serve a comely and due decency were bestowed upon Gardens and Orchyards in and about each Town which would be more usefull for the health life and pleasure of Mankind and would be comely Ornaments to a Citie and yeeld in time good profit I would have all Christian Women minding that command 1. Pet. 3.3 4 5. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair or wearing of gold or putting on of apparell but let it be the hidden man of the heart which is not corruptible even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit which is in the sight of GOD of great price For after this manner of old time the holy Women also who trusted in GOD adorned themselves being in subjection to their own husbands In this was the bravery of holy Women in old times who desired to be in more esteem with GOD then with men And thus I have spoken a little to these three particulars whereby men may most grorify GOD and which more immediatly tendeth thereunto CHAP. VII Anent bearing down Ambition and joyning in Elections of Magistrats and Councill HAving in the third Chapter proposed what were the two great and Honorable Ends which the Councill should aim at to wit GODS Glory and the Cities Wellfare and Prosperâ—ty and having spoke at some length concerning these Duties vvhich relate most immediatly to the Glory of GOD in recomending Holiness Righteousness and Sobriety I come novv to â—peak of these Duties vvhich more â—mmediatâ—y concern the good and prosperity of the Ciâ—y and first I shall speak of some evils which â—re very proper for a Councill to consideâ— the prevention or reformation vvhereof may tend â—o the good of the vvhole Body as the abuse hath often times hazarded the prosperity of a Common-Wealth One is that it is a very concerning business for a Senate to consider and use all means that may crush ambition brybing or unlavvfull suteing for places of Magistracy vvhich is called by the Latins crimen ambitus and in some Cities thir fourty years bygone being termed Joyning By this Factions are made heart-burnings kindled discords multiplyed malice and wrath fostered pride nourished and the best and worthiest depressed vvhen the emptiest and vvorthless are advanced the good of the publick neglected yea many times overturned if not destroyed As may be seen in the example of Sylla and Marius Pompey and Cesar through vvhose ambition and inordinate desire to have all the Government in their Persons Rome lost a greater number of Citizens then she did by the propagation of her Empyre over the vvorld and though vve vvho live under Monarchical Government are not in such hazard to ruine our selves that Parties and Factions dare come to that hight as these Cities that had Soveraign Povver and none above them to overavv them yet sure I am great are the prejudices and decayes these ambitious and factious persons bring upon a City for vvhatever one person speaks or does vvhether it be according to reason or not the other does alvvayes oppose it It is reported of Themistocles betvvixt vvhom and Aristides there vvas a great emulation and hatred they tvvo being the most Famous and Worthy Persons in Athens yet alvvayes opposed each other so that the Senate at a time rysing vvithout any thing concluded by reason of their janglings Themistocles cryed out Unless ye throw him and me into the Dungeon the Athenian Common-Wealth can never prosper nor be safe In a vvord by this many vvorks of the Devil are caried on and the Spirit of GOD greatly grieved and provocked All these sad effects vvould be carefully cured by removing the cause vvhich is this Joyning I think it vvill be belovv the Spirit of an Ingenious Man to abase himself to these reproachfull vvayes that many ambitious persons falls upon for putting themselves into Offices of Magistracie in Towns and for strengthning their Factions vvhereby they may rule as they list and bear dovvn their Competitors â— knovv not vvith vvhat Faith they can exâ—ect direction from GOD or strength from â—im under difficulties or success in their unâ—ertakings or consultations for the Common-Wealth seeing they did not vvait for his call but did run unsent vvhereas one that never had a hand in his ovvn Election but onely by the esteem and good opinion that the Eâ—ectors had of him is called to place or office of Trust he may look on it in some measure as a call from GOD and confidently seek wisdom direction and success from him in all his undertakings and may expect strength and furnitur for cutbearing of him at all occasions accordingly Now this Ambition and joyning work is for the most part carried on with the inferiour sort of people that have hand in Elections as some Deacons of Trades I desire not that I should be so understood as meaning by all Deacons of Trades in generall for I doubt not but many amongst them are discreet vertuous and sober men that will not comply with any design prejudiciall to the publick wellfare of their respective Towns for these who are greatest sticklers for strengthning of Factions and promoting of themselves finds themselves concerned to invite these to Taverns and keep meetings at drinkings and collations at unseasonable houres whereby to work upon the minds of these men to gain their votes and secure their designs without considering that by such means any naughty person may be gotten easily preferred to the most deserving that cannot comply with these wayes or the humors of such men Even as it fell out with Pub. Scipio Nasica to whom the Senate of Rome for his many notable services to the Common-Wealth had given the Title of A brave and most Excellent Man when he was upon the list to be Aedilis or Master of the Publick Works or Houses taking an labouring man by the hand which he found very hard as hardy Craftsmen uses to be asked in jeast whether he walked on his hands or feet which the Tradsman taking so ill many being round about him it went presently through all and was the cause of an repulse to that excellent man because they thought he mocked them Yea was not Paulus Aemilius often repulsed because he would not joyn And was not that brave Fabius Maximus repulsed and Terentius Varro preferred to be Consul by the votes of the Vulgar though he was none of the Patricii or Nobility but come of the Plebeian sort and had thereby almost ruined and lost the whole Estate of Rome and the City it self after the Famous Battell of Cannae lost by his temerity and folly Wherefore it were a work worthy not onely of the Councils of particular Burghs but of the grave and judicious Meeting of the Convention of the whole Burrows to take away so far as can be this bitter root which hath troubled the Burghs of these Kingdoms so long with so many sad fruits The Romans made Laws against it other Cities to cure it did choose their Senators and
importance comes to be consulted off if the present Councill find it meet they call the former years Councill and joyne both in consultation and determination And if it be a business of setting on of a Tax or levying of Money whither for Nationall or Particular Usâ— or such like the consent of the whole City is called for in a Publick Head-Court conveened by Authority of the Magistrats where the reasons of the said Tax or Imposition are holden forth by the Provest c. unto them So by this it is evident to the Judicious that we have the best Ingredients and Advantages of all the severall sorts of Government And to compleat our Power our Provest and Bailies are made Sheriffs within their own City and Freedom-Lands by K. CHARLES the first 1633 by which our Citizens are fred from the Power of any Sheriff that at times have sought to oppress them yea to pannell them for life without a just cause as in Allexander Rutherford Provest his time when the Sheriff-Deput pannelled a Burger called Patrick Corser for resetting stollen Brass which he had bought on a Maâ—ket-day innocently and would not admit of surety for any summ of money whatsoever offered by the Provest the Sheriff having a pick against the man pannelled which the Provest perceiving that no reason could prevaill commanded Patrick Corser down staires upon any hazard that might follow and so fred him As also the Magistrats a moneth or thereby before the yearly Election cause the Drummer go through the Town inviting all the Inhabitants Free-men to come and hear the accounts of all the Office-bearers counted fitted and subscrived by the Magistrats and the rest of the Auditors of the counts chosen in the day of the Election for that end so that any that pleases may see how uprightly all the Towns-Revenues and Moneys received are bestowed CHAP. V. Concerning the Fidelity and Loyall-Duty which the Citizens of Aberdeen have alwayes payed to their SOVERAIGNES together with the gracious Rewards conferred thereon and the signall Evidences of Honour put upon many chief Magistrats thereof THis City having been erected into a Burgh-Royall by King GREGORIE the Great and Priviledged with many Donations by Him as some Notes and Scrolls bear Record gathered by the Recorders and Town-Clerks afterwards The Principall Evidents being destroyed in the common Callamities of these sad times formerly hinted at This City was had in speciall favour with many of the succeeding KINGS as by King William surnamed for his Valour and Fortitude the Lyon He built a Palace in Aberdeen where sometime he remained with his Court which afterward he dedicated to a new order of Friars called the Trinity-Friars for setting up an Abbacie for them two of that order which Pope Innocent the third had newly Erected being recommended by the Pope and sent from Rome To this Abbacie he gave Gifts and some Rents intending if he lived to give them greater this Order was erected 1211. Which Abbacie was burnt when the City was destroyed where now the Trades-Hospitall stands being re-edified but of late years by Dr. William Guild Likewise it is Recorded that the three Kings Alexanders had here in this City a pleasant Pallace which afterwards was translated to the Friars-Predicators or Dominicans Alexander the second did greatly adorn this City and give it Liberties and Priviledges the like with Pearth 1214 which was the first year of his Reign immediatly after the death of his Father King William Boyes holds forth in his History pag. 283. ver 65. That this KING came to Aberdeen with his Sister Isobell after he returned from England and honored it with many Priviledges as King Gregory King Malcome the second and David brother to King William had done before It is said he called this CITY His own City the Infefâ—ments of the said King Alexander the second under his Seal in green Wax is yet extant as a Record of the Priviledges given by Him to this City having by Providence escaped from the common Calamity King Robert Bruce in these most troublesome times wherein he began to Reign or recover his Kingdom out of the hands of Edward the first King of England being beaten severall times and finding all his attempts unsuccessfull retired to ABERDEEN as a place of safety where he found that his Enemies and his former bad success might be overcome for when he had no hope of his Effaiâ—s but despaired of all Victory intending to go out of the Kingdom till better times might fall out and get Forraign Forces for his assistance Incontinently the Citizens of Aberdeen came and exhorted Him to better hopes and more confidence and gave Him assistance both in men and money and followed him to the Town of Inverurie where they fought with the Enemie and obtained his first Victory whereof they were the speciall Instruments and Helps the King being so sickly that he was carried in his Bed as Boyes â—elates fol. 312. whence there began to be a method setled to recover the Kingdom By which service he was moved to bestow upon the City of ABERDEEN the whole Lands of the Kings-Forrest called the Stockâ—d-Wood with the whole parts and pendicles of â—he same with the Mills Waters Fishings â—mall Customs Tolls Courts Weights Meaâ—ures Free Port and Haven and all other Priviledges and Liberties whatsomever pertaining or that might pertain justly to a Royall-Burgh within this Realm Under the Reign of King David Bruce John Randell Earle of Murray being for the â—ime Governour of the Kingdom amongst â—his chiefest Designes for recovering the Kingdom he saw it was most expedient to pursue David Cumming Earle of Atholl whom King Edward of England had appointed Governour for him and having collected his Forces came â—traight to Aberdeen where notwithstanding â—he Tyrrany of the Enemies they were under â—he was informed where David Cumming was knowing their Loyaltie to King David Bruce â—heir Naturall KING and so straight way pursued him Some years after the Englishes having conâ—inued their Rapine and Cruelty in Aberdeen â—y keeping a strong Garison in the Castle the Citizens taking Counsell how they might free themselves of that Yoke and Servitude at last resolved to fall upon the Garison whom they cut off and thereafter levelled the Castle with the ground Whence it was that in honour of that resolute Act they got their Ensignes-Armoriall which to this day they bear witness that late Book of Heraldry set forth by Sir George Mckenzie of Rose-haugh Knight His Majesties Advocat who hath blazoned the Arms of Aberdeen particularly thus The Arms or Ensigns Armoriall of the Burgh Royall of Aberdeen beareth Gules three Towres triple towered in a double-Tressure counter flowred Argent supported by two Leopards propper the Motto in an Escroll above BON-ACCORD whence there are these Verses Arx triplex arcem testatur ab hoste receptam Hostis utrinque doces tu Leoparde genus Lillia cum Clypeo voti Rex pignora jussit Esse color fusi signa cruoris habet Haec
Peace of the Kingdom 1411. where the Provest and many of the best Citizens did assist to gain the Victory of that day with the loss of their lives Also that fatall Battell of Pinkie where there were lost and killed many brave Towns-Men of Aberdeen that went thither though at so far a distance for the Honour of their Soveraign and of the Nation King CHARLES the first in the year 1633 at his Coronation in this Kingdom confirmed and ratified all our above written Priviledges and Liberties of new given and granted by his Royall Father and Progenitors with this addition making and constituting the Provest and Bailies Sheriffs within their Burgh and Freedom-Lands and the Priviledge of having an unground Malt-Market and honored PAUL MENZIES of Kinmundie then present Provest with the Honour of Knight-hood In the year 1649 when the Parliament of Scotland out of their dutifull Respects and Loyaltie to their undoubted Soveraign King CHARLES the second had proclaimed Him King of Great Britain France and Ireland and immediatly did choose Commissioners of all the three Estates of this Kingdom to invite their King to this his Ancient Kingdom to receive the Crown which had now of right descended to him from 108 Kings The Parliament made choise of ALEXANDER JAFFRAY of Kingswells Commissioner for Aberdeen to be one of the two Burrowes to go over to Holland to the King who was a Wise Pious and Discreet Man all his time And he to be faithfull to the City he had his Commission from intreated the Parliament to consider the most important Article in his Commission that so he might undertake that weighty Employment with the greater Alacrity which was to visit the counts of the extraordinary losses of Aberdeen relating to the Publick The Parliament had that respect to him and was so desirous to grant his so just demand that forthwith they did Deput some fit Members who after hearing and considering made their report and thereupon the Parliament by an Act did acknowledge themselves as the Representative of the Nation to be justly resting to the City of Aberdeen the summ of nine hundreth threescore and nine thousand Merks and did grant the Cess of the City to be allowed to them for as many Moneths as drew to eighteen thousand Merks because this great summ that was due to them had exhausted the summs of Money that was Mortified to Hospitals Schools the Colledge and the Common-Poor of that City and had ruined almost the Common Thesaurie thereof but this was all they could spare at that time till an opportunity might fall out to make them more full payment which hitherto hath ever failed and hath been the cause of the severall heavy burdensom Taxations that have of late years been laid on and of procuring that relief which hath been obtained thir five or six years bygone by the Magistrats who withall have made themselves lyable to the grudge of such as are so selfiish that before their particular suffer but a little they could let the Publick come to utter ruine and perish without remedy and unavoidably but of two evils the least is to be chosen But to return Our abovenamed Commissioner obtained also an Act of Parliament that no Souldiers should be quartered in Aberdeen for three years thereafter such was the great respect the Parliament had to him whereupon he went to the King with the rest of the Commissioners of the three Estates And after his return being Commissioner to the Convention of Burrowes at Queensferrie obtained half a merk down of Aberdeens proportion of the 100 Pound of Stent-Roll which was a great advantage to the City He being chosen that year Provest of Aberdeen went with the rest of the Commissioners the next year 1650 to the Hague in Holland where it pleased GOD so to prosper their endeavours as to bring the King home with them Aberdeen being the first City of the Kingdom he came to there he was received with all the Demonstrations of joy and cheerfullness that the Magistrats and Inhabitants could evidence as also the Silver-Keyes of the City were delivered to him by the Provest who tame sometime before to prepare for the Kings reception with an Eloquent and Pertinent Harrangue therewith made by Mr. James Sandilands of Cotton the Cities Recorder or Clerk In the end of February and beginning of March 1651 the King came to Aberdeen where he stayed a week at which time Mr. Robert Farquhar of Munie was Provest Alexander Jaffray who had been Provest the former year having been taken Prisoner at Dumbar-fight which was on the third of September 1650. the King was pleased to honour our then present Provest with the Honor of Knighthood together with Patrick Leslie of Eden who had been Provest some years before with the like Honor. As also in the Year 1681 GEORGE SKENâ— of Fintray was Honoured with the Title of Knighthood at EDINBURGH by JAMES Duke of Albany and York then Commissioner to the Parliament of SCOTLAMD for the late KING CHARLES the Second His ROYALL-BROTHER CHAP. VI. Concerning the STATE of ABERDEEN AS for the State of ABERDEEN if it be taken for the Yearly Revenue of their Thesaurie it is not so considerable as some lesser Towns in the Kingdom It is mostly exhausted in paying Stipendiaries and other incidencies especially since the time of Queen Mary at which time our Freedom-Lands and Salmon-Fishings were all fewed out to particular men which though it brought in considerable summs at first yet now the Fewes both of Lands and Waters are but very inconsiderable all of them extending but to seven hundreth sixteen Pounds ten shillings Scots money Yet that it may appear how considerable this City is in reference to the Kings Exchequer if we consider the Customs and Excyse of Merchant-Goods one with another as also the Excyse of Ale Beer and Aquavitae or Strong-Waters with the Yearly Supplie given to the King by Act of Parliament this City one Year with another will be of in-come to the Exchequer about thirty thousand Pounds of Scots money If this were duely considered it might easily be perceived that the Prosperity and Flowrishing of this City is of speciall concernment to the King and the Publick Interests of the Nation and incaice of its decay the prejudice of both will be no less considerable We acknowledge we have severall of the Chiefest Staple Commodities in the Kingdom as Plaiding Fingrams Stockings Salmond Stuffs Serges Sheep-skins and Lamb-skins When Plading was giving good price in Holland the old Conservator SIR PATRICK DRUMMOND frequenty reported that the Kingdom of SCOTLAND was more obliedged to the City of ABERDEEN for the abundance of money the Merchants thereof brought to the Nation then to all the Towns of this Kingdom besides but the Trade of this so profitable a Commodity is greatly decayed and become very low The Rivers of Dee and Don besides what is brought from Ythan and Ugie which two last Rivers belong to the Earle MARISCHALL and
Common-Wealth all the Members are usefull and make but one Body that as 1. Cor. 12.21 22. The Eye cannot say to the Hand I have no need of thee nor again the Head to the Feet I have no need of you nay much more these Members of the Body which seem to be more feeble are necessary It cannot then but agree with reason that every estate and condition of men should have their own share in the manadgement of these things according to their proportions and interests in the whole We have matter to bless GOD for the equal and just constitution of Government not onely of the whole kingdom which of it self is as good as any in the World but also for that well tempered mixture granted to us by our KINGS left unto us of our Worthy Ancestours which is in our Cities and more particular Common-Wealths being thus Our Town-Councills is chosen out of the whole Citizens and Burgesses of the Burgh the Citie-Roll being read at every Election of Councill that if Aristotle were alive he would not censure us as he did the Government and Lawes of the Gretians given by Minos and Radamanthus for their Cosmi or Magistrats were not chosen out of all the People but out of some few of every Tribe though they did pretend that all their Laws were made by Jupiters advyce and for this the most of the Grecian Re-publicks did imitate them particularly Lycurgus the Lacedemonian there being a large List drawn up of all amongst us where is set down every one whom any person of the Present Council desires or nominats then they choose the prefixed number that are appointed to be New Counsellours for the ensuing Year Next they choose out of their own number who have been ruling the Year preceeding so many as are by the Law appointed to continue Ja. 3. P. 7. c. 57. And lastly so many of the Deacons of the Trades as should compleat the number of the Councill all which being presently called and conveened they with the Old Councill and the whole Deacons of the Trades besides these Tradsmen that are on the Old and New Councill do elect of these that are chosen for Counsellours for the Year to come Provest Bailies and all other Office-bearers requisite Thus Bretheren of Gild and Tradsmen of which our Cities consists have all their equall share in the Government of our Royal-Burrows When any matter of more then ordinary Importance comes to be consulted of if the Councill find it meet they call the former years Council and joyns both in the Consultation and Determination and if it be a business of setting on of a Tax or Levying of Money whether for Nationall or Particular Use or such like the consent of the whole is called for in a publick Head-Court conveened by Authority of the Magistrats for the Reasons of the said Tax or Imposition is holden out to them so that by this it may be evident to the judicious that we have the best Ingredients and Advantages of all the severall sorts of Governments Though some are Priviledged to be Sheriffs within their Jurisdiction and so have Power of Life and Death in some cases yet we may look on our selves as more happy in severall respects under the Government of the well constitute Monarchie we live in then if Soveraign Power were in our own hands as many free Cities and Common-Wealths have First Because we are hereby fred from the fear of overthrow oppression or subjection to the lust of any proud or ambitious Neighbour that perchance might have more Strength then we being under the Fatherly Care and Protection of such a Powerfull Monarch When we look back upon the manyfold dangers that Famous and Renowned Cities have frequently been assaulted with in Elder times or at present Beholds the many staggerings and violent agitations that free Towns have been surprised with in this our Age by reason of the Power Ambition and Avarice of their Insidious Neighbours we may bless GOD for our Peace and Security Secondly If any intestine jarrs may unhappily arise amongst Citizens which may draw Parties to Factions and great Animosities and Seditions wherethrough not onely the Names Fames and Estates of the Inhabitants might be in hazard but the Lives Liberties and Interests of the Common-Wealth might utterly be destroyed and subverted thereby We have the Supream Authority of this Kingdom to prevent all these evils and to crush them in the bud whereby our Concord Unity and at least our Peace and Security is through Gods blessing safer then the great Imperiall Citie of Rome when lyklie to have teared out her own bowells by that unnaturall War betwixt Sylla and Marius which destroyed the chiefest and best of her Senators and so many thousands of her own Citizens The like apparent Fate being wisely and seasonably prevented when that unhappy difference arose in Aberdeen about the Year 1590 called the Common-Cause by the Prudence and Authority of King JAMES the sixth and the Interposition of the Convention of Burrows who by the Kings approbation did determine the controversie which before through slaughter and blood had drawn to that hight which if not timely adverted unto might have brought with it destruction and desolation Whereas since the Government is so regulated as is above shewed and established upon surer fundations then formerly that through GODS Blessing thereupon no such thing hath had any appearance since not we hope through Mercy shall ever again Next though it would be pertinent to speak of the Magistrats and their Qualifications yet I shall refer it till I intend to speak of their duties in particular where to hold out immediatly before their Qualifications will be more recent and proper and therefore shall speak of the Council in general CHAP. III. Of the COUNCIL and their Duties in general and their two chief Ends they should aim at A Council is a certain Assembly lawfully chosen to give advyce to him or them that have the Power of Administration of Affairs within the Common-Wealth The Romans called the Counsellors Senators for their â—ravity and Age and sometimes they were â—â—lled Fathers from the care they had of the â—â—mmon-Wealth as Parents are careful to proâ—â—de and see for their Children what they stand 〈◊〉 need of or what their condition may reâ—â—ire Counsellors should do the same for the â—â—-publick They are custodes Legum the keepâ—â—s of the Laws and appeals are made to them â—â—â—m the Magistrats when any person conceives â—â—mself wronged by them The Grecians and the Romans for the most part composed their Councils of old wise and expert Persons It is a great prejudice to a Citie to have persons chosen more out of a design to strengthen a Faction then for their worth and abilities especially when an Oath is taken by every Counsellor at his admission to be a faithful Counsellor in all and every thing that concern the Common-Wealth In all Royal Burrows the Council Acts are thâ— Rules for the most part
Councils by Lot as Florence and Sienna which often proves dangerous The Venetians mix Lots and Elections together unto this day of purpose to bear down Ambition whereby great Concord is preserved and their State hath flowrished wonderfully having stood above eleven hundred Years And if the Zeal of these Wise and Potent Cities for the preservation of their Civil Liberties be such in the care they take in their Elections though these things amongst us be of so far less importance even beyond all comparison yet Christians in their Sphere though never so low ought to be no less carefull to bear down Sin and to be tender of the Honour of GOD which suffers not a little often times by these things Wherefore I must recommend it to be thought upon in an effectual way being confident the KING Parliament and Council will be ever ready to ratify what may be in this for the Honour of GOD and the good of such a part of the body of the Kingdom CHAP. VIII Anent Sloath and Neglect in Rulers and their publick Administrations THe next evil a carefull Senate and faithfull Rulers should beware of both in themselves and others of whom they have the charge as they would wish matters go well is Neglect and Sloth It s too common a fault amongst many in publick trust they look more to the Dignity then Duty of their Charge but a person whom GOD hath called will make conscience of their Imployment and mind their business and study a faithfull discharge of their Duty 2. Chron. 19.3 It s said that King Jehosophat prepared his heart to seek GOD which is as much as to say he seriously bethought himself how he might most advance the Honour of GOD in that high station the LORD had placed him in and we have excellent fruits of that seriousness mentioned 2. Chron. 17.6 7 8. And 2. Chron. 19.4 and to the end of that Chapter 2. Where this Sloth and Neglect hath place there is no good minded nor acted even although men be of great and pregnant Parts otherwise whereas carefull and diligent Persons though they may be far short of that quickness and abilities which others have yet may do more good and to better purpose prosecute their business then they from whom more might be expected It s reported that the Famous and most Eloquent Orator Demosthenes had no great promptness or naturall parts but onely by Pains and Industrie became to outstirpt all in Greece yet when provocked he would speak nothing immediatly till he had premediated in his Nocturnall Lucubrations what he was to say which occasioned Pythius an Athenian Orator to say That Demosthenes Orations did smell of a lamp Also when expediency would require that he should speak for himself ex tempore Demades behooved to plead for him who was very prompt and did excell all others in an extemporanean discourse being by Nature and Ingyne far above all others in Athens tho by pains and industrie Demosthenes did far outstrip them all It falls often out that painfull and diligent men will do far more then many that are of much greater naturall Parts for care and diligence will supply what is wanting in Nature and Engine on the contrare these oâ— sharpest Wits trusting to the strength of their Parts oftentimes are slothfull and lazie while they remain too confident in their Gifts of Nature 3. My meaning is not here to condemn seasonable and suteable divertisment for I know the nature of man is such that his Spirit cannot alwayes keep upon bend except it debilitate and loss its vigor and activity for Nature it self craves refreshment by sleep in the night after the travell in the day so the Earth ceaseth to bring forth her Herbs and Fruits at all Seasons but being spared be the cold nipping frosts of Winter returns with new strength to shut forth her tender buds in the Spring It s reported in Ecclesiastical History that when some persons came to see John the Apostle through the Fame they heard of his Holiness and Gravity they found him feeding a Bird who perceiving they wondred some what at him as being disappointed of their expectation takes the Bows which were in their hands and asks them why they did not alwayes keep them bended They answered it would weaken them much and render them more unfit for service when they should have use for them even so said the Apostle must I take some divertisment else my Spirits should fail 4. Augustus Caesar having changed Capreae for the Island of Inarime with the Neapolitans that he might retire thither for his health did build there a glorious PALACE which he made use of for honest recreations when wearied with business Recreations are not onely lawfull but expedient yea sometimes necessary but when men are too much in them and at unseasonable times they are sinfull and very unbeseeming any but especially publick persons for then not onely is time lost but oft times needfull and weighty business neglected justice delayed the poor and oppressed not relieved Even as Tiberius abused that Island exceedingly which Augustus did use soberly for he went thither to befool himself thorow sordid neglect and sloth and when he was to depart from Rome set out an Edict that none should call for him and sent some of his Train before that all who in his journey thither were like to meet him might be put out of the way and no person to come to him that being entered this Isle he might lay all care of the Empyre aside whereby he permitted Armenia to be taken by the Parthians Mysia by the Dacianes and Sarmatianes and France by the Germans with great disgrace and hazard of the whole Empire He in the mean time taking liberty through the secrecy of the place which was guarded on every side with high Rocks and no entry thereto but a narrow shoar did abundantly and freely discover the ill dissembled vices of his mind And with Pomponius Flaccus L. Piso spent both dayes and nights in feastâ—ng and drinking To the One he gave the Province of Syria to the Other the Government of the City of Rome calling these his most joviall Friends and Companions for all seasons His greatest delight of that Isle was that there he could execute his cruelty more easily wherein he took singular pleasure for whom ever he did hate after most exquisite and long torments he caused throw them into the Sea It s sad when the lawfull recreations of some are turned into such excess by others that they become their shameful snares and sins 5. Demetrius King of Macedon in the beginning of his Reign was exceedingly given to sluggishness and delighted onely in solitary idleness that it was very hard and difficult to get access to him which was the more recented by his Subjects that King Philip had been so accessible that any might have got audience from him at all times It fell out that an old woman finding the King not busie requested
to the Youth I would have them consider that they are the seed and seminarie of their respective Corporations and that the Blessing and Happiness of a Town doth much depend upon them and their behaviour for if they be Vertuous Wise and Sober they may procure in due time a great commendation to the Place of their Nativity and Residence if otherwayes they do what in them ly to draw disgrace and contempt upon it See Prov. 11.11 By the Blessing of the Upright the City is exalted but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked For by Riotousness and Debauchrie they ruine themselves and make way for Strangers to be Inhabitants See Prov. 2.21 22 For the upright shall dwell in the land and the perfect shall remain in it but the wicked shall be cut off from the earth and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it Wherefore in the first place I recommend to them in the fear of the LORD that they would above all make it their care to know GOD and his living Motions in their hearts whereby he bears witness against all the Sins they are inclyned unto and points out their Duty and the Way they should walk in according to Eccles. 12.1 Remember now thy Creator in the dayes of thy youth for tho they follow the corrupt wayes of their hearts in the dayes of their youth yet sayes Solomon Knew thou for all these things GOD will bring thee into judgement Eccles. 11.9 Wherefore O Young Men be faithfull to the Light of GODS Spirit in your hearts for it s there ye shall here a word behind you saying This is the way walk ye in it when ye turne to the right hand and when ye turne to the left This is a teacher which shall not be removed into a Corner Isa. 30.20 21. And therefore be much in reading and studying to know the Mind of the LORD in Holy Scripture and joyn Prayer therewith and be serious n it and let it not be a bare form but look up to GOD in all and wait on him till thou obtain the desired blessing See Prov. 2.1 2 3 4 5 6. My Son if thou wilt rceive my words and hide my Commandments with thee so that thou encline thine ear unto-Wisdom and apply thine heart to Understanding yea if thou cryest after Knowledge and liftest up thy voice for Understanding if thou seekest her as silver and searchest for her as for hid treasure then shalâ— thou understand the fear of the LORD and find the Knowledge of GOD. For the LORD giveth Wisdom out of his mouth cometh Knowledge and Understanding Next I recommend to you to set your hearts to prosecute some vertuous Calling or Employment whether it be Merchandiseing or Mechanick-Trade particularly in the LORD order it to choise every one of you the Trade of your Father though herein ye are not to be limited but by a diligent and skillfull prosecution of some Vertuous Calling and Employment ye will not onely be able to preserve that Portion left to you by your Patents but by the Blessing of GOD to augment the samen to your great credit and reputation The sooner ye betake your selves to your Callings the better Parents are oftentimes bâ—ame-worthy that keep their Sons at Schools and Universities though their Talent and Inclinaâ—ion run not in that Channell till they are unit for breeding in their Callings whereas the Knowledge of the Languages and Arithmetick miâ—ht be sufficient to qualifie them as men meeâ— to live in these civil Employments fit for a Câ—tizen It hath been observed frequently by wise and sober men of all ranks that it hath been the ruin of Burgers Children that they followed not their Fathers Trade but iâ— their Parents purchased any considerable Estate by their Trade and Industrie the Childreâ— bred up at a far higher rate both in apparâ—ll dyet and breeding then their Parents were or their Trade could allow became more high-minded proud and vain that they judged it below them to stoup to do many things which their Parents did Hence thorow want of fit Education and foolish pride and conceitedness many have become idle men and spent their whole life without any Calling and so have become poor and left their Children in a mean condition or have been necessitated to go off the Countrey to seek a livelyhood else where from hence it needs not seem strange to see old Families in Cities wear quyt out and to have no Posterity to preserve any memory of them for how soon any competent Estate is gained by the Parents the Children as I have said become vain and riotous oftentimes and forbear any vertuous or commendable Calling and live an idle life which does not a little reflect upon the Rulers and their Government and upon the reputation of the Town Wendelin in his 2 d. book 12. Chap. cites Cicero in his 7 These Pag. 198. saying Tamdiu duravit in Civitate Gloria quamdiu Adolescentibus Romae vagari otiosis non licuit That is Glory or Renown remained in the City so long as idlesit was not permitted to the Youth in Rome It s reported that Marcus Aurelius the Emperour in his time did condemn all those to the Publick Works that walked in the Mercat-Place without the bage of their particular Calling If such Laws had place it would serve to abate the vain conceitedness in many that will not abase themselves to keep Shops or these Employments which their Predecessors did use and iâ— may be were the first mean of their riseing or coming to any respect in a World forgeting that word Prov. 12.9 He that is despised and hath a servant is better then he that honoureth himself and lacketh bread Which plainly speaks out to this purpose that it is far more commendable to Trade and use any lawfull Employment and thereby to live comfortably then out of a vain conceit of themselves of being above such mean Employments to spend their time idlely and so bring inevitable want upon them and theirs whereas it were far more commendable to see the Children of Old-Burgers continuing to follow their Parents Trade whereby they might prevent inevitable Poverty and spend their dayes with much Comfort and Peace both outwardly and inwardly and give good example and means of education to their Posterity and retain the respect and esteem which their Parents or themselves have gained in their City These are the fruits of that Vertue which is the product of a truely Wise Humble and Sober Spirit It is a matter worthy of consideration for all that are in Power and Authority in Burghs and Cities who would rejoyce to see their Fellow-Citizens prosper and Vertue to grow amongst them to give all due encouragement not onely to Trade in generall but particularly to such as evidence a vertuous disposition in following the Trade and Way of their Parents and Predecessors especially seeing this hath been so little in use these many Years yea Generations And as this Duty
Munie 1645. Mr. Thomas Gray 1646. Mr. Thomas Gray in mense Februarii 1647. Patricius Lesly electus fuit 1647. Patricius Lesly electus apud Gilchonstoun quia Pestis erat in Urbe 1648. Mr. Thomas Gray 1649. Alexander Jaffray de Kingswells 1650. Mr. Robertus Farquhar 1651. Alexander Jaffray 1652. Georgius Morison de Pitfour 1653. Georgius Morison 1654. Georgius Morison 1655. Mr. Thomas Gray 1656. Georgius Cullen qui obiit in dicto officio 1657. Ioannes Jaffray de Dilspro 1658. Ioannes Jaffray 1659. Ioannes Jaffray 1660. Gilbertus Gray 1661. Gilbertus Gray 1662. Gulielmus Gray qui vitam obiit eo anno 1663. Gilbertus Gray 1664. Mr. Robertus Patrie de Portlethin 1665. Mr. Robertus Patrie 1666. Gilbertus Gray qui vitam obiit in dicto Officio 1667. Mr. Robertus Patrie 1668. Mr. Robertus Patrie 1669. Mr. Robertus Patrie 1670. Mr. Robertus Patrie 1671. Robertus Forbes de Robslaw 1672. Robertus Forbes 1673. Robertus Forbes 1674. Robertus Patrie 1675. Robertus Forbes 1676. Georgius Skene de Fintray ad praesentem annum 1685. This City hath not been a barren Mother or Nurse in our Israell in bringing forth and breeding up many eminent men and brave Spirits whereof there might be set down a large Catalogue not onely in bypast years but even of Men eminent for abilities in their severall Professions in this same Age whom I have known by face in my own time and that both in Grammar Musick Philosophy Medicin Mathematicks Poesie the Civill and Cannon-Law School-Divinity the Art Military who have in their Times been not only Ornaments to this City but even to the whole Kingdom But lest this might favour of ostentation and upon severall other considerations I forbear and shall leave it to any other to performe this task if it be found needfull and therefor shall summ up the description of this City with the Elogies written upon some of the Ancient Citizens and Families thereof in these Epigrams made by DR ARTHUR JOHNSTOUN as followes CHAP. VIII The EPIGRAMS of DR ARTHUR IOHNSTOUN Phisitian in ordinary to King CHARLES the first upon the City of ABERDEEN Arthuri Johnstoni Epigrammata De ABERDONIA Urbe Cune populo quisquis Romanam suspicis urbem Et mundi dominam deliciasque vocas Confer Aberdoniam Thytis hanc servilibus undis Alluit Urbs famulo nec procul illa mari est Utraque fulta jugis subjectos despicit amnes Utraque fulminea spirat ab arce minas Illa suos Fabios invictaque Fulmina belli Scipiadas jactat Caesariamque domum Mennesios Urbs haec proceres Gentemque Culenam Et Collissonios Lausoniosque patres Urbe Quirinali minor est Urbs Grampica Caves Sunt tamen HIG Animis Ingeniisque pares Englished thus by I. B Who e're thou art that Rome do'st magnifie And her extoll as people fondly do Entitling her the Earths delight and Queen Compare with her the City ABERDEEN A City which doth neighbour with the Sea To which the Oceans waves do constantlie Flow up at Handmaids yet ere they approach They stoop as fearing too far to encroach From lofty hills both Cities view with pryd The little Brooks which through the Vallayes glyd Both from their stately and their thundering Tower Defye with threatnings all unfriendly power Rome of her Tabii and unconquer'd Hosts Of Scipios and of great Caesars boasts This CITY of her Menzeises great worth Of Cullens and of Lawsons here brought forth And Collisons all men of great esteem Of these she boasts these doth her Glory deem Iâ— Bigness may 'mongst Praises reckned be Rome is indeed of greater bulk then She But in all Gifts and Ornaments of mind Rome may her Equalls in this CITY find ABERDONIA-NOVA URBS-NOVA piscosi quam dictant ostia DEVAE Urbibus Antiquis praeripit omne decus Hanc DELUBRA A beant totum Cantata per Orbem Templaque mortali non fabricata manu Haec prope Romuleis Aedes Sacrata Camaenis Surgit Athenaeum non procul Inde vides Ardua sideriis rutilant Praetoria primis Hic ubi planities panditur ampla fori Adspicis hic Procerum vicina palatia Coelo Et Populi pictos Aureolosque Lares Quid memorem ternos trita propugnacula colles Qualibus Urbs surgit qua caput Orbis erat Hanc quoque Lanaris Mons ornat amaenior illis Hinc ferrugineis SPADA colorat aquis Inde Suburbanum JAMESONI despicis Hortum Quâ—â— Domini pictum suspicor esse manu Salmonum dat DEVA greges maris equora gazas Memphi tuas quas India jactat opes Pons septem gemino cameratus fornice DEVAM Integit AUTHOREM juncta Tiara notat Haec celebret Vulgus solos Ego praeâ—ico Cives His collata nihil caetera laudis habent Martia mens illos commendat aurea virtus Rebus â—â— in dubiis saepe probata Fides Hospita Gens haec est Comis annula Divum Quaeque regnunt alios huic famulantur opes Si locus est meritis Urbs haec Regina vocari Et Dominae titulum sumere jure potest Caetera Mortales producunt Oppida solos Urbs haec Haeroas Semi-Deosque parit Englished thus NEW-ABERDEEN enrich'd by Dees clear streams All praise from Ancient Cities justly claims It 's bless'd with Churches famous in all lands And Temples framed by no mortall hands Muses alse famous as once Rome did grace Have hallowed a House into this place A Colledge may be seen not far from thence Where Learning fixed hath its residence The Mercat-place where men resort for gain Is stretched out into a spacious Plain There you the stately Judgement-House may view Whose Battlements are of a Starry-Hew There Palaces of Peers you may espy Whose Lofty-Tops approach unto the Sky And Towns-Mens-Houses there you may behold Which garnish'd are and shining like the Gold What need I further the three Hills to name Which as three-Bulwarks fortifie the Same Like these on which that City doeth stand Which once as Head did all the Earth coÌ„mand The Wool-man-hill which all the rest out-vyes In pleasantness this City beautifies There is the Well of Spa that healthfull Font Whose Yr'ne-hew'd-Water colloureth the Mount Not far from thence a Garden 's to be seen Which unto Jameson did appertain Wherein a little pleasant House doth stand Painted as I guess with its Masters hand Dee doth afford of Salmon wondrous store The Neighbour-Sea brings up into the Shore The Riches whereof Egypt makes her boast And Indian-Treasures come into this Coast. A Bridge doth reach along the River Dee Wherein seven double stately Arches be Who built this sumptuous-Work if ye would know The Myter which is carv'd thereon doth show But let the Vulgar sort these things commend The Citizens to praise I do intend If all these things with them compared be They do deserve no praise no memorie That Martiall-mind which oft appeared hath That golden Vertue and unstained Faith Which lodges in them all these joyntly doe Concur to raise
Memorialls For the GOVERNMENT OF THE ROYALL-BURGHS IN SCOTLAND With some Overtures laid before the Nobility and Gentry of the several Shyres in this Kingdom AS ALSO A Survey of the City of ABERDEEN with the Epigrams of Arthur Iohnstoun Doctor of Medicin upon some of our chief Burghs translated into English by I. B. By 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Or A lover of the Publick well-fare ABERDEEN Printed by JOHN FORBES Printer to the CITY and UNIVERSITY 1685. By the Blessing of the Vpright the City is exalted but it is overturned by the mouth of the wicked Prov. 11.11 When the Righteous are in Authority the people rejoice but when the wicked beareth rule the people mourn Prov. 29 2. VVhen Themistocles was mocked by his companions that he was ignorant in some of the liberall Sciences He answered that he could not sing to the Harp nor make use of the Psaltrie but he could make a little Village or a small Town a Great and Famous City Plutarch on the life of Themistocles Vnto the Right Honorable Sir GEORGE DRUMMOND of Milnab Lord Provest THOMAS ROBERTSON Bailie THOMAS HAMILTON Bailie ALEXANDER BRAND Bailie DAVID SPENSE Bailie CHARLES MURRAY of Hadden Dean of Gild GEORGE DRUMMOND Thesaurer And to the Rest of the Honorable Councill of the City of EDINBURGH RIGHT HONORABLE I being a person who without vanity may say that Heaven hath blessed with so much of a Publick Spirit that I feel in my heart an inclination that would do good unto all men but since my ability quadrats not with my desires that being GODS peculiar Priviledge whose Omnipotencie can onely equall his Will I must rest satisfied with the extent of my Cordiall Good Wishes for the Wellfare of all from which Principle though I am not in a capacity to act I could not forbear to express somethings in these Memorialls whereby I humbly conceive the Good and Wellfare of the Burrows of this Kingdom may in some measure be advanced if acceptably improven It would be from a defect of Charity if any apprehend I have wrot these out of conceit of my own abilitie for I am not so fond of any Talent I have acquyred that if my earnestness to cast in my Mite into the Treasurie for the Publick Good had not overballanced the mean thoughts I have of any thing I can do of this nature I should never have dared to present you with them But now here they be and such as they are I presume to lay before You who are the Representatives of the Chiefest City of this Nation It is your Discretion your Zeall for the Publick-Good your Christian Wisdom and Behaviour your Righteousness and Piety that influences not only the rest of the Burrows but also most of the Subjects of this Kingdom I am not ignorant how much I expose my self to the Critick Censures of many in permitting the Publishing of this Tractat considering the Politness and Learning of this Age and my own Imperfections in undertaking such a Task Yet if ye shall be pleased favourably to accept hereof Charitably constructing my Zeal and covering my Defects and Over-reachings I need care the less what thoughts others have of me or it And because it is frequent with many to measure their Esteem of Books by the respect or disrespect that is had to the Author I have therefore suppressed my Name that it may neither be undervalued or possibly by some overvalued upon my account but that all may be left to consider what is said then to enquyre who said so And how ever it be it shall be the cry of my heart that ye may acquit Your selves in all Your Places and Administrations like Men and Christians and that with Jehoshaphat Ye may prepare Your Hearts to seek the LORD To whose Wisdom Counsell and Direction I commend You all as becomes Right Honorable The cordiall Well-wisher of the Prosperity of Your CITY and to serve You in the LORD PHILOPOLITEIUS Epistle to the Reader IT hath been a great question amongst the Ancients what kind of Government was most conduceable to the Happiness and Wellfare of the Life of Men some preferring the Government of one Wise Iust and Discreet Man for making Laws and commanding Obedience to all others and this is called Monarchie simply Others preferring the Government of many who may perhaps disscerne better what is needfull for the Publick Good then one according to that saying Pâ—us vident oculi quam oculus But forbearing to trouble any with the Opinions of Plato Xenophon Aristotle or Cicero who have severally written Books concerning Civil Society and wherein they have differed one from another they having treated of these Governments to which soveraignity and supream Authority belonged But the subject of this following Treatise being onely of Roâ—all-Burghs within this Kingdom I think it the duty of all persons concerned therein to be thankfull to GOD that they live under the Power and Protection of a Potent MONARCH who Governs according to the Laws made by Him and his Royall-Ancestors with consent of the three Estates of this Kingdom and preserves all the Priviledges of His Subjects accordingly so that by the foundamentall constitution of Government we are under the best temper and composure of any Nation in the World And if we will be good Christians good Subjects and a vertuous happy People we have the advantage of the best Laws of any Kingdom in Europe As to the particular improvment of that Power which every City in this Nation hath within it self to contribute to its own Happiness and Prosperity I have taken the freedom to set down these few Memorialls for the benefit of all not out of any conceit of my ability for such an undertaking as I can truely say but out of a desire to be usefull according to my mean talent to Young-Men who perhaps are not acquainted with such things though these that have had experience are probably farr beyond me in Knowledge and Parts And seeing there are Books written for every Science Art or Employment from the highest to the lowest I have fallen upon this Essay if it were but to stir up some of more pregnant Parts and acute Engine then ever I laid claim to whereby they might benefit their Native-Countrey seeing the Government of Burghs within this Kingdom is a Subject that might very well beseem the exactest Pen till which appear let these concerned admit of this testimony of my respects who am A Cordiall Well-wisher to all the Burrows of this Kingdom PHILOPOLITEIUS To the Author of these MEMORIALLS WEll may thou own to have a Publick Sp'rit And Philopoliteius nam'd for it And for this Book the Royal-Burrows all May ratifie thy Name and thus thee call Thy wholsome Counsells if practised be Our Nation happy we shall shortly see Our Burrows prosperous by Forraign-Trade Our Countrey to make Famous all made glade To see our Kingdoms-Glory every way Encrease by Vertue and what ever may Its Praise advance which
him to hear her graciously The King replyed somewhat passionatly that he had not leasure to hear her but she fastning her eyes cryed out that he should not be a King if he irked to hear Demetrius considering and becoming more mild gave her audience at great length and did her business and sent her away with very affable words and after he had pondered the words of the old woman he changed his way and became very accessible and gracious to all that made address to him so that a great part of the day he spent in hearing and giving answers not without great profit and delight 6. By all this I would desire a due diligence in all Affairs with that seriousness that becomes not excluding seasonable and moderate divertisment which will rather whet then blunt the Rational Faculties for their proper exercises And that neither Magistrat nor Council may satisfie themselves with the name of their charge nor with the forme of their appointed dyets and meetings but labour to consider the particular affairs of the Town and of their respective Charges and to consider of every good and laudable Motion that concerneth the same and not think it sufficient to approve the same in words or with a verbal consent but so to entertain it and prosecute all these publick concernments as not onely to stop the mouth of any that may challenge them of neglect but fully to have the answer of a good Conscience towards GOD before whom they have lifted up their hands to be faithful in their charges and imployments 7. And here I judge it not unfit to offer it to consideration that as this is a Duty of persons in publick trust to mind their own Administrations so it were worthy of a Judicious Senate that would advert to every thing commendable in a Common-Wealth to study all wayes and means to check the idleness and negligence of all within their Corporation especially of the Youth whose spirits being naturally in the greatest heat and consequently fittest for action would be carefully keept at vertuous Imployments which by the Favour of GOD may greatly conduce to the good of the City and preservation thereof in its prosperity otherwayes if Idleness get liberty all the activity of their Spirits will vent it self in Vice which is not onely their personal ruine but the decay of the whole Body in a short progress of time 8. Homer the Famous Graecian Poet when he would mock and jeer Idlesit and Lazines he brings in the Cyclops or Antient Gyants who passe their whole time in Idleness and esteems it their chiefest happiness to be doing nothing he allots Lands to them that neither needs ploughing nor sowing but all fruits grow there naturally of their own accord by which they are plentifully fed and least they should be troubled with the meanest thought he commits all care to the Woman His Verses are rendered in Latine to this purpose Omnia per sese nullo nascuntur Aratro Non Fora non causas agitant non sancta Senatus Jura sed in celsis habitantes montibus antra Et puer magnis de rebus judicat uxor Englished thus All things grow of themselves without the pleugh They plead no causes nor in Courts do sue Regarding not the Senats sacred Laws But in high hills they dwell and dungeon caves They to their wife and children do commit To judge of weighty things as they think fit This kind of Idlesit is most hatefull because it is to be esteemed the greatest enemie to Vertue and opposes every commendable Art and Calling and because it abhores the meanest care therefore it s called by the Antients Incuria and by the Graecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is without care I would have all especially of the meanest rank to hate Idlesit because it hath three evil Companions attending it Reproach Poverty and Famine which are three exceeding feirce destroying beasts 9. But though I was saying something in the former Chapter against unlawfull hunting after places and preferment I cannot but take occasion from this to shew such a fair way to satisfie their desires and for this let them take notice of the word Prov. 22.29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business he shall stand before KINGS he shall not stand before mean men Here a promise of Honour and Preferment to the carefull and the diligent and this is a commendable and most lawfull way of seeking preferment if when a man from a right Principle out of Conscience of Duty studies a sedulous carefulness and diligence in all he is called to go about Upon the contrare Idleness Sloth and Laziness is threatned with difficulty vexation and pain Prov. 15.19 The way of the slothfull man is an hedge of thorns So Prov. 13.4 The soul of the sluggard desireth and hath nothing Prov. 21.35 The desire of the slothfull killeth him for his hands refuse to labour See Eccles. 10.18 Prov. 24.30.31 I wish all persons both in private and publick imployments may seriously mind these threatnings relating to this common guiltiness of Idleness and Neglect 10. But for the incouragement of any who are grieved for their Sloth and aversation from Pains Industry and Vertue I shall give them two or three instances that may raise their hopes and preserve them from utter despondency and sinking under this burden But I must say it were a ground of good hope if such as have been usless in their generation either through a naturall sluggishness of Spirit or depraved manners frequenting loose and dissolute company that they were so far come to themselves as is said of the Prodigal Luke 15.17 To reflect upon their Folly and Sloth and thereby become weighted with it so as not onely to desire as Prov. 21.17 but seriously and effectually to resolve to set a work after Duty with all their might To such I will set before them these instances 11. We read of Manlius Torquatus son to Lucius Torquatus a most brave and excellent Roman that he was of such a blunt and blockish nature that his Father did appoint him to live remotly in the Countrey as being unfit for either private or publick business yet notwithstanding a little after being wearied with his sluggish disposition he so bestirred himself that he relieved his father being found guilty from the hazard of the Law and by the War and Victory he had over the Latins he obtained a Triumph with the great applause and consent of the whole people What greater corruption could appear then in Fabius Maximus in his Youth but when he came to ryper Years there was nothing wanting in him that could be for compleating the gallantest of men to whom the Surname of Allobrogis was given in honour of the Victory obtained over the Gaulis or Frenches by his particular care and conduct which Surname never wore out of his Posterity Neither is that passage concerning famous Themistocles to be past over in silence whose profligat and abominable-Life was so
refused it and when his Countrey-Men offered him great and large Lands he requested that they would not give him what many would envy and many more covet Wherefore of all these sayes he I will have no more but so much as may declare the moderation of my Spirit and be testimony of your Good Will towards me for lesser Gifts and Rewards are of greater duration and great things are scarce thought a mans own I might add many more Instances of the like Sobriety and Moderation in great Persons from several Histories particularly from the Famous and ever to be Honoured Common-Wealth of Venice where it may be observed that there was very little personall Ambition or Affection of airie Applause for all they contended was for the Good of their Native Countrey and Wealth and Honour thereof for they would not admit of Sumptuous Tombs nor Magnifick Statues nor the Warlick Ensignes of their Glorious Victories to be set up as the lasting Monuments of their Vertuous Atchievments but to give one of the many of such instances Caspar Conterenus that Noble Venetian in the description of the Venetian Common-Wealth showes for proof of this that Andreas Contarenus Duke of Venice dying shortly after that most remarkable Overthrow he had given the Genoaves prohibited by his Latter-Will that no Ensignes or Ducall Coat of Armes neither his own propper Escotcheon or Name should be engraven on his Tomb that no person might know where such a Worthy and Well Deserving Person was interred This and the like may check the airie and vain Spirits that hunt after the vain applause of the World 9. The Apostle gives an excellent Direction which all that have a right esteem of Gospel Rules will walk by Philip. 2.3 Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory but in lowlyness of mind let each esteem other better then himself Again Gal. 5.26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory provocking one another envying one another 10. As for Avarice which is a most dangerous and destructive evil to a Common-wealth when it gets place in the hearts of Rulers it s so gross a Vice in publick Persons and I having never seen nor known any prejudice done by any in power within the City I live in to the common Treasurie or damnage thereof I shall not insist on it GOD Himself having by Jethro given it as a speciall Qualification of all that should be in Authority that they should be men Hating Covetousness Exod. 18.21 Thus having touched at some speciall Evils very prejudiciall to a City I shall in the next place fall to speak somewhat of the particulars which the Town-Councill should be carefull to cherish for promoving the good and wellfare of their Corporation CHAP. X. Anent Love and Concord as the surest foundation of a Kingdom City or Common-wealth THe foundation of all Kingdoms Common-wealths Cityes Societies and Families is LOVE and CONCORD for as our Lord said Mat. 12.25 Every Kingdom divided against it self is brought to desolation and every City or House divided against it self shall not stand This may alone suffice to discover the absolute necessity oâ— Concord and sweet Harmony in a City and Common-wealth therefore have I chosen to lay iâ— down in the first place as the only and surâ— foundation of a happy and prosperous City For what is the Origen of a City or Civil Society but an harmonious Concord and Agreement to live together for mutuall Aid and Assistancâ— in all common Concernments and when thiâ— common and necessary principle is forgotten and every one minds mostly his own things with the utter neglect of the common-Good it may be said that People and Place are going to ruine And in no Age since the World was can any instance be given where such a City or People did prosper multitudes of instances may be given where it was the dismall presage of an inevitable destruction and that of the most famous and magnificent Cities in the World To forbear the many miserable effects which at first view are obvious to any judicious beholder where this Vertue is wanting I shall instance but this one Evil which is an inevitable consequent thereof and it is this Every motion that can be made for the publick Good though with demonstration of never so much advantage if it but cross the particular interest of any Partie or Person yea because it proceedeth from such a person or partie it is forthwith opposed crushed and utterly husht down by these concerned and all their Witt Power and Moyen laid out for that end Whereas â—f there be Love and Harmonious Concord amongst â—he Inhabitants all will joyn as one-man to â—romote every Motion that may further the Publick Good 2. Wherefore I judge it a chief Duty lyâ—ng upon all in Charge or that have any Place â—r Authority in a Common-Wealth to lay themâ—elves out in the pursuit of so great a Benefit and seeing this is so necessar and conduceable for the good of a Corporation I shall propose these few means that may contribute for the attainment and preservation thereof when attained 3. In the first place let there be care taken that all Ranks of Persons have their due Liberties and Priviledges preserved according to the Rules and Constitutions of the Common-Wealth for incroachments upon these have caused great agitations yea many alterations in the Governments of Cities and sometimes have hazarded the ruine thereof from this General I shall instance some Particulars 4. Let the People bewar first of encroaching upon the Priviledges of the Councill and Magistrats which cannot be done without Mutinies and seditious Meetings and the most effectuall way to prevent this Secondly That the Magistrats and Councill be very tender of the Priviledges and Liberties of the People to do nothing against them by force or oppression Hence it was that the People of Rome rose up against the Decem-viri when they perceived them to exercise Tirranny and Oppression under the covert of Authority Therefore by sedition and slaughter they were thrust out and a new Government erected So also the Thirty Praetors of Athens whom Lysander the Lacedemonian had set up after they had with Poison and Sword destroyed many Famous Worthie Men were destroyed and overturned by Thrasibulus which Socrates that Divine Philosopher foretold before he drank that deadly Poisonous Cup at their Decree Therefore Magistrats would rather moderate their Power by Authority then bend and strain it up to the hight Thus wisely Theopompus did bow the Royal Authority amongst the Lacedemonians to a certain mediocrity and was the first setter up of the Epheri from amongst the Common People like the Tribuns amongst the Romans and when he was Taxed by his Wife as in scorn Thinks thou not shame said she that thou leaves thy Son with less Royal Authority and Power then thou got from thy Ancestors He answered wisely O Woman I do not leave them less but a far more strong and lasting Authority Magistrats would be
others and that so far as they know all the Goods pertain to Free-men As also that before the loadning of the Ship for her return they swear that the Goods pertain to themselves and not to Strangers otherwise the Conservator may arreast the Ship and Goods at least all the Goods of the refuser Ja. 6. P. 15. c. 257. The Conservator should put the Acts against Usurie in execution upon all Scots Merchants Skippers and Factors in the Low-countries and compt thereupon to the Thesaurer Ibid. c. 259. Acts anent the Staple THat an Incorporation be made of Scots in the Low-countries and their Priviledges ordaining the Scots residing there and pretending to the saids Priviledges to give their Oath of obedience to the KING and his Laws as if they were dwelling in Scotland and that they pay for their entries ten Pounds Fleemish and the persons refusers to be deprived of all benefite or commerce with his HIGHNES Liedges Ja. 6. P. 6. c. 96. That no Ships passing to the Low-countries land any mans Goods but at Campvere or the ordinary Staple and that no person go on land or take any thing out of the Ship untill her arrivall there under the pain of ten pound Fleemish and the Conservator should take the Merchants and Skippers Oathes thereanent Ja. 6. P. 15. c. 258. That Merchants coming from the Low-countries give to the Conservator an account of the quantity and quality of the Goods under the pain of confiscation thereof and that a subscribed Cocket thereof be sent home to the Thesaurer Ibid. c. 260. CHAP. XIII Concerning some Means in generall by which a Burgh may flowrish IT ought to be the care of a faithfull Senate and vigilant Rulers over a City and Common-wealth seriously to consider by what means a Town may most flowrish grow in Greatness prosper in Riches and increase in Numerous and Vertuous Inhabitants I shall name some of these 1. Religion was a mean whereby Jerusalem was not onely made head of that Kingdom but also greatest in all Asia because all the Males behooved to appear there thrise a Year There was the Temple of the LORD there the High Priest and all solemn Oblations and Sacrifices hence it was called the Holy City but now there are no places that have any Holiness in them under the Gospel Joh. 4.21 22. For GOD may be Worshiped every where and any where if it be in Spirit and in Truth I know not any Religious Concernment that might more greaten a City nor be a more attractive motive for Strangers that had any Principle ruling in them of the fear of GOD then a Holy People Isa. 4.3 and 60.21 When the Inhabitants of a City generally did walk so Christianly and so Sweetly together according to Gospell Rules that they might give evidence of the fullfilling these blessed Promises Isa. 1.25 26. upon which account a Town might be justly termed a City of Righteousness the Faithfull City this was a sure foundation of all true Prosperity and Greatness therefore let all profane and ungodly persons be esteemed the chiefest enemies to a Cities wellfare and the Pious and truely Godly the chiefest Jewells and Blessing thereof A 2 d. mean of making a Town flowrish is a dilligent care to have Trade and Merchandise thriving by all due encouragement thereunto and to endeavour if possible to have some distinct and particular Commoditie to be exported or imported that no other neighbour Town hath or some usefull Manufacture that is not in any other place of the Natiâ—â— or at least not so good or cheap It weâ—â— a desireable thing in Scotland to see every Town to improve their Situationâ— and soyle their Rivers Lochs Trades Arts and Engines and in a word their particular properties and advantages by industrie that each of them might be found to have some special and distinct commodity to vent for their own great benefit and their Countries service A 3 d. mean is to cherish Industry and Arts and Handy-crafts See Botero on the greatness of Cities Pag. 84. and to procure excellent Wits and Persons of eminent Qualifications for that end 4 ly The erecting and maintaining Schools of Learning and Professors of all usefull and commendable Sciences which may draw the Youth of the Countrey to be bred in Cities and Towns in doing whereof speciall care would be had that strict Laws and Orders might be set down for the good and quiet behaviour of the Students and these duly execute by faithful Masters and carefull Magistrats that Parents and Relations may send their Children thither in a measure of confidence and security and so the Inhabitants be preserved in Peace 5 ly Inviting by immunities from Taxes and Tolls all that have any commodities to sell to frequent Mercats and great Faires within Burgh which would need to be procured from the KING and Parliament for that end by which a Town may have severall advantages though the Taxes were quited at least very low As Monethly Mercats in every great Town for Horse and Oxen by which the Countrey may be served at all seasons and the Burgh be benifited by the change that the Countrey People should make 6 ly That all the Judicatories that may be had be set up within Burgh whereby the Subjects may have occasion to make frequent resort to the Town 7 ly To endeavour to order well all necessaries for Food and Fireing and for keeping and mantaining Families within Burgh that all Persons of Quality may be encouraged to buy and build Houses in Towns which would undoubtedly contribute much for the Prospering of Trades and Arts in a Town by their change and greatly enlarge the City 8 ly If there be any speciall Blessing of Nature in or near to the Town that may be for pleasure or profit to Strangers that the same may be published and set forth with the best advantages for inviting the concurse of Strangers to the place as the Waters of Bath in England the Medicinall Wells and Fountaine at Spa in Germany and Orges in France and that health giving Spring for Gravel Gout Hydropsie and Collick at Aberdeen being drunk according to Dr. William Barclay his printed prescriptions in the Summer-Moneths Or if there be any notable or curious device invented or illustrated by Art which may adorn or ennoble a Town the same will influence and not a little concur to advance it All these former means have been drawn from profit it is to be considered that pleasure hath been a special mean to draw Strangers to a City And for this 9 ly Curious Gardens fruitfull Orchards in or about a City especially when so so placed as may most beautify the Town which may be no less profitable then pleasant according to the saying Omne tulit punctum qui miscuit utile dulci. I shall in the next place enlarge upon some of these in particular in the fourth-Chapter I did treat of Religion at some length and shall not therefore insist now but regrate
requires Also Rulers would guard against all abuses and oppressions committed readily by Tradesmen upon new Intrants whereby they are brought so low in their condition and so plunged in debt before they can be free in their Tradâ— that they are hardly able in many years to recover and get themselves out of burden CHAP. XVII Concerning Planting both for Profit and Pleasure HAving touched severall things that may seem worthy of a Councils consideration for making a Town flowrish in the foregoing Chapters or Partitions I cannot ommit to offer it to their Judgments to deliberat if it be not very expedient both for profit and pleasure to consider how their Cities may be beautified with Planting of usefull Trees in all places in and near the Town where it may be most conveniently had for it is no small reproach upon the generality of our Nation that our People are so negligent and careless in this particular notwithstanding of the great contentment and satisfaction that may be reaped thereby for Planting is not onely delightfull to the eye and in a manner exhilirating the heart of every beholder by its beauty and greeness inviting the cheerfull Birds to chant and express their melodious Notes to the great refreshment of the hearers oft tymes but also in few years due diligence and care being taken to plant them aright and to prune and keep them they are very usefull for publick and private use as need and expediencie shall require We find that the most flowrishing and rich Nations have great abundance of many soâ—ts of Planting and that not onely by Nature but by Art and Industrie of the Inhabitants and Divine Providence hath evidenced her bounty in a liberall measure to us in that matter no less then to others our Neighbours round about us as may be witnessed by the many Woods and Forrests that have been well furnished with Oakes Elmes Firrs Ashes c. and Fruit-Trees which in every generation are much destroyed and cut down and few or none to repair them and how can we but undergo the just reproach of a careless and lazie People in this thing and the rather that no Laws and Acts of Parliament made by our Gracious and Vertuous KINGS and Estates of the Kingdom particularly by K. James the 5 th in his 9. Act of Parl. 4. and our late K. Charles the 2 d. Parliament 1. Act 41. cannot prevail It is obvious to the sence of every beholder what an Ornament Planting is to Great mens houses who are worthie of their due commendation that have taken paines herein I think it worthie the considering that when GOD created Man in his primitive Innocency and Integrity he placed him in a Garden and put that exercise upon him even in a sinless state to dress and keep it Gen. 2.8 15. whence it may be observed that Planting and the care thereof is an exercise not unbecoming the best of Saincts nor the Greatest of men we may see many Proofes oâ— this as First in that Good and Holy Man that found Grace in GODS sight when all the World save a few with him perished Gen. 9.20 And Noah began to be an Husband man and he planted a Vyne-yard Secondly Abraham the Friend of GOD and Father of the Faithfull Planted a Grove in Beersheba and called there on the Name of the LORD Gen 21.33 Next King Solomon a Great and Wise KING Eccles. 2.4 5. I made me great Works I builded me Houses and planted me Vyne-yards I made me Gardens and Orchards and I planted in them all kind of Fruits So Uzziah delighted in this Employment 2. Chron. 26 10. He had Husband-men and dressers of Vynes c. Yea our Blessed LORD JESUS did honour this Industrie by his frequenting the Garden Joh 18.1 When JESUS had spoken these words he went over the brook Cedron where was a Garden into which he entered with his Disciples Ver. 2. And Judas also who betrayed him knew the place for JESUS oftentimes resorted thither with his Disciples I could name many Great men that have taken pleasure in Planting as Cyrus the younger King of Persia who planted Orchards and Gardens with his own hand See Cicero de Senectute p. 210. But I shall forbear to insist onely desiring our Cities and Towns may seriously consider the profit and pleasure and that it will very far counterballance the expense and paines by a constant and yearly recompense I mean a well furnished Garden and Orchard when carefully keept and waited upon Therefore I shall close this purpose with a friendly desire that all Magistrats and Town-Councils may seriously consider how they may in this give best obedience to the laudable Acts and Laws of the Land and with most profit and satisfaction to their respective Incorporations and that it may be remembered when Adam sinned he was sent forth from the Garden of Eden to till the ground which was a more painfull and inferiour employment and not permitted to enjoy that sweet and refreshful mansion of the Garden It was a part of Gods Curse upon a land when Trees were smitten and taken away from it Exod. 9.25 Amos 4.9 Joel 1.12 And it is a promised Blessing To plant Gardens and eat the fruit of them Jer. 29.5 Amos 9.4 Ezek. 34.27 Therefore these Precepts may be pertinently applyed to this purpose Tit. 3.14 Let ours also learn to mantain good Works for necessary uses And that of Philip. 4.8 Whatsoever things are true whatsoever things are honest whatsoever things are just whatsoever things are pure whatsoever things are lovely whatsoevâ—r things are of good report if there be any vertue and if there be any praise think on these things Much of our Corne-fields about some Towns have been improven for Herbs and Roots by common Gardners and why not some of the choisest Soyles and Situations be also made use of for pleasant Gardens and fruitfull Orchards which are to be seen frequently in well ordered and flowrishing Towns abroad to their great profit health and delight without their Towns and few of our Nation have little worse Grounds for such things save that Walls and Dykes may be found expensive and sparing many unnecessary superfluities in other things and bringing home Tyle for ballast in Ships from Holland c may help that and the profit accrewing by a fruitfull and well ordered Orchard in a few years will recompense all expensses with GODS blessing abundantly CHAP. XVIII Concerning Charity and care of the Poor THough there may be many Duties incumbent upon Magistrats and Town-Councils who are Governours of Cities and Burghs which the judicious will understand as their occasions and stations will discover unto them that there is one Dutie which is none of the least that all are bound to consider because the Supream Governour of Heaven and Earth takes speciall notice thereof and hath carefully recommended to all his People and that is a tender care over and a cordiall Charity towards the Poor See for this Deut. 15.7
in Wisdom Piety Courage and better Qualifications Prov. 12.26 The Righteous is more excellent than his neighbour It s such that prepares their heart for their Duty and will make conscience of diligence therein and seek the advancement of the interests of CHRIST the Cities prosperity and the good of all and every one under their Charge and for this I would recomend to all Magistrats to study these Scriptures well Psal. 75.2 Psal. 101.8 Psal. 82. throughout But some say we cannot find Magistrats with such Qualifications in every Town and therefore we must take them as we have them I Answere That should not hinder to set down all the best Qualifications which are to be wished in Magistrats and which all good Magistrats ought to study to have and Cities are to choise the best they can have seeing the Holy Scriptures have recomended such Qualifications we ought to pray that GOD would raise up many such and then we must do as we may when we cannot do as we would Wherefore having hinted at the good Qualities Magistrats should have I shall also touch a little what a sad thing it is for a City to have ill men to be their Rulers because Contraria juxta se posita clarius elucescunt Contraries set together make both the more discernable Psal. 82.5 David regrates this as a sad judgement in his time that men in Authority were ignorant and perverse c. They know not neither will they understand they walk on in darkness and therefore he subjoyns All the foundations of the Earth are out of course They know not This implyes not so much a blockish ignorance for it is like they might have naturall Parts like other men but they know not that GOD stands among them that His eye is on them taking speciall notice of their iniquity and injustice and bearing more favour to the wicked nor to the poor and innocent Next though they may read in the Scriptures that GOD stands among them and notices their doings yet They will not understand this holds out their perversness and willfull Atheism as Psal. 10.11 He hath said in his heart GOD hath forgotten he hideth his face he will never see it vers 13. He hath said in his heart Thou wilt not require it and therefore he boldly dares to do any injustice that his lusts will put him to though it be really in the presence of his Great Judge They walk on in Darkness Though their Duty were never so clearly hold out to them they will not yeeld to the Obedience of it but walk on after the perverse dispositions of their own hearts and their obstinate wills and not the pure Word of GOD and His revealed Will. In this caise the Psalmists conclusion will hold That all the Foundations of the Earth are out of course that is all Judges and Judicatories which ought to be refreshfull to the Poor needy and oppressed that ought to strengthen the hands of them that do well and to be a terrour to evil doers are now running in a just contrary course and when the foundations are destroyed what can the Righteous doe Psal. 11.3 Sure they need look for no relief from all their oppressions and injâ—ries from men but commit themselves to GOD who is the helper of the fatherless Psal. 10.14 and 12.5 From all this it may be seen the great blessing it is to a City or Town to have faithfull able and pious Rulers Prov. 29.2 When the righteous are in authority the people rejoyce but when the wicked beareth rule the people murmur It is therefore an incumbent duty on all to pray that the LORD would raise many able men up in their respective Towns and also to seek it of GOD to make all the present Incumbents that are in Authority among them to be such as they ought to be CHAP. XX. Concerning the Duties and Office of the Provest HAving recommended severall Duties which the Magistrats and Councill in generall are to take notice of for the good and prosperity of the Town in thâ— foregoing part of this Treatisâ— I presume next to set down the Duties of the severall Magistrats and Office-Bearers that use to be chosen out of the number of our Councils at every Years Election This is not that I presume to know these Duties better than others but for the satisfaction of new Entrants who have not had occasion to be acquainted with such Employments The first and chiefest Magistrat in all Burghs-Royal is the Provest Who in England is called Mayor the Romans called him Consul quia bene Rei-pub consulat Its his place to have a chief care of all the Effaires and Concernments of the Common-wealth and therefore he is not onely to discharge this duty in ordinary and emergent Affaires but he is to forsee and provide for all things that may conduce to the good thereof and this care will require serious consideration of all that may advance the wellfare of the publick or any part thereof and of any danger or evill that may fall out to the damnage thereof to prevent it and guard against it Secondly It is his place to preceed in Councill and moderat the samen and to take speciall notice of all the referrs thereof that are to be done Thirdly He is to conveen the Councill upon extraordinary dayes in all doubtsome matters or emergent occasions Fourthly He is to oversee the rest of the Magistrats and Office-Bearers that they all doe their Duties and acquit themselves diligently in all things that relate to their charge for it s not enough to give good advice and Counsell if the samen be not put in execution tymeously and seasonably Fifthly He is to be carefull that all the Charters and evidents and every Paper that is of importance to the Towns Concernments be punctualy keeped in the Towns-Charter-Chists or where they ought to be preserved and not left in any other hands else where least they may come to be missed and be in seeking to the great neglect of these that have the charge of keeping them which ordinarly is the Provest chiefly and some of the Bailies Sixthly And above all he is to have a care he be just innocent and of singular integrity in all his behaviour for an ill example in a Magistrat is far greater than a fault in inferiour persons Therefore the chiefest Magistrat should have the chiefest care of his publick Charge and of his own personall behaviour I need the less insist upon this which concerns him as the chiefest Magistrat having so fully holden furth the Qualifications he should aim at in the last Chapter CHAP. XXI Concerning the Office and Duties of the Bailies THe next Office of Magistracy is the Bailies whom the English call Aldermen and the Ancient Romans called Praetores quia praeerant They have the same Authority with the Provest in all our Burghs as to Decreets and execution of Justice hence it is that some have called the Provest Primus Balivorum The
is not onely Blessed with many Personall and Domestick Advantages to these that carefully and prudently follow the same so it hath its own advantages for the good of the City As First the Off-spring of Old Families will not be a burden to the Town which oftentimes gives occasion of reproach to Latter-in-comers to upbraid them and burie the Vertues and good Offices their Worthy Ancestors have manifested in their time to the advantage of the Common-wealth in utter oblivion It could not but move the beholders to see M. Hortalus the onely Stock of the Noble Hortensian Family to plead for Charity with his four Children in his hand before the Emperour Tiberius and the Lords of the Senate of Rome laying out his Poverty before them tho he was descended of so many Consuls and Dictators yet through want of honest Industrie or that Frugality requisit had fallen into extream necessity whereas if he or his immediat Parents had not through Ambition wasted or through idleness suffered their Estates to ruine as the Emperors answer to him did insinuat he and they might have prevented this shame Cor. Tacitus lib. 2.8 Secondly In like manner by this the Town is better furnished with able and understanding men for Rule and Government and better management of the Towns effairs seeing it is evident that these who are born and bred in the Town are for most part better educated in Learning and brought up more carefully at Schools then Strangers or Countrey-people are who for most part come from the Countrey to be Merchants and Trades-men in Burghs As also many Towns-Youths have occasion to be bred in Forraign Countries and thereby to attain better accomplishments then others who never had such opportunities so that they may be farr more usefull and skilfull for publick effaires then others Thirdly By this Old Families may be continued to many Generations through the blessing of GOD if not in growing prosperity in Wealth Credit and Esteem at least in a continuance of what hath been already attained thereof as hath been seen in many great and flourishing Cities abroad whereof abundance could be instanced And this would wear out the common reproach put upon Cities by the indiscreeter sort of Gentrie who look on them as Carles and base spirited-men which is mostly occasioned by the frequent access of too many that are such who take up Trafficking and Merchandising and supplie the roomes of many of these who think themselves too good to Trade And seeing there is nothing can make a man more properly a Gentleman then Vertue and descent from vertuous persons by Birth and Antiquity joyned with a competent Estate and Living and good accomplishments of the mind our Cities being furnished with the Off-spring of old Inhabitants well educated and bred and vertuous in their Callings and Behaviours might upon good ground be reputed Gentlemen as well as many others that without question are held so seeing that Merchandiseing in it self may be esteemed as consistent with a Gentleman as Tillage of the Land may be to these Gentlemen who labour their own Lands which doubtless is very commendable in it self and becoming the Greatest Persons seeing the Spirit of GOD gives this Counsell by a Royall and Princely Hand as the Pen-man Prov. 12.11 He that tilleth his Land shall be satisfied with bread but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding The meaning whereof is very plain preferring Industrie in the most common and ordinary Calling to an idle life under what ever pretence of Gentility esteeming such in plain termes fools and void of understanding Fourthly By this our Cities and Towns would be better furnished of publick Spirits that would be more tender of the good of the Common-wealth for it is without all doubt that when the Inhabitants are born and bred in the Town and it may be descended of severall Generations of Ancient Citizens they will not onely be more ready to lay out their pains and labour for the Credit and good of the Town but will more willingly spend and be spent yea lay down their lives if called thereto then probably can be expected from New-incomers who cannot have that naturall love and respect to the place which others cannot but have Hence it is reported of the Generous Romans that after the battell at Cannae when almost all ground of hope was lost of preserving Rome Florus lib. 2. cap. 6. said Aerario deficiente privati opes suas Reip. conferunt That is When the Thesaurie was exhausted all the privat men bestowed their Wealth upon the Publict I would have all Citizens to consider the way and manner of the most flowrishing Cities abroad where Traffick and all kind of Trade is vigorously prosecuted to the great encrease of Wealth and Prosperity and that by the most considerable men in their Towns some one way and some another by Mechanick-Trades as well as by Merchandiseing Let all inform themselves of the Industry of the Inhabitants of the Towns of the United-Provinces who by their pains and industry in their severall Callings are become so great and powerfull yea â—ormidable that there is no KING nor PRINCE â—n Europe but will honour them with the Title â—f High and Mighty Lords whereby they have â—aunted the pride of the Spaniard and more â—hen once coped with the most Powerfull PRINCES in Christendom Let also the Inâ—ustry of the Hans-Towns in Germany and â—he Cities on the Baltick Sea be considered and that it is that makes each of them so considerable as they are It is reported that the Grand-Seigneor aâ—ongst the Turks who is one of the greatest PRINCES of the World that even he must â—lso have some Handy-Trade such is the reâ—pect that even Infidels put upon Vertue when â—any that are called Christians are in this worse â—en Infidels who refuse to provide for their â—amilies by commendable and vertuous Calâ—â—ngs and Employments By these and the â—ke considerations I earnestly intreat that all â—ur Inhabitants of what ever rank or quality â—ey be would seriously ponder the great imâ—ortance of Trading every one according to their Talent and Ability and that the meanest may be encouraged in all fit wayes becoming especially Young Men. The Romans thought this much worth the noticeing for they Crowned publickly all Young Men that were studious of vertuous Exercises and Employments with Corona Populea with Poplar leaves as I touched in the twentyfifth Chapter of this Book CHAP. XXVIII Directed to the Inhabitants and Free-men of Cities IT may be easily beleeved how much of the wellfare of every particular Citizen depends upon the well-being of the publick Estate and Condition of their respective Towns for a City or Common-Wealth is but one Body as was well expressed by one showing it was as absurd for the Members of the Common-wealth to grudge to contribute their uttermost endeavours for the Publick good as it were for the Members of the naturall Body of a Man to repyne against the Stomack because
the Hands work the Feet walk and goe about business c whereby the Stomack might be brought to utter indigencie and want through famine it is easie to conjecture how soon the Hands should hang down the Feet wax feeble the Eyes become dim c. The application of this is clear that it will be no otherwayes with every Member of the Common-wealth where the Publick is neglected It was the sense of this as I hinted before that made the Generous Romans after the Batâ—ell of Cannae every one both Senators Knights and Privat-Citizens to cast in their Privat-Wealth into the Common-Thesaurie when it â—as quite exhausted yea this made the Tradesmen as Measons and Carpenters c to employ their pains and labours without wages in that â—xtremity for the Good and Preservation of their City by which Publick spiritedness they â—on recovered their pristine Glory Renown and Wealth being thereby delivered by the â—rovidence of the ALMIGHTY from that â—minent danger which then did threaten â—eir utter ruine by a powerfull and prevailâ—g Enemie Hanniball and his victorious Army See Walter Raleighs History and Florus Let all therefore consider if a Town or Common-wealth be under a great decay and heavy burdens that are like to ruine the same if surable and seasonable remedies be not provided whither it be not as needfull for Citizens to deny themselves and give up their private interests to be disposed of for relief of the Publick as it is for a diseased person that is threatned with death by a deadly disease to submit to let blood and to purging evacuations though the potion were never so bitter and unpleasant to the taste especially if there be hope of health and life thereby We must not be as Children who are led meerly by sense but as Men who by Reason can deny Sense and force themselves to submit to such Medicines as may effectuat the cure though never so unpleasant to the pallat It is therefore an unbeseeming thing in any to grudge at any Impositions that may relieve the Publick Burdens of the Common-Wealth And surely those Towns whose Inhabitants voluntarly consent to such reliefs without the Imposition of the Supream Authority are highly to be commended as Dundee and Glasgow such cannot but flowrish and prosper as is to be seen by the considerable acquisitions which the City of Glasgow hath made within thir few years yea in building a new Town at the mouth of their River with all accommodations for Trade c. I could be glade that all the Citizens in this Kingdom would but inform themselves of the publick spiritedness of that People thir many years by gone and emulat with them and to give but one instance of this In the time when the Englishes had the Government of this Nation when Gess and Excyse was great they of their own accord did agree to pay six Shillings-sterling upon every Boll of Malt whereby they payed all the publick Dues and the whole Sallaries of their Stipendiaries and had their Publick Revenue of their Thesaurie still free from any out-givings all that time whereby they shortly after acquyred Lands of great Rents An Old-Provest of that Town J. G. told me that though they were divyded among themselves in some things yet if any one should make a motion that might tend to the Publick Good they all agreed as one man So that it may be said in some respect of them as Florus in his second book Chap. 6. said of Rome after the Battell of Cannae O populum dignum omnium faevore admiratione hominum compulsus ad ultimos metus ab incepto non destitit de sua urbe solicitus that is O people worthy of the favour and respect of all men and of their admiration though redacted to the last extremity yet carefull of their Town If such a Spirit did act the Citizens of our Nation our Towns would be in a more prosperous condition by far then they are and in order to this I will lay before you this consideration either ye are Citizens born or not If ye be Natives it is but naturall to all men to love the place of their Nativity Many have not thought their Lives dear to them and to undergo all perills and hazards for the Honour and Well-being thereof according to that old saying Dulce est pro Patria mori It is gratefull to die for their Native-Countrey And they that are not born but now made Free-Citizens may mind that their Children are born there and Parents for most part travell and toyl for their Children and so in freeing the Publick Debts and Burdens ye free your Posterity of Burdens But some possibly may jealous the Administration of their Magistrats as unfaithfull c. To which I can say having severall years born Office in our own Town I never knew any cause for such a thought nor that ever a Magistrat was so base as to be guilty of such a Crime which the Romans called Crimen Peculatus when Magistrats or others took of the Publick Money to make their personall gain which is to be abhored by GOD and Man and is enough to procure a Curse upon them and their Posterity who ever should be guilty of such baseness I have read of severall brave Men amongst those we call Heathens that have been Persons of greatest Trust who have been so faithfull that rather then appropriat of the Publick to their privat use they have preferred to dye poor so that they have been buried on the Publick Expense and their Children educated and provyded by the same means It ought to be far more abhorrent to these that profess Christianity But because it is frequent with many to admit of a dissatisfaction with their Rulers and apprehend their might be had many fitter to Govern then they who are present Incumbents I suppose if they had their choise it would fare with them as it did with the People of Capua when they were about to have murthered their whole Senat had not Clavius Pacuvius who had great respect amongst the People desired them being conveened in a Publick Assembly to fall upon the choise of a New Senat before they destroyed the Old There was not a man that any could name but he was rejected by the multitude for some fault or other or as base and unworthie wherefore he prevailed with them to spare the Senators and to take a new triall of them I apprehend it would be even so in many Cities where the people are most dissatisfied with their present Magistrats are they could agree amongst themselves Therefore seeing the best of men are but men let none discover their fathers nakedness but patiently and charitably bear with human infirmities and all concur in their stations to seek the Wellfare of the Publick CHAP. XXIX Some Overtures humbly offered to the Nobles and Gentrie of the several Shires in Scotland HAving written some Memorialls for the Burghs of this Nation I crave favour that
Plenty and Prospeâ—â—ty upon us according to Isa. 62.4 Thou â—â—alt no more be termed forsaken neither shall thy â—â—nd any more be termed desolate but thou shalt be â—â—lled Hephzibah and thy land Benlah for the â—ORD delyteth in thee and thy land shall be â—arried It is well worth the noticeing what Bodin 〈◊〉 his third book of his Republick Chap. 7. Pag. â—2 writs of the Province of Languedock in France at the Nobility and Gentry of that Countrey in their conventions had ordered 1200 Livers or an hundred pound sterling yearly for training up the Youth of that whole Countrey in the City of Nimes besides what was done by other Societies and that they builded brave Fortresses or Forts in the Kingdom That they caused execute Buzac who was the most noble and notable Volens or Robber in that Age whom neither Judge nor Magistrat no nor the Parliament of Tholouse it self could get any order taken with Also they appointed other great sums for other brave uses and ends of publick concernment And so goeth on to shew the great profit which accrues to a Nation or Countrey by such conventions and societies and showes that these were better governed in the Cantons of the Switzers then in any other part of the World for every Canton yea every rank of men as Merchants and Trades had their common and general Meetings there for the good of the Publick Also that the ten Circuits of the Empire of Germany have their distinct Meetings a part all which are in such order and correspondence one with another that the Empyre sayes he would have long agoe been brought to ruine had not this Policy and Government prevented it It were much to be wished that there were appointed dyers of Meeting from that Love and Friendship which ought to be amongst Neighbours and Relations in the bounds of every Presbitry or Parish and it were expedient that some Justice of Peace might be present where conveniently they may be had to confer what might tend to the good of the bounds within their precincts and accordingly â—o put such things in practice and to prepare Overtures at every such meeting for the good of â—he whole This questionless would greatly â—end to the good of the Land and would â—ypen matters not onely for more publick conventions but also for a Parliament when â—uch occasion offered or for any other meetâ—ngs which the Kings Councill appoints as they â—id lately for repairing Hye-Wayes and Bridges Every Parish might have their Heritors with â—uch others of the discreetest of their Yeomanrie â—o meet once or twise every Moneth in a conâ—enient House unless it be in Winter which â—ere a mean to preserve freedom and friendship â—n the Parish where they might confer at large â—nent the general Concernments thereof as the â—roportioning of the Cess or other Subsidies â—nd laying down a way for a publick Purse â—r defraying publick Charges of the Parish â—roviding for the Poor mending Hye-Wayes Bridges and Calsies within their bounds and â—â—king course with idle persons Numa Pompilius King and Law-giver to the â—omans Solon and Lycurgus these Graecian-Lawâ—â—vers were much for such Meetings and Fraternities and all such means as might tend to beget and confirm Friendship and Love and advance the common interest see Plutarch on Solon and Lycurgus lives These are but a few hints of such Vertuous Employments and Improvments as our Great Men might lay themselves out in which is humbly conceived might tend much to the Honour of GOD Good of the Countrey and profit of Posterity if effectually prosecuted But because many great Wits are ready to reject every motion which flowes not from themselves or from some of a higher station then they are and forâ—this end raise objections against such things I shall answere this with one singular observation of the forementioned French Author Bodinus in his fourth book Pag. 593. There are sayes he two remarkable faults which oftentimes men of sharpest spirits fall into concerning the Government of Societies c. One is that they look narrowly to the inconvenients of a Law or of a good motion without considering the good that may flow from it The other is they run from one extream to another So I shall wish the Benefits which may flow from this may be laid in the ballance against any inconvenients which men can imagin can follow upon this Next I wish such may not run from the diligent and carefull observation of such good Overtures and profitable Motions to a supine and totall neglect of all that may tend to the Glory of GOD good of the Countrey and of their Posterity but rather as I hinted in the beginning may improve their accutest Parts and more noble Enduements to fall upon a way of prosecuting these Honorable Ends â—o the compleatest period In which caice I have attained all I ever aimed at being a true Zelot of the Publick Good and in soberness â—hall close with one that was a good Countrey-man in his time who said Vive vale si quid novisti rectius istis Candidus imperti si non his utere mecum Englished thus Live and farewell if better things thou knows Impairt them freely if not make use of those PHILOPOLITEIUS A Succinct SURVEY Of the famous CITY OF ABERDEEN With its Situation Description Antiquity Fidelity and Loyalty to their SOVERAIGNES AS ALSO The gracious Rewards conferred thereon and the signall Evidences of Honour put upon many chief MAGISTRATS thereof With a Catalogue of THEM since the CITY was burn'd for LOYALTY about the Year 1330. TOGETHER WITH The Epigrams of ARTHUR JOHNSTOUN Doctor of Medicin upon the said CITY and severall other of the Principall ROYALL-BURGHS in this Ancient Kingdom of SCOTLAND Translated into English by I B. By a Zealous Lover of BON-ACCORD 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Aberdeen Printed by Iohn Forbes 1685. BON ACCORD Insignia Vrbis abredonie Psal. 87 4. I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me behold Philistia and Tyre with Ethiopia this man was born there vers 6. The LORD shall count when he writeth up the people that this man was born there Prov. 17.6 The glory of children are their fathers Philip. 4.8 Finally brethren whatsoever things are true whatsoever things are honest whatsoever things are just whatsoever things are pure whatsoever things are lovely whatsoever things are of good report if there be any vertue and if there be any praise think on these things Unto the Right Honorable SIR GEORGE SKENE of Fintray Lord Provest ALEXR. ALEXANDER Bailie WALTER ROBERTSON Bailie ALEXANDER GORDON Bailie ANDREW MITCHELL Bailie PATRICK GELLIE Dean of Gild JOHN GORDON Thesaurer And to the rest of the Honorable Councill of the City of ABERDEEN RIGHT HONORABLE It hath been the â—avourable Advantage and signall Providence that hath attended Aberdeen for many Ages that it hath had a honorable Character among the Burghs of Scotland which I wish may never declyne the sense whereof made me
twi-light never goeth fully down till the Sun be 16 degrees under the Horizon whereas all that time at Aberdeen he is not so low at midnight the Suns depression below the Horizon in the longest day being onely 9 degrees 20 minuts at midnight and his Meridian-hight in the shortest day just as much His Meridian-Altitude in the Equinoctial-Line is here 32 degrees 50 minuts and the greatest hight the Sun ever comes to at Aberdeen in the longest day at 12 hours is onely 56 degrees and 20 minuts near a degree less then the hight of the Pole on the North-side 560 Myles be-North Aberdeen the Frozen-Zone begins where on the longest day the Sun doth not set at all nor ryseth in the shortest The Fixt-Stars within 57 degrees 10 minuts of the North-Pole do here never set and these within as much of the South do here never rise nor appear It lyeth almost directly under the middlemost Star of the great Boar's tail and under the Constellation of Cassiopeia A degree of Latitude is as over all the Earth sixty Scots Miles from South to North and a degree of Longitude in this Parallell is onely 32 Miles answering to a degree of Latitude by â—eason the Circles of Longitude grow allwayes â—esser the nearer to the Pole It flowes at Aberdeen South and by West and North and by East and consequently is Full-Sea at the Change and Full-Moon at 12 hours and 45 minuts The Sun at his greatest hight wants 33 degrees 40 minuts from being Verticall at Aberdeen This much for the Longitude and Latitude and the Appendixes thereof CHAP. II. Concerning the Description of ABERDEEN ABERDEEN is pleasantly seated upon three Hills which are all joyned together by easie descents so as in the middle of the Streets they are scarcely discernable It is of Circuit about 2141 double spaces through which six Gates enter being built as it presently stands it is difficult to be fortified in the ordinary and regular way of fortifications though it hath been diverse times attempted in this our Age since the late Troubles began In the beginning of the late Troubles it was able to set forth Eight hundred men in good array and Military Furniture to the Fields well trained for service when called thereto It being seated between the Rivers of Dee and Don is said by George Buchannan our Scots-Historiographer to be piscatu Salmonum nobilis that is Excellent or Famous for Salmond-Fishing As for the Accommodations and Ornaments of our City we have an indifferent good entrie to our Harbour for Ships especially since that great Ston called Craig Metellan was raised up out of the mouth of the River of Dee and transported out of the Current thereof so that now Ships can incurr no damnage which was done by the renowned Art and Industrie of that Ingenious and Vertuous Citizen David Anderson As also by that considerable Bulwark the Magistrats of late years caused erect at the Mouth of the South-side of the River extending up the Shoar such a great length so that very great Ships may enter and be safely preserved when they are in without hazard It will not be impropper here to insert this following Information for the benefit of Seamen or Strangers who may have occasion to come by Sea to Aberdeen which skillfull Mariners have observed and been at pains to sett about at the Magistrats desire which is as followeth A Ship coming from the South bound for the Road and Harbour of Aberdeen a mile to the Southward of the Road ye will see a Bay with a Countrey Church standing in the middle thereof called the Kirk of Nigg to the North-ward lyeth the Girdle-ness or Aberdeen-ness which when ye come by come no nearer the same then a long Cable length and so soon as ye come by it ye will see two sharp spire Steeples which Steeples ye must run to the North-ward untill ye open the West-most Steeple a sailesbreadth to the North-ward of the East-most there ye may Anchor on nine or ten fathom water where ye may ride with Southerly Northerly or Westerly Winds As for the Harbour in the entrie thereof is a Barr whereon at low water there is scarce on it two foot water on the South-side of the Barr there stands a Beackon which in the incoming ye must leave on your Larboard-side a Ships breadth free thereof where commonly the best of the Channell doth run From the Beackon to the East-ward even to the Girdleness is all Rocks At Spring-tydes there will be thereon about 15 foot water at Neep-tydes there will be no more then about nine or ten foot But I shall not advise a Stranger to seek that Harbour without a Pilot because it is a Pilots fair way and as soon as ye come to the Road ye can allwayes have a Boat for putting out a Vaiffe at all occasions for Piloting you into the Harbour The nearest rake of the said Harbour is North-East and South-West and when ye are within the said Harbour ye lye land locked for all winds but at low water your Ships lye dry on very good ground If ye be bound for the Harbour coming from the North-ward ye may borrow into the Land or upon the Shoar four or five fathom and with Westerly-Winds into three fathom The flowings of the said Harbour within are South and be West and in the road South-South-West ABERDEEN hath ever had since the time of Poperie a great and fair Fabrick containing two great and spacious Churches for Publick Worship the Greatest towards the West is called the Old-Church the lesser towards the East is called the New-Church with a stately Spire or Steeple the Churches and Steeple are covered beautifully with Lead and within plenished neatly with good Dasks and Galries of excellent Workmanship of Wainscot and great and large Lights and Windowes In the Steeple are three great and harmonious Bells in sound each descending below another but by one Musicall Note as upon a Bimull-Clieff and these three Bells strick 24 stroaks at every half hour in a sweet and pleasant Concord the great Clock having four fair Horologes with conspicuous Figures clearly guilded one to every Airth viz. South North East and West for use to every part of the City and Suburbs These Bells being rung for conveening to Publick Worship on the Sabbath Dayes there is but one Bell rung first at the second two Bells and at the third three Bells which make a grave and melodious Melodie Also there is another Fabrick in the midst of the City of a large length called the Gray-Friars-Church with a little Spire or Steeple and a Bell which is alwayes rung for conveening to all publick Lessons in the Colledge and a publick Clock Also another Fabrick called the Trinity-Church with a little Steeple lately repaired by the Trades There is a Chappell at the Castle-hill called St. Ninians it had wont to be employed for the Comissar Court and the rest of it for the common Use of the
Cities-Effairs but now the Bishop hath taken back that Court to the Old-Town as being his Priviledge There is a smaller Fabrick builded by the Citizens for the Inhabitants of the Village of Futtie appointed for Catechiseing that People which since hath had a Minister to preach though not as a distinct Parish All the Citizens and that People being under one Session or Consistoriall for Discipline There is a great Towns-house in the Mercat-place called the TOLL-BOOTH which hath a fair and spacious Rowm for the Courts of Judicature to sit in such as the Head-Courts of the Shyre and City with the Sheriff and Bailie Courts above which there is a MAGAZINE or Store-house for Warlike Ammunition c. It hath also another large stately Rowm where the Magistrats and Town-Councill conveen under which is the low Councill-house where the Dean of Gild and his Assessors meet for effairs peculiar to the Brethren of Gild as also the Commissioners of the Shyre for Cess or such like common concernments together with an other Rowm called the Clerks-Chamber which hath accommodations for Clerks and Writters Upon the East end thereof there is an high-Tower with two Battlements upon which there â—s erected a high and stately Spire or Steeple â—overed with lead under which is a great Clock and Bell and under the samen are severall Rowms for Prisoners both high and low There is also a large and high House called â—he Pack-house and Weigh-house wherein are a â—reat many Rowms for Merchant-Wares of all â—orts near to the Shoar the Shoar being as â— said of late years greatly enlarged so that it â— a pleasant considerable walk from the City to go to the furthest end thereof which leads to the Fields and towards the Harbour-mouth The Mercat-place is larger then in any Town of the Kingdom being an hundreth twenty and four double space in length and about a third part thereof in breadth where it is narrowest so that two Regiments of foot Souldiers may be drawn up in rank and fyle tho in open order There is one of the stateliest Bridges in the Kingdom over the River of Dee of seven Arches of a like and equall largeness within two short myles of the City And there is another be-North the City of an high and great Arch over the River Don both which are mantained by the City upon propper Rents mortified for the same use In the middle of the City there is a Philosophie-Colledge the houses whereof were purchased by the City in consideration that George Earle Marischall Grandfather to this present Earle out of his zeal to the Publick Good and his respect to the City of ABERDEEN did mortifie publick Rents for the Principall and four Regents of the said Colledge whence it is called the Marischall Colledge and makes up an half of the Carolin-University for it hath a Principall and four Regents oâ— Teaching-Masters and now hath a publick Professor of School-Divinity who teacheth a publick Lesson two dayes every Week during the sitting of the Colledge Also a Professor of Mathematicks who upon other two dayes every week teacheth two Lessons There are also Lessons of Arithmetick and Geometrie taught by â—ther Masters thereunto appointed by that Renowned Famous and Learned Physician DR DUNCAN LIDDELL who mortified a conâ—â—derable Rent to the Professor of Mathematicks and six Mathematicall and Philosophicall Bursers or six years There are many summs of moâ—ey mortified to the said Colledge since the eâ—ection thereof whereto the Town-Councill of Aberdeen are mostly Patrons so that it appears â—here hath been more Charity extended within â—hir hundred and twenty years since the Reâ—ormation of Religion from Popish Idolatry and Superstition then hath been in all the Ages beâ—re which our Towns Counts of Mortified Moâ—ies for Schools Colledge Hospitalls Gild-Box Common Poor c. can evidence This Colledge hath a copious Library which was at first plenished by the City of Aberdeen who â—ook all their books they had laid up in the â—pper rowm above their Session-house and transâ—itted them to their own Library in the Colâ—dge for the uses of all concerned and Dr. Reid Secretary in the Latine-Tongue to King Charles the first left a Sallary to the keeper â—f the said Library which Library hath been â—ugmented in its books by severall Mortifiers â— by the said Dr. Reid the forementioned Dr. Liddell who mortified about 2000 Merks worth of Books and 20 Merks yearly to buy Mathematicall Books and Instruments and Dr. William Johnstoun Phisician and Professor of the Mathematicks here and by Dr. Patrick Dun a learned Physician and Principall of this Colledge Also there is a Grammar-School which hath a chief Master and three teaching Masters under him to whom the said Dr. Dun mortified 1200 Merks of yearly Rent by which the City is disburdened of what they payed yearly to the former Masters thereof We have a School for Musick which was taught of old by very eminent Musicians in this City There wants no opportunities in this City for Youth both Male and Female to learn any manner of good and commendable skill or knowledge in such things as may best qualifie them There are four Hospitalls in this City one for decayed Brethren of Gild. A second for indigent Widowes and Virgins of Brethren of Gild lately purchased by a sum of money mortified by Dame Marion Dowglas daughter to the sometâ—me Earle of Buchan and late Lady-Drum for the Honour the Magistrats and Citizens conferred on her deceased Husband at his buriall in Aberdeen 1632. The rents whereof were augmented by a considerable summ mortified to this Hospitall by James Milne Elder Merchant who also mortified 100 Pounds yearly to two Philosophicall Bursers in this Colledge with 500 Merks to this Kirk-session A third Hospitall for Trades-men founded and built by the deceast Dr. William Guild sometime Preacher in Aberdeen and lately Principall of the KINGS Colledge in the Old-Town This Hospitall hath a spacious comely Rowm where the Deacon or Conveener-Courts meet A fourth Hospitall for Litsters the Rent whereof was mortified by Archbald Beans Litster by which they have builded a goodly House with a stately entry The use of this Rent is for the benefit of decayed Litsters their Wives Children and Servants severall of whose Daughters have been provyded with sutable portions out of the said Rent and thereby honestly married There are eight Mills belonging to the City and lands thereunto pertaining whereof a new Wind-Mill is builded of stone and lyme at the South-entrie of the City which may be of excellent use if carefully keeped There are two Water-Mills within the suburbs of the City and five near by in the adjacent territories belonging to the City We have a choise Medicinall Spring called the Well of Spa at the Wool-man-hill built with hewen-ston very specifick for Gout Gravell Collick and Hydropsie as the late Famous Dr. William Barclay Physician did learnedly describe 1615 which is now re-printed when the Well was re-built 1670 the copies
whereof the Dean of Gild hath in his custody to which every person concerned to know its Vertues and how to use the same is referred CHAP. III. Concerning the Antiquity of ABERDEEN AS for the Antiquity of the City of ABERDEEN it is certain that Ptolomie the most Ancient Geographer who lived about 1500 years since in the dayes of Antonius Pius the Emperor in his Geographicall-Tables making a description of the Isles of Brittain to wit Albion and Ireland with the little adjacent Isles he calls this City Devana and the River adjacent thereto Diva whom Camdenus the English Historiographer in his Britannia cites for proving the Antiquity of Aberdeen whose words are these Devana Urbs per-antiqua a Ptolemeo nunc vero Aberdonia id est Devae ostium Britannica dictione ab ipsis Scotis appellatur So that for Antiquity this CITY may be reckned amongst the most ancient of this ISLE This City was Erected into a Burgh-Royall by Gregorius who for his Justice Temperance and Fortitude was surnamed the Great and was the 73. King of Scotland whose Honorable Acts both in Scotland England and Ireland are at length set down in Hector Boyes History and in Buchannans in the year after the birth of CHRIST 893 years So that since Bon-accord was erected in a Burgh-Royall it is seven hundreth fourscore twelve years this year being the year 1685. After the decease of the said King Gregory the Erection and Infeftments given by him to this City by the iniquity of the times and many incursions were lost for Edward the first King of England called Langshanks made it his work to burn and destroy all the old Evidents and Monuments within this Kingdom where ever he came or his Power could reach Moreover in the time of King David Bruce the City being surprysed with an Army of Englishes sent by Edward the third of England most of the Inhabitants Men Wives and Children were all put to the sword and killed the City burnt for six dayes together as Spotswood and Boyes Histories declare all our Registers and Old Evidents were destroyed about the year 1330 because the Citizens a little before had killed the Souldiers that keeped Garison in the Castle who had sorely opprest them and taken it and rased it to the ground It being then re-built upon the Hills where it is now seated having formerly been cituated from the Green and Eastward under the Hills except the Castle-gate hence it is called the New-Town of Aberdeen and not with relation to that Burgh of Barronie which is now the Bishops seat since is was translated from Mortlick in the time of King David anno 1137 according to Spotswood pag. 101. when Nectanus was Bishop the foundation of which Bishoprick was by King Malcome the second Anno 1010 at Mortlick In King James the fourth his time Bishop William Elphinston builded the KINGS Colledge in the Old Town that Town being seated near the River of Don about a 1000 space from Aberdeen is commonly called the Old Town of Aberdeen not as if it were of greater Antiquity then the Burgh-Royall of Aberdeen for I was informed by a very intelligent Gentleman near that place that there were some old Evidents designing it the Old Town of SEATOUN after the Lands thereto adjoyning But the Bishop of Aberdeen hath had his residence there ever since his Seat was translated from Mortlick where there was a Magnificent Structure of a Cathedrall builded thereafter as also a stately Colledge custome and iâ—norance calls it the Old-Town of Aberdeen it having been Erected in a Burgh of Barrony in favours of the Bishop of the Diocess of Aberdeen It is reported that some call Aberdeen only Urbs a Town and the Old-Town where the Bishop's Seat is Civitas a City But I take that distinction betwixt a Town and a City as it relates to a Bishop's-Seat to be the spurious product of a Popish-Institution because many Towns were called Cities before there was a Bishop in the world A Town propperly reâ—ates to the Buildings and Houses a City denotes the Citizens and Free-men that are the Inhabitants But for this let these that would â—ppropriat the name of a City to a Bishop-Seat â—ead the Bishop of Cajetan de Institutione Reipub. â—â—b 1. Tit. 3. sub fine and he will show what 〈◊〉 City is CHAP. IV. Concerning the Government of the City of ABERDEEN WE have matter to bless GOD for the equall and just constitution of Government which is in our Ctiy and particular Common-Wealth granted to us by our KINGS and left unto us by our Worthy Ancestors which is thus Our Town-Councill is chosen yearly out of the whole Citizens and Burgesses of the City the Roll of our whole Brethren of Gild being first read at every Election of the Council which holds upon the Wednesday before Michaelmess-day there being a large Catalogue drawn up of all the Brethren of Gild amongst us every Person whom any of the Old-Councill desires to be lifted among these out of whom the New-Councill is to be chosen is presently set down in that new list and when the list is compleated by the reading over the whole Brethren of Gild of the Town there is an indefinit number set down upon a large sheet of Paper with lines drawen after every one of their names and this is given to the present Provest Bailies and whole Old-Councill that every one may make choise of thirteen Brethren of Gild to be named for the New-Councill for the year to come and most Votes or Marks make up the number Next they of the Old-Councill choose out of their own number four who are called the Old-four which being added to the former thirteen make up the number of seventeen Brethren of Gild. And lastly having got the Roll of all the present Deacons of Trades there are two of these Deacons chosen which make up the compleit number of ninteen for the Councill the year ensuing The new chosen Counsellors being all sent for and come in the afternoon the whole Old and New-Council with the six Deacons of Trades and the four Deacons of the Old and New Councill which make up ten Deacons of Trades and thirty Brethren of Gild making up in all the number of 40 Votes they altogether choose first the Provest then four Bailies a Dean of Gild a Thesaurer a Master of the Kirk-work and Bridge work a Master of the Mortified Moneys a Master of the Gild Hospital a Master of the Shoar called Master of the Impost and six single Counsellors who bear no Office but sit and Vote in all Effairs that come before the Councill with the two new Deacons of Trades If in this Election there fall to be one having equall Votes the Provest in this caice hath the casting Vote This way of Election was determined by the Convention of Burghs and ratified and approved by King James the sixth after the difference that â—ell out at the Common-Cause 1593. When any matter of more then ordinary
hostes sensere Bona at Concordia virtue Qua res usquè viget publica culta domi In English thus The threefold Towres the Castle showes regain'd From Enemies who it by force mantain'd The Leopards which on each hand ye view The cruell temper of these foes do shew The Shield and Lillies by the Kings-Command As pledges of his great good-will do stand The Collour calls the Blood there shed to mind Which these proud Foes unto their cost did find And BON-ACCORD by which doth safely come To Common-Wealths establisht was at home I. B. And upon the reverse of the Seal of the said Burgh is insculped in a field Azure a Temple Argent St. Nicholas standing in the Porch Mytered and Vested propper with his Dexter-hand lifted up to Heaven praying over three Children in a Boylling Caldron of the first and holding in the Sinister a Crosier Ore these were the Old-Arms of the Burgh-Royall of Aberdeen as His Majesties Advocat in his book above-mentioned relates After the Castle was thus taken and ruined the English being deeply affected therewith as also with the loss of their men did gather their Forces together to avenge this Injury against Aberdeen The Citizens then following Joannes Fraser who Commanded these Forces that adhered to the Interest of King David Bruce did most stoutly fight the English in their own Church-Yard and although with much Blood and the loss of many of their men yet at last obtained the Victory Hence four years after Edward the third having sent a great Navie to recover his loss in thir Northern-parts his Forces fell upon Aberdeen after they had spoiled the Religious-Houses and the City they coming by surprize and greatly incensed for the loss of their men which they had sustained both in the Garison and in the forementioned Fight did cut off Men Women and Children none being spared except such as had by flight saved themselves they burnt the City six dayes together as hath been touched above and being thereafter re-built is ever after called the NEW-TOWN of ABERDEEN King David Bruce had ever after a great favour and respect for Aberdeen and sometimes dwelt in it and set up a Mint-House here as some peeces of Money not long since extant with the inscription of Aberdeen did testifie and the King did ratifie and approve of all the Donations of Lands Waters Fishings and all other Priviledges which King Robert his Father or any of his Predecessors had formerly given or granted to the said Burgh because of their good Service both to his Father and himself against the common Enemie Also all the King James's 1 st 2 d. 3 d. 4 th 5 th and 6 th did all ratifie and approve all these Priviledges and Donations of what ever any of their Predecessors had done before and some of them witnessed their favourable Respects to the Magistrats thereof upon severall occasions As for instance King JAMES the fourth upon a complaint made against SIR JOHN RUTHERFORD of Tarlane after one of the Elections when he had been chosen Provest having for many years enjoyed that Office The King wrot to the Town Councill desiring an exact account of the ground of the Complaint made against His Loved Familiar SIR JOHN RUTHERFORD as the Kings Letter dated November 5. 1487. recorded in the Towns Books doth bear Again King JAMES the fifth was often in Aberdeen and did singularly shew Favour and Respects to the Familie of the MENZIESES who for many years did wisely and happily Govern our City Also King JAMES the sixth did not onely confirme in Parliament all the Ancient Priviledges and Liberties given to this City by his Royall Predecessors but likewise when â—s by the Laws of this Nation the King might have exacted his Burrow-Mailes in Sterling-Money which would have been nothing else but the utter undoing and extirpation of this Re-publick He out of his Princely Clemency and Favour which he did ever bear to this his Ancient-City did of new again Re-erect and found the samen and did quite abolish and abâ—ogat the payment of Sterling-Money by dissolving the same from the Crown in Parliament so far as concerns this City allennarlly the like benefit being denyed to any other Burgh in the Kingdom as also disponning and giving of new the Burgh Common-Lands Fishings and all other Liberties thereof whatsomever for payment of current money allennarly And at the same time honored our then present Provest THOMAS MENZIES of Durne or Cults with the Title of Knight-hood in his own Privy-Chamber in the presence of the best sort of the Nobility of both the Kingdoms whom he acknowledged before them then present worthy of that honour be reason of his Birth besides the good service lately done by Him and the City of Aberdeen to the King by the gentle entertainment of his Honorable Servants who came at that time to visit Aberdeen by the Kings appointment 1617. This SIR THOMAS MENZIES of Cults having procured that Famous Pearl which was found in the Brook or Burne of Kellie as it runs into the River of Ythan which Pearle for beauty and bigness was the best that hath been at any time found in Scotland our said Provest having found by the Judgement of the best Jewelers in Edinburgh that it was most Precious and of a very high Value went up to London and gifted it to the King this was in the year 1620. Who in retribution gave him twelve or fourtteen Chalders of Victuall about Dumfermling and the Custom of Merchant-Goods in Aberdeen during his life But it pleased GOD he dyed at Wooller on the Border in England in his return home Nevertheless this did signifie the speciall Favour the King did bear to our then Provest though he did not live to enjoy the effects of the Kings Royall and Princely Respects This Pearle was reported to be one of the Jewells of the Crown of England Likewise when the King called the Commissioners of both Kingdoms to treat anent the Union betwixt Scotland and England ALEXANDER RUTHERFORD Provest of Aberdeen being one of the four chosen for the State of the Burrowes the King did put it upon Him to speak in behalf of the Burrowes who did acquite himself so satisfyingly to the King that pulling a rich Diamond Ring from his Finger he gave it him as a token of his Royall-Respects I have heard some relate that when he had delivered his discourse in our Scots-dialect which was not so intelligible at that time to the English Commissioners he spoke to the same purpose in Latine that the Bishops might understand then gave a like account to the Nobility amongst the English Commissioners in the French-Language which did affect the King with very much complacency who carried a singular Respect to the Subjects of this his Native-Country and Ancient Kingdom and made every thing acceptable that had a tendency to the repute thereof The Battell of Harlaw did witness the Zeal of Aberdeen against the Enemies of the King and for the
some other Heritors of the Shyre these two first Rivers afford our Merchants above an hundreth and twenty Lasts of Salmond or thereby one year with another which are carried to France Holland and sometimes to Spain and other forreign places I knew a Merchant in my time who sent to Dantzick thirty thousand Lamb-skins in one year but our Trade is much decayed by what it hath been fourty or fifty Years ago before our late Intestin Troubles began CHAP. VII A Catalogue of these who have been PROVESTS in ABERDEEN whereof any record may be had either by Scrolls Charters or Infeftments before or since the burning of the said City Anno Dom. 1310. Duncanus Melavill found in the Bishop of Aberdeens old Registers 1326. Simon Gilchach found in an authentick Scroll 1329. Willielmus de Strabrok in a Scroll 1142. David de Fingask in a Scroll 1349. Simon Lynto in an old Evident 1350. Robertus de Edynhine in an old Evident 1352. Willielmus Leith in a Scroll 1360. Thomas Mercer in an authentick Scroll 1361. Thomas Mercer in an authentick Scroll 1366. Laurentius Garvock in a Scroll 1367. Laurentius de Fety in authentick Scrolls 1382. Alexander Bannerman in authentick Scrolls 1384. Laurentius de Fety 1385. Laurentius de Fety 1392. Willielmus de Camera Pater 1393. Willielmus de Camera Pater 1395. Willielmus Filius Andreae 1396. Willielmus de Camera Pater 1398. Willielmus de Camera Pater The oldest Court-book of this City is of this years date which is in the Latine-Tongue 1399. Adam de Benyn tenet cum libro 1400. Adam de Benyn tenet cum libro 1401. Laurentius Leith tenet cum libro 1403. Laurentius de Leith 1404. Willielmus de Camera Filius 1405. Robertus Filius David 1406. Robertus David 1407. Robertus David 1408. Robertus Filius David 1409. Ioannes Fitchet 1410. Robertus Filius David slain at Harlam 1411. Andreas Giffurd 1412. Thomas de Camera 1413. Willielmus Jackson from this forth we can find no Court Book till Gilbert Menzeis time 1426. 1416. Thomas Roule in an old Charter 1419. Andreas Giffurd 1423. Gilbertus Menzeis 1425. Ioannes Vaus 1426. Gilbertus Menzeis tenet cum libro 1427. Gilbertus Menzeis tenet cum libro 1428. Ioannes Vaus 1429. Ioannes Vaus 1433. Thomas de Camera tenet cum libro 1434. Thomas de Camera 1435. Ioannes Scroggis tenet cum libro 1437. Ioannes Fyffe tenet cum libro 1438. Thomas de Camera tenet cum libro 1439. Gilbertus Menzeis 1440. Ioannes Fyffe 1441. Matheus Fitchet 1442. Ioannes Marr junior 1443. Alexander de Camera 1444. Ioannes Vaus 1445. Ioannes Vaus 1446. Alexander de Camera 1447. Willielmus Sherar 1448. Ioannes Fyffe 1449. Ioannes de Scroggis Filius 1450. Ioannes de Scroggis Filius 1451. Ioannes Fyffe 1452. Ioannes de Fyffe 1453. Ioannes Marr. 1454. Andreas Menzies 1455. Ioannes de Scroggis Filius 1456. Ioannes de Fyffe 1457. Ioannes de Fyffe 1458. Ricardus Kintore 1459. Ricardus Kintore 1460 1461 1462 1463 1464 1465 1466. totidem annis 1467 Alexander Cameron 1468 1469 totidem 1470. Andreas Allanson 1471. Ricardus Kintore 1472. Andreas Sherar 1473. Andreas Allanson 1474. Alexander de Camera 1475. Alexander Menzeis 1476. Andreas Sherar 1477. Alexander de Camera 1478. Andreas Sherar 1479. Alexander de Camera 1480. Alexander Menzeis 1481. Iacobus Lesty 1482. Robertus Blinshell 1483. Ioannes Rutherford de Migvie 1484. Alexander de Camera 1485. Ioannes ' Rutherford de Tarlane miles 1486. Alexander Menzeis 1487. Ioannes Rutherford de Tarlane miles 1488. David Menzeis 1489. Ioannes Rutherford de Tarlane miles 1490. Ioannes Rutherford de Tarlane miles 1491. Ioannes Cullen 1492. Ioannes Rutherford de Tarlane miles 1493. Alexander Reid 1494. David Menzies 1495. Alexander Chalmer de Murthill 1496. Ioannes Rutherford miles 1497. Ioannes Rutherford miles 1498. Ioannes Rutherford miles 1499. Ioannes Rutherford miles 1500. Ioannes Rutherford miles 1501. Alexander Menzeis 1502. Alexander Menzeis 1503. Alexander Menzeis 1504. Ioannes Lesly de Wardes 1505. Gilbertus Menzeis 1506. Andreas Cullen 150 Gilbertus Menzeis 1508 1509 1510 1511 1512 1513. totidem annis 1514. Ioannes Marr. 1515. Ioannes Marr. 1516 1517 1518 1519 1520. Gilbertus Menzeis totidem annis 1521. Ioannes Collison nota electus fuit ante diem ordinariam virtute literarum Regiarum desuper directarum 1522. Gilbertus Menzeis de Findon 1523. Gilbertus Menzeis de Findon 1524. Gilbertus Menzeis de Findon 1525. Thomas Menzeis de Pitfoddels 1526 Gilbertus Menzeis 1527. Gilbertus Menzeis 1528. Gilbertus Menzeis 1529 1530 1531 1532. totidem annis 1533. Thomas Menzeis de Pitfoddels 1534. Thomas Menzeis de Pitfoddels 1535. Andreas Cullen 1536. Gilbertus Menzeis de Findon 1537 Thomas Menzeis de Pitfoddels 1538 1539 1540 1541 1542 1543 1544 totidem annis 1545. Georgius Comes de Huntly Dominus Gordon Badzenoch ac locum tenens Generalis Boreae 1546. Georgius Comes de Huntly c. praepositus 1547. Thomas Menzeis de Pitfoddels annuatim electus fuit praepositus ad annum 1576. 1576. Gilbertus Menzeis de Coullie 1577. Gilbertus Menzeis de Pitfoddels 1578. Gilbertus Menzeis de Pitfoddels annuatim ad annum 1588. 1588. Mr. Thomas Menzeis de Durne 1589. Mr Thomas Menzeis de Durne 1590. Alexander Cullen 1591. Alexander Rutherford 1592. Thomas Menzeis apparens de Durne 1593. Mr. Ioannes Cheyn 1594. Ioannes Collison 1595. Thomas Menzeis de Durne 1596. Alexander Rutherford 1597. Alexander Chalmer de Cults 1598. Alexander Rutherford 1599. Alexander Cullen 1600. Alexander Rutherford 1601. Alexander Cullen 1602. Thomas Menzeis de Durne 1603. Alexander Rutherford 1604. David Menzeis Senior 1605. Alexander Rutherford 1606. Alexander Cullen 1607. Alexander Rutherford 1608. Alexander Cullen 1609. Alexander Rutherford 1610. Alexander Cullen quia vitam obiit penultimo Octobris Alexander Rutherford electus fuit in ejus vicem 1610. 1611 Alexander Rutherford 1612 1613 1614 totidem annis 1615 Thomas Menzeis de Cults 1616 1617 in qua anno factus fuit miles 1618 1619 1620 totidem annis quia dictus Dominus Thomas vitam obiit in mense Septembris 1620 in suo itinere in rediundo ab Anglia Mr. David Rutherford electus fuit praepositus in ejus vicem 1621. Mr. David Rutherford 1622. Georgius Nicolson 1623. ad annum 1633. Paulus Menzeis de Kinmundie eo anno nominatus Dominus Paulus miles 1634. Patricius Lesly de Eden ab Officio privatus 14. Januarii 1635 dictus D. Paulus Menzeis electus fuit praepositus in ejus vicem sed postea Patricius Leslie anno 1639. electus restitutus fuit 1635. Robertus Johnstoun de Crimond remotus fuit per decretum Dominorum Secreti Concilii Mr. Alexander Jaffray de Kingswells virtute dicti decreti electus fuit praepositus in ejus vicem 1636. Mr. Alexander Jaffray de Kingswells 1637. Robertus Johnstoun de Crimond 1638. Mr. Alexander Jaffray 1639. Patricius Lesly de Eden 1640. Patricius Lesly 1641. Mr. Alexander Jaffray 1642. Patricius Lesly 1643. Patricius Lesly 1644. Mr. Robertus Farquhar de