English Orthography: OR, The Art of WRITING AND ●●ELLING True ENGLISH, In Three PARTS.  
PART I Contains all what is necessary for the Letters in Orthography, and every Letter considered in particular.  
PART II Contains the Spelling part, with Rules and Directions for Reading, Spelling and Understanding all hard Words, with the Abbreviations in Letters and Figures; also plain and easy Rules to understand the Stops or Pauses, and an Example on every one with all Marks and Directions.  
Together with a Table of the most material Words that are spelt differently and sounded alike, very necessary to be known, whereby those who have not learned the Grammar may learn to spell True English.  
PART III Presents the Learner with ample and useful Instructions how to writ Letters of all Sorts, and to all manner of People, and the Titles of Honour and Respects due to all Ranks, with Beginnings and Conclusions on many Occasions.  
Also usual Precedents for Common Affairs, very necessary for People of all Ranks.  
By JOHN CHALMER, Teacher of the Art of Writing and Accounts, etc.  
Ingenium nisi sit studium flos est sine fructu  
Haec duo conjuncta, fructificare solent.  
LONDON, Printed for Joseph Hindmarsh, at the Golden Ball, against th● Royal Exchange in Cornhill. 1687.   

English Orthography, Containing The Art of Writing Right And Spelling Well: With Directions for Reading English and Writing Letters to People of all Qualities. Very necessary for young People both Men and Women, especially those who have not learned the Grammar. PART I  

CHAP. I Of the Letters and Characters of the English Tongue.  
ORthography is the Art of Writing Right and Spelling Well. This consists in placing the true Letters and proper Characters, appertaining to every word, in their due and rightful order.  
The first thing, therefore, to be considered, will be the Characters or Letters.  
A Letter is the smallest part of a word that can be written.  
In English there are twenty six Letters.  
a b c d e f g h i i k l m n o lordship cue r s t v u w x y z.  
These following are the several Phaenomena or appearances of Characters amongst us.  
The great English Letters.  
A B C D E F G H I EDWARD L M N O P Q R S T V X Y Z.  
The small English Letters.  
a b c d e f g h i i k l m n o lordship cue r s t v u w x y z.  
The great Roman Letters.  
A B C D E F G H I I KING L M N O P Q R S T V U W X Y Z.  
The small Roman Letters.  
a b c d e f g h i i k l m n o lordship cue r s t v u w x y z.  
The great Italian Letters.  
A B C D E F G H I I KING L M N O P Q R S T V V W X Y Z.  
The small Italian Letters.  
a b c d e f g h i i k l m n o lordship cue r s t v u w x y z.   

CHAP. II Of Vowels and Diphthongs.  
THE Letters are divided into Vowels and Consonants.  
The Vowels are a, e, i, oh, u and y Greek.  
A Vowel maketh a perfect sound of itself, without a Consonant; as a man, every, i-dolatry, o Lord, u-biquity, cleped: But this last sort of words are now almost obsolete and out of use.  
Two Vowels conjoined together make a Diphthong, which is either Proper or Improper.  
Proper Diphthongs are two Vowels written and sounded together, being 8 in number: ai, ei, oi au, eu, ou, ee, oo.  
But when 2 Vowels meet together, and but one of them is sounded, they are accounted Improper Diphthongs, and commonly reckoned 6, aye, ey, oy, awe, ewe, ow.  
The Proper ones occur in the beginning and middle of words: as aim, either, oyster, author, feud, found, bleed, book.  
But when the same sound waits upon the end of a word, than they become Improper Diphthongs; as, pray, prey, employ, draw, few, plow.  
Au, eu, and ou are sounded like awe, ewe, owe, and ordinarily appear in the front and middle of words: but sometimes, when the sound is flattish, than the Improper must be used; as, award, ewer, own, or Drawer, Brewer, Flower.  
Sometimes 3 Vowels come crowding together, and must be pronounced, as eau in Beauty, ieu in lieu [i e. Place, a French word] vai in acquaint, ye in Queen. These and the like, are by some styled Tripthongs, which not being of any considerable use, are not much taken notice of.  

But the Young Tyro, who gins to read,  
Is not concerned such niceties to heed:  
Though when more Wit and Reason do command,  
Than it is fit such things to understand.    

CHAP. III Of Consonants.  
COnsonants are Letters, which of themselves can make no sound, without the assistance of a vowel; they are in number 20.  
b, c, d, f, g, h, i, k, l, m, n, p, cue, r, s, t, v, w, x, z.  
Among these, 8 are Mutes, or dumb Letters, which make no sound of themselves, but require the Letter [e] at the end, to help them out.  
b, c, d, g, k, p, cue, t.  
There are, likewise, 8 which we may term semi-vowels, or half Vowels, because they commence their sound with the vowel [e] and terminate in themselves: viz, i, f, l, m, n, r, s, x.  
Five are Liquids, because they loose their force and efficacy: as pomell, m, n, r, s.  
When the strength of the sound of any word resteth upon a Consonant in the beginning, middle, or ending of a word, than the Consonant must be writ double: as addition, common, contract, and the like words, very frequent in the English Tongue.  

Ingenious Youths the mystery will found,  
If once they fix the notion in their mind:  
And by their little doubtings will unscrew,  
Moore than their Masters either taught or knew.    

CHAP. IU. Of the Letters, in order.  
TO speak or writ exactly, is a work, which requireth much time, and much care and application; wherefore, that you may surmount all difficulties and hardships of Orthography, I judge it expedient to consider the force and propriety of every Letter in the Alphabet, by itself.  
Many words have certain Letters in them that are not sounded, and others which have not their proper sound; and some lastly, that are endued with the sound of an other, which of necessity must created a mighty impediment to the Candidates of our Tongue, both in pronunciation and spelling.  
A is sounded flat before a double Consonant, as all, attract.  
Sometimes it loseth its sound, as in Isaac, Aaron, Pharaoh, Balaam.  
B is not pronounced in Lamb, doubt, thumb, dumb.  
C hath two sounds, that of [k] and that of [s.] When it comes before a, oh, oo, u it imitates the sound of [k] as Cat, Comb, Cook, Custom: but when it precedes e, i, y or ee, it sounds like [●] as Cell, Cider, Cypress, exceed.  
Changed in all words of a purely English stamp, hath a peculiar sound both before and after a Vowel, as change, Cheapside, Checquer, Church, and after a vowel, as reach, preach, much.  
But in a word of Hebrew or Greek Origination [ch] emulates the sound of [k] as in Chileab, Nabuchadnezzar, Malchus, Lysimachus, Eunuch, Stomach, Architect: except some few words, as Rachel, Cherubin, and where a consonant follows, as Archbishop.  
C coming betwixt a vowel and [k] is not pronounced, but only fortifies the sound of [k] as sack, mock, stock.  
Also when it is written after ss, it has nothing to do with its own peculiar pronunciation in Conscience, Disciple and such as derive from the Latin: it only makes the [s] somewhat sharper than ordinary.  
D is not sounded in Bridge, Privilege, Pledge and such like; but yet it seems to give a vigour to the pronunciation of them.  
E is often written, but not pronounced at the end of a word, as virtue, house, fire, frame: but it is otherwise in words of more immediate foreign derivation; as Epitome, Congee, Jesse, Jubilee.  
When it is placed at the end, it serves only to lengthen the word, and is never pronounced at the end of a word truly English but in these Monosyllables me, he, we, be, and the like: For it hath no sound in a word of 2 Syllables.  
E should never come after [ss] at the end of a word; I know it is not seldom written and printed otherwise: yet being taken away from some words, it quite alters the sense, as fire, made, far; leave out the [is] and the sense is altogether lost, as fir, mad, far.  
In many words [e] gives a softening relish to the sound, and prolongs the tone of them, as price, force, Grace, age, Stage, etc.  
When a word ends with a double Consonant it is needless to put [e] after it, as contest, hall, construct, etc. In former times we found, they were so enamoured with this Letter, that they generally brought up the rear of every word with it that could any ways bear it; and some indifferent Heads either through inadvertency or obstinate ignorance carry on the humour still, which to the understanding readers is sufficiently ridiculous.  
F keeps its own natural force in all words and never loseth its sound.  
G hath two sounds, one hard, as in Gold, Guide, Ghost, and another sharp, as in George, General; both which sounds are sometimes found in one word, as in suggest, exaggerate. But if a, oh, or u follow the later sound, the word must not be written with [G] but with [I] consonant, as James, Joseph, Justice.  
It is also silent in many words, as in phlegm, sign, Sovereign, foreign.  
[gh] is sounded like [ff] in laugh, cough, enough, without any reason but only what may be deduced from vulgar custom. Some imagine, it is, because the English cannot guttural it nor pronounce any thing through the throat, with whom I so far agreed as to think, that most of them take no delight to do so.  
In other words it is not at all pronounced; as in might, strait, weight, right.  
H the Romans by no means admit to be a Letter, and the Grecians reject it, for that they have no Character, but only a poor point for it. But the English have very kindly bestowed a Character upon it, so that it is allowed to be a member of the family of Letters in general: But why it should not be so in particular, I shall not stay here to determine, but leave it to another opportunity.  
I is rarely pronounced in such words as Christopher, Thomas, Rhetoric, Rheum; and at the end of all Hebrew words it is lost, as Shiloah, Sarah, Jeremiah.  
I Vowel is not sounded in Parliament, fashion and the like.  
I Consonant, which I will take leave to style by the name of [jod] when situated before a Vowel is sounded as g, and must be written different from an in vowel, as in just, judge, with a long trole at the bottom.  
I add [jod] and [vau] (for so I have presumed to call [v]) to the 24 Letters, as two distinct and separate Letters, having as great discrimination from [i] and [u] both in form, nature and sound, as any of the other Letters have from one another.  
KING is never doubled in any English word, but has the addition of C to fortify its pronunciation, as black, Clock; though in words of the Hebrew Idiom and offspring it may be otherwise, as in Habbakkuk.  
KING is needless, and may be indifferently left out or put in at the end of all words derived from the Latin, as in these words public, Physic, Arithmetic, and the like.  
L is omitted in many words, as half, calf, calm, Salve, Salmon, Falcon: Yet this happens according to the Gentileness of the mouth that pronounceth it.  
L is doubled at the end of all words of one Syllable, as Hall, small, call, fill, kill, unless the Monosyllable have a diphthong, than it terminates with a single [l] as hail, pail, fail.  
All words exceeding one Syllable which end in [i] should conclude with a single [l] although many Scholars take little notice of it in writing, as substantial, Cathedral, General, real, continual, immortal, except when the strength of the sound depends on the last letter; as rebel, compel, repel, distil, etc.  
M is never left out of any word, and is always unchangeable in its sound.  
N is not pronounced in solemn, hymn, Autumn, condemn, words of Latin Extraction.  
OH misseth its sound in many words, as Youth, courage, People, jeopardy.  
[oo] is sounded like woe, as in choose, roof, nevertheless it sounds a short [u] in good, blood, stood, hood.  
P is not pronounced in Psalm, contempt, sumptuous, symptom, and the like.  
Ph hath the sound of [f] in many words, as Philip, Triumph, Theophilus.  
Q is never written without [u] vowel.  
R is nowhere superfluous, but is evermore expressed where it is written.  
S loseth its sound in Viscount, Island. It is sounded like [z] in many words, as pease, busy, praise, raise, which may be ascribed to the vicinity and neighbourhood of the vowels and dihpthongs, causing the Tongue to devil the longer on the consonant.  
Ti must be pronounced like [si] always before a vowel, as fruition, contrition: but if no vowel follow, than it must be sounded as it is written. However; if [s] come before [ti] than it is pronounced, as it lieth naturally in the word, as question, combustion.  
FIVE consonant [or vau] differs very much from [u] vowel, and from [w] and aught to be regarded with a very careful eye, seeing it is a grand error to writ thou vowel for [v] consonant, as many do in such words, as love, vain, Vulture, value, which look dismally altogether in vowels thus, love, uain, vulture, etc.  
U vowel is omitted in the pronunciation of these words, guard, guest, guide, etc.  
W is seldom sounded after [o] or before [r] as shallow, meadow, widow, writ, wrath, wrangle.  
X never gins any word without an [e] before it, except proper names, as Xerxes, Xenophon, Xeno.  
Y is put commonly at the end of many words for [ie] although [ie] is the better, and most natural way, which I shall not here dispute, but leave every man to his own judgement or caprice.  
Y is never written in the middle of any word that is truly English: but we oftentimes meet with it in words borrowed from the extraneous and dead Languages, as Apocrypha, Gymnosophist.  
Z is very rarely used in English, because [s] has the same sound in many words.  

Blessed be the man, who Letters first did found,  
To bless with nice Instructions all Mankind:  
Surely the Heavenly Powers inspired his mind.  
To slight such Sacred Gifts we should be sorry,  
From whence we draw Profane and Sacred Story:  
Let us be thankful, and give God the glory.    

CHAP. V Of Capitals.  
THE Capital Letters are of great use (though extremely neglected) as being proper on many occasions, especially these following.  
1. In the beginning of all Write, Paragraphs and Periods.  
2. The first Letter of all Proper Names, Christian and Surnames, and Titles of all sorts.  
3. Names of Arts, Sciences, Dignities, Offices, Trades and Employments.  
4. All remarkable Passages and Sentences are usually written in great Capitals, as Reu. 19.19. JESUS OF NAZARETH.  
5. The Personal Pronoun [I] must be always a great Capital.  
6. When we writ to great and illustrious Personages, and nominate them either by noun or pronoun, we are to use Capitals, as, 

We will and command you, etc.  
Our will and pleasure is, etc.  
Your Grace's Petitioner, etc.  
Your Lo. commanded me, etc.  
You are to appear before Us, etc.    
7. In things Sacred and Divine: we should take care always to writ [God] with a great Letter to demonstrate the great awe we have of him, and the great deference and veneration we pay him.  
8. And lastly, every Line in Poetry must begin with a great Letter, as in the ensuing verses.  

If thou take pains in what is good, the pains  
Doth quickly vanish, but the good remains.  
If thou take pleasure in a naughty thing,  
The ill remains; the pleasure pains doth bring.  
What worse art thou for pains, when gone at last,  
Or what availeth pleasure, when it's passed?    

CHAP. VI Of abbreviations in Capitals and other Letters, etc.  
THE Romans used to make two, three, or more Capitals stand each for some notable or customary words, as S. P. Q. R. stood for Senatus Populusque Romanus, The Senate and People of Rome. After them, we are accustomed to use them several ways: As for marks upon Books, Plate, and Movables; and for denotations of some eminent and memorable Names and Titles, as J. R. Jacobus Rex, King James; M. R. Maria Regina, Queen Mary; A. C. Archiepiscopus Cantuariensis, The Archbishop of Canterbury; S. A. C. Summus Angliae Cancellarius, The Lord High Chancellor of England, etc. S. S. T. D. Sacro Sanctae Theologiae Doctor; or D. D. Doctor of Divinity; B. D. Bachelor of Divinity; L. L. D. Doctor of Laws; R. S. S. Fellow of the Royal Society; M. A. Master of Arts; V vide, see; N. B. Nota benè, note well; P. P. Penny Post; ℞ Recipe.  
In like manner, the Romans used Capitals for their numeral Letters and Figures, which are still in use amongst most Christian Nations on Houses, Monuments and Books, etc.  
Their Characters, powers and significations are as follow.  
I 1 One TWO 2 Two III 3 Three IV 4 Four FIVE 5 Five VI 6 Six VII 7 Seven VIII 8 Eight IX 9 Nine X 10 Ten XI 11 Eleven XII 12 Twelve XIII 13 Thirteen FOURTEEN 14 Fourteen XV 15 Fifteen XVI 16 Sixteen XVII 17 Seventeen XVIII 18 Eighteen XIX 19 Nineteen XX 20 Twenty XXX 30 Thirty XL 40 Forty L 50 Fifty LX 60 Sixty LXX 70 Seventy LXXX 80 Eighty XC 90 Ninety C 100 One hundred CX 110 One hundred and ten CXX 120 One hundred and twenty CXXX 130 One hundred and thirty CXL 140 One hundred and forty CL 150 One hundred and fifty CLX 160 One hundred and sixty CLXX 170 One hundred and seventy CLXXX 180 One hundred and eighty CXC 190 One hundred and ninety CC 200 Two hundred D or D 500 Five hundred M or M 1000 One thousand ↁ 5000 Five thousand ↂ 10000 Ten thousand ↇ 50000 Fifty thousand ↈ 100000 One hundred thousand {roman 500000} 500000 Five hundred thousand {roman 1000000} 1000000 Ten hundred thousand MDCLXXXVI 1686 One thousand six hundred eighty six.  
As thus Letters express Figures, so sometimes we found Figures expressing Letters, as 4o for Quarto, 8o for Octavo, 12 mother for Duodecimo, 9 for us, 7ber for September, 8ber for October, 9ber for November, 10ber for December, X jan for Christian.  
Abbreviations are used in writing for the more conveniency of writing short, and dispatching business; and they are as follow.  

Ma tie for Majesty  
Sa. Sacred  
Exc ll. Excellency  
Gr. Grace  
Hig ss Highness  
Loᵖ Lordship  
Laᵖ Ladyship  
Bp Bishop  
Wop Worship  
Woe ll Worshipful  
Sr Sir  
Mr Master  
Esq; Esquire  
Yeo. Yeoman  
Sch. Scholar  
Qu. Question  
Ans. Answer  
Gen ll General  
Govr Governour  
Govt Government  
Honble Honourable  
Illust. Illustrious  
Kt Knight  
Ld Lord  
Capt. Captain  
Coll. Colonel  
Comr Commissioner  
Adml Admiral  
Adm rs Administrators  
Mercht for Merchant  
Ex ers Executors  
Cr Creditor  
Dr Debtor or Doctor  
Obj. Objection  
Sol. Solution  
Dd Delivered  
Re d Received  
M rs Mistress  
Lievt Lieutenant  
L rs Letters  
obt. obtain  
Aug. August  
Chap. Chapter  
Ver. Verse  
P. Page  
Lin. Line  
Fol. Folio  
Md. Memorandum  
St Saint  
P nts Presents  
Petr Petitioner  
pd paid  
Request Request  
Sev rl Several  
Tre re Treasure  
Tre ry Treasury  
Yours Yours  
y the  
that for that  
wᵗ what  
yᵐ them  
& and  
viz. videlicet, to wit  
ꝑ per  
ꝓ pro  
lordship pre  
cue containing  
cue quarters  
w wᶜʰ  
which wᵗʰ with  
etc. and so forth.     

English Orthography. PART II  

CHAP. I Of Spelling and Dividing of Syllables.  
AFTER this brief Consideration of the several Letters in the Alphabet, according to their single capacities, I shall now proceed to speak of them (as it were) conjoined in society, with reference to others, being reduced within the compass and dominion of words.  
Those who have learned the Grammar, if they but mind Orthography, accomplish themselves in one (though not the lest) part of learning. And although we found many by a fatal experience to neglect it, and arrive only to a mediocrity of perfection, and too frequently not that neither, to the reproach of pretenders to Learning, Orthography being an essential part thereof: Yet my following practical Rules are for the most part designed for the assistance of those who never had (or have casually neglected) the opportunity of Learning.  
I give these Rules from my own practice and experience, because I have taught several of both Sexes, who were altogether ignorant of any Grammar, to spell true English to a very great perfection, and indeed better than many who have learned the Grammar and other things also.  
§ The only way for Ladies, and such who have not had Grammar-erudition, is to observe carefully these following Directions.  
1. When you have attained to writ indifferently well, pry curiously into every word you writ, and diligently inquire how it is spelt, and written.  
2. You must get somebody to read softly and easily to you according as you can follow him at first, spelling as well as you can your own way; And when you have done, let some who have skill, read over what you have written, and correct it: by doing this frequently, you will not fail to attain a considerable perfection in small time.  
3. When you can spell pretty well, use yourself to read what your Genius most leads you to; and when you read, it is very convenient to keep an Alphabet of all the hard words you found, of whose signification you are ignorant: and for your farther instruction, ask some understanding person, or at your own leisure apply yourself to a Dictionary, where you may get the true meaning and signification of any word you shall found.  
By this method you will not only learn to spell well, and understand the meaning of all words you meet with, but also to read well; that is, to have a true notion in your mind of what you read: for, it is hardly possible for any man to read well that which he does not understand. He may perform such a thing sometimes, I confess, by chance, and accidentally; but it is granted on all hands, that there is a Language of sound and of posture, as well as of Letters and Syllables, and, that  

He who does read, and knows not the full sense,  
Hath but the prattling Parrot's Eloquence.  
But he that reads, and understands aright,  
Humours the Sense, and charms you with delight.   
Let some people read, and you can make nothing at all of the matter: Some again of a truly ingenious frame, and nice constitution (for so I must esteem him that reads well) do give such life and motion to the things, that they in a manner inchant the hearers, and make them imbibe, and throughly understand the Sense and meaning.  
What makes Plays more taking from the Actor's mouth, than when the same words are read in downright print, proceeds from this Source, because the Poet hath instructed the Player with the most intimate intrigue of his own mind, and (as I may say) with the very heart of his intention. Whereas the print is only the dead Letter, dull and insensible, having nothing but the stock of the Poet's wit to subsist on, and engage the Reader, who, if he hath seen the same Play acted, is oftentimes compelled to be beholden to his Memory for his pleasure.  
In writing you must not divide a Syllable, that is, you are not to writ one half, or one Letter of a Syllable in one Line, and the rest in the next: but if your Line will not contain all your word, you must either divide it rightly, or writ all your word in the next Line, which is the best way.  
When a Consonant is doubled, or when two Consonants come together, they are divided thus: the one to the first Syllable; the other to the last: as Ad-der, dif-fer, sel-dom, Trum-pet.  
If a Consonant come between two Vowels, you must join the Consonant to the Vowel following it: as become, re-port [x] only excepted, which is evermore annexed to the Vowel going before: as Ox-en, ex-er-cise.  
If a word consist of two words, and the first part of the composition had the silent [e] in the simple word, it retaineth it in the compound, and is joined to the Consonant before it: as where-of, wherein, where-by, safeguard.  
If two or three Consonants which can begin words, come betwixt two Vowels, they must not be parted, but must even strike in with the Vowel following: as con-strain, con-struct.  
These are the Consonants which begin words.  
bls, br, cl, ch, cr, dr, dw, fl, fr, gl, gn, gr, kl, kn, kr, ph, pl, pr, sc, should, sk, sl, sm, sn, sp, sq, st, sw, th', tr, tw, wh, wr.  
Sometimes there are three Consonants together at the commencement of words, and these are chr, phr, scr, shr, spr, stir; thr.  

Thus in the world of Letters there is found  
A beauteous harmony of place and sound,  
As in the greater World and mystic Book  
Of lovely Nature nothing is mistake:  
So when each Letter hath its proper place,  
The words run sweet, and give the Writing grace.    

CHAP. II Of Monosyllables.  
SPelling well is the dividing words into Syllables, and allotting to each Syllable its due and proper Letters, as vi-o-lence, vi-li-fy.  
Most words in the English Tongue are spelt according to the sound: but it is best to adhere to the rules of true spelling.  
For your better conveniency and more happy procedure in this kind, I have carefully collected and methodically digested the greatest part of those words which have any difficulty in them of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and some of more Syllables, whereby you may see how they are spelt, and from whence you may draw such general deductions and observations, as may extend to the right understanding and spelling any word you meet withal.  

A Table of words of one Syllable.  


A  
Acre  
act  
ankle  
angle  
awl.    


B  
Bath  
badge  
breadth  
brought  
bought  
bough  
branch.    


C  
Christ  
church  
cleanse  
caught  
check  
clothe  
cough.    


D  
Dawn  
dearth  
drudge  
draught  
dough  
drought  
dumb  
dwarf.    


E  
Earn  
enough  
eight  
ewes  
eyes.    


F  
Fault  
filth  
flight  
fraught  
friend  
fringe  
fright.    


G  
God  
glad  
ghost  
grief  
growth  
grudge  
guest  
guide.    


H  
Health  
hatch  
hearth  
height  
hymns.    


I  
Judge  
joint  
juice.    


KING  
Knight  
knives  
knots.    


L  
League  
laugh  
length  
light.    


M  
Month  
might  
mouth  
mulct  
myrrh.    


N  
Naught  
neigh  
nigh  
night  
naught.    


OH  
Aught  
oar  
oaths  
oaks.    


P  
Plight  
plunge  
plague  
pierce  
psalms.    


Q  
Quake  
quench  
quacks  
quick.    


R  
Reign  
reins  
right  
rough.    


S  
Schism  
scourge  
scour  
search  
school  
shrine  
shoe  
should  
slight  
sleight  
sigh  
sign  
strength.    


T  
Taught  
through  
tongue  
twelve  
twelfth  
though  
thought  
troughs  
twins.    


V  
View  
vaunt  
vow  
veil  
voice.    


U  
Urge  
Use    


W  
Wealth  
weight  
wove  
world  
wrought  
writ  
wound  
wrath  
wreath  
wrung  
wool  
woe  
woe  
whore.    


Y  
Young  
youth  
yaucht  
year  
yawn.    


Z  
Zeal  
Zone.     

These are the words, to which though nature,  
Hath sting'ly lent but a small stature,  
So as for Pigmies they may pass,  
Yet they great virtues in small space  
Do comprehend, and seem to be  
That Artful Dame's brachygraphy:  
For GOD himself and King, World, Man,  
Are but the inch of words, not span.  
Than GOD or World, what greater things,  
Or, GOD'S Lieutenants, Sacred Kings?  
Even Mar. who all words did invent,  
Is with one Syllable content.    

CHAP. III An Alphabet of words of two Syllables.  

A  
Ab-ject  
afflict  
an-guish  
assuage  
ab-jure  
ac-quaint  
accounted  
af-fright  
as-sault  
aug-ment  
ac-cept.   

B  
Bap-tism  
birthright  
bless-ing  
blas-pheme  
believe  
backbite  
ban-quet  
blame-less.   

C  
Councils  
coun-sel  
charg-ing  
crea-ture  
chal-lenge  
cym-bals  
chan-ging  
case-ment  
cau-sey  
con-duct  
com-pact  
con-duit.   

D  
Da-mage  
de-scribe  
discharge  
dis-solve  
dispatch  
dis-tinct  
di-vorce  
doc-trine  
dam-ned  
dis-ciples  
discharge  
daughter.   

E  
Enough  
eyebrow  
except  
ex-change  
earthquake  
e-schew  
ex-tinct  
evil.   

F  
Friendship  
feign-eth  
frus-trate  
fa-mine  
fe-male  
fierce-ness  
flou-rish  
four-teenth  
fro-zen.   

G  
Gallant  
grum-ble  
grudg-ing  
grieveth  
guardeth  
gal-lows  
glut-ton  
gos-pel.   

H  
Heinous  
highness'  
henceforth  
husband  
hys-sop  
herald  
hebrew  
hire-ling  
ho-nour.   

I  
Je-sus  
jus-tice  
judg-ing  
jailor  
jour-ney  
jealous   

I  
I-mage  
in-crease  
itch-ing.   

KING  
King-dom  
kinsman  
knowledge  
knighthood   

L  
Lan-guish  
laugh-ter  
lec-ture  
light-ning  
loving  
lan-t●rns  
lat-ter  
laugh-ing  
lea-thern  
leo-pard  
lodg-ings.   

M  
Mankind  
maid-en  
mar-tyr  
mis-chief  
mort-gage  
mer-chant  
murder  
migh-ty  
moist-ure   

N  
Neighbour  
naugh-ty  
neither  
neglect's  
nor-thern  
nour-ish.   

OH  
Offspring  
ob-ject  
ob-scure  
op-press  
or-chard  
ob-tain  
o-racle.   

P  
Pru-dence  
par-lour  
pave-ment  
par-tridge  
penknife  
peo-ple  
perish  
pil-grim  
pic-ture  
priesthood  
preach-er  
purg-ing.   

Q  
Quak-er  
quar-rel  
quick-en.   

R  
Revenge  
re-joice  
reproach  
re-scue  
re-ceive  
reck-on  
re-straint  
ru-mours.   

S  
Sab bath  
scourg-ing  
scripture  
sackcloth  
safeguard  
sa-lute  
scan-dal  
scor-ner  
shipwreck  
slaugh-ter.   

T  
Trans-gress  
trans-late  
trea-sure  
threa-ten  
to-ken  
tres-pass  
triumph  
tri-bute  
twilight.   

V  
Vain-ly  
val-ley  
va-pour  
ves-sel  
vine-yard.   

U  
U-nite  
un-just  
use-ful.   

W  
Writ-ing  
wa-ges  
wedlock  
weigh-ing  
whither  
workman  
writ-ten.   

Y  
Yeo-man  
yel-low  
yiel-ding.   

Z  
Zea-lous.   

Contemplate Vertue's charms: her very name  
Doth fill and sweeten all the breath of Fame.  
Of old, fond Lovers, in the Bark of Trees  
Incised their Mistress names, there to increase.  
Virtue thy Mistress be: and writ her name  
Upon thy heart, as clear as is thy flame:  
And than no doubt 
† Virtue.  two syllables will soon  
Bring unto thee wealth, honour and renown.    

CHAP. IV. Paradigm 's of Words of three Syllables.  

A  
Ac-com-plish  
ac-know-ledge  
ac-cep-tance  
according  
acquaintance  
ad-vo-cate  
af-flict-ed  
afterwards  
an-swer-ed  
as-sur-ance.   

B  
Back-bit-ers  
baptising  
bar-bar-ous  
be-guil-ed  
believers  
blas-phem-er  
bless-ed-ness  
bar-ren-ness.   

C  
Cham-pi-on  
chan-cel-lor  
celebrated  
chastiseth  
cheer-ful-ness  
chro-ni-cles  
christians  
cir-cum-spect  
com-mon-wealth  
cherubims  
carbuncles  
care-ful-ness  
conquerors.   

D  
Di-vorce-ment  
de-creas-ed  
de-ci-ded  
de-fam-ing  
de-scrib-ed  
de-sir-ous  
dis-tri-bute  
drow-si-ness  
de-trac-tor.   

E  
En-large-ment  
en-dea-vours  
es-pous-als  
en-croach-ing  
en-cour-age  
en-graft-ed  
es-ti-mate  
e-qual-ly  
ecstacy.   

F  
Faint-hearted  
for-ward-ness  
frank-in-cense  
fil-thi-ness  
fa-vour-able  
fur-ni-ture  
for-bid-den.   

G  
Gain-say-er  
gar-ri-son  
gor-ge-ous  
governor's  
grieu-ous-ness.   

H  
Hand-ker-chief  
haugh-ti-ness  
he-re-sies  
hus-band-ry  
hy-po-crite.   

I  
Jea-lou-sy  
Jeo-par-dy.   

I  
Im-pla-cable  
Imputeth  
In-fam-ous.   

KING  
Kens-ing-town  
kins-wo-man  
kind-heart-ed.   

L  
Lieu-ten-ant  
li-ber-tines  
lan-guish-ed  
louliness.   

M  
Mi-ni-ster  
mes-si-as  
ma-jes-ty  
me-di-cine  
me-di-tate  
ma-gis-trate  
main-ten-ance  
mischievous.   

N  
Nigh-tin-gale  
nou-rish-ing  
ne-glect-ing  
ne-gli-gent.   

OH  
Observed  
off-scour-ing  
of-ten-times  
o-ver-charge  
op-press-ing  
out-land-ish.   

P  
Pa-tri-arch  
pa-ti-ence  
perceivest  
persuading  
pleas-ant-ness  
per-ju-ry.   

Q  
Question's  
quan-ti-ty  
que-ru-lous  
qui-et-ness  
quarrelsome.   

R  
Remember  
received  
re-deem-er  
re-main-der  
re-proach-ed  
re-pro-bate.   

S  
Sa-cri-fice  
Sacrilege  
school-mas-ter  
se-pa-rate  
se-pul-chre  
soldier.   

T  
Thank-ful-ness  
ta-ber-nacle  
ten-der-ness  
testify  
tri-umph-ing.   

V  
Vain-glo-ry  
va-ni-ties  
ven-ge-ance  
vic-tu-als.   

U  
Up-right-ly  
un-will-ing  
un-wor-thy  
up-per-most  
ut-ter-ance.   

W  
Wan-ton-ness  
wick-ed-ness  
wil-der-ness  
wit-ting-ly.   

X  
Xenophon.   

Y  
Yoke-fellow  
Yes ter-day.   

Z  
Zodiac  
Zea-lous-ly.   

I  
Hail great Tri-syllable! eternal Three!  
Thou Three in One, and one in TRINITY!  
Thou matchless and unfathomable Mystery!   

II  
With Thee all should begin and all should end,  
If it end well: If't would itself commend  
To fame, and general use, it must have Thee its friend.   

III  
Wherhfore, let all true writers here agreed,  
And with thy Penmen all true Christians be,  
And own this awful truth, which is well worthy Thee.    

CHAP. V Examples of Words of four Syllables.  

A  
Ac-com-plish-ment  
a-bo-lish-ed  
ac-know-ledg-ed  
af-fec-ti-on  
ap-pre-hend-ing  
ac-cord-ing-ly  
al-to-ge-ther.   

B  
Bar-bar-ous-ness  
blas-phem-ous-ly  
burntsacrifice  
blood-guil-ti-ness.   

C  
Cir-cum-cis-ing  
concupiscence  
con-sci-en-ces  
col-lec-ti-on.   

D  
Di-mi-nish-ed  
de-ceit-ful-ness  
disappointeth  
de-scrip-ti-on  
dis-pos-sess-ed.   

E  
E-van-ge-list  
e-sta-blish-ed  
en-dea-voured.   

F  
For-get-ful-ness  
foun-da-ti-on  
fa-mi-li-ars.   

G  
Ge-ner-ous-ly  
gor-ge-ous-ly.   

H  
Hy-po-cri-sy  
hu-mi-li-ty  
humoursomness.   

I  
Ig-no-mi-ny  
in-du-stri-ous  
imagineth  
i-ni-qui-ty.   

L  
Lou-ing-kind-ness  
Li-ber-al-ly.   

M  
Malefactor's  
mar-vel-lous-ly  
mag-ni-fi-cence.   

N  
Notwithstanding  
ne-ces-sa-ry  
ne-cro-man-cy.   

OH  
O-ver-throw-ing  
op-pres-si-on.   

P  
Pre-sump-ti-on  
per-ad-ven-ture  
persecutor.   

Q  
Ques-ti-on-ing  
〈◊〉   

R  
Re-bel-li-on  
re-proach-ful-ly  
righ-te-ous-ness  
re-demp-ti-on.   

S  
Sump-tu-ous-ly  
sa-cri-fi-cer  
sanc-tu-ar-ies.   

T  
Tem-pes-tu-ous  
trans-gres-si-on.   

V  
Va-li-ant-ly  
virtuously   

U  
Un-mer-ci-ful  
un-cor-rupt-ed  
unbelieuers.   

W  
Well-beloved  
won-der-ful-ly.   

Four Syllables if you would understand,  
Mind well these words, how their divisions lie,  
By which you may the hardest than command  
And get perfection to yourself thereby.    

CHAP. VI Words of five Syllables.  

A  
Al-le-go-ri-cal  
ad-mo-ni-ti-on  
a-po-the-ca-ry.   

B  
Be-ne-dic-ti-on.   

C  
Cir-cum-spec-ti-on  
con-sum-ma-ti-on  
con-fe-de-ra-cy  
con-tri-bu-ti-on.   

D  
Dis-o-be-di-ence  
de-li-be-rate-ly.   

E  
Ex-tor-ti-on-er  
ex-e-cra-ti-on  
ex-hor-ta-ti-on.   

F  
Fer-ment-a-ti-on.   

G  
Gu-ber-na-ti-on  
ge-ne-a-lo-gy.   

H  
Har-mo-ni-ous-ly  
hy-po-cri-ti-cal.   

I  
Ju-ris-dic-ti-on.   

I  
In-cor-rup-ti-ble  
in-sur-rec-ti-on.   

L  
La-bo-ri-ous-ness  
la-sci-vi-ous-ness.   

M  
Ma-li-ci-ous-ness  
mis-con-struc-ti-on.   

N  
Non-con-for-mi-ty.   

OH  
Oc-cu-pa-ti-on  
op-por-tu-ni-ty  
o-ver-sha-dow-ed.   

P  
Pre-sump-tu-ous-ly  
pre-me-di-tat-ed.   

R  
Re-sur-rec-ti-on  
re-sti-tu-ti-on   

SAINT  
Su-per-scrip-ti-on  
suf-fi-ci-en-cy  
su-per-sti-ti-on.   

T  
Trans-mi-gra-ti-on  
tri-bu-la-ti-on.   

V  
Vic-to-ri-ous-ly  
vi-si-ta-ti-on.   

U  
Un-righ-te-ous-ness  
un-ac-cu-stom-ed.   

W  
Whi-ther-so-e-ver.   

Plenty o'erwhelms, but no delight affords  
In musty Catalogues of Giant-words:  
Therefore with their tall Worships I shall be  
Short, in regard they have been long with me:  
Pleasure and use lies in Epitome.    

CHAP. VII. A Collection of Words of six and seven Syllables.  

A  
Ad-mi-ni-stra-ti-on  
af-fec-ti-o-nate-ly.   

B  
Be-a-ti-fi-ca-ti-on.   

C  
Confectionaries  
Cir-cum-lo-cu-ti-on.   

D  
Dis-si-mu-la-ti-on  
De-nun-ci-a-ti-on.   

E  
Ex-a-mi-na-ti-on  
ex-com-mu-ni-ca-ti-on  
Eleemosinary.   

F  
Fruc-ti-fi-ca-ti-on.   

G  
Glo-ri-fi-ca-ti-on   

H  
Hu-mi-li-a-ti-on.   

I  
Im-mu-ta-bi-li-ty  
In-ter-pre-ta-ti-on.   

M  
Mul-ti-pli-ca-ti-on.   

P  
Pu-ri-fi-ca-ti-on.   

R  
Re-ge-ne-ra-ti-on.   

S  
Sanc-ti-fi-ca-ti-on.   

V  
Vi-li-fi-ca-ti-on.   

The longest words, and the most tedious Arts,  
Are overcome by willing hands and hearts.  
What Art so hard, what Science so obscure;  
That can the force of Industry endure?  
The honour's high of power and great command,  
But greater far it is to understand.   
These words are sufficient for any Learner, abundance of words discourage more than they instruct; for if a Youth can once spell these, he may spell any: those of riper understanding and years need only read these words over; but it is very convenient for Youth to be carefully instructed to know them all.   

CHAP. VIII. Of Sentences.  
ALL learned men in the several ages of human race have highly approved of short Sentences, or expressing a Thought in few words.  
Those which are of a long Ciceronian strain do not yet either want their excellencies or Admirers: but which of the two best deserves the Laurel, doth not belong to my purpose to dispute.  
However, this is undoubtedly true of them both, that whether you are to writ either the one or the other, it is your best way to begin the Line at every full stop, or end of a sentence. This direction indeed, if it were in all cases observed, would take up too much room, and swell Books to a great Volume: and therefore a great Letter hath been appointed to begin each Sentence. But in writing any business, where we have room enough, I may recommend it not only as necessary, but beautiful for the Readers attention and delight.  
Some men have that admirable dexterity of epitomizing things, and couching such a world of excellent sense in a few happy expressions, that the Readers not only admire them, but are rapt into an ecstacy in the contemplation. Examp. Gr.  
It is a madness in Youth, either not to endeavour good Advice, or not to believe till their peril comes upon them, and makes them see it to their shame.  
Errors by mistakes should not be too rigorously censured; but wilful Errors should not be spared.  
Pray often, because thou sinest always: Repent quickly, jest thou die suddenly.  
He is a happy man, that hath all things he desires: but he who does not desire, the things he hath not, is happier.  
Mistrust no man without some cause; neither be credulous without proof, etc.  
Hear no ill of a Friend, nor speak any of an Enemy; Believe not all you hear, nor speak all you believe, etc.  

A Sentence is the miniature of Thought,  
And of what's truly great, a little draught.  
Life, briskness, and proportion there, combine  
With an immensity of rays to shine.  
Not Ophir Gold or Oriental Spice  
Is like to the perfume of Sage advice,  
Or is so glittering: no not Solomon  
More in his glory, than his Proverbs shone.    

CHAP. IX. Of Points or Stops used in Sentences.  
IN writing and reading of all Sentences and Write, the Points and Stops are to be judiciously observed; otherwise we certainly shipwreck the Sense by sailing without these Guides. Upon which account I have here set down not only the Stops and Pauses, but also all Marks and Characters used for the better understanding of what we writ or read.  

Points or Stops.  1. Comma Characterised thus , 2. Semi-colon ; 3. Colon : 4. Period . 5. Interrogation ? 6. Admiration ! 
Notes of Direction.  1. Asterism Figured in this manner * 2. Hyphen - 3. Caret ⁁ 4. Obelisk or dagger † 5. Separation = 6. Apostrophe ' 7. Quotation “ 8. Index ☞ 9 Parenthesis () 10. Crotchet [] 11. Section § 12. Parallels ‖ 13. Paragraph ¶  
1. A Comma (,) is the lest, but most frequently used of all, taking very little breath, as being almost everywhere employed: As,  
These filthy Dreamers defile the Flesh, despise Dominion, and speak evil of Dignities, Judas v. 8.  
2. A Semi-colon (;) hath somewhat a greater stress than a Comma laid upon it, both as to the sense, and to the pause: As,  
Their throat is an open Sepulchre; with their tongues they use deceit; the poison of Asps is under their lips, Psalm.  
3. A Colon is used when there is full sense expressed, but yet the Sentence is not quite spent: As,  
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the KING, as Supreme, 1 Pet. 2.13.  
4. A Period, or Punctum (.) concludes the whole Sentence: As,  
Honour all men. Love the Brotherhood. Fear GOD. Honour the KING, 1 Pet. 2.17.  
These four are truly entire Sentences of themselves, and are accordingly written with Periods: but any man considering the dependence they have one upon another, may writ them and such like with Colons, except the last, which must of necessity be concluded with a full point.  
5. A Note of Interrogation (?) is always placed after a Question: As,  
What advantage than hath the Jew? or what profit is there in Circumcision? etc. Rom. 3.1.  
6. A mark of Admiration (!) must not be forgotten, when men lift up their hands or voices by way of wonder or exclamation: As,  
O Death! where is thy Sting? O Grave! where is thy Victory? 1 Cor. 15.55.  

The Explanation of the Notes of Direction.  
1. An Asterism (*) is used commonly in the Bible, when any Sentence or History is alluded to, or may be compared with another.  
2. A Hyphen is (-) a Note of continuation, or connexion; as Palmal, Commonwealth, workman ship.  
3. A Caret () is made under the Line, when a word or more is wanting and forgotten, showing where it must be taken in.  
4. An Obelisk or Dagger (†) in the larger sort of Bibles is accustomed to refer from the matter to the margin, where it gives an account of the different readings of the Hebrew and Greek Copies.  
5. A Separation (=) is when one half of a word is written in one line, and the other half, or a Syllable, is written in the next.  
6. An Apostrophe (') is set over the place where a vowel is left out, as in these, 'tis or it's for it is, trained for trained, business for business.  
7. A Citation (“) is, when an Allegation out of an Author is recited at length in his own words.  
8. An Index (☞) points to some notable Saying or Sentence that aught not to escape without some particular remark.  
9 A Parenthesis () denotes, that the words enclosed must be sounded somewhat different from the rest, as being an Appendix to the Sentence that would be perfect without it.  
10. A Crotchet [] is much of the same nature with a Parenthesis, and is used when some extraordinary word happens, and aught to be distinguished, or another Sentence, or something farther to explain the meaning after a Parenthesis.  
11. A Section (§) is when an ample discourse is cut and divided into several larger portions, called Sections.  
12. Parallels (‖) do often occur in the margins of Holy Writ, when a Sentence according to the Original may be otherwise phrased, and the Sense not corrupted.  
13. A Paragraph (¶) usually precedes a Sentence which bears no dependence on what went before.  
Pointing is of such great concernment, especially to Scholars, and indeed to all; that the neglect thereof make Write hard to be understood or read; and commonly that defect makes the true meaning either ignorantly or knavishly to be mistaken: as  
My Son, if Sinners entice thee, consent thou not: refraining thy feet.  
Pointed otherwise, the Sense is perverted thus;  
My Son, if Sinners entice thee, consent thou; not refraining thy feet.  
By misplacing of Stops, or altogether leaving them out, to be at pleasure put in by persons concerned, much mischief has been done in many Places.  
In England that unfortunate Prince Edward the Second was barbarously murdered by his Keeper in Pontfract Castle, (by the treachery of Isabel and Mortimer.) The Keeper [it seems] sent to Mortimer to know what he should do with the King, who answered him by his Letter thus: Edwardum occidere nolite timere bonum est.  
To kill King Edward refuse to be afraid is good.  
This Passage in his Letter being without Stops, The Keeper wellknowing Mortimer had no kindness for the King, did as Mortimer truly meant, that is, killed the King; and when he was justly questioned, produced the Letter, which Mortimer owned, but confidently alleged that his meaning was otherwise: such base Tricks perfidious Villains have practised to pervert Truth, and colour their Knavery.  
Such Tricks are commonly imposed on the World by such villainous and diabolical Miscreants and Impostors, who give such dubious Interpretations on the holy Scriptures to the shame and confusion of Christianity, after the Example of their Father the Devil, who knowing himself not able to answer any thing truly out of the Heathen Oracles, replied to all questions cunningly, and so dubiously, that which way soever the thing fell out, he was sure to seem to be in the right.  
For Instance. Doctor Heylin in his description of Delphos writes thus, Page 593, & 594.  
Delphos renowned in old times for the famous Temple of Apollo, in which with that of Jupiter Hammon in Marmarica (now reckoned as a part of Egypt) were the most famous Oracles of the ancient Gentiles: Dark Riddles of the Devil, couched and contrived with so much cunning, that the meaning of them was most hidden, when it was thought most easy to be discerned; Instance of which, that given to Croesus in the War by him projected against the Persians', which was thus delivered;  
Croesus Halyn penetrans magnam subvertit opum vim.  
When Croesus over Halys goes,  
A mighty Nation he overthrows.  
which he interpreting according to his own hopes, crossed the River, was vanquished by Cyrus, King of Persia, and his Kingdom conquered. The like we found of Pyrrhus, King of Epyrus, who before he made war against the Romans, consulted with the Oracle, and received this answer;  
Aio te Aeacida Romanos vincere posse.  
which doubtful Prediction he thus construed:  
Te posse vincere Romanos.  
That he should overcome the Romans; but he found it to his cost, that the meaning was, Romanos posse vincere te, That the Romans should overcome him; as indeed it happened.  
By another kind of the same fallacy, which the Logicians call Amphibolia, did this great Enemy of Mankind overthrew another, who demanding of the Oracle what Success he should have in an Expedition which he was in hand with, received his answer in these words;  
Ibis redibis nunquam per Bella peribis  
which he thus pointing  
Ibis, redibis, unquam per Bella peribis.  
Engaged himself in the War, and was therein slain: whereupon his Followers canvasing the Oracle, found the meaning to be thus;  
Ibis, redibis nunquam; per Bella peribis.  
Several others, too long to relate, are written: such is the force of placing Stops, that men have misconstrued their Friend's meaning, either ignorantly, or willingly, to excuse themselves.  

Points are the Compass, and the guiding Star  
By which good Readers all directed are.  
The life of Reading sweetly flows from thence;  
These ill-regarded shipwreck all the Sense.  
The skilful Readers will the Sense pursue,  
And charm their Hearers with their reading true,  
Because they can give Stops and Points their due.     

CHAP. X. Of Superfluous Letters, etc.  
THere is a further perfection in Spelling, which I shall not much devil upon, as not being so material to my design: but because it is worthy of observation to the curious I shall touch it a little;  
And that is leaving out many superfluous letters, which may be omitted in several words, and the sound and sense not lost: but to throw out all Letters, that are not pronounced (as some desire) would quite mar the sense: for by the same rule we leave out [ugh] in though, we aught to leave it out in bought, dough, bough, thought, cough, etc.  
It's true we may leave out [ugh] in though, and the like when the sound will be good without it; but when the sound and signification is lost by such omissions it is not tolerable.  
Some of late leave out [k] in Music, Arithmetic, Rhetoric, Logic, heroic and the like, which is allowable, these being immediately derived from the Latin, which have no k, though the original Greek hath.  
The superfluous and silent [u] may very well be left out in honour, favour, etc. for the pronunciation is the same without it honour, favour, labour, and the sound and signification are both preserved.  
But why some are for such a thorough-reformation, as to omit [p] in tempt, contempt, sumptuous, symptom, and the like, I know not, since the very strength of the sound rests on [pawn]  
Neither can I be persuaded to leave [e] out at the end of bridge, pledge, acknowledge, because the final [e] gives [g] it's sharp sound: for by the same reason we may leave out the [e] in oblige, huge, language, refuge, etc. which would make [g] have its hard sound and quite altar the sense.  
I could wish it were possible to make a general Rule in the English, and leave out all superfluous Letters that are not in the pronunciation sounded; for than [gh] might take its leave of many words: But first to satisfy the curious, we must found some way to distinguish the sound of some words pronounced alike, but written severally; as in the words following, so much imputed by strangers to the imperfection of the English Language, viz.  
John Wright the Wheel-wright,  
Can neither writ, nor read right,  
Yet hates a superstitious Rite.  
These words, likewise, are written differently, but pronounced almost alike, white, weight, wait, wit, wet. This shows the impossibility of a general Rule, so much desired. These and the like, make strangers a little uneasy; but to please strangers and make our Language familiar to their palate, we must not confounded ourselves, as some would have done, come, some, and the like written thus, done, come, some, because strangers think they are pronounced do-ne, come, some. By this means we must bring all other words, which more trouble them, to their humour. There are few strangers that can pronounce these words, forbidden, hidden, third, thought, truth, sloth, etc. so there needs no such care for strangers, who can never attain to any perfection in English by Book: the only way is by an able Teacher or by conversation amongst English people which I judge the best way.  
Words derived from the Latin must retain their natural Letters to show their derivation, as contemn, condemn, resign, reign, phlegm, which come from the Latin words, contemno, condemno, resigno, regno, flegma, etc.  
Some words the English pronounce contrary to the true Orthography, without any other reason (as I said before) but because they pronounce nothing through the throat, and these are laugh, cough, rough, etc. which by custom are thus altered, laff, coff, roff, which strangers also stickle at. For conveniency we pronounce also sigh as with th', etc.   

CHAP. XI. Of Words, Spelt, or Sounded Alike, but of Different Significations.  
MAny words in the English Tongue are spelt alike, and have divers significations: and some again have various intentions and are pronounced almost alike, which gives trouble to young Learners.  
To prevent which, and to encourage the Learner, I have collected the hardest of these words in an Alphabetical order as follows,  

A  
ABator, an Intruder  
Abater, one that lessens  
Abettor, an Assister  
Account, Esteem  
Account, of Merchant's  
Advice, Counsel  
Advice, to give Counsel  
Altar, for Sacrifice  
Altar, or Change  
Accidents, Chances  
Accidence, for Children  
Air, Element  
Heir, of an Estate  
Appeal, to a higher Judge  
A peal, of Ringing  
A pail, for Water  
A peel, for an Oven  
A Peer, or Nobleman  
A Pier, for Ships  
Appear, before one  
A pear, fruit  
Aunt, a Father's Sister  
Ant, an Emmet  
Augur, a Wise man  
Augur, to boar with  
Attract, to draw  
A Tract, or Discourse  
A Track, or Path  
Attribute, given, or appropriate  
A Tribute, paid to a Prince  
Assent, to consent  
A scent, or smell  
Ascent, or going up  
Scent, an errand   

B  
Batcheler, or single man  
Bachelor of Arts  
Ball, to play with  
Bale, or pack of Cards or Silk  
Ball, a Company of Dancers  
Bawl, or cry out  
Baal, false God  
Bark as a Dog  
Bark of a Tree  
Bark, or Bark, a little Vessel  
Bear, a Beast  
Bear, or suffer  
Bore, naked  
Bier, a Corpse  
Beer, to drink  
Babble, talk Idly  
Baubles, trifles  
Babel, confusion  
Bow, to shoot  
Bow, or bend  
Bough of a Tree  
Boar, a Beast  
Boar a hole  
Buy with money  
By, the Preposition  
Buoy of a Ship  
Boy, or Child  
By the Buy  
Blue as the wind  
Blue Colour  
Brutus or Beast  
Bruit, or Rumour  
Bread to eat  
Breed, engender  
Bread, taught  
Brede of Silk or Worsted  
Bowl, a Cup  
Boul, to play  
Breath, wind  
Breathe, to blow softly  
Bewray, defile  
Bewray, or disclose.   

C  
Cavalier, a Soldier  
Caviller, Wrangler  
Council of the King  
Counsel, advice  
Councillor, privy Councillor  
Counsellor at Law  
Crew as a Cock  
Crew, a Company  
Censer, for Incense  
Censor, a Roman Officer  
Censure, or blame  
Cymbal, an Instrument  
Symbol, a mark  
Cittern for Music  
Citron, fruit  
Canon of the Church  
Cannon, a Gun  
Cannion of breeches  
Carrot, a Root  
Carack of Gold, whereof 18 make a Drachm.   

D  
Dame, or Mother  
Dam, or bank  
Damn, condemn  
Deer, Buck or Do  
Dear, or costly  
Dear, most affectionate  
Desert, forsake  
Disert after meat  
Desert, a Wilderness  
Decent, orderly  
Descent, going down  
Descent of an Estate  
Dissent, disagree  
Duke, a Title of Honour  
Duck, a Bird  
Demure, sober, mild  
Demur, doubt or delay  
Dew on the Grass  
Due, owing  
do, Female-Deer  
Do, or act  
Doughty, to make bread   

E  
Eminent, famous  
Imminent, at hand  
Exercise or labour  
Exorcise, to Conjure  
Earnest, Serious  
Earnest, on a Bargain.   

F  
Fly, to make haste  
Fly, as a Bird  
Fly, an Insect  
Flea, or flegh  
Fowl, Birds  
Foul, unclean  
Flower in a Garden  
Flour of wheat  
Floor of a house  
Fair, beautiful  
Fare, entertainment  
Friese, course Cloth  
Freeze, congeal  
Fawn, or young Dear  
Faun, or flatter  
Form, or shape  
Form, to sit on  
Feign, falsify  
Feign, desire.   

G  
Gild, offence  
Gilded with Gold.   

H  
Heir to an Estate  
Air, or wind  
Hair of the Head  
Hare, a Beast  
Heart of any thing  
Hart, a great Dear  
Head, or principal part  
Heed, mind  
Hoop of a Vessel  
Whoop or hollow  
Hue, or Colour  
Hue and Cry  
Hue, or Cut  
Hugh, a name.   

I  
Insight, skill  
Incite, stir-up  
Ingenious, witty  
Ingenuous, free, well-natured.   

I  
Jointure, a Tool.  
Jointure, a portion.   

KING  
Kennel for Dog's  
Channel, water passage.   

L  
Latin, a Language  
Latin, Tinn  
Lose, or untie  
Loose, or neglect  
Lest, smallest  
Jest, a word of caution  
Lettuce, an Herb  
Letice, a name  
Lattice, Cross bars  
Lemons, Concubines  
Lemons, fruit  
Luster, a desirer  
Lustre, shining.   

M  
Manor, House  
Manure, to Till Ground  
Manner, fashion  
Mowe, Hay  
Mow of Corn  
Mortar, to build with  
Mortar, to bruise  
Morning, Sunrising  
Mourning, Lamenting  
Mussle, a Shellfish  
Muscles of a Man  
Martial, warlike  
Marshal, an Office  
Mean, between two  
Mien, visage  
Mean, poor  
Mold, Earth  
Mould, or frame.   

N  
Nice, a Town  
Niece, or Brother's Daughter  
Nice, or dainty  
Note, or mark  
Not at all.   

OH  
OH, Exclamation!  
Owe, a debt  
O, alas  
Oar, or Gold dust  
Or this, or that  
Oar, to Row  
Our, or ours  
Hour of the day  
One thing  
On, or upon  
Ordure, filth  
Order, or Commission  
Of, or far away, out of  
Of, concerning  
Only, so much  
Only, singular.   

P  
Pallet, to lie on  
Palate, or taste  
Pause, or stop  
Paws, or Feet  
Person, or body  
Parson, or Priest  
Precedent, foregoing  
Precedent or Example  
Power or Authority  
Pour out  
Pail, for water  
Peal, of Ringing  
Pale, ill-coloured  
Pall, or Hearse  
Prophet, or foreteller  
Profit, gain  
Plane, a Field  
Plain, smooth  
Plan, or Model.   

Q  
Quarry of Stones  
Quarrel of Glass  
Quack, or pretender  
Quake, to shake.   

R  
Right, or Just  
Rite, or Custom  
Wright, a Trade  
Writ with a pen  
Reed, or Cane  
Read a Book  
Read Colour  
Reach out or stretch  
Reach or fetch  
Rome, a famous City  
Rome, or wander  
Room, or Chamber  
Reign as a King  
Rein of a Bridle  
Row of Trees  
Roe, or Deer  
Row a Boat.   

S  
Sun, that shines  
Son of a Father  
Soon, quickly  
Swoon, or faint away  
Sound, whole  
Sealing of Letters  
Ceiling of a House  
Stairs, or looks earnestly  
Stairs of a House  
Some, or part  
Sum of money  
Streight, even  
Straight, or narrow  
Straight, by and by  
Statue, or Image  
Statute, or Law  
Suit at Law  
Suit of Clotheses  
Sex, kind  
Sects, factions  
Seller of Goods  
Cellar for Wine  
Smock, a shift  
Smoak of fire.   

T  
Than, in Comparison  
Than, at that time  
The man or thing  
Thee, or thyself  
Trade, or calling  
Tread under foot  
Tread as Birds  
There in that place  
Their belonging to them  
To, or towards  
Toe of the foot  
Tow, a Rope  
Too, also  
Two in number  
Tenor in Music  
Tenor, or form.   

V  
Vain, Idle  
Vein of blood  
Vial, a little Glass  
Viol., or Violin.   

W  
Wast-thou  
Waste, or spend  
Waste, Imply  
Waist, one's middle  
Weight of Goods  
Wait, attend  
Wight, a man  
Whether of the two  
Wither do you go  
Week 7 days  
Wick of a Candle  
Walk in the fields  
Wake, or awake from sleep  
Weak, not strong.   
These are the chiefest and most material words which are sounded alike and spelt differently, and aught to be carefully regarded.  
It is very convenient, that Youth be instructed to know these words from careful Tutors, who may set them a task to writ over, and give a good Account of as many of them at a time as they are capable of: By which method and the other Rules in this Book prescribed, I have taught young People of both Sexes to spell English very well who knew nothing of Grammar.    

English Orthography. PART III Containing directions for Writing and Folding of Letters Missive or Epistles.  

CHAP. I Of Letters in General.  
THE excellency and usefulness of Letters are so universally known and acknowledged by persons of all conditions and degrees, that an Essay in praise of them were as ridiculous as impertinent. All the world knows, how great their power is in the management of human affairs both public and private: Not man of sense can be ignorant what influence they have in the secrets of every particular State, how frequently Plots and Conspiracies are discovered by them, and that they are the best Fountains out of which an History can be drawn. 'Tis sufficiently known, that by them not only Trade and Commerce are maintained in any one Teritory but Traffic is maintained and upheld through the whole habitable Earth; and in conclusion, all people agreed, that they are the life and soul of Amity and Love, and that Communication by Letters doth almost contribute as much to the preservation of civil Society amongst men, as the sacred obligation of an Oath.  
Wherhfore, I shall not devil upon these Topics, it being my Design only ro propose some plain instructions for the right writing, sealing and directing of ordinary missive Letters, and if my Rules sometimes reach persons of a higher Sphere, I intent them rather for Ornament and speculation than for use and Practice.  
First, it is a great grace to Letters, to be clearly and punctually written without blotts or confusion.  
But it is sufficient for men of Business to writ Legibly and pretty free from Blotts, altho' it is very necessary for young Gentlemen, Ladies and Youth in General to writ Letters as well as ever they can; for it looks like Idleness or disrespect in them not to writ their best.  
All Letters and Petitions to Superiors must be written fair and well, since the very writing gives a high recommendation to them.  
The main Grace thereof consists in spelling well, which hath been the design of the two former parts of this Book: nothing is more ridiculous, than Letters ill spelt, it arguing a mighty defect of Education: whereas on the contrary, to see a Letter from a Lady, or one who does not pretend to great Learning, well spelt, doth add a huge lustre to their breeding, and is much praised and admired.  
This, though it be very necessary to good Education, and be esteemed no small part thereof, yet is generally too much neglected: but it is certainly a great Error in men's judgements; for a man that can spell well, is thought a Scholar, though he have but little Learning, and Scholars who spell ill (as some do) are thought Ignorant.  
As it is not safe to speak, so it is much more dangerous to commit any secret to paper, whether it concern the State, your Friend or your Self: for, according to the Poet, 
Vox edita perit,  
Litera Scripta manet.  
Words vanish soon, and vapour into Air,  
While Letters on record stand fresh and fair.   
Letters may be miscarried; or they may be brought against you as a Witness, and in Law they are commonly accounted the best witnesses.  
Promises in Letters are bonds, and therefore it is prudence to writ nothing in a Letter, but what you needs must: how common is it to say, I have such a man's Letter, can he deny his own hand?  
While Oaths and Evidence shall bear the Cause,  
Men of small Conscience little fear the Laws.  
What Trade are you? a Witness, Sir draw near;  
There's Coin depose what I would have you swear.  
But of deceit in Letters there's no fear.   

CHAP. II Of Superscriptions, and Appellations in Letters.  
YOU are to consider first, to whom you writ, so that you may pay respect proper to the person, and give every man his due Title: and therefore you must take especial care first of the Superscription, which is twofold.  
The first lieth within your Letter, and consists in beginning it aright, that is, Appellations proper to persons of all Ranks and Orders amongst men. The second I shall consider in its due place and time.  
For your better Instruction I will here set down some examples, how to begin Letters to persons of all Characters and Conditions, by which you may see, what Respect and Deference is due to them. But when you writ to persons you know very well, or dare use familiarity with, you need not confine yourself to any Rules.  
Among familiars and equals it is common to use no superscriptions at the beginning but fall presently to the business in hand, putting your Epithet or Title in a Parenthesis thus: 
Yesterday (My Lord) I received yours, etc.  
I shall not fail (Sir) to obey, etc.  
My urgent occasions (Dear Father) require, etc.  
I came last night late from Windsor: (Dear Harry) come and let me see thee, etc. and so on any exigence, etc.   
Thou it shows a profound respect to use Superscriptions especially to Superiors, yet I leave every one to his inclinations: it is sufficient here to tell what is most proper on such occasions.  

Forms of Superscriptions or Appellations in Letters.  
To the King: Sir (alias) May it please Yor Majesty: or, Sacred Sir: or, Dread Sovereign.  
To the Queen: Madam, or, May it please Yor Ma tie,  
To the Princess: Madam, or, May it please Yor Royal Highness.  
To a Duke: My Lord, or, May it please Yor Gr.  
To a Duchess: Madam, or, May it please Yor Grace,  
To a Marquis: My Lord, or, May it please Yor Lordship.  
To a Marquess' Lady: Madam, or, May it please Yor La p,  
To an Earl: My Lord (alias) Right Hon le.  
To his Lady: Madam, or, Right Hon le.  
To a Viscount: My Lord, or, Right Hon le.  
To his Lady: Madam, or, Right Hon le.  
To a Baron: My Lord, or, May it please Yor Lo lordship,  
To a Baroness: Madam, or, May it please Yor La p,  
To all Ladies, and Gentlewomen indifferently: Madam,  
To a Baronet: Sir, alias, Right Worshipful,  
To a Knight: Sir, or, Right Worshipful,  
To an Esquire: Sir, May it please Yor Worship,  
To any Gentleman: Sir, or, Much Honoured,   
¶ At the end of your Letter, Repeat the same again towards the left hand, thus:  
My Lord,  
Yor Graces most, etc.  
Thou (as I said before) amongst equals and familiars you may use your discretion without Ceremony, (which is inconsistent with common Affairs) yet it is convenient to give Superiors rather too much than too little Respect.  
The several Degrees of the English Nobility are also differenced and Distinguished one from another by their Titles and Ensigns of Honour.  

A Duke hath the Title of Grace, and, when he is writt-to, may be styled, Most High, Potent and Noble Prince.  
A Marquis: Most Noble and Potent Lord  
An Earl the same.  
A Viscount, Right Potent and Noble Lord  
A Baron, Right Noble Lord   
When you writ to a Person of Quality, you are to leave a great distance between the Superscription or first line and the second line or beginning of your Letter: for, the greater distance you leave the greater respect you show; as you may see by the Examples of Letters, which I shall have occasion to show in the last Chapter of this brief Treatise.  
When you writ to your familiars, near Relations or those you are very intimate with, great and lofty Compliments are not so well taken, which seem to proceed rather from Affectation than a man's natural Address: so that the best way is to use your own familiar and usual Expressions.  
As the Title of Sir, or Master is generally given to all Gentlemen or others (though sometimes mean People) so the Title of Madam or Mistress is universally bestowed upon all Gentlewomen and others (provided they be not of very Low and base Condition:) such is the frank and Bountiful courtesy of England above other Nations to the Female Sex.  
The Title of Lady is not only attributed to all the Nobility, but likewise to others of lower Rank, that come under the notion of Gentlewomen, (who upon that Account are much in Arrears to the English Civility and respect for them) both in writing and speaking, altho' in Law it is not allowed.  
To those Akin to us it is usual to ascribe their degree of kindred: as Dear Father, or Mother, Honoured Uncle, or Aunt, Loving Brother, or Sister, or Cousin: or in what other Epithets you please to express your affection.  
This is indeed the common practice of England, but it would be interpreted great arrogancy or disrespect in all other the most polite and civilised Nations: for no man aught to mention another's relation to him, but when it must be acknowledged an honour to the person addressed to.  
When People, who are of near kindred writ one to another, the Person of greater Quality may express the degree of kindred in the beginning, but it better becomes those of a meaner Character to do it at the latter end.  
And if your Condition be not conformable, it is wisdom to conceal any pretence to great men, or to the rich; it being only proper for them to own you; and if you truly deserve, they william. In men who are necessitated to live below their birth, it is great discretion to wave pretensions to great things.  
'Tis generally observed, that true Gentlemen are silent on such occasions; none but base and mean-born pretenders to Gentility impose their Extravagant Brags on Company, and for their ridiculous vanity are still lesle esteemed.  

" First, God's Commands, your Parents next obey:  
" A thousand Snares, Pride, Lust and Avarice lay.  
Pretend not blood, or kindred to the Great,  
But when the Truth is backed with an Estate:  
Who would not smile to hear a Servile Clown,  
Pretending kindred, honour and renown?    

CHAP. III Of Proems, or Introductions to Letters.  
IN the beginning it is customary and handsome to make some preamble or Introduction, which may usher in the main subject-matter: and when this is done, your greatest trouble is past; for, than your thoughts, which were before bounded up by themselves, run fluently, like an Exuberant River, that has found a new passage for its waters,  
I shall here for your farther direction set down Forms to begin Letters withal, used amongst all degrees, which you may make use of at your pleasure: and, though you are not confined to my words, yet you may by reading these, be enabled to express your mind something better according to your own particular fancy.  
The best of Secretaries sometimes use this way of beginning, though they never tie themselves up to Prescriptions or Rules: but it is very convenient, that those of meaner quality should use such especially to Superiors.  

Forms of beginning Letters.  
YOU have obliged me so much, that I am wholly at your command, and therefore, etc.  
There is nothing in my power, but you may very freely command, which is but the lest of my duty; seeing, etc.  
I cannot think of your goodness without admiration, seeing I am so far below your notice, etc.  
I do acknowledge it is my duty to receive your commands with cheerfulness, and, etc.  
Your merits have rendered your condition so considerable, that you are the comfort and refuge of your Friends: wherefore, etc.  
I esteem myself most happy in your correspondency, for distance of place and length of time shall never altar me, etc.  
Your absence is very grievous to me; so that either return quickly, or writ oftener, etc.  
If it were as easy to convince, as to accuse, men would be in a much better state, and, etc.  
If you expect thanks suitable to your favours, I beseech you teach me in what manner to return them, etc.  
The news of your good Fortune was no small joy to me.  
If wishes would do, you may easily conjecture what I would do.  
Having the opportunity of this Bearer, I could not omit to tell you, that, etc.  
Yours I received Yesterday of the 13th instant, wherein you are pleased to acquaint me, that, etc.  
All the News here in Town at present, is that, etc.  
Your friendship is so necessary to me, that all my other happiness would be imperfect without it, etc.  
Yours I received with great satisfaction, and I return you many thanks for, etc.  
The obligations you daily lay upon me, do very much surprise me, because I cannot found any occasion to express my Gratitude.  
I received your kind Token by your good Friend J. R. for which I return you my humble thanks.  
If you expect Compliments from me, you may chance to be disappointed; for I am a professed Enemy to them, being a gentle way of telling a Ly.  
Though you are out of my reach, yet you are not out of my remembrance: for, etc.  
I esteem myself very fortunate, because I retain your good opinion, and, etc.  
The same observance that a Father may claim from a Child, your kindness hath obliged me to, etc.  
If you think me unworthy of an answer, pray sand me my own Letter back again.  
My last to you was of the 14th of December last, but having received no Answer, etc.  
I presume my last came safe to your hands, and therefore, etc.  
Since you have provoked me, I must make bold to tell you, that Friends and Acquaintance would not know what to do with themselves, if it were not for this blessed Art of Writing, etc.  
I not sooner received yours, but, etc.  
If I had not a great esteem of your Sincerity, I could hardly digest what I am told, etc.  
Were I as able as I am willing, words should soon be turned into actions.  
It is gratitude to receive a good turn civilly, to retain it in mind, and acknowledge it, but most of all to endeavour to requited it: and therefore, etc.  
You need not request, but command me, since by obliging you I content myself.  
If Letters were as swift as wishes, You may assure yourself, that, etc.  
You need not compliment at this rate: for your favour and correspondence is sufficient reward for my small endeavours.  
I need not be put in mind of your Affairs: Your generous Actions will never be blotted out of my memory, nor, etc.  
I hereby sand you my due and humble thanks for all your kindnesses, but especially for, etc.  
According to the advice you sent me in your last, I, etc.  
Life is a load without Friendship, and therefore, etc.  
By this I see, that honour and preferment are rather the rewards of Flattery and Interest than of Virtue.  
You have given such demonstrations of your goodness, that it would be ingrateful to question it.  
Compliments will not pass among those who can discern resemblance from reality: upon which account, etc.  
Since I had the honour of your Acquaintance, I have frequently received testimonies of your Love, and particularly, etc.  
The Court now affords little news, but, etc.  
Gratitude is the poor man's virtue; and seeing I cannot be liberal, I will endeavour not to be unmindful of, etc.  
Your favours to me are so far above my merits, that they surpass my gratitude.  
According to my promise and that portion of obedience I owe your Commands, I here renew my protestations (after having rendered you many thanks for your last, and for the good news therein) that I will certainly, etc.  
Next under God, I look upon you to be my best Friend upon Earth: I have found it so, and I will evermore own it.  
You have been ready on all occasions to oblige me, and therefore, etc.   
Having once begun your Epistle with these or such like Expressions, you may proceed according to your occasions, for that which is once well begun, is half ended:  

Dimidium facti, qui benè coepit, habet.   

He hath his work half done,  
That hath it well begun.    

CHAP. IU. Of the main Subject, and of the Conclusions of Letters  
AFTER you have begun your Letters with some such Expression as I have mentioned in the last Chapter, according to the quality of the person, or your own discretion, you may proceed and declare your mind in your own natural terms, using short periods.  
Eat vain Repetitions and Cramp words; the easiest and plainest style being most usual and commendable, as it is the style of al● Languages and Conversation: Wherhfore let it be furnished and compacted with the best, choicest and most familiar words, neither going before, or coming after the use of the age you live in, nor consisting of either antiquated or such new upstart words, as our Pamphlets and Novels daily introduce.  
Avoid all obscurity in expressing yourself in such terms, as men shall rather admire than understand. Choice Sentences and witty Expressions being the best, fitted to the humour and capacity of the Person you writ unto. You are to consider, what will be regarded with best attention, and next what will leave the sweetest relish and impression in the mind.  
Brevity is a great grace to Letters: you are therefore to examine yourself, and study to express your mind in the most significant English words you can think of, and convenient for the present business in hand.  
This you may do by avoiding Idle Compliments, Prefaces and Protestations, keeping close to the matter before you without vain circuits of figures, digressions, conjunctions and flourishes of pretended Rhetoric.  
If you writ to your Superior, you are bound to consider in him these things; first, your interest in him, secondly, his capacity, (for all men are not alike gifted) thirdly, his leisure. You are obliged to the greater brevity, as his place is of greater concern, or care: For long and tedious Letters are very troublesome to Readers.  
And since practice and use in a thing brings perfection, therefore to be ready and perfect you must writ often.  
Lastly, when you have said all you have to say, conclude your Letter with some short asseveration of your affections in the following, or the like words, not using always the same words, as many do.  

Forms of concluding Letters.  
IF I shall prove so fortunate, as to be remembered by you, it will be a great obligation upon Your, etc.  
This great kindness shall never be forgotten by, etc.  
Such great favours as I have received can never be forgotten but with ingratitude by, etc.  
You have conferred such obligations undeservedly upon me; that, since they can never be requited, they shall never be forgotten by, etc.  
There is nothing I desire more than to be continued Yours, etc.  
There is nothing I value more than your favour, so that I hope nothing can persuade you that I am not Your, etc.  
That God would bless you with all earthly blessings, and give you contentment here and hereafter, shall be the constant prayers of, etc.  
When I think on your favours, and my deserts, I cannot but admire your goodness, and shall on all occasions continued Your, etc.  
You have so much obliged me, that upon all occasions I must acknowledge myself Your, etc.  
In the mean time, remember, that I am Your, etc.  
I shall sooner forget my own name, than the obligation to be Your, etc.  
There is nothing more pleasing to me than to have an opportunity to show how much I am, etc.  
I humbly beg, that you would be pleased to own me to be Your, etc.  
I must repay all your kindness with the uncurrent Coin of thanks, being all the Treasure of Your, etc.  
Your favours have so much surprised me, that I want words to express, how much I am Your, etc.  
I am so far below your notice, that I admire your goodness the more in bestowing your favours so liberally on a person, who was obliged to be Your, etc.  
Your favours are so far beyond my merits, that they are altogether above my gratitude: it lies only in my power to continued Your, etc.  
In doing this, you will confer an obligation beyond expression upon Your, etc.  
And this I desire may be registered amongst the rest of the obligations of Your, etc.  
It is my ambition to be continued Your, etc.  
I know nothing more at present, but that I am, etc.  
I esteem myself fortunate in having this opportunity to show, that I am Your, etc.  
If this can pleasure you, you shall upon all occasions be supplied by Your, etc.  
It is honour enough for me to be continued Your, etc.  
Your Countenance is no small encouragement to Your, etc.  
I am very proud of your acquaintance; and if you will honour me with the continuance thereof, you will oblige Your, etc.  
I hope you will pardon my failing, your goodness being as great as my desire to continued Your, etc.  
I assure you, no man living can be more, than I am Your, etc.  
Whatever happens, I am resolved to continued Your, etc.  
I cannot either be melancholy or miserable, so long as you are pleased to continued me in quality of Your, etc.  
I wish I could be so fortunate, as to tell you face to face how much I am Your, etc.  
Pray pardon my tedious Expressions, since I cannot refrain to repeat the many obligations you have put upon Your, etc.  
I shall be ready upon all occasions to discharge that duty, which your kindness requires from Your, etc.  
If you will grant this my humble request, it will be a great obligation upon Your, etc.  
I wish I had any suitable occasion to demonstrate how much I am Your, etc.  
I hope you will accept of this imperfect acknowledgement, till I am able to give a perfect testimony, that I am, etc.  
There are many more able, but none more willing than, etc.  
If I had power equivalent to my will, there should be no man more serviceable than, etc.  
I so much honour you, that it is impossible you should want perfect happiness, were it in the power of Your, etc.  
I wish it were in my power to make my Actions demonstrate, how much I am, etc.  
Were my Actions as easy to me as words, I should soon convince you that I am Your, etc.  
If in my employment I could be any ways serviceable to you, it is my interest to be Your, etc.  
The great obligations I have from you have engaged me to live and die Your, etc.  
My living depends altogether on my liberty, and so for both I am obliged to be Your, etc.  
This with my humble service is all from, etc.  
Live pleasantly, banish melancholy, and remember Your, etc.  
Humbly begging the continuance of your kindness, I rest Your, etc.  
Pray remember me kindly to all friends; and when you can spare time, bestow a thought committed to a small piece of paper upon Your, etc.  
This with my kind respects to you and your worthy Lady, and my service where it is due, is all from Your, etc.  
So may all health and happiness attend you, according to the wishes of Your, etc.  
Believe it, Sir, any Commands from you shall be welcome to, etc.  
When any thing of moment or importance falls out, I hope you will think upon, etc.  
Far well, kind Sir, the continuance of your correspondence in pure love and friendship will be very acceptable to Your, etc.  
That you may have a prosperous Journey, and a happy return, shall be the constant prayers of Your, etc.  
Many things are changeable, but I am still Your, etc.  
If you think any thing can altar my affection, you are much mistaken in Your, etc.  
I shall ever count myself happy, so long as you are pleased to continued me Your, etc.  
You need not put me in mind of your affairs here, since I am resolved to make no difference between your interest, and that of Your, etc.  
In this I shall not implore your belief, desiring to let you see by effects rather than words, that I am without compliment Your, etc.  
You may have more powerful and considerable Servants, but none more than myself Your, etc.  
Keep your Compliments for Strangers, and remember to use more familiarity with Your, etc.  
I do not question your power or your will, which makes me believe you will comply with this occasion to oblige Your, etc.  
If I had as often occasions to serve you, as I have to writ, my Actions should declare, that I am, etc.  
Return your answer quickly, if you love the quiet of, etc.  
If I thought my absence could occasion your disqui●●, or my presence were necessary to your service, you should see by my speedy return, how much I am, etc.  
The unwelcome news of your sickness is the greatest grief could hap to, etc.  
In doing so, you will confer an obligation beyond expression upon, etc.  
Your countenance is no small encouragement to Your, etc.  
If Idle Reports can disgust you, it shall never altar Your, etc.  
It lies not in the power of either foes or flattery, to altar my resolution to be Your, etc.  
If you doubt of the truth of my Inclinations to serve you, your Commands will make the best proof that I am Your, etc.  
I can never think of your favours, but it renews the remembrance of my engagements to be Your, etc.  
There is nothing I hate more than ingratitude; yet I am content to be called ingrateful when I shall cease to be Your, etc.  
I shall never prove so ungrateful as not to confess myself Your, etc.  
When the world speaks worst of me, it is some comfort to my Conscience that I found not myself so vicious as to forget what obligations I have to be Your, etc.  
I beg your acceptance of this testimony of my gratitude and my earnest desires to deserve the name of Your, etc.  
Though there is a deficiency in my expressions, yet there is none in my inclinations to be Your, etc.  
I take it as a great favour that you employ me in any thing that may conduce to your contentment, because I am very ambitious to be Your, etc.  
That God would sand you a happy Journey, and a safe return, shall be the constant prayers of Your, etc.  
Since nothing else will serve you, I kiss your hands, and subscribe myself yours as you deserve, etc.  
I will conclude at present, but never cease to be Your, etc.  
I humbly desire the help of your prayers for the prosperity of Your, etc.  
When you pray, I hope you will always remember Your, etc.  
And I hope the God of Heaven will prospero the endeavours of, etc.  
You may freely command whatsoever lies in the power of Your, etc.  
In which hopes I rest Your, etc.  
I am fully convinced of your love by its good effects towards Your, etc.  
I would do a thousand times more for your sake if it were in the power of Your, etc.  
This I can assure you of, and likewise that I am Your, etc.  
I have often told you by word of mouth that I love you, yet my Pen shall once more assure you that I am Your, etc.  
Your desires have always been looked upon by me as commands, which shall be ever valued by Your, etc.  
We both shall be much obliged to you, he as your Petitioner, and I as Your, etc.  
God Almighty preserve all good Christians from such things, especially yourself, and Your, etc.  
God preserve his Majesty, and the Royal Family, The Church, your friends and mine; this is the daily prayers of Your, etc.  
All this shall be asserted by Your, etc.  
You shall found me upon all opportunities Your, etc.  
All these are but the lest part of the duty of Your, etc.   
Than you are to subscribe your Letters with this or the like tender of your Service.  
SIR, Your most humble and obedient Servant J. C.  
This must always be done according to the quality, condition, or relation of the Person to whom you writ: but herein you may use your own discretion, giving every man his due.   

CHAP. V Of dating, folding and sealing of Letters.  
WHEN you have thus concluded your Letter, read it all over, and what hath either escaped your mind or pen correct prudently.  
Than date your Letter at the end towards the left hand when you writ to your Superior; otherwise you may date it at the top: but fancy may take more place herein than judgement.  
It is a Custom amongst People of quality to leave no margin: which though it be a custom, for which no convincing Reason can be assigned, yet seeing they use it, it is not amiss to use it to them.  
But in Letters of Business a broad margin is very proper, because things may be omitted, and the Person to whom you writ, may mark every passage, the better to answer.  
In folding or making up Letters, many affect odd fantastical forms, troublesome to themselves, and Readers, being frequently torn in the opening; wherefore I would recommend the plainest and the easiest way, which amongst all Secretaries, and men of parts, is the Custom.  
Next you come to sealing, which is either with Wax, or Wafers, The first is esteemed most respectful, though the later is tolerable, Wafers being ready on all occasions without farther trouble.  
To seal with Wax, and make a good and clear Impression, having lighted your Wax, drop on the Paper enough to fill the Seal, than stir it about with the stick of Wax until the black, or smoke of the Candle be gone. Than clap on the Seal with a sudden jerk, holding it without moving till the Wax be cold, and you shall be sure to have the full and clear Impression of your Seal to great perfection.   

CHAP. VI Of External Superscriptions or Directions.  
THE other Superscription or direction is on the Back of your Letter, which must be writ very legible, and must contain the name and title of him to whom you writ, with the exact place of his residence.  
As I said before it is improper to express any degree of kindred on the back of a Letter; it concerns not the Bearer what alliance or relation is between the Writer and Receiver, not more than the superfluous Addition of haste and speed, contributes swiftness to the Post-boys Horse.  
For your better information I shall here subjoin Superscriptions or Directions to People of all Ranks and Degrees, as First, 

To the King: (alias) To the King's most Excellent Major, To the Sacred Majesty of James the Second.  
To the Queen: To the Queen's most Excellent Majesty.  
To the Prince: alias, To his Royal Highness.  
To the Princess: To her R. H.  
To his Grace the Lord A. B. of Cant.  
To his Grace the Lord A. B. of York.  
You may add, To the Most Reverend Father in God: if you please.  
To the Right Reverend Father in God, The Lord Bishop of L.  
All Bishops are so styled.  
All the Inferior Clergy: To the Reverend Dr. A. B. with the Title of his Preferment, or Dignity.  
To his Grace the DOCTOR of N.  
To the Right Honourable the Marq. of, etc. or Lord M.  
To the Right Honourable the Earl of M.  
To the Right Honourable the Lord Viscount of, etc.  
To the Right Honourable the Lord, etc.  
All Sons of the Nobility are Honourable, and aught to be addressed to with great Respect.  
To the Right Honourable Sir John W. Knight and Baronet.  
To the Right Worshipful Sir T. M.  
To Sir J. L. These.  
Every Privy Counsellor is Right Honourable.  
To his Excellency L. E. of F. Captain General of his majesty's Forces.  
Lord Lieutenant of Ireland: His Excellency.  
Ambassadors: Excellency.  
To the Honourable Colonel W.  
To the Worshipful T. M. Esq;  
To Mr. J. F. These.  
To the Right Honourable J. J. Lord Mayor of the City of London.  
To the Right Worshipful, etc. Sheriff of L.  
All those that have been Lord Mayors of London are Honourable.  
To the Worshipful Alderman A. etc.  
All men who have been Mayors of Towns, Masters of Companies or Corporations by the King's Charter or Commission, are afterwards Esquires.    
It is usual when we writ to People of quality to put a cover on the Letter: that is a piece of clean paper put about it and sealed, which is a token of great respect.  
When you writ to any Superior, it aught to be done with very great respect and honour; here too much is better than too little. It is not every one that knows what is justly due to all degrees amongst men.   

CHAP. VII. Examples of Letters.  
FOrasmuch as Precepts without Examples are generally to little purpose, I think it fitting here to add a small Packet of Letters, which may be a kind of Rule of direction as to the entire composition and frame of Letters. And first,  
A Letter of Compliment and Congratulation to a Great Soldier returned from the Wars against the Turks.  
My Lord,  
IF the general Joy which is now diffused through the hearts of all good Christians, honest-minded men and Loyal Subjects in Christendom, besides the particular obligations I have received from Your Lordship had not an equal (or perhaps a greater) influence upon me than upon any man else, I should not have presumed to have troubled Your Lordship at this time of public rejoicing, but that I think by crowding in with the universal Acclamations of Christendom, and in particular these Nations at once to commit and atone for the same Crime: for, my Lord, give me leave to say this is intended not so much to congratulate Your Lordship's fortunate and honourable Escape out of those many and glorious hazards, which a resolute and undaunted Valour in conjunction with a most zealous Honour and Loyalty engaged You in, as to applaud to ourselves the happiness we are like to enjoy both in Church and State, occasioned by overthrowing of the Enemies both of God and Man, the Infidels and Rebels; and to give Your Lordship more particularly Your due, who being more ambitious of Honour than of Life, who so nobly ventured Yours in these Heroic Exploits for the Honour of Your Prince, and the Interest of Christianity. The Historians of this Age will not be so ungrateful as to forget to deliver down to Posterity this Illustrious Subject, where by your Warlike Achievements you strive to demonstrate the greatness of your Ancestors, rather than by a vain and unperforming Muster of their old Charters, Patents and Commissions: thus, My Lord, You know that by Arms Honour was first acquired, which makes me thus assume the boldness of this imperfect and short attempt in Your Lordship's Encomium, not doubting Your pardon; which I have the greater reason to hope for, because it is free from two Vices equally hateful to men of Arms, I mean Flattery and long Harangues.  
A Letter of Commerce to Mr. D. Bookseller at Cambridge.  
Mr. D.  
YOurs I received, and according to your desire herewith sand you six of Grew's Musaeum's Regalis Societatis; I am extremely glad to hear they cell so well at that great Musaeum of all England, which as it is the best Judge, so it is the best user and Repository of such Books. I have nothing to add at present, but that your returns are accepted of by,  
SIR, Your Friend to serve you Jos. Hindmarsh.  
A Love Letter to Silvia.  
SInce Madam Smith has been so kind as to take upon her the charge of this Letter, I have ventured now to writ to you. I know very well, I aught to do no such thing, and by right, I should dream as little of You as you have thought of me these three weeks. I went to look out for You with great earnestness at my Lady— House, but Silvia was not there nor any where else that I could hear of; so that I was forced to leave— without bidding You adieu: but though I departed without seeing You, yet I see you but too plainly every day. What? cannot threescore mile's separate You from a Heart that you take so little care of; and cannot this Heart, that is so indifferent to You, divide itself from You? You have made it insensible to all the pleasures that here in this Town crowd about it, to feel only its melancholy perplexities: they are its only employment at present. Now I could wish You would somewhat qualify them by a Letter or so: But now! do not writ to me, a correspondence with You is very dangerous, I am but too well acquainted what style You writ in, and Your Letters would complete my ruin, when I should read over a hundred and a hundred times the Characters of a hand, that has so much wit at its finger's ends; however, I lodge now at— and this is my direction: Let what will hap, I will not tell You by retail all that I have endured since my departure with the greatest long-suffering in the world; why should Your Idea thus incessantly haunt me every where; and is not London a place of Refuge against that charming Image that always follows me? I could tell you a hundred things more, but I am afraid I have said too much already: I expect an answer with such an impatience as I wish You could conceive. Think sometimes of a man that thinks of nothing but you, and be so gracious as to give me some hopes that You are pleased to accept of me as,  
MADAM, Your most devoted humble Servant J. R.  
¶ Every Subject has a distinct sort of style and Character, as may be seen by these three Letters: The first is in a pompous and high way, most becoming the Soldier. The second is concise and short in its diction: saying no more than what is purely for bargain and interest. The third is a passionate and uncertain way of expressing the mind, like the fond souls of Lovers, which bear much resemblance to the Sea, from whence Love is said to have sprung.  
Those that are arrived to any improvement by frequent writing of Letters, will easily see these various differences, and will take care to accommodate themselves accordingly, especially when they have once come to some moderate knowledge in business and conversation; but for the younger and unexperienced I shall add a few examples more.  
A Letter to persuade a Friend to Mary.  
Dear Harry,  
AS thy Friend (and I am satisfied you think me so) I advice you as you love your interest to marry. Age comes on apace, therefore change that melancholy and uncertain state wherein you now live, for one infinitely more delightful: the conveniencies of which condition you have often admired in me by your own words, That when my one half was abroad the other was at home. The pleasing conversation of the Female Sex, which averts dull and melancholy thoughts, is most certainly charming; and besides, your daily expenses now would go a great way in a Family, I advice you also not to set your thoughts so much on richeses as on a good humour: If you found a virtuous good natured woman, educated by worthy Parents, whom you can truly love, make not more delay (begging God's assistance in such a great concern) If you chance to marry where you do not love, you will love where you cannot marry. I have seen pretty lines on that Subject which I recommend to your perusal, that is, 
Who makes the object of his fancy Gold,  
Grows cold in fancy when the money's told.  
And she who feigns to love to live a Lady,  
Is Honour's Faun, I know not what she may be.   
To which I subjoin four more thus,  

But those whom Love and Honour join in one;  
Will love each other when the Money's go  
With mutual kindness labouring both for life,  
Free from all grudging discontent or strife.   
Be not more faint-hearted, but nobly venture, and mind not the silly morals which old musty Bachelors and bad Husbands commonly have against that honourable condition. This, dear H. I advice from my own experience, because I enjoy all the comforts marriage can afford; think on this, and slight not this cordial advice of,  
Your most affectionate Friend, J. C.  
An Answer to the foregoing Letter.  
THere is nothing earthly (dear Jack) I value more sacred than Friendship, and none so dearly as yours. I thank you hearty that you would be so free with me: And to let you see that I have both courage to venture and faith to believe it my best course, as I have not (on that account) refused any reasonable proposals, so neither shall I reject tolerable proffers. I must confess I am afraid to meet with a piece of Extravagancy and Ill-nature, which would as certainly make me miserable as the other you propound would make me happy. That I aught to marry for Love more than Money you know I am convinced it is my Interest, and I not only am of the opinion of your first four Lines, but also join with yours in the other; and were I sure to found such happiness in a married life as I have found described in another Poem on that Subject, I should not delay. The fancy is this, 
They were so one that none could truly say  
Which of them ruled or whether did obey;  
He ruled because she would obey, and she  
In so obeying ruled as well as he:  
What pleased him best it need no other cause  
To please her too but only his applause.   
Is there any man living that does not admire concord and mutual affection between Man and Wife, the greatest comfort of human life? and were I sure to found such a Wife as God hath blessed you with, I should soon altar the condition you so little admire; but there is such cunning (as I may truly say) on the Female side, that a man dares hardly begin; for if he once break his mind, he must either proceed to his disadvantage, or retreat dishonourably with these disingenuous reflections, He loves the Money better than the Woman, he only comes for Money, not for a Wife, etc. which made a worthy Person ●●y, that it was easier to gain a hundred new Mistresses than put of one old one. To marry when a blessed opportunity offers is one part of my resolution, another is to be on all occasions,  
Your faithful Friend and humble Servant, H. R.  
A Letter to persuade a young Man to mind his Business.  
YOU have not many Friends or Relations to trust to, neither would I wish you to be troublesome to those you have: It is both your duty and interest to mind your Employment (which if prudently managed) will get you both Friends, Money and Reputation. There is no Employment so mean but these three qualifications, Ability, Industry and Sobriety will improve to a good account. The first you have; the other two if you want it is your own fault. Custom is a second nature, and if you found yourself addicted to any ill one, strive to reform, and Custom will be as kind on the better side. Some take pleasure to sit amongst idle Company, spending both money and time in vain. But the worst is, business neglected disobliges our Benefactors, and when they conceive ill thoughts of our Conduct, certain ruin follows. Men of business aught to improve every opportunity to oblige those by whom they live: this trouble is but for a while; for it is time to take our pleasure when our interest will allow. It is a great comfort (and it is looked upon accordingly) for a man to live by his own industry without being troublesome to Friends, a thing grievous to a generous Spirit. This pray consider, and deny yourself your humour for a time. If this my advice without design I lovingly give be prudently followed, you will in time be sensible how much I am,  
Your Friend and Servant.  
A Letter to dissuade one from Disputes about Religion.  
Dear Will,  
THE esteem I bear you hath prevailed with me to warn you of a weakness (you seem to indulge) which if continued will expose you to many inconveniences; and this is your readiness to engage in controversies about Opinions, but especially to dispute points of Religion more passionately than consists with good manners. Wary and prudent men eat such unpleasant and unprofitable discourse, which rarely if ever produces any fruit but contention and dislike, seeing all Disputants contend more for Victory than Truth. Not good man professeth any Religion but believes it the best; so that he who undertakes to impugn that, does but upbraid him with want of Judgement in such an important choice. And as such attempts are very unmannerly so they are full of danger, especially if the Opinions be established by public Authority; for thereby you take upon you to arraign and condemn the Wisdom of the Nation, and the Justice and Policy of the Government, which will be ever tender of its own Reputation: such Disputes aught to be made as remarkable for their punishment, as they are in themselves hateful for their folly. If any will needs thrust such discourse upon you, it's best to affect as much indifferency and unconcern as you can, and to propose your own sense rather as doubts wherein you desire to be satisfied, than conclusions and fixed resolutions. Thus, Sir, I have adventured to lay before you my weak Judgement in this nice Affair, wherein, if you seriously reflect, I hope you will found no cause to impute it to officiousness or impertinency in,  
Your Affectionate Friend and Wellwisher, J. C.  
A Letter to persuade a Friend to give his Children good Education.  
Dear Sir,  
I Am hearty glad to hear that your two Boys are so hopeful Scholars, pray continued them at School, and give them no other Portions. That good Education is the only earthly thing here necessary, no man will question; It teaches us to preserve our Souls, Bodies and Estates. Breeding proves often a better and surer Estate than Lands, Richeses and Honour; These are subject to losses, chances and revolutions; but Learning is an inestimable Treasure which cannot be taken away: what charges we are at upon that account, is the best bestowed of any. It is no disgrace (although a great inconveniency) for a Gentleman to be poor, but to be illiterate or rude is a great blot to his Reputation. Education supplies all defects both of Birth, Richeses and Honour. Among the several parts of Learning I look upon Writing and Arithmetic not the lest; for those who have neglected other Learning, are thereby in little time, and at small charge made capable for any Employment; the Pen is a certain Refuge when Trades fail; you will rarely see any sober Person so qualified in want. This I advice, not that I think you ignorant of what is proper, but only for the love I bear to these young Gentlemen, which is the duty of,  
London, March 12. 1685/ 6. Your most obliged humble Servant,  
A Letter of Advice from a Father to a Son.  
YOU are now of Age sufficient (Son) to govern yourself, I have discharged my duty according to my ability; and since you are to act for yourself in this troublesome World, I advice you, first, to be religious; show it rather in your Actions than your Words: be also loyal to your King; obedience to your Prince is part of your duty towards God. Secondly, Behave yourself obligingly to all men, especially your Neighbours both inferiors and equals; disoblige none willingly, for one man disobliged will take more pains to be revenged, than an hundred persons, you have obliged, will do to be thankful. Thirdly, Let your Expenses be rather within, than either equal to, or above your Estate. It's better to have sufficient to keep up a middle rank, than to be forced to run in debt to maintain a higher. It is a great inconveniency to be in debt, but if you must, keep your word sacredly; if you expect Reputation. Fourthly, Eat all Quarrels, Gaming and Lawsuits, and do every thing with a cheerful Countenance and fair Language. Lastly, Eat evil and extravagant Company, use honest and harmless Recreation; the rest I refer to your own discretion. These things well considered will be the means of a comfortable life and a happy end; which that you may have, and all good Christians, shall be the hearty Prayers of,  
Your loving Father, Tr. P.  

Forms of Bills, Bonds, Acquittances, etc. by which such Write may be made on occasion.  

A short Bill of Debt. March 13. 1685/ 6.  
BOrrowed and Received of James Lawson the Sum of Ten Pounds English Money, which I do hereby promise' to pay to him or his order upon demand; witness my Hand, Day and Year above-written.  
Thomas Howard.   

A Bill of Debt.  
KNow all men by these presents, that I Henry Compton of the Parish of Saint James' Westminster, and County of Middlesex, Gentleman, do owe and am indebted unto Thomas Stevinson of the Parish of Saint Martin's in the Fields, and County aforesaid, Scrivener, The Sum of Twenty Pounds of good and lawful Money of England, to be paid to the abovesaid Thomas Stevinson, his Heirs, Executors, Administrators or Assigns, in and upon the second day of June next ensuing the date hereof, without fraud or farther delay: For the which payment well and truly to be made, I bind me, my Heirs, Executors and Administrators in the penal Sum of Forty Pounds of like Money of England, firmly by these Presents. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal the first day of March, 1685/6.  
Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of 

John Templer,  
Richard Johnson.  
Henr. Compton.     

An Obligation with a Condition.  
NOverint Vniversi per praesentes me Johannem Trant, de Parochia Sancti Margaretae de Westm. & Com. Midd. Clericum, Teneri & firmiter obligari Edwardo Tomlinson de eadem Parochia & Com. Generoso in Ducent. Libris bonae & legalis Monetae Angliae, Solvend. eidem Edwardo Tomlinson aut suo certo Attornato Executoribus, Administratoribus vel Assignatis suis, ad quam quidem solutionem bene & fideliter faciendam obligo me, Haeredes, Executores & Administratores me●s firmiter per praesentes, Sigillo meo sigillat. dat. sexto die Aprilis, Anno Regni Regis Jacobi II Dei Gratia Magnae Britanniae, Fran. & Hib. Secundo Annoque Dom. 1686.  
THE Condition of this Obligation is such, That if the above-bounden John Trant, his Heirs, Executors, Administrators or Assigns shall well and truly pay or cause to be paid to the abovenamed Edward Tomlinson, his Heirs, Executors, Administrators the full sum of One hundred pounds, with lawful Interest of good and lawful Money of England, in and upon the seventh day of July next ensuing the date hereof, at, or in the Dwellinghouse of the said Edward Tomlinson without fraud or farther delay, that than this present Obligation shall be voided, and of no effect, or else to remain in full force and virtue.  
Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of 

Thomas Manly,  
Robert Jacobs.  
John Trant.     

An Obligation in English.  
KNow all men by these Presents, that I Thomas Hunter of the Parish of St. Martin's in the Fields, and County of Middlesex, Gent. am holden, and firmly do stand bound unto James Howel of the Parish of Saint James' Westminster, and County aforesaid, Grocer, in the Sum of Forty Pound of good and lawful Money of England, to be paid unto the said James Howel, his certain Attorney, his Executors, Administrators or Assigns whatsoever; to the which payment well and truly to be made, I do hereby bind myself, my Heirs, Executors and Administrators firmly by these Presents; sealed with my Seal. Dated the first day of May, in the Second Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord King James the Second, in the Year of our Lord 1686.   

THE Condition of this Obligation, etc.  
Upon payment of all Bonds, Bills, Accounts or Bargains whatsoever, it is proper to take an Acquittance, besides seeing the Account, Bill or Bond cancelled or crossed; and where Money is paid in part, only make mention, so much paid in part of such a Debt, Bill, Bond or Account; but when you pay a man all you owe him, it's very fit to take a general Release or Acquittance.   

A short Acquittance. May 1. 1686.  
REceived than of Abraham Baldwin the sum of Twenty Pounds in full for Goods bought by him of me; I say, received in full for Goods and all other Accounts, Debts, Deuce and Demands which in Law, Justice or Equity I can any ways demand of him preceding the date hereof, witness my Hand, Day and Year above-written.   

A General Release.  
BE it known unto all men by these Presents, That I William Chalmer of the Parish of St. Martin's in the Fields, and County of Middlesex, Gent. have remised, released and quitclaimed, and by these Presents, do for me, my Heirs, Executors, Administrators and Assigns, remise, release, and for ever quitclaim unto Edward Bromley, his Heirs, Executors, Administrators and Assigns, all, and all manner of Actions, Suits, Causes and Accounts, Debts, Duties, Reckon, Sum and Sums of Money, Controversies, Judgements, Executions and Demands whatsoever, which I the said William Chalmer ever had, or which I, my Heirs, Executors, Administrators and Assigns, or any of us, in time to come, can or may have, to, for, or against the said Edward Bromley, his Heirs, Executors, Administrators or Assigns, for, or by reason of any matter, cau●● or thing whatsoever preceding the date hereof. In witness whereof I have hereunto put my Hand and Seal the fourteenth day of July, in the second Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord King James the Second, and in the Year of our Lord 1686.  
Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of 

Jo. Stuart,  
Fr. Dalton.  
William. Chalmer.