water to a little less than a pint strain it and sweeten the Liquor and drink it fasting and now and then drink Posset drink For Childrens sore Feet that the skin is off with Chilblains If the Feet itch much with Chills and is hot the best is to hold them to a Fire very hot a quarter of an hour at a time which allays the itching and keeps them from breaking but if they are broke and be as sore as can be one Plaister of Burgundy Pitch cureth if it do but stick and it is very safe lay it on in the morning A Balsom to cure Burnings and Scaldings Head-ach the Temples and Nostrils anointed biting of a mad Dog use nothing else in Wounds Stitches and Pains in the Sides being rubb'd in and apply a Tobacco Leaf for inward bruises or Ulcers in the Bladder or Kidneys taken like Pills night and morning c. It is made as followeth Take Venice Turpentine washed in Rose water one pound oil Olive three pound yellow Wax one pound then cut the wax and melt it on the Fire and put in the Turpentine Oil and six spoonfuls of Sack stir them till they begin to boil and take it off the Fire and when it is cold melt it again the Sack being from it and put to it one ounce of Natural Balsom price four or five shillings Oil of St. John's wort and red Sanders in fine pouder of each one ounce give it a boil and take it from the Fire and stir it till its cold almost Note that the hotter you make this Balsom when you apply it to wounds Burns Inflamations Ulcers or Fistula's the better it is Another Anoint with Linseed Oil ground with white Lead or Cerus which is also good for the chops and sores on Cows Teets or others Bleeding at the Nose c. Let the party sit upright and stuff into the Nose Rabbets wool which hath been rouled in fine Bole-armony and Dragons Blood and sprinkle cold water in his Face and a cloth wet in Vinegar to the Forehead Bleeding at the Nose in the beginning of a Disease is a bad sign Directions for Health 1. Keep from evil Company 2. Virtue lengthens Life Vice shortneth 3. Use moderate Labour of Body 4. Keep thy Feet dry except used to do it 5. In morning wash Face Ears Teeth and Hands 6. Drink not when sweating except Labour immediately follows or in Bed 7. For sudden pain or cold sweat in Bed 8. Keep constant hours for meat and Sleep 9. Anger and Worldly Cares avoid 10. Little Supper or drink at Evening 11. Use Gardening to labour in it 12. Let little wind come upwards 13. Tobacco prevents much Physick 14. Give Children for worms every Full Moon 15. Cut hair the Moon increasing 16. Cut Nails the Moon decreasing 17. Scrape the Teeth clean often 18. Sleep on the Right Side 19. The Feet sweating wholsom 20. Use no Venery when stomach full or Body dry or aged or big with or when sleep doth not immediately follow Signs of Complexion or Constitution Sanguine heat and moisture Overcome Cholerick heat and driness Overcome Phlegmatick cold moisture Overcome Melancholy cold driness Overcome If none of these four overcome then the Body is in health Philosopher's Stone so called something thereof Hermes Plato Aristotle and other Philosophers in former times flourishing the original Spring of Sciences and the Inventors of Liberal Arts so called earnestly approving the vertues of things under the Heavens did enquire with great desire if any thing was amongst the Creatures that might save Man's Body from all Corruption and preserve it alive for ever In which search in vain they wearied themselves by seeking that in the Creature which is only in the Creator calling it a Stone or Medicine extracted or to be by them created out of Elementary things that shall have power of itself to change melted Lead into fine Gold and also to cure all diseases in Man or Woman and having not found such a thing yet have found many Secrets of Alchymy as the Oils and Salts of Animals Vegetables and Minerals c. But their pretending to transmute or change the filing of Tin which they call Jupiter into Silver called Luna and part of Coper called Venus into Gold called by them Sol put in Lime 24 hours in a flame which only makes them the more malleable or harder though there is some Gold and Silver both in Tin and Lead of which some it 's to be feared makes course Silver of and having not found such a thing as I said before and being ashamed in themselves having spent so many years in toiling cost and study in seeking will not say they cannot or have not found it but have still led others in the dark to search by their writings as if they had known or did possess such a Stone or secret and that it would lose its vertue if they make it known to others For Saith Morien Who hath it that is this Stone possesseth all things and shall need the help of no body in any thing because in it is all temporal Felicity corporal Health and earthly prosperity And further the Philosophers saith that by this Stone or Spirit Moses made the Vessels of the Temple and the Tabernacle Noah built the Ark Esdras recovered the Law Abraham Isaac and Jacob obtained length of days and abundance of Riches c. This many do seek say they but few do find it for the defiled with vices or polluted are unworthy to know such things Therefore it is not shewn but to the devout because it is incomparable to all prices c. O how the Gentiles hearts have been darkned and become vain in their imaginations Rom. 1.21 as at this day to think to find that healing vertue in the Life or vertue of earthly things that 's only in God's Spirit Mal. 4.2 Jer. 30.17 For saith the Lord if thou wilt diligently hearken O Israel unto the voice of the Lord thy God c. Then will I put none of these diseases upon thee which I brought upon the Egyptians c. notwithstanding the Astrologers say that the Planets cause Diseases either by Sympathy or Antipathy as Mars causeth diseases in the head c. Venus deforms the Beauty of the Face by Antipathy to Mars c. Isa 3.24 Both Riches and Honour come of the Lord. 1 Chron. 29. Psal 103.3 For by Faith Noah being warned of God prepared the Ark by Faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come Heb. 11. Unto the pure all things are pure but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure Tit. 1.15 So that it was by Faith in God that Noah Moses Isaac and Jacob and all other the Righteous walked but not by Philosophy or Astrology or any other created thing not like the Gentiles and Astrologers who are become vain in their Imaginations Rom. 1.21 and Observers of times for which Sin the Lord drove out the Canaanites out of
the Lust of the Eye cannot bewitch him For saith W. Salmon in his Book of Drawing Painting c. pag. 244. this imitation of the Life gave the Artizan fame which fame quickned his aspiring thoughts adding more fuel to the Flames till such time as he brought forth a most absolute work whereby he conceived a joy content and satisfaction mark that as durable as the work it self upon which he now conceived himself a happy man and through a just affrance of his Vertues knows himself to be lifted up above the reach of Envy where he stands secure of his fame enjoying in this life as if he were now consecrated unto Eternity the Veneration that is like to follow him after his Death thus an honest emulation and confidence bringing forth works of general applause procureth unto its Author an everlasting glory then not given only to God Again in Pag. 246 saith he Berosus excelled in Astrology wherefore the Athenians for his divine Prognostications mark that erected him a Statue with a Golden Tongue set up in their publick Schools as Pliny saith lib. 7. cap. 37. Publick Libraries were furnished also with golden silver and brass Images of such whose immortal Souls did speak in those places The provocation of Vices have also augmented the Art mark that it hath been pleasing to engrave wanton Lusts upon their cups and to drink in Ribauldry and Abominations as Pliny saith in the Proem of his 33. Book Are these things good to be dedicated to a Nation professing Christianity And this Author goes on and tells us how the Ancients depicted their Gods as Saturn Jupiter c. Diana Juno Neptune c. In the greatest imaginary Glory to bespeak their fame c. when all these things and the pleasant Pictures with all the Babyloniâ—h rubish are for the fire of Gods wrath that draw the heart from God And it is great pity that the Author whom God hath given so much Wisdom should rake in this Heathenish and Babylonish rubish c. And though God once commanded Moses to make some things under the Law who hath he commanded in this Gospel time to imitate or make the likeness of any thing that may so affectionate the Heart as to draw it from God to commit Idolatry And also though God to shew his wonderful works hath made variety of Colours in the Flowers Hearbs c. It is no part of Christianity to deck or cloath our selves in imitation of the colours of Flowers or to make the likeness of any of them to so affectionate the Heart as to forget the giver or take any Glory to our selves in drawing the likeness of them as aforesaid as some have done but rather give all Glory unto God admiring his wonderful power in creating these Flowers Hearbs c. for the use of Man Lastly Hast thou made any likeness or pleasant Picture of Religion for others to imitate or set up any spiritual Gift given thee of God above Gods Spirit in thy heart and dost administer it unto others without the immediate leadings of the same Spirit Thou hast set up an Idol in thine heart 1 John 5.21 Little Children keep your selves from Idols Amen If any shall yet deny that there 's an Idolizing of Pictures and graven Images whereby the Lord hath not the whole Heart I shall for proof recite some more words out of the aforesaid Author's Book of painting graving c. in pag. 232 233 246 253 262. saith he And therefore those that would profit much must take care and pains to furnish their minds with all sorts of useful Images and Ideas And Proclus saith If you take a man brought forth by nature and another by art of carving that by nature shall not seem the statelier because Art doth many things more exactly Where 's God's Glory W. M. To which Ovid assents when he saith that Pygmalion did carve the Snow-white Image of Ivory with such a happy dexterity that it was altogether impossible that such a Woman should be born Are not all things possible with God W. M. The estimation of the Artists were also understood from the esteem and high rates their works were prized at A Picture of Bularchus a Painter was valued at its weight in Gold c. Caesar paid to Timomachus Eighty Talents of Gold about 14000 pounds Sterling for the Pictures of Ajax and Medea Many more examples we might produce saith he but these may suffice at length no price was thought equal to their worth c. Was not this Idolizing them W. M. Great minded men are most of all given to entertain stately conceits therefore saith he an Artizan or Artist ought to be of a magnanimous Nature if not yet at least he ought with a determined resolution to aim at magnificent things So it seems that Nature did dispose Nicophanes to a high strain of Invention Nicophanes saith Pliny Lib. 35. Cap. 10. was gallant and neat so that he did paint Antiquities for eternity mark that whereby he was commended for the magnificence of his work and gravity of his Art Such Artificers therefore as do bring any thing to perfection must be of an exceeding great Spirit then not poor in Spirit Matth. 5. and entertain upon every occasion great thoughts and lofty imaginations Isa 2.8 11. by this means they shall gain everlasting Fame c. mark that Lastly A good invention affects the mind true proportion draws the Eyes lively motion moves the Soul Is not then God forgotten W. M. exquisite colours beguile the phantasie and an orderly disposition wonderfully charms all the senses Here 's a joy but not in God if all these unite and center in one piece how great an excellence and perfection will appear what a comely Grace This Grace it is which in beautiful bodies is the Life of the beauty and without which its greatest accomplishments cannot please the beholder Grace in the heart is the greatest perfection of Beauty W. M. * The Image or Teraphim which Michal put in the Bed 1 Sam 19.13 was a compleat Statue or Image of a man The use of such Images saiâ—h T. â— was to consult with them as with Oracles concerning things for the present unknown or future to come To this purpose they were made by Astrologers under certain constellations capable of heavenly Influences whereby they were enabled to speak The Idols have spoken vainly Zec. 10.2 Vid. Aben. Esra Gen. 31. And among other Reasons why Rachel stole away her Fathers Images this is thought to be one that Laban might not by consulting with these Images discover what way Jacob took in his flight Gen. 31.19 And it is said that Zorcastes a King of the Bacirians in the time of Ninus he was an excellent Astrologer saith the Author and first invented Magical Arts. They are indeed the most likely men See pag. 77. For it is not so much saith he the perfection of Invention proportion Colours Motion Disposition apart which affects the senses but
Women c. and send for skilful Women Jer. 9.17 These the Romans called chief or skilful mourners Of Bells to Assemble But saith T. G. the Priests might lawfully blow their Trumpets and Horns on the Sabbath Day for the Assembling of the People num 10.2 by proportion saith he it is now warrantable for Christians to ring Bells to assemble the People together on the Lords Day and to take Journies to join with the publick Congregation as the Jews say concerning the overthrow of Jericho which according to their writings fell on the Sabbath Day R. D. Kimcbi in Josh 6. he which commanded the Sabbath to be Sanctified commanded it also to be prophaned saith the Author Now whether this practice of Bells ringing for Worship for Marriages and for Burials be to be observed under the Gospel let the witness for God in every heart be the Judge c. And saith T. G. Vriah the Priest and Zachariah the Son of Jeberechia are thought to have been God-fathers at the Circumcision of Maher-shalal-hash-baz Es 8.2 and from them the custom of having God-fathers in Baptism to have taken its Original Stukius de conviv lib. 1. cap. 16. The Epistle of Paul to the Laodiceans 1. PAul an Apostle not of Man nor by Man but by Jesus Christ 2. To the Brethren which are at Laodicea Grace and Peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ 3. I thank my God in all my Prayers that you remain stedfast in him and in all his works waiting upon his promise to the day of Judgment 4. And be not seduced by some unprofitable talkers who go about to cause you to fall from the Gospel which was Preached unto you by me 4. Oh that they that were instructed by me might serve to the profit of the Gospel of Truth and become diligent in good works of Eternal Life 6. And henceforth are my bonds manifest which I suffer for Christs sake Wherefore I rejoyce in heart and account it Eternal Salvation 8. That such is done through your Prayers by the working of the holy Spirit whether by Life or Death 9. For I have a Will and a Joy to die in Christ who will through the same Mercy give you to have the same love and to be of one mind 10. Therefore beloved Brethren as you have heard in my presence that keep and finish in the fear of God so shall you have Eternal Life for God will work it and perfect it in you without delay 11. My beloved rejoyce in the Lord and take heed of them that are desirous after filthy Lucre. 12. Let your Prayers be manifest unto God and remainfirm in the knowledge of Christ 13. And do that which is meet convenient just and reasonable and what you have heard and received that keep in your hearts so shall you have praise 14. The Grace of God and our Lord Jesus Christ be with your Spirits Amen Col. 4.16 This Epistle of Paul to the Laodiceans was found in the oldest Bible that was Printed at Worms To the Bowed in Spirit under Sin DOst thou still feel in thy heart reproofs for Sin Be of good courage for God hath not yet forsaken thee therefore obey the reproof of instruction in thy heart for it is the way to everlasting Life with God for ever Isa 30.21 John 16.6 To the hardned in Evil. Canst thou Swear Lye Cheat break thy Promise oppress the Innocent or commit Adultery and feels no sharp reproofs for any of them in thy Conscience then art thou in a miserable condition and it 's to be feared that God hath cast the Reins of the Bridle on thy neck and given thee up to thy own hearts Lust which is thy portion because of thy so often provoking of the Lord by thy Rebellion against his good Spirit that he has left thee to hardness of heart as he did Pharoah never to escape everlasting vengeance without a timely and speedy Repentance in Dust and Ashes before thou go hence believing that all things are possible with God though thy sins were as Scarlet c. Isa 1.18 55 6 7 8. If thou turns unto him with all thy heart An Advertisement of Love THey that burn in Effigie the Person of the Pope and also the Person of a Presbyter after the same manner with a short Cloak diminutive band c. are all Christians of one size or nominal Christians being far from loving of Enemies as Christ commands of whom they would take the name Christian but wants the nature of that Love that will overcome Enemies which Love will certainly overcome if all called Christians would seek Gods Glory and not the exaltation of self in this world and put their trust in God alone for deliverance saying with the three Children unto the King We are not careful to answer thee in this matter behold the God whom we serve is able to deliver us but if not be it known to thee O King that we will not serve thy Gods c. Dan. 3.17 For he that knows not God knows not what God he Worshipeth so may compel to the Worship of an unknown God See the Mock-procession of the 17th day of November and the Royal Intel. Number 30. Common-Prayer-Book of good things therein if truly minded 1. See Good-Friday the Collect so called Almighty and everlasting God by whose Spirit the whole Body of the Church is govern'd and Sanctified 2 Thes 2.13 Observe By this it is declared that they only are of the Church of God that are governed and sanctified by the Spirit of God so that all that are so governed go to the Church and Worship God according to the said Common-Prayer being the Church is in God the Pillar and ground of Truth 1 Tim. 2.15 Colos 1.24 2. The Coll. 3d Sunday after Easter gives a clear testimony to the Light that God sheweth to all men that be in error Observe do not those that believe that this Light in every man is not sufficient to lead out of error believe contrary to the Common-Prayer John 1.9 3 19 20 21. 3. Collect 5th Sunday after Easter that is a Prayer for the inspiration of Gods Holy Spirit to cleanse the thoughts of the Heart and to think those things that be good Observe How do they own the Common-Prayer-Book that in these days make a mock at Inspiration and say it is ceased Job 32.8 4. And that good Prayer which is said often but little practised said on St. Stephens Day Grant us O Lord to learn to love our Enemies by the example of thy Martyr St. Stephen who prayed for his Persecuters c. Observe Now what People lives and walks nearest the life of the words of the Common-Prayer-Book let the witness for God against all sin in every heart be the Judge a Tree being to be known by its Fruit Mat. 12.33 For some People are so far from loving Enemies that they persecute their Friends because they go not to a Church so called
His plainness in Apparel Singularity His proper Speech Rudeness His Scripture-Language Canting His Sobriety a cheat for Custom His being at a Word a decoy for Trade His Industry Worldly-mindedness His Hospitality Flesh-pleasingness In short such true Christians have been imprisoned because they cannot take up Arms and also for fear they should and if they answer their Adversaries they say it's Nonsense or Equivocation so that his Virtues are accounted Vice by such Professors as delight only in the form of Godliness more than the power thereof After this manner the Papist used to disapprove of the Sobriety of the Waldenses of whom Reinerius a Popish Author so writeth Now the Protestants of the National Church make use of the name of these suffering Waldenses to help to plead for their antiquity equal with the Papists that is from the Apoâ—â—â—s time which makes them never the truerâ—â—ristians considering the great Apostasie that first spoiled the simplicity of Truth and keeping up the Heathenish Learning and Traditions of men Col. 2.8 20. Yet did God here and there raise Witnesses for the Truth in all this dark night who for the most part were persecuted by them that upheld the shell of Religion or outward Ceremonies and neglected the substance God's spirits teaching in their hearts as at this day So that if this good Spirit of God was but truly obeyed it would lead people to be Witnesses in measure of the Saints condition recorded in the holy Scripture experimentally for imitation of the Saints practices before God's Spirit lead in each heart has been and is the door of Apostasie Man in his own Strength and Wisdom hath been too apt to do and act as to Worship that which God doth not require or command him Deut. 5.32 Isa 1.12 That the Lord said Matth. 15.9 But in vain they do worship me teaching for Doctrines the Commandments of men Now Reader if thy desire is to be truly led to build upon no other Foundation besides the Rock Christ Jesus mark well these Scriptures following and the Lord give thee an obedient Heart viz. For the wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unriâ—â—teousness of men who hold the Truth in unrighteousness Because that which may be known in God is manifest in them for God hath shewed it unto them But unto every one of us is given Grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ for as many as are led by the Spirit of God they are the Sons of God But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you and ye need not that any man teach you but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things and is truth and is no lye and even as it hath taught you ye shall abide We have also a more sure Word of Prophesie whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place until the day dawn and the Day-Star arise in your hearts 2 Pet. 1.19 Rom. 1.18 19.8.14.10.6 7 8. Heb. 8.10 12. Eph. 4.7 At that time Jesus answered and said I thank thee O Father Lord of Heaven and Earth because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent and hast revealed them unto Babes Matth. 11.25 1 Cor. 1.27 29. But God hath chosen the foolish things of the World to confound the wise and God hath chosen the weak things of the World to confound the things which are mighty That no flesh should glory in his presence 1 Cor. 4.18 19. Let no man deceive himself If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world let him become a fool that he may be wise For the Wisdom of this World is foolishness with God c. These things are as a sealed Book to all the Wit Learning Study and mans reason until he come to bow his mind to the measure â—â—â—e Spirit or Grace of God in his own heart â—â—om whence these Scriptures with others were given forth For the Scripture is given by Inspiration of God c. 2 Tim. 3.16 For what knoweth the things of a man save the Spirit of a man which is in him even so the things of God knoweth no man but the Spirit of God But he that is spiritual discerneth all things c. 1 Cor. 2.11 14 15. For to be carnally minded is Death but to be spiritually minded is Life and Peace Rom. 8.6 Gal. 5.16.6.5 This I say then walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfil the Lusts of the Flesh For every man shall bear his own burthen James 4.17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good and doth it not to him it is sin Prov. 18.10 The Name of the Lord is a strong Tower the Righteous runneth into it and is safe Veritati adhaereto Stick to the Truth Vniformity in Religion how attainable according to true Christianity and also something of the fruits of Imposition upon Conscience for religious Opinions Humbly submitted to the consideration of Superiours By William Mather WHereas it is professed by all the Professors of Christianity at this day that the way and manner of their Religions or Opinions is according and not contrary to the Scripture of Truth Now to create peace amongst all the Churches and to unite in harmless Love that they may all build only upon the Rock Christ Jesus Mat. 7.25 If it shall please God so to open the Eyes of the Magistrates in every place by his Grace in their hearts the sure foundation Eph. 2.8 to so order it That the Minister or Teacher in each Congregation for Worship shall read the holy Scriptures only unto their hearers all waiting upon God in his fear to worship him in Spirit and in Truth John 4.24 So that if any thing be revealed by Gods Spirit by way of Interpretation Edification or Prayer to another that sitteth by let the first hold his peace 1 Cor. 14.30 31 32. So will God be in the midst of those that are thus gathered together in his Name Matth. 18.20 so as none in Man's Wisdom speak but only as God's Spirit shall give utterance though it be through the least Member accounted of in the Church 1 Pet. 4.10 â—or what confusion and bâ—â—â—shed hath come upon the World for several ages by reason of mans setting up ways of Worship Articles of faith c. when our Saviour hath already done it Matth. the 5 6 and 7. Ch. c. For when an Arch-bishop required Joh. Fox the Author of the Book of Martyrs to subscribe to Articles of Faith he pulled out his Greek Testament saying I will subscribe unto nothing but this So that none except Jews and Atheists but will subscribe to God's Book according to the primitive practice of the Saints to worship God in Spirit And for this Liberty of prophesying and Interpretation of the Scriptures only by the same Spirit that gave them forth the ancient Fathers so called have pleaded for as Jacobus Acontius After I have alledged saith
he what I had to say for my Opinion if the rest shall not allow of my Judgment I ought to give over defending of it and cease to be troublesome to the Congregation concerning the same but I ought not to be compelled to confess that I have erred for so I should sin against God That we may wrestle with God saith he by daily prayers to grant that we may have the use of this so soveraign and saving Liberty so profitable to the Church c. Oh that people would but lay aside self-interest then may they see how they are falln from the true Worship of God by setting up Man's Reason as Judge in spiritual matters out of which Apostasie there is no Redemption till people come to own and obey the sufficiency of God's Grace in their heaâ—â—s their only Teacher â—â—it 2.11 12. which bears Witness against all sin God having said unto the Apostle Paul My Grace is sufficient for thee 2 Cor. 12.9 And Paul committed the Saints to the Grace of God generally in his Epistles The Teachers in England do so likewise in words to their hearers And Kings also acknowledge it is by Gods Grace they are Kings Therefore it is the one thing needful and was Maries choice and it is the same at this day unto all that are willing and obedient to the guidance thereof in the whole course of their Lives which hath several other names in the Scripture as Light Word Spirit c. but is but one eternal pure Substance Enlightning every man that cometh into the World John 1.9 And all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution 2. Tim. 3.12 Then it seems that Persecutors were ever blind 2 Cor. 4.4 Though they may read That Faith is the Gift of God And whatsoever is not of Faith is sin Rom. 14.23 Notwithstanding many thousands have been murthered or Martyred since the Apostles time or beginning when men began to force their Faiths upon the account of opinions in Religion upon such as had faith in Christ Jesus Act. 10.35 Heb. 12.1 Acted and done by such as professed themselves to be Christians or some faith in God even to the shame of the name of Christians amongst both Jews and Turks Some they have cut in pieces in cool blood some burned to death Bellies ripped open whilst alive some buried alive roasted upon Spits boiled to death with several other Torments some hanged and some baâ—â—â—â—ed in New-England in â—â—â—age some thousands it Old-England have been excommunicated and imprisoned some imprisoned to death some banished some knock'd on the Head whole Families undone all their goods taken from them only because of their meeting together most peaceably to worship God in Spirit and in Truth as God requires John 4.24 Which is hard-Measure to be inflicted upon such Christians as lives peaceably with all men Rom. 12.18 upon such as was always willing and still are to Give unto Cesar or civil Magistrate the things that are Cesar 's Mat. 22.21 and unto God the things that are Gods The things which may be said to be Gods or of God is to worship and serve him in Spirit and in Truth as aforesaid to live in his fear by departing from iniquity and to seek after the good of all men to live in all Christian virtues to do unto all people as we would be dealt with Matth. 6.12 which cannot be performed by any but as they obey the teachings of Gods Spirit in peoples hearts the Leader into all good the same that made David wiser than all his Teachers Psal 119.99 Isa 30.20 Heb. 8.11 and is a swift witness against every evil thought word and deed in every Conscience Obedience to which makes people happy for ever 1 Sam. 15.22 But what person soever pretends that Conscience or the Light therein is his guide and acts any thing destructive to Civil Society as Theft Murther or Adultery or are Traitors or Plotters or Drunkards or Cheats or Vagabonds or Mischievous Persons Gâ—â— 5.19 20. To all such the Ch istian Magistrate will be a terror and a praise to them that do well Rom. 13.3 if they be of Christs Religion for he did not compel his Brethren after the flesh to his Religion John 7.5 Yet did he and his Apostles bear a Testimony against all fair-sayers and hypocrites in Religion and left the Civil Magistrates to punish all open wickedness to which agreeth King Charles the 1st in the Collection of his Speeches pag. 91 123. In point of Consciencious tenderness I have often declared how little I desire my Laws and Scepter should intrench on God's Soveraignty which is the only King of mens Consciences nor do I desire any man should be further Subject unto me than all of us may be subject unto God And in his advice to the then Prince of Wales now King of England c. Your Prerogative is best shewed and exercised in remitting rather than exacting the rigour of the Laws there being nothing worse than Legal Tiranny c. But saith Christ Jesus Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them I will liken him to a wise man which built his house on a Rock Matth. 7.24 And doeth them mark that dost thou love them that hate thee c. The God of Israel said the Rock of Israel spake to me he that ruleth over men must be just ruling in the fear of God 2 Sam. 23.3.21.15 Now the Jews accounted the appearance of Christ Jesus in the Flesh as low and too mean for them saying is not this the Carpenter's Son and despised him Matth. 13.55 Even so do too many called Christians at this 〈◊〉 account his 2d coming 〈◊〉 â—â—iritual appearance too low and mean for them to bow unto that is his Light or Grace in their hearts which reproves for Sin calling it a dark Light or the Light of a Natural Conscience and a misguiding Light c. accounting it not sufficient to save from the evil of the World and so make merry over and crucifie afresh the just Spirit or Witness of God in their hearts by wilful kicking against it Pro. 4.18 John 3.20.16.8 Rom. 3.24 Tit. 3.7 Rev 1 5.3.14 But blessed be the Lord God there is a small remnant in this day that are come to witness in their hearts that little Stone Dan. 2.34 44. cut out of the mountain without hands which shall grow and fill the whole Earth with Righteousness and lay every Idol in the dust notwithstanding all the Opposition Art Wisdom or Violencâ— of men or Devils God will arise more and more in his spiritual appearance in the hearts of People until he hath conquered the enemies to Righteousness and the Glory of the Lord cover the Earth as the Waters cover the Sea and happy will all they be that meet him timely by turning from the evil Imaginations of their hearts and submit to his Grace the way to him for he is worthy to reign and rule in every heart and
Reld ulo im oaoly pruco boherding tho oair umd tho geed Prov. 15.3 This is called Transhand the which read thus For oulm read earn THe Book out of which I recited that part of Astrology in page 71 c. has been printed this 30 years and no answer has yet been given thereto by any as the Author knoweth of who is still living in Buckingham-shire Obj. It hath been Objected unto me saying Why dost thou write against Astrology seeing thou hast taught some People something thereof Answer In Answer to which I must confess I have been desirous after knowledge as most young men are not considering at that day that there is no true knowledge but what is given only by Gods Spirit and also not considering that the Serpent is more subtile than all the Beastly nature of Man who begets desire in Peoples hearts after all the vanities that 's to be found in this world still to uphold his Kingdom in their hearts and things unlawful to be sought after by any but more especially Christians this Serpent or roaring Lyon that seeketh whom he can devour or overwhelm in vanity or choak by the Love and cares of this world c. he saying to some ye shall be as Gods to predict things to come by me c. ye shall have the Friendship and the Glory of the world which I will give thee if thou wilt worship or believe in me c. and so he keeps the minds of most men imployed in the many follies and bewitching fancies and cumbered about the many things as aforesaid that they neglect the one thing needful Gods Grace in their hearts which Grace if truly minded the Devil could not overcome them by his temptations viz. with the fading Glory of this world c. this Grace being the Armor of a Christian which hath appeared to all men Titus 2 11 which is but one saving Grace saying aside the School Divines distinction of more than one for the least measure thereof if kept to will resist the Devil that he flies for in it he hath no part and it is so joyous to the true Christian that for it and by it he doth forsake the Devil and all his Works the vain Pomp and Glory of the world with all the covetous desires of the same the carnal desires of the Flesh and not to follow and be led by them The forsaking of these vices makes a Christian not the often saying or hearing or reading them Therefore I praise God who by his Grace hath kept me that by it I soon come to see the net which the Devil spreadeth to catch all the searchers into the Astrological Art c. by the golden bait of perishing Glory but all have found him a Lyar before Death that have trusted to him out of whose mysterious Charms there is no way to escape but by applying the whole heart to Gods Grace aforesaid in which the blood of Christ Jesus is witnessed that cleanseth from all Sin yea though thou hast made a Covenant with Death and Hell the Lord will break it if thou truly returns to his Grace and go out no more for in it is the Pearl of great Price and for which all the truly wise Merchant Men will sell all their fading Riches in Sensual-wisdom Glory and Babilonish skill to purchase or obtain more and more thereof from the hand of God I was alwaies against the practise of resolving of Horary questions so called seeing People run to the Astrologers to be resolved in things at this day as People did in former Ages run to the Oracles of their Wooden-Gods * When the Devil was dumb at any time in the Wooden Gods which they the heathen Oracles were ever since Christs Offering c. the Priests to keep the people in Ignorance put into them a man or men to speak unknown to the people to resolve their doubts c. Dan. 3. Query Hath that man put away all Idols that performs a Worship made up by mens invention and doth not perform all the worship to the true God by the immediate Teachings and Leadings of Gods Spirit c. John 4.24 Athiest-like as if they did believe that there is not a God in Israel to take Counsel at Wo to the Rebellious Children saith the Lord that taketh Counsel but not of me c Isa 30.1 Wo unto them that seek deep to hide their Counsel from the Lord and their works are in the Dark and they say who seeth us and who knoweth us Isai 23.15 There are many devices in a mans heart nevertheless the Counsel of the Lord that shall stand Pro. 19.21 God Created the Day c. and God saw that it was good Gen. 1.5 10. Contrary to which our Astrological observers of Times say that there are 5 6 7 and sometimes more evil or unfortunate days in every month that is to say every day that the Moon is in Conjunction square or opposition to the two Stars called Saturn and Mars saying these are unfortunate days full of fears in these days take no Journy take no Physick c. And when the Moon is Conjunction c. of the Star called Venus which is two or three times in a Month such days they say are days of pleasure and delight c. Thus Reader have I shewen thee a little of our Astrological Observers of Times in this Nation and whether these things differ at all from the Observers of Times mentioned by Moses Deut. 18.14 saying unto the Children of Israel viz and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out before thee v. 12 aforesaid Now let the witness for the true and living God in thine heart be the Judge and not the selfish and devilish Wisdom that reigns in somâ—men that are so wise to do evil as the saying is can make a bad cause seem good and a good cause seem bad if it stands not with their interest in the obtaining of Earthly ends c. Let Love be without dissimulation abhor that which is evil cleave to that which is good Rom. 12.9 The Astrologers will not own that they follow the Magick Art or going on towards it which nothing seems clearer for people go to them to be resolved in their doubts as the Babilonians did to their Magicians as unto an Oracle and they know that they cannot resolve doubts infallibly by all the Art of Astrology without the help of the seven planetary Angels of the Magicians aforesaid nor then neither yet the Devil helps them most as to perform such things when God has given them up to hardness of heart by often rebellion against his good Spirit for Lilly in one of his Almanacks adviseth some Students of Astrological and Magical Books Printed in that Year as also of Sigils Lamens Images and the Magick of the Ancients c. I hold saith he the present time capable of receiving c. you may perceive that in all their Art nor the Devil
in any of the Magicians could foresee the great dryness of the Earth which God was pleased to send this Year 1681 to shew how soon he can blast all if people turn not from the evil of their ways that Hay in less than six weeks time rose from ten shillings a Load to forty in some places and came to be plentiful before the Summer was ended therefore in God alone let us trust and in no Art of the Egyptians for the Devil was a lyar from the beginning and saith G. Abbot late Archbishop of Canterbury so called in a description of the World p. 115 116 for in India and all the Eastern parts so especially in this Country their Noblemen and Priests and very many people do give themselves to all Arts of Divination here were the great Sooth-sayers Enchanters and Wisemen as they call them here were the first Astrologians which are so described and derided in the Scripture it is thought that a great reason whereof these Chaldeans were expert in the laudable knowledge of Astronomy was partly because the Country is so plain that being without hills they might more fully and easily discover the whole face of the Heaven and partly because the old Fathers which lived so long not only before but in some good part also after the flood of Noah did dwell in or near to these parts and they by observation of their own did find out and discover many things of the Heavenly Bodies which they delivered as from hand to hand to their posterity but as Corruption doth stain the best things so in process of time the true Astronomy was defiled with superstitious Rules of Astrology which caused the Prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah so bitterly to inveigh against them And then in their fabulosity they would report that they had in their Records Observations for 2500 years which must needs be a very great untruth unless we will qualifie it as some have done expounding their year not of the revolution of the Sun but of the Moon whose course is ended in the space of a Month Quid enim iniquius quam ut oderint homines quod ignorant etiamsires meretur odium Tertul. Apologet The Lord frustrated the tokens of the Stars and maketh Diviners mad that turneth wise men backward and maketh their knowledge foolish Isa 44.24 25. Fortune telling by the Lines in the Hand an Egyptian Folly THE Astrologers pretend that they can prognosticate of the future happiness or unhappiness of Nations and also peoples good and evil fortune by the Stars or Host of Heaven which the Heathen worshipped as Gods And they also hold that the Bodies of Men Beasts Hearbs Mettals c. are under the Planets Government and that we are to advise or take Counsel of them according to their Astrological Aphorisms when we gather Hearbs go to War c. 2 Sam. 5.19 Can they yet say that they do not adore or worship the Host of Heaven as the Heathen did 2 Kin. 17.16.21.3 Act. 7.42 When the Lord hath said Jer. 10.2 Learn not the way of the Heathen c. And do not the Astrologers also run into Egyptian-darkness by telling Peoples Fortunes by the Lines or Marks in their Hands still going for Counsel Isa 30.1 to the Host of Heaven like the Heathen and Egyptians saying one Line in the hand is the Line of Saturn another part they call thâ— Mount of Jupiter another of Mars Sol Venus c. and so are leading People back into Egypt and taking the Heathen Gods for Leaders and Governers as if man was altogether in a brutish State and had nothing of God manifest in him Rom. 1.19 though in God he is to live move and have his Being and know him to govern his whole heart and Soul but not moved ruled and Governed by any of the heathen Gods yet the Lights in the firmament to separate the day from the night every Christian owns them in their places for signs and for seasons and for days and for years Gen. 1.14 as God hath placed them in in which they keep their places in dividing the day from the night c. though man hath not kept his place and we are not to fear them as having Dominion over us Jer. 10.2 but the Lord God only who made them and still to admire his wonderful works in the Creation But to be brief saith W. S. But if this Mount that is the Mount of Venus so called by him in the hand be infortunated by evil Lines or Lines from evil places and irregular figures shews a Lecherous person an Adulterer a poor base sordid wretch who shall spend his substance on Whores c. Now if the Fortune-teller gives this judgment on such a person by the Lines aforesaid and is really such a person will not this judgment by the Lines more harden his heart through this Idolatrous belief that he may have by these Lines aforesaid that may cause him to say this is my fortune I cannot help it God hath so made me c. and so remains in Darkness and Errour Oh! What will they make man to be whom God hath created in his Image 1 Cor. 11.7 A Beast nay of some men they liken to be created worse than a Beast to be born with such evil marks upon his hand these marks happen but to some say they but this blind belief happens to too many that believe that the Stars and the said marks in the hand shew the whole course of mens lives And further saith he Therefore it behoves the industrious and studious Artist not to determine all things at first sight that is of the hand for no man can attain the knowledge of all particulars at one Inspection but yearly to make new Observations as the person encreases in age See W. Salmon of Chiromancy who for proof quotes Job 37.7 by the new Translation viz. He sealeth up the hand of every man that all men may know his work But in the old Translation I find it is With the force of the Rein he shutteth men up and all men may know his work mark the difference Now blessed be the Lord the living God that hath unvailed to many this gross Babylonish and Egyptian Spirit of Darkness that by its sensual Wisdom would draw people to trust to a Reed of Egypt Jer. 17.5 which turneth the truth of God into a lye and worshippeth and serveth the Creature forsaking the Creator which is blessed for ever Rom. 1.25 Behold you trust in lying words that cannot profit Jer. 7.8 Concerning a Soothsayer or Augurer that pretends to know things to come by the flying of Birds THe Rabbins speak in this wise He is a Soothsayer who will say because a morsel of Bread is falln out of his Mouth or his staff out of his hand or his Son called him back or a Crow croked unto him or a Goat passed by him or a Serpent was toward his Right hand or a Fox on his Left hand therefore he will
as zealously supprest as may be but let it be done by such means as are proper Instruments of their suppression by preaching and disputation by Charity aâ—â— sweetness by Holiness of Life assiduity of exhortation by the Word of God and Prayer For these ways are most natural most prudent most peaceable and effectual only let not men be hasty in calling every disliked Opinion by the name of Heresie and when they have resolved that they will call it so let them use the erring person like a Brother not beat him like a Dog or convince him with a Gibbet or vex him out of his Understanding or persuasion c. With much more to the same purpose Testimonies Moses said Would God that all the Lord's-People were Prophets Numb 11.29 Psal 4.1 Prov. 29.18 1 John 2.20 John 4.24.16.13 Luk. 12.12 Act. 2.4.17 1 Thes 5.19 Phil. 3.3 16. 1 Peter 4.10 1 Cor. 2.1 Eph. 2.8 â—â—om 8.6 Justin Martyr said God hath built to himself a natural Temple in the Consciences of men and in Exposit fid The Interpretation of the Scriptures is to be accommodated to the Will and Doctrine of the Spirit and not to humane Reasonings Peter Martyr said The Holy Ghost is the Arbiter and Judge Dr. J. Owen said That the Holy Ghost is the only Authentick Interpreter of the Scripture Epiphanius said Only to the Children of the Holy Ghost the Scriptures are plain and clear Luther saith The Scriptures are not to be understood but by that very Spirit by which they were writ Tom. 3. fol. 169. John Bradford said We know the Scriptures as Christs Sheep by the same Spirit that wrote and spake them being thereby assured c. Book of Martyrs 3. vol. pag. 298. Ch. Goad said There is no knowledge of Christ nor the Scriptures but by Revelation Ref. drops pag. 12. See Jacobus Acontius recited by W. Penn in is Add. to Pro. â—om p. 157. to p. 172. and Jo. Hales of the Keys p. 170 171 172 173. for the said liberty and in his Tract of Schism p. 201 202 203 204. See the Book called A warning against the deceit of setting up Man's Reason as Judge in spiritual matters first written in Latin and printed in the year 1644 by Abraham Van Frankenburgh a German Nobleman and in Dutch in tâ—e year 1674 and into English in the year 1677 by S. Crisp See Luther's Testimony to shun Reason in spiritual matters Impostilla Ecclesiastica first part p. 137 138. See Franciscus Lambertus who saith But above all things be careful thou follow not the manner of Hypocrites who have written almost word by-word what they are to say as if they were to repeat some verses upon a Theatre have learned all their preachings as they do that act Tragedies and afterwards when they are in the place of prophesying pray the Lord to direct their Tongues but in the mean 〈◊〉 shutting up thâ— way of the holy Spirit they determine to say nothing but what they have written O unhappy King of Prophets yea and truly cursed which depend not upon Gods Spirit but upon their own writings or meditation Why prayest thou to the Lord thou false Prophet to give thee his holy Spirit by which thou mayest speak things profitable and yet thou repellest the Spirit Why preferrest thou thy meditation or Study to the Spirit of God Otherwise why committest thou not thy self to the Spirit Again saith he the Sheep of Christ seeketh nothing but the voice of Christ which he knoweth by the Holy Spirit wherewith he is filled he regards not learning Tongues or any outward thing so as therefore to believe this or that to be the voice of Christ his true Sheepherd he knoweth that there is need of no other thing but the Testimony of God's Spirit c. Tract 5. Prophecy Ch. 3.24 See more at large recited in Rob. Barclay's Apology for the true Christian Divinity p. 214.275 Dr. Smith of Cambridge in his select Discourses To seek our Divinity meerly in Books and Writings is to seek the Living among the Dead c. and therefore David calls not for speculation but sensation Tasâ—â— and see how good the Lord is c. Chrysostom saith well de Anath We must condemn and reprove the evil Doctrines that proseed from Hereticks but spare the men and pray for their Salvation R. Barclay pag. 355. As long as Heresie doth not exert itself in any Act destructive to humane Society or such like things but is kept within the sphere of those Dutys of Doctrine or Worship which stands betwixt a man and God they no ways come under the Magistrates power Athanasius in Epist ad solit vit R. B. 359. saith he It is the property of Piety not to force but to persuade in imitation of our Lord who forced no body but left it to the will of every one to follow him c. But the Devil because he hath nothing of Truth uses knocks and Axes to break up the Doors of such as receive him but our Saviour is meek teaching the Truth Whosoever will come after me c. Christ saith Ambrose sent his Apostles to sow faith not to constrain but to teach not to exercise coercive pâ—â—â—â— but to extol thâ—â—â—â—ctrine of Humility Amb. Com. in Luc. l. 7. Saith Tertullian It is a thing that easily appears to be unjust to constrain and force men to sacrifice against their Wills seeing to do the service of God there is required a willing heart c. His Apolog. Cap. 24. Mahomet who prohibited all reason or discourse about Religion as occasioning factions divisions indeed those that press persecution and deny Liberty of Conscience do thereby shew themselves more the Disciples of Mahomet than of Christ and that they are no way followers of the Apostles Doctrine who desired the Thessalonians 1 Thes 5.21 to prove all things and hold fast that which is good And also saith unto such as are otherwise minded God shall revealit Phil. 3.15 Not that by beatings and Banishments it must be knocked into them R. Bar. Apol. aforesaid p. 362. Luk. 9.55 The Son of Man is not come to destroy mens Lives but to save them The Ceremonies used by the Jews in their crucifying of Christ Jesus and some Malefactors FIrst The Judges and the Witnesses did when Sentence was pronounced put their hands upon the condemned persons head Drus praeterit Mat. 27. and said Thy blood be upon thine own Head Unto this the People had reference saying His blood be on us and on our Children Mat. 27.25 Secondly In the time of Execution they would give a Malefactor a grain of Frankincense in a cup of Wine this they did give to cause a giddiness in the condemned persons head that thereby he might be the less sensible of the pain Saint Mark calleth this cup Wine mingled with Myrrhe Mark 15.23 This was done after the manner of the Jews but the Souldiers in Mockery mingled Vinegar and Gall with it Korot le bona
becos schel iaijn Maimon in sanhedrim c. 13. Mat. 27.34 As likewise they gave him a second cup in Derision when they took a sponge It Moses Kotsens in san hedrim and filled it with Vinegar and put it on a reed Mat. 27.48 Thirdly The manner of the Cross on which Christ was crucified was like this figure †his Hands nailed to each side and his Feet nailed together to the bottom of the Cross almost And Jesus said unto Thomas reach hither thy Finger and behold my Hands c. Joh. 20.27 Psal 22.16 Even so do many in this day Crucifie afresh the Son of God and put him to open shame Heb. 6.6 By resisting and doing despite unto his Spirit of Grace in their hearts wilfully running into evil whilst they profess Christianity committing the sins of Sodom Gen. 19.5 Crucifying in Sodom and Egypt spiritually c. Fourthly Sometimes in notorious offenders to augment the pains of those that they whip Eustathius item Athenaeus Lib. 4. they tied certain huckle bones Tholosan synt Jur. univers lib. 31. or plummets of Lead or sharp Thorns to the end of the Thongs and such Scourges the Greeks termed Flagra Taxillata in the Scripture they are termed Scorpions My Father hath chastised you with rods but I will correct you with scorpions 1 Kings 12.12 The manner of their stoning to death the rebellious Sons Witches c. THe Offender was led to a place without the Gates two Cubits high his Hands being bound from hence one of the Witnesses tumbled him by a stroke upon the Loins if that kill him not the Witnesses lift up a stone being the weight of two men which chiefly the other Witness casteth upon him Paul fagius Deut. 17.7 if that kill him not all Israel throw stones upon him The hands of the Witnesses shall be first upon him to put him to death and afterwards the Hands of all the people Deut. 17.7 The manner of their strangling of such as lieth with another Man's Wife or that smiteth his Father or his Mother c THe Offender was put in dung up to the loins a Towel beâ—ng cast about his neck Paraphrast Chald. Ruth 1.17 Milkkotsi fol. 183. col 3. which two Executioners one on each side plucked to and fro until he was dead which they accounted the easiest kind of death Restitution for Goods stolen the Law of God IF the Theft whether Ox or Sheep were found alive upon a man he restored but double Exod. 22.4 But if they were killed or sold then five Oxen for an Ox and 4. Sheep â—or a Sheep Ex. 22.1 The Jews were so precise in this kind that if they had built an house with a Beam or piece of Timber unjustly gotten they would pull down the house and restore the same Beam or piece of Timber to the Owner David Nimchi From this the Prophet Habakkuk doth not much dissent The Stone shall cry out of the wall and the Beam out of the Timber shall answer it Hab. 2.11 Among the Jews he ought to be sold that was not of sufficient worth to make Restitution Exod. 22.3 And Augustine saith of Christians Aug. Epist 54. That he which doth not make restitution according to his ability never repented And Non remittetur peccatum nisi restituatur ablatum No doubt but that if this Law was practised in England we should not have so many Thieves for to be sold as slaves for stealing is more terrible than Death that are so desperate to cry A short Life and a sweet And so may have time to see their folly and may become new Creatures and steal no more rather to work with their hands Eph. 4.28 But if they become honest and not able to work they will be maintained by those that fear the Lord Deut. 28.48 Phylacteries that the Pharisees wore upon their Arms. THey made broad their Phylacteries and enlarged the borders of their Garments Mat. 23.5 It is said that they were parchment upon which was written some of the Law as the ten Commandments c. The Command was general Mos Kotensis praec offir 22. Ex. 13.9 It shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand and for a memorial between thine Eyes So that it was not the wearing of them which our Saviour did then condemn but the making of them broad whereby they would appear more holy than others some wore them on their fore-heads Because the Pharisees superstitiously conceited that by them as by Amulets Spells and Charms hanged about their necks themselves might be preserved from danger Hierom testifieth that the Pharisees had such a conceit of their Ornaments Chrysost Hier. in Mal. 2.3 in which place he compareth them to certain superstitious Women of his time The Priest under the Law wore white Garments Levit. 16.4 But the white cloathing of a Christian is a meek and a quiet Spirit c. 1 Peter 3.4 Rev. 19.8 4.4 18. See page 256. who carried up and down upon the like ground short sentences ouâ— of the new Testament and Reliques of the Cross the same superstition hath prevailed with many oâ— latter times who for thâ— same purpose hang the beginning of St. John about their necks and in the year of our Lord 692 certain Sorcerers were condemned for the likâ— kind of Magick by the name of Phylacterians see T.G. civ Eccl. Rite lib. 2. ch 4. As Christian in the consecration of their Churches saith he make special choice of some particular Saints by whose names they call them as St. Peter Church St. Pauls St. Andrews c. so the Idolatrous Israelites consecrated their Groves unto particular Idols c. no good example to Christians howbeit the most high dwelleth no in Temples made with hands Isa 66.1 2. Act 7.48 17 24. Saith the Lord and to him will look even to him that is poor and of a contrite Spirit and trembleth at my word 1 Cor. 6.19 your Body is the temple of the Holy Ghost the Lord Supper Behold I stand at the door and knock iâ— any man hear my voice and open the door I will comâ— in unto him and will sup with him and he with me Rev. 3.20 Happy is he that opens his heart to the knocks or reproofs of Gods Grace shall overcome the evil and sit with God upon hiâ— Throne and live with Christ Jesus for ever and ever this is the plain truth open and free unto all the obedient of what Nation soever as Serjeant Jefferies well said in these words at the Tryal of Stephen Colledge viz. Truth is not confined to places nor Persons neither but applyed to all honest men be they Irish men or others Lastly Herods Temple which was the second Temple about 40 years in building was set on fire by Titus his Souldiers that it could not be quenched by the industry of man at the same time the Temple at Delphi being in chief request among the Heathen People Genebrard Chro.
the Prophets Mat. 7.12 FINIS THE Postscript TO THE READER LET none wonder that I call some part of this Book a Primmer for Children since my Soul loves innocence and the true Childs State and a Primmer only was my first design but since so many things are added I thought good to intitle it a Manual therefore where any has run into by-paths upon the barren Mountains of outside Religion and true Religion not in the heart but a talk of Religion only in the head or tongue must come and return to this innocent Childs State to the Alpha or the beginning to the A B C in Christs School Gods Grace in the heart the just mans path Prov. 4.18 that reproves for evil to have peace in God so shall their Religion and learning be in the substance Christ Jesus not shadowy nor tinctured with heathenish learning through Philosophy and vain deceit Col. 2.8 And therefore Reader apply thy whole heart to Gods Grace therein and God will teach thee to profit in all good things who alone can drive away all darkness and errour out of thy heart and not to be drawn from the obedience of Gods Grace by any mans words or actions whatsoever least thy portion be with the young Prophet least thy portion be with the young Prophet whom the old deceived 1 Kings 13. not minding his own gift given him of God before anothers so shall thy mind be fixed and stayed in the way of righteousness and will give unto God all the honour and praise from whence alone all good cometh not unto man nor any thing of Man whose imaginations are evil when at any time he turns his mind into his own wisdom from his true guide Gods Word Spirit or Grace in his conscience Psalms 119.9 Isaiah 30.20 which Spirit was the only rule that the Righteous walked by before the holy Scriptures were written or printed in paper the same at this day blessed be the Lord God he hath not left himself without a witness for Righteousness in every conscience and being written are a Rule but not the chief Rule now they that hold it to be their chief Rule ought by it to learn to love their enemies being it is therein written but indeed that they cannot do before they turn their whole mind and soul to the said chief Rule Gods Grace to receive power also to be kept by it out of the many evils that are in the world John 17.15 But instead of making the Scriptures their Rule the Priests meanings from the Scriptures is injoyned for a Rule which breeds the great disunion at this day therefore if nothing but the Scriptures was read in publick places for worship for nothing of mans framing See p. of unifor and making is so good and see how many Dissenters there will be c. And no interpreter but Gods Talent of Grace in every heart to himself by which People knows good from evil and by it can also see and discern such as profess Religion only as a Cloak for self-interest from such as are Religious indeed that follow after Righteousness and seek the good of all People in general being Gods Workmanship that is Godly dwelling in the same love one to another as God hath for us all that would not the death of a Sinner in his sending plentiful seasons c. Mat. 5.45 For God is holy just and good and without holiness no man shall see God to his everlasting joy and truly happy is that man that dwells in this innocent love to all the Creation he is blessed let People call him either Papist Protestant or Heretick or any other name he is never the worse the Lord God is on his side Gods Name is his strong Tower and sure hiding place if he continues in this love to all People he will not fear though ten thousands rise up against him for he doth not trust in the arm of flesh Horses nor Chariots nor go's to Egypt for help but his strength and stay is only upon God to deliver him from all his enemies both within and without for he that dwells in this Love dwells in God and God in him 1 John 4.16 and he will assuredly take his Lord and Masters Counsel who said Mat. 5.44 But I say unto you love your Enemies bless them that curse you do good to them that hate you and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you That ye may be the Children of your Father which is in Heaven for he maketh his Sun to rise on the evil and on the good c. For if you love them which love you what reward have ye c. Note That all the Rules in this Book are not set in order as some Books are but the Contents or Table at the end will direct to each part and parts of each rule and thing which so happened by reason that several questions and things were by me sent to the Press in single papers and so printed partly as they came that some few things may be twice mentioned but the errors in printing I hope thou wilt amend by thy pen accordding to the errata and others that are really so I have omitted the fractional parts in several of the Rules and Tables in this Book because if I had inserted them they would have much puzled the young learners which some Persons may be ready to cavil at but the error is so small being few Persons matter the measuring of Timber Board c. to an inch or part of an inch the which exactness may be learned after the learner is a little skilled in the rule of Fractions in page 42. In Gaging of Vessels or Barrels in page 29 there was a mistake therefore begin at the ninth Line thus Or if it be a round Barrel that bellies in the middle measure the breadth at bung and at the head and add them together and half thereof multiply into half the Compass between the end and the bung and that product by half the length of the Barrel and the product divide by 288 ½ or 289 for Ale or Bear 231 for Wine or 272 for Salt or Corn the quotient shews half the number of Gallons in the said Barrel but if the Barrel be wider at one end then the other add the breadths together and half the number of inches is the true breadth allowing for the sides of the wood of the Barrel Note That if it 's round and bellies not at all you may find the product of inches by round Timber measure in page 28 and divide it by 289 the inches in a gallon of Ale or thereaabouts and work as before How to find the square of a round Timber stick or Stone by Arithmetick which you may also do by Gunters line in p. 207. Alwaies multiply the number 2821 by the inches of the Compass and cut off 4 figures from the right hand Example See p. 37. For the third figure or multiply the whole longest doted