A discourse and defence of arms and armory, shewing the nature and rises of arms and honour in England, from the camp, the court, the city: under the two later of which, are contained universities and inns of court. / By Edward Waterhous Esq;. Waterhouse, Edward, 1619-1670. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A96070 of text R204049 in the English Short Title Catalog (Thomason E1839_1). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 227 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 120 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2017 A96070 Wing W1044 Thomason E1839_1 ESTC R204049 99863765 99863765 115979 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A96070) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 115979) Images scanned from microfilm: (Thomason Tracts ; 229:E1839[1]) A discourse and defence of arms and armory, shewing the nature and rises of arms and honour in England, from the camp, the court, the city: under the two later of which, are contained universities and inns of court. / By Edward Waterhous Esq;. Waterhouse, Edward, 1619-1670. [8], 232 p. : ill. (metal cut). Printed by T.R. for Samuel Mearne in Little Britain, London, : 1660. Annotation on Thomason copy: "July". Reproduction of the original in the British Library. eng Weapons -- Early works to 1800. Armor -- Early works to 1800. Military ceremonies, honors, and salutes -- Early works to 1800. A96070 R204049 (Thomason E1839_1). civilwar no A discourse and defence of arms and armory,: shewing the nature and rises of arms and honour in England, from the camp, the court, the city Waterhouse, Edward 1660 39042 114 345 0 0 0 0 118 F The rate of 118 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the F category of texts with 100 or more defects per 10,000 words. 2007-03 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2007-04 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2007-05 Emma (Leeson) Huber Sampled and proofread 2007-05 Emma (Leeson) Huber Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion A DISCOURSE AND DEFENCE OF ARMS and ARMORY , SHEWING The Nature and Rises of Arms and Honour in ENGLAND , from the CAMP , the COURT , the CITY : VNDER The two later of which , are contained Universities and Inns of Court . By EDWARD WATERHOUSE Esq Doctores bonos secutus est , qui sola bona quae honesta , mala tantum quae turpia , potentiam , Nobilitatem , caeteraque extra animum neque bonis neque malis annumerant . Tacitus Hist. l. 4. de Helvidio Prisco . {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . Menander . LONDON , Printed by T. R. for Samuel Mearne in Little Britain , 1660. TO The honest Ingenious , AND Generous READER . IF this Discourse be of a dull and discoloured complexion , thorough the noncirculation of ingenious blood in its veyns and arteries , I do really request thee to impute it to that grief and sickness which immediately succeeding my never to be forgotten wound ( by the death of the best of friends and relations that ever I on earth had , or ever I on earth hereafter expect to have ) has by a malignity of operation on me ever since , indisposed me , to such expressions of quickness and variety , as perhaps my health would have to thy greater content afforded thee ; But since it is the good pleasure of God , to charg the Fields of our worldly serenity with Crosses latent and patent , which , when sanctified , are ( by Heavenly Heralds , who can best blazon the intendments of divine providences ) accounted good bearings , it becomes us to accept his chastisement with submission , and improve his Instruction with Christian prudence . For this tract it is small , and so I intended it , and if it were sweet , and its lines to wise eyes , as the notes of a good composure melodious to musical eares , It would not displease me to be short , for that is true of writing , which Agellius writes of speaking Nunquam tacet quem morbus tenet loquendi . But such as it is , I hope thou wilt accept , and hereafter , if God spare my life , and recruit my broken regiment of health , if thy candor interpret this and me aright , ( for in earnest , I have no cold zeal to Religion , Order , Learning , Honour , to whose Josephs sheaf I would , if I could , make every sheaf do obeysance , ) I shall imploy my remaining forces of strength , to dissipate that rebel sadness , which by heading a dissolute crew of ill humours , has bin imbodied to my annoyance , and as God shall assist me with success against that turbulent Enemy , present thee with further expressions of my service to thee ; yet ever remembring that of Apulejus , Et cum dicto opus est impigre dicere , & cum tacito opus est libenter ●acere . E. WATERHOUS . London , 1. of March , 1659 / 60. A Discourse and Defence OF ARMES AND ARMORIE . THERE is no Art so unbefriended , no skill so despicable , but finds some tongue to owne , some Pen to plead for it , even the Craftsmens Diana is mentioned , Acts 19. to have more Stentorian voyces for her among the Ephesians then the Doctrine of Christ in the Apostolique mouths of S. Paul and his Companions had : And no wonder , for the world of men are more led by opinion then reason , sensuality then judgment , as that old Poet said , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , Few there are that understand , to those many that admire ; & few admire what is indeed truely admirable . There is a principle of policy so ingrafted into our new Creed , Fortunam magis & providentiam quam amicitiam & justitiam sequi , That no man ( almost ) thinks any man or thing estimable , but what is successfull , and in the Scripture phrase , Laden with thick clay , as if there were no foundation for happiness , no merit of honour like that of worldlings gain and worldly prosperity . This makes Arts sink with their encouragements , and artists tonguety'd at their injuries , least vindications should be mistaken for plots , and apologies for treasons . Indeed were Artists of Catalines spirit , Pravissimi ingenii ad delendam patriam conjuravit , as Eutropius writes of him ; there were great cause to eye their addresses with jealousie , and answer their offers with silence ; but when they are sober , learned , and usefull , to let them be Mossed over with the scurfe of neglect , and to suffer the Canker of contempt to dislustre their transparencies , and not clear it off with the Oyle and Whiting of Candor , argues us of this age to be no good Samaritanes . On all subjects some have written in these times of trouble , and on this of Armes which ordinarily we call Heraldry ; but fewer ( God wot ) then have been provoked to it by the indignity cast upon the Art , and the professors of it , while men of name and fortune have patronized things that have no direct aspect on peace , order , and Nationall civility . There has scarse been any have owned this Lady which is the Image of Order , and ( as it were ) the Magna Charta of Oeconomique regulation , and thence of politique distinction : Contemnunt nostri Martes haec talia , & naenias , & ludos ea habeant puerorum , as Lipsius his words are : Yea , there are yet those further , who not through rustick hardiness , but of pure zeal ( as they think ) though I think deludedly , make the author of Order , God himself , no respecter of persons , that is , no favourer of distinctions of men : or of any degrees of inferiority and superiority , the chief end of the practice of Arms and procedure of honour amongst men : and that which is the right eye in the body of Heraldry . I am no Champion to defie these Goliahs which come forth in this quarrell to revile , not onely past ages and renouned Nations , who admired and practised order in the method they discredit it , but also this Nation of England , when it was , as Livy once said of Rome , Maximi secundum deorum opes Imperii ; Yet so far as their confidence to deform the beauty of Order , makes them treacherous to the well-being of this Nation , I dare avow my self their Antagonist . The Romans were ( in their time ) the most renowned people for prowess , their professed enemy Taxiles acknowledged , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , yet Historians make their seven hundred years prosperity , in which they almost had a triumphall victory for every year , debtor to their discipline , Ideo praevaluerunt adversus multitudinem Gallorum proceritates Germanorum , vires Hispanorum & dolos Afrorum ob retentam disciplinam , saith Sarisburiensis : And the same doth also Trogus Pompeius write of Alexander : The symmetry and exact order of which well advised dispensation continuing , brought Nations of as great power as themselvs into subjection , and expatiated the glory of their valor almost thorowout the Continent . And therefore as those fiery spirits amongst them who introduced their civill Wars in which the first instituted Government by Patritians ; ( men of the Upper house and Lords of the Rule according to the fundamentall sanction ) was suppressed , as to its splendor , and allayed by admitting a Plebeian coordinateness , which in time exauctorated the Senate , and erazed in a great measure the old Nobility and Gentry , so did it give animation to revolts abroad , and reduced their vast Dominion into narrow bounds , till at last all their former grandeur was obliterated , and they esteemed as spurious to those great and magnified Ancestors Curius , Fabricius Coruncanus , Metellus , Fabius , Marcellus , Scipio , Lepidus , and such like ; yea they became so rude and ruinous by their homebred heats , and the direfull consequences of them , that Sigonius says , Vix Reipublicae Romanae forma qualis fuerit posse exponi , quae modo unius , modo paucorum nunc multorum nunc aequo omnium Imperio administrata fuerit , atque pro humanarum rerum vicissitudine iterum atque iterum commutata . So he . It is then my designe , by Gods assistance , to write somewhat of Arms ; not as they are Instruments of War and violence , but Ensigns of peace and distinction , not as they are handled by men of the field , but as in times of peace , and by the standard of reason and politick prudence , with the great consent of Nations by the pens , mouths , and practices of their learned sages , they are asserted , allowed , and accordingly honoured . To methodize which intent of mine , I propose to consider the Nature of Arms , the Antiquity and descent of Arms , the Use and behoof of Arms , in which Ternary what I shall ( at present ) write will be conveniently couched : In the discourse on which heads , I shall use a description of the eminently learned Sir Henry Spelman in his late Printed Aspilogia , for which we are highly to thank Master Bish , who hath nobly publisht it , with his learned Notes on it and Upton . The character there by the learned Knight , given arms , is this ( which I shall comment upon as a proper Text ) Sunt Insignia decora symbola ad notitiam & honorem latoris a legitimo Judice militibus ascripta . This description consists of sundry parts . 1. The subjects Insignia . 2. The nature , symbola , and decora . 3. Their end , ad notitiam , ad honorem latoris . 4. Their fountain or rise , a Judice legitimo . 5. The objects whom Arms principall , are directed to , Militibus . 6. The manner how they become appropriate to those persons they are intended for , ascripta . This is with in the compasse of the Knights Survey , and to touch these particulars shortly shall bee my task . The first part of this definition is the subject matter which he calls Insignia , Catachrestically called Arms , because by Arms in War the knowledge , use , and nature of them was introduced , therefore Isidore derives them , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , from Mars the God of War ; though he also allow arma eo quod armos tegunt , men were ever carefull to keep their skins whole , for when they had no defences of Mettall , Diodorus tells us , Hercules , and others of renown , did wear the skins of Beasts , which defended them from those primitive weapons of the Fist , Teeth , and Feet , to which Lucretius alludes , Arma antiqua manus , ungues dentesque fuerunt ; and when they were improved to Stones , Clubs , and other Instruments of contest , yet were their coverings of proof . But victory begot ambition , and successe stole into conquering minds affectation of some habiliments more heroique : Hence came Targets , Bucklers , and engravements and depictions on Targets , Bucklers and Shields ; On Coat-armours and other portable utensills which we call Insignia , as being the Trophies and devices of Worthies who charged their shields , Banners , and Garments with such portraitures of dread and terror as most resembled their own natures , and most surprised with astonishment their beholders , as Agamemnon is brought in , whose Buckler had this Inscription , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . Terror est hic hominum , qui hunc gerit est Agamemnon . As then men grew proficients in contests and masteries , so did their ingenuities devise Weapons both offensive and defensive , Swords and Shields were inseparable companions , accounted portable Castles , covering their whole bodyes or the most part of it , which made them account them the tutelar Deities of their lives , and adorn them with emblems of gold and glory , Insignia a signo derivatur , quasi aliquo signo ab aliis discretus & separatus , saith Festus . Hence is it that we read of every more then ordinary thing either good or evill expressed by Insigne . Virgil tells us of Superbum insigne belli , and Tacitus of Insignire annum cladibus , and Tully of Insigne flagitium , and Insigniter improbus , and Livy of dies insignis duplici clade , and Quintilian of prodigiosa corpora & monstris insignia : Yea , Tacitus tells us , That men of merit had of old , Ensignes of Magistracy decreed them . So Claudius Caesar decreed to Narcissus , Questoria insignia . Those then that merited Insignia , placed them in their Shields and Bucklers , which the Greeks cald by severall names , according to their figure and proportion : A Target or Shield they called {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} of orbicular form , for which cause Virgil compares the great eye of the Cyclops to those Clipei argolici he saw in use , which Dionysius calls {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , as doth Homer and other Authors . They also had other Muniments and Shields which they called {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , in fashion Oblong and of greater dimension then Bucklers . {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} scutigenus quoddam a Magnitudine , that this Shield was in use among the Romans no man can question , since every Author mentions it , Polybius especially , who describing the Romans Armature , writes thus , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , which his noble Annotator Lipsius has notably illustrated , lib. 3. de Militia Rom. Dialog. 2. p. 106. So Turneb. Advers. l. 9. c. 17. And how it came in use Livy tells us , Romanos antea Clypeis usos , deinde postquam facti sunt stipendiarii scuta pro Clypeis fecisse , l. 8. So that , by what appears , Insignia which we call Escocheons of Arms , were originally the charges and garnishings of Shields , corporall defences , and representations of the Bearers nature and worth , figured in the charges thereon , which time and use has transferred to the accommodation and glory of their Issue , though not of similar prowess , yet of as significant merit , since there are Virtutis laudes , & Eruditionis insignia , as well as Fortitudinis , and Men ought to be honoured as well for councell as courage . Yea so far have late times overborn the first institution , that whereas these Armes were the embroyderies of Shields and upper Garments , on which ground they were called in our Nation Coat-armeurs or Coat-armours ? now they are wholly left off to those uses , and become the figures on Seals , Rings , Wals , Monuments , and such other concomitants of civill society and order ; and so I proceed to the second part of the Description , which is the praedicate , what Arms are , mentioned in those words Symbola decora . Symbola , that 's the Cypher that sets out the nature of Arms : For the Arms or device on the Shield is but a representation of somewhat more excellent which is concealed , and to which that is but the fescue & finger ; therefore Mr. Ferne quotes a definition of Blazonry somewhat pat to my allegation ; Blazonia est recitatio vel commemoratio alicujus virtutis , & quempiam sub quibusdam signis , abunde & vere laudare aut decorum dicere . Suidas terms Symbola by {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , making the sepiment of skyn which man is bounded with a Symbol of his Mortality . The Ancients also called their {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} or civil Concords between City and City , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} which Demosthenes speaks of , 7. Philip . Hence I suppose grew that custom to give Rings as Earnests to the Concord which Terence alludes to when he sayes , ut de Symbolis essemus dati annuli , and amongst us in the most durable contract of our lives , Marriage ; the legal custom was and yet is , to bind it by a Ring as well as by other ceremonies of significancy ; These Symbols were anciently the only way of expressing the Nature and Meaning of things , the Aegyptians , Caldees , Greeks , Latines , all used them , as Lilius Giraldus out of Jamblicus , Plutarch and other Authors , hath largely observed . For the World was a great while without Letters and Writing , only by Hieroglyphicks , and such like Mysterious resemblances were the minds of men understood , when they themselves were out of place . Therefore what Plautus and Pliny express by Tessera and Syngrapha ; elder times did by Symbola , which are the same in resemblance that parables are in Speech . So that by Symbola as applyed to Arms we understand such an Idaea of the bearers mind as charges him to endeavour merit of that he in his Shields depiction appropriates to himself , for Bartholus well notes , Art ought to imitate Nature , unde ista insignia debent esse secundum Naturam rei quam figurant . And hence I suppose is that affix of modification which the Knight here adds , Decora , a word of restriction , telling us that Arms ought to have analogie and proportion to the bearer , and in a great Measure to decorticate his nature , station , and course of life , or somewhat conducing thereto , Quae gestantium nominibus alludunt antiqua sunt si non omnium antiquissima insignia , is learned Master Bish his note , and not without many learned mens concurrence with him . For since names given for distinction were conformed to the nature of creatures , and the Emergency of Accidents as is evident in holy and prophane Stories , and as is clearly made out by Sigonius amongst the Romans , and is in all Nations owned , yea , as in our own Land and the Stories of it appears ; Then ought and ever was the same rule observed in Arms and bearings of honour , for it is a maxim , a nominibus ad arma sequuntur argumenta . Here then is a fit place to instance some few noted names with the occasions of them and the suitable bearings they have assumed , which our own knowledge may in a great measure assure to us , they being English men and Families , Prince Arthur was a valiant spark , and from his Infancy perceived cruell , therefore he had the name Arthur , which signifies a horrible Bear or Iron Mall ; Briewre the favorite of H. 2. so called because born in a Heath as the Norman word imports . Henry Percy called Hotspur ; Propter suam probitatem , eoquod aliis spori deditis ipse super hostes invigilare consueverat , Gravesnour so called from his great skill in , and addition to , Hunting . Latimer signifies a Truchman or Interpreter possibly from the skill in Languages which their Ancestor had ; so also some have been named from bodily remarks , as Blunt from their yellow haire , Fairfax from their faire bush of haire , some from Towns they dwell in , and are Lords of , as Draycot , Wilesley , Bishopsheir , Malpas , and such like others , some from waters , as the Lord Stoveton from the River Stowre , Wallop from Welhope , others from corporal defects , as Crerequer quasi decrepido corde , of which Master Cambden every where in his Britannia makes mention . Yea , there is one that makes the famous Family of Plantagenest which stored the Crown of England ( to use his words ) well nigh the space of four hundred years ; from whence have issued one Emperour , fifteen Kings , and ten Queens , twelve Princes , twenty four Dukes , and sixty Earls , to have taken its name of a Plant ; thus for a tast of , ordinary things , and Accidents that gave occasion to Names of worth : there are also Families whose bearings are referential to their names , and have a kind of consanguinity with them ; Master Fern has saved me some pains herein , therefore he shall have the honour of my acknowledgment , he mentions the bearings of Breiwer Earle of Devonshire , Lucy , Wil. Earlae Aquilis son to King Stephen , Sheffeild , Wingfeild , Sommershall , Quater mayne , Tremayne , Hanchet , Bulloine , Calverley , and sundry others . To which I may add thousands more of the like nature , but that I would not clog the discourse with impertinent allegations ; it being indeed hard to find any name of family which has not participated of this prerogative of time , to be and bear what the unavoidable vicissitudes of life , and the pregnant womb of fate has produced them , as some beauteous Helens have had the mole of envy to their never to be repayred blemish , so have many Zipporahs been coveted as the minions of ages , and floated on the smooth streams of affluence to admiration , it is the will of God it should be so , and it is best it should be what he wills , whose will is the rule of rectitude , that which is to my purpose , is to shew that in the adaption of Names and Arms to places and accidents , there is a good decorum observed , which is what the description requires in the Symbol of a scutary depiction , for it sayes , Insignia sunt Symbola Decora . And so did Virgil before my Author . Clypeique insigne decorum ; This word Decora is of a great comprehension , our own Language when it expresses any thing gracefully done , sayes , It s done with a good decorum , or a good decorum observed , Decorum saith a gloss , quod ita Naturae consentanea ut in eo moderatio & temperantia appareat , cum specie quadam Liberali . The Greeks called Decorum {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , and both Valla and Tully by it understand tam ipsum honestum quam quod hominibus & communi opinioni honestum videtur & pulchrum & probabile . For besides the dignity of Decorum's birth , being derived from decem the magnified number of Pythagoras , and called by him {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , and the number which gives denomination to things of remark ; hence , ova decumana and fluctus decumani ; There have been in all Authors notable words joyned in consort with it , Tully has decorum & elegans ; and Justa omnia decora sunt , and Color albus praecipue deo Decorus est , and speaking of an Orator he sayes , ad rerum dignitatem apte & quasi Decore Loqui ; And all gratefull things have been expressed by it . Nigro Crine Decorus , so Plebs decora cultu , so Statius ; Aedes decorae , decorus sermo & decorum silentium , frequent in Horace , to which add Lacrymae Decorae and Os decorum in Terence , together with Decora Caesaries in Virgil , all which notes that by Decora there is intended such a temper amentum ad pondus , as is justifiable before the severest Tribunal of Justice , as in Consorts notes answer each other to a Symphony , so in Armory there must be regularity ; No man at the Feast of honour must be his own Carver , standing dishes of altess , and dresses of majestique composition are not to be touched , the officer of Arms appointed to weigh out doles of reward is sworn to deal uprightly : and in Master Fern's words , give to every man according to merit , and that with the most aptnesse to the setting forth and signifying of the virtuous desert whereby the first bearer was advanced to the bearing of Arms : so he . And if it were otherwise Arms would beget , not prevent confusion , for every mans ambition would feed on the daynties of regality , and contemn those proportions that are more becoming them . It is favour enough that they have the Wall of the Plebs , too much that they scorn an equall , and abide no superiour . For as the Lawes of Nations , so the particular Law of gentility in England , denyes Arms to be borne by any but those that either have them by descent or grant , or purchase in the Field from the body or badg of any prisoner they in open and lawfull war take , and this it does to obviate that tympanous humour that swells up lawless , and light minds into a rude and arrogant usurpation of the rights of Nobility and Gentry , of which tribe they are not naturaliz'd : Therefore H. 5. by Proclamation did inhibit , Quod nullus cujuscunque status , gradus seu conditionis fuerit , hujumodi arma sive Tunicas armorum in se sumat , nisi ipse Jure antecessorio vel ex donatione alicujus ad hoc sufficientem potestatem habentis ea possident aut possidere debent , & quod ipse arma sive Tunicas illas ex cujus dono optinet demonstrationis suae personis ad hoc per nos assignatis seu assignandis manifeste demonstret , exceptis illis qui nobiscum apud Bellum de Agen Court arma portabant , &c. And herein the Law of Arms in England is but in affirmance of the Law of Nations , and avowes that order which is practised in the civilized world . For as God in the creation and preservation of things , is the great exemplar of order , giving in the compagination of Heaven and Earth , and the dominion and subjection in them , a document to mortal manageries , which are then only vehiculated to their central point , when conform to the protoplast in the direct line of regularity . So have all ages and people by a plenarty of consent , coincided , to promote distinctions and differences between man and man ; that there be as Saint Pauls phrase is , no Scisme in the body of Government , which without could not be avoyded ; The frame of this great world cannot subsist without a God , the light not be , if the Sun were superseded , the Firmament , the Earth not be fertile , if not irrigated , Man not live , if not cooled by ayre , and strengthned by food , no more could communityes continue their neighbour-hood without Government the first born of order : And this however paradoxall to levelling Anarchists , yet has been accounted Canon , not only by those Elder Asiatique Nations , whose polity had all the dimensions of order in it , but also by the puissant people of Rome , whose practice may be thought most swasive with this high courag'd and military Age . For as they intrusted not the poorer sort , which they called Proletarii and Capitecenses , with Arms of war , nisi in tumultu maximo , but kept their Militia in the hands of men of blood and fortune , as Nabis the Spartan in Livy ( who opposing the Romans Custom to the Spartans , sayes , Vos a censu equitem a censu peditem legitis . ) So did they not indulge mean persons Arms of honour ; No , nor accommodations much below them , it was denyed servants to have their head covered , for when once the pileus was put on their head , it betokened Emancipation according to that of Perseus , Haec mera libertas , haec nobis Pilea donant , hence when those that were shaven became freemen , they are said by Livy , Seneca , and others , vocari ad pileum , in which regard when Brutus was the best Trump in the Roman State , he caused mony to be stamped in memoriall of his parricide , cum pilio duobus pugionibus imposito . Nor was any man eligible to be Tribune if one of the Equestrian order , till he had served in the wars ten years , as Pedestrians were to serve twenty years . They indeed allowed to merits rewards and admissions to honour by grand paw's and deliberate steps of ascent , yea , to one like Sicinius Dentatus who served his Country one hundred and twenty battayles , and brought from them woundy Testimonies of valour ; they thought no honour too great , though the person on whom it was bestowed , ab ortu , was but a Terrae filius , or a sese ortus , or a man of the first head as we say , that is of a nuper exorta nobilitas , which Pliny calls subita Imago , and after whom Budaeus . But in other cases the Patricians and Senators were so jealous of their glory and perfulgency , that they allowed none participants with them on ordinary and nummary accounts . They , they were the men who took pleasure in the adorning the portraytures of their Ancestors , and erecting such Statues and Emblems of their honour as in a kind gave them a temporal immortality , with these were their Porches and Medalls adorn'd , and with these were their Rooms of State made venerable , yea , Polybius tells us , To these Statues did they annually devote a solemnity . Which Tully perstringed in that tart passage to Piso , Obrepsisti ad honores , errore hominum , commendatione fermosarum Imaginum quarum simile nihil habes praeter colorem . So he : but this ( with his leave ) I take rather written ad hominum , then chargeable on the Roman Grandees , for as most of them had great personal worth , so did they preserve this memory of their Ancestors , to excite them to a patrization , and to a generous conformity to , if not a transcendency above them , for though it be true that it was one end of theirs to live in the fame of generous Sirs , who had been men of honour and office in the state , yet had they this also in their design , ut vitae seriem servantes & juxta imagines cujusque propriam haberent virtutem quos imitarentur , as Photius his words are out of Diod. Sicul. lib. 32. I do not aver the Romans had all those things for their Insignia , which for a long time have been in use amongstus , for time has enfranchis ▪ d us as ages by longer service for experience may be thought greater proficients in the variety and imployment of fancy ; They had no knowledge of the use of Mettalls and Colours , posterioris aevi inventum est , saith Alteserra , They knew not what blazoning was , that 's modern , about Pharamond the first King of the Gauls , Anno 420. Or Prince Arthurs age Anno 480 , it grew in use . As their Language , habit , nature , and manner of warfare , in time differed from what it was ; so without all doubt did they vary in their rewards and punishments , and as they differed from themselves , so were they different from other Nations ; The world is now a hotch-potch wherein all mankind is blended together , and no Nation is so entirely what it is called as at first it was . The Romans made many Conquests abroad , and to them was great concourse of people , who were Roma Donati , which made Rome linsie woolsey , not of a warp and woof alike , though therefore they might not have Arms and devices of emblem which were of personal and genealogick right , by which cognizance is taken of what House Gentlemen are , from what branch of that House , whether loyall or spurious , what matches they made , and from whom their Issue are descendants , though they might have no action in their Law of the twelve Tables , against any that should give their Emblem in Seal or Shield , as by latter Lawes they had , and as by the Lawes in use with us was allowed , though peradventure they had not all these in the formality of latter ages . Yet had they things analogical to them , and of identique import and significancy with them . They had their {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , their Ordo Campestris , Senatorius , Equestris and plebeius suis quemque Insignibus distinctos , saith Budaeus out of Pliny ; yea Lipsius out of Strabo , Herodotus , Pliny , Polienus , Livie , Plutarch , Virgil , and others , tell us , their chrystae & galeae quae scutis imponuntur , familiarum antiqua digmata , originem habent a multis chrystis , in use amongst them ; yea they had much more instances of approximation to us , Lazius com . Reip. Rom. l. 9. c. 17. mentions out of Pliny , that amongst the Romans , scutis qualibus apud Trojam pugnatum est continebantur imagines . They had their Statues and Bucklers of gold , which in honour were hung up in publique places , as that of Claudius was hung by the Senates allowance , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . In the Court or Senate , and his own State was allowed to be {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} in the Capitol , as I have it from Eutropius . They had their Arcus Triumphales , in which stately Marble repository , were monumented the Victories of those to whose memory those piles of fame were erected . Panciroll tells us of 36 of them which were in Rome , and one without it ; of which number six onely yet remain . They had their Columnae , of which two are most famous . That to Trajan , and the other to Antoninus Pius , a pair of Darling Emperours , amor & deliciae humani generis . They had their Crowns , Chayns , Rings like our attendants of Knight-hood , & such like other marks of merit and reward , speaking as effectually what they were , and whom they came from , as our Arms of Families at this day do , which I have from learned Budaeus , who ( speaking of our Insignia Gentilitia , as relating to the same end with those elder Ceremonies ) writes thus , Pro iis ( ut opinor ) posteriora Tempora Insignia Gentilitia habuerunt quae arma vulgo vocantur , Quae ipsa quoque primum ac simile est veri virtutis praemia fuerunt ac rerum praeclare gestarum decora . So he . And because 't is very proper to shew when arms in a distinguishing and Gentilitiall acceptation came in use , before I write of the use and end of them , which comes in with the next part of the description . Therefore shall I discourse of that as pertinent to satisfie the enquiries of those that are soberly curious . Concerning the rise of Arms , I would speak modestly as becomes , and as my Great Masters have presidented me , because as in Antiquity and the story of it , decocted thorow so many vicissitudes , and varnished over with fucatious semblances of truth instead of very truth ; there is much doubt begot in sober mindes , to the solution of which there ought to be stanch reason and authority produced : so because there is an impossibility of renewing those Characters which Time and Tyranny has deleted , and wholly absorp'd , 't is very convenient to use a soft Pen , and to offer probable truth with no dictator-like confidence . Time has a Beesom of change , that sweeps away whatever is written in mortal dust ; And t is one of the miseries of this visible Globe that deluges of force and age carry all Monuments of antiquity before them into the abyss of forgetfulness , what Gods mercy preserves the memory of , we only can know , and with that are to be satisfied ; And so much of that as I have learned , and judge convenient to publish of this matter , follows . It is probable that in the first Ages of the world , when the paucity of men made their contests small and seldom , there was no use of Emblems and Characters of discrimination ; but not long after , people multiplyed , and men prog'd up and down for livelihoods and courses of maintenance , then they came in as Sea-marks to keep them from splitting on the Rocks of confusion . For Diodorus says , that the Egyptians , who make themselves Omnium mortalium antiquissimi , Or as Lilius Giraldus ; se deorum genus primum apud se extitisse volunt : These I say are accounted to have them ab initio Religionis , that is from Osyris and Isis , more then 400 years before the Israelites going out of Egypt , and Diodorus adds how they came to use them , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , &c. When the old Aegyptians for want of order in their confused bands of men were overcome by their Neighbours , they setled their forces in such divisions as were known by their Ensigns , every part of them having his peculiar sign . But it pleases me rather to deduce the antiquity of their use from the Jewes , Jacobs Posterity , who growing numerous used them , and that by some thing like a Prophetique direction of their Genitor , who is said to prevail with God , Et nunc quasi supra Coelos evectus non in hominis persona sed ex ore Dei qualis in longum usque tempora futura sit eorum conditio pronunciat , saith Reverend Calvin . There is nothing I confess in the Text that precisely directs the Character Jacob gives of his Sonnes and the descendants from them ( for them also it reacheth ) to be used as a mark of distinguishment , or a Tribuall difference : neither for ought I see is there any thing to forbid it . In that therefore the Description of them is fully made , and the number of their Tribes and allyances grown great , why then may not their Characters be thought to be used by them , as we now do Coats of Arms in Shields and Banners ? Some of the Jewish Doctors say peremptorily , that the Israelites had four Vexilla or Magnalian ▪ Banners : And that under every of those , there were three Tribes , Et erant in illis vexillis picturae notificantes Tribus quae erant sub illis vexillis , and so Tostatus . Others conclude their S●gna to be as in Gen. c. 49. Jacob describes them , but R. Abraham , Aben Ezra , though he will have their Banners charged with Insignitions of distinction , yet forsooth , the figures on them must needs be those four in 1 Ezec. 10. An Eagle , a Lyon , a Bull , and a Man ; but that conceit Tostatus rejects , and adds a good reason , revelatio illa de quatuor animalibus nondum fuit facta , fuit enim facta , postea per multa tempora cum propheta esset apud fluvium , Chebar . Though therefore the certain rise of familistique distinctions be not infallibly concludable out of the Text ; yet there is much conducing to , not only its probability , but its full proof , especially when thereto we add that the Israelites were of noble Parentage . Of a free stock , whose Parents were not in bondage , which Tully , Boetius and Budaeus , make necessary to Gentility , ( Gentiles sunt qui eodem inter se nomine sunt , qui ab ingenuis oriundi sunt , Quorum majorum nemo servitute servivit , Qui capite non sunt diminuti . ) Of great numbers , warlike Nature , and aptitude to Generation they were , And in these regards needed distinctions which these Characters served for : Therefore without any violence to truth , they may ( with submission to better judgements ) be accounted users of them , and commendable Ancestors to the use of Arms in after ages of the world . Yea the Text of Numbers sayes , That the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron , saying , Every man of the Children of Israel shall pitch by their own Standard with the Ensign of their Fathers House , &c. by which our learned Translators intend , no doubt , that as the Tribe had a general devise or Standard , so every House or Family in that Tribe had a particular distinction , and of this Opinion is Lorimus . And because I take this place for a clear proof of the use of Insignited banners amongst the Jewes , therefore shall I be bold to consider the Original and learned Versions of it . Every one {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} super vex illum , so the Hebrew , or juxta as the Cald. in nota sua sub vexillo , so the Arabick Version , the word {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} signifies such a Standard-bearer , cui subsint decem millia 'T is a military Ensign , quod magnum , as the learned take it , and the word is so used as a note of prelation , Cant. 5. 10. My Beloved is fair and ruddy , the chiefest among ten thousand , the word Here , a Standard-bearer . So Cant. 6. v. 3. where Christ applauds his Spouse He calls her terrible , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} the word Here , as an Army with Banners . That is as a Standard attended with sundry Banners in defence of it : For Vexilla properly signifies the Standers of Kings and Chiefs , whose Subjects hold Estates and Offices to attend and defend their Soveraigns Standard , Labari aurei dignitatem , lege apud Laz. Com. l. 7. c. 5. therefore are they not such as Livy , lib. 8. call'd Vexilla , used by the Roman Equestrians , Vexilla se suorum parmasque cernere equitum , but large , square , and of noble capacity , to which proprius accedunt Vexilla Templorum quae in lustratione & processibus anteferuntur , saith Lipsius . And if both Vegetius and Brecman , denominate these aright a velis navium , we must conclude they are no snips or scantlings of display , but as of rich composure , so of ample dimension . Cedrenus tells us both what , and of what they were , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , which Lipsius thus translates , Vexilla panni seu vela ex purpura & auro in Quadratam formam effecta . Et in signis , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} that is according to his Character , or notable mark of evidence , so the word is used Gen. 4. 15. God set a mark upon Cayn {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} the word here , Gen. 9. 17. This is the sign of my Covenant , so is the word in the plural number taken , Exod. 4. 9. Deut. 34. &c. 26. v. 8. &c. 11. v. 3. and in sundry other places . In all which , there is implyed as evident discrimination as can be made by Language . In Grammat . {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} est litera quasi signum externum vocis proferendae character & nota , for it comes from {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} as if in the note & decyphering there were something coming towards us , which we are to entertain and take notice of : therefore though the 70. read it by {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , yet some Copies read it by {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , which being {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , as Suidas observes ; makes the sign as full of evidence , as the sound of the Trumpet is an instance of the Horsemans preparation to march or to Battel . These Signa then being their familique Banners , or Ensigns , were highly valued by them , as after they were by the other Nations , especially the Romans , as Halycarnass witnesseth , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , l. 1. Annal. so Tacit , conversus ad signa & bellorum Deos. So he . {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Castrametabuntur , a Military word , yet has also a signification of quiet repose . God would have his Saints skilful in Martial order , lawful defence he allowes , and advantagious methods he prescribes , but all his Israels Militia must tend to peace with men , and with one another . So that the conclusion hence will be this , That if God commanded the Jewes to pitch their Tents in a Military figure , casting as it were , the Tribes into four Brigades , and in every of them the several Families into lesser models , distinct , according to their Standards and Ensigns : and this the Jews did , as appeares Numb. 2. v. last ; Then undoubtedly the Jews are good instances of the Military use of Arms in National Standards , and familical Ensigns or Banners . And can we think they used not that for civil distinction , which they found so available in Military multitudes ? though the holy Text be silent in it , on that accompt , yet it being punctual in pedegree , and delivering much of that in divers places , not only of the old but new Testament , to clear the descents & rights of eminent persons , of which the Jews in their Families were very careful . The eldest of every Family being the Prince , and having the archivae of his stock in his Custody , And the Nation in general having a great zeal to propagate the honour of their Ancestors , as appeares by their expressions of having Abraham to their Father , and being freemen and not in bondage . John c. 8. v. 33. Though I say there be no distinct proof for Ensigns personal and gentilicial among them , yet there is much conducing to it , and nothing against it , nay it is probable that the Barbarous Nations conversing with the Jews , ( being in their ascent to glory , which they arrived at more and more , and to the view and admiration of which , strangers came from far to them ) learned from them , with many other parts of useful prudence and invention , This way of Military and Civil distinction , which has been , yet is , and I hope ever will be in the regular world . This for what I have to write concerning the use of Arms amongst the Jews . After the Jews , Stories tell us of Greeks , Romans , Spaniards , Germans , and all great Nations and Personages that used them in their Shields and Trophies of honour ; Sir Henry Spelman has collected many instances of them which I shall not here recapitulate , but add some other examples of Nations and Persons , who of old time gave these Insignia in their Shields : Of Nations , 't is written the Aegyptians bare an Oxe , the Scythians Lightning , the Phrygians a Sow , the Romans an Eagle , Mars by the Thracians , and a Bow and Arrowes by the Persians : the Syrians a Dove , the Indians a Dragon , the Athenians an Owl , the Thebans Sphynx his head , the Rhegini a Hare , and the Corynthians a flying Horse ; and so many Nations more , mentioned by Cassanaeus ; and for particular persons ; Mr. Leigh has given us the bearings of many , as of Joshua , David , Hector , Alexander , Judas Macabaeus , Julius Caesar , King Arthur , Charlemaine , Sir Guy of Warwick , &c. Le Mair tells us of ●emiramis bearing a Dove , Aeneas a golden branch in a green Field , with two silver Doves ; so Idomeneus the Nephew of Minos is alleadg'd to bear for his Arms on his Buckler , a Cock of the Game . ●lemannus Herculus the 11th German King , bore a Lyon : Wittikind D. of Saxony a black and after a white Horse , and a cloud of others Monsieur Columbiere has collected ; yea , the Germans to Tacitus his time , did observe the use of Arms in Shields , so did the Romans in their Cohort and Legionary Insignia , long before Nero's time , as is collectable not onely from their Coynes , on which those Emblems and Imageries are impressed , but also from Juvenal Satyr . 2. Ac nudam Effigiem Clypeo fulgentis & hasta , Prudentisque Dei perituro ostenderet hosti . So Horace speaking of the Scythians conflicts with the Argonauts , sayes Cuncta Phalanx Insigne Jovis caelataque gestat , Tegmina . — After the use of these grew more common , and were called {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , of which Vegetius writes thus , Sed ne milites aliquando in tumultu prae . lii a suis contubernalibus aberrarent , diversis cohortibus diversain scutis signa pingebant , ut ipsi nominant {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , si cut etiam nunc moris est fieri . And 't is observable that these Signa were no trite devices and vulgar pomps of fancy . But first the Images of their Gods , then of those Heroes and Military Deities that preceded their Emperours , as Mars and Romulus , after of their Emperours , as Lipsius out of Tacitus , Suetonius , and other Authours has instanced ; which superstition of theirs , gave occasion to Tertullian to cry out , Religio Romanorum tota Castrensis Signa veneratur , Signa Jurat , Signa omnibus Diis praeponit , yea , because the Romans grew so doting on their fortunate warring , that in Signis militaribus ardorem & religionem omnem suam posuere ; therefore did they descend to the fatuity of bringing wild Beasts into their Gods and Emperours places , for such at last they stained their Insignia with , as Tacitus and Pliny both testifie . By all which it appeares , that Escocheons of Arms were introduced as a help to the right use of Arms ; for if the end of Warre be to oppose enemies , and defend Nations and Neighbours in amity , who without differences of knowing , may fall foul each of other , and not do the duty of right to those they owe it to , then what is a remedy to prevent and to hinder the contrary , is of much use , and this doth Arms in Standards , Ensigns and Shields . And therefore though it be true , that these Insignia were at first Military , used onely by those in action , and upon the prealledged grounds , yet have they been for many hundreds of years , not onely the rights of Souldiers , but also of their Posterities , who are dignified for their prowess , and hold Estates of their Princes upon Tenures of service of Warre either in their persons or purses , or in councel , which is of equivalent acceptation and consequence . So that which way soever we cast our eye , though as to the determinate time of the Origination of Arms , there be more mist then clear Skye , the probable dawnings of tradition , rather then the noon-light of History , some ascribing the first use of them to the Jewes , others to Hercules , others to the Caryans and Argonauts , who accompanied Jason to the Conquest of the Golden Fleece , about Anno Mund. 39 21. & brought back with them charges on their Shields , in token of their Victory ; of which Opinion Hyeron Bara is , as others are that it commenced in the Trojan ages , in Alexanders time , under Julian , in his conflict with the Moores , The Goths and Vandalls irruption into Europe , the times of Theodosian , Charles the great , Barbarossa and others . Yea , and as well the Germans as any ; though I say in this doubtful and not to be determined case , every one being restive in his opinion , there can nothing infallibly , as to the time , be concluded . Yet this is without doubt , that when , or by whomsoever Arms on Shields , or Coats or Banners were brought in use , it was upon grounds of inconvenience found without them ; for confusions are often parents of Order , and mens sufferings lesson them to Methods of regularity , which till they have smarted , they cannot so readily learn . God in the Creation rescued light from darkness , and garbled Order from the confused Chaos , and Nations are ever most ingenious to prevent those evils they have most bin injured by . Therefore though in the breaking in of Saracens and rude Barbarians into Christendom , great havock was made of sacred edifices , antick Utensils , and Monuments of honour ; yet at that Port ( probably ) came in the more generall use of Arms and Banners Military and gentilicial , because against them were the great confluences of Christians united , and in the expedition against them randevouzed . And hence also 't is probable , that Arms grew appropriate to Families , for either those that were in Command in the Holy Warres , and used Arms in their Banners , Shields , or outward Garments , upon their return from that service , took those devices or Arms as their due , ( for then it was permitted to every man to take what Arms he would so none bore it in his own Nation , and he adds his reason , nam sicut 〈◊〉 sunt inventa ad recognoscendum homines , ita arma & Insignia , ) or else had indulgence from their Soveraigns or his Chieftains to bear them ; which time and use has improved into a customary legall and rightful appropriation to their Issues and their Descendents , and to no other in that Nation , without the deserved censure of usurpation , for which an action of injury lies , & tryal by Battel was allowed and performed , and was frequently practiced in this Nation , and other Countries yet allow it . It remains now , that somewhat be mentioned of the Origination of Arms , Gentilicial and familicall in our own Countrey , England , which I doubt will prove of a latter date then many of our gay boasters say they have born them in their Families , there are some that with those Romans Plutarch speaks of , call themselves {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , that is , elder then the Moon . No pedegree pleases them , but that which is ab Evandro & Arcadibus . I am a great admirer of antiquity , and honourable Auncestry , but reason and History shall sway me beyond any passion or opinion ; for if consideration be had , that for some hundred years , this Nation was under the harrass of Warre , and in the storm of forraigners assaults , and after troubled with the Cholique of civil uncivil Warre ; there will be little reason to be over confident in matters of Pedegree and Arms , much beyond 400 years . I have it from the learned Knight , who adds too , Neseio an ea prorsus antiquitate . Yet when ever ( as about that time I conceive its rise ) the first users of Arms , and the first that had originall right to them , were such of the Brittish Nobility and Saxon line as kept their honours , fortunes and seats , or some of them in the changes of Government ; They being fortunate , and not frown'd upon by the Conquerour and his Sons , kept their stations , though his Normans had the place and power in Court and Camp , and as these grew more and more habituated to his Government , and he abated of the rigour of a Victor , and made by peaceable Government more calm , so these shewed themselves more openly , owning their rights with greater freedom . From these , and from the Lords of the new Model , sprang twigs of honour , which after became tall of growth in the springs of honour , most of the Families of our now ancient Gentry being Issues from them , dependants on them , or preferred by them , yea dignified with badges of trust and honour , neerly allyed to those great mens bearings : so true is that of Giraldus Cambrensis , where speaking of the great men , He sayes , Clientes hos suis quasi armis instructos armigeros suos forte vocant , & Militum foeda cum armis suis , suis armigeris dedisse ; Thus as the Romans of old called their best and most noted Servants Gentiles , as we read of Bruti Cassii Ciceronisque gentiles , as Tully himself calls servius Tullius , ( after King of the Romans ) Gentilem suum , which I take to be as much as Pliny meant by Marcipores & Lucipores , which were the Servants of Marcus and Lucius ; It being the honest and just custom of Antiquity , not onely amongst us and the Romans , but even in the primitive Jewish times , to account faithful and worthy Servants next to Children , and accordingly to reward them , as appeares in that passage of the Patriarch Abraham , where Eleazar of Damascus his Steward is by him declared his Heir , he being childless , nor must it seem strange ; for who merit so great respect , next to those a man begets , as faithful Servants that attend them and theirs with love and trust ? Mr. Cambden tells us of Ja. L. Audley , who attending the black Prince at the Battel of Poictiers , was there sorely wounded , the Prince rewarded him with a gift of 400 marks of yearly rent , who presently gave the Princes gift to his four Esquires , saying dutifully to the Prince , Sir , It is meet that I do well for them who deserved best of me , These my Esquires saved my life amongst my Enemies , and God be thanked , my Ancestors have left me sufficient Revenues to maintain me in your service . And if it be usual in story , to read of brave Spirits remunerating valour , even in Enemies , as Edward the third did Sir Eustace Ribamont , a French Knight , who personally encountred the King , and held him tack a long while , till the King twice beat him on his knees : at last the King took him prisoner , with these words , Sir , You are the Knight in the world that I have seen most valiant , either in assault of Enemies , or defence of himself , whereupon he gave him the Chaplet of Pearl he had from his Head : for which cause , the said Sir Eustace gave 3 Chaplets garnished with Pearl . If Friends have been rewarded ( as was R. Steward , D. de Aubigny Marshal of France , by Lewis the 11th who had given him the royal Arms of France with Buckles , Or , in a bordure Gules , as Cambden instructs me ; and as Albeney was by H. 1. to whom he gave 140 Knights fees in England , and 120 in Normandy ; ) Why is not the merit of Servants and Dependants , who spend their youth in faithful drudgery , and own no parts or worth but what is at their Lords devotion , to be amply repayd them , where Masters have opportunity and power ? Truly I see no reason , but it so should be , and so accordingly did our Honourable An ceors now with God , do , and by this grateful bounty of theirs , have the Families of the lesser Nobility in a great measure been increased . No man acquainted with Story , but knowes that of old most of the great Estates and Commands in England , were in the hands of such favourites of the Conquerour and his Issue as they granted them to , who by tenure , in their persons and with their Tenants , Servants and dependants were to attend their Soveraigns in their Warres : these Great Men granted parts of their Tenures to persons , either related to them by match , service , or affection , upon such termes as they themselves either were obliged to the first grantor of them , or else on other conditions of advantage to them , giving them also Coat-armour ; either parts of their own , or some other as to them seemed meet . Thus did many of the great Houses of Cheshire grow from the Earls of Chester , who had power to erect Baronies and other Titles within their limits , which they did , and granted them over to hold as freely of them as they themselves held of the Crown : thus also grew from the Houses of Albany , Vere , Strange , Vfford , many Noble Families in Norfolk ; and so others in other parts of the Nation . Hence probably came in the Titles of Knight , Esq ; Yeomen , which were at first badges of personal service & domestique relation ; for though miles which we render Knight , be understood generally to import a choyce person , quasi ex millibus Electus , One of a thousand as we say , A brave person picked out of a multitude , and furnished with a noble Horse chosen out of many , clad in Armour and Cooperizons , tricked and adorned with Gold , which some think is the reason they are termed Equites aurati , as others conclude them so named from their guilt Sword and Spurs ; Though I say Miles be acknowledged as a Noble Dignity , And the great Orders of Majesty in the World be those of Knighthood , yet anciently it was a name of service , not onely in order to Tenure , the greatest Estates of England being in Knights service , to which I suppose Upton has an eye in those words , Miles est quasi servus Reipublicae , but also in regard of attendance on the body of some Lord , Peer , or great Person on Horseback , who from being his A●mour-bearer was stiled Knight , or in Saxon Cnicht , of this fort were Knights Bannerets , who are by mistake written Barronets , but they were not inheritable , but of personal Office , of these there are many Parliament Records , cited by Sir Edw. Cook , 2 Instit. p. 667. on the Statute of Additions , which is as much as , a lusty young man , a Servitor and Minister , not accounting himself adorned with rich Clothes , precious Jewels , and Carpet toyes , sed in scuto divulso , fracta galea , gladio hebete , facie vulnerata , as Vigetius his words are . These Knights are called by Bracton , Radcnichts , Gallants bound by Tenure and service to attend their Lords on Horseback , as Esquires did on foot . Hence the phrase Esquires of the body , an Office well known in the Court , ut pote qui antiquitus militem a latere insequend● arma ejus ut commilito fedissimus tulerit , saith Mr. Mills . Therefore Gentlemen or Esquires , ( which differ little in antiquity , ( are both called Scutiferi and Armigeri , and till Edward the fourths time , Lords ( if not Knights ) were but stiled Armigeri , bearers of the Arms of their Chiefs , in which regard a King is called ( Jovis Armiger ) by Cerda , and by them dignified to bear Arms in their own right , it being usual in elder times for great men both of the Clergy and Laity , to give honour , not onely that of Arms bearing , but also Knight-hood , as is noted by the learned Selden , though of late it be onely restrained by Law to Soveraigns and their Deputies or to Supremes in their respective Dominions . After as this Nation grew more setled , men of vertuous ambitions , sought to deliver themselves from dependencies and service , addicting themselves to such studies , imployments and courses of life , as they judged most conducing to their speedy emancipation , and peace , proving no shambles of youth , the increase of their number necessitated a more then ordinary Industry ; And the brave Spirits which were monopoliz'd by Great men , and which breath'd out their lusty blood in Warres , became diffused into all quarters and conditions , the Court , the City , the Law , the Schools , as well as the Warres , and the Houses of great men , shared them amongst them , and by these grew thrift requested , and the effects of it reached great Honours and Purchases : So that as great men of fortune and favour rose by Industry and Gods blessing upon it , as either were of the Original Brittish , Or of the dignified Norman race , Yea and in few years , the Lands , Arms , Honours and fortunes of the Normans severe Lords of the Nation , came with their Children in Mariage , to those ▪ honest English Gentlemen who were once their unfortunate vassals , Or to their Issue , whom time and national change had made freemen . Thus ( besides many others ) I read of the ancient Family of Fitzhugh ( Lords of the Castle of Ravenswich , before the Conquest ) that they continued still their Splendor to the time of H. 7. per connubia cum haeredibus duarum familiarum Normannicarum Forneaux & Marmion . The consideration of the advantage industry accomodates the Nation with , and the justice of returning laborious Ingenuity a just reward , as it has made the common Law of England disfavour perpetuities of Lands in infinitum on Families as tending to the Eclipse of Industry , since if Lands may be entailed on all of a Line , then those Families that have Land , must necessarily alwayes have it , and no others ever after purchase it , which seems contrary to the pleasure of God , who appoints worldly revolutions , giving and taking away at his pleasure ; so also doth not the Law of Arms in England , favour engrossing Arms to the Gentry of one Age and not of another , but still leaves a latitude of admission to all men of merit , whom the supreme Power either immediately , or mediately shall think fit to dignifie with Arms , Provided such Emblems and Badges of Honour be not injurious to those that bear the bearings , ( through mistake given them ) with greater right , For Princes as well as meaner men , may erre by misinformation , and justly recall their grants as a punishment to the insolent falshood of their deluders . ) And in other mens cases the rule of Law is determined by Baldus , si quis assumit arma seu Insignia alterius qui eis longo tempore usus fuerat tenetur poena falsi . And this the Officers of Arms who are ever privy to the transactions of these things , are well to look to ; For though no man of Honour ought to have an evil eye because Gods is good , but give suffrage to , & approbation of rewards of vertue , even to persons of mean and base Origen , like the Flavia Gens , of whom Suetonius writes , obscura illa quidem ac sine majorum imaginibus , sed tamen Reipub. nequaquam paenitenda ; for as much as the vertues men express are the gifts of God , who often exalts men of low degree , as Saul , David , Praemislaus , Tamberlayn , Tullus , Hostilius , Theodosius , Servius , Archelaus , Marius , Valentinian , Telephantes , Bonosus , Chongius , and multitudes of such like in all Ages and Countries , who being above the vulgar , nay above their own Births and Parentage ; Ought to have , and have had a great share in the honour and esteem of men and Nations , though I say no man ( of wit and worth ) denies these their right to Arms , yet men of blood and honour , who have not attainted their stocks by disloyalty , will be ever impatient to have their rights given to others , while they have right and possession of their Arms and Badges of Gentility : and battel was allow'd for tryal of right in this Case between Harding and Saint Lowe , An. 1312. by leave of Robert the Scotch King , for the rule is , id quod nostrum ( si enim prius est nostrum ) sine facto nostro , a nobis auferri non potest , and another rule there is , nemo potest arma amittere nisi propter infamiam ; As deservedly did Andrew Harkley , created Earl of Carlile by E. 2. loose by his infamous disloyalty , not onely his Arms but his Knight hood , for he was degraded , and all his Military Trophies taken from him , and at last drawn upon a hurdle to the place of Execution , and there hanged , beheaded and quartered . In this case when as Arms and Honours are forfeited by Treason ▪ Or return into the Supremes hand by act of death , a Family being eraced , and the title to the Arms dying with the last of the bearers , Then the Supreme not onely as ultimus haeres , but as fons honoris , may grant those Arms and Honours to any it pleaseth , without injury to any Subject , Or , to its own Honour . So that the result of what precedes upon this Head , amounts to this , That Arms as honourary dignities , and generous distinctions between family & family , and person and person , have bin undoubtedly born from the time of Hen. 3. since which there is sufficient proof of them ; and though long before that , many Families might be rich , potent and noble , yet some of them either had no Arms , as many yet in Ireland have not , though ( in Sir Henry Spelmans words ) Nobiles e primariis familiis , and as in the contest between Hastings and Ruthen , which endured from Richard the seconds time , to Hen. the sixth , one of the Deponents in that Cause , who was Estirpe nobili , said , Nihil sibi insignium accidisse , quia nec ipse nec majores sui in bello unquam descendissent ; Or else kept no constant Coat , but gave now this , anon that , sometimes their Paternal , otherwhile their Maternal or adopted Coats : which variation causing much obfuscation in History , 't is not easie to fix ( upon true warrantable grounds ) the constant lineal bearing of Coats in a line of unchanged descent above Henry the thirds time ; since which Civil Warres and riotous Commotions , Jack Straw , Wille Waw , and their Companions in Richard the seconds time , Cade and Gate in Henry the sixths time , the Bastard Fawconbridge in Edward the fourths time , Perkin Warbeck , and the Black-smith , in Henry the 7ths time , all these ( saith Leigh ) with their accomplices , have defaced Law and Arms , And I doubt our late troubles have repaired neither , for as that grave Civilian Bocerus has notably observed , Bona quae bellum aufert sunt liber Christianae religionis usus , Reipub. tranquillitas , studia literarum , possessiones agri , vineae , praedia , domus , agricultura , Mercatorum Navigatio , pecora , aurum , argentum , Milites etenim Castra sequuntur saepe , non ut bonam & justam causam Defendant , sed ut spoliato & exuto omnibus fortunis adversario , Ditiores domum redeant , pileis inter se nummos distribuant , holosericum non ulnis sed hastis metiantur . So he , and so I have done with the nature of the Subjects Symbola , and the modification Decora . The third is the end , for which Arms and Devices honorary are given , that the Description termes double , ad notitiam ad honorem latoris , By this then it seems , that these apposite Symbols are not toyes and insignificant nothings , but Emblems of real , though tacite Language , and the conjunction of them here lessons us to observe : first , the Order and Locality , second , the Import and Nature of them both in the common and select interpretation . As to the Order and gradation the description has been very regular , for Notitia is the first step to honour , men must know before they can venerate , God sets up light in the Soul as the inlet of Faith , Love , Adhaesion , In which sence the Scripture saith , They that know thy Name will put their trust in thee , for Knowledge is the Centinel that examines all approaches to the Main guard of the affections , and it is seldom seen that a true esteem is fixed in the heart when the understanding is not convinc'd of the Nobility of the Object . It is true , there is no demonstrative reason to be given of Love and respect , that is , there is not alwayes such a concurrence of praeliminaries and worthiness in the objects of Love , as justifies our love to be placed with judgement and choyce , approving it self to the rationality of humane nature , for what reason is there , that men love and hate things that they have no experience of the good or evil of them ; yet is there an ictus or impulse occasioned by view , Narrative , Or some other accident , which hath cogency and force of Conquest on the apprehension , which by gaining that advantage , proceeds to prevail on the affections , and thence on the outward man , from which it obtains that which is called respect and honour ; so that as in all naturall operations , there is Cause and effect , which in order of time precede each other , so in knowledge and honour is there an order to be observed . Since the honour we give to any thing or person , is but commensurate to the Knowledge we have of that thing or person , and issuant from it as the tribute we give to that excellency of worth we apprehend . Secondly , The Imports of Notitiae and Honour both in their common , and in their select acceptation is notable . For there are many things that are Notitiae , as well as Arms , which yet are not of such personal and familical honourable intendment as Arms are . In all Ages , and Nations , there are Notices of distinction , both for persons and things . And some are allowed what others are not , because they are of more conspicuity then others are , and therefore sacrated and separate from vulgar familiarities . Suetonius tells us , of Severus , nunquam libertinos in Equestrem ordinem redigisse ne Equestris Ordo commacularetur , The names of Heroes were not to be given to mean persons . The Athenians had the name Hermodius and Aristagiton in such reverence , that they made a Law Ne illa servis indere liceret . And Domitian punished Metius Pomposianus , for giving the names of Magon and Hannibal to his Servants , Tanquam clarissimorum virorum nomina servili contagio polluisset . The Agrarian Law began thus , Et in hoc more positum ( Quirites ) institutoque majorum , ut hi qui beneficio vestro Imagines familiae consequuti sunt eamprimum habeant concionem , qua gratiam beneficii vestri cum su●rum laude conjungant , There is a casual difference which results from the instability of mortality , which makes Time , through the versatility of men that live in it , of a various nature . That which is fashionable , religious , legal , loyal in one age of the World , is exploded as singular , prophane , irregular , foedifragous in another , One Arian Emperour makes the World Arian , and a Constantine recalls it again Christian . In Maximinus his time , Souldiers were so moderate , that a Souldier after the Persian Warre , finding a Parthian bagg full of precious Jewels and orient Pearls ; threw them all away , least they should corrupt his mind , Solo pellis nitore contentus , saith Salmuth . And Polystratus , a Macedonian Commander , prosecuting Darius , and being athirst , called not for Silver or Gold to drink in , but drank out of his Helmet ; but in . Julian the Apostates time , these Hectors were more dainty and braving , ( Miles quasi mollis per antiphrasin ) Armato saxum non erat cubite sed pluma , & flexibiles lecti , et graviora gladiis pocula , testa bibere pudebat , Domus ac aedes marmoreas requirebant , they are the words . of Ammianus Marcellinus , a Souldier and an Historian , These and such like accidental notices there were between man and man , age and age . But the Notitia's of most remark , are those which are design'd by polities , and canoniz'd by Lawes and National usages . The Romans had their Annulos Aureos to distinguish equites a plebeis , who wore Iron Rings , They had their Notitiae , and other things which they called Senatoria Ornamenta , Or after Ulpian , Magistratus Insignia , because the proper endowments of the Senators , who were accounted Speciosae & clarissimae personae . To these Magistratique attendancies , Prudentius alludes in his enumeration , — Nonne cursim transeunt Fasces , secures , sella praetexta Toga Lictor , Tribunal , & Trecenta i signia , Quibus tumetis — They had besides these their Latisclavius , Or loose Purple studded garment , for which cause they are called Laticlavii Senatores , Their Calcei Lunares , or half Moon'd slippers , to teach them , that though they were Patritii , yet Lunares , men of place in the Moon , the Mistress of inconstancy , they had their Perones , which they wore as no other Citizens did ; for theirs were lapillis quibusdam gemmisque praecicosis exornatos , according to Raevardus , which Tertullian mentions Latent in ( singulis smaragdi , & cylindros vaginae suae Solus gladius sub sinu novit & in peronibus uniones emergere de luto cupiunt , These and such like marks and notices had the Romans , and at this day have all Nations ▪ and all Orders of men in them . The Clergymans Canonique habit , the Peer , Knight , Gentleman , Burger , Arts-man , are all , ( in orderly times , ) distinguishable by their Habits and attendants , which were their Notitiae or Credentials , where their better authentiques to esteem , were not necessary to be produced . And where as common Burgers and Arts men were not allowed Arms , either in Shield or Seal , yet the Law justified their use of marks , by which they distinguished their property ; and who ever used their marks other then by their privity and warrant , was accountable to them for it . And Bartholus instancing in Smiths , or makers of Paper , who to distinguish that they own from other mens making , set their marks on them , adds this reason why it is not lawful for one man to use anothers mark , Quia ex hoc populus laederetur , acciperetur enim opus umius pro opere alterius . As then there are other things in Notitiam , as well as Arms , so are Arms in Notitiam , as well as other things ; for Notitia being a forinsique word , & coming from Nosco , thence Notio , and Notitia as much as cognitio , reaches whatever intimates more then it expresses in the outside Character . Arms in Seals or Coats , Walls , and Windows are notices , that the bearers of them of generous extract , were owners and Masters of that their Arms are fixed on , or to , and that either by right , as of foundation , Inheritance , or Purchase . Or else of Custom and Possession : and he that removes an Arms , and usurps a Seal of any Gentlemans , giving it as his own , is to answer the injury at the Law ; For the Lawes of Nations give every Gentleman as true and distinct a Title to his Arms , as to his blood , and as in case of Lands , the evidences of them are as rightfully the Heires or Purchasers , as the Lands themselves . So in Causes of honour the Law judges Arms the Gentlemans right , as truly as his blood in his veins ; Hence is it , that Gentlemen bearing Arms , for some are asymboli , not onely those heretofore mentioned , but those also which some Civilians call Nobiles asserti , concerning which Cass. cites much out of Lucas de Penna , and Bonus de Custilli , with others , ( and such are Gentlemen by Courtesie amongst us ) ought not to debase themselves in giving marks ; for that is if not laesio Nobilitatis , yet diminutio , a kind of temporary degradation of themselves , and a vilipending of their dirth-right , and of the fair and flourishing Character of it . A Gentleman is a Brother in Arms to a Prince , and is not to part with any punctilio of generosity , to comply with petty degenerous conveniences , unless it be in the pressures of life , and under the straitness of fortune , where to blazon ones birth , is to heighten ones misery ; for as the Lawyers say , Omnes descendentes admittuntur & habeantur pro Nobilibus , donec perveniunt ad paupertatem , vel arte viles , & tunc incipiunt esse non nobiles , to which the Philosopher assents , Nobiles sunt quibus assistunt progenitorum virtutes & divitiae . If then the supports of honour fail , better admit silence to the claims of honour , during the Eclipse and absence of riches , which should honourably support it , then own it to its contempt . Among the Romans there was a value set of the Estate that a man must have , that would be Equestris Ordinis ; and if any man had not that Estate in value , he was not eligible to that dignity ; and if after he was in it , he spent his Estate una desinebat equestris Dignitas , His Dignity determined ; for as the Judgement in the Case of Mountacute Marquess of Winchester , degraded for want of Estate , mentions , Baro non potest dici Baro nisi sit potens ad arma tenendum . As then Arms have a Conjunct import with other Notices , so have they a select one , being given not onely to distinguish , but to adorn and beautifie the bearers , as meritful instances of Vertue , Or descendents from such as deserved the honour of generous Trophyes , to their posterities coruscation and ennoblement . Undoubtedly 't is a brave thing to be well born , the Greeks couple {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} with {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} and {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} making virtue & worth the best indications of noble Birth , which Nicostratus had an eye to , when he told Archidamus who boasted of his descent from Hercules , and yet tempted him to betray Cromnus , promising him a great sum of mony , and Lucaena the beautifull , to wife , O Archidamus , I perceive by these juggles and degenerous actions , you are no descendent from Hercules , for he went about the World to root out bad men , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , but you are industrious to make good men bad . Let therefore spightful high shows , and Sots of yesterday declaym against Nobility and Gentility , yet all sober men and times have made it a great step to trusts and commands , the Roman Salii ( or Priests to Mars ) were men of greatest authority , and of most leading note ( such as Appius , Claudius , Scipio , Africanus , L. Bibaculus , Antoninus ) and sundry others of the grandest renown ) yet these were to be ex patriciis , Liberi , Cives & qui neutro Parente Orbati essent . And when to this advantage of blood , they joyned that other of personal vertue , making that a conspicuous Plume in the Cap of generosity , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . Such an one deserves prayse for his advantagiousness to mankind , The Poet tells us that vertue is the merit of fame . Non census , non opes nec clarum nomen avorum Sed probitas Magnum ingeniumque facit . And Tully vindicates himself against Salust thus , Sanctius est me meis gestis florere , quam Majorum auctoritatibus inniti , & ita vivere , ut sine posteris meis Nobilitas initium & virtutis exemplum , yea , when envy and ill will has spit out her poyson , worth will have compurgators from the breasts of Enemies . Photius Leostenes , when his detractors spitefully asked him what good had betided the common-wealth in his Pretorship , replyed , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , ye have ( replyed he ) saved your breath and spent none of it in sad Orations bewayling mens unfortunate deaths , but every man has been buryed , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , with their Fathers , not forced to abandon their houses , and live and dye strangers to their own Land , but preserved in peace and justice to a sober and sacred Serenity of life , which is the Crown of Government , and the commendation of the Governours . No doubt then , but there are vertues suitable to particular Persons and Callings , as Piety to a Divine , Fortitude to a Souldier , Industry to a Tradesman , Learning to a Philosopher , Memory to an Orator , Justice to a Magistrate ; but to a Gentleman well born and well bred , all , or most of these , are in some degree or other requisite . And the Law of honour in all Nations , as it qualifies a Gentleman for any conferrable honour ; ( the greatest title of honour being but an Improvement of Gentility ) so it requires the choyce of men to fill up that roll , out of which the select Jewels of Nobility are extracted , Nihil aliud est vera Nobilitas quam vita humana clara virtutibus per Electionem et habitum animae intellectualis exterius operantis , saith Vpton , Therefore all Supremes in their Patents and grants of Dignity , have these or suchlike passages : regalis nostrae dignitatis fastidium non solum ornari sed & augeri etiam prospicimus dum viris virtutibus claris et in rebus gerendis strenuis honorum titulos dispensaremus , Or after the mention of the justness to reward Vertue , praesertim quos parentum praeteritorum nobilitavit memoria & propriarum virtutum merita clara obedientia condecorant ut praemiata virtus roboretur intrinsecus , & multos alliciat ad virtuosos actus , to shew to the World , that they hold none meet subjects of honour , who have not vertuous minds as well as great Estates : therefore Budaeus out of Aristotle , calls {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} and proposes three contenders laying claim to it , Liberty , Riches , Vertue , some will have them in other terms , Riches , Lineage , Vertue , Science , so Mr. Leigh . I shall consider honour in England as having this threefold rise , The Camp , the Court , the City , these with their Appurtenances have been the Trojan-Horse , out of which have appeared the great Actors on the Stage of Nobility ; For unto eminent persons arising from these is Honour due , and to such there will honour be ever given . — For God forbid either the mean Originalls of brave men should betray them to a stupid neglect of concurring with that providence , which may open the Prospect to their future felicity . Tullus Hostiliur wore out his swadling clouts in a poor cottage , and spent his youth in tending cattel , Et validior aetas Romanum rexit Imperium , Or the heroique spirits of men , well born , and nobly set out to display their merit , should not have encouragements {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , to make them contemn danger ; which Polybius sayes , wrought so mightily with the Roman Youth , that they expressed more joy to hear their General recite at the head of the Army their valiant acts , and be themselves beheld as deservers of their Coronae , Hastae , Armillae , Torques , Phalera ; Spolia , and the rest of their manly renumerations , then fear of danger or death , in those atchievements they undertook . Honour there is no doubt , is the reward of vertue , and vertue the stimulation to valour : Learned men have spent long treatises in the definition and prayse of honour , as that Golden Fleece which attended by Dragons will be assaulted by magnanimous Jasons , 'T is the great minds Dalilah , and Sampsons of courage will buy it at the price , not onely of many other mens , but of their own lives . Sabellicus makes Fame the tinder which kindles sparks of mettle into flames of action . This roused up those early Knights , Romulus and Numa , to shew themselves , ambo sperarunt diversum a mortalitate , yea , and of Hercules he writes , Haec illi vel noverca infestior quae nunquam passa esteum quiescere , haec durior quam ille imperiosus Eurysteus per quem tam varie exercitatus est Alcmenae filius , deinque fuisset ille nunquam tantus , si spem de immortalitate famae ▪ nunquam animo concupisset ; O honour , thou art the wind in the sailes of Industry , which brings it to its Port ; Thou art the Musique of the Spheares , the sweet notes whereof , those early queristors onely hear who are by the prayses of Myltiades , kept alwayes waking , Thou art the mortall moveable Heaven for which men contend to , and comfort themselves in death , Collige●te Hieronime stabit vetus memoria facti , mors acerba , fama perpetua , was spoke like a Roman . In a word , Honour branch'd out into Divine , Moral , Politique , is a large field , & Histories abound in Instances of it coming in upon the spring tydes of opinion , and carried aloft upon the wing of Providence , the arbiter of this Universe : some we read courting honour as their chief good , and bayting all the hooks they ●●ve to catch advantages , when they are but nibling and smile upon them onely with a half face ; Valour , beauty , learning , fidelity , temperance , justice , and all sorts of excellencies have been exchang'd for fame ; yea , some Artizans have been so transported with the thoughts of renown , that they have coveted no better pay then perpetuity for a Master-piece , in which they have expended the flower of their lives , Egnatius tells us , that the Venetians being to build that famous Church to St. Mark , invited with great promise of reward , a famous Artizan of Constantinople , a Greek born , to be their Architect , He promised to do it , for no other reward then this , That he might have his Effigies in Marble , set up in oculatissima Templi parte ad aetern●● sui memoriam , which he had , yea Eudoxus was contented to be burned in the body of the Sunne , if he might be permitted to come so near it , as but to take the Scheme of it to leave to after-ages . No wonder then the Philosopher calls it externorum bonorum maximium , and that Lawyer , Cunctis rebus praeferendus , nummario precio non aestimandus , no wonder though Scipio find it so speedy a Scalado to Spains Carthage , when it is the Circaean Cup that enchanteth all men , and leads them upon attempts of gaining it , though never so desperate and improbable . To these ancient marks of honour , the visible Emblem are Arms , which is chiefly due to the Souldier , as being the first born of merit . Honour sprang originally from the Field , for it being the effect of Power , and Power creating right of Empire , Honour must be concluded to be purchased by venture and a high mettled Courage , like that of Nimrod , who is called a mighty Hunter before the Lord . It being usual in Scripture , as to call men of savage and tyrannous Natures , Men of the field , as is Esaw , from whom those many Dukes mentioned in Gen. 36. are said to be descended , so to describe their recreation and imployment of life to be hunting of beasts with Bow and Arrow rather then with snare and catch , that thereby they might be the more active , and better trained to the domination and overcoming of men , and the greatest Conquests and first Empires of power , were those Asian ones , the weapons of which for a long time were , and yet in some degree are , according to the use of Hunters , Bow , Arrow , short sword , Dart , and in those times , as to the most valiant the right of power fell , so to such as had any degree of eminency above the vulgar , were rewards apportioned . All could not be Kings , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , all could not be Captains of the Hoast , all could not be Princes Standard-bearers , all could not attain Scylla's honour , to have a statue of gold in publique inscribed Cornelio Scyllae Imperatori fortunato , but all that merited might have rayes of dignation , even in Israel there was a Kings Daughter in mariage , and making an obscure house splendid and free , offered by Saul to him that durst encounter Goliah , which David , by Gods spirit , entertained , and for which He had with the Kings Daughter , her Fathers Kingdom ; so amongst the Greeks in their Certamina Olympica , and their athletary agonies , there were vast and various rewards . The Romans also had their encoragements to worth ; for though they admitted no mean man to Magistracy , till he were Emeritus , and had attained 50 years of age , when they were permitted , ( till they were rewarded with Commands or Pensions to be sub indulgentiori militia , & sub vexillo , as Budaeus his words are ) though in ordinary Cases they gave no testimonies of acceptation , but upon great experience ; yet did they with all freedom venerate the Senatorian eminence , in their Issue , whom after their deaths , they call'd Patricians Descendants from the first Senators who were called Dii majorum gentium , as those that were from Tarquins time chosen into place , were Dii minorum gentium . They had their Equestris Ordo , which consisted of chosen men of singular fidelity and fortune , illi vetustissimi & proprie & Soli equites Olim dicti , saith Pliny , lib. 33. c 1. Nobiles qui vadunt in equis , so Upton , Or as Varro , miles quasi millessimus quisque , so Connanus . Such were these , that not onely the fourteen Orders of the Theatre was under their correction , as was the Orchestra within the Senates Charge , but they had their Rings and chaines of Gold ( as before has bin remembred at large ) to be their vouchers where ever they came ; In place whereof , Our Eques auratus at this day is , which is our Knight Bachilor , possibly the same which Olimpiodorus mentions in Honorius his time , to be called {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Bucellarii , men of merit , not only Romans but other Souldiers of stoutness & activity in amity with them ; for though our common Law use Miles rather then Eques auratus , yet because Knight-hood is properly a Horse dignity and duty , and miles tam gregarium calligatumque peditem significat quum equo militantem & honoratum , many judge Eques auratus more proper to signifie a Knight ; for as the great Estates of England were held in Escuage and Knights service , so that service is most performed on horseback ; and those that found Horses of Warre , were to be men of Gentility and value , Our English Papinian Sir Edw. Cook tells us , Lex angliae nullum sentagium aut servitium militare de Socmanis aut Burgensibus expetit : therefore the better to enable the Gentry to perform the service of their Tenure , Lands in Knights service were never in Gavelkind or socage , nor could they be chargable with what should disable the Tenurer to do his service , because those Lands by Original designation were not in servitium Socae sed belli , till by the 31 H. 8. c. 3. some alteration was made , nor till near H. the fifths time , were Gentlemen distinguished by any title or addition , but by their forinsecum servitium , which was Knights service . To omit then the account of that military honour called Knight-hood , which forraign Nations have , and what Cassanaeus , Bocerus , Patricius , Bartholus , Bara , Lazius , Vpton , and the rest say of them , together with the annumeration of their priviledges and qualities which Mr. Fern out of them mentions at large , I shall onely touch upon the dignity of it , as in our Nation , and by Our Law and Custom it is acknowledged , for that is the best rule of every place , illud quod in observantia & moribus utentium observatur , est tantae efficaciae quod tollit statutum in contrarium , saith Jasius . The prementioned Oracle of our Law , Sir Edw. Cook agrees Knighthood to be a name of dignity , and Fern a dignity of regality , a reverend order and an honourable , Milites and Principes in elder times , were accounted almost Synonomous , in King Stephens raign , when David King of Scots came into the Northern parts , Brompton tells us , Milites & Principes Angliae Boreales animo si cum insigni Comite de Albemar lviriliter restiterunt . Britton also termes a Kt. noble , and in the Record of 9 Ed. 1. Sir J. Acton hath the addition of Nobilis , and nobiles sunt qui arma gentiliciae antecessorum suorum proferre possunt , therefore though the Order or Statute of 1 Ed. 2. did call every man that had 20 l. a year in fee , or for terme of life to Knighthood , which was ad arma militaria suscipienda , yet by that authority , the Yeoman or Handicrafts Tradesman could be compelled , because he ought to be a man of blood , and to have a fortune able to support the charge that dignity would contract . Ne dignitas hujus ordinis vilesceret : therefore by the Law , he should have a Knights fee , which is about five Hydes , and in measure is 480 Acres , reckoning 96 Acres to the Hyde ; and if men were not thus estated , they were incapable of this dignity , as were they also of being Coroners , Or to serve for Parliament , Or to enjoy other freedoms which Knighthood had , which was instituted ad arma militaria suscipienda & pro bono publico , saith Sir Ed. Cook . After as the Nation grew more numerous , and honours appeared in request , ( that every back might bear its own burden ) and one man of a name not bee injuriously molested for another , this Statute of 1 of Hen. the 5th , enjoynes that all Gentlemen and other persons , should express their additions , thence came the Addition Armiger and Generosus to be in use as Gentilicial affixes , for they were primarily Military , and have become distinctions civil , onely by the adoption of Custom , and the prevalence of peace , whereby the Gown hath brought the helmet to the Barre ; and trains of artillery have vailed bonnet to the Trayn of Councel , and owned the Senatorian Robe as the fountain of that legal being they had , and the security of that pay they could expect . 'T was so amongst the Romans , till their Souldiers grew lawless , and lost the honour of their promises ▪ And when Carthage so much doted on Military designs , sacrosanctarum legum , Justitiae , politicarum rerum cultum aut abjecerat aut neglexerit , which Servilius mentions as the cause of her ruine , and conclusive downfall . And therefore well it becomes the Civil Magistrate to be head . For in him are lodged the Nations brain , its vital and animal spirits , in him is the life blood which assists to all Heroique and important affaires , and carries Government afloat from the rocky shoares , and fatal Catastrophe's of Anarchy and Tyranny . The Holy Oracle tells us , councel and strength are for the Warre , First Councel , then strength , Councel to design , and strength to execute , Councel to command , and strength to promote obedience . For in that the Orator is brought forth , as saying , Ego meis Majoribus virtute mea praeluxi , & si prius noti non fuerint a me accipiant initium memoriae suae . I am thorowly confirmed in the conviction that Nobility , and Honour of Gentility and Arms bearing , is as worthily merited by Learning as by courage . Far be it from me to curtail that honourable esteem which our Ancestors gave Souldiers , and Equestrian spirits , that were an ingratitude to those lines from whence mine own Ancestors came , and a baston of allay to that Gentleman who should extenuate the merit of military Grandees ; Our land , lawes , liberties , were of old , effects of that vertue , courage and constancy , the noble Gallants of England expressed in the field against the enemies of their Governours and Government ; and peace being the consectary of Gods blessing on that laudable resolution which gives being to the life and lustre of arts and professions of civil conversation , ill expresses her self to her genitor , If she do not bless the womb that bare her , and the paps that gave her suck . If the world rang of English Prowess , when our Ancestors engaged in the Holy Land , and made Conquests and gainings neerer home , 'T would be a shame for an Englishman to declame against a Souldier , or to account Furs and Emblems of Councel better armory then habiliments of Warres , such as are Sword Shield , Lance . 'T is written of Johannes Galleacius , that he so loved valiant men , that he would purchase them to his party at any rate , profiteri enim erat solitus nihil esse ea mercatura nobilius qua viri insignes pararentur . For without question , while Souldiers are choyce men , who with the Gospel Centarion , love Gods Nation , and rayse and uphold Synagogues to his worship ; they are worthy to give the Lyon of the tribe of Judah in their banner , and such Crucesignati may expect the King of Saints their Protector ; while they are for him the defender of the faith ; they will not dare to do violence to what ever has his Image and Superscription on it , nor need they fear to suffer infamy or losse of life , or member . There is an act of Indempnity secures them , He that honours me I will honour , while they are promoters of order , and a refuge to Gods exiles , as were by Institution most military Orders , They ought to be Companions in Government with the Gownmen , and they have thriven the better for such Companions and Councellors in their conduct . Alexander was no puisne in the worlds Militia , when by the 27 year of his age , he had subdued the most noted part of the world , and wept that he had not another World to conquer , yet he regulated his Motions by the Councell of Learned men , and thought Achilles who had Homer the Trumpet of his glory , more fortunate then himself whose memory could not be kept but in the Urnes of their wits , and the repertories of their writings . T is true , Souldiers have the start of Scholars in their Eagled strength by the confidence of which they soar high , making , as they think , their nest above Controll , but their Egs may be sucked by industrious Ants , and their Enterprises become addle thorough the diligent and accute vigilancies of those pen and inkhorn men , which some Pseudomilites and reputed Martialists do vilifie . Indeed there have been Souldiers , oppressors of Religion and Learning , and their professors , who have come in with Attila's Motto , Ira dei ego sum & Orbis vastitas , and have sacked Countries , rifled Academies , and disbanded Convents of Devotionaries , no exception of Rome , or his holiness in her , to whom the Castle of St. Angelo became no refuge , nor was any reverence expressed to his Pontificial Robes : neither has the world wanted examples of the danger of armed men , who with John of Leyden , force their pretended setting up of Christ to be believed , while they intend his suppression in those two great offices of Magistracy and Ministry , which he has appointed , and they would annihilate : these Milites do therefore not deserve the renown of Warriors , quia non habent virtutes necessarias ad militiam . For a true Souldier ( and no Romulus , Caesar , or Alexander , is too big for this name ) is a man of liberal and insordid principles , true of his word , f●difragous to none , of a Justice , like that of Marshall Bauciquaut under Charles the sixth of France , who being Governour of Genoa , expressed so signal Justice , that it was usual for men to say to those that had injured them , If you will not right me , my Lord Marshall will , and so abundant in pity this brave Souldier was , that he instituted the order of the white Lady , for defence of afflicted Ladies . A true Souldier must be pious , he dare best look death in the face , who dies daily to sinne , and for whom that King of terrors is disarmed by Christ his Saviour : 't was no mean honour to the memory of Bernard , Count of Longevil , Constable of France , when it is recorded of him , that he would undertake no Warlike action , before he had offered his soul , body , and arms at the altar at a solemn Mass ; A severe walking up to the rule of his Religion , doubled the fame of renowned Tilly . The holy Story tells us of famous Souldiers eminent for piety , Joshua , David , Ezechias , since them of Charlemain , St. Lewis , Godfrey of Bulloigne , Wencelaus and Amideus , besides them of Christian Souldiers , who have been devout , even to Martyrdom , Fusebius , Nicephorus , Theodoret , Sozomen ; and Baronius , mention , Mauritius , Exuperantius , Sebastian , Marius Constantine and others ; yea , if the design of Loyola , the founder of the Jesuites Order , were , ( as it is said to be ) propogative of the faith of Jesus , and purely for his honour , it was an instance of a Military mans devotion , matchless ; A true Souldier should be generous and free , a despiser of money , and of living by rapine and plunder , such an one was Terrail , called Chevalier Bayard whom Causinus mentions to have lived under Francis the first , who after 32 years service of 3 Kings , and in places of great Command , yet died almost as poor as he was born , not but that he had great advantages , but because he despised to be rich with other mens ruines ; Or be bought out of his Grandeur of mind , by a bribe . And such Souldiers England has of old had . But Souldiers like other men , vary with their Interests , and when they break out in defiance of Discipline , prove troublesom ; Gaguine in the life of Charles the 7th ; reports that the French Army grew so afflictive to the Nation , ut dissoluta militari disciplina , milites Petro mariscallo non audiebant , pertulce illiberaliterque viventes , praedas non mitius a Francis quam ab hoste facientes , mulieribus injurii , monasteriorum violatores & contemptores religionis . As for these Vermin of the Camp , they are no guests at Prince Arthurs round Table , Arms were never appointed for their Trophies , who abuse themselves by such sordid debaucheries . My prayer shall be , that there may be such an unanimity between Arts and Arms , that both may sing Glory be to God on high , in Earth peace , good will to men . And when Souldiers , are humble , harmless , and loyal , as they are great encouragements to men of art , who in profiting by study , hope to be accepted , protected and preferred by them ; so have they the grateful returns of learned pens to their publication and perpetuity . No Authour mentions an Heroique candor and friendliness to men of learning and gravity , without some Emphasis which has a Top and Top gallant display in it , Cuspinian notes of Alexander Severus , that valiant Emperour , That he would ever have Learned men present at his Councels , adding the reason , plurimum timens ne quid de se asperum scriberent , the like did Constantinus Ducas , but upon another ground more ingenious , solebat dicere malle se literarum gloria quam imperio illustrem esse . And Certes , these two compounded , make the reason why learned men have been minions and bosom friends of Souldiers . Thus Philip of Macedon , favoured Aristotle Theophrastus and Plato , Alexander Anaxarchus , the Gymnosohists and multitudes of others , Demetrius Poliorcetes Stilpo . Lucullus not one or some , but all the knowing race , ut domus ejus Grecorum Roman venientium Prytanneum diceretur , Cato major Zeno's statue , Cato minor Athenodorus , Pompey the great Possi●onius , Augustus Caesar , Varro , Cicero , Livy ( innumerosque alios doctos uno tempore ) and ●arolus Zenas Vergerius and Thomasius , to name no more , and if the learned have been favoured by the greatest Hectors , there is reason they should requite them with memorials of perennity . And that they do by proclaiming , not onely their personal worth , but the Nobility of their profession ; And so we conclude the Camp the first rise of arms and honour . Next to this is the Court , which I give the second place to , as it is in the Order of honour ; for as in old time , the greatest honours were those of the field ; so the residences of Princes were in tents and agrestique Pavilions , till Cities were built , and Pallaces receptive of Majesty erected , No Court Paradoe . Or munificence was read of ; Not that I restrain the Court I write of to the Courts of Princes and great men , which anciently were ●ampus Martius's , as well as Bacilicae Civiles . For then as great mens servants were chosen for their proceritie of person , strength of limbs , activity of manliness , so were their Halls , courts and stables , randevouzes of men at arms , who there did exercise feats of Chivalry , and were breathed to Encounters of sturdiness . These Grandees of noble part had , by the appointment of the Lord Marshal an oeconomy of Symmetry with that of Majesty . To these notwithstanding , I restrain not the Court , I make a rise of honour . Nor do I exclude these from the Court I intend , ( but as I take them in , so with them Courts of Law , as in the head of Cities , I intend Schools of learning , usually kept up , and flourishing in Cities and Corporations ) The service of Princes in their Courts no man can doubt to be less then a kind of Nobilitation , so the rule of honour is , adhaerentes lateri Principis & eidem in officio quocunque minimo ministrantes Nobilitantur . Soveraigns are in their Dominions Fountains of honour , and where such a constellation of Nobility is , there must some sparklings be diffused which will take kindling in the tinder of minds , pursuing glory with a Jehu-like fierceness . All men love to draw the curtayn of obscurity from before their Ancestors , and by degrees of Enlargement to make the prospect of their persons more pervious . No field so fayre and probable for this as the Court , which had a weight for every action , and a calculat of the Meridian of every actor . There was a Market for all staple rarities of body and mind , and no price was thought too great for a darling introduced by virtue , and there kept up by the steddy practice and unchangeable motions of vertue . The Favour of a Prince is such a Sun of influence , as makes a shrub placed in his Court , and under his royal eye and observation , quickly of a Cedars growth . 'T is such a benign umbrage as expatiates little spires of grass into the magnitude of Lawrels , and to speak before a Prince , gives an Orator ( who has a noble and a notable confidence , and whose fontenel sends forth matter with words ) such an occasion of ingratiation , as life meets not with in sublunary professions : This made the graduate Divine from a Chaplin in ordinary , become a prefermentary extraordinary , Arch Bishop , Bishop , Councellour , yea sometimes all , a favourite . This made the wellbook'd Lawyer , who had a ready tongue to serve every Clyent that would fee him , made a Serjeant , Attorney , Solicitor , Justices of the Benches , sometimes Lord Chancellor , President , Treasuror , all advances to honour and gain ; such an One was Henry Audley in Hen. 3. time , who had vast Lands given him by the King , Lacy Earl of Ulster , and sundry others , and of whom Mr. Cambden sayes , He was doubtless , either a man of rare vertue , Or a gracious favourite , or a great Lawyer , Or all joyntly . This ( the Court ) gave rise to many younger Children , who born of noble Families , and of good beauty , and grace of beheaviour , were here trained , and by the favour of the two great Luminaries in that Tyssued Firmament , bestowed in mariage to persons of honour , endowed with ample presents , and promises of favour , promoted to great offices of profit and income , dignified with honours of familical as well as personal splendor . In a word , no man has come to , and continued in the Court a worthy man and servant , but he had preferment in a Courtly order , and as corresponded with the Opinion of desert there had of him , unless he were one so transparent , Omnibus inducturus caliginem , that Jewels in his presence abated to Chrystalls , And Gold became nothing above a sediment of faeculency . In this case Envy may retard the speed to advance , and infect Princely ears with prejudices , which are often ruinous , before revealed , and the fucus and falsity of them detected , but otherwise the Court of a Prince was a visible step to Glory , and a Tyring-Roome out of which have come into the Theatre of view royally clad in the Robes of favour , not only the Minions , Parasites and favourites of Princes as high in their Masters love as Merit or Flattery could make them . Such as Lupus Earl of Chester with the Conqueror , Brewier Baron of Odcomb to R. 1. Hubert de Burg. to H. 3. Peirs Gaveston to E. 2. Delapool Earl of Suffolk to H. 4. Brandon and Cromwell to H. 8. and many since . But also infinite others , who there have grown noble , rich , and happy in the ordinary account of felicity , so that its felicity caused the Lillies and Dazies to outglitter ( as it were ) Solomon in all his royalty . If soft rayment , and cloths of state had bin badges of regality , they might have been judged almost as many Kings as men ; For therefore doth the Law of Nations fix rule in the Sun , the noblest representation of the light and lustre of Soveraignty , Quia in curia sua sunt & esse debent praenotabiliores homines mundi in quacunque facultate . And as the Court of the Supreme , so the Inns of Court with their appurtenances , have been generous Academies of noble and brave spirits , for though therein have been admitted of late years , many men of the first head , who either have had fortunate Fathers or friends , or have been bred Clerks , and transplanted themselves from the Inns of Chancery thither , ( which I mention not as their reproach or diminution , having my self known very brave ingenious persons , and noble Students of this mould , who profiting to good purpose , have by that Limbique from the simples of their Origen , extracted many Cordials to dying glory , and given such doses of Aquavitae , as has fetcht their dead Ancestry to a new and better life ; ) yet anciently , no man was capable of an entry there , but a Gentleman of Arms and Blood , and Mr. Fern sayes , he has seen an Alphabet about the end of Henry the fifths time , in which were the Names and Arms of the House and Family of all those who were members of an Inn of Court , who exceeded not the number of 60 all Gentlemen of perfect descents ; and Fortescue tells us , that in H. 6sht time , the Inns of Court had in them 200 or near ; and because the expenses of living there was at least to every man 20 marks a year , ipsi nobilium filii tantum in hospitiis illis leges addiscunt . A notable means both to preserve a royal race of wits , and a generous emanation of them in stout and resolute profession of the Law , to the defence of Justice and right ; for there is the Athens of Law , in it Reverend Judges and Grave Serjeants , sage Apprentices , learned Barristers , ingenious and florid Students , viri omnium horarum , who though they come thither to study , and with presumptions of the ayming at further and future advantage by the Law , which they are thought to read in order to practise , yet are not tethered or limited , but give themselves a latitude of following that which is most congenial to them , and has the directest line to accomplishment and generous politure . As all faces are not alike , but all have figurations of the Creators power and wisdom , visible in them ; so are not souls and addictions of one and the same peece , Nor is there a uniformity in the expressions , delights and sameness of the Objects . In some there is more ballast then sail , in others more fire then earth , and accordingly are the objects of their complacency . These Inns of Court are fitted for all , Here the plod and studious Cato may read Littleton , till he be in Little tune for ought but musing , and the more facetious and planetary spark meet with quick tasted and more delicious choyce and well Cook'd learning to busie him ; and if to any other art , or to all other arts , Gentlemen of an equilibrious soul are addicted , they may here have opportunity to buy Authours that treat of all subjects , and converse with proficients in all Sciences . For London is near , and that being the Metropolis of the Nation , has a daily flux , & reflux of persons and things to and from it ; which is the reason why I suppose these Inns of Chancery and Court are if not in , yet very near London , as the cause of the building of London is said by Dunthorn Book to be , The River of Thames ; for as the River gives advantage to Trade , so doth London to study , practise , and all other Gentile Embehshment . Hence is it , that these Inns of Court have been the Schools of Civility and Chivalry , as well as Law . For the Country Gallant is here first principled to his after improvement ; Here by reading both Books and Men , Here by knowing wisdom and folly , He after becomes a Luminary in the Countrey Firmament . An Oracle of the Justice Bench ; a worthy representative to Parliament ; and here his Juvenility acquires him such a weapon-skill and confidence , as ever after renders him , though retired to a Country privacy , disdain a baffle , or be deservedly censured for estrangement to a noble bodily beheaviour ▪ and deportment . And therefore it was wont ever to be a commendable addition to any man , to call him an Inns of Court man ; for such were never accounted lesse then honourably accomplish'd , their Revels , Masques , and Solemnities of Gallantry and Entertainment were ample Orators of their compt breedings . It is true indeed , these Societies were instituted for Nurseries of Law and Hosteleys of the Students and professors of it , who there lodged and read the Municipe Laws of this Land , and had Mootes and publique Disputes and reading , by which , and by conferences each with other , upon perlection of Authours , and perusal of Records and Entries , the Students became worthy degrees of pleading , and after in their due place of further procedure and honour ; yea it was wont that some great Masters of knowledge in the Lawes , did institute the younger frye in the methods of study and intelligence , as by name did learned Fortescue , chief Justice and Chancellour to H. 6 , a man of rare parts , as appears by his polite treatise of the Lawes on which by Gods blessing I shall write more in my intended , and in some degree formed Commentary on that subject . He I say was learned in both the Laws , a great Antiquary , and devoted his parts to Students who frequented him . But that way of institution is obsolete , And now Students are left to their own methods , and to such helps of conduct , as arise from conversation one with another ; And I believe that professors of the Law of this last 100 years , are not lesse famous for their Authority and Grave Judgements , then former ages ; Nay the names of Plowden , Dyer , Fitzherbert , and Cook , do deserve to be in a line of parallel with Bracton , Fleta , Glantill , Littleton . Yea there have risen out of these Societies of late , three such Behemoths of learning , Sir Thomas Moor ; Sir Francis Bacon , and Mr. Selden , all Lawyers by profession , as this Nation in their several times and perfections , could not exceed , I quote not their eminencies for Law , but for all kinds of excellent learning ; and more I could nominate of vast reading , and great curiosity in Arts , whose names , because I would not either displease them , or their enviers , I forbear now to mention , onely I must not have that of a great Master , be unmentioned . All these , ( saith He speaking of the Inns of Court and Chancery ) altogether do make the most famous VNIVERSITY , onely for profession of Law , or of any one humane science that is in the world , and advanceth it self above all others , quantum inter viburna Cupressus . So that there can be no wonder at the Nations civility to the Members of these Societies ; for in that the Students admitted , are counted ipso facto Gentlemen , though they are not natively so : the Baristers of all standings Esquires , and the Serjeants of the Coyf a State and Dignity , as is that of Knighthood , and have Robes and Solemnities somewhat ad instar sacrodotis , as Fortescues words are , c. 5. Yea inasmuch , as the via Lactea of the Nation is ermind with hundreds of Families of great Estate and blood , whose either founders or amplifiers were Lawyers , ex judicum sobole plures de proceribus & magnatibus regni huc usque prodierunt quam de aliquo alio statu hominum regni qui se prudentia & industria propria , opulentos , inclytos nobilesque fecerunt , and whose Ancestors ( to use Sir Edward Cooks words ) have obtained a greater blessing and Ornament to their Families then any other professions ; yea since the Lawyers , though men plyable enough to all Powers , and not often Martyrs for the Lawes ; yet have ever been zealous for their habits , and the external decencies of their professions , and have mannaged their Interests with men in place , to the advantage of their calling , as appears by their complyance with all changes , and by what the Chancel : Fortescue councels the Prince concerning them , qualem habitum te plus ornare optarem , cum potestas tibi fuerit ad decorem status legis & honorem regni sui . It is just and right to allow , the Inns of Courts and their appurtenances , rises of honour , and seminaries of Gentility . Now the 3d parent of men of honour & Gentility , are Cities & Corporations with their relations , And because Academies and Schools of learning are not now in places of retirement , but in and near Cities and Towns , most opportune to hospitat resorters to them ; and those to accomodate with all sorts of necessaries . Therefore do I treat of them under the head of Corporation ; And forasmuch also as they are to Corporations , as the soul to its body , the more noble part , therefore shall I marshall them first , and crave leave of Corporations , to give precedency of treaty to the Schools ; and this I the rather do , to obviate and confront the ages malignity against them , who every year contribute more to the Nations Order , piety and augmentation , then in a myriad of ages their enviers and detractors will do ; whose work it is to bring a mist of ignorance on mens mind , and by that obcaecation , to lead them captive to Barbarism and superstition , and to rifle the charities of deceased Patrons , to feather their own deformed and voracious nests . To the Schools then be ever reserved their due honour , they are the Mines of learned Oare , refined into massie bullion , currant Coyn in England . They are the Colonies of polite literature , the foments of subtle wits , The inextinguishable Virgin Lamps in the Temple of vertue , thorow which is the march to that other of honour . 'T is true , the hand of the Lord is not shortned , nor his wisdom limited more now then of old , He can call Prophets and Apostles , yea Princes , Judges and Priests , from mean callings , and instantly qualifies them with parts and principles suitable to his call , and their designation . But in that he now works mediately , and gives men helps of gradual accomplishment , by Languages , study , and learned conversation . It becomes us to value these mercies , and not contemn this Mannah , because of its plenty and our easie procurement of it ; Had we not Schools of our own , we should be constrained as of old , to wallow in ethnique barbarism , Or else take tedious journeys to kindle our vestal fires at forraign altars . Did that evil tread on our heels , how nimble Asahels should we be , to out run the darkness that pursued us ? what a value should we put on Schools ? In them are taught Languages , Arts , Sciences , by the Key of Language , brave wits open the Cabinet of art , and there view the contexture of nature , and the Harmony of her dependence , in the glass of her Ornature they view the complexion of arts , and in her crucible assay the loyalty of her maxims , and after a long search into , and disquisition of Authours , they become in mind , so deep an Ocean of speculation , as deserves almost the name of that infinity of apprehension , which we call knowledge and wisdom , the abundance of which , made three Princes , stored above their fellows , more famous then the vastness of their Empire , to which it also was auxiliary , Solomon , Marcus Antoninus , and our late King James , a triplicity of unparalleld Majesties , and glorious Ornaments to Schools . From these Schools of Ours , have proceeded those renowned names of Bede the venerable , Halensis the accurate exact Aquinas his Master , Scotus the subtile , Bradwardine the profound , ●ckham the invincible , Hooker the judioious ; From these have issued forth those Gentlemen Priests , Evangelique Heroes , Noble Martyrs , and venerable Bishops . Cranmer , Ridley , Lat●mer , Philpot , Ferrars , and their successors , in Order , learning and sincerity , Arch Bishops , Bishops , Doctors , and other Graduates of Divinity , men of rare parts , and of signal generosity . Stupor Mundi Clerus Anglieanus , many of whom have not onely contemned their lives for their Countries service in Embassies , Treaties , and studies of an indefatigable nature , but also their posterities and worldly remembrances , to make the Religion of the Nation their executors , and the poor their heyres , And others of them , so free of their pains to preach , write , and entertain their auditors , neighbours or strangers , that they seemed to keep an all the years open house of civil charity ; yea ( the foundations of Kings excepted ) none have been more august then the charities , and institutions of Ecclesiastiques . And because the old civility of the Nation , allowed the Praelacy of England the estimation and dignity of Peerage , giving them place and vote in their supreme Councel , And for some hundred years , taking as it were the Laws from their mouths , ( they being Judges of most Courts of Justice ) and being great Masters of the knowledge of the common , civil , and equitable Lawes of England , till of late years they have bin superseded , and suffered an Eclipse next door to annihilation , therefore shall I originate the honour of men of the Schools from that which is the proper Culmen of the Schools dignation , The degree of Doctor , which is by all the Insignia of it , Magistratique and honourable . They are invested into that degree after solemn act kept , and many inferiour degrees gone thorow ; which Scarlet Ring , Cap , and other Ceremonies of respect , yea our Civilians , a race of brave parted men wholly ( the more 's the pity ) neglected in this teechy and versatil age , have had names as famous as Papinian , Ulpian , Bartholus , Jasius , Lazius , Budaeus , Grotius , who enjoyed priviledges to be Counts fellows , called Illustres , & other immunities , to the number of 130 , if Lud. Bologninus do not mislead me . These with Doctors of Divinity and Physick , reputed highly of in the eyes of Nations wise and worthy , are the superexcellent and graceful darlings of Universities . In short , from these the learned Nobility and Gentry , who here are first tutored and nourished , and from this their Mothers milk , grow to be succulent Philosophers , great Historians , Acurat Orators , exact Pen-men , to whom , as well as to others , the Nation and World will be ever debtor for their great proficiencies in arts , and their free and noble communications of their labours to these and succeeding ages . These many in number , and of very great worth , being sprigs from the Academique stock , must argue her a noble Plant , and deservedly accounted a worthy Parent of honour . As therefore all Students in the Inns of Court are accounted Gentlemen , and the graduats Esquires as before is expressed , so is the like civility applyed to the Students in Universities . A Student there is a Gentleman in Title , though he be not so born ; but if he have taken Degrees of perfection in the arts his Degree is his addition , and upon his demand , Heralds cannot deny him a Coat of Arms , if none he hath ▪ For advancements in Arts , argue a meriting of that Ensign of honour , arms bearing . And it has bin a common tradition and a received rule , Nulli docto , nulli in scientiis liberalibus excellenti Honoris Insignia sunt deneganda juxta illud virtutis alimentum honos . If therefore the Schools do so 〈◊〉 accomplish many generous wits , who thither come for entrance into learning , and there stay till either they be transplanted to the Inns of Court , or else called abroad to travel ; yea if many thousands are to them brought meanly accomodated , onely sharp set on study ( as the Mint and Mart of their after fortunes ; and there have behaved themselves so worthily , that no scholastick preferment has bin thought too much , rather not enough for them : But their Prince , privy to their merit , commanding them thence , has delegated to them trusts of a more Courtly nature , and a more eminent conspicuity . Do not these ( though meanly born , and poorly friended ) deserve a name in the display of Armories ? As their persons had , and have great respect , so ought their Issues to be sutably regarded ; For a brave man of parts and Councel , is fellow to any Master of Courage and Conduct , Non viribus non velocitate corporis res magnae geruntur sed consilio , authoritate & scientia , saith Tully ; and Trogus , sayes of Alexander , victoriam obtinuit qui consilio gubernabat exercitum , For true courage has no allay from learning , but rather a clearer prospective by it , to those advantages which unite the means with the end , and crown the valour of men with all desirable Encomiums which are of proof against envy , as were those paire of perfect Gentlemen , Sir Philip Sydney , and Sir Walter Rawleigh , Tam marte quam mercurio nobiles , Noble personages , civilly learned , and militarily valiant , of whom t is hard to say , whether their Characters are more illustrious for valour , or for learning ; but this I am confident of , both of them have left greater Donaries of learning , to this and after ages , then ever they communicated of Martial Discipline to any race of men , that should endeavour to cause a high silence of their renowned atchievements , as the opportunity of their own access to credit and popular fame , which is seldom a fixed Starre over the Families and memories of us planetary mortalls , but a wandring and wanton Comet which blazes for a while , and then sets ( as to this world ) in a deep dismal tenebrious cloud of forgetfulness . Next to the Schools , come Corporations to be considered as a step to honour ; And here should I call to mind , the fruitfulness of Cities and Burroughs ; in production of men of all ages , merits and professions , who have honoured this their Nation both in affaires of warre and peace , in manadgery of Ecclesiastical , Civil , Naval , and Land Trusts . I should exceed my intendment , and appear troublesome to the facetious Reader , whose skill in History , furnishes him with the view of many flowers of lustre and odour , which have grown out of every Corporation and City in England : Great Souldiers by Sea and Land , grand Clerks , Theologues and Historians , Orators , Physitians , learned men in both Lawes , industrious Antiquaries , men of all excellencies , have no lesse risen in Cities , Towns , & aggregate bodies of men , then in Counties and places of solitude and retirement : I shall therefore as a confirmation , of Cities and Corporations to be rises of Honour , treat onely of London , the Metropolis of this Nation , as that which hath been very succesful in impregnating , not onely it self , but even every County and Condition of England , with men of fotune , and all other generous qualifications . And here I crave leave of the sober gallantry of this Nation , to write somewhat of this noble City , the place of my birth , which though she is the Object of many mens contempt and censure , yet has such constellations of beauty , order , and importance in her , as render her a considerable poy●e and an interest of influence on all the Nation . I have not so perfrict a forehead to justifie London in all her demeanors ; nor am I so deluded by love , that I cannot see her division , and the fatal Issues that are menaced by it , let the world have their freedoms to judge her distempers , far be it from me to take offence at their just exceptions , nor can knowing men justifie her , where where she has acted unjustifiably ; But let not London be rashly judged and condemned as guilty , before her charge be duly and legally proved , let not the gravity of her Citizens be blasted for the intemperance of violent parties in her , who use her name as their credentials to renown , and terme their actions by the name of Londons actions , when as they are in no sober sense Londons , nor are what those Phaetons of fury do , to be charged on London , but with regard to the deluge of necessity , which prevailing , carries all before it , and has had a similarity of Empire on all the Nation , and hurried every part into a paroxism , next door to Anarchy and dissolution . Allow her then but some proportions of candor , and she will appear not unworthy their value , and my veneration , which I would here testifie by some short notes upon Her , as the Epitome of this our English Government , in the legal and most acceptable representation of it . London is the England of England , a City famous for her antiquity , prius condita quam illa a Remo & Romulo , according to Stephanides , called nova Troja , because modelled instar modum veteris Trojae . So Jeffry Monmouth . Ab. Westmo computes it about the 2855 year of the world , Knighton about the time of Ely and Samuel : famous it has been for its Trade , and frequentation of forraigners to her ; which Tacitus hints when he sayes , Copia negotiatorum & commeatu maxime celebre . Bede termes it , multorum populorum emporium terra marique venientium . This London having all those three priviledges , which Thucydides requires to a free City that it be {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , use its own Laws , it s own Judgements , it s own Magistrates : & having Citizens in her like those of Tyre , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} the honorable of the earth , as the phrase is , Isa. c. 23. v. 8. hath ever been highly accounted of as a pregnant rise to growing Honour and Nobility . For it has of old bin acknowledged Camera Regis , and the Citizens ( freemen of the same ) termed by Hen. 1. Barones , which terme , signifies viri fortes , or according to Bracton , robur belli , and M. Paris , adds they were so called , propter virtutis dignitatem , & civium antiquam libertatem , thus H. 3. stiles them all his time , as appears not onely in his Charter Anno 9. but in M. Paris , p. 749 , 863 , 974 , &c. The like is storyed in Malmsbury , Londinenses sunt quasi Optimates pro magnitudine Civitatis in Anglia ; and a little after , Non decere ut Londinenses qui praecipui habebantur in Anglia sicut Proceres , &c. And if any honour result from the place of birth and residence , to the person born or resident as all the Doctors agree , Nobilitas causatur ex loco quoniam civis ex urbe splendida oriundus nobilis est , as the rule is , and as Cassanaeus alleageth many instances ; and if that Custom of allowing those quasi nobiles , and entitling them Barones , qui hahent jurisdictionem in suis oppidis & castellis , as the Neapolitans hold it , be good Authority , The Citizens of London , qua such ; ought not to be depraeciated , or suffer degradation from that esteem and regard , which upon the premises considered , is thought to be due to them . Let no man envy London , its old deserved Honour : it obtained it when , and kept it , while it had it , upon as brave termes as any place before it . It valiantly resisted the brutish Dane , when of old he assaulted it . And after in King Etheldreds raign , a second time besieged by them , sed a Civibus probe defensa , and when Swayn had mastered all , and made the then King flie , Soli Londinenses Regem legitimum intra maenia tutantes portas occuserunt . To these add their loyalties to H. 1 , to Rich. 2d in disclosing Ferrars Treason , their discomfiting Wat Tyler , resisting the Bastard Fawconbridge in Edward the fourths time , and Cade in Henry the sixths time , yea by the Statute of 6 R. 2 c. 12. which admitted all to pardon , who adhered to the Kentish and Essex , or other commotion , except certain persons , of which there were three Citizens of London , the reason of whose punishment , in being excepted , is there rendred ▪ For that one of them did first and principally let William Walworth , late Maior of London , and certain other the Kings faithful people , to shut the Gates of the said City , against the Commonalty of Kent and Essex , then traiterously in the said Insurrection assembled , that they should have none entry into the sa●d City , and to defend the same City from all Traitors . And the other two were arraigned of that that they should have bin the first and chief Councellours of the said Traytors , that they should come and enter the said City , and leaders of the same Traytors within the said City : By which words of the Statute , it appeared , that the Parliament then accounted the City their Jewel , which was not to be touched , but by the soft and gentle hands of good men and true . And as the City in general , have performed acceptable service to its Supremes , so have those their great and magnificent Masters , dignified the Officers of it , with signal expresses of honour , making the Maior ( who is a Freeman , though the head and noblest part of it ) a kind of Vice-Roy , allowing triumphal Solemnities , and resemblances of , and allusions to , those of a Coronation , at his inauguration , furnishing him with Ensigns of supreme power within his limits , as Sword , Mace Cap of maintenance , ( all which boren before him , remember me of Cassiodorus his words to the Senate , Sume mag●sterii infulas dignitatis , usurus omnibus privilegiis quae tuos habuisse constiterit decessores ) with a great Councel , grand priviledges , and accepting him not onely as their Deputy in Government , but as a noble Tenurer to whom a chief Office of Honour belongs of right at Coronations , For in the Register of the Officers of the Coronation in Rich. the seconds time thus it is written , Major Londini clamabit officium Pincernae & debite executus est , habens cyphum aureum in manu dextra ; These with other such like favours , argue the Lord Maior to be highly accounted of , and when consideration is had , that not onely in one time , but in the various successions of ages , high account has bin made of this Officer , his dignity will thence receive some addition . In King Johns raign , when things were much out of order , an agreement was , that certain great persons should be intrusted to inspect the actions of that King , and secure the peace of the Nation , The Major of London was one : in Rich. the seconds time , when Persons of all ranks were to be rated according to their degree . The Lord Maior was put at 4 l. the rate of an Earl , and every Alderman at 40 s. the rate of a Baron ; and when Rich. the first in Captivity , was to be ransomed , the Lord Maior was one of the five Trustees for dispose of the monies levied to redeem him . Yea , & when the death of Qu. Elizabeth and King James his absence here , had made a kind of Interstitium in Government , and it was thought fit by the great men of the Realm , who being Officers by Commission , abated by the death of their appointer , to make a publication of their fidelity to King James , and to notifie to the Nation whom they should expect , and ought to pray for as their Lord and Master , To this publication solemnly proclaimed , the first subscriber was Ro. Lee Maior , and after him John Cantuar , Tho. Egerton , C. Sigill , Tho. Buckhurst Treasurer , and so in order the rest of the great men ; as ( no doubt ) conceiving the Lord Maior the most fixed and conspicuous Magistrate in revolutions and changes . And as the Maior hath been thus honoured with high esteem , and had for a long time the reward of Knighthood , ( if not a Knight before ) at the expiration of his yearly office ; so have also the Sherifs and Aldermen , ( his Peers as it were . ) For the Maior , Sheriffs , and Aldermen are by the Stat. of 11 Ed. 3. c. 10. said to have the Government of the City ) bin reckoned non inter milites gaudentes & milites histriones , as Bartholus termes some , Qui non sunt nobiles , but deservers of Knight-hood upon that accompt that Salust gives of Pompey , who did cum alacribus saltu , cum velocibus cursu , cum validis valide certare , Thus did 1● . of them obtain Knight-hood from E. 4. William Walworth and five more from R. 2. Eastfield and others from H. 6. Horn ●ate Astrey from H. 7. and others of them have bin made councellors to their Princes , so was Feilding to H. 6. and Ed. 4. William Fitzwilliams , and Sir John Allen to H. 8. Yea , and the Grandfather of that Virgin Lady and the mirrour of her Sex , Queen Elizabeth , ( the once glorious Mistress of these Islands ) Sir Jeffry Bullen descended from the famous House of Norfolk , was in Anno 1457. Lord Maior of London ; And then is said to have to wife , one of the Daughters and Heires of Thomas Baron of Hoo , and Hastings , Knight of the honourable Order of the Garter . Further as to the Maior , Aldermen and Sheriffs of London all Citizens , these largesses of bounty have been expressed ; so has time and common approbation admitted other Members of the City into title of Gentility , as well as Grandees in Law or Schools ; For as to those that either have held the place , or fined for Aldermen , the title Esquire is given ; So to all Citizens of London , though in the City the addition of their mystery is most usual , yet the title Gentleman , where natively they are not such ( for there are many of both base and noble Origen ) is by the national courtesie given to such of them as are of creditable professions and fortunes : which civility and grateful goodness of the royal Government of this Nation , has been repayed by the City in all ages . No part of the Land affording more brave , free and well advised spirits , then here have bin born , bred , and provided for , To spring from a thriving younger Brother , who has an elder Brothers fortune , when he has prodigally wasted it , Or to be the first of a Stock , whose rise is not by blood and baseness ; is no lesse honourable , then to descend from Hercules , and want the noble qualities of his Issue . And yet London alwayes had , and yet has more defiances from the Issue of her Citizens , the more is the pity , and their shame , then from all persons of high blood and honourable Ancestry . Yea , though she has had many profitable Offices to give , by which many have lived plentifully , and raised great Estates , and had good Opportunities of requiting her , by publication of her lustre and renown : yet none of them that I know of , have publiquely done it , Bale and Pits indeed mention one Robert Bale , or Balaeus Senior , a Citizen born , who did omnem suam operam , omne studium eo dirigere , ut ejus splendorem magis magisque illustraret . But the works that he is said to write for Londons honour , are lost . Nor does London encourage any of her own to appear this way in publique for her , many Monuments of antique honour and order , undoubtedly she has , which neither any abroad , nor she her self knowes of , That Sword of Goliah is wrapped up in a repertory of secrecie , lying by the walls , as a meet companion for dust and Cobwebs . O London ! Thou hast ever been the glory , but the envy , the Oxe that has been muzled , yet ever hast trod out the Corn of profit to the Nations advantage . Thou hast bin the Candle that hast lightned others out of the dark of obscurity , into the morning brightness ; and yet hast bin condemned as dulsighted to the perception of thine own interest , and the glory that attends the due and devout improvement of it . Men say thy purse predominates thy Councel , and when they look upon thy wit , they wonder at thy wealth . This is thy censure from thy detractors ; but for all these speeches of anger and mordacity , London has bin , & I hope yet will be London & flowrish with that crowning mercy of orderly and peaceable Government , when her enemies shall be cloathed with shame . Gods blessing and the River of Thames , are such demesnes about this Capital City , as will supply her , maugre the ill will of all her Opponents . Thy name , O beloved City , has bin too much acclamated , thy officiousness to general good , too much anciently owned , to suffer a final and total infamy for some demeritings . Let thine accusers first prove themselves innocent , before they cast the stones of punishment on thee ; And while thou hast the merit of thy predecessors valour , of thy Magistrates bounty , of thy Citizens riches , and of their posterities flourishing in all parts of the Nation ( who are not lesse fortun'd , and bred in points of honour , then becomes the Condition of Gentry ) keep thy spirits about thee , to recriminate thy reproaches ; and if thou couldst keep thy purse , and match within thy self , those that revile thee , would soon be deeply in debt , and hopeless how to rid themselves from danger . For it is the honey drops of thy Wealth which enlightneth the eyes of many well descended Jonathans , whose Lands would not long own them for their Lords , did not thy Widows and Daughters portions , pay off their encumbrances , and clear up those mists which hinder their view of them as their own , till they be removed . Shew me O ye contemners of Cities and Corporations , wherein ye exceed Citizens , and the Issues and products of them . Is there any part of the World or this Nation , more hospitable then London , whose Families ? whose poor are better provided for then Londons ? where are there any subjects in England , that in plenty and variety of entertainments , exceed the Maiors and Sheriffs Tables ; to which all commers that are of fashion and worth , though unknown , are welcom , was not that Table ( think ye ) well furnish'd , which in one day entertained Edward King of England , the Kings of France , Scotland , Cyprus , Edward Prince of Wales , with a grand Train of Nobles ; and was not he a brave subject , who then also kept his Hall for welcom of all commers ? This did Henry Piccard , Maior of London , in the year 1363. And to make the solemnity more ample , his Lady did at the same time , maintain a treatment apart for all female Honours of noble degree ? Are there any charities in England ( surviving that furious deluge of Hen. the 8th ) which are more extensive and liberal then those of Londons Fraternities and Hospitalls , both in London and other parts of the Nation , all which either were founded or augmented by Citizens , some few there have bin erected by other persons of great honour , charity and worthiness , whose devotion therein , I doubt not but God has accepted . But though I dare not presume to write that the Gleanings of Londons Ephraims , are beyond the vintage of those Abiezers , yet I may modestly and truly aver , that London , both in the number and exact care and Government of them , according to the Statutes of their foundation , is more exact and remarkable , then others are ; and those that trust them shall upon search , find them the best executors of trusts ; mistake me not , I am no conjured Creature of Londons , wherein truth and Justice , Religion and Order , defie her , I must not justifie her , Magna est veritas & praevalebit , If the faithful City become a harlot , if its silver become drosse , and its wine be turned to water , as once God by his Prophet complained of Jerusalem , far be it from me to endeavour her defence . But if she , when most disfigured , and in her least commendable dress , has witnesses of Gubernative Honour , and Pristine fidelity , though she has Apoplectique fits , and is under the rigour of storms , which role her up and down from Coast to Coast , till her Pilots seem to forsake their Compass , and her commoners their Sails and Tackle . God forbid any Christian , any Englishman should wish or hope to see her in ashes , God forbid any one that is written man , should so indulge the Gourd of his passion and transitory greatness , which perhaps came up in a night , and may perish in a night , as the phrase is , Jonah , c. 4. v 10. As to repine at Gods merciful sparing of that great City , wherein are more then sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right and their left hand , and also much Cattle , v. 10. O London , I wish peace may be within thy Walls , and prosperity within thy pallaces , that Religion , Order , Trade , Charity , may never suffer a finall Eclipse in thee , That the riches of thy Citizens , which Popes have termed , puteus inexhaustus , may rather be the delight of Scholars eyes , who with Pope Innocent , shall desire to see divitias Londini & delicias Westmonasterii , then of a Ruffians fists , who would desire to plunder thee . And blessed be God for thy riches , and the good provision thy Citizens thrift has made , for not onely their Children , but for the ample maintenance of the churches and Churchmen in thee ; for as thou art abundant in sacred edifices , ( so that the great Cambden , thy learned Sonne sayes , Templis undique & aedibus sacris ita fulget ut religio & pietas sibi delubrum hic collocasse videatur , ) and those so nobly kept and adorned , as little more can be desired to their Ornament , unless St. Pauls , thy viduated Mother Church , might be repaired , which in these sad changes by being unchaptred and revenueless , is now in a great measure , ready to be a colluvies of ruines ) excepting onely this Venust Monument of Antique Christianities devotion . This St. Pauls at London , once not inferior to that St. Peters at Rome , though now likely to have no long duration , but in that paper Monument which a skilful , painful , and well accomplish'd Antiquary has erected to her perpetuity ) all the Parish Churches are in a comely dress , worthy that orderly Religion the Citizens profess . And the Ministers in them , ( maugre all the malice of fanatiques and antiministerial dissenters ) are better provided for , then in most parts of the Nation besides ; For though some curse the patrimonium Crucifixi , and would dip their morsels in potions like that of the Jewes to our Lord : yet others , more in number , weight , and worth , with holy Moses , bless their basket and their store , and let their bounties run most fluently to those secondary Apostles , as the precious remains of Christ the Churches High Priest , which he hath left to negotiate the conversion of souls , and to propatage his Gospel , till the number of his Elect be accomplished , and till he deliver up the Kingdom to God the Father . But I return to London , which I find of great consequence to her Supremes ; for when the Lords and great men had her to back , the Lord Marshall ▪ s words to Walter Alb●net , are , Bene scitis quam magnum comm●●um est vobis & nobis servare civitatem Londoniarum quae est receptaculum nostrum . And when King Richard the second , favoured her in so unusual a way ●o indulgence , as Sir Edw. Cook notes , confirming her liberties , licet usi non fuerint vel abusi fuerunt , it concludes , that she has ever been esteemed the darling of her Royal Governour , and the Nonsuch of England , in supply of accommodations for peace & warre . So that London so ancient , and so magnificent a City , so abounding in rich , stout , grave , and well moderated Citizens , so dignified with freedoms and franchises of exemption from vassallage , so prosperous and contributive to the structure of English Honour , being the parental ayre of Princes , Prelates , Peers , Knights , Gentlemen , and others , who in regard of high desert , are not unworthy their company , must not be omitted in the roll of Honour , as she is none of the lowest steps to it . For in the Saxons time , Estate in Land or money , made men pares cum Thayno dignitate , And Estates have ever been gainable in London , if anywhere ; And that not onely by ungentle practices , such as Mr. Fern termes , Doubleness of Tongue , violation of faith , with the rest of their trumperies and deceits , for which , ( saith he ) they must be contented to stand included under the base and unnoble state of people . No nor by betraying trusts , as did Cneius Flavius , who by discovering the Patricians secrets in the dies fasti & infasti , was by the popular par●y preferred , Cum ingenti Nobilitatis indignatione , ita ut plaerique Nobiles annulos aureos & phaleras deponerent , as both Livy and Agellius testifie ; But by Gods blessing upon their careful and provident industry , which by commutation of one thing for another , and transferring the property from person to person , works out a benefit to all conditions of men . For Merchandize , which is the common title of all Trade , whether in gross or retail , is no tri●ling mechanique and indign imployment , to which onely abject and mercenary spirits are condemned ; nor is it carried on by fortuneless and needy persons , such are rather a refined sort of Pedlars then Merchandizers ; but as Diodorus ascribes its first discovery to Mercury , and its first use to the Phaenicians , whom Tully and Polydore make importers of the forraign extravagancies into Greece , and we may allow occasioners of learnings discovery to us , whom the Phaenicians ( almost the earlyest artists of the world and such as had Colonies in every Nation , and were called {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} by Lucian , because they , by their general traffique were Ubiquitaries , ) visited , by coming to our Islands for Tyn and other Mettals , as Bochartus has to my hand observed , & with variety of learning illustrated . So may its increase and propagation be attributed , next to Gods blessing , to those persons of renown and lustre , who either by natural inclination , or impulse of necessity , have engaged in it , and by their succesful dexterity , prove great advancers of National profit , as well as their own and Posterities fortunes ; For as in Solons time , the Greeks accounted Trade , as that quae commoda ex regionibus barbaris ascisseret , amicitias cum regibus conciliaret ; & multarum rerum conferret peritiam , so in this Nation , the Wittenagemote and great Councel of our wisdom , in the preamble to the Statute of 43 Eliz. c. 1● . acknowledgeth it to have been the policy of this Realm , by all good meanes to comfort and encourage the Merchant , thereby to increase and advance the general wealth of the Realm , her Majesties Customs , and the strength of Shipping , so are the words of that Statute . And therefore though in Trade as in other courses of life and professions of ingenuity , there are some debauched and sordid persons , who by sinister and undue meanes , dishonourable to God , and of evil report amongst men , acquire estates , and in Solomons words , making hast to be rich , cannot be innocent , but live the shame of their professions , and depart the stage of life , as bad actors hissed at , and declaimed against by all that knew them : yet are there of Traders as currant , generous , stanch , simple hearted , and liberal living men , most of whom are descended out of the best Families of Englands Gentrey , as the Land affords ; such as support their Families and relations , as splendidly , and leave them as fair foundations of Grandeur , as merit can wish to work upon : yea of all Orders of men in England , absit scripto invidia , none do more bless their Wives , Widows and Children , with the fruits of Gods blessing on their thrift and augmentation , then Citizens do , who as joyfully spend their Estates on their Wives , Widows and Children , or for want of these , on charities both living and dying , as ever they carefully accumulated them ; and therefore there rising from these , men of great Estates and good breedings , their children , whom though they make not Princes in all Lands , yet they render conspicuous in all Counties where they reside , and they being descended from , and entermarried with , Daughters of generous Families ; and having also the younger Sonnes of Gentile Families , not lesse Gentlemen then their elder Brother , to their Apprentices , who in time , prove great and grave Citizens , not only fellows in fortune to their elder Brothers , but purchasors of their wasted Estates , and second founders to their antiquated families and fortunes , which in them have a new , and perhaps better resurrection . It is but meet the City which deserves as well as Rome , to be called urbs aeterna , in which these budds & blowings of Nobility and Gentry are nourished to their after increase and procerity , should be accounted a Co-partner in the rise of Honour , to which I hope , London and other Corporations , will be ever contributors . If either the storms of Anarchy do not kill their sap , or the fire of dissention burn their hives . And so I have done with the third part of the description , the end why Arms and Ensigns of Honour , were instituted , which is said to be in notitiam & honorem latoris . The fourth thing considerable in our Knights definition , is the fountain or rise of Arms in those words A Judice Legitimo . And this is well added to exclude the presumption of self-creation , or of acceptation from any hand but that of the right owners . There , there onely is Honour lodged where Empire is , and if par in parem non habet imperium , then Honour cannot come from the plebs ; but springs from the womb of the morning Sun , the Orient Gyant of Majesty , who fixed in his Orb , runs a constant race of motion , diffusing beams of lustre & vivification amongst all the subjects under his aspect , Honorem distributio Principum est , & hinc uti ab ipso fonte aut per rivos , Hoc est per ministros deducenda alioquin spuria & inanis , saith my learned Textmaster , yet not without good company , for all the Doctors agree the same a principe tanquam a capite in omnes inferiores honorum & potestatum munera diffunduntur , so Cassanaeus quotes it out of them . This Judex legitimus then , is purposely added as a rampier , and mound to Magistracy , apt to be invaded by arrogance and levity : therefore the learned oppose legitimus to what ever is new , unconstituted , and of a spurious birth . Thus is Legitima cogitatio opposed to spuria ; legitimius senatus , to indictus senatus ; legitima judicia to judicia malis artibus parta ; dies juridici , which our Lawyers call temps covenables , to dies non juridici ; so careful were wise Lawmakers , that they left nothing unsetled , that might make any flaw , or seem ununiform in the fabrique of National polity ; and because the Senate was in the Roman Commonwealth , the Centre of Majesty , the Senators to prevent all suspition of themselves , and to beget a reverence of their transactions in peoples mindes , Ordered , That lawful Senates should be kept upon appointed dayes , and those were but twice in a moneth ; and Agellius adds , that no lawful Senate should be nisi in loco per Augures Constituto quod templum appellaretur , that is but by a lawful appointment , and in a place appointed , which was their Temple . So that Judex Legitimus , here excludes Uptons libertine , who takes what Arms he pleases , since Arms are not in nudam notitiam , but in honorem also . And therefore it must come from the Fountain of Honour , who is called Animata Lex , and Terrestris Deus , being as the Soul in the Common-wealths body , the right eye in the Polyphemiz'd Statue of popularities , which sweetens their visage , and renders them of deformed Monsters , amiable Objects . This is the primum Mobile , which carryes about all Orderly motions . For this cause the Apostle commandeth by the spirit of God , and his Apostolique Authority , that Prayers and Supplications , and giving of Thanks be made for all men , for Kings and all that are in Authority under them , that under them we may live peaceable lives in all godliness and honesty , And when Holy David , Sau's successor to the Kingdom , not by inheritance , for so Jonathan would have been , nor by Usurpation , for so he himself durst not have been , For if his conscience smote him for cutting off the lap of Sauls Garment , and He in a holy passion cryed out , The Lord forbid that I should do this thing unto my Master the Lords anoynted , to stretch forth mine hand against him , seeing he is the anointed of the Lord , as it is v. 6. what would have become of him . If he had pull'd by sacrilegious hands , the Crown from off his Masters head , and put him to death to consolidate his title to his Throne . ) But Holy David , though a man of valour and victory , was a man of Justice and Honour , his right to be Saul's successor , was of divine donation and especiall appointment of God , whose all power is , and who stated the Government in him , as appeares 2 Sam. chap. 12. vers. ● . and 8. And yet though God had determined his pleasure both as to Sauls life and Kingdom , yet this blessed King who had entrance by his Oustre , calls upon the most tender and pensive Instruments of passionate sadness to weep , Weep ( saith he ) ye Daughters of Israel over Saul , who cloathed you in Scarlet with other delights , who put Ornaments of Gold upon your Apparel . For surely he must be a very bad King , who is not worthy peoples prayers , when he is alive , & their teares when he is dead . The supreme power was then firstly and chiefly one , as in the elder Governments , and as in the polity of God over the World ; For though he hath in the upper House of Glory Archangels and Angels , who infinitely transcend us men in intellect , power , and dignity , yet are they no participants in rule , but ministring spirits to his Elect , the members of this moveable House of Commons here on Earth ; or in the largest concession , they are but tutelary of us Gloworms of ostentation , and puffs of nullity ; the paramount power is Gods , who termes himself a great King , and who exercises his regality , in ruling over the Kingdoms of men , and giving them to whomsoever he will , as the voyce from Heaven declared , Dan. c. 4. v. 30. But though the supreme Power be one , yet not onely one , for there have been plures , who like many figures in conjunction , have made Numeralls of great duration and augustness . Amongst the Graecians , when of Aristocratique Constitution , they gave honours , and therefore were held lawful Judges of merits , Nobilibus Athletis qui Olympia , Pythia , Isthmia , Nemaea vicissent Graecorum majores ita Magnos instituerunt honores uti non modo in conventu stantes cum palma & Corona ferunt laudes sed etiam cum revertantur in suas civitates , cum victoria Triumphantes quadrigis in maenia & in patrias invehebantur , saith Budaeus ; so Lazius reports the Romans to do , and so above this 1200 years have the Venetians , and for a long time other later Governments . But such Almanacks of Honour are not calculated for every Meridian . There are Nations that will be dull Scholars to learn any lesson Antimonarchique ; for resolution , like the Rock , yields not to any stroke but the rod of Omnipotence , and when God utters no voyce from Heaven , against Nationall Lawes , ( not diametrall to the revealed will ) his word . There is a Maxime of the Law , swayes much with many , Neminem opportet esse legibus sapientiorem . As then the Legitimus Judex in our case of honour is the Supreme , so next to these Originals , are the illustrious Copies drawn by their fair and magnified hands , such as are Vice-royes , Generalls , Marshalls , their civil and Military Representatives ; For there can be no doubt , but that military rewards and honours , as Arms and Knight-hood , are included in their intended powers ; For there is no Argument more prevalent to elicit Souldiers valour , then this of remuneration . Thus I read in the fourth of Richard the second , the Duke of Buckingham made many Knights when he entred France , and again after battels well fought , rewarded deserving gallants with Knighthood . So the L. Admiral Howard , in his voyage into Britany , 4 H. 8. Anno 1512. and upon his winning Morleis 14 H. 8. Anno 1522. So the Duke of Suffolk , 15 H. 8. when he gained Roy , and the Earl of Hertford , 36 H. 8. at Leith , after the burning of Edenburgh . The like 1 Ed. 6. was done by the Duke of Somerset , protector of the young Kings person , who Anno 1547 made above 50 Knights when he went for Scotland ; so did the Earl of Sussex , 12 Eliz. and of Essex in Cadiz voyage , And there is good reason for it ; for take away the power to give a badge of honour to a sonne of honour , and the best rounds in the scalado of great attempts , are removed , si non pro fama pro nihilo est demicandum ; Good pay indeed , and great plunder , works most an end with the vulgar and ordinary stipendiary , who having bruital ayms , is satisfied with low and mean compensations , but a spirit of elixerated mettle , purely extracted from the Oare of avarice , and quintessentially fixed upon the attainment of fame , and the enamouring companions of Heroique vertue , acquiesses in nothing but in the indubitate badges and testimonies of emeriting , which his principall gives him ; For the courage which vehiculates his attempts , and occasions his glory , is Gods royal donative : therefore the bravery of such a martial soul , is of an immortal Origen , and has no lesse Nobility then a Divine participation , not essential , but communicative . The acceptation of the performance , and the attestation of the gallantry of the subject acting it , being made known by the notices and badges of conferred honour , which are personal and Gentilicial . For where actions performed by men do benefit posterity , 't is fit the posterity of such actors should be dignified by their predecessors merit . So St. Leo , ad humanam pertinet laudem ut patrum decus in prole resplendeat . So St. Ambrose writes of one , Caepta patris dignitas in filio nobilitatur , and Plyny for them all tells sonnes , Magnum in Gloria patris Ornamentum . Yea he is no man of honour , who if worthies die issuless , as often they do , denyes them a Monument , in the minds of their most conspicuous coaevals , and a perpetuation in the intemerat sheets of Historique veracity , by which have bin preserved the memories of worthies in all ages , who yet are extant in the traditional lineaments of their virtues , visible to the Learneds eye , who view them with delight and study to publish them with additions . And now I come to the last Judex Legitimus , in common understanding amongst us , to wit , the Heralds , who though disrespected in these times , and in truth not so regarded ( as they ought ) in any time in England , which caused a man well versed in that art , to write deploringly , nunc adeo Heraldicae arti detractum est ut neglecti plane & paene prostrati ubivis vivunt . ) Yet are of ancient , honourable and useful institution , yea and have been Judges of the great debates of Nations . And though I would not hyperbolize with Mr. Leigh , who compares them to Angels , and to Aaron : yet I must acknowledge them publicae fidei intermunii , a kind of propitiators between Nation and Nation . The Greeks called them {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , and {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , and Eustathius gives the reason , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , they were accounted priestly , & had to do about the Sacrifices of the Gods ; And the regard that was given to them , made them the Instruments of publishing whatever was of a publique and extraordinary nature , and associates to persons of the greatest remarque , yea in Homer the Scepter is said to be given to Menelaus , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , nor had the Latines lesse accompt of them ; for they called them by divers names , alluding to their Office and use . Priscian termes them , Praecones a Praecinendo , quasi praecanes quod ante canant & anuncient quod est faciendum , which Plautus alludes to , when he defines them to be such as qui jussu Magistratus publice aliquid ore denunciant , qui auctionem faciebant & qui audientiam in theatris indicebant , and Tully , exurge praeco fac populo audientiam . The Romans very much set by them , Numa constituted Faeciales Sacerdotes ; and both Festus and Nonius derive Feciales a faciendo , quod belli pacisque faciendae apud eos jus erat . Varro and Livy , call these Faeciales legatos , and there were 20. of this Order , who judged of warre and peace : some of which , were ever sent to any Nation from whom the Romans apprehended they had received injury , with this Message , Ego sum nuncius Populi Romani juste pieque legatus venio . Hence the Civilians call'd them , Patres Patratos , or Nuncios Legatos , and the Law of Nations gave them priviledge to pass and repass as common Intelligencers , Negotiators of accord , and Judges of debates . For then they were of those Milites emeriti , who by long service in warre , knew the Lawes of warre and peace , and were well read in the Lawes of Nations , which determine right and wrong . In later times , they have not onely been used as wontedly , but also as instruments to convey civil honour from Supremes to subjects ; and that they might not be senseless of honour , but have quick touches of it in their breasts , as well as faculties of bestowing it in their offices , and badges of it on their Coats , the Custom of Nations , was to appoint men to such place , who were generously born , as well as so addicted , and handsomly accomplish'd by breeding , to execute aright this honourable trust . A rare caution against ignorant , sordid and ridiculous Heralds , who are distinguishable from the faeculent plebs , rather by their gay Coats , then any skill , ingenuity , or grandeur of mind they express in their actions . But I intend no inlargement on Heralds , because a better Pen has long since promised it , onely I could wish , ( if God and the Powers concur'd ) that a brave Marshal like to the Duke of Norfolk , Or the old Earl of Arundel , were revived , and such Order , in matters of Arms and Honour , constituted , as may reduce eccentriques to their fixation . And that such men may be Officers of Arms , as are of learned Language , compt morature , Oratorique utterance , skill'd in the Lawes of Nations , ready in the descents of Families , sincere in maintenance of right , and that these ( if owned Judges of Honour ) may be men of blood , family and fortune ; and that such Pensions may be annexed to their Offices , as will support them creditably . For there is nothing that prompts men to profligate & degenerous courses , more then need and indulgence of fortune , which often warps brave minds from their natural evenness , and distorts them into a sordid complyance with any offer of accomodation and advantage , Though it be as vain as that mistake of Quintus Fabius was , who not content to be nobly born , became a painter de claro genere faciens se sordidum , ut nomen suum in publico pingens faceret aeternum , Or that royster Pau●●nias , who would kill Philip of Macedon , ut tali parricidio immortalitatem sibi compararet , Or as Herostra●us and others , of whom Cassanaeus has given instance , who have done supersuperlative wickednesses , to bring about their heady and ill humour'd purposes . And therefore I accompt it a well advised Petition to God , that Agur made , Give me neither poverty nor riches , Feed me with food convenient for me , least I be full and deny thee , and say , who is the Lord ? Or least I be poor and steal , and take the name of my God in vain . For those two evils , a high mind , and a low estate , are not often reconciled in a spotless integrity of life ; and therefore to have food and rayment , and a mind contented therewith , is no mean mercy , especially now , when unde habet quaerit nemo sed opportet habere , is rather owned for Canon , then Budaeus his paradoxall truth , Praestat egregiis viris in secessu latere , aut in vita privata consenescere quam turpiter & obnoxie in pertexta innotescere . And when in this Iron Age , Religion has no veneration , Law no esteem , Justice no Patron , Property no Protector , Heraldry no rule , but every man does that which is right in his own eyes , as once was Israels calamity . All estates of men have no other refuge but that Judex Legitimus in Heaven . For though times and men may be like what Clemanges describes , Quis locus remediis ( saith he ) aut quae spes salutis ubi nec de salute loqui nec de remedio concessum ubi qui cladem & plagas inferunt probi insignes egregiique viri , omni laude & praemio digni judicantur , & qui talia avertere nituntur scelerati , perfidiosi , nefarii dicuntur , what , I say , though God let us live to see further changes and declensions , to those many stupendious ones , we have with grief and amazement beheld , yet so long as Jehovah keeps his Throne , our faith ought not flag ; For when Gods time is come , he will arise and plead his own cause , and from him as the onely Judex legitimus , there will be no appeal . And so the fifth part of the description comes next , to hand the objects to whom Arms are principally directed , Militibus to Souldiers . But of Souldiers , I have written somewhat in the preceding sheets , that which remains , is onely two limitations . 1. Though Arms and Honour be the proper reward of Souldiers , yet not onely of Souldiers . 2. Though they be the rewards of Souldiers , yet not of all Souldiers . First , Though of Souldiers , yet not of all Souldiers , For if as great designs of Conquest , and conservation of dominion , has been effected by Counsel , as by force , then are the remunerations Military to be divided between the Co-heires of merit , Courage & Councel . The Souldiers ( indeed ) as the elder is to make first choyce of the divident , but the Gown man is to have his allowance as equal as Justice can apportion it . When Nimrod first forged his Engine of oppression , by which he became as terrible to men , as the hunter is to the pursued beast , then was there no rival with , no counterpoyse to power ; but after when Councel made snares , and fixed harping Irons in Leviathans of rule , then was Councel owned , as a conservator of the peace of Nations . Then Princes appeared in Robes and vests of calmness , distributing their favours under representations of peace , the Daughter of Counsel and Prudence , rather then in tokens of warre and ferocity , deriving Dominion from the Lawes of learned Justice , and not from the form of armed strength . 'T is fit indeed , fortitude should be encouraged , all ages and Nations have need of it , and are made happy by it , therefore ought to reward it , and so have done , and so ( for example sake ) will do ; but other vertues of equal merit , must not be exhaeredated , or become spurious , to advance its legitimation . It was a brave spirit of Numa Popilius , to promise Mamurius ( that famous Artist , who made brasen Shields like that which fell from Heaven , on which was inscribed the Roman fate ) that he would give him whatever he could wish , or would desire of him , and 't was as bravely requited by a modest and candid request , ut a Saliis sacerdotibus martis , cum jam saltantes canerent in fine Carminis Mamurii artificis nomen etiam pronunciarent . Some mens virtues vigorously confront the ghast looks of Death , and judge no bed of Honour , no manner of dispatch like that of a cannon shot , or an Instrument of steel . Others resolving to adorn their lives , with actions contributive of good to men , study not onely their own , but other mens preservations , inclining actions to peace , the Halcyon dayes of art , and the spring of Learnings verdure and slourishing . Both these are good Stewards of their ●alents , and deserve Euge's from , and shares in , the joyes of their Lords . If then the scale of favour , and the evidence of approbation , incline to any one where it ought to be equilibrious and impartial , there would be too much ground of outcry on injustice . Let then the Souldier be rewarded , let him have the Trophies proper to him : The Gownman onely claims such a share in this worlds lustre , as is commensurate to the officiousness he ( to publique good ) expresses . And if he , upon the Crabstocks of emnity grafts the Cyons of concord , and serve a Gospel reformation , by accomplishing ( as much as rests on mans part to endeavour ) that promise which points out civil as well as Religious prosperity . They shall beat their Swords into Plow-shares , and their Speares into Pruning-hooks , Nation shall not lift up Sword agai●st Nation , neither shall they learn warre any more , &c. And if this be done by Gownmen without blood , force , violence , the unavoidable methods of Warre and the pleasure of Camps , as great a portion , and as notable a fee of Arms and honour is to be imparted to the Scholar , as Sword-man ; For incruent Victories are least offensive to God and man , since they are rather well studied and thorowly improved providences , then acts of vehemence , or compulsions of a bruital and irrational contexture , And were not encouragements to sober diligence , and vertuous industry suitable to those of Centaurean fierceness , Men of great spirits and noble mindes , would either become the prey and spoil of salvages , or die under the discontent to be overdripp'd by such as are first Tigres and Lyons in their natures , and then act as such , against all , whom God and nature have polish'd to a more pleasing complyance with humanity and civil conversation , the onely soder of friendship , and the contentful harmony of life . Though therefore Arms and Honour be primarily the right of Souldiers , yet not only and exclusively their right , others are fellow Commoners , and of the Messes of Honour with them . No nor secondly , are all Souldiers included in this beneficence of the Fountain of Honour , which the learned Knight calls Judex Legitimus , for there are some that creep into the wedding feast , who having not the wedding Garment , ought to be asked how they came in thither , such Souldiers as Marcellinus and Vo●iscus calls milites ordinarios quos excitabant inopia & feritas , are not within the care of our Judex Legitimus , for he respects onely those that are Milites Legitimos , because engaged in militia legitima ( the lawful expression of merit , which is to be rewarded by ( the lawful Judge , being onely in a lawful warre ) St. Bernard giving encouragement to the Christians undertaking against the Infidels , writes thus , Cum occidit malefactorem non homicida , sed ut ita dixerim , malicida , & plane Christi vindix in his qui male agunt & defensor Christianorum reputatur . And therefore though there be much daringness expressed by men that rush into action , like the Horse into the battel , not caring what side they take arms for : yet advised and pious souls , consider the cause , and resolve to stand by the Crown of glory though it be fixed to a rotten post , all the ignominies that this wretched world entails to the good fight of faith , Christs faithful Souldier & servant contemns . The forecited Father has this passage to the Knights Templers si bonafuerit causa pugnantis pugnae exitus malus esse non poterit , sicut nec bonus judicabitur sinis , ubi causa non bona & intentio non recta praecesserit , si in voluntate alterum occidendi potius occidi contigerit morieris homicida , quod si praevales , & voluntate superandi vel vindicandi forte occidis hominem , vivis Homicida , so that Father , a notable quel to the rash engager , who neither a victor or a looser is guiltless ; The Souldiers then that fight for honour , must fight according to the Lawes , and for the well-being of Honour , And then they will deserve primum locum in acie occupare & ante signa cum Principibus stare . As did the Roman Antesignani , yea and be accounted meet vessels of Honour , for Baldus is positive , Creandus in militem non sit servilis conditionis , yet most an end it is seen , that in unwarrantable fewdes , and civil disturbances , the great Instruments of Alarum , and Masters of misrule , are men of trite note , mean birth , despicable breeding , who with the vultures , are in publico malo faelices ; but because these are not within the purliew of the text , I will pursue them no further but proceed to the last part of the definition , to wit , the manner of Arms and Honours appropriation to those persons for whom they are intended in the word Ascripta . Ascripta , a word of more significant capacity , then a bare title and claim ; for though in our usual Mother speech we by ascribe , mean no more then give or render , as ascribe the prayse or doing of such a thing to such a man , is no more then to mention him as the deserver of the prayse of such a work ; yet ascribe , as it comes from ad scribo , and thence for euphony ascribo , whence ascripta the word here , has a sense of complication , suitable to its verbal conjunction , and I take the Emphasis to arise from the composition of the praeposition with the Verb , and to imply a more explicite notice then is in the bare Verb ; and this I humbly conceive ( yet alwayes with submission to the learned ) to be clearly the sense , not only of our Knight , but also of other Authours , who make ascripta to surpass data and concessa , as that which contains them , and some other testimonial beyond them , as much as a record and indubitate authentique warranting the claim to , and assumption of them : therefore the Greeks read this by {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , which may be well rendred , as {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} ought to be , 2 Luk. 1. 2. & 4. v. by listing and enrolling , rather then taxing ; and in this sense of listing or enrolling , I understand ( but I crave pardon if I mistake ) the Orator in his phrase , ascribe●e in Legibus & in legem , so adscribi in civitatem , or in civitate for recipi in civem , which Pliny much as adjungere vel addere quovis modo . Men when they are entred freemen in the Chamberlains Office , having had an addition to their native right , or a publication of their acquired priviledge , are said to be ascripti cives , to have jus in re , as well as ad rem , to be freemen and Citizens , compleat and past all question ; so Tully expresses himself in that passage , Qui Thucydidem laudant ascribat suae nostram sententiam , and Pliny in making ascribi to amount to Canonizari , or annumerari , attributes to our Texts meaning , as much as can be wished , that is a record or testimonial of the grantors pleasure and end in the grant of them , which is ever upon some vertues in the claimers , for which they were thus rewarded . Indeed of old , when Arms were not hereditary and fixed , there needed no justification beyond that of the devisors genius , who gratified himself with such Trophies , as lacquied most to the pomp of his phantasie , which commonly rigg'd and trim'd this Perewig of hawtesse , with much of her ingenious variety . And when Soveraigns gave Donaries from their persons , as Jewels , Swords , Speares , Sprigs , Helmets ; Armours , usually worn by them , and by them delivered as gifts to persons , with indulgence of them to be born by their Issues , and did this before great appearances of men , and at the head of Armies : there needed no further testimonials of the bearers right . For time being by these ( dispersed in all corners of the Nation ) informed of the occasion and intendment of it , lodges the bruit of it in mens mindes , till by usage time out of mind , it becomes Law , and prescribes against any thing to the contrary . But in as much as Arms and Honour do give dignity and precedence which will not easily be assented to by those who hold themselves agrieved , and are loath to cooperate to their own degradation . The rights of Arms and Honours gentilicial , ought in reason to appear upon record , and the Grant or certificate rest with the person dignified . The Law of Nations suffragating to the unquestionable right of Supremes to grant , within the limits of their power , rewards to merits , and Arms to such as are worthy to be distinguished from men of meanness . And though in cases of long use and possession of many descents , as in title of Lands , so of Arms bearing , not evidences or productions of the commencing right is required , because subsequent acts have ratified and Lawes of latter ages barr'd disturbances , and made possession a fair advance to right , & quae ab antiquis sunt temporibus praesumuntur solemniter esse acta , yet in case of Honour & Arms of late date & donation , the evidence of their right is to be produced , if not known , before the priviledge that comes by it , will be willingly assented to . And therefore I conceive our learned Knight , here treating of Arms , as in their regular Aspect they are diffused , as tokens of the acceptation of the actions and persons performing them ; and the Supremes bounty towards them for so doing , concludes them to be à Legitimo Judice militibus ascripta : And so I have shortly treated of the parts of the definition in these words , Insignia sunt decora symbola in notitiam & honorem latoris a Legitimo Judice militibus ascripta . The Epilogus , or conclusion of the Authour , is to beseech Almighty God , to take the cause of honour into his own hands , His own Honour I mean , which is now much entrenched upon by formal Hypocrites , prophane Athiests , and covetous Mammonists , of whom that just complaint of Gods against Israel , is most true , This people draw near with their mouth , and with their lips do honour me , but with their hearts are far from me , and their fear towards me is taught by the precepts of men , For there was never any age wherein the name of God was more used , and the fear of God lesse practised then now ; But such as men sowe , that also shall they reap , there is a spirit in man , which he himself knowes not of , till it brings him to shame and sorrow ; for God often punishes mans prevarication with him , by a disgrace and denudation , which he occasions to himself . Charles the bold , was never happy but when he had Armies about him , and had begun Warres upon his Neighbours , at last being overthrown in a battel , and endeavouring escape , he was slain , and the Epitaph on him was Te pacis piguit , te taeduit atque quietis Carole , sicque jaces , jamque quiesce tibi . Ranzovius with his Catalonians , were entertained Auxilaries to the Greek Emperour , but the Emperour being in the wayne , Ranzovius and his men did more harm to him and his friends Countreys , then the enemy did , against whom , he and his men were brought into the field ; The pretence was , that the Souldiers wanted pay ; and Ranzovius their General was necessitated , as he declared , to bear with them more then he ought , or otherwise would ; but it was thought He had a divident in the plunder of those merciless inquisitors , and his fate was to be a sacrifice to their insolence . 'T is an ill chosen thrift , to meditate that an Opportunity of our own glory which God intrusts us with , to inaugurate his , if men promoted by God , to purposes of universall good , degenerate and interpret his providences to be Prefaces to their own advantage , God either meets with such by his ●errors in their Conscience , or by countermining their Councel , and making their device of none effect . Ferdinand King of Arragon , was a wise and politique Prince , making havock of his Conscience and Honour , to make his Sonne the greatest Monarch in the World . But vain Prince , He lived to see his darling Sonne die before him , and that in the flower of his age , and his Wife great with child , die together with her untimely birth , and both buried together . Gods Ulysses's must stop their eares against this worlds Syren notes , for if once they lean to an earthly requiem , and look upon the forbidden fruit with delight to , and desire of it , then farewel God , Religion , Honour , Conscience , all these are Physicians of no value to him that is thus distempered in his brains , and so dementated , that he may be ruined , and that unlamented ; Cossi was a brave Commander in Ottoman the first his Army , having for a time large rewards , and quiet abidance given him ; but Ottoman knowing he was by profession a Christian ( though God knowes a loose one and in no sort valiant for the truth ) sent for him to come to the Court , pretending he had some service for him , but with intent , when he had him there , to make him turn Turk , Or have him murthered . Cossi understanding the Emperours drift , to keep in his favour , and preserve his own life , turned Turk . Men must have not so much Sauls Armour , as Davids faith , that would overcome Goliah like temptations . No Coat of Mail like to confidence in God , no Weapons of Offence like to those little smooth stones we gather out of the brook of self-distrust . He that fears himself , annihilates Satans plot , and gives a call of faith , which brings in comfortable ayd ; for the Lord is nigh unto them that call upon him . And therefore Interest in God is the best Sanctuary , in dubious and deceitful times , 't is the noblest subterfuge that we can fly to , and the safest harbour we can anchor in , when the World as it were , is on fire about our eares , and we are burning in it , and when storms and commotions menace overthrow , and dissolution of all . There is a famous story of a Sorceress in Scotland , called the wise Wife of Keith , who in Anno 1591. being apprehended as a Sorceress , upon examination , confessed that Bothwel , a notable Traytor , had moved her to enquire , what should become of the then King , how long he should-raign , and what should happen after his death , and that the evil spirit with whom she confederated , having undertook to make away the King , after failer of performance , being challenged by her for so failing , said , it was not in his power , speaking words which she apprehended to be Il est homme de Dieu , He is a man of God ; for though God has given the Prince of the ayre a large Territory , yet has he kept the Paramount soveraignty to himself , that is , the security we have from him , that is our enemy , whose enmity is ●ersans circa totum genus humanum , that God sayes to his proud rage , hitherto shalt thou come , and no further , Et in tuto haereditas ponitur , quae Deo custode servatur . And therefore if God have any delight in us , he will draw our hearts off from worldly objects , and intend them on his glory ; concerned highly in the welfare of Religion , I say Religion , such as St. James calls , pure Re●igion , and undefiled before God and the Father is this , to visit the fatherless and the Widows in their affliction , and to ●eep himself unspotted of the world . For Religion thus qualited is a beauty , meriting the best Jewels this world can purchase her , 't is the Pearl worth all Merchants wealth , the prize worth all combatants hazard , a blessing compensating all devotion , Though it be giving ones body to be burned . 'T was Royal Divinity that a Noble mouth once in this Nation uttered , That soul is not worthy of the Heavens Joyes , whose body cannot endure one blow of the Hangman . Next to Gods preservation of his own honour , the Authour is an humble Orator to God for his merciful defence of this Nations honour , which is in a great measure decayed , and of ill report , abroad . it was once said of England , Regnum Angliae Regnum Dei . But how , O thou Lucifer of our honour , art thou fallen from Heaven , and hast exchanged thy morning clarity for night-shades , and dresses of dismal aspect , jam non Lucifer sed noctiferet mortifer , once O beloved Countrey , thou wast like Capernaum , the envy and glory of Nations , now thy widow-hood and old age deformity make thee unacceptable , Thou wast once as a City united within it self ; but now thy differences have begotten hostilities , which spur and switch to ruine , ecce in regione nostra Hipponensi quoniam eam Barbari non attigerunt , clericorum Donatistarum & Circumcellionum latrocinia sic vastavit Ecclesias ut Barbarorum Jortasse facta mitiora sunt , was St. Augustines complaint to Victorian , and I pray God England has not cause to say , that what forraign enemies could not bring about to her ruine , homebred enmity is like to do , Discord is the Port at which in vasion and conquest enters , the Goths came into Spain and Narbon , ruina videlicet Romani status & frequenti mutatione Principum animati ; and if England would escape those harasses she has formerly suffered by , she must avoid division , and adhere to wise , worthy and legal settlements , while the Egyptians kept to the constitutions of the Gods and their Heroes , ( to speak after Diodorus ) they did well , and were oracular to the world ; but {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , when Macedonians were their Lords , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , then what was thought well setled became null , and Egypt grew base and contemptible ; My prayer is , that England may live in Gods sight , that is , in Job his words , that it was with us as in times past , in the dayes when God preserved us , when his Candle shined upon our heads , and when by his light we walked thorow darkness , but I have no hope to see this till Religion be more our practice then prattle , till meeknesse and moderation one of the most beauteous fruits of reformation , be ingratiated with us . O did men know the high notes of supernal Musick , and superspherical harmony that are in the souls of peace makers , they would never leave off prayers and tears , till they had the testimony of their consciences that such they were , our Lord Jesus pronounces a blessing to , the Meek , Blessed are the Meek , for they shall inherit the Earth , and a second to the Peace makers , v 9. Blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called the children of God , And if any passionate and furious Christian thinks to merit mercy by his heat ; vowing to be revenged of his enemyes ( and perhaps such he thinks so , as wish his soul fortune and family secure and prosperous in Gods and a just way ) though with Philip the second of Spain , he sel his Altar plate , Or what is as sacred and dear as that was , to succeed it . Let Saint Basyl charm him to a more Jesu-like calmnesse . Who treating of Heaven and of the Graces that lead to it ( amongst which he mentions meeknesse and moderation ) sayes , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , The Heavenly Jerusalem ( saith he ) is not the spoyl of Warrious , not the reward of Hotspurs but the hoped for inheritance of patient Martyrs and long suffering Saints . If this sway with us . Our peace may be prolonged , and we of this Age , who have long been in the wildernesse , may hope to see an Earthly Canaan in England , but if God , for our sins , make our wound incurable , and let us loose to ruffle and civil broyles , I look for times like his of whom Suetonius writes , Vetera familiarum insignia nobilissimo cuique ademit Torquato Torquem , Concinnato crinem Cne : Pompeio stirpis antiquae Magni cognomen , to prevent which , it becomes all true English men to pray devoutly in the Church of Englands word ; That all they who profess Gods holy name , may agree in the truth of his holy word , and live in unity and Godly love . E Q S Amen , so be it . FINIS . Errata . Fo. 9. l. 8. for Jud●● r. Judice , f. 13. l. 17. for Scutigenus r. Scutigenus , f. 23. l. 13. for consentanea , consentan●um , l 16. for {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , f. 27. l. 3. for demonstrationis r ▪ die monstrationis , f. 28. l. 9. no . ( , ) at supers●de but after firmament , f. 31. l. 4. for perfulgency r. pr●fulgency , l. 8. for che r. the , l. 21. for fermosarum r. fumosarum , f. 32. l , 2. r. for hominum hominem , 36. l. 2. state r. statue . f. 44. l. 22. and 23. r. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} f. 45. Brecman . r. Becman , 47. l. 15. r. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , 47. l. 18. r. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , f. 88. l. ●2 . Custilir . Curtili , f. 89. l. 19. arte r. aries , fo. 93. l. 5. Nobilitas r. Nobilitatis , 108. l. 16. gen●iliti● r. gentilic●a . 109. l. 1. ( not ) must be added before be compelled , 119. l. 13. a most r. almost , 129. l. 8. felicity r. fertility , 135. l. 8. Hostelyes r. Hostelries , 137. quotation , Cook preface to the 3 Rep. 147. l. 0. Philosophers r. Philologers , 177. l. 17. for to read of , 186. l. 17. legetimus for legitimus , 202. l. 4. indulgence r. indigence . l. 81. for Notitiae and Honour , r. Notitia & Honor . fol. 95. l. 20. for {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} r. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A96070e-180 Lib. 1. c. 51. 15. ●en . 37. 7. Notes for div A96070e-340 Plutarch . in Lucullo . Policrat . lib. 6. c. 1. Cass. Cat. g. mundi p. 331. Trog . l. 11. In praefat. lib. de fastis & Triumph . Rom p. 6. Edit. Sulburgii . Aspilog . p. 2. Bella movet Clypeus , deque armis arma feruntur . Ovid . In verbo . Lib. 1. Polyd. lib. 2. c. 11. de Inventione . Cass. Catal. gl. Mundi p. 45. 8 Aeneid . Lib. 6. Lib. 24. Lege Lazium Reip. Rom. Commentar. l. 9. c. 17. p. 793. 2. Part. Gl. Generos . p. 164. In verbo . Lib. de Symb. Pythagorae & partis secunda p. 460. cass. Catal. gl. Mund. p. 58. Tract. de Insiguiis & armis p. 11. Edit. Biss . Notis in Vptonem , p. 51. Bochartus Geograph . Sacra , p. 56. 57 , 58. de Roman . Nominibus . c. 1. p. 341. Zuinger . Theat vitae a p 3085. ad 3092. Fern . p. 225. Camb. Brittan , p. 229. Knighton de Eventihns Angl. p 2728. Cambd. Brit. p. 604. Cambd. Brit. 587. 603. to 609. p. 262. Fern . Glor Generos . p. 226. p. 231. 2. Aeneid . Valla lib Cic. 1. Offic. 136. Malchus in vita Pythagorae . Lib. 1. Divin. Lib. 1. Oflit . Lib. 2. de Leg. Lib. 1. de Orat. Horat. 1. Car 1. Syl. 6. 1. Aeneid . p. 83. Lacies Nob. An : 5. Regni Memb. 15. dorso in Archivis Turris . I'Lipsius p. 19. de Milit. Rom. ex Polybio Dionyseo & Agellio . Lib. 6. Ep. 47. Salmuth . i● Panciroll . Tit. de Fibula 44. p. 178. L. Girald . Synt. 1 hist. de●●um . Lipsius l. 1. milit. Rom. p. 15. Salmuth . tit. de Cellis 2. 25. p. 63. Lib. 1. Ep. 9. in Pandect . prioris , p. 176. edit. Basileae , A● . 1534. Lib. 6. c. 51. Budaeus in pandectas priores p. 174. Lib. de Col. & metal . Summar●e armorial Imprim . a paris l. 138 p. 3. & 5. In priores Pandect p. 376. Lipsius de milet . Rom. Dialog. 5. p. 126. Et in Analectis . p. 24. ad Dialo . 51. Lib. 9. p. 122. Memorab . tit. 28 Salmuth p. 96. E Palladio . Budaeus . p. 225. In Paudectus priore . sp. 117. Syntag. 1 hist. Deor●m p. 6. Bibliothe . l. 1. fol. 77. In Cap. Gen. 49. v. 1. Vpton . lib 3 de Colore albo . p. 103. In cap. Num. 2. Budaeus p. 151. Num. 2. v. 1. 2. In locum . Biblia Polyglotta Waltoniana . Vexillarii nominati sunt qui sub uno vexillo in Centuria necebant . Lazius Com. l. 7. c. 5. Lib. de milit. Rom. p. 170. p. 176. Pagninus in verbo . Hist. lib. 6. 1 Annal. In primogeni●● tanquam in Capite stat et remanet splendor geniturae . Baldus . p 30. Aspilog . Cat. gl. Mund. p. 20. 58. Ac●i●ence Armory . p. 23. p. 112 , 113. In Illustrat . Galliae lib. 5 , Pausan. lib. 5. La science Heroique chap. premier . L●zius Comment . Reip. Lib. Rom. c. 17. 6 Argon . Lib. 2 c. 8. Scutis qualibus apud Trojam pugnatum est continebantur . Imagines , Plin. l. 35 Lazius in Com. ] c. 17. De Milit. Rom. p. 168 , 169. Apolog. c. 16. Sir H Sp. Aspil . p. 136. Tacit. l. 14. Plin. l. 10. c 3. Clypeus quemadmodum in praeliis munimen militum erat , Ita pace parta suspensus atque obtrectatoribus objectus , ormamenti quoque militaris locum accepit in quo & quae cuique imagines , exprimebantur , ut hodieque fit , Lazius com . Reip. Rom. l. 9. c. 17. Bartholus de Insigniis & armis . p. 1. Vpton de officio Milit. l. 1. c. 18. p. 59. Mills Catal. Honor . milit. & Civil p. 157. Baldus 1. c. 1. Circa Princ. 5. de pace tenenda in usi●us seudorum . In Gloss . ad verb . Arma . In Itiner . Cambr. c. 10. p. 851. Budaeus in relig. Pandect . p. 304. lib. 33. Gen. 15. 2. In Staffordshir● . p. 584. Britannie . In Scotland . p. 26. Fern . Glo. Gener . p. 304. Spel. in Aspilog . Lib. 1. c. 2. p. 7. Lib. de Nobil. p. 147. 2 Inst t. p. 665. In Virgil . lib 5. p. 527. Titles honor . p. 667 771. Vpton . lib 1 c. 2. de off , milit. p 7. Biss . in Vpon . p. 46. In Lib. 2. Cod quaeres ▪ vendi : non possunt . In vespas . Regula Juris . Clypei in funeribus & parentaco●ibus pompae praeferuntur , quod denique extincta prosapia Clypei ex suggesto dejiciuntur haec Romanorum Cuncta vestigia esse . Lazius in praefat. ad Com. Reip. Rom. Accidence Armory . p. 78. De bello & d●ell● . Lib. 1. c. 29 ▪ p. 219. Alex ab Alex. lib. 3 c. 20. p. 164. Curtius . lib. 5. Lib. 22. Tacit lib. 18. A●nal . Vlpian in L. Specios . c. 100. De verborum signif. Lampridius i● Alex. Scuet . Lege Cassiod . l. 6. Epistol. Suetonius In Augusto . c. 38. Plutarch . in qu ▪ Rom. p. 282. Edit. Paris . variar. . l. 1. p. 8. Lib. de Habit. Virg. Tract. de Insigniis & armis , p. 8. Catal. gl. Mundi . p. 312 , 313. Vpton lib. 1. c. 19. p. 61. Edit. Biss . 5 Polit. Constat jucundum esse rerum bonarum saporem & utilem ambitum laudis qui appetit●r per augmenta virtutis . Hoc nos studium proinde liberalitatis infundimus ut major sit cultus morum dum crescunt desideria praemior●m . Cassidor lib. 7. Variarum . Plutarch lib. de vi●ioso pudore . p. 535. edit Paris . Alexand. ab Alex. l. 1. c. 26. zuing . Theatr. vitae ●uma . p. 2872. Plutare●u● lib. de Laude sui , p. 546. Ovid de Ponto lib. 1. Epist. ten●l . Apud Plutarch . Lib. 1. c. ult. p. 64. Edit. Biss . In Prior. pan● dect . p. 200. Accidence Arm●rie . p. 13. Lipsius de milit , Rom. p 328. and 330. Sabellec . l. 5. c. 5. Tulgosus . lib. 8. c. 15. de Olgiato . Lib. 6. c. 5. Baldus . lib. 1. Polybius . lib. 2. Coronas a privatis gestatas fuisse in Rom. Republica quibus vel ob merita Imperatores illam concessissent veb qui in bello ob praeclara facinora eam fuissent adepti . Lazius . Com. Reip. Rom. l 9. c. 18. edit. Basil . 1 Sam. c. 17. v. 25. A●ri Agoni●●●● 〈…〉 de mi●● Rom p ●7 . Lib. 5 de Ass . Budaeus in prior pandect p. 214. Lib. 1. c. 3. de ●fficio militari . Commentar Juris Civilis . l. 9. c. 5. num . 1. Budaeus . p. 219. Photius in exc●rps ex Olympiod . p. 853. Edit. Si●b . 2 Instit. p. 595. Vegetius . l. 2. c. 5. Jasius . J. C. 2 Instit. p ▪ 594. Glor. Gener . p. 102. cap. 2. to 49. Edit. Lond. p. 1026. Fern . Stor . Gen. p. 118. 2 Instit. p. 597. The like doth 8 H. 6. c. 10. 6 H. 8. c. 4. 5 Ed. 6. c. 26. 31 Eliz. c. 3. & 9. Vox laudantium prima Senatus erat , deinde equitum , postremō exercitus . Lazius com . lib. 3. c. 18. Lib. de mirand. Antiq. operib . Jovius in vita ejus . 1 Sam. 2. v 30. Cass. Catal. gl. mundi . p. 331. p. 121 , 122. Lib. 10. p. 215. Histor. Aelim . lib. 4. Plutarch in Alex. Sabel . l. 2. En. 4. Plut. in Lucullo . Strabo . lib. 11. Plin. l. 7. c. 30. Strabo . lib. 14. Egnatius . l. 8. c. 13. In Staffordshire . p. 584. Cass. p. 272. Epror nico . Constit . Glo. Gen. p. 24. c. 49. Situatur autem studium illud inter locum curiarum illarum , & Civitatem London quae de omnibus necessariis oppulentissima est omnium Civitatum , & oppidorum regni illius , Fortesc de laudib. . legum Angl. c. 48. ad finem . Londini igitur jus tum civile tum municipale publice docuit habuitque auditores nobilis simos juvenes quam plurim●s Pits . in vita ejus . p. 649. Cook Reip. Cook Preface to the 3d Report . Mills de nob . polit. et civilii . p. 148. Fortescut . c. 51. Preface to 2 Rep. c. 51. Diodorus . 〈◊〉 p. 33. and 44. Lib. 1. de Senect . Historia . Brit. l. 1 , c , 10. De eventibus Angl. p. 2484. edit. Twisd . Annal. lib. 14. Eccles. Hist. l. 2. c. 3. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Thucydid . lib. 5. lib. Ramesy . p. 863. in Novell . l. 2. p. 206. Catal. gl. Mundi . p. 314. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . Hegesius i● Strabone . Hunting . lib. 6. p. 208. Malmesb. lib. 2. p. 35. Houlden . p. 38. p. 418. Rast●lls . Statutes at large of Anno. 1618. 1 Vol. 〈◊〉 & digni●●● sunt in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ione ejus qui potest 〈◊〉 digni●t●●●●● & nobili 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vpton . l. 1. c. 18. p. 60. 〈◊〉 preterea 〈◊〉 ceteraque o●nia supremae dignitatis in●●●●●● Herodiar . l. 3. de Plauti●●● Prafecto . in Epist. ad se●●●●●● urbis . l. 3 M. Paris . p. 260. rot . 2. R. 2. Hoveden . parte poster . p. 414. Book Proclam . Jacobi 1. proclam . Indict . H. 1. c. de dignit . Survey p. 570. Holingshed . p. 536. Preparation to the Annalls . Qu. Eliz. p. 654. 1 Sam. c. 21. v. 9. 1 Sam. c. 14. v. 29. Isa. 1. 21. v. 22. Britan. edit. lat . rond . p. 274. Mr. Dugdale . M. Paris . p. 265. 4 Instit. p. 250. Rot. Parl. 7. R. 2. Nu. 37. Mills Nobil. ●olit & Civil . p. 132. E. Lambardo . Glory Generos . p. 7. Lib. 6. c. 91. Mercatura nihil aliud est nisi actus quidam emendi vendenque merces . Plin. l. 7. Lib. 6. Lib. 3. de Republ. In Toxari . Partis 2d . l. 1. c 2. & 39. p. 719. Plutarch in Solone . Spelm. in Aspil . p. 4. Catal. gl. Mund. p. 251. Budaeus in prior pandec . p. 206. Cook . 1 Instit. p. 135 : Sueton : in Augusto . Budaeus . p. 13● . in pand . ● Tim. c. 2 , v. 1. and 2. 1 Sam. c. 14. v. 49. 1 Sam. 24. v. 5. 2 Sam. 1 c. v. 24. ●●●●●dect . 〈…〉 4. 〈◊〉 . 9 com . c. 1. Sen. 6. Nativ . Ep. 6. lib. 6. Mills de Nobil. Civili & politie . p. 153. Accid . Armory . p. 41. p. 112. & 726. Ilyad . Paenul . 2. 11. Cicero 3 ver. Polyd. Virgil . lib. 4. deInvent . De vita pop. Rom. l. 2. Livius l. 1. dec . 1. Rocerus lib. de bello & duel●o . p 49. Byss . in Vpion . p. 28. Valer. Tit. 8. de Cupid . gloriae . Catal. gl. Mundi partis primae consid. 58. Prov. 30. v. 8. & 9. p. 600. Edit. Basil . Judges 17. 6. Epist. 9. ad ●erson . Dyonisius . lib. 2. Sabellic . l. 3. Enn. 2. Sepult●ra regum consulum & imperatorum erat in Campo Martio . Sueton. in Augusto . Isiah 4 4. M●cah 4. 3. Joel . 3. 1● . Lazius Com. Reip. Rom. lib. 4. c. 14. Basil . c. 3 de Nov● Militia . Serm. 1. ad Milit. templ. . c. 1. Lazius lib 4. c. 14. Super Rube . p. 10. Orat. pro Cecin . De Opt. gener . Orat. lib. 2. c. 7. Reg. Jur. Isaiah 29. v. 13. Tantum inter Stoicos & caeteros sapientiam professos interesse quantum inter faeminas & ●ares non immerito dixerim Senec. de Constant . Sapient . c. 1. Huraeus in vita ejus . p. 448. Turkish History . p. 150. Turkish History . p. 144. Bishop Spotswoods Hist. Scotland . p. 382. Sanctus Cyprian . ad Martyres . Jam. 1. 27. Epist. 122. Lazius Com. Reip. Rom. lib. 1. c. 10. p. 113. Diod. Sicul . p. 85. Edit. Rodomanni Impress Hanoviae . ch. 29. v. 3. Mat. 5. 5. Sanctus Basili●s . In Psal. 33. In Caligula . In the Communion Service , in the prayer for the whole Estate of Christs Church militant here on earth .