Wisdom's Dictates OR APHORISMS RULES Physical Moral and Divine For Preserving the Health of the Body and the Peace of the Mind fit to be regarded and practised by all that would enjoy the Blessings of the present and future World To which is added A BILL of FARE OF Seventy five Noble Dishes of Excellent Food far exceeding those made of Fish or Flesh which Banquet I present to the Sons of Wisdom or such as shall decline that depraved Custom of Eating Flesh and Blood By THO. TRYON Student in Physick and Author of Pythagoraâ—'s Mystick Philosophy Revived wherein the Mysteries of Dreams Visions Angels and Spirits are unfolded and their secret Communications to Mankind LONDON Printed for Tho. Salusbury at the Sign of the Temple near Temple-Bar in Fleetstreet 1691. THE AUTHOR TO THE READER WISHETH Health and a Sound Mind AS I have on several Occasions endeavoured to Recommend those most necessary Vertues Temperance and Sobriety to the practice of Men and to inform them according to that Talent I have received from the meer Grace and free Bounty of the Lord of the things that appertain to their peace so though many of these Aphorisms or the Substance of several of them may be found occasionally dispersed in several of our Writings yet â— thought it might not be unuseful to some to present them altogether and hope by the Blessing of the most High these plain short Meâ—entoes may yield some Fruit to those that shall â—â—ruse them if they come prepared with Minds to receive Truth in the Love thereof and practice what their own Consciences cannot but inform them is their Duty For this is the method our Saviour prescribeth his Disciples to come to the right knowledge of Divinâ— Truths viz. by the doing of Gods Will He that does my Fathers Will saith he shall know of the Doctrine whether it be of God or no he is a true Christian indeed not he that is only Book taught but he that is God taught he that hath an Vnction from the Holy One as the Apostle calleth it that teacheth him all things I confess Ink and Paper can never make us Christians can never beget a new Nature or a living Principle in us can never form Christ or any true Notions of Spiritual things in our Hearts the Gospel that new Law which Christ delivered to the World it is not meerly a Letter without us but a quickening Spirit within us Rules Maxims or Directions could never yet of themselves beget the least Glimps of true Heavenly Light the least Sap of saving Knowledge in any Heart all this is but the Grabling of the poor dark Spirit of Man after Truth to find it out with his own endeavours and to feel it with his own cold and benumm'd Hands Words and Syllaâ—bles which are but dead things and â—annot possibly convey the living Notions of Heavenâ—â— Truths to us The secret misteries of a Divine Life of a meer Nature cannot be truly understood except the Soul be kindled from within and awakened into the Life of them A Painter that would draw a Rose though he may flourish some likeness of it in Figure and Colour yet can never paint the Scent and Fragrancy or if he could draw a Flame he cannot put a constant heat into his colours All the Skill of Cunning Artisans and Mechanicks cannot put a Principle of Life into the most Exquisite Statue of their making Men and Books may propound some Directions to us that may set us in such a way of Life and Practice as in which we shall at least find it within our selves and be experimentally acquainted with it but they cannot teach us Virtue like a Mechanick Art or Trade no no there is a Spirit in Man and the Inspiration of the Almigthy giveth this Vnderstanding but we shall not meet with this Spirit any where though it be near to every one but in the way of Obedience therefore whatever Rules or Advices thou meetest with here of the truth of which thou art convinced immediately up and be doing put in practice and continue therein with Constancy and Resolution and then thou shalt be able to taste and feel and witness the Excellency thereof not from any Words but from the Evidence of their own Souls and so become capable and disposed to entertain the rest and other more sublime Virtues Despise not the Rules for promoting Health and Temperance the ways of God and Nature are plain and simple but mighty in operation and effects the Body is as an Instrument to the Soul and being out of tune no harmony can be expected in the Microcosm The Curious may expect these Axioms should be more methodically placed but as I wrote them down as they sprang up in my Mind so I have observed Pofies That a careless mixture makes the whole more pleasant to the Eye and Radolent then if every sort of Flowers and fragrant Herbs were put together by themselves Read and practice turn thy Eyes inwards and wait at Wisdom's Gates separate thy self from the Ways of the Multitude and the Lord from whom alone proceeds every good and perfect Gift give thee understanding in all things Farewel Wisdom's Dictates OR APHORISMS Physical Moral and Divine c. 1. THe first step to Wisdom is to know thy self the Consummation of it to know God thy Creator 2. Nature is the Art of God or that Distinct property wherewith he hath endued every thing in the Universe 3. There is not a greater Note of Folly then to be Ignorant of the true Value and Knowledge of the Things that are 4. Therefore follow not the Opinions of the Vulgar for they generally slight and despise things precious and excellent and admire things vile and pernitious 5. Take not the Name of thy Creator in thy Mouth except thou hast some inward sence of His wonderful Power Virtue Strength Beauty and Majesty and that He is thee all the sustainer and preserver of thy self and all Beings 6. Honour not the Sepulchres of the Saints and Wise Ancients and at the same time Stone the present Prophets that appear in the same Spirit of Wisdom 7. Imprison thy Tongue lest it imprison thee Nature knows it was an unruly Member and therefore barrocadoed it in with Teeth and for one Mouth gave us two Eyes two Ears two Hands to teach us that our Business should be to see and hear and do good Actions rather then only to talk of Wisdom and Goodness and the Heart to remain in the harsh Fire and under the operation of the divided forms of Nature 8. 'T is not Words but Things not Names but Reason not Resemblances but Realities not Sublimeties but Simplicities that the Sons of Truth doth seek after 9. Seek not the splendid Drudgeries or High Places and Offices of this World for they often draw the Soul into Perdition and the Body into Distempers 10. Entertain Charity and seek Peace with all Men and be helpful to thy Friends and kind to
be it Meats Drinks or other things whatsoever 52. When you look upon or behold any Fruit Seed Grain Flower Trees Grass Fountain of Water Beasts or any other Created Being of the Works of the All-wise wonderful God then cast your Eyes inward and consider the unsearchable Wisdom Power and Strength of the Creator and learn by an inward sight of visible things to adore and ever admire the Maker and Sustainer of all these wonderful Beings and reflect upon thy own Weakness and Inabililities which come on Mankind by Sin and so sink down into Humility which is a foundation to all other Vertues 53. Learn to know God in thy own Soul and the various operations of Nature in thy self which will render thee and every one capable to know them for what is to be known of God and of the Universal Nature is as the great Apostle saith manifest in Man not without him 54. Learn to know from what Fountain all thy Thoughts Imaginations Words and Works do arise or proceed 55. For every Speech and Action carries the power and strength of its respective Principle with it so has a certain natural power to awaken and strengthen its likeness whether in the Good or in the Evil. 56. Remember that all good Thoughts Imaginations Words and Works proceed from the friendly Love and holy Fountain of Gods Light or second Principle 57. But on the contrary every evil thought word and act takes its Birth from the evil bitter Root and dark fierce Wrath or first Principle in which God is called by the Prophets a Jealous angry God and a Consuming Fire 58. Likewise all kinds of Oppressions either to Man or Beast do arise from the same poysonous Radix 59. Observe the Rules of Silence for it is a sublime and profitable Virtue when through Wisdom it is duly regarded 60. Speak not evil or slightingly of your absent Friends or Acquaintance or any other but what you have against or to say unto any let it be done according to the Heavenly Rule of Christ viz. Admonish them face to face in friendliness 61. Judge not those things you do not know or understand 62. Nor admire Persons or things that you are ignorant of 63. Remember that Wrath and Anger are most cruel and inward Enemies cut them off therefore in the bud by the Seed of the holy Spirit of the Lord before they obtain a substance or are formed into Words 64. Much speaking though it be from Wisdom is lightly set by amongst Fools therefore hearken unto your Saviour and cast not Pearls before Swine 65. Avoid evil Communications for they corrupt all even in the Bud. 66. Keep your own Council and your Friends be slow to speak and when occasion requires let it be with advisements and in few words as the matter will bear 67. Remember that Wisdom is always cloathed in with plain modest Garments and that gawdy glittering Attire is a true sign of Lenity and Folly 68. Let all young People especially the Males observe the Rules of Sobriety and Cleanness for the sake of Virtue and for the Fear and Honour of the Lord. 69. They ought to avoid the eating of all sweet compounded Foods and drinking of strong cordial Drinks for such things heats their Blood irritates their Spirits sets open the Gates of Venus putting Nature and all the Properties into an unequal operation 70. If Men will Feast and make Merry then let their Tables be spread and environed with Philosophical Discourses 71. Let every one observe this good Christian Rule when he Invites his Neighbours to a Treat to give them Food convenient and suitable to Natures wants innocent in qualiâ—y and not too much in quantity and then let such cast up their Accompts and what is saved by Wisdom and Frugality distribute to the Needy 72. Drink not Wine in Bowles nor strong Drink to excess for besides the Sin against God and your own Healths many Men do at one time swallow down as much in value as would sustain many wanting People 73. Honour thy Creator for all his Gifts whether Divine or Human art thou strong or Ingenuous or Beautiful praise the Lord for it 't is his free and undeserved Gift 74. Consider what that property or principle is in thee that always leads and invites thee to good and condemns the evil of thy ways 75. Esteem none so much for their Forms or Ceremonies in Religion as for Virtue and Well-Doing in comparison whereof the other is but painted Fire which gives no light nor heat 76. For no Religion or form of Worship will move the principle of Gods Eternal Light and Love but only Obedience to Commandments and living in the power thereof 77. Do unto all as thou wouldst be done unto and cherish what is good in all Men. 78. Virtue hath a secret power in it self to beget its own likeness and form 79. Every Word or Speech do carry the power of that property or principle that has the upper dominion in the Words or Discourses and they do awaken and strengthen their simile in those to whom such Words are directed 80. Therefore Consider and Learn from what Property or Principle every Thought and Imagination do arise and proceed and before they be formed into Words or Actions Present them before the Throne Angel or Divine Principle and let Wisdom judge them 81. Suffer not your Souls to enter into any thing too violently 82. Remember that all extreams do powerfully attract there contrary nor can any Inclination continue long that is fierce or violent 83. Know that Self-conceit is a Monster and leads her Scholars into Perdition 84. Be not over careful for future things for as our Lord saith No man can by his Solicitude add any thing to himself 85. Entertain Chearfulness and give no place to a sower melancholy Humor 86. In all things have a sober and secret Hope in the Lord who only knows what is good for us 87. Remember that Sobriety Order Cleanness and Temperance does not only sit the Mind for the service of God but it makes the whole Life full of Delight and the Body healthful 88. Marry not an old Woman for the sake of Money or in hopes of being maintained in Idleness for she cannot answer the end of Nature nor for what the Lord ordained it therefore such Marriages are to be numbred amongst the greatest of Sins as a thing against God's Law 89. Observe the good Rules of Temperance and Cleanness in your Marriage Bed that your Off-spring may have good Souls healthy Bodies and vigorous Senses Rules of Health and Abstinency for all young People and others of the Cholerick Complexion to observe 90. Such as are dignified with this Cholerick Nature whose Fire burns brisk and lively ought especially to refrain heady Drinks which heats the Blood and irritates the original Fire which do powerfully inflame the property of Venus and sets open her Gates 91. Let no sweet Drinks come into your Bellies 92. Abandon all
wander after many things most of which are not needful nor natural 451. Consider that the often Tilling and Dunging of Land especially with Soil that proceeds from variety of Creatures both Dead and Living do as it were suffocate or wound the pure falniteral Virtues and sweet Qualities of such Earth and in all particulars endues the Fruits with those Ranciâ— Properties which the Dung did in it self contain and convey thereunto 452. The like holds Good in the Human Earth or Nature and indeed in a far higher Degree for all Foods do as it were consist of Body and Soul that is of a gross and of a spirituous Property the First answers to our Bodies and the finer or spiritous Parts to our Spirits and each from each receives its Aliment respectively for from clean Meats and Drinks is generated well tempred Blood and of the goodness of that the Spirits depends in a great measure the Dispositions Inclinations Words Works and Actions for their Essences do not depart 453. Great are the Powers of Meats and Drinks which if understood together with the secret Sympathetical Operation of Things Men would more desire and endeavour after mean simple Food and Drinks than they do 454. Temperance is a Divine Gift and the Foundation of all Wisdom and right Knowing is within a Mans Self 455. Sobriety and Self-Denial do always fortifie the observers thereof against many Evils and prepares the Mind to be the Temple of God 456. All the Prophets and Holy Seers as Moses and Elias who through Temperance and the great benefit of clean Foods Moses could guide his Body as if he had been a Spirit and made his Face to shine 457. Those that would preserve the Body and Mind in Health ought by simple Innocent Meats and Drinks preserve their Spirits potent which cannot be done but by Temperance and Cleanness 458. The Prophet Daniel and his Companions was sensible of the great Power and good Virtue of clean Meats and Drinks when they were threatned with the Kings Displeasure if they would not Eat of the various sorts of Meats that came from the Kings Table but they contented themselves with Fruits and Grains and pure Water for Drink 459. Was not the Sobriety and Cleanness of the Racobites well pleasing to the Lord in that they had Faithfully observed the Commandment of their Fathers as to Moderation that Ionadah should never want a Man to stand before the Lord. 460. Did not the Prophet Iohn content himself with Locust and wild Honey which our Saviour Christ saith That there was not a greater Prophet Born of a Woman 461. And Iames the Brother of our Saviour was eminent for his Sobriety and Abstinence as Eusebius Reports He Eat no Flesh Drank no Wine nor strong Drink and wore no Woollen Garments 462. Was not the Mother of Sampson commanded by the Angel of the Lord to abstain from Wine and strong Drink during the time of her being with Child and so was Sampson her Son who the Lord indued with great Strength which continued with him so long as he observed the Rules of Temperance and Simplicity 463. Temperance Cleanness and Abstinence have wonderful Power to preserve both Soul and Body none can be sensible of the excellent Virtues thereof but such only as live in the practice 464. Some of the Wise Antients have delivered it as a Maxim That none could understand God and his Works and enjoy perfect Health of the Body and Mind but those that abstain from Flesh Wine and Vices 465. Know for a Truth that there is no other way to preserve the most pure friendly principle of God in Man but only by Temperance Cleanness Gentleness and to avoid Passions 466. For the Divine Light and Guide of Mankind cannot nor will not endure any kind of Violence or Oppression without great prejudice it is in its own Nature so tender gentle meek and friendly all Passions Cares Perturbations violent motions of the Body Covetousness Intemperance in Meats or Drinks either in quality or quantity robust Imployments evil Communications or too often visiting the Shades of Venus or any other irregular motion either of the Body or Mind do powerfully oppress violate keep under and hinder the operation of this bonus Genius or good Principle of Gods Love and Light which is the true quallifier and moderator of the harsh dark or evil Nature in all Things as well as in Man 467. The very same is to be understood in all Vegitatives Animals and Minerals the Virtue and good Power in every thing is so meek friendly and aimable that it will not endure any harsh motion or violent Operation without manifest prejudice as is most clear in all preparations both of Food and Physick the best Properties in all Things do suffer first by reason of its Meakness 468. It is very easie in all preparations of Food and Physick to evaporate suffocate or wound the good Virtues in a thing and increase harshness but very haâ—d and difficult to advance the Divine Principle or Properties and on the other side abate or moderate the dark harsh Properties 469. For the harsh Bitterness or dark Form are the Root viz. the first and last in all Things therefore the strong fixed power of the Salts property cannot be destroyed in any thing being a branch of the Original as witness Lott's Wife being precipitated into a Pillar of Salt that is into the original dark Principle for she looked back that is into the Root 470 But the Sons property or Holy Light which is generated out and from all the Powers of the Father do shine back into all the Powers of the Father and enlighten them that they become joyful which is the Holy Glance or Light or Divine Principle and good Power in all Things which Mankind ought to have regard unto and to chuse unto himself all those things that stands in the nearest Affinity with it 471. This principle as is said before is mild meek and most full of all Virtue and Divine Power therefore all things both in the Animal Vegitable and Mineral Kingdom that stand in their quallifying and operation nearest equallity and are most simple meek and friendly all such Things are the nearest and most agreeing to this Divine thing in Man 472. For this very Cause the Holy Prophets and Philosophers in all Ages have so much recommended the most innocent simple Meats Drinks Exercises Imployments and Communications for all such things stands nearest unto the simple meek Principle of Gods Love in Mans Heart and they do powerfully stir up and increase their likeness both in the Body Soul and Spirit and have far greater power to excite the good than the unseeing can apprehend the like is to be understood of their contraries Good begets Goodness and Vertue and the Evil begets Evilness and Vice 473. Consider the great care and trouble Men do take in the getting of Money even to the hazard of Body and Soul which when obtained do very frequently
of Butter and less of Cheese 503. Bread Water and Flower without any farther preparation Bread and Milk Herbs and Bread Fruit and Bread are the most useful and necessary Foods which are ready at hand and may be obtained by every one with little labour of Body or trouble of Mind 504. All Men ought to consider that the chief cause of all Diseases and Unhealthiness to young and old is for want of Government and Wisdom and the desiring those things that are out of the ways of simple Nature 505. There are not many Diseases where Men walk in Natures Path and avoid Compositions and as much as in them lies fiery Preparations 506. The more Men imitates Nature the nearer they come to their first State of Innocency and thereby obtain Health of Body and vigor of Mind 507. An Example of this we have in all Animals or Beasts who continue in that pure Law they were made in and placed under how Healthy most of them are when Men do not render them otherwise by Oppression and Disorders 508. Keep therefore O Man unto thy Heavenly Guide that the Lord hath placed in the very Center of thy Heart turn thy Eyes inward and learn Wisdom this Divine Spark and holy Son of Light if obeyed in the Life thereof will readily shew and teach Man all things both for Divine and Human that are necessary for this Life and that which is to come 309. Study thy self for that worthy thing in thee cannot be known nor its Voice distinguished from other Voices but only by Self-denial Sobriety and Cleanness in the practise of Silence alone leaning on the Shoulders of none but only thy beloved Jesus 510. Remember that the true pleasure of Temperance and the many benefits that follow Sobriety cannot be imagined by those that lives Riotous Lives so neither can the sweet Influences thereof be enjoyed without self-denial and some trouble to old Adam 511. If thou wilt know God and the sweet Influences of his good Spirit in thy own Soul then thou must live as it were alone for there is but little Company in the ways of Virtue and Self-denial 512. There is nothing does make Men more sensible of Gods Blessings then Temperance and Cleanness in Meats Drinks Imployments and Communications 513. How ready are the sober of Mind to give the Lord Thanks for his Mercies and how sweet is every mean thing 514. Temperance is endued with Divine Power it fits the Mind for the Worship of God their Beds are easie their sleep sound not subject to Indispositions nor molested with Fevers their Heads are not dulled with Fumes nor their Stomachs oppressed with fainting Fits or windy griping Humours they rise as fresh as the morning Sun and are fit for the Exercises both of the Body and Mind their Radical moisture flowes freely through every part like a pleasant Gale of Wind which moderates the Centeral Fires that they burn not too violently This excellent State of Body and Mind is not attainable without the fear of the Lord and self denial which are the first steps to all true Wisdom both Spiritual and Natural The Benefits of Temperance and Mischiefs of the contrary Vice 1. TEmperance is the True way or Royal Road to Peace and Happiness both in this World and the World to come for without no Man can observe the Law of God and Nature 2. Temperance freeth the Body from Labour and Danger and the Soul from Cares Passions and disquieting perturbations 3. Temperance makes all Men rich for it administers Content and gives length of Days Health and a sound Mind which whosoever enjoys cannot be said to be poor 4. Temperance cuts off vain Thoughts and Imaginations and all extravagant Desires as it were in the very Bud which continually wounds the Soul and Body of the Intemperate 5. Temperance wisheth no ill to its Neighbor but is a friend to every thing that is innocent and good 6. Temperance is a perfect Cure or prevention of many cruel Diseases both of the Body and Mind 7. Temperance is a sure support to all needy Families if she be entertained and her voice obeyed 8. Temperance makes Harmony in the worst of Times and deadest of Trading because she furnishes all her followers with what Need and Nature requireth nor does any thing render a Man more like his Creator 9. Temperance is a true Guide to Mans ways cleanseth the inward Parts from uncleanness and makes the Eye or Spirit of the Soul to see with an Intellectual Sight like its Creator who maketh his Sun to shine both on the Just and Unjust 10. Temperance is a glance of the Divine Power which denies Selfhood and teach those that follow her voice to Love all Gods Creation as God Loved Man 11. Temperance envieth nothing nor coveteth no Mans Goods but is a fâ—iend unto all avoiding Strife Contention Controversies Oppressions Violences and Manslaughter 12. Temperance is the firmest and best Establishment of or in all Governments for she teacheth Man to Love and adore their Creator Know themselves and to have an awful Respect to their Neighbors and whole Creation of God's wonderful Creatures 13. Temperance considereth all things prohibiting no Creature that Freedom and Priviledges that their Creator hath bounteously given them by thâ— grand Law and Charter of Nature 14. Temperance knows what that Glorious Liberty is the Great Apostle speaks of that the whole Creation groans to be delivered into and by its sweet influences attracts all things that are capable unto that pure Fountain 15. Temperance illuminates the Soul and makes Mens Reasons Divine 16. On the contrary Intemperance is the greatest Evil on Earth because the Seed-plot of all other Evils and most unlike our Blessed Creator for the superfluous Man wants all things but God wants nothing 17. Intemperance wounds the Body with Diseases and the Soul with Ignorance and Blindness perpetually perplexing the latter with greedy Desires and the former with needless Toils 18. Intemperance hood-winks the Soul so that it cannot distinguish between what is good and profitable and the contrary thereby obstructing and violating the Way and Law of God in Nature 19. Intemperance is the Original of all evil and vain Imaginations it makes Men turn Rebels and imbroils the World with Plots and Wars that they may gratifie their own unbridled Lusts. 20. Intemperance causeth Children in the secrets of their Hearts to wish for the death of their Parents that they may enjoy their Estates Married People to desire the death of their Yoak-fellows that they may get others with more Money or that are more young and handsom to please their wantonness 21. Intemperance persuades Men to Marry old diseased and deformed Women which does neither agree with their Age and Tempers nor can answer the end for which Marrying was ordained by God which is one of the greatest Evils under the Sun because they Sin against Nature and the Light of their Understandings 22. Intemperance makes Men more unnatural than
Strangers but Love and do good even to thy Enemies for otherwise thou doest but usurp not deserve the Name of a Christian 11. Lye not for Gain nor never let Interest so byass thy Understanding and Mind as Justice cannot stand upright 12. Give the Lord Praises for all things because he is the Fountain of all things 13. Boast not of thy own Acts though thou dost exceed in Arts or Sciences but consider whatever thou canst do more then thy Neighbour is the Gift of the Lord and not thine be not therefore proud of that which is none of thy own 14. Know that Satisfaction is the greatest Riches and Content the only thing that makes Men Happy 15. A little supports Natures Wants but the whole World cannot satisfie a Wantons Desires 16. Think not therefore those only Happy that have great Possessions for as little supplies the real Necessities of a King as of a Begger 17. Riches and Honour will not satisfie the Mind and Soul of Man because there is no simile between them every thing must have its own Food or else that groans and dies that which is Incorporeal must have Incorporeal Food 18. For as the wants of Nature cannot be enlarged equal to Mens Riches so neither can their Pleasures be augmented without doing Nature an injury 19. Riches are commonly snares therefore rather to be shunned then greedly sought after except it be to do good and to support â—he poor and needy 20. What advantage is it for a Man to be worth 10000 l. per Annum except he could Eat and Drink proportionably and lengthen â—ut all sensible Pleasures accordingly and if he could it would but make him the more a Beast and render him uncapable of enjoying the true Pleasures in this World and Eternity 21. Therefore always entertain in thy Microcosmical Castle those three grand Friends of Mankind Humility Patience and Temperance 22. Whenever you Eat or Drink Do it saith Wisdom in Remembrance of me that is fear my Name and submit to the guidance of my Spirit who will teach the Sons of Wisdom all things necessary 23. Desire not variety of Meats nor Drinks for fear the Soul be overwhelmed in the dark Clouds of Wrath and Sorrow 24. Eat not to dullness for that is a token of Gluttony and a forerunner of Diseases 25. Delight not in Meats and Drinks that are too strong for Nature but always let Nature be stronger then your Food 26. Prolong not the Pleasures of the Palat by improper mixtures or wanton Sauces beyond the necessities of the Stomach for whatsoever is superfluously received is a burden to Nature and the Seed-Plot of Diseases 27. Eat not before your former Food be concocted if you would avoid Crudities and varieties of Distempers 28. Moderate Fasting is a most excellent Physician both for the Body and Mind 29. Do not Eat or Drink any thing that is hotter then your Blood except in a Physical way for fear lest you infect the Fountain of Life with a Scorbutick Humour 30. Apply your selves to Wisdom that you may find out the right proportion of Meats and Drinks and observe weight and measure in both 31. Observe proper times of Eating viz. 8 or 9 in the morning and 3 or 4 afternoon 32. Let your Food be simple and Drinks innocent and learn of Wisdom and Experience how to prepare them aright 33. Delight not your selves with ill Customs rather suspect all that you see commonly practised for the multitude is the Master of Errors and the Tutor of Fools 34. Moderate Hunger cleanseth all the Vessels of the Stomach makes the Spirits brisk and puts new thoughts into the Soul rendring a Man fit to give the Lord Thanks for all his Blessings 35. Remember that in all your preparations of Food that you preserve the most subtle Essential parts for after the gross Body is opened and digested the purer Spiritual Vertues are on the Wing and apt to evaporate and will suffer violence if Care be not taken 36. Note that all Meats and Drinks do awaken nourish and beget their similes in the Body and their Essences never depart but are Incorporated and become Essential 37. For the Blood Spirit Sences Dispositions Inclinations and whole Complexion of the Body and Faculties of the Soul becomes better or worse according to the Nature Simplicity or the Contrary of Meats and Drinks which is most clear and manifest in the Milk of Cows Butter Cheese Flesh and Herbs the Goodness and the Contrary is according to the Food and all Herbage as the Land is better or worse and Compost laid thereon 38. Observe to take Food proper for every Season for Winter requires stronger harder and more drier Food than the Summer as also more Succulent the Spring Foods of a middle Nature in the Summer let your Foods be light of digestion as various sorts of Milk Meats Gruels Herbs Bread and Butter Bread and Oyl Bread and Raisons and the like and have a care of your Health in August September and November especially as to quantity and quality for then is most danger of Sickness and Surfeits 39. Refrain at all times such Foods as cannot be procured without violence and oppression 40. For know that all the inferior Creatures when hurt do cry and send forth their Complaints to their Maker or grand Fountain whence they proceeded 41. Be not insensible that every Creature doth bear the Image of the great Creator according to the Nature of each and that he is the Vital Power in all things 42. Therefore let none take pleasure to offer violence to that Life lest he awaken the fierce wrath and bring danger to his own Soul 43. But let Mercy and Compassion dwell plentifully in your Hearts that you may be comprehended in the friendly Principle of Gods Love and Holy Light 44. Be a friend to every thing that 's Good and then every thing will be a friend to thee and co-operate for thy good and welfare 45. Refrain all manner of Robustick Sports and Plays for fear of being precipitated into wrath and violence 46. Give no place to Idleness but use Lawful and Innocent Exercises 47. Forbear Riding except it be on necessity but use Walking and going on Foot for such Exercises do propagate Health Strength and Agility of Body and Mind 48. Refrain Hunting Hawking Shooting and all violent oppressive Exercises and instead thereof spend your spare time in Gardening Planting and Cultivating the Earth which will afford both an innocent Pleasure and Profit to Body and Mind 49. Lend not an Ear to Tale-bearers nor please your selves with the Company of Backbiters for they are great Evils and hard to be Cured 50. By Abstinency a Man can extinguish Exorbitant Desires as a raging Fire is abated by withdrawing of Fuel 51. Therefore when your Inclinations leads you to any Evil or that which is contrary to Reason and Temperance put a period forthwith thereunto by a firm Resolution and Promise not to communicate with such things
Sweet in which Sugar Spices or Spanish Fruits are mixed 93. Be strangers to the East and West-India Commodities as Nutmegs Cloves Mace Cinnamon Ginger and the like 94. Keep your self as â—â—ch as may be from eating fat succulent Food 95. Refrain also Foods in which many things of contrary Natures are mixed or compounded 96. Be careful the quantity of your Food be not too great for most of this Complexion are free Eaters and for the most part the pleasure of the Palate in Eating and Drinking does continue many degrees beyond the necessity of Nature 97. Refrain eating of Eggs and rich Broths but eat freely of all mean simple Foods as Water-gruel Herbs Bread and the like also Milk as it comes from the Cow but Flesh Cheese Butter and the like be sparing in 98. Apple-Pies where there is no Butter in the Crust is a good Food eaten with Butter 99. Flower and Water Flower and Milk Flower and Milk and Water prepared as we have taught in the Good Houswife made a Doctor are excellent Foods 100. Many sorts of Herbs in their seasons if mixed and prepared as we have Taught are very suitable Foods 101. Bread and good Drink eaten alone without either Butter Cheese or Flesh is a most excellent Food as also all moist cooling Foods are proper for all People but more especially for this Complexion and young People in general 102. But remember to eat dry Food once a day especially in Winter for then the Air is moist and subject to Humidity 103. In the heat of Summer eat Gruels and other Spoon-meats as frequently as you will it hurts not 104 For in that Season the Natural Heat is not so potent as in Winter or Cold weather and therefore the Foods ought not to be so hard and strong but more mild and easier of Concoction 105. Accustom your self to Order and it will become easy 106. Use Exercises that are gentle especially in the Morning before you Eat or Drink for one Hour or two 107. Take example from Wise Men and not from Fools 108. Gaze not on the Multitude but turn thy Eye inward 109. Be diligent and learn the Nature of Things and to know their intrinsick Virtues especially of those Things you Eat and Drink because the Great Creator hath endued all things with a certain Power to beget their Similes in the Body and Mind for the Body and Spirit of every Man is daily Generated made and sustained by those things he Eats and Drinks and their Essences departs not from him which is a point highly to be considered 110. Be your own Cook and trust not a Blind Man to prepare your Food 111. Be able to give a Reason for all you do for Tradition is a blind Guide 112. Esteem not a thing because a Friend did it but learn to have Eyes of your own 113. Say not in your Heart that my Grandfather Father and Mother did so and so and I believe they were as wise as you and therefore I will do so too for such Sayings are Tokens of stubborn and incurable Folly 114. Keep a proper weight and measure in all things 115. Refrain the frequent company of Women especially such as have outlived Shamefac'dness 116. Water is the most kindly and natural Drink especially for all young People 117. Frequent not Alehouses nor Taverns nor let your Voices be heard in any such places except upon urgent occasions 118. Spend your leasure time in Reading good Books for they beget the Image of Virtue in them that peruse them 119. Meditate on the Law of the Lord and the wonderful things that are as you are about your occasions and the good Genius that the Lord hath granted you shall open such Mysteries as you are capable of 120. Be diligent in Exercise spend no time in waste for Idleness is the Mother of many Mischiefs 121. Consider the Heavens the Sun Moon and wonderful variety of Stars all busie in that Motion and comely Order that the Blessed Creator set them in the beginning 122. Look upon the Earth and the vast variety of its product all is in a comly Order every thing putting forth its Virtue in harmony without grudging or envying the beautiful Form of each other 123. Suffer not therefore thy cholerick Fire to burn so furiously but allay it with the sweet Influences of the Waters of Shiâ—ock or the Love and Light of the Lord that enlightneth every one in a Measure 124. Consider that Passion is thy greatest Enemy stand still therefore when thou feelest such Fires begin to kindle and take Wisdom to thy aid 125. Be not too quick in speaking or answering a Question but remember that your Fire burns fierce make a pause therefore that you may Speak and Answer with Wisdom 126. Do not entertain high or proud Thoughts of your Self or your own Doings 127. Despise not thy Inferior for you are both made of one and the same Matter 128. Suffer not dark and melancholy Thoughts to perplex your Soul but consider the Cause and how by Wisdom to prevent and cut them off in the bud 129. Neither be affrighted at terrible Dreams or Visions but consider the Root and what Property of the Sevenfold Nature do carry the upper Dominion in your Complexion and endeavour to moderate it by Wisdom and Order for all such Dreams and Visions arises and proceeds from the dark Root 130. Art thou subject to the Head-ach Vapors or the like then be moderate in Exercise and take such gentle simple Meats both in quantity and quality which may allay such disorders for there is greater power in Food and Drink than most imagine 131. Wound not thy Self with thy own Arrows by imagining Mischiefs which perhaps may never happen nor bring thy Souâ— into Sorrow for that which is above thy powâ—er to help 132. Consider that God doth all things by his wonderful Providence therefore Fight not against him 133. Take not the death of Friends Children and the like too deeply to Heart for it is the Will of God in whose good pleasure are the issues of their own Lives nor canst thou thy self preserve it one Hour but must bow to that Great Hand when thy appointed time is come 134. Moderate thy Passions therefore by Wisdom and sound Reason and suffer not thy Soul to be captivated in the House of Mourning and Sorrow 135. Give off all hard Labours before your Spirits are too much spent or wasted 136. Be cautious how you drink any kind of strong Drink for they are an Enemy to your Constitution and increase Diseases 137. Be content and use your self to all mean and simple Foods as Water-gruel Bread and Butter various sorts of Herbs both boiled and raw sundry sorts of Food made of Milk Fruits Applepies and the like 138. Raw Eggs with Bread is an excellent Food it being the best way of eating them a little use will render them very pleasant 139. Mild Ale and mild Beer are the most simple Drinks except Water which
its Followers the ways of Wisdom and Virtue 176. The third Principle or Property is the Spirit of this World whence do arise and proceed all mixed thoughts words and works which are both good and evil but when this Spirit is joined to the first Original Principle or harsh Fire then all is poysoned and such are subject to all vain idle Jesting Jearing Scoffing mixed with all kinds of Wantonness and wicked Discourses as also such as are between Jest and Earnest and all Plays and Games and whatsoever do tend to Vanity and Lenity but more especially as is said before when such shall be joined to the Principle of Wrath then such become of evil cunning Natures and subtle Inclinations having two Faces viz. Good with the Good and Evil with the Evil and are of very pernitious Dispositions whosoever is found in this fault as many 1000 are it goes very hard with them and their Souls are beset with a great company of Enemies both within and without 177. So that every Man doth speak from a threefold Spirit or Property and which soever hath gained the Dominion that forms his Words but the Will is the Primum Mobile and governs the Principle and therefore in which soever it immerseth it self that Property obtains the highest degree in the Thoughts Words and Works for this cause Men can at one and the same time Smile and Frown be angry with one and friends with another and be offended at one thing and not at another but some Men do suffer their Desires and Wills to enter so deeply into the first principle of fire in their Passions that they are angry with all the World and all things they have to do with all their Fires are so poisonous and fierce 178. The ground and true cause of this every one ought to Learn and be sensible of and to call all his Desires into the Second Principle for as a Mans chiefest Enemies are those of his own House and his greatest Friends dwels also in himself 179. Therefore learn thy self the operations of thy own Nature and follow the middle way and good Genius for that will never lead thee to Evil but to all Good and make thee a friend to God thy Self and thy Neighbours 180. The proper way to obtain this great Good and high Calling is Separation and Self-denial to follow the voice of Wisdom and not regard the Multitude nor their Customs 181. For every degree of Separation and Self-denial does teach Men some Virtue and true Knowledge and prompt the Intellect to some new or excellent Notion in Gods own way 182. The continual pressing on in Self-denial and Temperance does not only strengthen the Soul but it attracteth the Angels and the sweet Influences of Orion and the Pleiades and all the Heavenly Host. 183. For as Christ saith the Angels of God do mightily rejoyce at the Repentance and Return of a Sinner 184. Fear not therefore but separate thy self from all Beastiality and Sensual Apetites both in Meats Drinks Words and Works 185. Hearken unto Wisdom in this Matter for she will lead thee into the secret Chambers where there is no noise of the Crowd nor of the Oppressions of Egypt 186. Sometimes if thy genius lead thee deny thy self of all things that proceed from the Animal Life as Wisdom shall direct thee viz. from Flesh Fish Butter Cheese Milk Eggs and the like and live on Bread only and simple and harmless Gruels and let no Considerations of what others will think hinder thy perseverance therein 187. But when Wisdom gives thee leave then return to thy ordinary Food as Bread and Butter Cheese Milk Eggs and the like 188. Such separation from the Animal Beastial and Savage Nature and all Foods that proceed from thence and to be contented with innocent Vegitations do increase both Humility and Humanity and make the Body clean chaste and healthy 189. Talk no longer of self-denial and separation but enter into it in good earnest for the Lord has perpetual regard to the Souls that are warm in their Affections and real 190. Awake awake all you that sleep in Uncleanness Gluttony and Intemperance or else do not dare to call your selves any longer Christians 191. For the true Life of a Christian consists in Love Mercy Purity and Separation from Evil and mortification of Lusts and Self-denial 192. And whosoever doth with Faith Earnestness and Prayer to the Lord for his assistance and continue in the paths of Vertue and separation from Evil shall be happy in this World and Crowned with Eternal Bliss Amen 193. The reason why most Men fear to dye is because they have not obeyed God and lived in simple Natures Path. 194. Whereas he that lives in the simple Law of God and Nature is not only freed from common fears but Death it self is nâ—t terrible unto him 195. Sin against God and his Law in Nature cannot be past by except Men repent and acknowledge and forsake them 196. Sin against Men are blotted out no other way but by Repentance Retalliation and Acknowledgement for that is the great Law of God in Nature 197. Be at Peace with all Men and Creatures and all things shall have Unity and Peace with thee 198. Be free and speak the Words of Soundness that thy Companions may not go away untaught 199. Get proper Furnitures against the day of Death that thou mayest be defeâ—â—ed against the Evil Genus 200. Forget not that the good 〈◊〉 of the Lord are Ministring Spirits read◠〈◊〉 assist all that fear him and deny them 〈◊〉 oâ— the Worldly Vanities 201. They accompany them by day and visit them by night and manifest the mysteries both of God and Nature 202. But Evil Angels are always ready and prompts Men to Evil and powerfully draws thereunto by simily for every like begets its likeness both in the Good and Evil. 203. Be serious and consider the nature of thy Dreams and Visions of the Night and from what Property they take their Birth so mayest thou Judge what Genus attends thee and also what Property has the upper dominion in thy Soul 204. There is an hidden mystery in all things and nothing comes by chance as some vainly imagine since therefore there is a Cause for every thing eye the Mystery 205. Consider thine own high Graduation how that thou art the Image of God 206. Therefore believe that Wisdom can and is able to teach thee all things convenient and suitable to thy Degree 207. Be vigilent in the Study of thy self and the mysteries of thine own Nature and thou shalt as certainly obtain Wisdom as a young Man shall a common Trade if he do incline and take pains therein 208. For all things are brought to maturity through desire and seeking the Will being able when strong to make something where nothing is 209. Consider the great Mystery of thy Soul that Eternal Fire the Original of Thoughts and the innumerable company of Imaginations which can penetrate all
Art thou a Man of an Estate remember that thou art but Gods Stewart therefore do good to the Needy and let thy Farms such a Pennyworth that thy Tenants may comfortably live and pay thy Rent with chearfulness of Heart so will their Souls bless thee and thou shalt be rich both in Time and Eternity 249. Art thou a Husbandman or Farmer then shew mercy and compassion to all thy Servants and also to thy Beasts by whose Labour thou art sustained and thy Fields shall be fruitful for Mercy powerfully attracts the Divine Bounty and sweet Influences of God and his Handmaid Nature 250. Art thou an Heir or dost thou Inherit an Estate gotten by thy Forefathers by Wars and Manslaughter or any other kind of Injustice Fraud or Violence remember Gehuzie's Leprosie sticks thereunto and the Curse is near thee wherefore do not rest nor call it thy Right before thou hast made Retalliation or Restitution either to those from whom it was taken or if they were not known then by giving most part of it to the Poor seeing it is the effects of Violence and the utter ruine of many Hundreds of poor distressed People that never offended thee nor thy Forefathers fail not to make satisfaction 251. Maids and Women that are subject to Fumes Vapours and Headach will do well to forbear most sorts of fat Succulent Foods or of hard Concoction and particularly all baked Foods as Pudding Pye Crust and likewise strong hard stale or bitter Drinks 252. Sudden Frights Surprizes Excess of Joy Fear Love Hate Sorrow are very injurious to them 253. If your Stomachs be obstructed or furred eat Bread and Water-gruel sometimes with Herbs without Butter Sugar or Fruit or skimm'd Milk and Bread which will carry the offending Matter downwards and disburden Nature 254. Nothing hurts Nature more then too great a quantity of Food for it powerfully â—â—â—ds fumes up into the Head and generates 〈◊〉 in all the Body so do all Foods preperâ—d by Fire if eaten hot 255. Accustom your self to eat cold Foods espâ—câ—â—lly in moderate Seasons 256. All sorts of Wines are pernicious to the Female Sex except allayed with Water and yet more mischievous are all Brandies or other Spirituous Liquors made by Distillation 257. For all Women should remember that their Natural Heats are much weaker then Mens and therefore they ought to use double the Care and Temperance in the Conduct of their Lives as to Meats and Drinks Passions and Exercises and the like 258. The same Rules Mothers and Nurses ought to observe in their Diet for Children if they would have them healthy 259. Observe that all Foods contain three forms properties or qualities viz. a strong harsh poysonous Fire either cold or hot which in all things is the Root of Life and Motion 2dly A most pure friendly property which is sweet Oyly and Balsamick a Moderater or an allayer of all harshness and astringency 3dly A phlegmy gross Body which do cover hide or contain in its Bowels the other two the Holy Trinity is manifested in all the three Kingdoms of the Human Nature which is a most wonderful Mystery 260. But in some things or Foods the Fathers property in the Fire is most potent and then such are of a harsh bitter hot or poysonous Spirit and phlegmatick Body and of strong gross taste and smell subject to Corruption and therefore such Foods ought in a special manner to be avoided and of that fort are most Flesh and Fish as having lost all its pure Vertues and Spirits by Deaths baneful Stroke 261. For since every sort of Food begets its likeness and awakens respectively their own properties in the Body Spirits and Soul their essences never departs but incorporates themselves with the Lifes Spirits therefore all innocent simple Foods as Herbs Seeds Grains and Fruits do best suit and agree with harmless innocent People 262. All inclinations to Meats and Drinks do arise from that property that is most strongly awakened or has got the chief dominion in the Lifes Spirit 263. Thus all Beasts desires a Food proportionable to their Natures as Dogs Bears Lyons one sort and Cowes and Horses another 264. The same is to be understood in Men every thing does naturally and powerfully though as it were in an insensible way attract unto it self such Food or Matter as is capable to nourish its own Body therefore it is said by the Illuminated Moses that Adam and Eve were betrayed by eating and undoubtedly if Adam had continued in Innocency then innocent Food would have satisfied him 265. Can any thing be more unjust or unreasonable not to do as thou desirest to be done unto thou desirest the Lord to forgive thee then do thou the like to thy Neighbour 266. Thou desirest to enjoy thy peace and freedom in the worship of God then deny not thy Neighbour the like Priviledges 267. Consider that thou hast but a little while to live in this World and that there must be an account given of all things 268. Think what it is to lie on thy Death-Bed when all the pleasure of Life withdraw themselves and bid thee Eternally adieu 269. Then thou wilt be left alone though thou wert Lord over millions nor can any force of Armed Men defend thee from that Mortal Stroke 270. When all thy Acquaintance shall fly from thee as if they were frighted and then thou must pass into the Melancholy Shades and enter upon unchangeable Eternity where none of thy great Men or Lovers can help thee 271. Fear thy Creator therefore and do good in this time of thy Pilgrimage that thou mayest have Treasures in the World to come for none can help thee but only the great Iehovah 272. Wait at the Altar of the Lord and pray that he would open the Gates of Wisdom unto thee 273. For Wisdom and Understanding is in the secret Chamber and not amongst the Multitude 274. Remember that God is to be worshipped in Spirit and in Truth therefore let not forms or outward modes of Worship make divisions between thee and thy Neighbour provided he be a good Man that is one that fears God and loves his Neighbour and doth good for evil 275. Be not offended because another Man is not like thee for God is not offended at such unlikeness but our making our selves unlike him by Sin who hath made no two things altogether alike in the World and we are all the works of his Hands 276. And most true it is that the Lord hath made all Men to differ and vary as much in their Minds Inclinations Dispositions and Understandings as in their outward face of Body or Compleâ—iâ—n 277. Give 〈◊〉 allowance to all People that are 〈…〉 and educated amongst Turks 〈◊〉 or other Religions that are strange to 〈◊〉 considering that if thou hadst been educated there thou wouldst have been as they and 〈◊〉 otherwise 278. Therefore without despising or hateing them bless God that he hath more mercifully disposed of thee under greater
and governeth all things 313. That happy Man that doth live in and under the Divine Will and is governed by the Light and Love of Jesus Christ hath no strife about nor in Religion because in all things he hath resigned his Will unto Gods Will Countenances and Commends that which is good in all Men let their Form or Worship or Religion be what it will 314. Let no outward Opinion Form or Ceremony separate thee from having Union with thy Neighbour nor Meats nor Drinks nor any thing but Evil. 315. For there is nothing Recommends Man unto his Maker but Obedience to the Requirements of his Holy Spirit or Divine Principle of his Light and Love which leads all its Followers into Innocency and Concord 316. God is Love and he that loveth not his Neighbour whom he daily Communicates with cannot love God as the Scriptures of Truth do testify for Man is Gods Image 317. Remember that whatsoever Offence or Evil thou dost to thy Neighbour is also a Sin against God 318. There is no outward Religion or Form of Worship has power to reinvest Man again in his first Original State but only Faith in the Lord Jesus Love Humility and Obedience unto the Commands of the Lord and a peaceable innocent walking with his Neighbour 319. Therefore when thou considerest the varieties of Religion and Forms that Men do worship God in be sure to embrace that which tends most to the Glory of God and the good of thy Fellow Creatures and which most exalts Innocency and Well-doing for God will not be Invoked with Lip-service only and outward Ceremonies most of which hides the purer Pearl in the Rubbish of Formality and Hypocrisie 320. Above all things entertain and nourish good Thoughts for serious Thoughts and Meditations concerning our holy Creator are fed and increased by Divine Power and Understanding and kindles the Life of Love so that it longeth and continually hungreth after God and the teachings of his Spirit 321. Christ is the true Touchstone to the knowledge of things Divine and the Corner Stone to all Spiritual Buildings consider therefore in all thy ways whether thy Words and Actions do enter out of Love into Love and whether the Peace of God which passeth all Understanding be sought and desired 322. Remember that all Strife about the Divine Will of God whereby Men do despise one another though it may cover it self with a Mantle of Zeal doth yet in truth proceed from Self-hood and Pride for the Wrath of Man worketh not the Righteousness of God 323. Such Disputations and Contentions do generally or for the most part arise from outward Reasonings vain Imaginations and Custom for if Men dwelleth in Innocency and willeth with his Creator what need he dispute about that which he enjoys and possesseth 324. Men ought in friendly sort to confer together and offer one another their Gifts and refined Knowledge in Love to try all things and hold fast that which is good and not to stand so stiff in their own Opinions as if they could not Err. 325. Man ought to consider what a mighty strong Enemy he hath within himself which continually suggesteth strange Thoughts and Apprehensions concerning God and his Will which often occasions Men to insult over one another whence Sects Parties and Factions about Religious Matters do arise 326. He that contends furiously about Religion 't is to be feared has no true Religion at all and that will force others to bow to his poor narrow Thoughts touching such sublime Mysteries gives a great sign that he neither knows God Nature nor himself nor has felt the Operation of the Divine Dove like Spirit of Peace in his Mind 327. 'T is certain all these Reasonings Disputes and Contentions about the differing Modes of Religion and outward Formalities must be left behind us like Elisha's Hair Mantle in the Wilderness of this World and the Will and all the properties of the Soul and Life must turn it self again unto God out of whom it proceeded and forsake all vain Imaginations and Lusts or else he can never come to the Divine and Beautifying Vision 328. Remember also that all such Strife and Alterations about the Testaments of Christ do arise in Mans Heart for want of Love and the Divine sight or skill in the Heavenly Mysteries which cannot be any otherwise obtained but only by turning the Will and Thoughts unto God by Temperance and Self-denial Innocency and Regeneration which is the true Eye-salve that clears the inward sight of the Understanding 329. As the great Eye of the Material World or Sun doth with its glorious friendly Beams and sweet Influences penetrate all outward Things and Bodies and fills them with its good Vertues whereby they are generated grow and increase and become useful and most pleasant The like but in a more sublime and mysterious manner is to be understood of the holy Spirit and Light of Jesus Christ viz. he animateth cherishes and governs all that doth resign their Wills unto his Sovereign Government over both Soul and Body and all Evil Inclinations and by its friendly and gracious Influences makes them grow and become pleasant Fruit in the Paradise of God and a right Branch on the good Vine in which Heavenly State God and Man are united and God dwells in this Spiritualized Man as the Sun dwelleth by its Influences in Fruits and Plants and maketh them fragrant and ripe for glory 330. For as the Material Heavens and Caelestial Bodies do by their Influences penetrate this gross lower World and all things therein giving them vertue and power so Christ penetrates the Converted Soul by his inward ruling power and resisteth the vain Lusts Wrath Violence and all other Evils that the Earthly Man is subject to 331. A Christian in all his ways must have three Guides Truth Charity and Wisdom Truth to go before him Charity and Wisdom on either side if any of the three be absent he wanders out of the way or stumbles You shall see some do hurt by following even Truths uncharitably and others whilst they would salve up a dangerous Error with Love have failed in their Wisdom and offended against Justice A Charitable Untruth and an Uncharitable Truth and an unwise management of Truth or Love are all to be avoided by him that would go with a right foot in the narrow way 332. Of making many Books there is no end saith the Wise Man but above all others Books of Quarrels and Controversies are apt to have no end for number as well as no good end or scope and effect upon either the Writers or the Readers 333. In all Disputes look how much there is of Passion so much there of is nothing to the purpose the eager Contenders raiseth such dust as puts out his own Eyes whilst he think to choke the Party he opposeth 334. Such violent Contemners works as for the most part they begin their Clamors without cause so they manage them without either Reason
not himself or what is a Man the better if he have himself and wants all others or what is he the nearer if he have himself and others and yet want God or in fine what boots it me to be a Man if I be either Wrathful Proud or Envious 352. He is Rich enough that wants not Necessaries he is great enough that is his one Master and he is Happy enough that Lives and Dies well 353. Even the best Things ill used becomes Evil and on the other side the worst Things used well turns to Good a good Tongue used to Deceit a good Wife used to defend Errors a strong Arm to Murther Authority to Oppress a good Profession to Dissemble and Cheat People are all Evil contrariwise as Poysons may in wholsome Medicines Afflictions and Sins by a good use proves of great Advantage 354. There is nothing more easie than Lipp Divinity and Breath Religion to discourse of Spiritual Matters from the Tongue of others but to hear it spoke from the Soul to feel the Power of Religion in our Hearts subduing our Affections and mortifying our Lusts and to express it out of the Truth of Experience is both rare and hard and yet without this the other is nothing worth but will rather increase our Condemnation 355. The Soul of Man through Evil and Disobedience has broken it self off from Gods Holy Will whence Darkness and all Misery doth overwhelm him and seperate him from that Equallity and Temperature he was made to live in and so becomes Blind as to God and Virtue 356. Nor can any way or means restore him but the Love of God viz. by being Obedient unto the Spirit of Iesus Christ which opposeth all Fierce Wrath Violence Oppression and other Poysonous Influences of the Serpent and leads Man into Humility Love Innocency Self-Denial which are the Fruits of the New-Birth 357. Note that all Things do most ardently covet a suitable Food so that neither Body nor Spirits can subsist without it hath proper Aliment and according to that Principle that predominates either Good or Evil so are clean innocent Meats and Drinks or their contraries desired or used 358. In all the fierce savages of the Desart and Beasts of Prey wherein the Poisonous Wrath doth predominate yet is not this wild and untamed Nature any Evil or Perplexity to them because such their fierce Inclinations and Beastial Dispositions are all according to their radix so that they enjoy as much Delight and Pleasure as the more clean and tractable Animals do 359. But still the very sight and looks of these fierce Creatures are a terrour to the more gentle and friendly Natures of clean Beasts so that what is an evil or terrour to one thing is the cause of Delight and Joy to another for every Creatures highest Satisfaction consists in its living and continuing in the Power and Operation of that Principle wherein it was originally made or brought forth 360. Therefore Man being made in the Image of God all Uncleanness Wrath Violence Oppression and Beastiality are the Troubles and Snares of his Soul because he was made in and to another Principle viz. to live in the Divine Power and Operation of the Holy Light and Love of God 361. The same is to be understood of the fallen Angels their Evil and Misery is that they have through Pride Envy and evil Inclinations immers'd themselves into another Principle than what they were made for they were formed by the Divine Powers to live in the light and love of God Fierceness and Pride was not manifest in their first State therefore Wrath and Darkness is their Pain and Torment 362. But wild Beasts of Prey were made and derive their predominant property from the Wrath of the outward Nature which hath its Original from the inward and to live in and to it and consequently have as much Pleasure and Delight in their Being as the more friendly tame Beasts have who were made from the more benign and equal Nature and though some Beasts are wild and cruel yet they are not to be despised or too cruelly used since they were made so in the Roots of their Natures by the All-wise Creator and are not fallen from their first Estate 363. He that entertains Violence in the Centre of his Heart is comprehended in the Fierce Wrathful Nature or Principle of Darkness be his Form of Religion what it will 364. No Man can Honour God nor bring Glory to him in his Love principle of Light but only by bringing down his Will and Desires even from the Centre of his Heart into Innocency and Well-doing 365. But all Men in the World do Honour and Glorifie God either in his Love or Anger according to what Principle they live in For as the Apostle saith The Sober and Virtuous are a sweet savour unto the Lord of Peace in the Holy Power of his Kingdom of Love and Light and on the other side the Wicked are a savour of Death in the Kingdom of Wrath Fierceness and Eternal Woe 366. As Earthly Princes cannot possibly punish so they cannot prescribe Laws to Mens Souls nor does it concern the Temporal State of this World how Men do Worship their Maker provided they yield Obedience to the Civil Laws of their Country and pay their Tribute and live innocent sober Lives for such Subjects are so far from being dangerous to the Governments that they are the grand preservers of the Peace and Happiness of those Countries wherein they live 367. Man knows very little of the wonderful Work of God in the outward visible Nature but much less of the invisible Mystical Spiritual Kingdom from whence all the external Forms Figures Shapes Bodies and Virtues proceed 368. He that is Angry or Contends with his Brother about outward Forms and Ceremonies in Religion provided Men be Virtuous and fear the Lord does really fight and contend with their great Creator who hath made all Men and all Things to differ and vary in their Colours Shapes Inclinations and Dispositions 369. Consider what great Impressions and almost invinceable Prejudices Education and the Modes of Countries or Places do make in the Hearts and Souls of Men so that what is esteemed a great Evil in one Country is not in another nay especial Evils comes to be esteemed no Evils at all especially in such as are not govern'd by the in-shining and in-dwelling Light of Jesus Christ. 370. Behold and learn Wisdom Charity and Moderation from the Beasts of the Field they are contented to Feed together in one Pasture though they are of various Kinds and will all Drink of one Fountain without complaining or quarrelling about their Meats Drinks Colours Shapes Likeness Greatness Fatness or Leanness but all live in Peace and Union obeying the great common and Universal Law of God in Nature and so answer that end for which they were made to the Praise and Glory of their Creator 371. Know therefore and conclude for certain that
the spirit then also the Oyl does with the true spirit become either suffocated or evaporated for this very cause all Herbage that has lost its spirit does neither smell well nor weigh heavy for that fragrant smell proceeds from the Essential spirits and the weight and ponderousness is from the Oyl the very same is to be understood in all Grains as Wheat Barly Rye and the like the true colour also do arise and proceed both from the Essential spirit and Oyly quality 2. Therefore all Vegitative Foods especially such as are made of Corn as Wheat Rye Barly or the like are far more agreeable and harmonial than Flesh and Fish easier of digestion affording a finer livelier and more brisker spirit and less phlegm or gross Juices which the Natural heat and sharp pleasant Minstruum or Runnet of the Stomach can easily digest and send down into the passages and so free the Joynts and other parts of the Body from Inconveniencies This is manifest by External Operations for how quickly will Bread dissolve being put into Water nay the whole dry Corn it self being infused grows soft and tender in a little time but how long may one infuse Flesh Fish Cheese or Butter before they dissolve or grow more tender Vegetative Foods do also keep the Body cool and pleasant preventing Fumes and Vapours from flying into the Head because such Foods do not generate them as all fat Victuals does for their crude obstructive phlegmatick Juices that lodge in the Stomach and Vessels that cause Fumes and Vapours as also Fevers for the principal cause that Fevers are so frequent is that surplusage of matter that proceeds from Intemperance in Foods both in quantity and quality for when People over-charge Nature then the digestive faculty cannot make a perfect separation but the gross Juices does load stop and fur the passages whence is generated thick Blood and impure Spirits so that Nature becomes stagnated which does immediately stir up and awaken the Centerial Fires in all parts of the Body and makes the whole burn with an unnatural heat uneasie and burthensom which is that we call a Fever 4. Therefore in a special manner after full Meals of Flesh or Fish or other fat Foods Men ought to be cautious of drinking too plentifully of strong spirituous Drinks a cup of good Water to most Constitutions has had far better success to carry off a full Meal of such Foods than strong Liquors for good Water is endued with a mild friendly quality of a dissolving dissipating digestive nature and therefore helpâ— Concoction better than Spirituous Drinks as may be gathered from most or all External Operations for Water especially River Water or Spring Water such as will Wash Boil and Brew well will dissolve and dissipate hard Coagulated Bodies sooner than strong Drink or Spirits as Water will dissolve Sugar sooner than Beer Wine or Brandy for in the last especially it will lie a great while before it dissolves 5. Vegetative Foods affords not only the greatest and most vigorous spirits in the Bodies of either Men or Beasts but more fine and innocent free from the seeds of violence passion and inclinations to Beastiality 6. For the forementioned Reasons those that live wholly on Vegitations can drink more strong spirituous Drinks and with far less prejudice than those that live on Flesh and Fish for they will not so soon fume up into their Heads nor so much heat their Bodies finding their Stomachs free from those Crudities and flatulent Juices wherewith the others are pestered and consequently the digestive Property more powerful the Drink is presently dispatched and the grosser parts evaporated by the Uretors without any let or hindrance but the case is otherwise in the Stomachs of such as eat Flesh and fat Foods the truth of this may further appear by Men that do drink much strong Drink after full Meals such will be made drunk before and also sick before those that take the like quantity whose Stomachs are rather empty than full and the latter are in far less danger of Surfets it being seldom known that such that are both great Eaters and great Drinkers too do live long but on the contrary great Drinkers that eat but small quantities of Food do often live to old Age or if a great Eater chance to out-live Youth they seldom but have the Gout from all which it follows that Animal Foods which are for the most part fat are nothing so Excellent or Commendable as Vegitations which none can understand or know but Doctor Experience talk will not convince any Man no not Men of the greatest Reasons Obj. Some will be apt to object and say that it is nonsence to discourse after this manner viz. to affirm that fat Animal Foods are not so good as poor lean Vegitations and Victuals made thereof for we see will they say that fat things are desired by all or most and if Flesh be not fat it is counted worth little because fat is counted to be of a brave healing nourishing Nature and Operation and therefore our Nurses endeavour to make sucking Children to take it even against their Stomachs Answ. To which I answer that I am not ignorant that this is indeed the vulgar Opinion but for that very reason to be suspected nay if you will hearken to the Voice of Wisdom utterly to be expelled for Doctor Experience and that most excellent Phylosopher Right Reason will tell you that it is a grand mistake to think that Vegitations and Foods made thereof though they have not gross greasy qualities as Animal Foodâ— have are therefore to be counted poor lean and of but little Nourishment for are we not every day taught the contrary though not in Man yet in all other Creatures Will not a little cold Grass and dry Hay and especially Corn make several sorts of Beasts fat and that too very firm and substantial And what is your brave Butter and Cheese but the digested Juice of Grass and Vegitations all dried Grains as Wheat Barly Rye and many other sorts are endued with an excellent Spirit and pure Oyl much finer and freer from grossness and phlegm than Flesh or the product of Flesh the Oyl of Grains being as it were vollatile like a Spirit so that when it comes into the Stomach it is brisk and lively most easily separated and digested as being turned into an Unctious substance from whence the fatness of these Creatures that live on Corn does proceed which Unctious quality does also contain a bright lofty exhillerating spirit that makes all such Creatures so strong lively and brisk that they have no need of the fat either of Flesh or Fish The very same would happen to Man if he could content himself with Vegitative Foods and good Drinks made thereof 7. Such as live on Vegitative Foods are hardly ever subject to drought though they can when they eat drink with more pleasure to the Stomach though not so much to the Pallate as
Women when depraved have exâ—eeded most Mens being a greater degeneration 〈◊〉 their Natures and Complexions for the 〈◊〉 any Creatures are graduated in their Birth 〈◊〉 greater is their Fall if they decline witness 〈◊〉 Apostacy of Angels and Men. 18. As the Females are beautified with curious 〈◊〉 and Forms exceeding the Males so their 〈◊〉 are endued with sweet loving tender friend 〈◊〉 Dispositions and Spirits more delightful and 〈◊〉 for this cause the Wise King likens the 〈◊〉 Principle of Love and Light to a Woman 〈◊〉 a Spouse or Virgin 19. All kind of wantoness fierceness uncha 〈◊〉 boldness and rude carriage is account 〈◊〉 far worse in Women than in Men and indeed 〈◊〉 so in the root because they were made more 〈◊〉 Fine Mild and Friendly then Men for a 〈◊〉 may commit many outrages and immodest â—ctions and little notice taken of it and if he 〈◊〉 sakes such courses they are easily overlookt or â—ried in the pit of Oblivion but on the contra 〈◊〉 if a Woman have committed any unchaste â—ction or have but a wanton Look or Carriage 〈◊〉 can hardly ever clear her self thô her future 〈◊〉 and Conversation be never so regular and well 〈◊〉 the true Cause whereof is because 〈◊〉 have committed violence on Nature which a very great Sin if this were not true Women 〈◊〉 have been admitted several Husbands as 〈◊〉 as Men several Wives but one Man does an 〈◊〉 the ends of Nature to one Woman but on 〈◊〉 contrary one Woman cannot answer the ends Nature to one Man which will not admit any â—ther discourse in this place 20. Suppose a Man be a great Mathamatician Astrologer Physitian Musitian or Divine and such a one shall commit the like Outrages and Evils as an ordinary Man that is not endueâ— with such sublime Gifts the Artists must needâ— be counted the greater Works of iniquity whicâ— some People do mistake and suppose the occasion of such Evils to be in their Art or Science whence amongst the Vulgar a slight Opinioâ— arises of these Professions but the cause of eviâ— is not in the Art but in the Heart 21. The same is to be understood in Religion if any shall pretend to more Moderation Temâ—perance and Piety than his Neighbours theâ— presently all Eyes are open to observe his Liâ—â— and doings and if they Spye a fault thô themâ—selves are guilty of the same or worse every day they cry Stone him Stone him this is he thaâ— pretends to be Religious as if they were not Meâ—â— and subject to failings 22. All friendly advice to the Women thaâ— seeing they are so highly Dignified Naturally 〈◊〉 the aimable Constitution or human Nature 〈◊〉 that they would not suffer their Wills and Dâ—â—sires to wander and enter into the dark fierce paâ—â—sionate fiery Property which in a moment of timâ— devours their sweet Oyl and sanguin Dowry anâ— then they are left either without Pilot or Ruâ—â—der tost to and fro in the Ocean of Error comâ—mitting evil against their own Complexions anâ— Natures whereby their Fall becomes like Lucâ—â—fers 23. Man is more depraved than any othâ—â— Creature visible because he was higher graduâ—â—ted in his primitive State one would think thâ—â— the Prince of the Inferior World should not 〈◊〉 more wretched and forlorn than any of the Beaâ—â— of the Field or Fowls of Heaven and indeed he would not nor could not have been so if hâ— had not done some signal evil against the great Law of God and Nature 24. Man doth declare by his Disquiet Care Contentions Fighting Intemperances and the â—ffects of these perpetual perplexities both in Body and Mind what Condition and Kingdom â—e is fallen into and that he is not at home in this World for all Creatures with whom he has to â—o must naturally curse him because he is their Tormenter and the Curses of oppressed Inâ—ocents are neither causless nor vain for all Creatures are made by God and live and move by his power and when they are hurried hurt or killed they naturally call for Vengeance which may be reckoned amongst one of the Causes of the many Judgments and Calamities frequent in the World as Wars Plagues Famines Contentions and the various almost innumerable Diseases and Disasters that afflict Mankind for Mans Soul nor Body can never be at rest or peace until he do â—uffer the inferior Creatures to have and enjoy â—hat liberty and quiet they groan to be delivered â—â—to that is for Man to let them enjoy and live in â—he Law that their Creator gave them of which man by his cruel violence and oppression deprives â—hem 25. All the inferior Creatures do shew and are â—â—vely Testimonies of Mans dismal fall from his â—irst innocent Estate viz. into the knowledge of Evil or Self-fulness which they are free from 〈◊〉 their continuing in and under the same Law â—f Nature in which the Creator constituted them or if the Beasts of the Field Fowls of the Air â—nd Fish of the Sea should have broken their â—irst Law and fallen into the deep sensibility and knowledge of the Evil Fierce Original Fiery Principle as Man has done Man would not have been able to stand before them for from thence all cunning thoughtfulness of Evil Enmity Haâ—tred and wicked Inclinations of Warlike Weaâ—pons Killing and Murderous Tools arise as also vain wicked Words and Works and whatsoeveâ— has the Name and Nature of Evil has from thence taken its Birth which Knowledge or Gatâ— of Wrath is opâ—ned unto Mankind by their Transâ—gressions which before their fall was shut and they did no more know or were sensible of thâ— fierce motion of the deep subtle cunning dark Wrath than the Beasts and inferior Creatureâ— aâ—e of their own strength and great abilities Now if this door of Fierce Wrath should be unâ—bolted in them and the Fruits thereof bud fortâ— as they have done in Man ever since his transgresâ—sion the whole World would be as it were oâ— fire in a most hideous combustion for Man could not live or subsist but would be destroyed and devoured by the Beasts of the Field Fowls oâ— Heaven and Fish of the Sea were they but senâ—sible of Mans inability and their own strength and power which the Creator hath hid from them as the evil was hid or swallowed up of thâ— good in Mans first Estate for what were a hundred or a thousand Men to an Elephant a Lyon a Tyger or even a Horse if Man should be deâ—bar'd of all helps of Arms and Inventions and be confined unto his own Natural Weapons oâ— Defences as all Beasts are nay Man could noâ— encounter with the Beasts although he have thâ— advantages of all Warlike Inventions and Crueâ— Weapons if the Beasts had the knowledge of thâ— Evil Fiery Wrathful Nature awakened in them 〈◊〉 it is in Man and from thence it is that Man doeâ— exceed all the inferior Creatures in Evil for from the awakened Wrath arises Covetousness Pride Vain-glory all kinds of Passion evil
all inferior Creatures all comes from the same dark Root 5. The second grand Principle or Fountain is the holy meek Light which proceeds from and is continually begotten and generated by the Father and it is of a most amiable and blessed nature and this is the true Light and Spirit of the Soul which throughout shines or tinges all the haâ—sh Astringent Qualities of the Father and also the Soul of Man which is as is mentioned before of the same nature for without this blessed power the Human Soul is but a dark Fierce Fire and an House of Death but if a Man suffers his Will which in it self is free to enter into this amiable and blessed meek Principle of Light and Love and will freely and humbly give up him or her self to this most gracious Spirit to be guided ruled and conducted in all its ways then it becomes enlightned and all its harsh dark fierce ardours becomes as it were changed quallified and made meek gentle and courteous this is the good genus happy Demon or good Angel guardian of every one that hearkeneth unto and will be sure to bring him to Tranquility and Bliss this is the Pearl of great value which every one ought to seek with the highest Diligence for when this good Principle comes once to bear Rule in Man's Soul than from its Blessed Nature do all the Reasonings arise and proceed and are tinged therewith as Water-tast's of those Minerals from or through which they pass and such Peoples discourses shall not be vain empty fallacious sophistical pernitious or unfruitful but sound efficacious and fruitful in every good Word and Work for that Man shall not only have his Conversation as it were with Salt administring Grace to the Hearers but likewise will with all diligence abandon Pride Covetousness stately High-mindedness Envy Malice Cruelty oppressing Violence Fighting and Killing not only of one another but of all other inferior graduated Creatures and so contributes as much as in him lies to deliver the whole Creation and Creatures into that Glorious State or Liberty of the Sons of God which the Apostle saith they groan and travel in pain to be delivered into 6. The Third Principle or Fountain is the outward visible World viz. The four Elements the Sun Stars and all the Operations of the outward Nature of which Men and all other Creatures are made and constituted as to their Bodies and Senses and if Man should degrade himself and immerse himself too far into this External Nature or Principal doating with all his Affections on these inferior things and supposing his chief Happiness therein to consist whereby the Spirit of the Great World is suffered to predominate and bear sway in the Heart then all his Reason and Understanding is formed by and continually generated from vain trifling outward Objects so that thenceforth all foolish and wicked Customs easily take place in him and hurry his Mind at their pleasure from one Passion to another till he arrives at the most foolish debauchery and extravagance as a Man that has given up his Soul to sensual Love the desire of Money or earthly Honour and the like or is it be but to the cruel exercise of Hunting or the foolish diversion of Gaming and Dancing each of these persons whose Minds are taken up and amused with that particular to which he has Intailed himself and accordingly not only all his own Discourses borders thereupon but he esteems any thing another can say to be impertinent and absurd thus to an ambitious Spirit that designs the Conquest of Kingdoms and building himself an airy Name to be much talk'd of in the present and future Ages as a brave Fellow the desperate Mischiefs he has done nothing is so acceptable as to speak or hear of deep Policies of State and sutable stratagems of War of raising and disciplining Martial Troops of Diving into the Councils of Princes and contriving Projects of Greatness but all this the besotted Inamorate cryes out against as the silliest toil that ever Mortal undertook and avows there is no Affair in this World so important as good Cloaths neat Address and curious Compliments to obtain the Grace and Favour of his good Mistriss whilst the covetous Miser that wears his Heart in his Fob and his Brains in his Bags laughs at them both as the most egregious Coxcombs that ever the Sun did yet shine upon and will allow no Conversation to be since that does not Treat of Debtor and Creditor Houses Lands Sales Mortgages Executions and Fifty per Cent. yet both he and the rest are run down as stupid Animals Masters of not one dram of Reason or good Sense by a brisk Spark who makes Wit and Repartee the Grand business of Life and will not disown himself to be the Author of a well taking Play for the place of Chancellor or a thousand Guines paid down on the Nail for he swears a Man ought not to value himself on the hapâ— hazard of Birth Pelfe or Fortune but the true Riches of the Mind which with him are only high Talking extravagant Drinking and wild Thinking thus we see that each Man does prise himself upon and value things just as he has plunged his Spirit and Inclinations into them by a habitual Custom and Affection 7. Hence it is thâ—t all wicked and foolish usages take place in Man as intemperateness either in Diet called Gluttony or of Liquors which is called Drunkenness so Swearing Lying vain Plays and Games fashions of superfluous Garments idle Jeasting Jearing and many ridiculous Sports and Pastimes as the Multitude calls them do proceed and most or all these things by inuring themselves thereunto become their Reoson for from thence comes that vulgar Saying which is swallowed as a Maxim We had as good be out of the World as out of the Fashion and to speak truly they had much better be out of this wicked fantastick World than to follow its Vanities which leads all its followers into or joyns them with the first darke fierce principle of Wrath and Perdition for all that is vain and fantastick is called Reason when the Souls of Mankind are swallowed up in this Principle But from what has been said and a prospect of the Actions and Conversations of Men we may readily be enabled to make Judgment from what root each Man 's reasoning proceeds and whether they tend A Bill of Fare Of several excellent Dishes of Food easily procured without Flesh and Blood or the Dying groans of God's innocent and harmless Creatures which do as far exceed those made of Flesh and Fish as the Light doth Darkness or the Day the Night and will satisfie all the wants of Nature to the highest Degree which Banquet I present to the Sons of Wisdom and to all such as shall obtain that happy Condition as to decline that depraved Custom of Killing and Eating their Fellow-Creatures and whose desire is to Live accordin to the innocent Law of Nature and do
satisfaction of Nature 72. Bread and a Pint of good Cyder do also make a good Meal it breeds good nourishment and makes a Man full of life and spirit 73. Bread and half a Pint of Cherry Wine Goosberry Wine or Currans Wine with this alone a Man may make a brave Dinner it affords a noble brisk spirit and nourishment 74. Flummery is an ancient Food the Britains used to eat and the use of it is still continued amongst the Welsh The Britains and those that now eat this sort of Gruel had and have various ways of eating it viz. to mix Ale with it and so eat it with Bread others Milk Cream and the like which mixtures do very well This Gruel I commend to all weak Stomach'd People and especially to such whose Breasts and Passages are furred and obstructed by sweet tough and phlegy matter it being an excellent remedy against all such Infirmities 75. Bonniclabber is a sort of Milk Meat and though last spoken of deserves the first place for its excellent Vertues Bonniclabber is nothing else but Milk that has stood till it is sower and become of a thick slippery substance this is an exceellent Food being eaten with good Bread in hot Seasons especially for Consumptive People and such as are troubled with any kind of stoppages of the Breast it naturally opens the passages it 's easie of concoction and helps to digest all hard or sweeter Foods it also cools and cleanseth the whole Body and renders it brisk and lively quencheth thirst to admiration And with this or any one of the forementioned Dishes of Food any Person may make a hearty Meal thereof with great satisfaction But remember always this grand Truth viz. That Nature undepraved is simple and innocent and is satisfied with a proportionable Food a few things supplies all her wants therefore seek not many Dishes nor variety of Foods especially at one Meal for most Diseases and Distempers are contracted through excess and inordinate living nor doth any thing preserve the Body and also the Mind in perfect health so much as sobriety and temperance and not to heap together various sorts of Foods beyond the necessity or the digestive power of Nature The ancient Wise Men that lived to great Ages in perfect health were contented with simple Food and mean Drink and it would be our happiness to imitate them I wish I might be an Instrument to persuade my Countrymen to such Moderation FINIS BOOKS lately Printed for and sold by Tho. Salusbury at the Sign of the Temple in Fleetstreet viz. A Most Compleat Compendium of Geography general and Special describing all the Empires Kingdoms and Dominions in the World shewing their Bounds Situation Dimensions Ancient and Modern Names History Government Religions Languages Commodities Divisions Subdivisions Cities Rivers Mountains Lakes with their Archbishopricks and Vniversities in a more Plain and Easie Method more Compendious and perhaps more Vseful than any of this bigness To which are added general Rules for making a large Geography very necessary for the Right Vnderstanding of the Transactions of these Times Collected according to the most late Discoveries and agreeing with the choicest and newest Maps By Laurence Eachard of Christ's-Colledge in Cambridge Pr. 1 s. 6 d. Arithmetical Rules digested and contracted for the Help and Benefit of Memory very necessary and useful as well for Gentlemen and Tradesmen as for Youth and Apprentices in Mercantile Affairs With Examples Illustrated upon the Rules By Arthur Leadbetter Schoolmaster in the Whiting-street in Bury St. Edmonds in Suffolk Price 1 s.
hence too we are taught to Pray for our Daily Bread as including under that Name all things necessary for the support of Human Life 4. Outward cleanness in Meats Drinks Cloathing and Exercises is of great use and prevents and as it were cuts off in the bud many Diseases and Inconveniences both from the Body and Mind therefore the Light of the Gospel or Divine Principle makes that part of Moses Law touching Cleanness Essential when it opens its self in the Center of Man's Heart and it is a Ceremony to none but such as are ignorant of Gods Law and the Sympathetical Operations 5. Frequent Bathing or Washing in pure Running Water is highly convenient for all persons especially after easing themselves for the same will in a great measure prevent the pernitious Diseases of the Fundament some of which are incurable 6. Be careful that you do not sit on Common house of Easement which oftentimes proves of evil consequence and infects the Party with Diseases of various kinds according to each Mans Constitution or Complexion therefore those in Cities that would avoid such Dangers ought to ease themselves in a vessel of Water and when the Excrement is cold then to put it into the House of Office particular Reasons in Nature I have shewn elsewhere 7. Have a care of Compositions use and Desire Simplicity for Wisdom In the preparation of Food preserve Unity that is prepare but one thing at a time for things of differing Natures cannot be prepared together because some requires a longer some a shorter time besides the Spirits and inward Virtues of each thing do mix and incorporate and mightily strive with each other for Victory by which the pure parts of them all are wounded for in the Combat the weaker suffers Violence and the Spirit is Suffocated 8. Flesh and Herbs Roots and Puddings are not to be prepared together in one Vessel but each alone because of their different Nature and times of preparation for Water after it hath boiled an hour more or less will not prepare any sort of Food to that degree of Excellency as at first 6. Let Seafaring Men and others that Travel when they go ashore beware of Venus as also of lying in soft warm Beds especially Feather-beds As also of eating of fresh Flesh and Fish too immoderately lest they fall into Fluxes for Nature cannot endure suddain Changes and where Wisdom and Temperance is wanting People are subject to various Diseases on such occasions as Fevers Fluxes Colds c. 10. The chief occasion why Mankind is so subject to frequent Fevers is the variety of Foods improperly compounded especially the common eating of Flesh and Fish As also Butter Cheese and the use of strong Drinks for always fat Foods do fur the Stomack and are hard to be separated either by the natural heat or by the Liquor that is drank especially strong hot Drinks Water being the proper Minstrim or Liquor for the Stomach for this Cause Obstructions and Fevers as also hot Diseases are so common and griping Pains and Fluxes such Meats and Drinks do awaken the original fierce Fires 11. All Foods proceeding from the vegitable Kingdom are innocent more equal in there Parts easily dissolved affording fine Spirits therefore those that live chiefly on such innocent Foods are more airy pleasant cool and full of Delight in Body and Spirit which none can know or understand but such as have experienced it for some considerable time 12. All that would prevent Fevers and many other Diseases and keep themselves in harmony should apply themselves to simple Foods viz. Bread Fruits Herbs and the like forbear all sorts of Flesh Fish and eat sparingly of Butter Cheese and Milk and eat but little Fat besides Oil for this you must always remember that every thing begets its likeness 13. Bread Herbs Seeds Fruits and most or indeed all vegetative Foods do represent unto Man the Divine Principle of Light and Love but Flesh be it of what kind it will does denote the harsh wrathful Principle and Mans Desires so much after it is a true sign that he lives in that harsh fierce killing Principle 14. For now-a-days if any Man should be condemned to live only on Bread and Water and what might be made thereof he would think himself hardly dealt with which do demonstrate the high degree of Mans Depravation and Separation from the Divine Vision or first simple State 15. Many of the Holy and Wise Antients have declined and decried the eating of Flesh and Blood especially of such Creatures as are unclean and that will eat the Flesh of their Fellow Creatures but never did any of the Philosophical Men forbid the eating of such harmless things as Herbs Bread and the like but have recommended them as most agreeable to Nature and Health 16. A time shall come when the Lyon shall eat Hay with the Ox and the Wolf lye down with the Lamb that is the fierce savage beastial Nature in Man shall be thorough shined and bowed before the Divine Principle or Lamb-like Spirit and whosoever comes to know that time will be contented with innocent Herbs Bread and the like harmless Foods 17. For if the Wolfish Dogâ—sh Nature did not predominate in Man they would not so much long after the Flesh and Blood of Beasts but whatsoever Principle do Reign in the Center of a Mans heart whether Good or Evil he will desire Food suitable thereunto Some particular Notes whence Consumptions proceed and the occasions thereof 1. THE Compositions of sweet fat Foods and Spices all mixed together do destroy the innocent ways of Nature especially when done without understanding the Principles of Nature clog and obstruct the Stomack and too much open the Gate of Venus 2. The frequent eating of Flesh and Fish and such as are Rapacious mixed with the richest vegetations do open and manifest the hidden internal Properties of such Flesh and Fish thereby increasing Lust and evil beastial Inclinations 3. The great quantities of Food wherewith most People overchange Nature which do generate superfluity of gross Juices and if such Foods be from the Animal Kingdom as Flesh Fish Butter Eggs Milk or various sorts of them mixed together then they do so much the more provoke Inclinations to Venus for Flesh and Fish do much more strengthen the Venerial Property than simple Vegetations especially when joyned with strong intoxicating Liquors 4. The frequent or overmuch drinking of strong fermented Drinks especially when the Foods are fat rich spicy and succulent then if there be not great temperance in quantity Nature is set into an unnatural Flame 5. The too frequent visiting the shades of Venus with the before-mentioned Intemperances do extremely promote to the utter ruin of many thousands this is the secret Enemy that wounds the bravest Gallant and strongest Nature and send them down with Sorrow to the Grave betimes 6. The common Lying of Men and Women together on hot soft Feather-beds which do hinder Rest keep
the Body too hot causing many silly Discourses and sometimes wanton ones exciting Venus on both sides whence proceeds weak Limbs feeble Joynts and poor low effeminate Spirits 7. It is very hurtful to many Constitutions to lye on Beds with or immediately after deceased People especially Women for thereby many a lusty Man contracts languishing Diseases unknown to themselves and no less to their Doctors and then their Cure is as unknown to them both 8. The aforesaid Intemperance and Uncleannesses do not only generate or occasion Consumptions but in many Constitutions terrible Fevors Stone Gout Palsies Scabs Itch and various other unclean Diseases according to each Mans Nature and Complexion for this cause more People are afflicted with Consumptions Fevers Stone and Palsies and dye thereof than of any other Diseases 9. For it is to be noted that most or all People that have wherewithal do with great desire live on Flesh Fish Eggs Butter Cheese and Milk mixing the richest Vegitations with them as Spice Sugar Raisons Currants and the like and at the same time drink strong Cordial Drinks which do strongly provoke Nature and awaken its hidden Properties and Centeral Fires and put all into Discord and Confusion one Property or Quality endeavouring to overeome the other in which Combat the Malus Genius do generally obtain the Victory and then the poor Soul is captivated and overwhelmed in the Sea of Wrath and Uncleanness and the Body precipitated into Fevers Consumptions or some other cruel Distemper according to the Nature of each Mans Constitution 10. That which is the hardest Vice in Mankind to overcome especially in the Males most People do with all Cunning and Art endeavor no less to indulge than hide viz. The inclinations to Venus which if Men by Prudence and Temperance can subdue such especially as are naturally inclined thereunto it will not be hard for them to vanquish all other Vice but instead thereof most Men do in one degree or other promote and advance it viz. By the common eating of Flesh Fish and various sorts of compounded Sweet Fat Spicy Foods and strong Drinks which do wound Nature to the very Heart and this Intemperance and Uncleanness is much more practised in England than any other known Country especially in Cities and Towes than in the Country and therefore more do there dye of Consumptionâ— c. The danger of Fat Foods as Flesh Fish Butter Eggs Cheese and the like 1. IT is to be noted that all sorts of Vegitations or Vegetative Foods are much easier separated and digested by the tart pleasant sharp and yet not sower Liquor or great Menstruum of the Stomach and natural heat than such as proceed from the Animal Kingdom as fat Flesh Fish Butter Eggs Cheese Milk or the like the understanding thereof is only obtained by Experience for nothing but Practice makes a Doctor 2. Such fat succulent Foods do Oyl and fâ—r the Stomach and Passages and are difficultly disgested or dissolved lying longer in the Stomach and heavier than such as are lean or not fat or which arise from the Vegitative Kingdom as every bodies experience may easily convince him and besides when mixed with Sugars Spices Fruits or the like they do not only obstruct the passages and generate bad Blood and impure Spirits but also for the most part causes great heats to attend all the External parts whilest the Center is cold and disordered and then the disgestive faculty requires a dram of some Cordial strong Liquor the truth of this thousands of living Witnesses can attest whence do arise a further Debillitation of the Stomach Venerial Inclinations great heats and uneasiness Consumptions Gout and a thousand other Evils both to the Soul and Body 3. Such Foods are endued with great plenty of gross phlegmatick Juices very pernicious as being too hard for the Natural heat to dissolve and dispatch away downwards into the Bowels but remaining behind do infect the Blood obstructing its Circulation and renders the Spirits foul thick impure and dull which People feel in their Limbs and Joynts after great Meals of such Food which do by degrees sow the Seeds and lay Foundations for Diseases especially Consumptions and Fevers 4. These Inconveniencies are much increased by great drinking of strong Spirituous Liquors which the natural heat of the Stomach does quickly separate for the spirituous parts of all firmented Liquors are on the wing and when such Drinks comes into the Stomach the more pure and volatile spirits thereof do as it were in an instant join and incorporate and draw them forth so that in a little time they spread themselves into all the External parts and cause them to burn with heat whereby the whole Body becomes uneasie and disordered 5. But the colder gross phlegmatick parts of such strong spirituous Drinks remain in the Stomach and Vessels mixed with the grosser undigested Particles of the Food which do after coagulate or as it were knit together and does still so much the more heat and oppress the Stomach occasioning Surfets Fevers and other Diseases seldom curabâ—e 6. For Strong Drinks do contain all properties but more especially two vâ—z a quick brisk lively spirit that is volatile and penetrating which through fermentation presently puts into motion and a dull dead heavy phlegmatick Liquor which by degrees falls down into the Uriters in such Constitutions as are hot and vigorous but not without leaving some dregs on the Stomach but in such as have but weak heats and are of colder Compositions the same incorporates with the Juices of the Food and hinders Concoction by fouling the Stomach and Vessels which do quickly destroy the Natural tone of the Stomach and so prove the original of various Diseases for this cause there is greater danger in superfluous or excessive Drinking after full Meals of fat Flesh Fish with Butter c. then on an empty clean Stomach for though the latter will sooner intoxicate the Head the former is more prejudicial to Nature in its Consequences for most Surfets by over-drinking are gotten after full over-plentiful Meals of the before-mentioned Foods Of Foods that are Easie Innocent and most Healthy 1. ALl Vegetative Foods are not only wholsom but easily concocted for the pleasant Ferment or Menstruum of the Stomach can with much more facility dissipate dissolve and disgest Vegitations than Flesh or Fish and the reason is because the former are not only more innocent and equal in their parts but more sharp and less Oyley and withall more Spirituous 't is true they are endued with an Oyly Body but it is as it were a Spirituous Oyl as it manifest in several sorts of Vegitations in whose preparations if due care and prudence be not used both the spirit and also the Oyl will evaporate and then the thing becomes of no use nor true virtue the Oyl in all Vegetations being the ponderous quality and also is the house or dwelling place of the Volatile spirit and if any violence be offered to