to the social order in the country, that the yeoman class should disappear, or nearly so. It had in the past formed the link between the so-called rich and the poor of the country-side. The best of them appear to have now drifted to the towns, and found, in the new industrial developments, openings which were destined to make as great a change in the domain of production as their own severance from the land was bringing about in the country. Indeed, so far as our present subject is concerned, it is in this 'general post,' comprising the transference of the town element to the country, while that of the country correspondingly went to meet the demand created by the industrial revolution in the town, that the migration of the Houblon family to a new sphere of existence is illustrative of what was everywhere taking place in the case of scores of other families, both rich and poor.

While taking leave of the commercial Houblons, we may perhaps reflect with some satisfaction, that from the outset of their career in this country, some three hundred and fifty years ago, they were all identified with that integrity and honour which for so long a period characterised the leaders of our commerce, and so justly placed us in the forefront of credit among the nations. For while the majority of the great and the noble amongst our ancestors had come but seldom into contact with other nations-except during the impact brought about by occasional wars, with the men of commerce it was far otherwise, and from them it was that the character of this people was for a long period taken and received. The title 'nation of shopkeepers' owes its origin to this fact, and it is in itself a tribute to the penetrating enterprise of British commerce, that its great trade has ever been the pioneer which preceded the flag. Nor is it less remarkable, that in the national crises of past centuries, the cause of liberty

and religion have ever found their warmest supporters among commercial men.

In recalling the careers of the family whose story we have tried to tell, we cannot but see how much both men and things have changed since their day. When all was at once so much simpler and slower in life and its work, the problems which now beset us on every side were mostly as yet undreamed of. But, for the crystalclear honesty of purpose and fear of God which characterised the merchant-princes of the Houblon name, and many another like them, we owe a debt of gratitude; for they helped to build up the good name which is still ours.

APPENDIX A

EXTRACTS FROM MR. JAMES HOUBLON'S 'PIOUS MEMOIRS,' 1672-1682

CHILDREN, my joy and my Crown, You see the Earnest pressing of my Love towards you all. Let your old Father charge you to read my Councels. I beseech you neglect them not. If you mind my words and do them, you shall leave a stock behind you, that shall bless God for you.

To his Daughters

Set not your affections upon one Child more than an other, least some of them be discouraged. Have a great care you do not puffe them up with pride of apparell. Be sure you keep them under their degree rather than above. Outward pride puffeth up the heart, and is apt to taint it with other vises besides pride. . .

...

When you undertake the matching of any of your Children, beg first the Assistance of God, and see that you match them in familys that fear the Lord and have gotten their estates honestly. So may you expect God's Blessing.

To his Sons

If riches increase, set not your heart upon them, for they are perishing things. But use them to those ends for which they were given, and lay up your treasure in heaven.

Beware of that beastly evil of drinking more than will suffice. This maketh men fools, and draweth after it all other evills.

Refrain from playes, and abhor all those meetings where Satan layes his train. Be diligent in your Callings.

Let your aged Father desire you that you live in love and unity together, so shall you be a bundle of shafts which Satan shall not break.

I have loved you all, therefore so live together that when I am gone men may say, these are the Children of such a Father, see how they love one another!

Where true love is, God is. For God is the God of love.

The man who is moved by piety hath a pleasure that can never cloy or over-work the mind. This pleasure is easy and portable; such a one as he cary's about in his bosom without alarming either the eye or the envy of the world. He is like a traveler puting all his goods into one jewel, the value is the same and the convenience greater.

Be slow to speak, ponder well what you say before you deliver it. For while it is with you it is your own. But having spoken, it is anothers.

Be not hasty in any thing you undertake.

Do all things with good deliberation, and in matters of moment first ask Counsel of God, then take advise of them that fear him.

If for our sins God should permit popery to come in, labour by earnest prayers that he would give you his Grace that you may be able to stand in the day of Visitation . . . but say as that good man did: 'I will tread upon Wife and Children rather than forsake my God.'

Whatever losses or sufferings yo may undergo, be sure you hold fast the Jewel of a good Conscience. Constancy is the crown of religion. Forsake all your goods, yea your very lives, rather than comply with popery. If you must needs suffer, choose it rather than sin. If persecution by God's providence befall you, Remember the holy Martyr who said as he was going to be burnt: 'One stile more and I shall come to my Father's house.'

Be faithful to all trusts that shall be committed to you. Keep a concience clear of all deceit.

Be especially Charitable to the French Church. I know not any Charity better bestowed or more faithfully managed. Remember them with others. There your Ancient Father was Babtized, there in a happy day was he married, and in that Congregation were yo all Christen'd.

Children, if there shou'd happen any Troubles or confusions in this Kingdom, be sure you be not drawn to side with any dissenting party. Cleave to him or them which God hath put in Authority.

If it be posible, meddle not with them that are contentious; mind your owne families and callings. Be not too curyous to hear or tell News, for this stealeth away too much of our precious time from better discourse, and the minding of your callings.

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