The present state of London: or, Memorials comprehending a full and succinct account of the ancient and modern state thereof. By Tho. De-Laune, Gent

SECT. 1.

SOme of the Advantages of this great City were hinted, Page third and fourth, to which we shall add, that one of the Supreme Advantages, is by the goodly River of Thames, which, opening Eastward towards Germany and France, is much more Ad∣vantageous for Traffick, than any other River in En∣gland; and it may be said without Vanity, that no River in the World can shew a Braver sight of Ships than are commonly to be seen (like a Floating For∣rest) from Black-Wall to London-Bridge; which in continual Voyages Import all sorts of Goods, either for Need or Ornament, and Export our Superfluities, to the extraordinary Advantage of all sorts of Peo∣ple, high or low; of this see more in the Section of the River Thames.

Another Advantage that London hath, is its being Situate so farwithin the Land, that it is plentifully sup∣plyed with all necessary Provision from the Country, at easie and indifferent Rates, and the Manufactures of the Respective Counties, which the City disperses to Markets beyond Seas; in Recompence, the Coun∣try is supplyed by the City, with all sorts of necessary Merchandizes, wanting there, &c. Insomuch that London is a large Magazine, of Men, Money, Ships, Horses, Ammunition, of all sorts of Commodities ne∣cessary or expedient for the Use or Pleasure of Man∣kind. It is the mighty Rendezvous of Nobility, Gentry, Courtiers, Divines, Lawyers, Physitians, Merchants, Seamen, and all kind of Excellent Arti∣ficers, of the most Refined Wits, and most Excellent Beauties: for it is observed, that in most Families of England, if there be any Son or Daughter that Ex∣cells the rest in Beauty or Wit, or perhaps Courage or Industry, or any other rare Quality, London is their Pole-Star, and they are never at rest till they point directly thither; which vast Confluence, (be∣sides being the Kings Chief and Imperial Seat, where Parliaments, and the Principal Courts of Justice are held, where the Inns or Colledges of the Municipial Laws are Seated, with the Great Houses of the No∣bility and Ministers of State) must needs bring a vast Advantage and Increase to Trade, besides the most Exquisite Ornament and Gallantry that any Place in the World can shew.