, where this Virtue is wanting, I shall instance but this one Evil, which is an inevitable consequent thereof, and it is this; Every motion that can be made for the public Good, though with demonstration of never so much advantage, if it but cross the particular interest of any Party or Person, yea, because it proceedeth from such a person or party, it is forthwith opposed, crushed and utterly hushed down by these concerned; and all their Wit, Power and Moyen laid out for that end: Whereas, ●f there be Love and Harmonious Concord amongst ●he Inhabitants, all will join as one-man, to promote every Motion that may further the Public Good. 2. Wherefore, I judge it a chief Duty lying upon all in Charge, or that have any Place ●r Authority in a Commonwealth to lay themselves out in the pursuit of so great a Benefit: and seeing this is so necessary and conducible for the good of a Corporation, I shall propose these few means that may contribute for the attainment and preservation thereof when attained. 3. In the first place, let there be care taken that all Ranks of Persons have their due Liberties and Privileges preserved, according to the Rules and Constitutions of the Commonwealth; for encroachments upon these have caused great agitations, yea many alterations in the Governments of Cities, and sometimes have hazarded the ruin thereof; from this General I shall instance some Particulars. 4. Let the People beware, first of encroaching upon the Privileges of the Council and Magistrates, which cannot be done without Mutinies and seditious Meetings, and the most effectual way to prevent this. Secondly, That the Magistrates and Council be very tender of the Privileges and Liberties of the People, to do nothing against them by force or oppression. Hence it was that the People of Rome rose up against the Decem-viri, when they perceived them to exercise Tyranny and Oppression under the covert of Authority: Therefore, by sedition and slaughter they were thrust out, and a new Government erected. So also the Thirty Praetors of Athens (whom Lysander the Lacedaemonian had set up, after they had with Poison and Sword destroyed many Famous Worthy Men) were destroyed and overturned by Thrasibulus, which Socrates that Divine Philosopher foretold before he drank that deadly Poisonous Cup at their Decree. Therefore, Magistrates would rather moderate their Power by Authority, then bend and strain it up to the height. Thus wisely Theopompus did bow the Royal Authority amongst the Lacedæmonians to a certain mediocrity, and was the first setter up of the Epheris from amongst the Common People, (like the Tribune's amongst the Romans) and when he was Taxed by his Wife, as in scorn: Thinks thou not shame (said she) that thou leaves thy Son with less Royal Authority and Power, than thou got from thy Ancestors. He answered wisely, O Woman! I do not leave them less, but a far more strong and lasting Authority. Magistrates would be mild and sober, as well as severe, as in Wisdom and Prudence the several caises may call for. 5. Let not 3dly the brethren of Gilled encroach upon the just Liberties of the Trades, which I think were rather to be enlarged for the encouragement of Virtue, then peremptorily to be hemmed in: where there can be but small prejudice thereby to the brethren of Gilled, and yet great benefit to them. By this the Trades might be engaged to consent more freely and cordially to all good Overtures, that might advance the Public Interest of the Town; therefore, any Favour may be allowed them with Public Consent, that may not tend to set them up in a stated Faction and thereby make a rent in the Body, but all things which may evidence the good Respects of the Town to them, and encourage them in their Trades to be virtuous and diligent, ought freely and kindly to be condescended to 4 lie. On the other hand, the Trades ought not to envy the Privileges of the Brethren of Gilled, but each should be subservient in their places to another, neither of them seeking to Remove the ancient Landmark which their Fathers have set, Prov 22.28. 6. In the second place, let due care be taken to suppress Factions and all factious Persons, which hath a direct tendency to Discords, Hatreds Emulations and many such like bad Vices; if this Evil were seriously laid to heart, all the means that Wisdom and Prudence could help men to fall upon, would be employed and improven to bear down this, of which I have spoke somewhat in the seventh Chapter, and therefore shall forbear it now. 7. In the third place, let Justice be duly administered to all without respect of persons with out feed or favour; according to 2. Chron. 19.6, 7 I but name this, & for brevity's sake forbear, having mentioned it at more length in the 5. Chap. 8. Let fourthly, all the Inhabitants study a loving, discreet and respectful carriage to one another, according to their Rank in the fear of the LORD, and discountenance and bear Testimony against all miscarriages that may cross Love and Concord, and let all live in a courteous and peaceable Disposition; and if there be any mistakes, which may readily fall in amongst Neighbours, let every one according to their Relation and Place study to clear it, and reconcile all disagreeing Parties, and look upon these that are apt to kindle discords and prejudices amongst Citizens, (under what ever pretence) to be unworthy to live in civil Society. If we be bound to offices of Love to Enemies, Exodus 23 45, how much more to our Neighbours and fellow Citizens. This would be very lovely both in the sight of GOD and Man, according to Psalm 133.1. &c throughout. O how good and pleasant it is to see brethren to dwell together in Unity, etc. 9 For begetting and maintaining this desirable Blessing of Love and Concord in a City and Commonwealth. Fifthly, it would be very conducible to have Societies, Fellowships and Fraternities set up in a Town, and they to have frequent Meetings for conference about such Affairs as are most pertinent to their Societies, and for this end, it were good there were commodious public Houses for their respective Meetings, with ways set down and settled for all Accommodations convenient, (whereby meetings in Taverns might be evited, where there is oftentimes too much Money lavished, and the Creatures too much abused, and much time misspent,) where, with much sobriety and mutual assistance they might with due moderation argue and debate about improvement of Traffic in Merchandise, and advancing of Trades and Arts, and propose Overtures, and set down ways for the same, as need should require, to call for the Aid, Assistance and Authority of the Magistrates and Council, and in all these Meetings, care should be taken that no motion might be heard, much less entertained, that did tend to division, just irritation or offence to any within the Commonwealth; but let all have one eye to the Glory of GOD, their own Good, and the Prosperity and Advantage of the whole Incorporation. Bodinus in his third book of his Reipublick, and seventh chapter towards the end, shows several Advantages of these Meetings and Societies in Countries and Provinces, and particularly in the Province of Languedock in France, what great and good things they did, which I shall refer to the reader to peruse, but generally, there is much good to be done to the whole Town when they are discreetly and well ordered. By them, all abuses may come to be rectified, and what is defective supplied; and in a word, much reformation attained, and advantages improven for the good of every Party and Members of the Body, and much Love, Harmony and Concord attained and mantained among all the Inhabitants. 10. It were good 6 lie. and very expedient, that the Inhabitants could come to that degree of Freedom and Brotherly Kindness, as cheerfully to entertain each other at Table, (my meaning is not by Feasting, or in any extraordinary way, which might tend rather to a prejudice then increase of Love and Friendship; but that neighbours might be so free and friendly together as to both give and take a part of any homely fare as occasion did offer.) Cicero called the Table, Parens & Nutrix Amicitiae, The Parent and Nurse of Friendship. Lycurgus caused the Lacedæmonians eat all together at Public Tables, and upon the Common Charges. The Christians in the Primitive times, (when Love was most remarkable) had their Love Feasts, and all these were but to nourish and entertain so noble and necessary a Grace, as Love and sweet Concord is. 11. By this Blessing of Love and Concord, how jointly all should join together in every Overture and motion made for the advantage of the Public, and good of the whole Body, (that as Prov. 24.26. Every man should kiss the lips of him that gave a good advice,) though it were with some apparent prejudice to our own particular, if it were for a far greater good to the Public. 12. By this we should make the Motto of all the Burrowes be most deservedly called BON-ACCORD, and that upon all commendable and Praise Worthy accounts, that it should be a delight to all to live together, a good example and refreshment to strangers that should see our Love, and if we did entertain this Peace within our Walls, the LORD would add that inseparable Blessing with it, Prosperity should be in our Palaces, Psal. 122.7. And for my part it shall be my Prayer, as verse 8. For my Brethren and Companions sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee, and I will seek thy good. CHAP. XI. Anent Observation of Laws, both national and Municipal. THere are two sorts of Laws that our Cities are to observe, One is national Laws, which are made by the Supreme Authority, for the good of the whole Kingdom, these aught to be carefully observed, and if their be a neglect of them, we are liable to the Penalty contained in the Laws; and in so far as the Law is just and praise worthy in itself, and is through neglect, or (which is worse) wilfully slighted and transgressed; it leaves a stain of unjustice and baseness upon the guilty: Wherefore, it is not only the Reverence which we owe to Authority, but the Justice and Equity of the Laws that should engage all good Men to yield Obedience to the Statutes of the Nation. 2. It may be asserted without prejudice to Truth, as these that are best acquaint with the Laws at home and abroad knows, there are few Nations (if any) that can be said to have better Laws than we of this Nation have had: so that if there should be found any neglect, it would be the default of care and diligence, yea of the fidelity of those to whom the execution of them is committed. The best remedy whereof, is to have good, able and conscientious Office-bearers. 3. Yet I shall not desire to be so understood, as if I thought it Duty implicitly to obey all Public Laws, for I know a State may err, and have erred as well as a Church; and therefore Parliaments have found cause to repeal and nullify many Acts and Laws made by former Parliaments, and in caise of error (which a man by his private Judgement of discretion may discern) it is sin to obey. For though the Authority be lawful, yet it may make wrong Acts, which according to the Law of GOD, (who is the only Supreme Lawgiver) cannot be lawfully keeped, upon this account Israel is threatened, Micah 6.16. For the statutes of Omri are kept and all the works of the house of Ahab, and ye walk in their counsels, that I should make thee a desolation, and the Inhabitants thereof an hissing: therefore ye shall bear the reproach of my people. In this case, I say when a Lawful Authority Acts unlawfully, our duty is to suffer rather than to sin. It is therefore the duty of all to pray earnestly for Lawgivers, that they might be Governed of GOD to make no Acts but what are good and observable, and what are sinful may be repealled. It is so far from being a duty to obey sinful ordinances, which are contrary to the Commandment of GOD, that it argues a people to have no sound Principle of the fear of GOD, but to have more fear and respect unto men that shall die, and to the sons of men that shall be made as grass; then to the living GOD, who hath streached forth the Heavens, and laid the foundations of the Earth. Isa. 51.12, 13. And GOD in his Righteous Judgement not only threatens, but oftentimes executs that threatening, Host 5.11. Ephraim is oppressed, and broken i● judgement: because he willingly walked after the commandment. It's no strange thing to see a people oppressed by those, whose sinful commands they have willingly obeyed. The other kind of Laws that are to be punctually observed, are Municipal, such as are made and enacted in Council, and if expediency require, Ratifyed in a Public Head Court, by consent of the whole Town: for Laws of greatest and most common concernment, are of greatest Authority, when approven by all or most of an Incorporation. It is a well Governed Town, where Laws bear the whole sway of the Authority, when neither feed nor favour, fear nor reward prevails, but all men are judged according to the Law impartially. Wherefore, I shall say no more to this purpose, but that it concerns all men in Council and Magistracy strictly to take notice, what national Laws are most to be observed, that may conduce most to the good of the Town, and Honour thereof, and carefully to see these put in execution. And as for Laws occasionally made be themselves, or by their Predecessors, for advancing of the Common Good, let them be observed with ●hat veneration, and executed with that discretion, as is most becoming their Honour ●nd Gravity. CHAP. XII. Some select Acts of Parliament, anent royal-burghs and the Conservator, and anent the Staple. BEcause Magistrates and Inhabitants of burgh's may probably not have the Acts of Parliament at hand, to make use of at all occasions, I have thought it not amiss, to extract out of the Abridgement of the Acts of Parliament, such as I judged most proper to be known by all, with this caution, that every discreet and intelligent Person may take heed to distinguish betwixt Times elder and latter. That in all burgh's there be eight or twelve Persons after the quantity of the Town, chosen of secret Council and sworn thereto to decide matters of wrong or un-law, to the avail of five or eight pounds, within eight day's warning. Ja, 2. P. 11. c. 46. That no man in Burgh be found in Man-rent, nor ride in Rowl, in fear of Weir with any but the KING and his Officiars, or the Lord of the Burgh; and that they purchase no Lordship in Oppression of their Neighbours under pain of Confiscation, and their lives to be in the KING'S will. Ja. 2. P. 14. c. 77. Ja. 4. P. 3. c. 34. and Ja. 5. P. 4. c. 27 That all Merchants be Freemen indwellers in burgh's. Ja. 3. P. 2. c. 11. That Officiars in burgh's be not continued further than a Year, that the Old-Councill first choice the New; and then both Old and New choice the Officiars: and that ilk Craft have Vot in Election of Officiars, by one to be chosen be the Craft yearly, and that no Captain, nor Constable of any Castle may bear Office in the Town. Ja. 3. P. 5. c. 30. In all burgh's four of the Old-Council should be chosen Yearly to sit with the New, notwithstanding the preceding Acts. Ja. 3. P. 7. c. 57 That the Election of Officiars of burgh's be without partiality or mastership. Ja. 3. P. 14. c. 108. That all Officiars in Burgh be changed yearly, and that they be persons useing Merchandise within the Burgh. Ja. 4. P. 6. c. 80. Honest and and substantious Burgesses, Merchants and In-dwellers thereof, under the pain of tinsel of their freedom who does in the contrare. Ja. 5. P. 4. c. 26. That none be capable of Magistracy, or any any other office within Burgh, except Merchants and actual Traffickers within the said Burgh allennarly, and no others. And that the said Magistrates and Commissioners of burgh's to Parliaments wear such decent Apparel in all solemn occasions as his MAJESTY shall prescribe. Ja 6. P. 20. c. 8. That the Commissioners of Burrowes conveen yearly in Ennerkeithing, the morn after St. James day, to treat about the welfare of Merchandise, and their own common profit, and the Burgh absent, to pay five pounds to the Coast of these present, and that letters be direct thereupon▪ Ja. 3. P. 14. c. 111. That all Ships, strangers and others come to free Burrowes, and there make their Merchandise, and that strangers buy no Fish but salted and barrelled, and shall make no Merchandise at the Lewes, and that no Subject take Ships to fraught in defraud o● the KING under the pain of tinsel of life and goods; and strangers contraveening, tyne Ship and goods. Ja. 4. P. 1. c. 3. This Act ratified, and further that none buy from the said strangers, but from Freemen, at the Ports of the said's Burrowes under the pain of escheat of their Movables: Q. Ma. P. 6. c. 59 But this Act is called, an Act anent liberty of Merchants at the West-Sea. And these Acts again ratified, and that strangers neither buy nor sell any Merchandise but at free Burrowes and with Freemen: and that none conduct, fraught, nor pilot any stranger to the Isles, under the pain of tinsel of Life, Lands and Goods. Ja. 6. P. 7. c. 120. That Strangers-Merchants lodge in the free Burrowes or Principal Towns of the Ports where they arrive, and that their Hosts give an account to the KING of their Goods inward and outward. Ja. 4. P. 4. c. 41. That the Common-Good of all Burrowes be spent for their Common Profit, by the advice of the Town Council, and Deacons of Crafts where they are: and that the Chamberlain inquire into this yearly, and that the Rents of Burrowes be not set but for three years allennarly, under pain of nullity. Ja. 4. P. 3. c. 36. Ratification of the Privileges of Burrowes, and that none dwell out of Burrowes, use Merchandise, nor tap, nor sell Wine, Wax, Silk, Spycerie, Wad, nor sicklike Stuff, nor Stapple-Goods, nor pack nor peil in Leith or other places outwith Burrowes, under the pain of escheat of the Goods. Ja. 4. P. 6. c. 84. That Commissars or Headmen of burgh's be warned to the giving of Taxes, as one of the three Estates. Ibid. c 88 That Magistrates of burgh's bring yearly to the Exchequer, their Count-Books of their Common Good, under the pain of tinsel of their freedom, and that fifteen days before, they warn all that pleases to come and object against their accounts. Ja. 5. P. 4. c. 26. That no Earl, Lord, Barron, nor others molest Burrowes, their Officiars or Merchants, in using their Liberties, under the pain of oppression. Ibid. c. 27. That no man pack nor peil Wool, Skin or Hide or loss nor laid outwith from burgh's and Privileges thereof. Ja. 5. P. 7. c. 107. Item, That no persons strangers or inhabitants within the Realm, pack or peil any hides or skins in the Isles out free burgh's, under the pain of tinsel of the said's hides or skins; and the Sheriffs and Over-lords of the Land where the same is done, are ordained to put the Act in execution. Ja. 6. P. 23. c. 12. He that tines the cause within Burgh payeth the winners expense. Ja. 5. P. 7. c. 110. And also, 12 pennies per pound to the poor. Ja. 6. P. 6. c. 92. That the Officiars of burgh's have the only power to punish Forstalers within the same, Ja 5. P. 7. c. 113. Renewed, but the power of accusing (because of the negligence of Burrowes) given also to the Thesaurer, or his MAJESTY'S Advocate. Ja. 6. P. 12. c. 148. That Burrowes have an universal Weight. Ja. 5. P. 7 c. 114. That the Officiars in burgh's search and apprehend all havers of false Money, or counterfitters of the KING'S Irons for coynzie. Ibid. c. 124. That Magistrates of burgh's cause Deacons, Craftsmen, and Ostlers, set and take reasonable prices for their Work and Victuals, or else deprive them of their Office and Privilege. Q. Ma. P. 5. c. 23. Ratification of the Privileges of Burrowes and Burgesses, and that Letters be directed upon their Privileges, and Acts of Parliament made thereupon, without calling any Party. Q. Ma. P. 6. c. 49. P. 9 c. 86. Ja. 6. P. 1. c. 26. P. 5. c. 64. P. 6. c. 85. And P. 19 c. 5. That all common high Gates to and from Free-Burrowes, and to and from Dry-Burrowes, from and to Seaports next adjacent, be kept and no stop made thereuntill, under the pain of Oppression. Q. Ma. P. 6. c. 53. Ratified, and ordaining such as shall stop or impede the same, to be charged summarily on six days before the Lords of Session, (as only Judges thereto appointed) to be discerned to have done wrong and to desist, and find caution for that effect, under such pains as shall be modified, half to the KING, half to the party grieved, and the probation to be by Famous Witnesses, and not by an assize. Ja. 6. P. 12. c. 156. Act in favours of Burrowes of the West, discharging unwarrantable exactions of Fishers in Lochfyne, or other Loches of the Isles; by bringing their Fishes within this Realm for serving the country allennarly, under the pain of oppression. Q. Ma. P. 6. c. 54. That none make privy Convention, put on Armour, display Banners, sound Trumpet or Talbron within Burgh, without the QUEEN or the Magistrates licence, under pain of death. Q. Ma. P. 9 c. 83. Ratified, and that none convocate or assemble within Burgh except they have licence of the Magistrates, and that they do nothing in their Meeting against the Acts of Parliament, and quiet of the Burgh, otherwise the said's Meetings are declared seditious. Item, All the Inhabitants are ordained to assist the Magistrates and their Officiars for suppressing of tumults, under the pain to be punished by the Magistrates and Council of the Burgh as fosterers of the said's tumults. Ja. 6. P. 18. c. 17. That the Burrowes may meet four times In the year, by a Commissioner for ilk Burgh, and two for Edinburgh, at what Burgh they please; for matters concerning their State. Ja. 6. P. 5 c. 64. Ratified, and that the Burgh not keeping the Convention when appointed by the most part, o● by the Burgh of Edinburgh, or any six or eight of the rest: and warned by a Missive from the Provest, and Bailies of the Burgh, where the Convention is to be held or otherwise lawfully cited; be fined in twenty Pounds towards the Charges of them that meet, and that on the Act of Convention, Letters of Horning and Poinding be summarily direct at the instance of the Burgh of Edinburgh for payment of this Fine. Ja. 6. P. 7. c. 119. That the Taxation of Burrowes be not altered, but stand as formerly; that is to say, that it be the sixth part allennarly of all general Taxations. Ja. 6. P. 11. c. 111. That no Free Burgh sell or annailzie their Freedom in whole or in part to any other Burgh, or any other ways; without licence of his HIGHNESS and three Estates of Parliament, under the pain of tinsel of Freedom of the Burgh, either buying or selling. Ibid. c. 112. Act ratifying all former Acts of new statuting, that none exercise Merchandise not being Free Burgesses, under the pain of escheat of their whole Movables, half to the KING, and half ●o the Burgh, whose Commissioner shall apprehend the same; but prejudice to Landed-men ●o have some Merchandise to their own use and behoof, providing they sell not the same again. Ja. 6. P. 12. c. 152. That all Inhabitants in burgh's, whether they ●e admitted Burgesses or not, exercising Traffic, or having change within the same, bear their part of all Taxes, Stents, Watchings, Wardings and all Duties and Services touching the KING or Burgh, without respect to any privilege granted, or to be granted, except that the KING may exeem one of ilk Craft for his own Service, and without prejudice to the members of the College of Justice. Ibid. c. 153. That there be three burgh's bigged, One in Kintyre, another in Lochaber, and a third in Lewes, with all Privileges of burgh's. Ja. 6. P. 15. c. 263. See the Act in the Highlands. That there be no exercise of Crafts in the Suburbs of Burrowes, but that the Magistrates and their Officiars may intromit with, and escheat all work wrought or working there, to whomsoever the materials may appertain. Ja. 6. P. 12. c. 154. And their two Acts ratified, extending the former to Free and Unfree, and having their Commodity within Burgh, and having no other dwelling, and bearing no other burden without the same. Ja. 6. P. 14. c. 225. But declared thus, that all residing within Burgh with their families, who may spend a hundred Pounds a Year, or are stented to be worth two thousand marks, be subject to burdens with the rest of the Inhabitants, exeeming and excepting ut supra. Ja 6. P. 15. c 275. That all unfree persons, not actual Burgesses of the Royal Burrowes where they dwell, and pays no Taxed nor Stint, desist and cease from using Merchandise, or any of the Liberties of the said's burgh's, under the pains statute against unfree Traffecters: and that Letters of Horning be thereon direct, charging the said unfree men to find caution to obey this Act, as also, upon the Decreets of the Convention of Burrowes, betwixt Burgh and Burgh, and Burgesses and Free Burrowes upon ten days. Ja. 6. P. 19 c. 6 That Letters of Horning, on a simple charge of ten days be direct on all Decreets of Acts of Burrowes, inter Concives, and others subject to their Jurisdiction, and the Officiars execution thereof given on fyfteen days. Ja. 6. P. 13. c. 177. That the Common Good of Burrowes after the yearly rowping and setting thereof, be yearly bestowed at the sight of the Magistrates and Council, to the doing of the Common Affairs thereof. Ibid. c. 181. That the Magistrates, at the instance of the Heritors, take summar cognition upon citation of the party, of the condition of Bands Lyferented within Burgh, and ordain the Liferenter to repair them within an Year; wherein if the Liferenter failzie, the Heritor may enter to the possession, upon security found to pay the Liferenter or Conjunctfier the mail the house may give the time of the cognition, and this extended to all burnt and waste lands. Ja. 6. P. 14 c. 226. That burgh's and their Stent-masters do only Stint persons according to their rents and holding within Burgh, but not according to their livings and rents lying without the same. Ja. 6. P. 15. c. 276. Ratification of all Privileges and Acts in favours of free Burrowes and Burgesses, and especially of the Acts of Ja. 3. P. 2. c. 11. Ja. 4. P. 6. c. 84. Ja. 6. P. 12. c. 151. And P. 19 c. 6. All here above declaring the Liberties contained in these Acts, to be only proper and competent to the free Royal-Burghs that have Vote in Parliament, and bear burden with the rest Car. 1. P. 1. c. 24. But this Act corrected, and it is ordained, that Freemen of Royall-Burrowes, and none else, may buy or sell in great or whole sale, Wine, Wax, Silk, Spyceries', and Wad, or other materials for dying; and that none may import or export the same, or import any other Commodities except as thi● Act allows, but prejudice to Noblemen, Prelates, Barons and others of their Privilege o● importing for their own use. But it is declared leasome to any Subject, or any who shal● buy from them, to export Corns of the growth of the Kingdom, all manner of cattle, Nolt● Sheep, and Horse; Coal, Salt, and Wool, Ski●▪ and Hides, and all other Native Commodities. And burgh's of Regality and Barony and other Burgesses and members of Societies, may export all their own Manufacture, and such Goods as they shall buy in Fairs and Markets; and all these Exporters may import for their return or fraught and hire of their Ships, Timber, Iron, Tarr, Soap, Lint, Lintseed, Hemp, Onions and necessaries for Tillage, or building for the use of their Manufactories and also may tax and retail all commodities whatsomever. And if any unfree-men shall be found to have any Goods to be bought or sold, exported or imported, contrary to this Statute, if within Burgh Royal, Suburbs or Pendicles thereof, than the Goods may be summarily seized upon as escheat, but if without, than they may be only arrested and pursued as escheat, half to the KING, and half to the Burgh-apprehender. But they may not only in this last call be summarily seized by way of fact by any Burgh, or any for them, under the pain of a riot. And all Acts and Ratifications contrary thereto are rescinded, and Letters of Horning are ordained to be direct on this Act at the instance of burgh's Royal. Car. 2 P. 2. Sess. 3. c. 5. That where houses are ruinous within Burgh by the space of three years, the Magistrates may warn these known to have interest therein of property or anuallrent personally, or at their dwelling houses, and them and all others at the Parish Kirk and Mercat Cross, and incaice of absence out of the Realm, at the Cross of Edinburgh, and Pier and Shoar of Lieth on sixty days, to repair them within year and day, or otherwise that They will repair them within the said space, or if none will buy, than the Magistrates may buy and rebuild them, and this right to be an unquestionable security to the builders. Car. 2. P. 1. Sess. 3. c. 6. That no Royal Burgh keep Mercats on Monday or Saturday. Car 2 P. 1. Sess. 3. c. 19 Burgesses and Indwellers in burgh's Royal may only arreast Strangers living without the Burgh for horse-meat or mans-meat, abvilziements or other Merchandise due to themselves originally, without Bond or security given thereof, otherwise the Magistrates may be pursued for wrongous' imprisonment. Car. 2. P. 2. Sess. 3. c. 5. Acts of Parliament anent the Conservator. THat the Conservator have jurisdiction to judge with six or at least four honest Merchants with him, betwixt Merchant and Merchant beyond Seas, and that no Merchant pursue another before any other Judge under the pain of five Pounds, and the parties expenses Ja. 4. P. 6. c. 81. That the Conservator come home yearly, or send a Procurator to answer for him, under pain of tinsel of his Office and of twenty pounds great to the KING. Ibid. c. 82. That the Conservator admit no Cocket except the Merchants, Skipper and Factors swear that they have no forbidden Goods, nor no lawful Goods besides what is in the Cocket; and that they know of none in the Ship pertaining to others, and that so far as they know, all the Goods pertain to Freemen: As also, that before the loadning of the Ship for her return, they swear that the Goods pertain to themselves, and not to Strangers; otherwise, the Conservator may arreast the Ship and Goods, at least all the Goods of the refuser. Ja. 6. P. 15. c. 257. The Conservator should put the Acts against Usury in execution upon all Scots Merchants, Skippers and Factors in the Low-countries, and count thereupon to the Thesaurer. Ibid. c. 259. Acts anent the Staple. THat an Incorporation be made of Scots in the Low-countries, and their Privileges, ordaining the Scots residing there, and pretending to the said's Privileges, to give their Oath of obedience to the KING and his Laws as if they were dwelling in Scotland, and that they pay for their entries ten pounds' Fleemish, and the persons refusers to be deprived of all benefit or commerce with his HIGHNESS' Liedges. Ja. 6. P. 6. c. 96. That no Ships passing to the Low-countries land any man's Goods but at Campvere, or the ordinary Staple, and that no person go on land, or take any thing out of the Ship until her arrival there, under the pain of ten pound Fleemish, and the Conservator should take the Merchants and Skippers Oaths thereanent. Ja. 6. P. 15. c. 258. That Merchants coming from the Low-countries, give to the Conservator an account of the quantity and quality of the Goods, under the pain of confiscation thereof, and that a subscribed Cocket thereof be sent home to the Thesaurer. Ibid. c. 260. CHAP. XIII. Concerning some Means in general, by which a Burgh may flourish. IT ought to be the care of a faithful Senate, and vigilant Rulers over a City and Commonwealth, seriously to consider, by what means a Town may most flourish, grow in Greatness, prosper in Riches, and increase in Numerous and Virtuous Inhabitants. I shall name some of these. 1. Religion was a mean whereby Jerusalem was not only made head of that Kingdom, but also greatest in all Asia, because all the Males behoved to appear there thrice a Year. There was the Temple of the LORD, there the High Priest and all solemn Oblations and Sacrifices, hence it was called the Holy City: but now there are no places that have any Holiness in them under the Gospel, Joh. 4.21, 22. For GOD may be Worshipped every where, and any where, if it be in Spirit and in Truth. I know not any Religious Concernment that might more greaten a City, nor be a more attractive motive for Strangers, that had any Principle ruling in them of the fear of GOD, than a Holy People. Isa. 4.3. and 60.21. When the Inhabitants of a City generally did walk so Christianly and so Sweetly together, according to Gospel Rules, that they might give evidence of the fullfilling these blessed Promises, Isa. 1.25 26. upon which account a Town might be justly termed a City of Righteousness, the Faithful City, this was a sure foundation of all true Prosperity and Greatness, therefore let all profane and ungodly persons be esteemed the chiefest enemies to a City's welfare and the Pious and truly Godly the chiefest Jewels and Blessing thereof. A 2 d. mean of making a Town flourish, is a diligent care to have Trade and Merchandise thriving by all due encouragement thereunto, and to endeavour (if possible) to have some distinct and particular Commodity to be exported or imported, that no other neighbour Town hath, or some useful Manufacture that is not in any other place of the Nati●●: or at least not so good or cheap. It we●● a desirable thing in Scotland to see every Town to improve their Situations, and soil their Rivers, loch's, Trades, Arts and Engines, and in a word their particular properties and advantages by industry, that each of them might be found to have some special and distinct commodity to vent, for their own great benefit and their Country's service. A 3 d. mean is to cherish Industry, and Arts and Handicrafts, See Botero on the greatness of Cities, Pag. 84. and to procure excellent Wits and Persons of eminent Qualifications for that end. 4 lie. The erecting and maintaining Schools of Learning, and Professors of all useful and commendable Sciences, which may draw the Youth of the Country to be bred in Cities and Towns in doing whereof, special care would be had that strict Laws and Orders might be set down for the good and quiet behaviour of the Students, and these duly execute by faithful Masters, and careful Magistrates, that Parents and Relations may send their Children thither in a measure of confidence and security, and so the Inhabitants be preserved in Peace. 5 lie. Inviting by immunities from Taxes and Tolls all that have any commodities to sell, to frequent Mercats and great Fairs within Burgh, which would need to be procured from the KING and Parliament for that end; by which a Town may have several advantages, though the Taxes were quited, at least very low. As Monthly Mercats in every great Town, for Horse and Oxen, by which the Country may be served at all seasons, and the Burgh be benifited by the change that the Country People should make. 6 lie. That all the Judicatories that may be had be set up within Burgh, whereby the Subjects may have occasion to make frequent resort to the Town. 7 lie. To endeavour to order well all necessaries for Food and Firing, and for keeping and maintaining Families within Burgh, that all Persons of Quality may be encouraged to buy and build Houses in Towns, which would undoubtedly contribute much for the Prospering of Trades and Arts in a Town by their change, and greatly enlarge the City. 8 lie. If there be any special Blessing of Nature in or near to the Town, that may be for pleasure or profit to Strangers, that the same may be published and set forth with the best advantages, for inviting the concourse of Strangers to the place; as the Waters of Bath in England, the Medicinal Wells and Fountain at Spa in Germany, and Orges in France; and that health giving Spring for Gravel, Gout, hydropsy and Colic at Aberdeen, being drunk (according to Dr. William Barclay his printed prescriptions) in the Summer-Moneths. Or if there be any notable or curious device invented, or illustrated by Art, which may adorn or ennoble a Town, the same will influence, and not a little concur to advance it. All these former means have been drawn from profit, it is to be considered, that pleasure hath been a special mean to draw Strangers to a City. And for this, 9 lie. Curious Gardens, fruitful Orchards, in, or about a City, especially when so so placed as may most beautify the Town, which may be no less profitable than pleasant, according to the saying, Omne tulit punctum qui miscuit utile dulci. I shall in the next place enlarge upon some of these in particular, in the fourth-Chapter I did treat of Religion at some length, and shall not therefore insist now, but regrate that Superstition hath served to greaten more Towns in many Kingdoms of the World, than the true fear of GOD; and that love that should be amongst Christians. Witness Rome, which is so much frequented upon the imagination of her pretended holy places, and false relics of Saints departed, and the supreme Authority of her Ecclesiastical Affairs, and her Judaic Jubilies, by which and many more such like Impostures, she hath made many Nations drunk with the Wine of her Fornications and Whoredoms, and thereby keeps herself in such greatness, till the LORD by pouring out the vials Rev. 16. burn and consume that seat of the Beast. Many other Cities and Towns are also greatly frequented upon superstitious Accounts by Strangers, as Loretto in Italy, S Michael in France, Compostella in Spain, and many other places although rough and almost inaccessible. But now when Light hath discovered these Antichristian-Delusions, I think we should study upon more Christian Accounts, to invite Strangers (as was said in the beginning of this Chapter) by being through divine Grace a holy People, living in the true fear of GOD, and in love to his holy Image, where ever it is to be seen by an holy and blameless Conversation. Though there be a difference in Judgement in most Cities now in Britain, let it be our care to love all Men, and seek thee good of every one if so be the LORD may bring them to the knowledge of Himself, and the acknowledgement of the Truth, and walk according to that rule, Phillip. 3.15 16. This as it is very suitable to Christian Charity, and that meekness and moderation that becometh the Gospel, so it is very conducible to the greatning of a City and Commonwealth. CHAP. XIV. Concerning Merchandising. HAving touched some General's necessary for the prosperity of a Town in the last Chapter, I come now to speak of some of them more particularly at some more length, and the first is Merchandising. Ruler's ought to have a special care to give all due encouragement to Trading that can be thought upon, for by it a Burgh is mostly distinguished from a Countrey-Village; rather then by strong Walls or Fortifications as some distinguish, without Trade a Town were little better: so that Traffic is the very essence, and by it the Being and Vitals of a Burgh or City is mantained. First, It therefore concerneth Magistrates and Council to assist, yea, to own as their proper Concernment, all the Intetests that may impair or prejudge the Traffic in all Staple-Commodities, when the Supreme Authority makes any Act, or are like to do any thing that may damnify the same; as in highting Customs or Bulzeon: These things would be adverted to, and all opportunities carefully attended when matters of that nature may be best helped, especially at Parliaments, for this there is a great necessity to make choice of understanding, able and active men to be Commissioners at such times, otherways it may fall out to be done at such a time, that possibly cannot be gotten helped in an Age. Secondly, It were good to look well upon all these ways whereby Trade is prejudiced amongst ourselves, as to take condign order with Fore●allers of Mercats, and such raisers and highters of the prices of common Commodities, and these that study to enhance one particular Commodity in their hands, that they may sell and oppress others at their pleasure, and many more ways which others can more easily fall upon that are better acquainted nor I am with the like. Thirdly, It were very commendable for all that have charge in a City, not only to look to these particulars above mentioned; but to be careful that the Dean of Gilled and his Council of Assessors (to whom it would be very proper) may set themselves to fall upon the best Overtures for removing of impediments, and advancing all means that may make every Trade whether of Scottish Commodities outward, or such Foreign Commodities as are brought homeward to prosper and flourish, and then the Council after mature deliberation had; that the means be proper, and may be practised without the breach of any duty to the settled Laws of the Kingdom, may put to their Authority and so effectually prosecute the samen that no covetous or selfish stickler (that may possibly find himself hemmed in from his avaricious and greedy way) may be able to gainstand what the Council hath enacted for the Good and Prosperity of the whole Merchants in common Hobbs in his 2 d. part of his Rudiments of Dominion, says to this purpose, That every Society of men that live in a Corporation together, intending the Public Good of the whole, would not rest upon a bare consent to prosecute that, and unless there be restraints for fear of punishments on those that out of selfish ends &c would obstruct the we'll of the Public, so that all men's particular Wills must run in the Will of the Council, or such as are the Governors, viz. the major part thereof. Fourthly. I will not take upon me to mention any particular ways how Traffic may be advanced in Towns, it being more proper for a Dean of Gilled Court (which would be needful to be always of the ablest and most judicious of the Merchants, and such as are of most public Spirits,) yet it may not be amiss to offer these things to consideration. Consider to what good improvement one man (as I have seen in my time) did bring the Manufacture of Stockings, viz. G. P. in Aberdeen, whereby there was a Trade in some measure keeped up not only with Merchants at the South and West, but also with severals that carry them both to England and Ireland; and if one man by his own private Industry, did bring the Country People to such a perfection in good Stockings, what may a Corporation do, if a serious care were had for such improvements in this and many other things. Secondly, Seeing we have Commodities of our own Nation sufficient to bring us home all necessaries from France, Holland, and the Nations on the Baltick-Sea, to serve our Towns and Countries about us, only we have little of our own to send to London, and our Neighbour-Nation of England; wherefore, such of our Nation as travel thither, are constrained to carry in Money to their great expense and hazard, ●or to draw Money upon Bill at a dear rate. To prevent this, if it shall please the LORD, (who hath in his good Providence united both Nations under one KING, as well as in one Protestant Religion and Language,) to take off these Acts which are made to obstruct the mutual Freedom and Trade betwixt the Kingdoms, or to make up a complete Union, (which were rather to be wished) it were most expedient to consider what Commodities we have in our Country, that would go best off there, as our Linning-Cloath, Linning-Yairne, Stockings of all sorts and 'sizes, Furs, Feathers &c, and such like things as active Merchants might easily find out, and would need to keep a good Correspondence at London, seeing the Merchants there Traffeck with both the Indies, and in all places where the Netherlanders Trade in any part of the World: it is probable that our Commodities might in some progress of time make a good Mercat there also. CHAP. XV. Concerning some General Overtures for improvement of Trade, mostly relating to the Chief Rulers of the KINGDOM. BUt seeing I have been recommending the care of Merchandise to the Rulers and Councils of our Cities and burgh's, Merchandise being an employment whereby not only burgh's, but Kingdoms and Commonwealths doth mostly prosper and flourish, if well and rightly improven, therefore it not only concerns the Merchants of the burgh's to endeavour the advancement and improvement of Trade, but with due submission it is conceived, the Powers and Rulers of the Kingdom may lay themselves out seriously to encourage it as a special concernment lying upon them to promove, seeing it mostly advances the good of the whole Nation, and the decay thereof tends so much to the Public prejudice. Therefore First, It is humbly to be wished, that our Rulers would take special care and make diligent enquiry by the Custom-Books and other evidences that are proper, to know whether the Kingdom or Commonwealth be losers or gainers by their Trade, by casting the balance betwixt the value of the Goods imported into the Kingdom, and the Goods exported Yearly; for if there be a greater importation than there was of exportation, there is so much loss to the Nation by how much the importation exceeds the exportation, because the superplus beyond the value of the Goods exported exhausts so much Money which is drawn forth of the Kingdom to pay it, and so gradually if the supper expense continue, the Trade and Nation must come to ruin. A Second mean of improvement is, that our Rulers would be pleased to take a special care of the Coin of our own Nation, and of the value of Foreign Coin imported, and that the Money paid in by the Merchants for Bullion may be employed for buying of Bullion, so that the Mint-house lose not the benefit of the mixture which they must needs lose if they melt Foreign Coin. A Third is, That they would take care that the Princes and States of Foreign Nations may grant Favour that there be no impositions laid on upon the product of our Country, whereby to debar us from Trade with them, as that Denmark and Norway may not obstruct the Trade of our Victual, etc. A Fourth is, That there be an encouragement given to the Fishing, such as Code, Herring, and Whale-Fishing, both as to the exportation, and the Goods to be imported by the Money that is purchased by the same; and withal, that Strangers may be debarred from having the advantage that is more propperly due to the Natives, for it is reported that the Governors of our North-Isles are more kind and favourable to the Hamburgers then to our own Natives, in selling their Fishes to them rather than to our own Countrymen. A Fifth is, That special notice may be taken how to improve the natural product of our Land, such as Coal, Salt, and all kind of Grain Wool, Hyde, Tallow, Skins, Linning-cloath, Plaiding, Fingrams, Stockings, Salmond, Herring, etc. As First, That Coal and Salt may be appointed to be transported to the proper Ports as shall be thought most fit, where men may be appointed as Factors to have care thereof, that the exporters be not necessitated to sell at the time of fallen Mercats, since they are Commodities that may wait for a better Mercat without loss, and are such as cannot be wanted. Secondly, As to Corn and Grain, that care may be had as is said in the Third Mean, or Paragraph foresaid. Thirdly, As for Skins and Hides, if we had access to American-Plantations, or if a liberty could be procured to a Select Company, and no others to have Trade there but they, than Skin and Hyde would be a good Commodity, being well Tanned or Barked, or made in Shoes; which would not only tend to the great profit of Merchants, but would occasion many Tradesmen to be set on work at home in our own Country, seeing we have attained to a good perfection both in Barking, Tanning and Currying. Fourthly, As for Wool it needs not be exported at all, if our Manufacturies at home were carefully looked to; for though we have few or no select Manufacturies in this Land, yet we can improve the whole Wool of the Kingdom to better purpose, and sell cheaper abroad than any Foreign Manufacture in the World can afford it, particularly upon Plaiding, Fingrams, or any kind of raw-Cloaths; in respect saving of Charges is the life of all Manufactures, for particular select Manufactures must have servants well appointed both as to bedding and diet, whereas all the Wool of Scotland may be wrought by the Commons of this Nation at a very easy rate, because of their sober way of living, and working but at such times as their other Countrey-work permits. For illustration whereof, it will not be amiss an instance that fell out several years ago in my own time, which may evince that the Plaiding and Fingrams made by the Commons in the Country, is to much greater advantage, then by setting up a particular Manufacture for the said employment. There was a substantious Merchant in Edinburgh, called Mr. Barnes, who considering the great Sums of Money that was brought in to this Kingdom by the Plaiding Trade, especially by the Merchants of the Town of Aberdeen, who bought mostly all their Wool from Edinburgh and the South Parts; so that they had it but at the second hand, and did sell it out in smalls to the Countrypeople there about, after they had been at Charges for transporting and born the hazard by Sea, etc. Whereas he considering, that he might have Wool without any such expense or hazard, and causing make Plaiding in a particular Manufacture, there he could not but make greater profit in Holland then they of Aberdeen could make, seeing he could save such a considerable expense which they were necessitated to ware out: whereupon he sets up his Manufacture and wrought about ten Sea-Packs of Plaiding, which might be reckoned worth twenty thousand Pounds; but when he perceived the Merchants in Aberdeen did sell their Plaiding at as low a rate as his stood himself at home, and yet with advantage, he fell a wondering what could be the reason, and meeting with Alexander Farquhar a Merchant in Aberdeen his acquaintance, enquired how it could be, laying before him the former considerations, to which Alexander Farquhar replied, that the people that wrought their Plaiding, had not by far such entertainment as his servants had, and that they drank oftener clear spring Water than Ale: and therefore they had their Plaiding much cheaper than he had his, whereupon he quickly gave over his Manufacture. Notwithstanding that our Commons live at such a sober rate, they are so set at work upon the account of their advantage in the North Parts of Scotland, that in former years the product of their labours hath brought into this Kingdom yearly, upwards of an hundreth thousand rex dollars for many years together; without this the Nobility and Gentry in their parts could not get their Money Rents well paid, which Trade and Employment hath been their several years under great decay, so that the Plaiding and Fingrams are become to be sold at the half of the value which they did formerly, neither is the half exported, which is mostly upon the account of their deceitful mismannadgment thereof, which may be helped by appointing particular knowing men, and giving them allowance to attend the Mercats for visiting and judging the sufficiency of the Cloth, which would augment the quantity, and advance the Price to the value of all the Wool that is vented abroad, and unless some such qualified Persons be empowered, and by an settled allowance induced to a diligent inspection and judging of the samen, all our Acts of Parliament which hath been so commendably enacted for regulating these things, will prove but ineffectual as constant experience hath too much evidenced. The Fifth Country Commodity is Stockings, which hath been within their few years admirably improven by one Man in Aberdeen, (as was instanced before) to wit George Pyper, who encouraged the Country People so, by giving them a little money or some linen at times, that from five groats the pair, he caused them work at such a fynness that he hath given twenty shillings sterling and upward for the pair: but as the sufficiency of Plaiding and Fingrams may be recovered by careful visitors to the great advantage of the Country, so the Stockings may be made the more saleable, if the sufficiency of them with the due length and shape both of Men and women's be diligently observed, for which a gage may be made according to the principal gage, and dispersed through all the Country, that no Stockings may be censured, or confiscated through ignorance of the owners, and the visitors allowance for his mark and seal appointed, that all Forraign-Countries may come to know the due esteem that our Stockings are to be had in. As the neglect of the sufficiency of Plaiding and Fingrams have been a great cause of the decay of Trade, so the loss of the Plantations by the Dutch West India Companies is likewise a considerable cause thereof; which requires that we should wisely consider, how and where we may recover a good off-tract of these Commodities, for it was the Dutch Plantations in Brasile (which the Portuguyes now possess) that were furnished with our Plaiding and Fingrams and it were worth the while to consider, if we could find a way with any of these that have Plantations in America now, or if we could fall upon a way of furnishing the French King his Armies with these Scottish clothes, seeing there is no Nation in Europe can serve them at an easier rate, not only in Plaiding and Fingrams but also in such other clothes, as Perpetuanes and Sairges. The Sixth Country Commodity named, is Salmond and Herring, they would be carefully, seen unto, that they be in all points according to the Acts of Parliament, particularly the 33 Act of the first Parliament, K. Charles the 2 d. And Magistrates to be diligent in their inspection of Cowpers, by which that Trade also may flourish. A Sixth mean for improving the Trade of the Nation, is that the Estate of the Burrowes would humbly petition our Rulers in the next Parliament that sits, that they would be pleased to consider the great damnage the Royall-Burrowes sustain, and the great discouragement it is to the Trade of the Nation, that burgh's of Regality and Barony have got so great Privileges by the 5 th'. Act of the 3 d. Session of the 2 d. Parliament of K. Charles the 2 d. seeing they may not only buy in Mercats and Fairs all Scots Commodities, the product of the Country, and bring all Staple Ware, but they may also export the same to other Nations, and bring home with the money or value thereof, what Commodities for the use of the Country they think fit, very inconsiderable exceptions being reserved, notwithstanding that the Royal-Burrowes pays the sixth part of the KING'S Taxation, and the burgh's of Regality and Barony bear no part nor proportion thereof less or more, notwithstanding of their enlarged Privileges and great Traffic, which makes little difference betwixt them and Royall-Burrowes, as any understanding man may perceive. And it is the more remarkable, there were several Acts of Parliament rescinded that had been made in favours of the royal-burghs, which the next Parliament may be entreated to take into their consideration, and what was the cause and grounds of these Acts. As the 24 Act of the first Parliament of K. Charles the first. So the Act of Ja. 4. P. 6. c. 84. So Ja. 6. P. 12. c. 152. Ja. 6. P. 19 c. 6. Let the Burrowes consider that the Convention of Burrowes and the Privileges of the Deans of Gilled &c are now of little significancy by this late Act. Seventhly, It is worthy of consideration if it be not for the advantage of Trade, that the Custom and excise of Merchant Goods were set and fermed by the general Taxmen to the special burgh's and the precincts of the same, whereby several inconvenients might be remeded, as the Customs and excise of these goods that are brought home to burgh's of Regality and Barony which are concealed and no count thereof gotten, whereas the Sub-taxmen of the special Burrowes would be concerned to look more narrowly to it then any other. Next, whereas there are heavy burdens of Taxations lies on the royal-burghs, so that many Inhabitants remove from them, and others set up in these other burgh's, seeing they enjoy so great Privileges of Trading to the great decay of the royal-burghs, as may be evidenced, that a great large Lodging with all accommodations may be had in some of the Royall-Burrowes at a great dale more easy rate than a very common thack house in some of these burgh's of Barony, as may be easily instanced. Next, the Burgesses of the burgh's of Regality and Barony getting mostly their Merchandise stolen free of Custom and excise, thereby are in a capacity to under-sell the Merchants of the royal-burghs in such commodities very considerably, to the no little discouragement of the Royal-Burghs, for they may sell their wares as far below others as the Custom and excise will extend to, so that the Merchants of Royal burgh's need look for no change, so long as the other hath these commodities. Eightly, It would be much for the advancement of Trade as is conceived, if our Rulers would ordain a competent number of Knowing Merchants out of the principal Burrowes of the Kingdom, to meet at such seasons and places as shall be appointed and thought most expedient, for considering and fixing upon a solid way, for putting in practise all good Overtures, which they or any other may suggest unto them for promoving the Prosperity of the Trade of the Nation. And for the further assistance of these, it were good that the Convention of Burrowes would appoint the Magistrates of every Royall-Burgh, to ordain some of the most Understanding of their Inhabitants, to meet at such times as they shall judge fit to consider, debate and argue anent the Trading with these Commodities which are most in use by the Merchants of the respective burgh's; and what Overtures they can fall upon for improving the samen and when they have agreed and condescended there upon, to give an account thereof subscribed with their hand, or the hand of their Praeses chosen by them, to the Provest, Bailies and Council of the place, and they to give in the same after a serious revieu and consideration to the Convention of Burrowes, or any Committie deligated by them for that effect, and that they may consider, and approve or disapprove the samen, and give in their Reasons accordingly to the Committie of Trade; that so after a serious and solid consideration thereof, it may be recommended to the Parliament, or the KING'S Council for their Approbation and Authority. But if it be said that few will be at the pains to wait upon such meetings to consider things so rypely, to the neglect of their own affairs, as the proposal seems to require. To which it may be answered, If the importance of the matter be duly weighed, and the weighty results seriously considered, it will be found well worth all the pains and expenses that can be warred, if the Affair be not altogether turned into a mere formality. But particularly let all concerned consult and consider the great Revenue these improvement would raise to the Crown, by the Customs and excise, the Honour, Fame and Esteem it would purchase to our Nation abroad, the great increase and encouragement it would be to Seamen and Shipping, the plentiful and comfortable livelihood of several hundreds and thousands of Family's in our Land: and with all, the Virtuous and Praise Worthy improvement of all these Commodities that are the natural product of our Country, by which not only the strength and stock of the Kingdom would be augmented, but the Wealth and Riches of many private men greatly multiplied, providing that in all our deportment and industry we walk so, as we may upon good ground expect a Blessing from the Lord our God. See Psa. 127.1, 2. CHAP. XVI. Concerning Mechanick-Trades. IT were a most commendable piece of Government, if Rulers would be at pains to set down ways how every idle person within Cities and Towns might be discovered, and strict accounts thereof be exacted accordingly, that all Persons of every Rank might be known, how, and by what means they live, by what Trade, Industry and Virtue they mantained themselves and Families. Diodorus reports that it was a Law amongst the Egyptians that every one should give up his name to the Magistrate within whose precinct he lived, and show by what Trade, and by what gain he lived; and if any were found to lie, or to live by unlawful means, they were put to death, which severity was reckoned the more just, because idle lazy persons are the poison of a City, it's they that are most pron to whoredom, Drunkenness, and all Debauchrie, it's they that hate the best men, are covetous of others Goods, are seditious, mutinous and unworthy to be permitted to live amongst Civil and Virtuous People. Wherefore seeing every one hath not a competency of Money to be a Stock for Merchandising, it were good policy to advert to the natural Genius and Disposition of young Boys, for what Trade or Employment they may be fittest, if they are skilled in Writing and Arithmetic and of lively active Spirits fit for Merchandising, that they might be employed accordingly. If their Talon lie in a disposition for any Mechanic Trade▪ that fit Masters may be pitched upon for their education, in the particular employment their minds are most inclined unto. And if there should be found a remarkable Acumen or Mind more than ordinary, that such might be sent abroad to other Nations (after some time of breeding at home.) where he may be best perfected in his Art upon the public expense, with special provision and surety that he should return and serve the Town in his calling as he should be employed; which would be a good mean to furnish our Towns with all excellent Arts and Manufactures. If we would lay ourselves out to improve such means and ways, there is no doubt but this would in a few years tend much to the good of our Cities and the reputation of our Nation. For my own part, I ever looked upon an excellent Artist and one who had a good engine or ability for working excellent things in his calling, beyond the ordinary strain and common custom o● men of his Trade, to be an useful Ornament to a Town in his own Sphere. Therefore virtuous men in every calling ought to be regarded and encouraged with all respect due to their merit and carriage, and idle, drunken and thriftless persons rebuked, punished, yea declared incapable of any place or trust within the Corporation. If this were, there would be more industry and commendable diligence amongst all sorts; and less extraordinary drinking and sinful spending of time in Taverns and Alehouses amongst Tradesmen then there is, for it is both shame and sin for men to consume their health and time in doing nothing but satisfying their lusts and carnal appetites. M. Cato in his book of Manners wrote exceeding well in comparing the Life of Man to Iron; which if ye use it wears away, but yet with beauty and splendour; but if ye use it not, it is consumed with rust. Virtuous persons by honest exercises spend themselves so, as they have inward peace, glory and reputation in the World; whereas vicious and idle wretches gain nothing but ignominy and contempt. The same Cato spoke well to his Soldiers at Numantia Consider with yourselves Soldiers, (said he) if ye do any good thing with travel or labour, the labour soon passes away; but the good remains; but if ye do any business for pleasure, the pleasure soon evanishes but the shame remains. Which expression shows nothing worse than Idlesit, and nothing better than Virtuous Industry. What a comely thing is it to see all persons in Towns diligent in their Callings, and al● Tradesmen in their useful occupations industriously laborious like Bees, all joining their pains to provide what is useful to humane Society▪ What can render a Town more illustrious than useful Arts and Trades, inviting Neighbours and Strangers to resort thither to take away our Manufactures, and bringing their best things to supply what we need? So much lies on Rulers to bring from abroad the best of Tradesmen, and to encourage our own that they may not only be able to gain their livelihood, but may live comfortably and be useful in the Commonwealth as occasion requires. Also Rulers would guard against all abuses and oppressions committed readily by Tradesmen upon new Intrants, whereby they are brought so low in their condition and so plunged in debt before they can be free in their Trad● that they are hardly able in many years to recover and get themselves out of burden. CHAP. XVII. Concerning Planting, both for Profit and Pleasure. HAving touched several things that may seem worthy of a Councils consideration, for making a Town flourish, in the foregoing Chapters or Partitions, I cannot ommit to offer it to their Judgements to deliberat, if it be not very expedient both for profit and pleasure to consider how their Cities may be beautified with Planting of useful Trees in all places in and near the Town, where it may be most conveniently had, for it is no small reproach upon the generality of our Nation, that our People are so negligent and careless in this particular, notwithstanding of the great contentment and satisfaction that may be reaped thereby, for Planting is not only delightful to the eye, and in a manner exhilirating the heart of every beholder, by its beauty and greeness, inviting the cheerful Birds to chant and express their melodious Notes to the great refreshment of the hearers oft times, but also, in few years (due diligence and care being taken to plant them aright, and to prune and keep them) they are very useful for public and private use as need and expediency shall require. We find that the most flourishing and rich Nations have great abundance of many sorts of Planting, and that not only by Nature, but by Art and Industry of the Inhabitants; and Divine Providence hath evidenced her bounty in a liberal measure to us in that matter, no less then to others our Neighbours round about us, as may be witnessed by the many Woods and Forests that have been well furnished with Oaks, Elmes, Sirs, Ashes, etc. and Fruit-Trees, which in every generation are much destroyed and cut down, and few or none to repair them; and how can we but undergo the just reproach of a careless and lazy People in this thing, and the rather, that no Laws and Acts of Parliament made by our Gracious and Virtuous KINGS, and Estates of the Kingdom; particularly by K. James the 5 th'. in his 9 Act of Parl. 4. and our late K. Charles the 2 d. Parliament 1. Act 41. cannot prevail. It is obvious to the sense of every beholder, what an Ornament Planting is to Great men's houses who are worthy of their due commendation that have taken pains herein. I think it worthy the considering, that when GOD created Man in his primitive Innocency and Integrity, he placed him in a Garden, and put that exercise upon him, even in a sinless state to dress and keep it. Gen. 2.8, 15. whence it may be observed, that Planting and the care thereof is an exercise not unbecoming the best of Saints, nor the Greatest of men, we may see many Proofs o● this, as First in that Good and Holy Man that found Grace in GOD'S sight, when all the World (save a few with him) perished, Gen. 9.20. And Noah began to be an Husband man and he planted a Vyne-yard. Secondly, Abraham the Friend of GOD, and Father of the Faithful, Planted a Grove in Beersheba, and called there on the Name of the LORD. Gen 21.33. Next, King Solomon a Great and Wise KING Eccles. 2.4 5. I made me great Works I builded me Houses, and planted me Vyne-yards. I made me Gardens and Orchards, and I planted in them all kind of Fruits. So Uzziah delighted in this Employment, 2. Chron. 26 10. He had Husbandmen and dressers of Vines, etc. Yea our Blessed LORD JESUS did honour this Industry, by his frequenting the Garden, Joh 18.1. When JESUS had spoken these words, he went over the brook Cedron, where was a Garden, into which he entered with his Disciples. Ver. 2. And Judas also who betrayed him knew the place: for JESUS oftentimes resorted thither with his Disciples. I could name many Great men that have taken pleasure in Planting, as Cyrus the younger, King of Persia, who planted Orchards and Gardens with his own hand. See Cicero de Senectute p. 210. But I shall forbear to insist, only desiring our Cities and Towns may seriously consider the profit and pleasure, and that it will very far counterbalance the expense and pains, by a constant and yearly recompense, I mean a well furnished Garden and Orchard when carefully kept and waited upon. Therefore, I shall close this purpose with a friendly desire that all Magistrates and Town-Councils may seriously consider, how they may in this give best obedience to the laudable Acts and Laws of the Land, and with most profit and satisfaction to their respective Incorporations, and that it may be remembered, when Adam sinned he was sent forth from the Garden of Eden to till the ground, which was a more painful and inferior employment and not permitted to enjoy that sweet and refreshful mansion of the Garden. It was a part of God's Curse upon a land, when Trees were smitten and taken away from it. Exod. 9.25. Amos 4.9. Joel 1.12. And it is a promised Blessing, To plant Gardens, and eat the fruit of them. Jer. 29.5. Amos 9.4. Ezek. 34.27. Therefore these Precepts may be pertinently applied to this purpose. Tit. 3.14. Let ours also learn to mantain good Works for necessary uses. And that of Philip. 4.8. Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoev●r things are of good report: if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Much of our Corne-fields about some Towns have been improven for Herbs and Roots by common Gardeners, and why not some of the choicest Soils and Situations be also made use of for pleasant Gardens and fruitful Orchards, which are to be seen frequently in well ordered and flourishing Towns abroad, to their great profit, health and delight without their Towns, and few of our Nation have little worse Grounds for such things; save that Walls and Dykes may be found expensive, and sparing many unnecessary superfluities in other things, and bringing home Tyle for ballast in Ships from Holland &c may help that, and the profit accrueing by a fruitful and well ordered Orchard in a few years will recompense all expensses (with GOD'S blessing) abundantly. CHAP. XVIII. Concerning Charity, and care of the Poor. THough there may be many Duties incumbent upon Magistrates and Town-Councils, who are Governors of Cities and burgh's, which the judicious will understand as their occasions and stations will discover unto them, that there is one Duty, (which is none of the least) that all are bound to consider, because the Supreme Governor of Heaven and Earth takes special notice thereof, and hath carefully recommended to all his People: and that is a tender care over, and a cordial Charity towards the Poor. See for this Deut. 15.7, 8 9, 10, 11. If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren, within any of thy gates, in thy land which the LORD thy GOD giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thy heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: But thou shalt open thy hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficiently for his need in that which he wanteth. Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release is at hand: and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought, and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee. Vers. 10. Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the LORD thy GOD shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thy hands unto. For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor and to thy needy, in thy land. This Scripture is so full and pungent to this purpose, that all that fear the LORD will find it more binding than any Act of Parliament, or any Humane Law whatsomever; for it hath in its bosom, both threats to the disobedient, and comfortable Promises to the due observers of this Command. Wherefore, Christian Magistrates should seriously consider upon suitable ways how the Poor within their gates may be most carefully and discreetly provided for. I know in most of the considerable Towns in the Land, there are Hospitals, some for Men, some for Women, some for Orphans and Children, and there are sums of money have been Mortified and appointed for that end, that the Rents thereof might be furthcoming for such uses by Pious and Charitable Citizens. Of this the Rulers, and all that are in Charge should be careful, lest any part of such sums should be delapidated, and that the Revenues thereof should be duly and discreetly distributed to the fit Objects, and that care may be had that the wills of the Mortifiers be punctually observed, lest others perceiving a negligence herein, might be discouraged from such Pious Mortifications and Donations. But where these are wanting or comes short to answer the urgent necessities of the numerous Poor people that are in a Town, care would needs be had, and pains taken that all Poor ones whether elder or younger that are in a capacity to work or go about any profitable employment may be set to work, and young ones, whether Males or Females put to learn at Schools and Trades according to their Capacities and Inclinations, and for this, by the Prudence of Wise Magistrates, ways may be fallen upon, and Collections of Monies obtained with consent of the Inhabitants, that may supply what will be found requisite for such Charitable and Pious Uses: as supplying the Aged, Decrepit that are not able to work, and setting the Young Poor to suitable Callings and Employments. Sure I am, where this care is Christianly and Charitably minded, they have the promise of a Faithful GOD, that for this thing the LORD shall Bless them in all their works, and in all they put their hand unto, therefore all would need to beware of resting upon a bare formality of making a trifling Offering in Public upon days for Worship, but look upon the Duty as seriously recommended by Him, who is the Author of all our Mercies, and giver of all our Good things: see for this, Isa. 58 7. when this Hypocritical formalists were dissatisfied, that GOD took no more notice of their fastings, and frequenting of Ordinances, as vers. 2, 3. of that chapter holds forth: the LORD shows them the Reasons, vers. 4.5. and shows them plainly vers. 7. that the Fast that he regards is, To deal thy Bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the Poor that are cast out to thy house, when thou seest the naked that thou cover him, and that thou hid not thyself from thine own flesh. Mind that Command, Heb. 13.16. But to do good, and to communicate forget not, for with such Sacrifices GOD is well pleased. And they that mind most the pleasing of GOD, he will never be behind hand with them, for Psal. 41.1. Blessed is he that considereth the Poor, the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. It was Jobs Glory, and did afford him no small Peace and Comfort in the day of his sad distress, that he could say from a Testimony of a Good Conscience, Job 31.19. If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering. ver. 20. If his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep. This man was a blessed Magistrate, and happy were it if all that are in Authority in the Nation could have such a Testimony from their own hearts, and that the Powerful and Rich in the Land could employ their abundance to such commendable, yea acceptable uses before GOD, they might upon good ground expect Jobs reward, and such an outgate from all their troubles, as Job 42.10. Yea they have a promise from his mouth who is faithful and true, yea Truth itself, that not so much as a Cup of cold water given to a Disciple shall in no wise lose his reward. Mat. 10.42. Let all consider this, and so I proceed. CHAP. XIX. Concerning Magistrates in General, and the Qualifications required in them. INtending (if the LORD will) to hold out the Duties of the particular Office-Bearers in our Royal-Burghs in the Chapters following, I judge it expedient to set down in the first place the Qualifications of a Magistrate in general, for the happiness of a Town depends very much upon well qualified and faithful Magistrates. And for this, it is the duty of all Citizens to endeavour ●o be good men, whereby they may be in a capacity to do good service when called to places of Trust in their respective Towns, and all that ●ears God should pray fervently to the Lord to ●aise up many such amongst them. A Magistrate is an Officer, or Office-Bearer, who hath power to command in a State or City. There be many Office-Bearers that are not Magistrates, because they have not power to command, nor to punish Offenders. Now we shall point out some of their Qualifications, and what kind of persons they ought to be. A Magistrate or Ruler ought to be carefully chosen after the draught of Scriptur-Magistrats, Exod. 18.21. according to these properties, First, let him be an able man of body and mind to do the Commonwealth service, not an ignorant, that can do nothing without the Clerk. This Ability comprehends three Qualities, first, he must be a man of understanding, and must know the Duties of his Place, and know how to discern in all matters that comes before him, else he is unfit to be a Magistrate: he must distinguish betwixt the weight and justice of the complaint and malice of the Plaintiff, and must be one that can speak the Law, and judge according to the rule thereof, not weak for abilities of Government. Thus William Shepherd in his Epistle to the Reader before hi● Book on the Justice of Peace, who hath set down these Qualifications that none needs express them better, to which I refer the Reader. Secondly, He must be a man of Courage, that will do what ever he finds to be his Duty, notwithstanding of all opposition from men, Psal. 82.3, 4. Defend the poor and fatherless, deliver the poor and needy, and rid them out of the hand of the wicked. Men that would perform such Duties would needs be men o● Spirit, for so doth the word Defender and Deliverer import: hence it is, that Faithful Rulers are called Patres Patriae, Fathers of their Country, because defenders of their Country, because defenders and deliverers. Therefore one that will be boasted, and put from their Duty by the threat of a greater person, or down cast of countenance from men, or the like; is not fit to be a Magistrate. Men of Spirit and Courage will not be frighted from their Duty by any thing, but will hazard all that is dearest to them in the discharge of a necessary Duty, (the Rules of Prudence being duly and discreetly observed) and for this ought not to be judged as proud or wilful, for the work is the LORDS, and therefore hath the promise of his presence and out-bearing. 2. Chron. 19.6, 11. Thirdly, An able man is a wise man, and this teacheth not only the Duties themselves, as to the matter, but reacheth the circumstances of them, as the time, place and manner of doing them. So Prov. 8.15. By me (says Wisdom) Kings Reign, and Princes decree Justice. And vers. 20. I lead in the way of Righteousness, in the midst of the paths of Judgement. So that a man by Wisdom will propose not only a good end, and endeavour to perform a good Duty, and also will use right means, and so circumstantiat it, as every very step and path of his way shall be in Righteousness. A wise man ponders all his actions. Psal. 112.5. He will guide his affairs with discretion, discerning when to do, and when to forbear; and the manner how, and how not every thing is to be done, thus much for an able man. Fourthly, He must be a man fearing GOD, not a man wicked in life and conversation, for Power without Piety is but armed injustice, and if he be an active man that can do much, he will be sure to do much mischief. I think it a bad maxim, that an ill man may be a good Magistrate, it seems to have more truth in it, that he that hath no care to reform himself, will never have care to reform others. Magistrates are called Gods, Psal. 82.6. I said ye are Gods. And it were well that they did represent more of Divine Perfections, and it is a shameful thing to see a man in honour have no likeness to GOD in Holiness. The Emperor Constantius said, when he had made a discovery of these Courtiers who were easily tempted to forsake the Christian Religion, They can never be faithful to me, that are not faithful to GOD. It is the fear of GOD that makes a Magistrate behave himself as one that GOD takes special notice of in all his administrations, and will be more afraid to do any wrong, than if all the men on Earth were to judge him for his actions, ever remembering that word, Psal. 82.1. GOD standeth in the congregation of the Mighty, he judgeth among the Gods. Thirdly, He should be a man of Truth, that is, a plain upright man, that loves truth in himself and others, and counts it his duty and dignity to sift it out in all things, and having found it, to embrace and mantain it to the uttermost; for he will easily prove a false friend that will at any time dare to falsify truth for his friend: such men cannot be stable and firm in any good duty, neither will he stand for the Truth and Righteousness in an hour of temptation▪ Jam. 1.18. The double minded man is unstable etc. Fourthly, He must be a man hating Covetousness, there is little ground to expect justice from such as are covetous, for Prov. 28.21. Solomon says, for a piece of Bread that man will transgress, that is, for any carnal advantage or gain that man will wrest justice, for covetousness is not only Idolatry, but it makes a Judge an Idol as Psal. 115.5, 6. That hath eyes and see not, ears and hear not, and a mouth but speaketh not. Fifthly, He should be a just man, equal to all, not partial nor respecting persons, this is holden out from 2. Sam. 23.3, 4. He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the f●ar of GOD, etc. Ruler's should do as the LORD himself would do, 2. Chron. 19.7. With the LORD there is no respect of persons, nor taking of gifts. Sixthly, He must be a man, Gentle, Affable, not a froward, hasty or passionate man, for such will not patiently endure to hear many complaints of the Poor. Moses a great Ruler is highly commended for his Meekness, Numb. 12.3. So CHRIST as a KING is said to be Meek. Mat. 21.5. Seventhly, He should be an active man, and diligent in prosecution of duty and not lazy. Eightly, He should be a man of good repute, and known amongst the People, as Deut. 1.13.15. Not an obscure and mean man, for Power will arm Skill, I say not that every Magistrate in a Town must be worth so many Thousands &c, but he had need to have so much as he may live honestly upon, without being necessitated to use any Trade or Employment unbeseeming his Office. It was a fault amongst the Carthaginians, justly taxed by Aristotle, and esteemed to be one of the causes of the ruin of that great and mighty Commonwealth, that in their choice of their Magistrates, they had a greater regard to rich men then to men of worth and virtue, and their reason was, because men of great Estates might the more easily attend the Affairs of the Commonwealth: therefore, when men are rich and virtuous also, they are preferable to all others. But this was a ready way to open a door to all avarice and fraud said that great Philosopher, and to take the Government from the Noble and truly Virtuous, and monopolise it into the hands of a few covetous ambitious rich men, whereas they might have easily, and in duty ought to have prevented it, by taking such order that the best men, and these of greatest abilities and virtues might not only abstain from base Callings and Employments when they were actually Magistrates, but also when they were out of Office, so that Corporation in their Government might have been cured, and their ruin happily prevented. It were good policy to prefer the Virtuous though meaner, than the vicious and unworthy though richer for it were fit he did excel other men though not in Riches and Estate, yet in Wisdom, Piety, Courage and better Qualifications. Prov. 12.26. The Righteous is more excellent than his neighbour. It's such that prepares their heart for their Duty and will make conscience of diligence therein, and seek the advancement of the interests of CHRIST, the City's prosperity and the good of all and every one under their Charge, and for this I would recomend to all Magistrates to study these Scriptures well. Psal. 75.2. Psal. 101.8. Psal. 82. throughout. But some say, we cannot find Magistrates with such Qualifications in every Town, and therefore we must take them as we have them. I Answer, That should not hinder to set down all the best Qualifications which are to be wished in Magistrates, and which all good Magistrates ought to study to have, and Cities are to choice the best they can have, seeing the Holy Scriptures have recomended such Qualifications, we ought to pray that GOD would raise up many such, and then we must do as we may, when we cannot do as we would. Wherefore, having hinted at the good Qualities Magistrates should have, I shall also touch a little what a sad thing it is for a City to have ill men to be their Rulers, because Contraria juxta se posita clarius elucescunt. Contraries set together, make both the more discernible. Psal. 82.5. David regrates this as a sad judgement in his time, that men in Authority were ignorant and perverse, etc. They know not neither will they understand, they walk on in darkness: and therefore he subjoins, All the foundations of the Earth are out of course. They know not, This implies not so much a blockish ignorance, for it is like they might have natural Parts like other men, but they know not that GOD stands among them, that His eye is on them taking special notice of their iniquity and injustice and bearing more favour to the wicked, nor to the poor and innocent. Next, though they may read in the Scriptures that GOD stands among them, and notices their doings, yet They will not understand, this holds out their perverseness, and wilful Atheism, as Psal. 10.11. He hath said in his heart, GOD hath forgotten: he hideth his face he will never see it. vers. 13. He hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it, and therefore he boldly dares to do any injustice that his lusts will put him to, though it be really in the presence of his Great Judge. They walk on in Darkness, Though their Duty were never so clearly hold out to them, they will not yield to the Obedience of it, but walk on after the perverse dispositions of their own hearts, and their obstinate wills, and not the pure Word of GOD, and His revealed Will. In this caise the Psalmists conclusion will hold, That all the Foundations of the Earth are out of course, that is, all Judges and Judicatories which ought to be refreshful to the Poor, needy and oppressed, that aught to strengthen the hands of them that do well, and to be a terror to evil doers, are now running in a just contrary course and when the foundations are destroyed, what can the Righteous do, Psal. 11.3. Sure they need look for no relief from all their oppressions and injuries from men, but commit themselves to GOD who is the helper of the fatherless, Psal. 10.14. and 12.5. From all this it may be seen, the great blessing it is to a City or Town to have faithful, able and pious Rulers, Prov. 29.2. When the righteous are in authority the people rejoice, but when the wicked beareth rule, the people murmur. It is therefore an incumbent duty on all to pray, that the LORD would raise many able men up in their respective Towns, and also to seek it of GOD to make all the present Incumbents that are in Authority among them, to be such as they ought to be. CHAP. XX. Concerning the Duties and Office of the Provest. HAving recommended several Duties, which the Magistrates and Council in general are to take notice of, for the good and prosperity of the Town, in th● foregoing part of this Treatise I presume next, to set down the Duties of the several Magistrates and Office-Bearers, that use to be chosen out of the number of our Councils at every Years Election. This is not that I presume to know these Duties better than others, but for the satisfaction of new Entrants, who have not had occasion to be acquainted with such Employments. The first and chiefest Magistrate in all Burghs-Royal is the Provest. Who in England is called Mayor, the Romans called him Consul. quia bene Reipub. consulat It's his place to have a chief care of all the Affairs and Concernments of the Commonwealth and therefore he is not only to discharge this duty in ordinary and emergent Affairs, but he is to foresee and provide for all things that may conduce to the good thereof; and this care will require serious consideration of all that may advance the welfare of the public, or any part thereof, and of any danger or evil that may fall out to the damnage thereof, to prevent it and guard against it. Secondly, It is his place to preceded in Council, and moderate the samen and to take special notice of all the refers thereof that are to be done. Thirdly, He is to conveen the Council upon extraordinary days, in all doubtsome matters or emergent occasions. Fourthly, He is to oversee the rest of the Magistrates and Office-Bearers, that they all do their Duties and acquit themselves diligently in all things that relate to their charge, for it's not enough to give good advice and Counsel, if the samen be not put in execution tymeously and seasonably. Fifthly, He is to be careful that all the Charters and evidents, and every Paper that is of importance to the Towns Concernments be punctualy keeped in the Towns-Charter-Chists, or where they ought to be preserved; and not left in any other hands else where, lest they may come to be miss, and be in seeking, to the great neglect of these that have the charge of keeping them, which ordinarily is the Provest chiefly and some of the Bailies. Sixthly, And above all, he is to have a care he be just, innocent and of singular integrity in all his behaviour, for an ill example in a Magistrate is far greater than a fault in inferior persons: Therefore the chiefest Magistrate should have the chiefest care of his public Charge, and of his own personal behaviour. I need the less insist upon this which concerns him as the chiefest Magistrate, having so fully holden forth the Qualifications he should aim at in the last Chapter. CHAP. XXI. Concerning the Office and Duties of the Bailies. THe next Office of Magistracy is the Bailies, whom the English call Aldermen, and the Ancient Romans called Praetores, quia praeerant. They have the same Authority with the Provest in all our burgh's, as to Decreets and execution of Justice, hence it is, that some have called the Provest Primus Balivorum. The Bailies being four in number in all our chief burgh's, their charge is one and the same though for order, and easing the Burden in some things they are divided, and so they divide the Town in four Quarters, and every one of them hath his proper Quarter allotted to him by choice or lots according to agreement. First, It is his Duty to take up an exact account of all the Families and Persons living within his Quarter, and to know what they are, if Citizens or Strangers, and what is their Trade or Occupation, and by what means they live and mantain themselves, that so no idle, suspect, or scandalous person be there without due notice taken. Secondly, They are to wait (per vices) every one a month about in the Towns public House, or Clerks-Chamber thereof, so many hours every day, that is, from ten to twelve forenoon, and an hour or two afternoon, to hear Complaints, examine Parties and Witnesses, and accordingly if there be cause to set down Convictions, and bring them to the next ordinary Councill-day, that the guilty persons be censured by the whole Council according to merit. Thirdly, It's his duty to wait on the weekly and public Courts of Judgement, which are but two days ordinarily every Week with some, to wit, every Tuesday and Saturday of the week be ten of the clock in the forenoon, where he sits in the public Townhouse as sole Judge in all Legal Processes that are amongst Citizens in Civil Differences, that are not peculiarly competent to be determined by the Lords and Senators of the College of Justice, (who are the Supreme Judges in all Civil Controversies for the whole Nation,) and so in this place Bills are read, Summons are called, Officiars or Sergeants faithful Executions thereof carefully noticed and cleared; agreements proposed, and reasonings pro and contra heard from the Advocats of the respective Parties, Processes carried on to Interloquitors and final Decreets, as is usual before any other Civil Judge in the Kingdom. In matters of great difficulty, the Bailie is to have the advice and judgement of the Towns Consulter, who ought always to be the most Learned, Judicious and Discreet Lawyer that conveniently may be had. And yet the Magistrate ought not wholly to captivat his Judgement to what ever he advises, but is bound to ponder well, and advise if his Information and Judgement be according to the known Laws and common Pratticks of the Nation, and according to Conscience; for this it concerns every Magistrate that sits in Judgement, to be a Judicious and Intelligent Person, and one that is careful to have knowledge of the Acts of Parliament and Civil Pratticks, lest otherwise he may ignorantly be made to pronounce Decreet which is not according to Equity and Justice, through the partiality of the Consulter, who possibly hath been solicited or bribed by the injurious Party, and therefore the Consulter should be not only able, but a person of singular Integrity. Next, I judge the whole Magistrates, Provest and Bailies, should advert to all the particulars in the foregoing Chapters, which are laid before the Council for the good of the Town, as opportunities may be offered and occasion given, seeing the Magistrates are as the hands, as well as the heads of the Council, to put in execution what ever they enact; for though a Council did make all the profitable Acts and Constitutions imaginable for the Public Good, it were to small purpose if diligent and active Magistrates be wanting. Therefore, let Magistrates notice these desirable Qualifications, that they should be endued with, mentioned in the former Chapter of this Treatise. CHAP. XXII. Concerning the Office and Duty of the Dean of Gild. THe next Office-bearer to the Provest and Bailies is the Dean of Gilled, whose Duty is according to the Charge usually given him after his Election. First, He is the Towns-Fiscall, and therefore is to accuse all Forestallers of Staple Commodities, and see them convicted by the Magistrates according to Law, and so to be censured by the Council at their next sitting; also, to accuse all other public Transgressor's, as incroachers upon the Towns Privileges or Magistrates thereof, or brakers of the Paenall Statutes. Secondly, He is to receive and count for all the Fines and unlawes of the convicted persons censured by the Council, and if personal punishment be inflicted with an alternative, as to be redeemed therefrom by such a sum of Money, he is to see that the sentence be executed accordingly, and cause the Clerk insert it in the book of Convicts and Fines, otherwise he is to be countable for the Money, it being always to be supposed by the Auditors of the Towns Counts, that where there is no evidence of inflicting of the personal punishment, that in that caise the Dean of Gilled hath received the Money as the alternative thereof, he is likewise to receive the Fines of Forestallers as convicted, and then censured by the Council. Thirdly, He is to receive all the Money for Casualties belonging to his Office; as for instance, if there should come a Stranger with any Merchant Commodities to the Town, that could not be divided amongst the Merchants according to their due proportions, but it would cause mistakes and strifes to arise, if some got thereof and others nothing, in which case it is his Duty to conveen the Merchants by public intimation with the hand Bell, and represent the case to them, and with their consent obtained, to roup the Commodity, and what profit he gains more than he is to pay the Stranger, he is to charge himself therewith, either amongst the common accidents belonging to the whole Town, or in his Count of the Gild-Box for their Poor, as shall be condescended by the meeting. Fourthly, He is to have special care that no private person buy any Foreign Commodity from a Stranger, but to buy it himself; yet with all to be sure that it be taken off his hand at the rate agreed for and with profit, seeing Strangers are not Burgesses and not free to Trade, therefore the Stranger is holden to make his first offer to the Dean of Gilled, and not to sell to any other private Burger till then, and that no private person shall have it under wha● he offered it for to the Dean of Gild. Fifthly, It is his Duty to look carefully that the Towns Statutes be kept, as to the Prices of all things which the Council hath se● down for that Year. Sixthly, He is to see that all the Weight and Measures whether public belonging to the Town, as the public Weights in the Weigh● house, Barrels, Kinkins, Firlots, Pecks Elnes and Metts: as also these of private person in their Trading and private Shops or Maltmen, Wine and Ale-sellers, their Elnes, Stoops, Weights, &c that all these be according to the Act of Parliament, and the several standards appointed and approven thereby, for he being Censor Morum & Delictorum hath a very great Charge lying on him, and who ever they be that are faulty or short in these things he is to accuse them and see them convict and censured by the Magistrates and Council, and therefore he ought to take in the help of his Assessors, in consulting what abuses are to be noticed in the Town, as being of also great moment to his place as to give Judgement in matters of controversy betwixt Merchants in his Court. Seventhly, He is to be careful to recommend to the Council, that they elect for his Assessors the Wisest, Gravest and most Experimented Persons in the Town, who will make Conscience to assist him in the faithful discharge of his Duty, and with those he is to keep Court every week once and as occasion requires; where he is to preceded for hearing and judging of all causes and differences betwixt Merchants amongst themselves, and Merchants and Seamen, according to Jac. 6. Parl. 13. c. 180. Eightly, With these his Assessors he is seriously to consider how to increase, preserve and distribute the money of the Gild-Box, for relief of decayed and poor brethren of Gilled, their Relics and Children, according to discretion and Charity. Ninthly, He is seriously to propose at the meeting of his Court, if any have an Overture to offer that may be made practicable, for promoving, securing and advancing the Trade of Merchandising in the Town, and gravely to debate thereanent, and prosecute it after due deliberation according to Reason and Discretion. Tenthly, He is to press them earnestly to consider, if there be any abuses or transgression of Public Laws, or Towns-Statutes by any that keeps the weekly Mercats in any kind of these things that contraveen the Statutes, that redress may be made and the guilty punished, and for this, the Towns-Statutes for regulation of prices would every Year be written in the Gild-Court-Book, and often read for memories sake. Eleventhly, He is to consider what reparation the Towns-House or Tolbooth, Pack-House, Weigh-House, or other public Works that belong only to his Charge requires, and to cause the same diligently be performed by the respective Artists and Tradesmen: and if there be any thing whereby the Town may be better accommodated or adorned without profusness, or prodigal expenses, he is to think upon such things and propose them to the Council. By these foresaid particulars this charge may be seen to be very weighty, for if there should be found gross disorders in the Town in matters relating to his Office as before mentioned, it may be justly imputed to the neglect and unfaithfulness of the Dean of Gilled more immediately than to any other of the Magistrates, though it still lies upon them to put him to his Duty if he shall be found wanting. But if a man shall worthily acquit himself in all duties belonging to this Charge, which is without doubt one of the weightiest in the Commonwealth; he may remember how the famous Roman Cato was surnamed the Censor, all his life and ever since also, not as if there had been none in that Office but he: there were many be o'er and after him in that Charge at Rome, but because he did discharge his Duty most faithfully and diligently, he obtained that designation, as if in that Office he had obtained a victory or gotten a Triumph. Even as Scipio was surnamed Africanus, from these Heroic Victories he obtained there. Wherefore, I shall only say as Paul the Apostle said of an Elder that ruled well, 1. Tim. 5.17. That he that dischargeth the Office of Dean of Gilled well, is to be counted worthy of double Honour. CHAP. XXIII. Concerning the Office and Duty of the Towns-Thesaurer. THe next Office-bearer is the Thesaurer, of whose Duty he is to receive a particular account Yearly after his Election from the Towns-Clerk. It is alwise expedient he be a person who can command ready money, for if his predecessor be super-expended he is to pay him at the Term immediately ensuing to the Election, and to advance any money due to the Towns-Stipendiaries at the said Term; as also any other ordinary, and some times extraordinary advancements, which the public good of the City may require. For which he is to gather in the Towns proper revenues, whether they be Fwes of Lands within the Freedom of the Town, or as some Towns have Fwes of Salmond-fishings, and all their ferm duties as of Mills, Pack-house and weigh-House, Customs and Tolls, and all other such like duties as are insert in his charge; and if all these will not serve, he is to advertise the Magistrates and Council thereof, that either moneys belonging to the Town, and resing be other persons may be called for, or an taxation to be imposed upon all the free Citizens, may be tymously granted and collected for his satisfaction, before the year of his office expyre I must add for the encouragement of any person that shall be in this Office, I never knew any a loser in their debursments for the Town, unless it had been through their own neglect, in not timely taking up and using diligence against the person's and estates of those who are indebted to the Town; and if it fall out otherwise, it is a reflection upon the Magistrates and Council as defective of discretion, in not timely provyd●ng for his satisfaction if the Thesaurer have given them timely warning. There are several other Office-Bearers next to these formerly mentioned, and they are according to the different constitutions of the several royal-burghs in the Kingdom, some have the charge of the Kirk-Works and Bridge-Works, some have the charge to the Mortified-Moneyes, and some have the charge of the Hospitals, and some have the charge of the Shoar or Harbours, or Works belonging to them, etc. But seeing the settled Office-bearers that are fixed and constant in every Royal-Burgh are spoke to at some length, I need say little to the other, seeing every one of them are to have their distinct charge which is sufficient to instruct and direct them in their duty, and by consulting the Magistrates and any other that are best skilled in their Effairs, they may be counselled what to do and how to behave in all these concernments, as become judicious and discreet Persons that are chosen to these Employments. CHAP. XXIV. Concerning the Office and Duty of the Towns-Clerk or Recorder. THough the Clerk have no vote in Council, yet he is a necessary constituent Member in every Judicature and Court, and aught to be a wise, sober and faithful man: a person well acquainted with the Laws both national and Municipal; eloquent in Speech, an able Penman, and one addicted to diligence in all the Duties of his Charge, and one that will make Conscience to serve GOD and Man in his station. He should be First, Wise and Judicious, that thereby he may discern what is legal and just, and expedient to be done, and if he perceive somethings done otherwise, he may modestly and reverently express it in Council, or to the Magistrates as the case requires. Secondly, He should be sober, otherways he will (as one puffed up with self-conceit) encroach upon the Duty of a Magistrate or Counsellor, and take upon him to carry more highly than becomes, which is most unseemly in him, and seldom without a tacit reflection on those who should command him, to wit, the Magistrates. Thirdly, He should be faithful, else it is like he may be carried with Faction, and by●assed with respect of persons in his collecting and marking of Votes, and conceiving and recording of Acts which is most detestable, and were sufficient to render a man uncapable of all trust. Fourthly, He should be well acquainted with the Laws of the Kingdom and Municipal-Laws of the Town, that thereby he may order processes, and keep the Courts for common Pleas, where the Bailies sit Judges in due form, and happily may be capable according to his abilities to consult the Bailies indifficult Law caices, seeing it may fall out, and oftentimes the facto doth fall out, that some young men are made Magistrates that are little acquainted with many such like things incumbent to his Office, which an intelligent and discreet Clerk may be often very instrumental to help. Fifthly, Eloquent in speech, for it may fal● out that need require an able man to express the respects of the City to a PRINCE, o● some Eminent Noble Person, or to represent the caise or cause the Town hath to lay before him, and therefore it were very requisite he were Eloquent and confident to discharge this Duty, since it is to be supposed his Breeding and Education may prompt him more to it, than men, that are frequently Magistrates i● Cities, though otherways they may be judicious and sufficiently qualified. Sixthly, He would needs be an able Pe● man, not only for conceiving clearly Acts an● Decreets, but missive Letters to Persons of a● qualities, he only and propperly being th● Towns Secretary. Seventhly, Addicted to be diligent in all th● duties of his Charge, because he is entrusts with recording all Acts of Councils, and all D●creets of Bailies and Dean of Gilled Courts; Bo● and all such public Concernments in the Tow● he is to beware of loitering or leaving hi● self behind in filling up of Books and Registers, and therefore the Council may deligat some in particular, to see that the minute of their Acts be rightly drawn up and carefully looked to in their Public Register before their next Meeting. Lastly, He would needs be one that makes Conscience to serve GOD and Man in his station, and if he hath this Quality joined to his other abilities, all the forementioned requisits will be the better performed. He will not covetously extortion any he hath to do with in his Employment, but rest contented with such rewards as the Magistrates and Council appoint for him according to his several Duties, which in discretion they ought to do, and not leave him to exact what he lists. CHAP. XXV. Concerning some Duties incumbent upon the Magistrates jointly. HAving briefly touched the duties of the Council in several Chapters, and pointed at the Office and Duties of the Magistrates and every Office-bearer by themselves apart, I crave liberty to mention somethings that may concern the Magistrates in common and jointly together. As First, It's ye that are to visit the Schools at least every quarter, with such persons as ye think fit to call to go along with you for examination of Grammer-Rules, Themes, and interpretation and analizing of Authors: and for this it were fit before ye went, 1. To cause read s●ch Mortifications as concern the Grammar-school, if there be any, that ye may discharge your Trust according to Conscience. 2 lie. At every Visitation read over the Laws of the School, which in some Towns have been several times Printed, and are recorded in the public Register of the School. 3 lie. Be careful there be no partiality in distributing the Praemia or Rewards, that the best Scholars may be most encouraged. 4 lie. That every Visitation be particularly Registered in the School-Register, with the names of the Visitors, and the Scholars that gain the Praemiums may set down their own names, with the ground upon which they did obtain the Praemium, and thus the putting their names upon record, will be as considerable an encouragement as the Praemium itself. 5 lie. The Master's attendance and faithful discharge of Duty, and the observance of the appointed hours would be carefully inquired into, and their exercise of Discipline towards the Scholars, and defects when they are found reproved and recorded in the Register, that it be amended against the next Visitation, and if so, the amendment to be recorded, and so the last blot taken off. This much for the visitation of Schools, and if there be any further requisite, I leave it to your riper considerations, as the constitution of Schools in the several burgh's may require. Secondly, Ye would need to meet together shortly after your Election when every Office-bearer hath got his Charge from the Clerk, and take every one a day a part, because this work would be done to purpose and not posted over, and cause read over his Charge whom ye call first, and recommend it to his care and diligence what is incumbent: with all adding that in respect he will have more time and opportunity to perceive what is amiss under his Charge, and what will be fit to be done by him, that upon discovery thereof he may acquaint the Magistrates or Council that course may be taken therewith as shall be found most convenient. This would be done exactly with every Office-bearer. Thirdly, It would be a work very suitable to your place, to fall upon the most Prudent, Judicious and Discreet Men in the Town, few or more as ye think fit, with some of your own number, and call them and lay it upon them Authoritatively, to take notice of all differences, plies, mistakes, discords or heart-burnings that fall out amongst neighbours to reconcile them; and accordingly ye ought to call the Parties, and show them that as Magistrates ye look upon yourselves as engaged before GOD amongst other Duties, to keep the Citizens in Peace and Love one to another: and that timely notice be tak●n of all pleas in Law, that expenses may be prevented and Love and Friendship preserved in the Town. Justitia & Benignitate Pax inter Concives. If there be any incendiary, or bad instrument in a Town, let such be noticed and rebuked. Fourthly, It were a commendable thing if ye that are Magistrates would meet among yourselves once every week, and probably it might seem fit at an afternoon before your Councill-day, that ye might prepare and rypen matter● that are under refer for the Council, or what else ye may think fittest to be done in the Towns Affairs, this would not only shorten your work upon Council-days, but would evidence that your Actings were done with good advysement and deliberation. Fifthly, It will be worth your consideration, to fall upon a way to make up a public Liberary of such books as are most fit for qualifying Magistrates and persons in public trust, such as these that treats of Kingdoms and Commonwealths &c, and Laws thereof and Histories, Geographie, that treat of the manners of Nations, our own Acts of Parliaments, Regiam Majestatem, and generally all other such like Books that may become Civil Rulers to be acquainted with. But it may be there are but few acquainted with the Latin-Tongue or French-Language, that afford several such, as Bodin that writs copiously of a Commonwealth in French. So Franciscus Patricius Senensis that writs of the Institution of a Commonwealth, and of the Institution of a Kingdom; Wendilini Polititia, but these are in Latin and are old; but there are many Modern that may be found at London. Also books fit for a Dean of Gilled and his Assessors, as Lex Mercatoria, Robert's Map of Commerce, the knowledge of the Sea-Laws, as the Roll of Oleron, or Consolato of Barcelona, etc. which being kept in some Public Place, where the Magistrates and Counselors (by the persons that had the trust of them under inventour) might at all occasions have access unto. Sure I am, it were a very commendable thing to have such a Liberary in your Council-house which would be at hand, and continually under your eye and care, and might be made use of at any time convenient. Sixthly, Ye are with the rest of your Neighbours of the Town once every year to ride your Land-Marches, both outward and inward Marches; the outward is that ye see that none of your Neighbour-Heritours encroach upon your Freedom-Land, nor upon the properties of your Fewers. And the inward Marches is, that ye may see none of the Heritors of the Burrow-Roods encroach upon the Highways or beyond the bounds of your March-stones: and while I mention this, it were fit ye should take some effectual cou●se with the Highways or Avenues that come into the Town, that horses with loads may come into the Town all the Seasons of the Year, in Winter as well as in Summer and the rather, that ye have the advantage of the public Acts and Orders for your assistance therein. Seventhly, Were it not worth your serious consideration, to fall upon some suitable way to stir up all Magistrates and private persons to perform notable services to the welfare of the Town, and to bethink yourselves what may be of greatest efficacy to encourage all sorts of persons thereto? I think amongst many other ways (which riper judgements may fall upon) it might be a good one to imitate the LORDS own way, set down in Mal. 3.16. Then they that feared the LORD spoke often one to another, and the LORD harkened, and heard it, and a Book of Remembrance was written before him, for them that feared the LORD, and thought upon his Name. See vers. 17. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of Hosts, etc. This was a bad time, for they that wrought wickedness were set up, and they that tempted GOD were delivered; and the proud were called happy, and because it was rare to hear any speaking aright of the Ways of GOD, yet they that feared the LORD did speak often together, and GOD harkened and heard it, and insert it in a Book of Remembrance for time to come. For they shall be mine saith the LORD of Hosts, in that day when I make up my Jewels, and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. This was the way the LORD took, even to record notable Service, that in due time he might reward them. So when the LORD blesses any man to do any notable Act for the common Good of the Town, either for profit or reputation, I think such an Act ought to be recorded even in a Register apart, that they and theirs may find the more respect, if there fall an opportunity to manifest it in t●me to come. The putting Mordecai's good Service on record, was the occasion of his exaltation, the Jews preservation, and Hamans' destruction. Esther 2.23. And 6.1, 2, 3. The Romans and Grecians had their own ways for stirring up their Citizens to all Heroic Acts, but they were deeply tainted with vain glory as their Triumph and Lawrel-Crowns, as their Corona Ovalis of Myrtle, for a victory gotten with little hazard, Corona Civica made with leaves of Oak for him that saved a Citizen from the Enemy: so also Corona Populea, for Young men that were found industrious and studious in the exercise of Virtue which was made of Poplar leaves. These were but trivial things, but much intended to gratify vain glorious humours. But the putting notable Services and Acts upon record, is for the encouragement of the Posterity, and others that may be observers thereof; and therefore may be done with such solemn circumstances as may be thought fit and most consistent with modesty and sobriety so as the posterity may be influenced to the same, or such like exercises. Rom. 13.3, 4. They that do good are to have Praise and Rewards from Rulers as well as evil doers are to be punished by them who are to be a terror to such. If these had been recorded, there had been Honourable mention made of many stately Buildings and Monuments in many of our royal-burghs, which long ere now, or shortly will be quite forgotten. Neither these Artists and private persons that do good Service, or find out good inventions for profit or ornament to the Town should be neglected. CHAP. XXVI. Concerning justice of Peace Courts, to be holden within Burgh by the Magistrates thereof. IN the foregoing Chapters I have presumed to suggest several particulars which may conduce to advance the Polilcy, good Government and prosperity of a City or Commonwealth as men, and in his I am to mind the Rulers more particularly ●ow they shall order it as Christians, in evi●enceing their zeal against sin, for the honour ●nd Glory of Him who is the PRINCE of ●he KINGS of the Earth; and upon whose shoulders the government is laid, from whom ●lone all blessings of peace, prosperity and preservation can be expected, and without whose gracious favour, no skill, power, wisdom or ●eans that men shall use can profit, according ●o Psal. 127.1. Except the LORD build the ●ouse they labour in vain that build it. Except the LORD keep the City, the watchmen waketh ●●t in vain. Then seeing all our mercy's spring from this fountain, it concerns all Magistrates very near, to be careful that no gross sin be indulged amongst them, such as Whoring, Drunkenness and Swearing; these are the most common Scandals unsuitable to the Gospel and such as profess it; that are to be found in Cities and Towns. These are sufficient to provock GOD to withdraw his mercies and to send sad Plagues and Rods; and to confound all your Counsels and blast your best Endeavours: for suppressing whereof, I know no better outward mean then a conscientious, faithful and diligent Court of Justice keeped by well principled Magistrates, assisted by pious, honest and zealous Constables weekly Now I hope no tender Christian will judge me too presumptuous, to offer to propose a rule to the Royall-Burrowes, how they shall bear down these common Vices, seeing I can say it in sincerity, it is more from a respect that I owe to GOD'S Glory, and the real regard I have to the Honour and Welfare of all the Burrowes of SCOTLAND, that I humbly hold out my mind unto them in this matter. Therefore I wish that all Magistrates in their respective Towns, would choose out of every Quarter of their Town, four, five or six, well qualified, sober and discreet men, to be Constables (it were expedient that some of them were members of the Church-Session) that with them they might meet and hold a Court every week upon such a day as shall be judged most convenient, and there the Constables may give in their delations upon those persons they have found guilty in Whoredom, Drunkenness or Swearing, who may be ordered to be summoned against the next Court day, that then and there they may be censured and punished according to their merit by Fynes, Imprisonment or so as the Magistrates in their discretion shall think fit, not exceeding the censures imposed by Acts of Parliament. And for the more effectual bearing down of Swearing, it will be found fit that one of the Constables with one of the Towns Officiars or Sergeants should go through the Town on every Mercat day per vices, when the Country people are convened, and greatest confluences of people to be seen; and whatever person they find taking GOD'S Holy Name in vain, or swearing any other Oath, that they may immediately exact some small money from every one that are found so doing: and after the Mercat give in all that money to the Collector, or to the Magistrate, to be laid up for public use, and a note thereof to be kept in the Register. I know by experience, that in few Months this way diligently gone about in a Town where thousands of people have frequented the Mercat place, there hath not the meanest Oath been heard in that place; but it is sadly to be regretted that this Zeal waxes too soon cold. But if any shall object, that Church-Sessions or Consistories are sufficient to take order with these evils▪ and are fitter than any Magistrate or Civil Court? I answer, It is true, that Ministers and Church-Sessions continue to do some thing of this according to the custom in Country Parishes, and some Acts of Parliament authorising them therein; but in this Polemick-Age when many things are controverted, which were not questioned formerly, it is found a matter very extrinsic to Church-Officers or Guides, to meddle with any thing that is proper to the Civil-Magistrat, such as Fynes, Imprisonments, or Corporal Punishments, seeing Magistrates within burgh's may easily perform that Duty, whereas in Country Parishes they cannot be so conveniently had. Secondly, It may be easy to any understanding men to perceive, how Heteroclit a thing it is to see Preachers speaking to such delinquents more Magisterially liker a Civil Magistrate than Ministerially, menacing their Persons and exacting on their Purses, whereas it were more becoming Ministers of the Gospel to endeavour to awaken and convince their Consciences which is their proper work, because the Weapons of their Warfare should not be Carnal. 2. Cor. 10.4. Thirdly, Neither is this design to weaken their hands, but to strengthen them in their proper work; seeing the end of both Courts is to suppress Sin, and it is the more likely to take the desired effect, when Civil and Ecclesiastic Rulers do every one their Duty in their proper Sphere. It is more suitable to a Christian Magistrate, to execute Justice by Civil Punishments upon delinquents with a tender compassionate heart, and to speak to the Consciences of sinners, then for a Preacher of the Gospel to threaten Corporal Punishments; though they can pretend to no more zeal than James and John, Luke. 9.54, 55. whom CHRIST rebuked, saying, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of, for the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. But some may say, why may not this Court take order with Blood-wicks and Riots, and the breach of all other Paenall-statutes? I answer, Not, because this were to encroach upon the Privilege of the Dean of Gilled, whose duty it is to accuse and see these convicted and punished that are guilty of the breach of these Civill-statutes, and to collect their Fynes, but he used not to notice persons guilty of whoring, Swearing and Drunkenness, but most ordinarily these were either laid over to Church-Sessions, or altogether neglected and little noticed, unless it was Whoredom, and the unfitness and inexpediency of this is spoke to before, which I refer to the Readers serious consideration. Happy were every City and Town in this Land, if the Zeal (which in some places is often times too apparent for self-interest,) were running in no other channel, but that which is pure, holy and harmless, for the Honour of GOD, and the welfare of Souls, which in Christian Meekness and Love might sweetly vent itself to the joy of GOD'S Spirit, edification of all Pious and sober minded People and the conviction of the most stubborn and obstinate offenders. But as the best and most Religious Duties of GOD'S Worship may degenerate and turn to a form of Godliness without the Power, as 2. Tim. 3.5. which feed the fancy, and in some the itching ear with Rhetorical flowrishes and specious outside dresses. 2. Tim. 4.3, 4. rather then building up souls in the most holy faith. Judas 20. So these means though never so much strengthened and established by Law, may through remissness and want of true Zeal be also turned into a mere form, without any fruit or effect according to the temper and disposition of the instruments, or the iniquity of the times when Sin lifts up its head and comes to that height of arrogancy and pride, that it will not admit of a check: but however a Duty remains a Duty, and when we cannot do what we would, and impediments become insuperable, In magnis voluisse sat est. The great and many Advantages that will or may accrue by a diligent prosecuting of this Justice Court weekly may be easily perceived, for thereby sin may be duly punished, Swearing and all Oaths banished out of the streets, and a considerable sum of money collected for the poor and other pious uses, the Clerks pains liberally rewarded as a punctual Register keeped for that end may evidence, for, as Uno dato absurdo multa sequuntur. So one Good cometh never alone. CHAP. XXVII. Concerning some Considerations laid before the Youth, in every City or Corporation. HAving written at some length of the Duty of Rulers that have the Government of burgh's, I cannot close this Treatise till I lay some considerations before the Youngmen of all our Cities and Towns in the Nation, that are born and bred therein: as also, to the Inhabitants and Freemen of our Cities. As to the Youth, I would have them consider that they are the seed and seminary of their respective Corporations, and that the Blessing and Happiness of a Town doth much depend upon them and their behaviour; for if they be Virtuous, Wise and Sober, they may procure in due time, a great commendation to the Place of their Nativity and Residence; if otherways, they do what in them lie to draw disgrace and contempt upon it. See Prov. 11.11. By the Blessing of the Upright the City is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. For by Riotousness and Debauchrie they ruin themselves, and make way for Strangers to be Inhabitants. See Prov. 2.21, 22 For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it; but the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it. Wherefore in the first place, I recommend to them in the fear of the LORD, that they would above all make it their care to know GOD and his living Motions in their hearts, whereby he bears witness against all the Sins they are inclined unto, and points out their Duty and the Way they should walk in, according to Eccles. 12.1. Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, for though they follow the corrupt ways of their hearts in the days of their youth, yet (says Solomon) Knew thou for all these things GOD will bring thee into judgement. Eccles. 11.9. Wherefore O Young Men! be faithful to the Light of GOD'S Spirit in your hearts, for it's there ye shall here a word behind you, saying, This is the way walk ye in it: when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. This is a teacher which shall not be removed into a Corner. Isa. 30.20, 21. And therefore, be much in reading and studying to know the Mind of the LORD in Holy Scripture, and join Prayer therewith, and be serious n it, and let it not be a bare form; but look up to GOD in all, and wait on him till thou obtain the desired blessing. See Prov. 2.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. My Son, if thou wilt rceive my words, and hide my Commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto-Wisdom, and apply thine heart to Understanding: yea, if thou criest after Knowledge and liftest up thy voice for Understanding: if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasure: then shal● thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the Knowledge of GOD. For the LORD giveth Wisdom: out of his mouth cometh Knowledge and Understanding. Next I recommend to you to set your hearts to prosecute some virtuous Calling or Employment, whether it be Merchandiseing or Mechanick-Trade, particularly (in the LORD order it) to choice every one of you the Trade of your Father, though herein ye are not to be limited, but by a diligent and skilful prosecution of some Virtuous Calling and Employment, ye will not only be able to preserve that Portion left to you by your Patents, but by the Blessing of GOD to augment the samen to your great credit and reputation. The sooner ye betake yourselves to your Callings, the better. Parents are oftentimes b●ame-worthy, that keep their Sons at Schools and Universities though their Talon and Inclination run not in that Channel, till they are unit for breeding in their Callings, whereas the Knowledge of the Languages and Arithmetic mi●ht be sufficient to qualify them, as men mee● to live in these civil Employments fit for a Citizen. It hath been observed frequently by wise and sober men of all ranks, that it hath been the ruin of Burghers Children that they followed not their Father's Trade, but i● their Parents purchased any considerable Estate by their Trade and Industry, the Childre● (bred up at a far higher rate both in apparel diet and breeding, than their Parents were or their Trade could allow,) became more highminded, proud and vain, that they judged it below them to stoop to do many things which their Parents did. Hence thorough want of fit Education, and foolish pride and conceitedness, many have become idle men, and spent their whole life without any Calling, and so have become poor and left their Children in a mean condition, or have been necessitated to go off the Country to seek a livelihood else where: from hence it needs not seem strange to see old Families in Cities wear quit out, and to have no Posterity to preserve any memory of them, for how soon any competent Estate is gained by the Parents, the Children (as I have said) become vain and riotous oftentimes, and forbear any virtuous or commendable Calling, and live an idle life, which does not a little reflect upon the Rulers and their Government; and upon the reputation of the Town. Wendelin in his 2 d. book 12. Chap. citys Cicero in his 7 These Pag. 198. saying, Tamdiu duravit in Civitate Gloria, quamdiu Adolescentibus Romae vagari otiosis non licuit. That is, Glory or Renown remained in the City, so long as idlesit was not permitted to the Youth in Rome. It's reported that Marcus Aurelius the Emperor in his time, did condemn all those to the Public Works that walked in the Mercat-Place without the bage of their particular Calling. If such Laws had place, it would serve to abate the vain conceitedness in many that will not abase themselves to keep Shops, or these Employments which their Predecessors did use; and i● may be, were the first mean of their rising, or coming to any respect in a World: forgetting that word, Prov. 12.9. He that is despised and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself and lacketh bread, Which plainly speaks out to this purpose, that it is far more commendable to Trade and use any lawful Employment, and thereby to live comfortably, then out of a vain conceit of themselves of being above such mean Employments, to spend their time idly, and so bring inevitable want upon them and theirs: whereas it were far more commendable, to see the Children of Old-Burgers continuing to follow their Parent's Trade whereby they might prevent inevitable Poverty, and spend their days with much Comfort and Peace both outwardly and inwardly, and give good example and means of education to their Posterity, and retain the respect and esteem which their Parents or themselves have gained in their City. These are the fruits of that Virtue which is the product of a truly Wise, Humble and Sober Spirit. It is a matter worthy of consideration for all that are in Power and Authority in burgh's and Cities, who would rejoice to see their Fellow-Citizens prosper, and Virtue to grow amongst them, to give all due encouragement not only to Trade in general, but particularly to such as evidence a virtuous disposition in following the Trade and Way of their Parents and Predecessors, especially seeing this hath been so little in use these many Years, yea Generations. And as this Duty is not only Blessed with many Personal and Domestic Advantages, to these that carefully and prudently follow the same, so it hath its own advantages for the good of the City. As First, the Offspring of Old Families will not be a burden to the Town, which oftentimes gives occasion of reproach to Latters-in-comer to upbraid them, and bury the Virtues and good Offices their Worthy Ancestors have manifested in their time, to the advantage of the Commonwealth in utter oblivion. It could not but move the beholders to see M. Hortalus, the only Stock of the Noble Hortensian Family, to plead for Charity with his four Children in his hand, before the Emperor Tiberius, and the Lords of the Senate of Rome, laying out his Poverty before them, though he was descended of so many Consuls and Dictator's, yet through want of honest Industry, or that Frugality requisite, had fallen into extreme necessity: whereas if he, or his immediate Parents had not through Ambition wasted, or through idleness suffered their Estates to ruin, as the Emperor's answer to him did insinuat, he and they might have prevented this shame. Cor. Tacitus lib. 2.8. Secondly, In like manner, by this the Town is better furnished with able and understanding men for Rule and Government, and better management of the Towns effairs, seeing it is evident, that these who are born and bred in the Town, are for most part better educated in Learning and brought up more carefully at Schools than Strangers, or Countrypeople are, who for most part come from the Country to be Merchants and Tradesmen in burgh's. As also, many Towns-Youths have occasion to be bred in Foreign Countries, and thereby to attain better accomplishments than others who never had such opportunities, so that they may be far more useful and skilful for public affairs than others. Thirdly, By this Old Families may be continued to many Generations through the blessing of GOD, if not in growing prosperity in Wealth, Credit and Esteem; at least in a continuance of what hath been already attained thereof, as hath been seen in many great and flourishing Cities abroad, whereof abundance could be instanced. And this would wear out the common reproach put upon Cities by the indiscreeter sort of Gentry, who look on them as Carls and base spirited-men which is mostly occasioned by the frequent access of too many that are such who take up Trafficking and Merchandising, and supply the rooms of many of these who think themselves too good to Trade. And seeing there is nothing can make a man more properly a Gentleman than Virtue and descent from virtuous persons, by Birth and Antiquity joined with a competent Estate and Living, and good accomplishments of the mind, our Cities being furnished with the Offspring of old Inhabitants well educated and bred, and virtuous in their Callings and Behaviours, might upon good ground be reputed Gentlemen as well as many others that without question are held so; seeing that Merchandiseing in itself, may be esteemed as consistent with a Gentleman as Tillage of the Land may be to these Gentlemen who labour their own Lands, which doubtless is very commendable in itself and becoming the Greatest Persons: seeing the Spirit of GOD gives this Counsel by a Royal and Princely Hand as the Penman, Prov. 12.11. He that tilleth his Land shall be satisfied with bread, but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding. The meaning whereof is very plain, preferring Industry in the most common and ordinary Calling to an idle life, under what ever pretence of Gentility, esteeming such in plain terms fools and void of understanding. Fourthly, By this our Cities and Towns would be better furnished of public Spirits, that would be more tender of the good of the Commonwealth; for it is without all doubt, that when the Inhabitants are born and bred in the Town, and it may be, descended of several Generations of Ancient Citizens, they will not only be more ready to lay out their pains and labour for the Credit and good of the Town, but will more willingly spend and be spent, yea, lay down their lives if called thereto, then probably can be expected from New-incomers, who cannot have that natural love and respect to the place which others cannot but have. Hence it is reported of the Generous Romans, that after the battle at Cannae, when almost all ground of hope was lost of preserving Rome, Florus lib. 2. cap. 6. said, Aerario deficiente privati opes suas Reip. conferunt. That is, When the Thesaurie was exhausted all the private men bestowed their Wealth upon the Public. I would have all Citizens to consider the way and manner of the most flourishing Cities abroad, where Traffic and all kind of Trade is vigorously prosecuted to the great increase of Wealth and Prosperity, and that by the most considerable men in their Towns, some one way and some another by Mechanick-Trades, as well as by Merchandiseing. Let all inform themselves, of the Industry of the Inhabitants of the Towns of the United-Provinces, who by their pains and industry in their several Callings are become so great and powerful, yea formidable, that there is no KING nor PRINCE ●n Europe but will honour them with the Title ●f High and Mighty Lords: whereby they have ●aunted the pride of the Spaniard, and more ●hen once coped with the most Powerful PRINCES in Christendom. Let also the Industry of the Hans-Towns in Germany, and ●he Cities on the Baltic Sea be considered, and that it is that makes each of them so considerable as they are. It is reported, that the Grand-Seigneor a●ongst the Turks, who is one of the greatest PRINCES of the World, that even he must also have some Handy-Trade, such is the respect, that even Infidels put upon Virtue, when ●any that are called Christians are in this worse ●en Infidels, who refuse to provide for their ●amilies by commendable and virtuous Callings and Employments. By these and the ●ke considerations, I earnestly entreat that all ●ur Inhabitants, of what ever rank or quality ●ey be, would seriously ponder the great importance of Trading, every one according to their Talon and Ability, and that the meanest may be encouraged in all fit ways becoming, especially Young Men. The Romans thought this much worth the noticeing, for they Crowned publicly all Young Men that were studious of virtuous Exercises and Employments; with Corona Populea, with Poplar leaves as I touched in the twentyfifth Chapter of this Book. CHAP. XXVIII. Directed to the Inhabitants, and Freemen of Cities. IT may be easily believed, how much of the welfare of every particular Citizen depends upon the well-being of the public Estate and Condition of their respective Towns, for a City or Commonwealth is but one Body, as was well expressed by one showing it was as absurd for the Members of the Commonwealth to grudge to contribute their uttermost endeavours for the Public good, as it were for the Members of the natural Body of a Man to repine against the Stomach, because the Hands work, the Feet walk, and go about business, &c, whereby the Stomach might be brought to utter indigency and want through famine, it is easy to conjecture how soon the Hands should hang down, the Feet wax feeble, the Eyes become dim etc. The application of this is clear that it will be no otherways with every Member of the Commonwealth where the Public is neglected. It was the sense of this (as I hinted before) that made the Generous Romans after the Battle of Cannae, every one both Senators, Knights, and Privat-Citizens, to cast in their Privat-Wealth into the Common-Thesaurie, when it ●as quite exhausted: yea, this made the Tradesmen, as Measons and Carpenters &c, to employ their pains and labours without wages in that extremity for the Good and Preservation of their City, by which Public spiritedness, they ●on recovered their pristine Glory, Renown and Wealth, being thereby delivered (by the providence of the ALMIGHTY) from that ●minent danger, which then did threaten ●eir utter ruin, by a powerful and prevail●g Enemy Hannibal and his victorious Army. See Walter Raleighs History, and Florus. Let all therefore consider, if a Town or Commonwealth be under a great decay and heavy burdens, that are like to ruin the same, if surable and seasonable remedies be not provided, whither it be not as needful for Citizens to deny themselves, and give up their private interests to be disposed of for relief of the Public, as it is for a diseased person that is threatened with death by a deadly disease, to submit to let blood and to purging evacuations, though the potion were never so bitter and unpleasant to the taste, especially if there be hope of health and life thereby. We must not be as Children who are led merely by sense, but as Men who by Reason can deny Sense and force themselves to submit to such Medicines as may effectuate the cure, though never so unpleasant to the palate. It is therefore an unbeseeming thing in any, to grudge at any Impositions that may relieve the Public Burdens of the Commonwealth. And surely those Towns whose Inhabitants voluntarly consent to such reliefs, without the Imposition of the Supreme Authority, are highly to be commended, as Dundee and Glasgow, such cannot but flourish and prosper, as is to be seen by the considerable acquisitions which the City of Glasgow hath made within their few years, yea in building a new Town at the mouth of their River with all accommodations for Trade, etc. I could be glade that all the Citizens in this Kingdom would but inform themselves of the public spiritedness of that People their many years by gone, and emulat with them; and to give but one instance of this. In the time when the Englishes had the Government of this Nation, when Gess and excise was great; they of their own accord did agree to pay six Shillings-sterling upon every Boll of Malt, whereby they paid all the public Deuce, and the whole Salaries of their Stipendiaries; and had their Public Revenue of their Thesaurie still free from any out-givings all that time, whereby they shortly after acquired Lands of great Rents. An Old-Provest of that Town J. G. told me, that though they were divided among themselves in some things, yet if any one should make a motion that might tend to the Public Good, they all agreed as one man. So that it may be said in some respect of them, as Florus in his second book; Chap. 6. said of Rome, after the Battle of Cannae. O populum dignum omnium faevore & admiratione hominum! compulsus ad ultimos metus ab incepto non destitit: & de sua urbe solicitus. (that is) O people! worthy of the favour and respect of all men; and of their admiration; though redacted to the last extremity; yet careful of their Town. If such a Spirit did act the Citizens of our Nation, our Towns would be in a more prosperous condition by far than they are: and in order to this, I will lay before you this consideration, either ye are Citizens born or not. If ye be Natives? it is but natural to all men to love the place of their Nativity. Many have not thought their Lives dear to them, and to undergo all perils and hazards for the Honour and Wellbeing thereof, according to that old saying. Dulce est pro Patria mori. It is grateful to die for their Native-Countrey. And they that are not born, but now made Free-Citizens may mind that their Children are born there, and Parents for most part travel and toil for their Children, and so in freeing the Public Debts and Burdens, ye free your Posterity of Burdens. But some possibly may jealous the Administration of their Magistrates as unfaithful, etc. To which I can say, (having several years born Office in our own Town,) I never knew any cause for such a thought, nor that ever a Magistrate was so base as to be guilty of such a Crime, which the Romans called, Crimen Peculatus: when Magistrates or others took of the Public Money to make their personal gain, which is to be abhored by GOD and Man, and is enough to procure a Curse upon them and their Posterity, who ever should be guilty of such baseness. I have read of several brave Men amongst those we call Heathens, that have been Persons of greatest Trust, who have been so faithful, that rather than appropriate of the Public to their private use, they have preferred to die poor: so that they have been buried on the Public Expense, and their Children educated and provided by the same means. It ought to be far more abhorrent to these that profess Christianity. But because it is frequent with many to admit of a dissatisfaction with their Rulers, and apprehend their might be had many fitter to Govern than they who are present Incumbents, I suppose if they had their choice, it would far with them as it did with the People of Capua, when they were about to have murdered their whole Senate, had not Clavius Pacuvius, who had great respect amongst the People desired them (being convened in a Public Assembly) to fall upon the choice of a New Senate before they destroyed the Old. There was not a man that any could name, but he was rejected by the multitude for some fault or other, or as base and unworthy: wherefore he prevailed with them to spare the Senators and to take a new trial of them. I apprehend it would be even so in many Cities, where the people are most dissatisfied with their present Magistrates are they could agree amongst themselves. Therefore seeing the best of men are but men, let none discover their father's nakedness, but patiently and charitably bear with human infirmities, and all concur in their stations, to seek the Welfare of the Public. CHAP. XXIX. Some Overtures, humbly offered to the Nobles and Gentry of the several Shires in Scotland. HAving written some Memorials for the burgh's of this Nation, I crave favour, that I may with freedom make this address to You, in laying humbly before you suggestions, which being better polished by your mature and sharper Understandings, may tend to the Universal Good of the whole Kingdom. In order to which. I wish you all consider, that its the fear of the LORD that teacheth Wisdom, without which no project nor purpose can attain a blessed success, or arrive at a happy end. It's only they that acknowledge the LORD, that have the promise to be directed and guided in their paths. It were a great Mercy to this Land, if this were practically believed by all, especially by you who may greatly influence your inferiors, and it were but a suitable effect of that Gospel-Light which hath shined in most parts of this Nation since the reformation, and to stir you up the more effectually to this. Look back and consider the many Mercies the LORD GOD hath bestowed upon this Land since ever we were a People, that though we be far short of many other Nations in outward advantages; yet it hath been our happiness to receive both Honour and Spiritual Blessings beyond the most in Europe, for both which I shall give some instances. As for Honour, it was the Glory of our Naion after long and many bloody conflicts with the Romans, to set bounds to the Roman Empire, that we had matter to say as GOD Himself said to the Sea, Job 38.11. Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed. Though it's our duty to say as Psal. 115.1. Not unto us O LORD, Not unto us, but unto thy Name give Glory. For though this was the LORDS mercy, yet he made use of the valour and conduct of that renowned King Corbredus, surnamed Galdus, the twentyfirst King of Scotland, and the courage and valiant indefatigability of your noble Ancestors, so that the Roman-Armie consisting of above ten Legions, or sixty thousand men, when they first came under the Command of Julius Agricola, they were so beaten and worn out by the Scots and Pights, that they came to twenty thousand, who came to be so beleaguered within their trenches, and brought to that strait, that they sent their Ambassadors to our King who commanded in Chief, which because it may be looked upon as a greater Glory (in the Vulgar esteem) than any other Kingdom in Europe can boast of: I have thought fit to insert their address and speech here, as not unworthy of record which is as followeth. Upon this occasion, (having granted them liberty and cessation of Arms) there came four Grave and Venerable Men from the Roman-Camp, (clothed with Roman-Gowns, no less decent than gorgeous,) to these confederated Kings sitting in the Assembly of the Nobility of both Nations, when they approached to the presence of the Kings, did prostrate themselves upon the ground: who (immediately at the command of these Kings, being raised up) one of them who was appointed as Spoksman, said. Most invincible PRINCES, the Roman-Army and their Commanders, though Conquerors ●f the World, implores Your Favour: whom they ●ave these many years prosecuted by Hostile-War, ●nd humbly begs your pardon and mercy. Neither ●ould there any thing fall out amongst such glorious Actions for your Honour and Renown, or more worthy of memory amongst your Posterity, then that the Roman-Ambassadors should have fallen down at our feet, to whom all Kings and People being subdued are forced to pay obedience. Ye have overcome us we acknowledge, with you is the power of ●ur Life and Death, by reason of the anger of the Gods whom we have found to be highly offended for ●ac War which we have most unjustly engaged you ●●to. Use these at your own pleasure, so as 〈◊〉 may advance your Glory and Renown. All we ●eg is, that ye may overcome your wrath, who have overcome the Conquerors of the World. Or if ye ●ill rather choose to be subdued by your passion, kill ●very one of us to the last man, for we cannot deny ●●●t we have deserved it. But it is a small matter ●●at ye who inhabit the uttermost ends of the earth, ●ould conquer by your Valour all other Mortals, by ●hich ye do transcend the highest pitch of Human ●ower: but it will be yet more when ye have over●●me many more powerful, if yet ye shall preserve ●ive so many brave men. We have felt the force of your arms, we have felt the wrath of the Gods, we humbly implore we may feel your Mercy and Clemency, and because we acknowledge ourselves beaten and rendered unto you, what ever conditions of Peace ye shall appoint us, we are willingly to accept. These things being said, they all weeping did throw themselves down at the feet of these Kings, and with many tears prayed they would spare their conquered and submissive Petitioners▪ And entreated they might be satisfied, that th● Gods had so abundantly avenged themselves upon them for this unjust War, and the impious wrongs they had done unto them. This is particularly related by our Scots Historian Hector Boys, in the life of this King Corbr●dus Galdus, who asserts the most he had se● down concerning our conflicts and wars wit● the Romans, he had it not only from th● Famous British Historians, but from the Roma● Writters themselves; particularly, from Co●nelius Tacitus, Lampridius, Herodianus, Paul● Diaconus, Elius Spartanus, Strabo, &c: as ma● be seen in Boys his Epistle Dedicatory to K. Jam●● the fifth. Now I suppose, that neither France, Spain▪ Germany, nor England, &c: can boast of suc● an Honour as the LORD GOD did he● by put upon this our Nation, according a● Honour is ordinarily esteemed by the most 〈◊〉 people of the world. Scaliger in his Epitaph upon Geo. Buchanan our countryman, and our Historian closes it up ●ith their two lines, Imperii fuerat Romani Scotia limbs, Romani Scotia eloquii finis erit. Again, as to Spiritual Blessings, consider, scotland was amongst the first of the Nations ●ho embraced the Christian-Religion, which ●as at the time when Donald the first did reign 〈◊〉 Scotland, about the Year 187 after CHRIST'S ●irth. And also, were amongst the first that ●id forsake the Idolatry and Superstition of the Roman-Antichrist, and all this by the special Mercy and Providence of GOD, who all a●●ngst hath given eminent evidences of his great ●egard and compassion unto Scotland, both be●ore Christianity was embraced, and when we ●ere Heathens: and also, when we were lying ●nder the darkness of Popish-delusions, as was ●imessed by our deliverances from the Tyranny of the Danes, obtained by signal Victories ●nder several of our Kings, of some of which ●he Famous Predecessors of the Families of ●rroll and marshal were eminently instrumental at Luncartie and Barrie. And from the powerful invasions of the ●orvegians under Acio, who was defeated by King Alexander the third: and from the miraculous deliverances, from the unjust and hor●●d devastations by the Edward's the first, second and third of England: by the incomparable Valour of William Wallace, and that never enough admired Prowess and Conduct of that Famous and most Renowned King, Robert Bruce. Wherefore it remaineth, that when the LORD GOD hath blessed you with times of Peace and Tranquillity, that ye should say with King David, Psal. 116.12. What shall we render unto the LORD for all his benefits towards us, that we are not under the power and constant fear and slavery of cruel and enraged enemies, killing our Children and dear Relations, ravishing our Virgins, Wives and Daughters, spoiling our Goods, burning our Houses, depopulating our Towns and Cities, and in a word ruining, laying desolate our Country without Inhabitants. This hath been the Lot of many of your Ancestors in sundry former Generations, and should not these considerations move and excite you to bethink yourselves, what shall we do for the Honour of the GOD of our Mercies, for the good of our Native-Countrey in these our days, and for the Advantage of our Children and Posterity in succeeding Generations. Though I doubt not, but there are many brave and eminent Spirits amongst the Nobility and Gentry of Scotland, that can judge wha● ●hings are most conducible to all these Honourable Ends now mentioned; yet under favour, ●nd with your liberty, I shall presume to men●●on a few things unto you. It is reported by Plutarch in the life of Theseus ●●at such was the barbarity of Ancient Times, ●●at men placed their virtue and valour in kill, slaughtering and destroying of men, and 〈◊〉 best in oppressing of others and making of ●●●ves, yea, it is to be regretted, that in our ●●me, they are by many reckoned the sharpest ●●d prettiest men, that can overreach and go ●●yond or oppress their peaceable Neighbours. Whereas the Doctrine of Christianity teach●●h its professors more mild and righteous ●●ings, not to render evil for evil: Thes. 5.15. ●ath. 5.44. much less to do any evil with●●t a cause. The Primitive Christians were 〈◊〉 a far other Spirit, as is testified by Origen, ●●stin Martyr, Tertulian in their Apologies, particularly by that famous letter which Marcus ●●relius Antoninus Emperor wrote to the Senat ●●d People of Rome, wherein he shows, that 〈◊〉 his great distress he had called the Christians 〈◊〉 his assistance, who came without Weapons, ammunition, Armour or Trumpet; as men ab●●ing such preparation or furnitur, but only satisfied in the trust of their GOD, whom they ●●●ry about with them in their Consciences. This 〈◊〉 far contrary to the old Barbarity, which alace hath revived to the full, under the defection and apostasy from the purity and simplicity of Christianity, as is evident by the frequent and bloody wars amongst both Papists an● Protestants. But now it is that the LORD GOD i● calling for these illustrious and splendid Virtues, which are most suitable and congruly to the Spirit and Light of the Gospel, whic● if they were more in esteem and practice, y●● should have little use for that Valour and Virtue which Heathens and Infidels do so muc● cry up and admire. If ye were laying you● selves out to Honour GOD, by seeking aft●● truth, and doing righteousness, the LORD GOD would doubtless employ his Power an● Providence to preserve you in peace and prosperity. Exod. 34.23, 24. And in order to this, it were requisite in th● first place, that the Sheriff head Courts in eve●● Shire (which meet twice or thrice every year were improven to better purpose, then me●●ly to cite the names and to make the absent liable to fynes, and these present to give mone● upon Instruments, both which might be do●● to good purpose, if the Courts when co●veened did improve their Meetings to bett●● Ends As First, Every Court would notice the discords within their respective Shires and Provinces, for what ever cause the difference were, ●hich was a special effair that some of the best ●f our KINGS did ever much concern themselves in, to agree all discords amongst Subjects that were at variance. See Buchanan, in ●●e beginning of the Reign of K. Gregorius, ●ag. 177. And to forbear mentioning more, K. James the sixth took much pains in this to ●ood purpose, see Spotswood, Pag. 364. See ●sal. 133.1. throughout, Behold, how good, ●●d how pleasant it is, for brethren to dwell together in unity, etc. So these Courts might appoint fit persons, ●●ch as are preferable for Prudence and Skill 〈◊〉 the Effair, or are of most probable Qua●●y as near in relation, or in great favour and ●●spect with the Parties, so the difference may 〈◊〉 taken away, Friendship and Union made 〈◊〉, unnecessary charge and expense prevented 〈◊〉 being heard at Law, that so there might 〈◊〉 no distance, heart burning, rancour or ●ath in any of the respective Shires: but love ●●d mutual friendship, which is one of the chiefest ends and designs of the Law of GOD ●●d Men. This would transcend the Laws of Justice ●●d Righteousness, for where true Love and peaceable and friendly disposition were in the dominion, Parties would rather condescend to 〈◊〉 losers of their due right, then broke the ●●s of friendship and love. It is reported by some of the Historians of our Nation, to the great commendation of the Old-Barrons of the Mearns that there never fell out any debate amongst them, but their Neighbours did so concern with it, that they took no respite till the matter was put to a friendly close. If this were the custom and way of the whole Nation, what a mercy it would be to our Country and whole Kingdom? what great advantage it would be to the Public and to Particular Families? it is easy for every one to judge. Concordia res parvae crescunt, discordia maximae dilabuntur. This was an old saying in Salustius, and holds true in all Ages and in all respects. Next, it were fit that in these Head-Courts consideration were carefully and cordially had of such Acts of Parliament, whether old or late, that did most concern the good of the Country, and in order thereto, that some of the most fit persons, and of most public spirits and activity in every corner and precinct of the respective Shires, were appointed to see these put in Execution, and to report at the next Head-Court their diligence. First, If this were, our Hye-wayes for Travellers would be neatly repared. Secondly, Bridges, where most danger is would be builded carefully up, though upon the account of the public charge in each respective Province. Thirdly, Sturdy-Beggars, Thiefs, Robbers, ●dle-Persons notably suppressed. Fourthly, Our Country in Planting, Parking, Hedging and Dycking beautifully trimmed. Fifthly, All policy, as Dove-houses, Warrants, or Cunningers, commendably advanced. Sixthly, The Poor in every Parish conscientiously provided. Seventhly, The Young-ones put to Schools and Trades timely and in fit season, and all virtue, ●iety and good order should eminently flourish. Eightly, Scandalous and provocking Sins, ●s Drunkenness, Whoring, Swearing and Oaths, ●nd idle gaming at Cards and Dice &c, punctually punished. Whereby the LORD GOD of all our mercies would graciously be pleased to multiply his Blessings of Peace, Plenty and Prosperity upon us, according to Isa. 62.4. Thou ●●alt no more be termed forsaken, neither shall thy ●●nd any more be termed desolate; but thou shalt be ●●lled Hephzibah, and thy land Benlah, for the ●ORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be ●arried. It is well worth the noticeing, what Bodin 〈◊〉 his third book of his Republic, Chap. 7. Pag. ●2. writs of the Province of Languedock in France at the Nobility and Gentry of that Country, in their conventions, had ordered 1200 Livers, or an hundred pound sterling yearly, for training up the Youth of that whole Country in the City of Nimes: besides what was done by other Societies, and that they builded brave Fortresses, or Forts, in the Kingdom. That they caused execute Buzac who was the most noble and notable Volens or Robber in that Age, whom neither Judge nor Magistrate, no nor the Parliament of Tholouse itself could get any order taken with. Also they appointed other great sums, for other brave uses and ends of public concernment. And so goeth on to show the great profit which accrues to a Nation or Country by such conventions and societies: and shows that these were better governed in the Cantons of the Swissers then in any other part of the World; for every Canton, yea every rank of men, as Merchants and Trades had their common and general Meetings there, for the good of the Public. Also, that the ten Circuits of the Empire of Germany have their distinct Meetings a part, all which are in such order and correspondence one with another, that the Empire (says he) would have long ago been brought to ruin, had not this Policy and Government prevented it. It were much to be wished that there were appointed dyers of Meeting from that Love and Friendship which ought to be amongst Neighbours and Relations, in the bounds of every Presbitry or Parish, and it were expedient, that some Justice of Peace might be present, where conveniently they may be had, to confer what might tend to the good of the bounds within their precincts, and accordingly ●o put such things in practice, and to prepare Overtures at every such meeting for the good of ●he whole. This questionless would greatly ●end to the good of the Land, and would ●ypen matters not only for more public conventions; but also for a Parliament, when ●uch occasion offered, or for any other meetings which the King's Council appoints, as they ●id lately for repairing Hye-Wayes and Bridges. Every Parish might have their Heritors, with ●uch others of the discreetest of their yeomanry, ●o meet once or twice every Month in a convenient House, unless it be in Winter; which ●ere a mean to preserve freedom and friendship ●n the Parish: where they might confer at large ●nent the general Concernments thereof as the proportioning of the Cess or other Subsidies, ●nd laying down a way for a public Purse, ●r defraying public Charges of the Parish, providing for the Poor, mending Hye-Wayes, Bridges and Calsies within their bounds, and ●●king course with idle persons. Numa Pompilius; King and Lawgiver to the ●omans; Solon and Lycurgus these Graecian-Law●●vers, were much for such Meetings and Fraternities, and all such means as might tend to beget and confirm Friendship and Love, and advance the common interest; see Plutarch on Solon and Lycurgus lives. These are but a few hints of such Virtuous Employments and Improuments as our Great Men might lay themselves out in, which is humbly conceived might tend much to the Honour of GOD, Good of the Country, and profit of Posterity, if effectually prosecuted. But because many great Wits are ready to reject every motion which flows not from themselves, or from some of a higher station than they are, and for●this end raise objections against such things. I shall answer this with one singular observation of the forementioned French Author, Bodinus in his fourth book Pag. 593. There are (says he) two remarkable faults, which oftentimes men of sharpest spirits fall into concerning the Government of Societies, etc. One is, that they look narrowly to the inconvenients of a Law, or of a good motion, without considering the good that may flow from it. The other is, they run from one extreme to another. So I shall wish the Benefits which may flow from this, may be laid in the balance against any inconvenients which men can imagine can follow upon this. Next, I wish such may not run from the diligent and careful observation of such good Overtures and profitable Motions, to a supine and total neglect of all that may tend to the Glory of GOD, good of the Country, and of their Posterity: but rather (as I hinted in the beginning) may improve their accutest Parts, and more noble Enduements, to fall upon a way of prosecuting these Honourable Ends ●o the compleatest period. In which case, I have attained all I ever aimed at, being a true Zealot of the Public Good, and in soberness ●hall close with one that was a good Countryman in his time, who said, Vive, vale si quid novisti rectius istis, Candidus imperti, si non his utere mecum. Englished thus. Live and farewell if better things thou knows, Impairt them freely, if not make use of those. PHILOPOLITEIUS. A Succinct SURVEY Of the famous CITY OF ABERDEEN, With its Situation, Description, Antiquity, Fidelity and Loyalty to their SOVEREIGNS. AS ALSO, The gracious Rewards conferred thereon, and the signal Evidences of Honour put upon many chief MAGISTRATES thereof. With a Catalogue of THEM since the CITY was burned for LOYALTY, about the Year 1330. TOGETHER WITH The Epigrams of ARTHUR JOHNSTOUN Doctor of Medicine upon the said CITY, and several other of the Principal royal-burghs in this Ancient Kingdom of SCOTLAND: Translated into English by I B. By a Zealous Lover of BON-ACCORD 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Aberdeen, Printed by john Forbes 1685. BON ACCORD Insignia Vrbis abredonie Psal. 87 4. I will make mention of Rahab, and Babylon, to them that know me; behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia: this man was born there. verse 6. The LORD shall count when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Prov. 17.6. The glory of children are their fathers. Philip. 4.8. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report: if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Unto the Right Honourable, SIR GEORGE SKENE of Fintray, Lord Provest. ALEXR. ALEXANDER, Bailie. WALTER ROBERTSON Bailie. ALEXANDER GORDON, Bailie. ANDREW MITCHELL, Bailie. PATRICK JELLY Dean of Gilled, JOHN GORDON Thesaurer, And to the rest of the Honourable Council of the City of ABERDEEN. RIGHT HONOURABLE, It hath been the ●avourable Advantage and signal Providence that hath attended Aberdeen for many Ages, that it hath had a honourable Character among the burgh's of Scotland, (which I wish may never decline) the sense whereof made me recollect what I knew or had read concerning it, at least since the fatal Overthrow thereof in the days of King David Bruce about the year 1330, by the total burning of it, and the universal slaughter of those that did not escape. And finding that Sir Robert Sibbald, Dr. of Physic the King's Geographer, by a warrant from Authority; had emitted an Advertisement for a true information of the several Shires, burgh's, Universities &c, of this Kingdom. I looked on it as a fit Opportunity to communicate what I knew unto ●ou, that ye might dispose thereof ●s ye should see meet. I have therefore set down a Survey of Aberdeen at some length, that all may see ●nd perceive what a City it is, and ●ath been; not only for considerable Buildings, but also as to the renown of its Inhabitants. If there ●e aught judged worthy of Praise ●r Remark, ye may look upon that ●s an incitement for imitation, and ● quickening motive for your Posterity to endeavour a studious Progress in the commendable ways of Virtue; for here may be seen the ●minent Evidences of that Loyalty which was conspicuous in your Ancestors: Also, the Princely Rewards and Royal Marks our sovereigns did bestow upon your City and Magistrates. Here also may be seen the assiduous care and diligence our Magistrates have at all occasions evidenced for advanceing Virtue, and what might tend to the Honour and Reputation of the City. If Rome had matter to glory of her Heroes in several Generations, Aberdeen hath not wanted occasion to speak well of many of her Rulers in divers Ages? I love not to be guilty of giving the least appearance of evil, or what may savour of flattery or ostentation. One thing I aim at, is, that ye may outvie all that have gone before you in Virtue, Wisdom, Fidelity, and care of the Welfare of your Commonwealth. And in a word, that I may say as the Wiseman said of the Virtuous Woman, That your own works may praise you in the gates, which is the earnest desire, of Right Honourable A cordial Wellwisher to the prosperity, true Honour and Welfare of ABERDEEN, and all its Rulers. PHILOPOLITEIUS. Epistle to the Reader. COURTEOUS READER, IT may be looked upon by some, that this Survey of Aberdeen may savour of Ostentation, seeing there are few, or perhaps no other Town in the Kingdom that is descryved, or hath any of their Acts published: To which I may say, that such vanity in so doing far from my mind, seeing there is nothing more ordinary amongst all Nations, then to set down what hath been the most remarkable Providences of GOD to their Countries and Places of their Nativity; whereby Posterity may observe the Mercies of the LORD to their Ancestors; the neglect or ommission of such thankful remembrances is threatened Psal. 28.5. Because they regard not the Works of the LORD, nor the operations of his hands, he shall destroy them and not build them up. Amongst the many sins for which the LORD is pleading a controversy with this Nation, this may have its own weight, that we are not thankful, that the LORD did furnish us with well Qualified and Able Men to bear rule in Cities and Shires, which when they are removed without successors suitable to fill their rooms, is no small stroke on a Nation, according to Isa. 3.1 2, 3. For behold, the LORD, the LORD of Hosts will take away from Jerusalem, the Mighty Men, and the Man of War, the Judge and the Prophet, the Prudent and the Ancient, the Captain of ●iftie and the Honourable Man, the Counsellor and the cunning Artificer, and the Eloquent Orator. Wherefore, I hope none will misconstruct me ●or making a respectful remembrance of these whom the LORD honoured and doth at this time honour ● be worthy Magistrates of our Town in their day and generation, for it is said Prov. 17.6. The Glory of Children are their Fathers. Another Reason is, that it may be, these who are in Authority in the Nation over us, nay be induced to have a respect to some Great Persons, who in their place deserve to be honoured with all that respect which is due, yet not to the prejudice of the interest of burgh's: To obviate which judge it not amiss to show forth what good subjects, and of what due esteem a Burgh or City ●ight to be had in; that in times of greatest need ●ave been so useful in their Soveraignes-Service, ●● particularly Aberdeen hath been many times, ●● History and Records can witness. It were to be wished, that all the most considerable burgh's in this Kingdom, would set apart some of their ablest Men to collect out of their ancient Records, what hath been most remarkable in their Towns in former Ages, or at present; that the Nation might be convinced of their usefulness, and of that respect and honour that ought to be put upon them, so as it might be seen, they ought not to be born down or discouraged when any weighty Concernment of theirs comes in question. Upon these accounts I have made this short Essay, hoping at least it may be a motive, to induce and stir up a more accurate Pen to be employed in this or the like; not only in reference to our City, but also, to the rest of the Cities and Towns of the Nation, who without vanity, shall subscryve myself at present according to truth PHILOPOLITEIUS. A succinct SURVEY Of the Famous CITY OF ABERDEEN. CHAP. I. Concerning the Situation of ABERDEEN, Its Longitude and Latitude. ABERDEEN is a City in the North of Scotland, near the mouth of the River of Dee, within the Province of MARR, which is a part of the Shire thereof. It lieth within the North Temperate Zone, though much inclining to the colder side thereof, being much nigher to the Pole then to the Equinoctiall-Line; for its Latitude or distance from the Equinoctiall-Line, is 57 degrees and 10 minutes, and its distance from the Pole is only 32 degrees and 50 minutes. It's Longitude, or distance from the Meridian of the Canary Islands, is 22 degrees and 30 minutes. It is a Parallel, or equal Latitude and climate with the Merchant-Isles in Nova-Britannia in America, the Southmost cape in Norway, called the Noas' of Norway, Stockholme in Swedland, Lavonia, and the middle parts of Russia, and territories of Muscovia in Europe, the Cosacks, and other middle Countries in Tartary, in Asia. In which Parallel, the longest day is of length in Sunshine 17 hours, and 40 minutes; being within the tenth Climate, reckoning the first Climate to begin where the longest day is 13 hours long, and every Climate to be that space in Latitude, wherein the longest day is half an hour longer, and consequently the length of the shortest day at Aberdeen is 6 hours, and 20 minutes, viz. as much as the longest day wants of 24 hours. From the first day of the month May to the twentytwo day of July, it is constant day light, the Sky all that time never fully setting even at midnight, for the twilight never goeth fully down till the Sun be 16 degrees under the Horizon: whereas all that time at Aberdeen, he is not so low at midnight, the Sun's depression below the Horizon in the longest day, being only 9 degrees 20 minutes at midnight, and his Meridian-hight in the shortest day just as much. His Meridian-Altitude in the Equinoctial-Line, is here 32 degrees, 50 minutes, and the greatest height the Sun ever comes to at Aberdeen in the longest day at 12 hours, is only 56 degrees and 20 minutes, near a degree less than the height of the Pole on the North-side. 560 Miles be-North Aberdeen, the Frozen-Zone begins, where, on the longest day the Sun doth not set at all, nor riseth in the shortest: The Fixt-Stars within 57 degrees 10 minutes of the North-Pole do here never set, and these within as much of the South do here never rise nor appear. It lieth almost directly under the middlemost Star of the great Boar's tail, and under the Constellation of Cassiopeia. A degree of Latitude is, as over all the Earth, sixty Scots Miles from South to North, and a degree of Longitude in this Parallel, is only 32 Miles, answering to a degree of Latitude, by ●eason the Circles of Longitude grow always ●esser the nearer to the Pole. It flows at Aberdeen South and by West, and North and by East, and consequently is Full-Sea at the Change and Fullmoon at 12 hours and 45 minutes. The Sun at his greatest height wants 33 degrees 40 minutes from being Vertical at Aberdeen. This much for the Longitude and Latitude and the Appendices thereof. CHAP. II. Concerning the Description of ABERDEEN. ABERDEEN is pleasantly seated upon three Hills, which are all joined together by easy descents, so as in the middle of the Streets they are scarcely discernible. It is of Circuit about 2141 double spaces, through which six Gates enter, being built as it presently stands, it is difficult to be fortified, in the ordinary and regular way of fortifications, though it hath been divers times attempted in this our Age since the late Troubles began. In the beginning of the late Troubles, it was able to set forth Eight hundred men in good array and Military Furniture to the Fields, well trained for service when called thereto. It being seated between the Rivers of Dee and Don, is said by George Buchannan, our Scots-Historiographer, to be piscatu Salmonum nobilis, that is, Excellent, or Famous for Salmond-Fishing. As for the Accommodations and Ornaments of our City, we have an indifferent good entry to our Harbour for Ships, especially since that great Ston called Craig Metellan was raised up out of the mouth of the River of Dee, and transported out of the Current thereof, so that now, Ships can incur no damnage, which was done by the renowned Art and Industry of that Ingenious and Virtuous Citizen, David Anderson: As also, by that considerable Bulwark, the Magistrates of late years caused erect, at the Mouth of the Southside of the River; extending up the Shoar such a great length, so that very great Ships may enter and be safely preserved when they are in, without hazard. It will not be improper here to insert this following Information, for the benefit of Seamen or Strangers, who may have occasion to come by Sea to Aberdeen, which skilful Mariners have observed and been at pains to set about at the Magistrates desire, which is as followeth. A Ship coming from the South, bound for the Road and Harbour of Aberdeen, a mile to the Southward of the Road, ye will see a Bay with a Country Church standing in the middle thereof, called the Kirk of Nigg; to the Northward lieth the Girdleness (or Aberdeen-ness,) which when ye come by, come no nearer the same than a long Cable length, and so soon as ye come by it, ye will see two sharp spire Steeples, which Steeples ye must run to the Northward until ye open the West-most Steeple a sailesbreadth to the Northward of the East-most, there ye may Anchor on nine or ten fathom water, where ye may ride with Southerly, Northerly, or Westerly Winds. As for the Harbour, in the entry thereof is a Bar, whereon at low water there is scarce on it two foot water: on the Southside of the Bar there stands a Beackon, which in the incoming ye must leave on your Larboard-side a Ships breadth free thereof, where commonly the best of the Channel doth run. From the Beackon to the Eastward even to the Girdleness is all Rocks. At spring-tidings there will be thereon about 15 foot water; at Neep-tydes there will be no more then about nine or ten foot. But I shall not advise a Stranger to seek that Harbour without a Pilot; because it is a Pilots fair way: and as soon as ye come to the Road, ye can always have a Boat for putting out a Vaiffe at all occasions, for Piloting you into the Harbour. The nearest rake of the said Harbour is North-East and South-West, and when ye are within the said Harbour ye lie land locked for all winds, but at low water, your Ships lie dry on very good ground. If ye be bound for the Harbour coming from the Northward ye may borrow into the Land or upon the Shoar four or five fathom, and with Westerly-Winds into three fathom. The flow of the said Harbour within, are South and be West; and in the road South-South-West. ABERDEEN hath ever had since the time of Popery a great and fair Fabric, containing two great and spacious Churches for Public Worship; the Greatest towards the West is called the Old-Church, the lesser towards the East is called the New-Church, with a stately Spire or Steeple, the Churches and Steeple are covered beautifully with Lead, and within plenished neatly with good Dasks and Galries of excellent Workmanship of Wainscot, and great and large Lights and Windows. In the Steeple are three great and harmonious Bells, in sound each descending below another, but by one Musical Note as upon a Bimull-Clieff, and these three Bells strick 24 strokes at every half hour in a sweet and pleasant Concord, the great Clock having four fair Horologes with conspicuous Figures clearly guilded, one to every Airth, viz. South, North, East and West, for use to every part of the City and Suburbs. These Bells being rung for convening to Public Worship, on the Sabbath Days there is but one Bell rung first, at the second two Bells, and at the third three Bells, which make a grave and melodious Melody. Also there is another Fabric in the midst of the City, of a large length called the Gray-Friars-Church, with a little Spire or Steeple, and a Bell, which is always rung for convening to all public Lessons in the College, and a public Clock. Also, another Fabric called the Trinity-Church, with a little Steeple lately repaired by the Trades. There is a Chapel at the Castle-hill called St. Ninians, it had wont to be employed for the Comissar Court, and the rest of it for the common Use of the Cities-Effairs, but now the Bishop hath taken back that Court to the Old-Town, as being his Privilege. There is a smaller Fabric builded by the Citizens for the Inhabitants of the Village of Futtie, appointed for Catechiseing that People which since hath had a Minister to preach, though not as a distinct Parish. All the Citizens and that People being under one Session or consistorial for Discipline. There is a great Towns-house in the Mercat-place called the TOLL-BOOTH, which hath a fair and spacious Room for the Courts of Judicature to sit in, such as the Head-Courts of the Shire and City, with the Sheriff and Bailie Courts: above which there is a MAGAZINE or Storehouse) for Warlike Ammunition, etc. It hath also another large stately Room, where the Magistrates and Town-Councill conveen, under which is the low Councill-house, where the Dean of Gilled and his Assessors meet, for effairs peculiar to the Brethren of Gilled: as also, the Commissioners of the Shire, for Cess or such like common concernments: together with an other Room called the Clerks-Chamber, which hath accommodations for Clerks and Writters. Upon the East end thereof there is an high-Tower with two Battlements, upon which there ●s erected a high and stately Spire, or Steeple, ●overed with lead, under which is a great Clock and Bell, and under the samen are several Rowms for Prisoners both high and low. There is also a large and high House, called ●he Pack-house and Weigh-house, wherein are a ●reat many Rowms for Merchant-Wares of all ●orts near to the Shoar, the Shoar being (as ● said) of late years greatly enlarged, so that it ● a pleasant considerable walk from the City to go to the furthest end thereof, which leads to the Fields, and towards the Harbour-mouth. The Mercat-place is larger than in any Town of the Kingdom, being an hundreth twenty and four double space in length, and about a third part thereof in breadth where it is narrowest, so that two Regiments of foot Soldiers may be drawn up in rank and file, though in open order. There is one of the stateliest Bridges in the Kingdom, over the River of Dee, of seven Arches of a like and equal largeness, within two short miles of the City: And there is another be-North the City, of an high and great Arch over the River Don, both which are mantained by the City, upon proper Rents mortified for the same use. In the middle of the City there is a Philosophie-Colledge the houses whereof were purchased by the City, in consideration, that George Earl Marischall, Grandfather to this present Earl, out of his zeal to the Public Good, and his respect to the City of ABERDEEN, did mortify public Rents for the Principal and four Regent's of the said College, whence it is called the marshal College, and makes up an half of the Carolin-University for it hath a Principal and four Regent's o● Teaching-Masters, and now hath a public Professor of School-Divinity, who teacheth a public Lesson two days every Week during the sitting of the College: Also a Professor of Mathematics, who upon other two days every week teacheth two Lessons. There are also Lessons of Arithmetic and Geometry taught by ●ther Masters thereunto appointed, by that Renowned Famous and Learned Physician DR. DUNCAN liddel who mortified a considerable Rent to the Professor of Mathematics, and six Mathematical and Philosophical Bursers or six years. There are many sums of mo●ey mortified to the said College since the e●ection thereof, (whereto the Town-Councill of Aberdeen are mostly Patrons) so that it appears, ●here hath been more Charity extended within ●hir hundred and twenty years, since the Reformation of Religion from Popish Idolatry and Superstition, then hath been in all the Ages be●re, which our Towns Counts of Mortified Monies, for Schools, College, Hospitals, Gild-Box Common Poor etc. can evidence. This College hath a copious Library, which was at first plenished by the City of Aberdeen, who ●ook all their books they had laid up in the ●pper room above their Session-house, and transmitted them to their own Library in the Col●dge, for the uses of all concerned: and Dr. Reid Secretary in the Latine-Tongue to King Charles the first, left a Salary to the keeper ●f the said Library. which Library hath been augmented in its books by several Mortifiers, ● by the said Dr. Reid, the forementioned Dr. liddel, who mortified about 2000 Marks worth of Books, and 20 Marks yearly to buy Mathematical Books and Instruments, and Dr. William Johnstoun Physician and Professor of the Mathematics here: and by Dr. Patrick Dun a learned Physician, and Principal of this College. Also there is a Grammar-School, which hath a chief Master, and three teaching Masters under him, to whom the said Dr. Dun mortified 1200 Marks of yearly Rent, by which the City is disburdened of what they paid yearly to the former Masters thereof. We have a School for Music, which was taught of old by very eminent Musicians in this City. There wants no opportunities in this City for Youth both Male and Female to learn any manner of good, and commendable skill or knowledge in such things as may best qualify them. There are four Hospitals in this City, one for decayed Brethren of Gild. A second for indigent Widows and Virgins of Brethren of Gilled, lately purchased by a sum of money, mortified by Dame Marion Dowglas daughter to the sometime Earl of Buchan, and late Lady-Drum, for the Honour the Magistrates and Citizens conferred on her deceased Husband at his burial in Aberdeen 1632. The rents whereof were augmented by a considerable sum, mortified to this Hospital by James Milne Elder, Merchant, who also mortified 100 Pounds yearly to two Philosophical Bursers in this College, with 500 Marks to this Kirk-session. A third Hospital for Tradesmen, founded and built by the deceased Dr. William Guild, sometime Preacher in Aberdeen, and lately Principal of the KING'S- College in the Old-Town. This Hospital hath a spacious comely Room, where the Deacon or Conveener-Courts meet. A fourth Hospital for Litsters, the Rent whereof was mortified by Archbald Beans, Litster, by which they have builded a goodly House, with a stately entry. The use of this Rent is for the benefit of decayed Litsters, their Wife's Children and Servants, several of whose Daughters have been provided with suitable portions out of the said Rent, and thereby honestly married. There are eight Mills belonging to the City, and lands thereunto pertaining, whereof a new Windmill is builded of stone and lime at the South-entrie of the City, which may be of excellent use if carefully keeped. There are two Water-Mills within the suburbs of the City, and five near by in the adjacent territories belonging to the City. We have a choice Medicinal Spring, called the Well of Spa, at the Wool-man-hill, built with hewen-ston, very specific for Gout, Gravel, Colic and hydropsy, as the late Famous Dr. William Barclay, Physician, did learnedly describe 1615, which is now reprinted when the Well was rebuilt 1670, the copies whereof the Dean of Gilled hath in his custody, to which every person concerned to know its Virtues, and how to use the same, is referred. CHAP. III. Concerning the Antiquity of ABERDEEN. AS for the Antiquity of the City of ABERDEEN, it is certain that Ptolemy, the most Ancient Geographer, who lived about 1500 years since, in the days of Antonius Pius the Emperor, in his Geographicall-Tables, making a description of the Isles of Britain, to wit, Albion and Ireland, with the little adjacent Isles he calls this City Devana, and the River adjacent thereto Diva: whom Camdenus the English Historiographer, in his Britannia citys, for proving the Antiquity of Aberdeen, whose words are these. Devana Urbs perantiqua a Ptolemeo, nunc vero Aberdonia, id est, Devae ostium Britannica dictione ab ipsis Scotis appellatur So that for Antiquity this CITY may be reckoned amongst the most ancient of this ISLE. This City was Erected into a Burgh-Royall by Gregorius, who for his Justice, Temperance and Fortitude, was surnamed the Great, and was the 73. King of Scotland; whose Honourable Acts, both in Scotland, England and Ireland are at length set down in Hector Boys History, and in Buchannans in the year after the birth of CHRIST 893 years. So that since Bon-accord was erected in a Burgh-Royall it is seven hundreth fourscore twelve years, this year being the year 1685. After the decease of the said King Gregory, the Erection and Infeftments given by him to this City (by the iniquity of the times, and many incursions) were lost: for Edward the first King of England, called Langshanks, made it his work to burn and destroy all the old Evidents and Monuments within this Kingdom where ever he came, or his Power could reach. Moreover in the time of King David Bruce, the City being surprised with an Army of Englishes, sent by Edward the third of England: most of the Inhabitants, Men, Wives and Children were all put to the sword and killed; the City burnt for six days together, as Spotswood and Boys Histories declare, all our Registers and Old Evidents were destroyed about the year 1330, because the Citizens a little before had killed the Soldiers that keeped Garrison in the Castle; who had sorely oppressed them, and taken it and razed it to the ground. It being then rebuilt upon the Hills where it is now seated (having formerly, been cituated from the Green, and Eastward under the Hills except the Castle-gate,) hence it is called the New-Town of Aberdeen, and not with relation to that Burgh of Barronie, which is now the Bishop's seat, since is was translated from Mortlick, in the time of King David, anno 1137, according to Spotswood pag. 101. when Nectanus was Bishop, the foundation of which Bishopric was by King Malcome the second Anno 1010 at Mortlick. In King James the fourth his time; Bishop William Elphinston builded the KING'S- College in the Old Town; that Town being seated near the River of Don, about a 1000 space from Aberdeen, is commonly called the Old Town of Aberdeen, not, as if it were of greater Antiquity than the Burgh-Royall of Aberdeen, for I was informed by a very intelligent Gentleman near that place that there were some old Evidents designing it the Old Town of SEATOUN after the Lands thereto adjoining. But the Bishop of Aberdeen hath had his residence there, ever since his Seat was translated from Mortlick, where there was a Magnificent Structure of a Cathedral builded thereafter, as also a stately College; custom and ignorance calls it the Old-Town of Aberdeen, it having been Erected in a Burgh of Barony in favours of the Bishop of the Diocese of Aberdeen. It is reported that some call Aberdeen only Urbs, a Town, and the Old-Town where the Bishop's Seat is, Civitas, a City. But I take that distinction betwixt a Town and a City; as it relates to a Bishop's-Seat to be the spurious product of a Popish-Institution; because many Towns were called Cities before there was a Bishop in the world. A Town propperly rebates to the Buildings and Houses; a City denotes the Citizens and Freemen that are the Inhabitants: But for this let these that would appropriate the name of a City to a Bishop-Seat, ●ead the Bishop of Cajetan de Institutione Reipub. ●●b. 1. Tit. 3. sub fine, and he will show what 〈◊〉 City is. CHAP. IU. Concerning the Government of the City of ABERDEEN. WE have matter to bless GOD for the equal and just constitution of Government, which is in our Ctiy and particular Commonwealth, granted to us by our KINGS, and left unto us by our Worthy Ancestors, which is thus. Our Town-Councill is chosen yearly out of the whole Citizens and Burgesses of the City, the Roll of our whole Brethren of Gilled being first read at every Election of the Council, which holds upon the Wednesday before Michaelmess-day, there being a large Catalogue drawn up of all the Brethren of Gilled amongst us, every Person (whom any of the Old-Councill desires to be lifted among these out of whom the New-Councill is to be chosen) is presently set down in that new list, and when the list is completed, by the reading over the whole Brethren of Gilled of the Town, there is an indefinite number set down upon a large sheet of Paper, with lines drawn after every one of their names, and this is given to the present Provest, Bailies, and whole Old-Councill, that every one may make choice of thirteen Brethren of Gilled to be named for the New-Councill for the year to come, and most Votes or Marks make up the number. Next, they of the Old-Councill choose out of their own number four, who are called the Old-four, which being added to the former thirteen, make up the number of seventeen Brethren of Gild. And lastly, having got the Roll of all the present Deacons of Trades, there are two of these Deacons chosen which make up the compleit number of ninteen for the Council the year ensuing. The new chosen Counsellors being all sent for, and come in the afternoon, the whole Old and New-Council with the six Deacons of Trades, and the four Deacons of the Old and New Council, which make up ten Deacons of Trades and thirty Brethren of Gilled, making up in all, the number of 40 Votes, they altogether choose first the Provest: then four Bailies, a Dean of Gilled, a Thesaurer, a Master of the Kirk-work and Bridge work, a Master of the Mortified Moneys a Master of the Gilled Hospital, a Master of the Shoar, called Master of the Impost, and six single Counsellors who bear no Office, but sit and Vote in all Effairs that come before the Council with the two new Deacons of Trades. If in this Election there fall to be one having equal Votes, the Provest in this case hath the casting Vote. This way of Election was determined by the Convention of burgh's, and ratified and approved by King James the sixth, after the difference that ●ell out at the Common-Cause 1593. When any matter of more than ordinary importance comes to be consulted off, if the present Council find it meet, they call the former years' Council, and join both in consultation and determination. And if it be a business of setting on of a Tax, or levying of Money, whither for national or Particular Us●, or such like; the consent of the whole City is called for in a Public Head-Court convened by Authority of the Magistrates, where the reasons of the said Tax or Imposition are holden forth by the Provest &c. unto them. So by this it is evident to the Judicious, that we have the best Ingredients and Advantages of all the several sorts of Government: And to complete our Power, our Provest and Bailies are made Sheriffs within their own City and Freedom-Lands, by K. CHARLES the first 1633 by which our Citizens are fred from the Power of any Sheriff that at times have sought to oppress them, yea to panel them for life without a just cause, as in Allexander Rutherford Provest his time, when the Sheriff-Deput pannelled a Burger, called Patrick Corser for resetting stolen Brass which he had bought on a Market-day innocently and would not admit of surety for any sum of money whatsoever offered by the Provest (the Sheriff having a pick against the man pannelled,) which the Provest perceiving that no reason could prevail, commanded Patrick Corser down stairs upon any hazard that might follow, and so fred him. As also, the Magistrates a month or thereby before the yearly Election, cause the Drummer go through the Town, inviting all the Inhabitants Freemen, to come and hear the accounts of all the Office-bearers counted, fitted and subscrived by the Magistrates, and the rest of the Auditors of the counts chosen in the day of the Election for that end, so that any that pleases may see how uprightly all the Towns-Revenues and Moneys received, are bestowed. CHAP. V. Concerning the Fidelity and Loyall-Duty, which the Citizens of Aberdeen have always paid to their SOVEREIGNS, together with the gracious Rewards conferred thereon, and the signal Evidences of Honour put upon many chief Magistrates thereof. THis City having been erected into a Burgh-Royall by King GREGORY the Great and Privileged with many Donations by Him as some Notes and Scrolls bear Record, gathered by the Recorders and Town-Clerks afterwards. The Principal Evidents being destroyed in the common Calamities of these sad times formerly hinted at. This City was had in special favour with many of the succeeding KINGS, as by King William, surnamed for his Valour and Fortitude, the Lyon. He built a Palace in Aberdeen where sometime he remained with his Court, which afterward he dedicated to a new order of Friars (called the Trinity-Friars) for setting up an abbacy for them, two of that order, which Pope Innocent the third had newly Erected, being recommended by the Pope and sent from Rome. To this abbacy he gave Gifts, and some Rents intending if he lived to give them greater, this Order was erected 1211. Which abbacy was burnt when the City was destroyed, where now the Trades-Hospitall stands, being re-edified but of late years by Dr. William Guild. Likewise it is Recorded that the three Kings Alexander's had here in this City a pleasant Palace, which afterwards was translated to the Friars-Predicators or Dominicans. Alexander the second did greatly adorn this City, and give it Liberties and Privileges the like with Pearth 1214: which was the first year of his Reign, immediately after the death of his Father King William. Boys holds forth in his History, pag. 283. ver. 65. That this KING came to Aberdeen with his Sister Isobell, (after he returned from England,) and honoured it with many Privileges, as King Gregory, King Malcome the second, and David brother to King William had done before. It is said, he called this CITY His own City, the Infef●ments of the said King Alexander the second under his Seal in green Wax is yet extant, as a Record of the Privileges given by Him to this City, having (by Providence) escaped from the common Calamity. King Robert Bruce in these most troublesome times, wherein he began to Reign or recover his Kingdom out of the hands of Edward the first King of England, being beaten several times, and finding all his attempts unsuccessful retired to ABERDEEN, as a place of safety where he found that his Enemies and his former bad success might be overcome: for when he had no hope of his Effai●s but despaired of all Victory, intending to go out of the Kingdom, till better times might fall out, and get Foreign Forces for his assistance. Incontinently the Citizens of Aberdeen came and exhorted Him to better hopes, and more confidence, and gave Him assistance both in men and money, and followed him to the Town of Inverurie where they fought with the Enemy, and obtained his first Victory, whereof they were the special Instruments and Helps, the King being so sickly that he was carried in his Bed, as Boys ●elates, fol. 312. whence there began to be a method settled to recover the Kingdom. By which service he was moved to bestow upon the City of ABERDEEN, the whole Lands of the Kings-Forrest, called the Stock●d-Wood, with the whole parts and pendicles of ●he same, with the Mills, Waters, Fishings, ●mall Customs, Tolls, Courts, Weights, Measures, Free Port and Haven; and all other Privileges and Liberties whatsomever, pertaining or that might pertain justly to a Royall-Burgh within this Realm. Under the Reign of King David Bruce, John Randell Earl of Murray, being for the ●ime Governor of the Kingdom, amongst ●his chiefest Designs for recovering the Kingdom, he saw it was most expedient to pursue David Cumming Earl of Athol, whom King Edward of England had appointed Governor for him, and having collected his Forces, came strait to Aberdeen, where (notwithstanding ●he Tyranny of the Enemies they were under,) ●he was informed where David Cumming was, knowing their Loyalty to King David Bruce ●heir Natural KING, and so strait way pursued him. Some years after, the Englishes having continued their Rapine and Cruelty in Aberdeen, ●y keeping a strong Garrison in the Castle, the Citizens taking Counsel how they might free themselves of that Yoke and Servitude, at last resolved to fall upon the Garrison whom they cut off, and thereafter leveled the Castle with the ground. Whence it was, that in honour of that resolute Act, they got their Ensignes-Armoriall, which to this day they bear: witness that late Book of Heraldry, set forth by Sir George Mckenzie of Rosehaugh Knight, His Majesty's Advocate, who hath blazoned the Arms of Aberdeen particularly, thus. The Arms or Ensigns armorial of the Burgh Royal of Aberdeen, beareth Gules, three Towers triple, towered in a double-Tressure counter flowered Argent, supported by two Leopards proper, the Motto in an Escroll above, BON-ACCORD, whence there are these Verses. Arx triplex, arcem testatur ab hoste receptam, Hostis utrinque doces, tu Leoparde genus. Lillia cum Clypeo, voti Rex pignora jussit Esse, colour fusi signa cruoris habet. Haec hostes sensere, Bona at Concordia (virtue Quadratus res usquè viget publica) culta domi. In English thus. The threefold Towers, the Castle shows regained From Enemies, who it by force maintained. The Leopards, which on each hand ye view, The cruel temper of these foes do show. The Shield and Lilies, by the Kings-Command As pledges of his great goodwill do stand. The Colour, calls the Blood there shed to mind, Which these proud Foes unto their cost did find. And BON-ACCORD, by which doth safely come To Commonwealths) established was at home. I. B. And upon the reverse of the Seal of the said Burgh is ensculpted in a field Azure, a Temple Argent, St. Nicholas standing in the Porch Mytered and Vested proper, with his Dexter-hand lifted up to Heaven praying over three Children in a Boylling Cauldron of the first, and holding in the Sinister a Crosier o'er: these were the Old-Arms of the Burgh-Royall of Aberdeen as His Majesty's Advocate, in his book abovementioned relates After the Castle was thus taken and ruined, the English being deeply affected therewith, as also with the loss of their men, did gather their Forces together to avenge this Injury against Aberdeen: The Citizens then following Joannes Fraser, who Commanded these Forces that adhered to the Interest of King David Bruce, did most stoutly fight the English in their own Churchyard, and although with much Blood, and the loss of many of their men, yet at last obtained the Victory. Hence four years after, Edward the third having sent a great Navy to recover his loss in their Northern-parts, his Forces fell upon Aberdeen after they had spoiled the Religious-Houses and the City, they coming by surprise and greatly incensed for the loss of their men, (which they had sustained both in the Garrison and in the forementioned Fight,) did cut off Men, Women and Children, none being spared except such as had by flight saved themselves: they burned the City six days together, as hath been touched above, and being thereafter rebuilt, is ever after called the NEW-TOWN of ABERDEEN. King David Bruce had ever after a great favour and respect for Aberdeen, and sometimes dwelled in it, and set up a Mint-House here, as some pieces of Money not long since extant with the inscription of Aberdeen did testify, and the King did ratify and approve of all the Donations of Lands, Waters, Fishings and all other Privileges, which King Robert his Father, or any of his Predecessors had formerly given or granted to the said Burgh, because of their good Service, both to his Father and himself against the common Enemy. Also, all the King James', 1 st. 2 d. 3 d. 4 th' 5 th'. and 6 th'. did all ratify and approve all these Privileges and Donations of what ever any of their Predecessors had done before; and some of them witnessed their favourable Respects to the Magistrates thereof upon several occasions. As for instance, King JAMES the fourth, upon a complaint made against SIR JOHN RUTHERFORD of Tarlane after one of the Elections, when he had been chosen Provest (having for many years enjoyed that Office,) The King wrote to the Town Council, desiring an exact account of the ground of the Complaint made against His Loved Familiar SIR JOHN RUTHERFORD, as the King's Letter, dated November 5. 1487. recorded in the Towns Books doth bear. Again, King JAMES the fifth was often in Aberdeen, and did singularly show Favour and Respects to the Family of the MENZIESES, who for many years did wisely and happily Govern our City. Also, King JAMES the sixth, did not only confirm in Parliament, all the Ancient Privileges and Liberties given to this City by his Royal Predecessors, but likewise, when ●s by the Laws of this Nation the King might have exacted his Burrow-Mailes in Sterling-Money, which would have been nothing else but the utter undoing and extirpation of this Republic: He out of his Princely Clemency, and Favour which he did ever bear to this his Ancient-City, did of new again Re-erect and found the samen; and did quite abolish and ab●ogat the payment of Sterling-Money, by dissolving the same from the Crown in Parliament, so far as concerns this City allennarlly: the like benefit being denied to any other Burgh in the Kingdom: as also, disponning and giving of new the Burgh, Common-Lands, Fishings and all other Liberties thereof whatsomever, for payment of current money allennarly. And at the same time, honoured our then present Provest, THOMAS MENZIES of Durne or Cults, with the Title of Knighthood in his own Privy-Chamber, in the presence of the best sort of the Nobility of both the Kingdoms, whom he acknowledged (before them then present,) worthy of that honour, be reason of his Birth, besides the good service lately done by Him and the City of Aberdeen to the King, by the gentle entertainment of his Honourable Servants, who came at that time to visit Aberdeen by the King's appointment 1617. This SIR THOMAS MENZIES of Cults having procured that Famous Pearl which was found in the Brook or Burn of Kellie, as it runs into the River of Ythan, which Pearl, for beauty and bigness, was the best that hath been at any time found in Scotland: our said Provest having found by the Judgement of the best jewellers in Edinburgh, that it was most Precious and of a very high Value, went up to London and gifted it to the King, this was in the year 1620. Who in retribution gave him twelve or fourtteen Chalders of Victual about Dumfermling, and the Custom of Merchant-Goods in Aberdeen during his life. But it pleased GOD he died at Wooller on the Border in England, in his return home. Nevertheless, this did signify the special Favour the King did bear to our then Provest, though he did not live to enjoy the effects of the King's Royal and Princely Respects. This Pearl was reported to be one of the Jewels of the Crown of England. Likewise, when the King called the Commissioners of both Kingdoms to treat anent the Union betwixt Scotland and England, ALEXANDER RUTHERFORD Provest of Aberdeen, being one of the four chosen for the State of the Burrowes, the King did put it upon Him to speak in behalf of the Burrowes, who did acquit himself so satisfyingly to the King, that pulling a rich Diamond Ring from his Finger, he gave it him as a token of his Royall-Respects. I have heard some relate, that when he had delivered his discourse in our Scots-dialect, which was not so intelligible at that time to the English Commissioners, he spoke to the same purpose in Latin, that the Bishops might understand: then gave a like account to the Nobility amongst the English Commissioners in the French-Language, which did affect the King with very much complacency, who carried a singular Respect to the Subjects of this his Native-Country and Ancient Kingdom, and made every thing acceptable that had- a tendency to the repute thereof. The Battle of Harlaw did witness the Zeal of Aberdeen against the Enemies of the King, and for the Peace of the Kingdom 1411. where the Provest and many of the best Citizens did assist to gain the Victory of that day with the loss of their lives. Also that fatal Battle of Pinkie, where there were lost and killed many brave Townsmen of Aberdeen, that went thither (though at so far a distance) for the Honour of their Sovereign and of the Nation. King CHARLES' the first in the year 1633 at his Coronation in this Kingdom, confirmed and ratified all our above written Privileges and Liberties of new, given and granted by his Royal Father and Progenitors with this addition, making and constituting the Provest and Bailies, Sheriffs within their Burgh and Freedom-Lands, and the Privilege of having an unground Malt-Market, and honoured PAUL MENZIES of Kinmundie then present Provest with the Honour of Knighthood. In the year 1649, when the Parliament of Scotland, out of their dutiful Respects, and Loyalty to their undoubted Sovereign, King CHARLES the second, had proclaimed Him King of Great Britain, France and Ireland, and immediately did choose Commissioners of all the three Estates of this Kingdom, to invite their King to this his Ancient Kingdom, to receive the Crown which had now of right descended to him from 108 Kings. The Parliament made choice of ALEXANDER JAFFRAY of Kingswells Commissioner for Aberdeen, to be one of the two Burrowes to go over to Holland to the King, who was a Wise, Pious and Discreet Man all his time. And he (to be faithful to the City he had his Commission from) entreated the Parliament to consider the most important Article in his Commission, that so he might undertake that weighty Employment with the greater Alacrity, which was to visit the counts of the extraordinary losses of Aberdeen relating to the Public. The Parliament had that respect to him, and was so desirous to grant his so just demand, that forthwith they did Deput some fit Members, who after hearing and considering, made their report, and thereupon the Parliament by an Act did acknowledge themselves, (as the Representative of the Nation) to be justly resting to the City of Aberdeen the sum of nine hundreth threescore and nine thousand Marks, and did grant the Cess of the City to be allowed to them for as many Months as drew to eighteen thousand Marks; because this great sum that was due to them had exhausted the sums of Money that was Mortified to Hospitals Schools, the College, and the Common-Poor of that City; and had ruined almost the Common Thesaurie thereof; but this was all they could spare at that time, till an opportunity might fall out to make them more full payment, which hitherto hath ever failed, and hath been the cause of the several heavy burdensome Taxations that have of late years been laid on, and of procuring that relief which hath been obtained their five or six years bygone by the Magistrates, who withal have made themselves liable to the grudge of such as are so selfiish, that before their particular suffer but a little, they could let the Public come to utter ruin and perish without remedy and avoidable: but of two evils the least is to be chosen. But to return, Our abovenamed Commissioner obtained also an Act of Parliament, that no Soldiers should be quartered in Aberdeen for three years thereafter, such was the great respect the Parliament had to him, whereupon he went to the King with the rest of the Commissioners of the three Estates. And after his return, being Commissioner to the Convention of Burrowes at Queensferrie, obtained half a merk down of Aberdeens' proportion of the 100 Pound of Stent-Roll, which was a great advantage to the City. He being chosen that year Provest of Aberdeen, went with the rest of the Commissioners the next year 1650 to the Hague in Holland, where it pleased GOD so to prosper their endeavours, as to bring the King home with them. Aberdeen being the first City of the Kingdom he came to, there he was received with all the Demonstrations of joy and cheerfulness that the Magistrates and Inhabitants could evidence: as also, the Silver-Keyes of the City were delivered to him by the Provest (who tame sometime before to prepare for the Kings, reception) with an Eloquent and Pertinent Harangue therewith made by Mr. James sandiland's, of Cotton, the City's Recorder, or Clerk. In the end of February and beginning of March 1651, the King came to Aberdeen, where he stayed a week at which time, Mr. Robert Farquhar of Munie was Provest, (Alexander Jaffray who had been Provest the former year, having been taken Prisoner at Dumbar-fight which was on the third of September 1650.) the King was pleased to honour our then present Provest with the Honour of Knighthood, together with Patrick Leslie of Eden who had been Provest some years before with the like Honor. As also, in the Year 1681, GEORGE SKEN● of Fintray was Honoured with the Title of Knighthood at EDINBURGH, by JAMES Duke of Albany and York, than Commissioner to the Parliament of SCOTLAMD, for the late KING, CHARLES' the Second, His ROYALL-BROTHER. CHAP. VI Concerning the STATE of ABERDEEN. AS for the State of ABERDEEN, if it be taken for the Yearly Revenue of their Thesaurie, it is not so considerable as some lesser Towns in the Kingdom. It is mostly exhausted in paying Stipendiaries and other incidencies, especially since the time of Queen Mary, at which time our Freedom-Lands and Salmon-Fishings were all fewed out to particular men; which though it brought in considerable sums at first, yet now the Fewes both of Lands and Waters are but very inconsiderable: all of them extending but to seven hundreth sixteen Pounds ten shillings Scots money. Yet that it may appear how considerable this City is in reference to the King's Exchequer, if we consider the Customs and excise of Merchant-Goods, one with another; as also, the excise of Ale, Beer and Aquavitae or Strong-Waters; with the Yearly Supply given to the King, by Act of Parliament, this City one Year with another, will be of income to the Exchequer about thirty thousand Pounds of Scots money. If this were duly considered, it might easily be perceived, that the Prosperity and Flourishing of this City is of special concernment to the King, and the Public Interests of the Nation; and incaice of its decay, the prejudice of both will be no less considerable. We acknowledge, we have several of the Chiefest Staple Commodities in the Kingdom, as Plaiding, Fingrams, Stockings, Salmond, Stuffs, Serges, Sheepskins and Lambskins. When Plading was giving good price in Holland, the old Conservator SIR PATRICK DRUMMOND frequenty reported that the Kingdom of SCOTLAND was more obliedged to the City of ABERDEEN for the abundance of money the Merchants thereof brought to the Nation, then to all the Towns of this Kingdom besides: but the Trade of this so profitable a Commodity is greatly decayed and become very low. The Rivers of Dee and Don, besides what is brought from Ythan and Ugie, (which two last Rivers belong to the Earl MARISCHALL and some other Heritors of the Shire) these two first Rivers afford our Merchants above an hundreth and twenty Lasts of Salmond or thereby one year with another, which are carried to France, Holland and sometimes to Spain and other foreign places. I knew a Merchant in my time who sent to Dantzick thirty thousand Lambskins in one year; but our Trade is much decayed by what it hath been forty or fifty Years ago, before our late Intestine Troubles began. CHAP. VII. A Catalogue of these who have been PROVESTS in ABERDEEN, whereof any record may be had, either by Scrolls, Charters or Infeftments, before or since the burning of the said City. Anno Dom. 1310. Duncanus Melavill found in the Bishop of Aberdeens old Registers. 1326. Simon Gilchach found in an authentic Scroll. 1329. Willielmus de Strabrok in a Scroll. 1142. David de Fingask in a Scroll. 1349. Simon Lynto in an old Evident. 1350. Robertus de Edynhine in an old Evident. 1352. Willielmus Leith in a Scroll. 1360. Thomas Mercer in an authentic Scroll. 1361. Thomas Mercer in an authentic Scroll. 1366. Laurentius Garvock in a Scroll. 1367. Laurentius de Fety in authentic Scrolls. 1382. Alexander Bannerman in authentic Scrolls. 1384. Laurentius de Fety. 1385. Laurentius de Fety. 1392. Willielmus de Camera Pater. 1393. Willielmus de Camera Pater. 1395. Willielmus Filius Andreae. 1396. Willielmus de Camera Pater. 1398. Willielmus de Camera Pater. The oldest Court-book of this City, is of this years date, which is in the Latine-Tongue. 1399. Adam de Benyn, tenet cum libro. 1400. Adam de Benyn, tenet cum libro. 1401. Laurentius Leith, tenet cum libro. 1403. Laurentius de Leith. 1404. Willielmus de Camera Filius. 1405. Robertus Filius David. 1406. Robertus David. 1407. Robertus David. 1408. Robertus Filius David. 1409. joannes Fitchet. 1410. Robertus Filius David, slain at Harlam. 1411. Andrea's Giffurd. 1412. Thomas de Camera. 1413. Willielmus Jackson, from this forth we can find no Court Book till Gilbert Menzeis time 1426. 1416. Thomas Roll in an old Charter. 1419. Andrea's Giffurd. 1423. Gilbertus' Menzeis. 1425. joannes Vaus. 1426. Gilbertus' Menzeiss, tenet cum libro. 1427. Gilbertus' Menzeiss, tenet cum libro. 1428. joannes Vaus 1429. joannes Vaus. 1433. Thomas de Camera, tenet cum libro. 1434. Thomas de Camera. 1435. joannes Scroggis, tenet cum libro. 1437. joannes Fyffe, tenet cum libro. 1438. Thomas de Camera, tenet cum libro. 1439. Gilbertus' Menzeis. 1440. joannes Fyffe. 1441. Matheus Fitchet. 1442. joannes Marr junior. 1443. Alexander de Camera. 1444. joannes Vaus. 1445. joannes Vaus. 1446. Alexander de Camera. 1447. Willielmus Sherar. 1448. joannes Fyffe. 1449. joannes de Scroggis Filius. 1450. joannes de Scroggis Filius. 1451. joannes Fyffe. 1452. joannes de Fyffe. 1453. joannes Marr. 1454. Andrea's Menzies. 1455. joannes de Scroggis Filius. 1456. joannes de Fyffe. 1457. joannes de Fyffe. 1458. Ricardus Kintore. 1459. Ricardus Kintore 1460, 1461, 1462, 1463, 1464, 1465, 1466. totidem annis. 1467, Alexander Cameron 1468, 1469, totidem. 1470. Andrea's alanson. 1471. Ricardus Kintore. 1472. Andrea's Sherar. 1473. Andrea's alanson. 1474. Alexander de Camera. 1475. Alexander Menzeis. 1476. Andrea's Sherar. 1477. Alexander de Camera. 1478. Andrea's Sherar. 1479. Alexander de Camera. 1480. Alexander Menzeis. 1481. jacobus Lesty. 1482. Robertus Blinshell. 1483. joannes Rutherford de Migvie. 1484. Alexander de Camera. 1485. joannes ' Rutherford de Tarlane miles. 1486. Alexander Menzeis. 1487. joannes Rutherford de Tarlane miles. 1488. David Menzeis. 1489. joannes Rutherford de Tarlane miles. 1490. joannes Rutherford de Tarlane miles. 1491. joannes Cullen. 1492. joannes Rutherford de Tarlane miles. 1493. Alexander Reid. 1494. David Menzies. 1495. Alexander Chalmer de Murthill. 1496. joannes Rutherford miles. 1497. joannes Rutherford miles. 1498. joannes Rutherford miles. 1499. joannes Rutherford miles. 1500. joannes Rutherford miles. 1501. Alexander Menzeis. 1502. Alexander Menzeis. 1503. Alexander Menzeis. 1504 joannes Lesly de Wardes. 1505. Gilbertus' Menzeis. 1506. Andrea's Cullen. 150, Gilbertus Menzeis 1508, 1509, 1510, 1511, 1512, 1513. totidem annis. 1514. joannes Marr. 1515. joannes Marr. 1516, 1517, 1518, 1519, 1520. Gilbertus' Menzeis totidem annis. 1521. joannes Collison, nota, electus fuit ante diem ordinariam, virtute literarum Regiarum desuper directarum. 1522. Gilbertus' Menzeis de Findon. 1523. Gilbertus' Menzeis de Findon. 1524. Gilbertus' Menzeis de Findon. 1525. Thomas Menzeis de Pitfoddels. 1526 Gilbertus Menzeis. 1527. Gilbertus' Menzeis. 1528. Gilbertus' Menzeiss, 1529, 1530, 1531, 1532. totidem annis. 1533. Thomas Menzeis de Pitfoddels. 1534. Thomas Menzeis de Pitfoddels. 1535. Andrea's Cullen. 1536. Gilbertus' Menzeis de Findon. 1537, Thomas Menzeis de Pitfoddels, 1538, 1539, 1540, 1541, 1542, 1543, 1544, totidem annis. 1545. Georgius Comes de Huntly, Dominus Gordon & Badzenoch ac locum tenens Generalis Boreae. 1546. Georgius Comes de Huntly etc. praepositus. 1547. Thomas Menzeis de Pitfoddels, annuatim electus fuit praepositus ad annum 1576. 1576. Gilbertus' Menzeis de Coullie. 1577. Gilbertus' Menzeis de Pitfoddels. 1578. Gilbertus' Menzeis de Pitfoddels annuatim ad annum. 1588. 1588. Mr. Thomas Menzeis de Durne. 1589. Mr Thomas Menzeis de Durne. 1590. Alexander Cullen. 1591. Alexander Rutherford. 1592. Thomas Menzeis apparens de Durne. 1593. Mr. joannes Cheyn. 1594. joannes Collison. 1595. Thomas Menzeis de Durne. 1596. Alexander Rutherford. 1597. Alexander Chalmer de Cults. 1598. Alexander Rutherford. 1599 Alexander Cullen. 1600. Alexander Rutherford. 1601. Alexander Cullen. 1602. Thomas Menzeis de Durne. 1603. Alexander Rutherford 1604. David Menzeis Senior. 1605. Alexander Rutherford. 1606. Alexander Cullen. 1607. Alexander Rutherford. 1608. Alexander Cullen. 1609. Alexander Rutherford. 1610. Alexander Cullen & quia vitam obiit penultimo Octobris, Alexander Rutherford electus fuit in ejus vicem 1610. 1611, Alexander Rutherford 1612, 1613, 1614, totidem annis. 1615, Thomas Menzeis de Cults, 1616, 1617., in qua anno factus fuit miles. 1618., 1619, 1620, totidem annis, & quia dictus Dominus Thomas vitam obiit in mense Septembris 1620, in suo itinere in rediundo ab Anglia, Mr. David Rutherford electus fuit praepositus in ejus vicem. 1621. Mr. David Rutherford. 1622. Georgius Nicolson. 1623. ad annum 1633. Paulus Menzeis de Kinmundie & eo anno nominatus Dominus Paulus, miles. 1634. Patricius Lesly de Eden, ab Officio privatus 14. Januarii 1635, & dictus D. Paulus Menzeis electus fuit praepositus in ejus vicem; sed postea Patricius Leslie anno 1639. electus & restitutus fuit. 1635. Robertus Johnstoun de Crimond, remotus fuit per decretum Dominorum Secreti Concilii, & Mr. Alexander Jaffray de Kingswells virtute dicti decreti, electus fuit praepositus in ejus vicem. 1636. Mr. Alexander Jaffray, de Kingswells. 1637. Robertus Johnstoun, de Crimond. 1638. Mr. Alexander Jaffray. 1639. Patricius Lesly de Eden. 1640. Patricius Lesly. 1641. Mr. Alexander Jaffray. 1642. Patricius Lesly. 1643. Patricius Lesly. 1644. Mr. Robertus Farquhar, de Munie. 1645. Mr. Thomas Grace. 1646. Mr. Thomas Grace, in mense Februarii. 1647. Patricius Lesly electus fuit. 1647. Patricius Lesly electus apud Gilchonstoun, quia Pestis erat in Urbe. 1648. Mr. Thomas Grace. 1649. Alexander Jaffray de Kingswells. 1650. Mr. Robertus Farquhar. 1651. Alexander Jaffray. 1652. Georgius Morison de Pitfour. 1653. Georgius Morison. 1654. Georgius Morison. 1655. Mr. Thomas Grace. 1656. Georgius Cullen qui obiit in dicto officio. 1657. joannes Jaffray de Dilspro. 1658. joannes Jaffray. 1659. joannes Jaffray. 1660. Gilbertus Grace. 1661. Gilbertus Grace. 1662. Gulielmus Grace qui vitam obiit eo anno. 1663. Gilbertus Grace. 1664. Mr. Robertus Patrie de Portlethin. 1665. Mr. Robertus Patrie. 1666. Gilbertus Grace qui vitam obiit in dicto Officio. 1667. Mr. Robertus Patrie. 1668. Mr. Robertus Patrie. 1669. Mr. Robertus Patrie. 1670. Mr. Robertus Patrie. 1671. Robertus Forbes de Robslaw. 1672. Robertus Forbes. 1673. Robertus Forbes. 1674. Robertus Patrie. 1675. Robertus Forbes. 1676. Georgius Skene de Fintray, ad praesentem annum 1685. This City hath not been a barren Mother or Nurse in our Israel, in bringing forth and breeding up many eminent men and brave Spirits, whereof there might be set down a large Catalogue, not only in bypast years, but even of Men eminent for abilities in their several Professions in this same Age, whom I have known by face in my own time, and that both in Grammar, Music, Philosophy, Medicine, Mathematics, Poesy, the Civil and Cannon-Law, School-Divinity, the Art Military, who have in their Times been not only Ornaments to this City, but even to the whole Kingdom. But lest this might favour of ostentation, and upon several other considerations I forbear, and shall leave it to any other to perform this task, if it be found needful; and therefore shall sum up the description of this City, with the Eulogies written upon some of the Ancient Citizens and Families thereof in these Epigrams made by DR. ARTHUR JOHNSTOUN as follows. CHAP. VIII. The EPIGRAMS of DR. ARTHUR JOHNSTOUN, Physician in ordinary to King CHARLES the first upon the City of ABERDEEN. Arthuri Johnstoni Epigrammata, De ABERDONIA Urbe. Cune populo quisquis Romanam suspicis urbem, Et mundi dominam, deliciasque vocas? Confer Aberdoniam, Thytis hanc servilibus undis Alluit, Urbs famulo nec procul illa mari est. Utraque fulta jugis subjectos despicit amnes: Utraque fulminea spirat ab arce minas. Illa suos Fabios, invictaque Fulmina belli Scipiadas jactat, Caesariamque domum. Mennesios Urbs haec proceres, Gentemque Culenam, Et Collissonios, Lausoniosque patres. Urbe Quirinali minor est Urbs Grampica, Caves Sunt tamen HIG Animis, Ingeniisque pares. Englished thus, by I B, Who e'er thou art, that Rome dost magnify, And her extol as people fond, do: Entitling her the Earth's delight and Queen, Compare with her the City ABERDEEN: A City which doth neighbour with the Sea, To which the Ocean's waves do constantly Flow up at Handmaids; yet ere they approach They stoop as fearing too far to encroach. From lofty hills both Cities view with pride, The little Brooks which through the Vallayes glyd: Both from their stately and their thundering Tower, Defy with threatenings all unfriendly power. Rome of her Tabii and unconquered Hosts, Of Scipio's, and of great Caesar's boasts. This CITY of her Menzeises great worth, Of Cullens, and of Lawsons' here brought forth; And Collisons, all men of great esteem: Of these she boasts, these doth her Glory deem I● Bigness may amongst Praises reckoned be, Rome is indeed of greater bulk than She; But in all Gifts, and Ornaments of mind, Rome may her Equals in this CITY find. ABERDONIA-NOVA. URBS-NOVA piscosi quam dictant ostia DEVAE, Urbibus Antiquis praeripit omne decus. Hanc DELUBRA A beant totum Cantata per Orbem, Templaque mortali non fabricata manu. Haec prope Romuleis Aedes Sacrata Camaenis Surgit, Athenaeum non procul Inde vides. Ardua sideriis rutilant Praetoria primis, Hic ubi planities panditur ampla fori. Adspicis hic Procerum vicina palatia Coelo, Et Populi pictos, Aureolosque Lares. Quid memorem ternos, trita propugnacula, colles Qualibus Urbs surgit qua caput Orbis erat. Hanc quoque Lanaris Mons ornat, amaenior illis, Hinc ferrugineis SPADA colorat aquis. Ind Suburbanum JAMESONI despicis Hortum, Qu●● Domini pictum suspicor esse manu. Salmonum dat DEVA greges, maris equora gazas, Memphi, tuas, & quas India jactat opes. Pons septem gemino cameratus fornice DEVAM Integit, AUTHOREM juncta Tiara notat. Haec celebret Vulgus. solos Ego prae●ico Cives, His collata nihil caetera laudis habent. Martia mens illos commendat & aurea virtus, Rebus ●● in dubiis saepe probata Fides. Hospita Gens haec est & Comis & annula Divum, Quaeque regnunt alios, huic famulantur opes. Si locus est meritis, Urbs haec Regina vocari Et Dominae titulum sumere jure potest. Caetera Mortales producunt Oppida, solos Urbs haec Haeroas, Semi-Deosque parit. Englished thus. NEW-ABERDEEN enriched by Dees clear streams All praise from Ancient Cities justly claims; It's blessed with Churches famous in all lands, And Temples framed by no mortal hands. Muse's also famous as once Rome did grace, Have hallowed a House into this place. A College may be seen not far from thence, Where Learning fixed hath its residence. The Mercat-place where men resort for gain, Is stretched out into a spacious Plain: There you the stately Judgement-House may view Whose Battlements are of a Starry-Hew: There Palaces of Peers you may espy, Whose Lofty-Tops approach unto the Sky, And Towns-Mens-Houses there you may behold, Which garnished are and shining like the Gold. What need I further the three Hills to name, Which as three-Bulwarks fortify the Same. Like these on which that City doth stand, Which once as Head did all the Earth command. The Wool-man-hill which all the rest outvyes In pleasantness, this City beautifies: There is the Well of Spa, that healthful Font, Whose Yr'ne-hew'd-Water colloureth the Mount. Not far from thence a Garden's to be seen, Which unto Jameson did appertain: Wherein a little pleasant House doth stand, Painted (as I guess) with its Master's hand. Dee doth afford of Salmon wondrous store, The Neighbour-Sea brings up into the Shore. The Riches whereof Egypt makes her boast, And Indian-Treasures come into this Coast. A Bridge doth reach along the River Dee, Wherein seven double stately Arches be: Who built this sumptuous-Work if ye would know, The Mitre which is carved thereon doth show. But let the Vulgar sort these things commend, The Citizens to praise I do intend. If all these things with them compared be, They do deserve no praise no memory: That Martiall-mind which oft appeared hath, That golden Virtue and unstained Faith Which lodges in them all these jointly do Concur to raise their Name and Fame on high: They are a courteous People and a Kind, Men of aspiring Spirits, and noble Mind: Riches which doth the base sort enslave, They have them; but they them as servants have If Worth have place, of Cities this may be Entitled- Queen, and claim Sov'raigniti '. All other Cities Mortals bear; but This, Of Demigods and Hero's Parent is. I could add many more Verses in Latin and English upon ABERDEEN; but being loath to nauseat the Reader I forbear; I have some Verses made in Latin by Mr. JOHN JOHNSTOUN, and also some Latine-Verses upon the Learned-Men that lived in this same Age; but shall forbear to multiply these Poeticall-Elogies: let these suffice to stir up the Citizens and their Posterity so to behave themselves in all their deportments, as they may most imitat their Worthy-Ancestors in every Virtue purely imitable, and not be accessary to occasion the old Renown and Esteem that ABERDEEN had gained, to fail in their Persons. CHAP. IX. Dr. JOHNSTOUNS Epigrams, upon several of the royal-burghs in this KINGDOM; as may be found in his Poems printed at Middle-Burgh 1642. Translated into English, by I. B. HAving taken pains to write this Survey of ABERDEEN My Respects to the other burgh's are such, that I have prevailed so far with my good Friend MR. JOHN BARCLAY Person of- Cruden, as to Translate the Epigrams of DR. ARTHUR JOHNSTOUN out of Latin into English to show my goodwill and Desire, and to evidence my real Respects to them when I can but catch an occasion: The ability of the TRANSLATOR and HIS Justice may be seen in the Latin and English Translation of His Epigrams on Aberdeen, which may serve as an Emblem to the rest that follow, and as the burgh's of the Kingdom see it needful, they may set able Persons on work, to satisfy the desire of the Printed Advertisement and Queries thereof, set forth by SIR ROBERT SIBBALD, (Physician in ordinary and Geographer to the late KING CHARLES' the Second, within the Kingdom of SCOTLAND,) for answering the than KING'S Mind in reference to the completing the Description of this Kingdom. Tho these Epigrams being Printed in Latin might satisfy Strangers; yet I suppose they will be no less acceptable to our own Countrymen to have them in English, hoping the discreet Reader will not impute the Superstitious or Hyperbolicall-Expressions which appear in these Epigrams to Me or the Translator, seeing the Author of them in Latin (who was one of the most excellent Poets of his time) did expect the Common-Liberty allowed to Such. EDINBURGH. That EDINBURGH may view the Heavens at will It's built upon a lofty rising Hill, The Fields and Rivers which its Handmaids be It thence views, and the Tributary-Sea. Here where the Sun displays its morning-light, The Palace doth present itself to sight. That Princely-Dwelling under Arthures-seat, Adorned by most Ingenious Art of late. Toward the West the raised Castle stands, Which with its Thunders giveth loud Commands A Church appears in middle of the Town Which is this Cities and the Earths-Renown. A Structure reared by Ancient Piety, Within its Walls all things most stately be, Its gilded top which is of Marble-fine Shaped as an interwoven Crown doth shine. The Hall of Judgement by the Temple stands, A Building of most curious Artists hands. Each Citizen hath such an House that It Might PEERS of highest quality befit. The threats of Foes do not make Them afraid, Nor need They be by their Assaults dismayed. Tiber doth Rome, the Sea doth Venice fright, But EDINBURGH defies the Waters might. Trust Me, no City worthier is to be With presence graced of ROYAL-DIGNITIE: And for a KINGLY-CITY none can wish A Seat that's more convenient than this. The TRANSLATORS Addition. Of late pure Waters hither are conveyed, The Citizens are thereby well supplied: Who views the distant Springs from whence They run, The Conduits which are deep under ground: The Wells which in the Street these Streams do fill, Will judged a Work of more than human-Skill. LEITH. LEITH, by that Water which is named by thee, To thee a thousand Favours granted be; Thy bosom is a safe and happy Port, To which a thousand Veshells do resort: Thou art a Pilot-Town, thy Ships are such As are ambitious to out-sail the Dutch. The utmost parts of Earth thy Sails descry, Through Eastern and through Western-Seas they fly. Thou knows the paths by which the glorious Sun fulfilleth His Course, and where the Moon doth run. And where the sparkling Stars themselves do roll, And counts the shining Signs of either Pole. When in the Ocean thou displays thy sail, Both Wind and Waves to thy Commands do veil. Thou worthy Town who hast the Sailing-Art, From Typhis learned, or didst to Him impart. LITHGOW. LITHGOW's a Noble Town, first look upon Its coastly Temple built of polished Ston. For splendour doth the PALACES near by With It contend, which Other shall outvie. These Towred-Buildings which more precious are Then both the houses of the Sun by far. An unwald Lake is near unto the Town, Wherein the scaled-Flocks float up and down: When Grampion-Arms their Enemies defeats, These Ponds afford them their Triumphal-Treats. This of the Kings-Lake doth enjoy the name, As Caesar that in company did claim. The Lucrine-Lake for Luxury served more, But LITHGOW's yields the most delicious Store. STIRLING. Who is by Verses able to set forth, Or to declare the lovely STIRLINGS worth: Our KINGS oft in this place of safety, Secure into their little Cratches † or Gradles lie. Its Air is pure by heavens near influence▪ From Foes assaults no Town hath more defence▪ A Castle on two Rocks stands here so fair, That with Tarpeian-joves' it may compare. The Arched-Bridge here meets FORTH▪ glyding-Streams, And to its Vault obeisance from't doth claim: As in the Phrygian-Coasts Maeander runs, And winds itself about in various turns: The River here doth force its Passage so, Flows and returns is tossed too and fro. The Traveller whose found of daily change, And through the Earth with tedious steps doth range; When hither he doth happen to retire, This Town and Country's Wealth he doth admire. These strange things do deserve the sweetest lays: But Warlick-Vertue mertits further Praise. The Roman pride how oft hath STIRLING quelled, Their Conquering Swords IT more than once repelled. The Flood wherewith this Cities-fields are wet Did bounds to their O're-running Empire set. PEARTH. BIRTH first, now PEARTH thou Town of Ancient Fame, Art called by a great APOSTLES Name; In Praise thou dost deserve to have thy share, For Cleanliness and for thy Wholesome Air: And for that River by which thou dost stand, Whose Streams make fertile all its Neighbouring Land: These ruins of thy Bridge we yet do see, It's well cut Stones, thy Wealth do testify: The swelling Floods their force upon it spent, The Showers made them impatient of restrent. Their violence (so HEAVEN willed) did break down That sumptuous BRIDGE the Glory of thy TOWN. The Grampian Poets to commend, there's found An Isle here, which the Wattrie Streams surround A little Isle, but by the Highland LORDS A Battle fought therein to't Fame affords. Here the brave Youth the Noble Horses train, With which the Wing'd-ones could no Race mantain. This Isle, MARS- Field may be entitled, By Light SCOTS Chariots oft enobelled. Near by Thee, there are Woods where one may kill The Staigs and Roes ensnare, with nets at will: And from the Carse (not far off is) which bears Most fragrant Apples and most luscious Pears: Whilst thus thou dost a happy mixture make, A gain with pleasure nothing thou dost lake: And so the Crown of Praise and Dignity As Thy just due doth appertain to Thee. DUNDEE. An Ancient Town, to which Tay's entry do Willing obedience, and subjection show. The bones of conquered and slain Danes are found Here scattered, ill buried in the ground. When Genoa thee views, it doth despise ●s Marbles, nor doth barbarous Egypt prize Her Pyramids, and Gargara doth deem ●s Harvests to deserve but small esteem. The Lyburne Land thinks not her Veshells fair, When as she them doth with thy Ships compare. Venice herself in poverty thinks-lost, And Cnidus of her Fishes dare not boast. The Spartan Youth to equal thine doth fail, Rome's Senators unto thy Consul's vail. He as an Artless fool should branded be, Who from Tay's-Gulph did beg a name to Thee; Since thou by more than Human-Art are framed DON-DEI the Gift of GOD thou should be named. GLASGOW. GLASGOW to Thee thy Neighbouring Towns give place, ●Bove them thou lifts thine head with comely grace Scarce in the spacious Earth, can any see A City that's more beautiful than thee. Towards the setting Sun thou'rt built, and finds The temperate breathe of the Western-Winds. To thee the Winter colds not hurtful are, Nor scorching Heats of the Canicular. More pure than Amber is the River Clyde, Whose Gentle Streams do by thy Borders glyd; And here a thousand Sail receive commands To traffic for thee unto Forraign-Lands. A Bridge of polished Ston, doth here vouchase To Travellers o'er Clyde a Passage safe. Thine Orchards full of fragrant Fruits and Buds Come nothing short of the Corcyran Woods. And blushing Roses grow into thy fields. In no less plenty then sweet Paestum yields. Thy Pastures, Flocks, thy fertile Ground, the Corns, Thy Waters, Fish, thy Fields the Woods adorns, Thy Buildings high and glorious are; yet be More fair within then they are outwardly. Thy Houses by thy Temples are out done, Thy glittering Temples of the fairest Stone: And yet the Stones of them how ever fair, The Workmanship exceeds whlch is more rare. Not far from them the Place of Justice stands, Where Senators do sit and give Commands. In midst of thee † the COLLEGE. APOLLO's Court is placed, With the resort of all the Muses graced. To Citizens in the Minerva Arts Mars valour, Juno, stable Wealth impairts: That Neptune and Apollo did (its said) Troy's famed Walls rear, and their foundations lai● But thee, O GLASGOW! we may justly dee● That all the Gods who have been in esteem, Which in the Earth and Air and Ocean are Have joined to build with a Propitious Star. Upon the Arms of the City of GLASGOW, viz. an SALMON, an OAK- Tree, with a BIRD sitting on it, a BELL, a GOLD-RING found in the SALMON's- mouth. The SALMON which a Fish is of the Sea, The OAK which springs from Earth that lofty Tree. The BIRD on it which in the Air doth flee, O GLASGOW does presage all things to thee! To which the Sea or Air, or fertile Earth Do either give their Nowrishment or Birth. The BELL, that doth to Public Worship call, Says HEAVEN will give most lasting things of all. The RING, the token of the Marriage is Of things in Heaven and Earth both thee to bless. DRUMFRISE. Apollo, from Amphrysus Banks did see The goodly Pastures at DRUMFRISE which be: And when he He viewed them he did freely tell That all Admetus' Hills they did excel. The fatted Flocks which here in Meadows feed, Are numerous as Grass which Earth doth breed: To Stranger Nations they are sent abroad, And often do the English-Tables load. The Corns yet more abound upon the Field. The River beareth Ships, and Fish do yield, And store this Town from bounteous Sea doth find: Whose Waves are smoothed here by Western-Wind. Diana's Temple, and all else which grace The Greeks Land, to the Temple here gives place. Here Cumming who betrayed his native Land, His Blood and Life lost by the BRUCES hand. DRUMFRIESES Altars should much honoured be, For Here did SCOTLAND gain Its liberty. AIR. This City doth with Heavens good Gifts abound The Air in It is pure and wholesome found; From whence its name it hath, or from some Mine Of Brase, wherewith Its ground perhaps do shine. It's small in bulk; but in Its worth by far It doth excel Towns which more greater are. In worth small Gems, the biggest Rocks exceed, The mighty Oak grows from a little Seed. The overflowing Nilus sevenfold springs, Are unto Men almost unknown things. Take Cowrage then, for Tiber's famous Town Which Seas and Lands and Empires did tread down. The Great and Mighty Rome itself (its told Of it,) that it a Village was of old. HADDINGTOWN. Next unto Berwick, HADDINGTOWN faced all The greatest dangers, and was SCOTLAND'S wall: By valiant Arms oft guarded it from Woes, And often carried home the Spoils of Foes. By Force, not Valour, It hath been o'ercome, Gave many Wounds, when It received some. Believe it not, that only here should be Brave Captains and the Flower of Chivalry Who in this City did make their abodes; But here dwelled Scotland's Titularie-gods'. The Coast-side Towns of FYFFE. A tract of Towns by FORTH's-Streams watered, From Northern-blasts the Grampian-hills you shed: Neptune you taught to handle Oars and Sails, To spread forth to the Clowdy-Southern-gales. No Scylla, no Charibáis, no such Sea As dampt Uli●es Ships you terrify. If ragged-Rocks to pass you do essay, Or through quicksands, through these you● force your way: And as't were not enough the Seas to plow, The Earth its entrails must make bare to you. You search the Fires which in its bosom be, Scarce from your view are Hells-dark-regions free By your unmatched Skill you do not fail To cause the Waters into Stones congeall. The Ocean with that Salt your Borders fills, Which Saxons boast they hew from Rockie-hills Let SCOTLAND praise your Industry and Art, For if It lacked those Gifts which you impart; Too fierce and nipping were its Winter frosts, And all its Denties-savour should be lost. St. ANDREWS. Thou wert regarded by the World of late, The Earth affording no more Sacred-Seat. Thy Temples whilst by Jove with blushing seen He his Tarpeian-Chapell thought but mean. Had He Diana's-Temple who adorned Viewed thine, he his own work had surely scorned The Vestments of the Priests were no less fine, All here did with an Heav'nly-lustre shine. Here SCOTLANDS-PRIMATE in great State did sit, To whom Its Patriots did themselves submit. But this thy Ancient-Honour now is gone, And thou thy former Glory dost bemoan. Thy Temples almost to the ground are laid. Thy BISHOP'S wont Grandeur is decayed; Yet art thou by the Muses honoured still, The Ministers of Phoebus here distil. The Streams of Learning and an Honour, this No greater than thou well deservest is. The Eastern-Sun who doth the Muse's love, It's careful Rays darts on thee from above. And when the Mornings-blushes beautify The Muses-dwellings, likewise doth the Sea With noise of tumbling-Waves to them resort, And bids their Children make their sleep but short The tired Students in a field that's near Refresh themselves, and do their Spirits cheer. Phocis' of old did great Apollo's love, As Act did the wise Minerva's move: Both of them now agreed seem to be To have their fixed-Residence in Thee. COWPER of FYFFE. O Venus wilt thou Residenter be Amongst SCOTS, choose COWPER as a Seat for thee: Near it the Flowers adorn the Hills and Fields, To which Idalium and proud Eryx yields. Under the rocky Hill which Herbs o'ergrow, Swift Horses running make a goodly show. Elis which the Olympick-Games did grace, Did carry some resemblance of this Place. Here may'st thou see the handsome Youths, whose hearts With fyre-Brands thou may smit, or with thy Darts. The Water Aden, by this City's side, As pure as Ac●dalian Streams do glide. Here thou'lt behold the lovely Swans in flight, Here Myrtles grow, which in the Shores delight With these (thou Goddess) shalt environed be A double Swan's fair wings do carry thee. Thy veiled Adonis here is blushing found, Crocus hurt by thy Fires doth haunt this ground. The Fields yield Corns, despise not Ceres' aid, Without which Love doth quickly freeze and fade Here cheerful Gides delicious Apples pull, And pleasant Cherries rypned to the full: And all the Fruits are here exposed to view, Which in the famed Hesperian-Gardens grew. Heast hither Venus from all other Parts, Bring here thy Chains, thy firebrands and thy Darts, The Name of Cypria thou from Cyprus claimed From Cowper, Cupria thou'lt be henceforth named. FARFAR. The ruins of a Palace thee decore, A fruitful Lake and fruitful Land much more. Thy Precincts (it's confessed) much straitened be, Yet Ancient SCOTLAND did give Power to thee: Angus and other places of the Land, Yield to thy Jurisdiction and Command. Nobles unto the People Laws do give, By Handicrafts the Vulgar-sort do live. They pull off Bullocks-hydes and make them meet When tanned, to cover handsome Virgins feet: From thee are Sandals to light Umbrians sent, And sol with latchets to Rope-Climbers lent: And Rullions wherewith the Bowers do go To keep their feet unhurt with Ice and Snow. The Ancient Greeks their Boots from this Town brought As also hence their Lady's Slippers sought. This the Tragedians did with Buskins fit, And the Commedian-shooes invented it. Let not Rome henceforth of its Puissance boast Nor Spartans vaunt much of their warlick-Host They laid their Yoke on necks of others Land Farfar doth tie their feet and legs with bands. BREECHIN. This fertile Town doth 'twixt two Rivers stand One to the North, one to the Southward hand: The watter's down betwixt the Rocks do glide, Both Bridges have and many Fords beside. The Victory of the Northern KING doth much Commend this City, since its men were such As stood and by their Valour vanquished, When as their Neighbours treacherously fled. Here is a Bishops-House, and near to it A Tower seems built by Phidias Art and Wit. Its bulk so little, and its top so high, That it almost doth reach unto the Sky: Its Structure's round, look to it from afar, You would imagine It a Needle were: It's built so strong, it fears no Wind nor Rain, And Jove's three-forked-Darts it doth disdain. Compare the Fabrics, BREECHINS- Tower exceeds (Proud- Egypt) all thy stately Pyramids. MONTROSE. The Noble Town from ROSIE-MOUNT doth claim Its Present, as from Heaven its Ancient Name: Near it's a Hill by which a River glides, Both which to it Delicious Fare provyds: The Hill doth Flocks, Salmon the Flood brings forth, Or what in Nero's Ponds was of more worth. The Lilies on the Banks refresh the sight, The Roses on the Hills afford delight. Towards the East the Seas themselves do spread, Which with a thousand Ships are covered. A large Field by the Sea is stretched fo●th, Begirt with Waters both at South and North. Some Youth train Horses here, some use the Bow, And some their Strength in rolling great Stones show. Some wrestle, some at Pennie-stones do play. The rolling Balls with Clubs some drive away. Should Jove or Venus view this Town, sure He His Capitol, Her Ida leave would She. The OLD-TOWN (vulgarly.) called OLD-ABERDEEN. A Pious BISHOP dwells and rules in thee. Don makes thee Prosperous, and the neighbouring Sea: Don by a wondrous Bridge is overlaid Of one Arch, which the Gods belike have made Such was the Rhodian Coloss work of old, Where Ships with hoist Sails to pass were bold: Near this the Salmon swim, and Snares are set For them, and they are catcht in every Net. In thee an old, and stately Temple stands, The Rest demolished are by Strangers hands: That Temple with two Towers doth rise, which be (As Pharos guides) to Travellers at Sea: Phoebus and Pallas Palaces not far, From that fair Temple to be viewed are. Buildings fit for these Guests and over them There is a Gilded-Cross and Diadem. An Holy BISHOP raised this Fabric, which The KING did with fair Revenues enrich. And Rome which doth by words her bounty show Did Names of Honour upon them bestow. So many Greeks (who ruin'd Troy by force,) Did not broke forth out of the Trojan-horse; As that brave HOUSE of Learning hath brought, forth, Of Shyning-lights, and Men of greatest Worth. Thou dost not need thy Praises should be sung Thou Noble Town by any Stranger's Tongue: Since by this People who reside in thee, Thine Honour fitly published can be. KINTORE. Look to KINTORE, nor thou ELEUSIS shall, Nor SICILY thereafter fertile call; Its Fields are wat'red by the River DON, Than which in SCOTLAND pleasanter there's none Therein are Fishes in such plenty found, That it may be called richer than the Ground. Here PEARLS are gathered which much better are Then in Hydaspes or Reid-Sea by far. Hence was the UNION into EGYPT sent, Which CLEOPATRA on a vain Intent, Her Humour and her Pride to gratify, In vinegar would have dissolved to be. The People yearly view into this place, The SCOTISH- Youth to run the Horses-Race: His Boon who doth the rest o'ercome by speed, Is such as doth th'olympic- Prize exceed. Here first I sucked the Muse's breasts when young, It was here first I learned the Latine-Tongue. Let ATHENS by MAEONIAN Songs be raised, It's fit KINTORE be by MY Verses praised. INVERURIE. Thou art the Town I love which URIES Stream Doth water and thou'rt called by Its Name. DON's Christal-Waters also flow to thee, Which joined to URIE much increased be. What is the cause (My dearest Town) that thou Can no MIGDONIAN- Pillars in thee show: Why doth there not in Buildings which are thine Some PYRAMID with splendid-Titles shine. Why doth Heath-Shrubs thy lovely Houses slain, To which the LAUREL rather doth pertain. Here formerly the BRUCE his Foe defeat, And still hereafter Prosperous was his State. Near thee did STEWART beat the Rebels down And with their Blood, HARLAW almost did drown Of thee if I do boast, it is no shame, In thee some speciall-Interest I claim. The Land which Fuel furnisheth to thee, It was the Land of My Nativity. Near thee it was I first drew Vital Breath, I wish near thee (when Old) to meet with Death. BAMFF. BAMFF near the Ocean doth thyself confess In Bulk than Trica, or Hypaepe less: Yet art acknowledged by the Neighbouring-lands To be their Regent and the Boyne Commands: Nor Corns nor Pastures wanting are to thee, Nor stately Ships which do launch forth to Sea. Thou art adorned by a Temple-great, And by the Muses and Astrea's Seat. A place is near which was a Field until Our Ancestors did raise it to an Hill. Hither the Sea flows up to Diveron's-food, A stately-Castle also on it stood. A Warlick-Fort, Its rubbish yet appears, The rest's consumed by Time, which all things wears. The Buildings which join to the Mercat-place, The Parian-Pillars which uphold them grace: Strong for defence, and specious to the sight, In them doth dwell a Noble Ancient Knight: A Virtuous People doth inhabit thee, And this O BAMFF! thy greatest Praise must be. ELGIN. To ELGIN's Praise the Ancient BAJAE yields HESPERIAN- Gardens, and brave TEMPE's- Fields: Both Sea and Land doth still Thy needs supply, That Fishes, This Corns doth afford to Thee. CORCYRA, Apples unto Thee hath sent, DAMASCUS, Pruns, CERASUS, Cherries lent. The Bees seem to have left their ATTIC- hive, And come to Thee, their Honey-trade to dryve. The Silver Streams of LOSSIE here doth glide, By crooked paths unto the Sea they slide. With Stately-Castles thou'rt environed, Within with pleasant Buildings garnished. All Here is lovely and delights the Eye, But the torne-Walls and Rubbish when you see Of that Great TEMPLE, which e'er yet appears, Bid SCOTLAND now bedew Her Cheeks with tears. INVERNESS. A Town not far from Sea in fertile Land, Even near unto Our North-most Coast doth stand, With Palaces of KINGS thou'rt garnished And Lakes with Blood of PIGHTS oft coloured. With Ness pure Streams thy Borders watered be, Where Ships float and approach for serving thee: This River freezeth not by Winter cold, Its Water to the Sea flow uncontrol'd. The Earth doth plenteous Harvest here dispense In spite of Northern Stars cold influence. Thule and jernie which thy Neighbours be And all the Northern Isles send Wealth to thee: Forth long ago the chief Command doth claim, And EDINBURGH yields not to thee the Name Of the Chief CITY; yet they eve● shall Thee an EMPORIUM of this KINGDOM call. Both Nature and the Genius of the Place, Have with this Honour joined thee to Grace. INVERLOCHIE. This Town where KINGS did dwell, now utterly Is ruined, and its Ashes here do lie: Consuming time Its Forts hath undermined, Which Pights could not, when they against It combined. If yet there Here remain a Marblestone, Let Muse's grave this Lasting Verse thereon: Let none henceforth prefer safe Peace to War, The Evils of That, do This exceed by far. War to this Town a Mother was; but Peace A Stepdame hath become unto this Place. These are all the Towns upon which DR. ARTHUR JOHNSTOUN wrote His EPIGRAMS, though there be many Towns that are royal-burghs in SCOTLAND to the number of threescore and two: Several of which are comprehended under that Designation of the Coast-side Towns of Fyffe, as Dysart, Kircaldie, Anstruther Easter, Burnt-Island, Ennerkything, Kinghorn, Pettenweem, Dumfermling, Anstruther Wester, Cryle, Culrose, and many more such like Towns, on which He wrote no Epigrams. THE CONCLUSION Containing some few Lines, Composed by MR. WILLIAM DOWGLAS Advocate in EDINBURGH, upon the CITY of ABERDEEN. APELLES stareing long, did look upon The Learning, Policy and Generous Mind Of that brave CITY, placed 'twixt DEE and DONE; But how to Paint IT, HE could never find: For still HE stood, in judging which of Three, A COURT, A COLLEGE, Or, A BURGH, IT be. The Contents (or Index) of the SURVEY of ABERDEEN. CHAP. I Concerning the Situation of Aberdeen, Its Longitude and Latitude. Pag. 209 CHAP. II. Concerning the Description of Aberdeen. 212 CHAP. III. Concerning the Antiquity of Aberdeen. 222 CHAP. IV. Concerning the Government of the City of Aberdeen. 226 CHAP. V Concerning the Fidelity and Loyal-Duty which the Citizens of Aberdeen have always paid to their Sovereigns, together with the gracious Rewards conferred thereon, and the signal Evidences of Honour put upon many chief Magistrates thereof. 230 CHAP. VI Concerning the State of Aberdeen. 244 CHAP. VII. A Catalogue of these who have been Provests in Aberdeen, whereof any record may be had, either by Scrolls, Charters or Infeftments, before or since the burning of the said City. 246 CHAP. VIII. The Epigrams of Dr. Arthur johnstoun (Physician in ordinary to King CHARLES the first) upon the City of ABERDEEN. 256 CHAP. IX. Dr. johnstouns Epigrams, upon several of the royal-burghs in this Kingdom; as may be found in his Poems printed at Middle-Burgh 1642. Translated into English, by I. B. 261 FINIS. It is expected, that the Courteous Reader will be pleased (before He peruse this Book,) to take notice of and correct with His Pen these few Escapes of the Press (for the most Exact and Vigilant will have some,) whereby He will be kept from a Stop when He comes to Them in His ordinary Reading. Page, Page, Line, Errors, Corrected. 131 16, 17 Corporation Corruption 139 2 agreement arguments 155 11 Politita Politica 194 7 Volens Voleur 252 24 qua quo