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
Light and Means of Knowledge 279. God loveth and preserveth all his Creatures do tâ—ou imitate him 280. God is no respecter of Persons endeavour to be like him 281. Be sober and patient and then be assured that all things shall work together for thy good 282. Endeavour to keep thy Instrument in Tune that thy hidden Lute may Harmonize both in the Day and in the Night 283. Temperance generates good Blood and fine Spirits whence proceeds calm and equal Inclinations and Dispositions with good Words and Works 284. It is the very foundation of all Virtue and the parent of Humanity and Charity it attracts the good out of all Things and potently resists the Evil. 285. It is the Mother of Pity Compassion and Mercy gives the opportunity of time and mature Consideration opposing all Passions and irregular Inclinations 286. It is the only Friend of Charity and Enemy of Wantonness the Nurse of Plenty and the very radix of a sound and healthy Generation 287. It eases the Body from hard and sore Labours the Mind from carking Cares and Perturbations 288. It makes the Poor Man Rich and enables the Rich to employ their Substance to the Ends for which God intrusted them therewith 289. As it was Intemperance that shut the Gates of Paradice against Man so Temperance and Order are the only Keys that opens them and establisheth him again in Innocence and well-Doing 290. For Temperance brings Man again near unto his first Innocent Estate and fits him to live again in the Garden of Pleasure amongst the innocent Herbs and Fruits and prepares him for the Consummation of Happiness in the Coelestial Paradice 291. Know for a certainty that no Man can understand and see into the Mysteries of the outward Principle or the Nature of Things but only by the inward Eye and Gift of God 292. For can any know the true Nature and Operation of any one Thing but by a continued Practise and Experience thereof 293. For Example Wouldst thou know the true Virtue and particular Operation of Bread then Eat that only for a Month with Drink viz. Ale 294. Wouldst thou take Food in a Physical way to open and cleanse thy Body and its Passages or to prevent or help great Costiveness or hard binding of the Body Bread and Drink only for 3 or 4 Weeks will bravely cleanse and open some Bodies 295. Bread and boiled Herbs of various sorts Eaten only with Salt without Butter will do the same in others for they open and loosen the Belly more powerfully than the former 298. Bread and raw Milk Eaten for a Month or Oyl and Bread will do it in some People 297. Bread and Raisons Eaten for a Week two or three without other Foods will effect it in others 298. Therefore let every one make Trial what agrees best with his particular Constitution and follow the same for some competent time that he may judge not rashly but from Experience 299. There is nothing in the World can do us good but God and therefore give up thy Will unto the guidence of his Holy Spirit 300. Should Hell its self shoot all its Fiery Darts against us if our Wills be Right that is if it be informed by and conformed unto the Divine Will they then can do us no hurt 301. God will not hurt us nor wicked Men nor Devils cannot hurt us if we will nothing but Gods Will. 302. Therefore by imbracing the Holy Principle and hearkning to the Voice of Wisdom walking in the Paths of Innocency with Temperance Sobriety Purity and doing all the Good we can to all and avoiding Evil and Violence to any of the Creation Let us endeavour to have our Wills enlarged to the extent of Gods own Will and give way unto the Influences of his Holy Spirit so shall we escape the Snares of the Evil one and pass with safety through the Evil day enjoying Happiness both here and hereafter 303. No Man can stand in a certain State of Virtue except the Soul thorough Divine Sight and the power of the Will re-enter and continue in the Centre whence it proceeded 304. The Soul is sprung from the Father of all Beings and the true Spirit of the Soul from Gods Word and Holy Will in the second Principle or Sons Property and therefore its real Establishment must be in its first Ground viz. In the second Principle of Light and Love without being Centered there iâ— runs to and through in mere uncertainty and spends its days altogether in Vanity and Vexation 305. The true cause of all Violence and Oppression is also of all Strife and fierce disputing about God and his Will and Worship is because Mens Understandings hath departed from its right Center and the Properties of his Soul are entred into Discord and Inequality viz. from the guidance of Godâ— Word into the Beastial Life where the Wilâ— and all the Imaginations through the Sence do act in Self-Lust and Creaturely Speculation without Divine sight 306. Understand that the human Life and all Things in this visible Universe is an out-flowing of the great Power of God therefore the Soul ought to re-enter and continuâ— in the Divine Principle of Gods Light and Love and not enter with its Will into Beastiallity for if it do it presently looseth the Divine Sight and Power and Self-Knowledge gets the Dominion which do darken the truâ— Pearl of Understanding 307. Self-hood and outward Learning cannot see into nor apprehend the Divine Mysteries neither material nor immaterial Beings the first being but the out-flowing forming or Figure of the last nor can the outward Reason with all its Learning and Philosophy comprehend them until the Soul and Will do re-enter into the Divine out-flowing Will of the Lord which makes all Things manifest 308. Whatsoever imagineth or willeth contrary to the Holy Principle or Word that made all Things such are captivated in the Babilonical Reasoning part and cannot see into the intrinsick value of any Thing 309. The Soul of Man hath its Original from the Lord and is therefore Immortal and Everlasting and for this Cause it cannot rest or 〈◊〉 satisfied without injoying him though it were possest of or vested with the greatest Treasures of this World and the more it 〈◊〉 seeks for Satisfaction in the Things of 〈◊〉 World the further it is off from its true Mother and the necessary State of Regeneration 310. Strife and Contention about Religion and the Divine Mysteries are for the most part unprofitable and proceeds from Self-Perceptibility 311. For there cannot be any Comprehension true Understanding or Knowledge of God nor a Mans own Nature except Man do with earnestness enter in Self-Denial which is the right Path that leads towards the new Birth 312. Reason must forsake its Self and live no longer in Contention but sink down into the Center out of which it is departed that so it may be a Dwelling or Temple for God wherein the Divine Will and friendly Love of God worketh
Disputations and Contendings Revilings and Persecuting of others because they cannot see or believe as thou dost or wouldst have them do arise from Self-Elevation where the properties of Nature are at enmity with each other and are contrary to Reason and Nature 372. It is a Virtue well worthy of Practice for Men to remove and put away all such Things as may at any time give occasion for Wrath or evil Words vehement Passions or cruel Deeds as all Rich Meats and Drinks costly Garments and Houshold-Stuff and the like which being by Servants imbezled and spoiled administers occasions unto many Evils both in Words and Works 373. The Heathen Emperor Augustus may in this matter read a Lecture to us Christians who being one day invited to Dinner at a Senators House that was a mighty admirer of choice and curious Drinking Glasses and spared for no cost to get such as was extraordinary rare and fine heard on a suddain a grievous dolesom Cry and inquiring the Cause understood that it was made by one of the Men Slaves who having by mischance broke a brave Glass as he was Washing it was by his Masters Command carried to be thrown into a Pond to be devoured of the Fish the Emperor caused the Execution to be stopt and calling the Senator desired to see his stock of Glasses which he so highly valued the Senator imagining he would have Admired and Esteemed them as mush as he did readily carries him into his Cabinet and shows him all his brittle Rarities which having seen the Emperor with his Staff breaks them every one saying He would prevent such mischiefs for the future as having Mens Lives taken away for a paltry Glass 374. He that takes Daniel and his Companions for an Example shall avoid many burthensom Inconveniencies of Care Passions and Labours both of Body and Mind for those Wise and Holy Youths contented themselves with Pulse and Water only and did not value the costly Foods that came from the Kings Table 375. So St. Iohn the Baptist pass'd over the greatest part of his Life in the Desart Eating nothing but Locusts and wild-Honey which Word that in our Translation is rendered Locusts do signifie as I am informed by those skilled in the Original the Buds or first Sproutings of Trees Herbs and Vegitations 376. Be not so ignorant and stupidly Vain as to say or think as I have heard some allege that insensitive Vegitations suffer Pains when cut down or gathered even as the Beasts or Animals do when they are killed since the latter are in every degre indued with Sences equal to Man and subject to Passions and to Heat Cold Hunger Thirst and all kinds of Pain even as Man is 377. He that would vanquish his outward Enemies must first overcome those of his own House viz. his unruly Desires and boisterous Passions his raging Lusts and ungovernable Apetite and Affections those being once subdued and brought into Obedience he will easily Triumph over all the Stratagems of the World and Temptations of Satan 378. Patience Humility and Innocency are the only Bulwarks that can withstand Enmity and Wrath consider that Light is the cause and medium whereby Darkness is known be governed therefore by the Light and then all the Deeds of Darkness will be manifest unto thee 379. But he that is govern'd by the dark Principle whence Contention and Strife do arise knows not the Light either in himself or any other thing 380. No Man can Judge truly of another but he that hath first pulled the Beam out of his own Eye 381. Above all Swear not rashly and wickedly by the Name of the great God that Created both the Heavens and the Earth and all the wonderful Creatures therein contained for a Man cannot dishonour and provoke his Creator more highly than to Blaspheme his Holy Name 382. Keep a continual watch against all Evils but especially against those Sins which by thy Complexion Constitution Calling Conversation or course of Life thou art most enclinable unto or in danger of 383. Let Passionate and Chollerick Men when they are in a composed frame of Spirit and the Light of Understanding shines and bares rules in their Souls oblige themselves by secret Promises that by permission of the Lord when ever they shall find themselves moved to Wrath or Passion then the better to prevent such outrages against God and their own Souls they will withdraw themselves out of Company read a Chapter in the Bible or stand still in silence for one quarter of an Hour in which time the light of Wisdom will arise in their Hearts and Souls and dissipate allay or moderate the Fumes of these Perturbations and irregular Motions 384. Let such as are inclined to Drunkenness speedily and at once resolve to Drink no strong Drink nor any Liquor but pure Water which will cut off all such evil Inclinations in the very Bud. 385. Those that are inclined to Women let them resolve to drink small Drink or Water use a spare Diet and Eat mean and simple Foods practise proper Exercises and Labour rise early in the Morning resist vain and idle Imaginations as soon as they offer themselves to the Mind and above all keep virtuous Men Company and refrain as much as in them lies the conversation of such Women as are subject to Lewdness 386. There is no Man by his Birth or his Estate priviledged to be idle for the Command is Universal to all the Children of Adam in the sweat of thy Brows thou shalt Eat thy Bread and he that will not labour in some kind or other for the good of Mankind is not worthy to Eat or Live therefore let all Gentlemen who too generally subject themselves to an idle Life that proves an in-let to many other erronious Evils know that they have no exemption or excuse from proper Exercises and useful Labours in the fight of the Lord. 387. Therefore to prevent the Sin and Evil of Idleness rich People should do well to divide the day and a-lot so many Hours to Meditation and reading of good Books Gardening Pruning of Trees visiting relieving and instructing their Poor Neighbours and other works of Charity and Mercy 388. Let all Men remember that they have and injoy nothing that they can call their own but all is Gods even themselves their Lands their Goods and all they possess and that he reassumes the same when he pleaseth to whom they will have a sad and dreadful account to render for the Use if they neglect to improve them much more if they waste and abuse them to gratifie their own Lusts and Vanities 389. Know for a certain that both good and evil Angels are continually conversant in innumerable Troops round about the Sons of Men alluring them to good or evil 390. Some may suppose this to be but a mere Fancy because we see them not but let such consider that the adorable Creator that has made all these wonderful Things we behold hath created many more
and the Good will work forth its own Nature 414. The Good praiseth the Good and Evil exalteth the Evil. 415. All Creatures praiseth God except Man because they have kept his Law 416. The Fire the Air the Earth the Water and all their numerous off-springs do with one voice continually sing Hallalujahs unto their Creator 417. Consider the wonderful variety of Fruits Grains Seeds and Herbs and how they all praise the Lord in silence and thrusts forth their Virtues in Corcord 418. He that delights himself in violence and oppresseth the Creatures dishonoureth his Maker and perverts his way in Nature and makes his Creation groan 419. Consider what the Good is and its Nature and know for a Truth that all Violence and Oppression is as contrary to it as Light is to Darkness 420. Consider the wonderful Power of God and that he hath made all that Man might through all and by all know the Holy Creator and himself whose Image he bears 422. Note that it is the greatest Evil in the World not to know God for he that knoweth not his Maker knoweth not himself 423. He that knoweth God and the things that are becomes Divine whilst he lives in the Body 424. The Soul of Man hath a fiery Original but the Spirit of the Soul is friendly and of a Divine Nature and is that Holy Spark of Light that shines into and enlightens the Soul 425. The Soul being of the Nature of the Father but the Spirit of the Soul is of the Sons Property which does by its bright Beams enlighten the dark Father and by its friendly Influences moderates the fiery harshness of the Soul 426. The Soul thorough the friendly Power of the Divine Principle if it turn its Will thereinto may obtain Regeneration and be made better but worse it cannot 427. The Soul of Man is from that Principle in which God called himself a jealous God and a consuming Fire which thorough Disobedience to the pure Spirit or voice of Wisdom did and do to this day joyn it self with the Evil which Christ came to seek and to Save 428. That which is Divine cannot sin nor consent to any Evil but it is the Soul that hath falâ— and sinned against God viz. The Divine Principle 429. The Soul in its own Nature is fierce whose Ground is from the first Principle but the Spirit of the Soul is its Light or Sun which doth shine back into and replenish its harsh Father a true similitude we have in the outward Fire which is in its Original of a fierce harsh consuming Nature but its Sun which this harshness and fierceness do Generate viz. The Light is of a most pleasant friendly amiable quality and refreshing nature affording a good Essence 430. But if there were not Fire there would be no Light or at least the Light would not be manifest unto its self 431. The happiness of all Souls is to dwell in the Light and to become one with it and not in the Fire or in its own Principle or Nature 432. The true Joy of Man's Soul is to live in the Power of the Light but if there were but one Thing then there could be no manifestation or if there was no Sorrow Joy would not be known unto it self 433. Behold the whole Created Being with the Eyes of Understanding and then thou will see and find a Good and Evil in all things in Animals Vegetables and Minerals Also Sweet Sowerness Light and Darkness Heaven and Hell Father and Son which two grand Fountains do continually contend in each Thing and Creature for Victory which since the Fall of the Angels and Man the evil Properties or Principle have gotten the upper Dominion which do mightily hide or captivate all the friendly Paradisical Virtues in each Creature and Thing 434. Seeing then that all things have an Evil and Good in them how necessary is it for Men to joyn or choose the things that are most innocent and fâ—eest from the wrath or fierceness in Meats in Drinks Words and Works because the Essences of each Thing do in a secret and most powerful manner by simile incorporate with the Human Nature and according to their Natures increase and strengthen their like Properties 435. Hearken therefore unto the Divine Principle which is the Light of all Souls and the true living Virtue in all Things 436. The Soul of Man is liable to be made Evil by many things viz. by Sorrow Grief Pleasure Pain and many more But to be made Good but by one viz. The Holy Light and Love of Jesus Christ. 437. Also by Meats Drinks Communications Words and Works which do darken and put the Eye of the Mind out 438. The Divine Principle or Holy Light is the pure sweet friendly Power and Essential Virtue in all things especially in the Human Nature but thorough Sin most hid or captivated it 439. None are made partaker of the true Knowledge of God and his Holy Mysteries in Nature but only such as addict themselves to Innocency and Self-denial 440. Those that see but the least spark of the Good and are made partakers thereof do count the State of Man in this World poor low and miserable 441. He that would know Divine Things and understand the highest Good must as it were hate the Body and all Beastial Inclinations for no Man can equally enjoy both 442. Light and Darkness is set before every Man and as a prise the one is as near as the other and the Will of the Soul is free and which soever it enters into unto that he becomes a Subject 443. Consider the wonderful Power of the Soul if it be enlightned by the true Spirit of Wisdom it can then in the Wisdom do all things as it ought to Gods Praise and its own Comfort 444. Consider that the use of mean simple Meats Drinks Cloathing Household stuff and Furnitures are great friends unto Mens Souls it cuts off Covetousness in the Bud frees the Body from great Labours and Cares also from Suspition Passion Sorrow and most kinds of Evil. 445. For no Man will be so concern'd or angry with his Servant for loosing or breaking a wooden Spoon as for a Silver the like is to be understood in all other things 446. Look not therefore on the Rich and Mighty and what they do but what 's honest and sutable to Natures wants 447. Moderation and meaness in Meats Drinks Cloathing and Furniture will in a manner prevent the many troubles and wants that attends most Families 448. He that does know the true Virtue of mean things will never desire the trouble of getting of the Needles Trifles Nothing being more pleasant than to imitate Nature 449. If thou wouldst enjoy Health and Strength in old Age live soberly in Youth and visit not the shades of Venus too often for the secretly wounds her Lovers with incurable Diseases 450. The Original of most Mans Grief and continual Trouble is his suffering his Will and Desire to
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
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
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
things and are swifter then the Wind so that near and afar off is all alike to them 210. Know also that this Invisible Eternal Spark as it is an Image of its Creator so it is always in motion and as active when the Body and sences are asleep as in the day from whence proceeds Dreams for that which is Eternal standeth not still 211. How strange then and yet how true it is that this Excellent Dignified Creature Man should be the grand Trouble of the World and the Enrager of all the Elements 212. For from whom proceeds Tumults Wars Noise Killing Fighting Oppression Violence Disorder Hatred Malice Backbiting Jearing Scoffing Vain Plays and all kind of Evil is it not Man that is the Author and Actor of all these Tragedies 213. For he having descended and throughout his depraved Will entred into the first Principle or fierce Wrath of God and the savage nature of this External Principle has thereby subjected himself to every inferior thing and becomes the lowest and most miserablest of mortal Creatures 214. Therefore look about and into thy self Man and seriously consider the cause of this thy Degeneration 215. In the next place apply thy self to the Voice of Wisdom viz. to thy Redeemer Jesus Christ that came to seek and save that which was lost 216. Draw near with thy Will and Desires unto Him to be guided by His Holy Spirit to learn of Him and to be Obedient unto His Voice 217. He alone gives Bread to the Hungry and Ease to the Weary He will give and teach thee all that is wanting and restore what thou hast lost 218. His Yoak is easie and His Burden is light from this Divine Fountain flows Rivers of living Waters let all drink freely which will infallibly cure them of all their old desperate Distempers 219. As thou increasest in Knowledge remember that thou dost increase in Obedience Separation and Self-denial or else thou shalt increase in Sorrow as the Wise Man saith 220. Reveal not thine own secrets nor those of others committed to thy Breast 221. Make much of the Wisdom the Lord hath endued thee with and cast not thy Pearls before Swine 222. Count not thy Blood that runs in thy Veins better then thy poor Neighbours for God made both of one Lump and all proceed from one Stock 223. Consider and let it dwell upon thy Mind and Understanding that nothing makes Man acceptable before his blessed Creator but only Virtue and Obedience to his Commandments 224. As to the Things and Goods of this World Death equals all Men. 225. When thou seest Lame Crooked Decriped People or such who labour under any cruel or loathsom Diseases let it not only move pity and compassion but in a special manner give the Lord hearty Acknowledgement of his wonderful favour that he has not made thee so 226. Take not so much care to get Money as to spend it well 227. Consider that he that spends Talents daily must use ways to get them which being oftentimes unjust prove hazardous to the Health both of Body and Mind 228. He that has attained the true knowledge of himself is very rich and knows as his wants are but small so they are very easily supplied 229. After hard Walking or tedious Labours or any kind of Exercise that has exhausted your Spirits remember to Rest before you Eat or Drink 230. But if there be a necessity of Eating and Drinking do it sparingly and of Foods of easie concoction 231. Much talking for weakly People and upon weariness is injurious to Health 232. Silence does wonderfully recover the Natural Spirits and beget appetite and gives many advantages to the Mind 233. Eat not in a morning before you Labour or Travel or if you do let it be things easie and in small quantity 234. But when you Labour or Travel remember to Eat and Drink before your Spirits grow flat or are wasted or else you hurt Nature and procure Diseases 235. After long Fasting or on great Stomachs be sure to observe the Rules of Temperance and proportion and beware then of too great a quantity which at such times is very apt to steal upon a Man and insnare him into heaviness and indispositions 236. He that considers the power of Simpathy and Antipathy may avoid many Inconveniencies 237. Be friendly to all things for by Love every thing is attracted and made better 238. But Violence and Oppression do not only separate Man from his Creator but also from the Good in all things and increaseth Enmity 239. Art thou a Person Saturnine Sower Melancholy Dogged Envious and subject to suspect Divine Providence then turn the Eye of thy Mind inwards and hearken and learn of Wisdom that thou mayest withstand this Evil Genius by Faith in God and following Wisdoms Voice 240. Art thou a Martialist Proud Fiery and Passionate then allay those Storms by the meek and gentle Influences of Wisdom and stand still and hear what the Lord will teach thee 241. Art thou a Jovial Person inclined to Religion have a care thou dost not disallow that in others that thou dost allow in thy self 242. Art thou a Venial Person inclined to Plays Games Dancings lewd obscene Musick and Women then call upon the Lady Faith and Prayer for strength and embrace Temperance and Sobriety and as much as in thee lies avoid the sight and company of Lewd or petulent wanton Women 243. Art thou a Mercurian apt to speak much and to little purpose to boast and lie and unfixed and irresolute in thy thoughts call upon the Lord for Wisdom who will teach thee both Wisdom Silence and Stability 244. Art thou under the government of the Moon and subject by inclination to Revelling Swearing Drinking and all kinds of Wantonness then turn towards Wisdom and pray against these Vices and also oppose them by all the contrary Virtues as Silence Temperance Self-denial and the like 245. Such whose Labours and Exercises are but little and whose Lives are sedentary ought to remember that their Meats and Drinks ought to be proportionable viz. more mean and simple then those that labour hard but the quite contrary is now a-days practised which brings upon them many great mischiefs 246. Art thou a poor Man and hard Laborious then forget not Frugality and Temperance which if embraced will chear and comfort thy Heart and make thee as rich as a Prince and both sufficiently supply thy Wants and ease thee from immoderate Labour of Body and care of Mind See our Book Intituled Wisdoms Call or a Dialogue between Sophronio and Guloso where this is demonstrated at large and that the great Wants poor People suffers and the hard Labours they undergo is chiefly through their want of Wisdom and Temperance and a discreet choice of Foods 247. If Men did take but half the pains in the Study of Virtue and Wisdom as they do to obtain the perishing Goods of this World they might be Crowned with Temporal and Eternal Happiness 248.
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
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
and more applauded Crafts tend unto but either Violence Oppression and the Destruction of Men or to fraud and Cousenage or to Gluttony Drunkenness Luxury and Effeminacy or to Pride and Vanity 7. What kind of Property or Principle was that in Man which first invented and daily improves the use of Warlike Weapons to kill murther and destroy those of their own Kind as well as oâ—her inferior innocent Creatures that raked into the bowels of Hell for Brimstone Nitre Saltpetre to furnish them with Gunpowder and Studied the Art of Mining and Blowing up their natural Brethren by Hundreds at a blast Did not all such things originally arise from the Bottomless Pit that deep dark poysonous Abyss of Fierceness and Wrath And still from the same horrid Fountain do proceed all new Inventions that tend to the Destruction of Man wherein it may be observed that Christians have been more unhappily Ingenious than those they call Heathens which is much to be lamented though the latter have so far learnt of them that now they are grown no less expert in the mischievous uses of those Inventions and not seldom do therewith plague and destroy the Original Authors 8. From what Principle in Man did the Invention of Ships arise or what real Necessity was there for the same has the most merciful and bounteous Creator planted Man in any Country which does not afford sufficient to supply all the necessities of Nature For Did not those millions that inhabited those vast Regions since called America subsist without the Art of Navigation any further than meer Nature taught them for many Ages before Columbus could boast of discovering a new World how many have been swallowed up by the vast Ocean through means of Seafaring Attempts which seldom had better aim than either to Disquiet Conquer and Roâ— Innocent peaceable People or to obtain such things as are not at all needful but serve only to please the vanity of the multitude and procure Diseases 9. Considering the certain and inevitable danger that attends Navigation we may justly say that all things brought from remote parts by Seâ— are the price of Blood Now if a Prince cause a single Man to be put to Death or one privately kill another or if a Man hang or drown himself here on shoar then what a great deal of trouble it makes amongst the Relations and also the People which indeed when done by the Hands of Justice is much to be lamented that People should live so contrary to Human Society that there should be any kind of cause for killing of Human Creatures but there do daily many thousands expose their Lives in going to Sea to fetch superfluities that serve only to promote Vanity and Diseases and when they loose their Lives and perish through their own Folly and ill Conduct little or no notice is taken of it as in one Storm thousands of Men sink to the bottom of the Sea in their Ships laden with Spices Wines and the like which if they had brought to Land they nor no others could not have sustained their Hunger and Lives one Week but could have done abundance of hurt to the Eaters and Drinkers thereof 10. What Tongue or Pen can express the hazards the horrors the miseries that People expose themselves to in Tempests at Sea and to what purpose to fetch Wanton Men Pearls to hang at the Ears of their more Wanton Mistresses to bring Pepper to strew over our Cucumbers Mangoes for our Mutton or Claret Florence Wine Brandy and a thousand other Strong Liquors to Intoxicate our Gallants and make them spend their Means ruine their Healths shorten their Lives be mad quarrel kill one another and so to be hang'd for 't Certainly did our friendly courteous Women and nice Ladies and others pretending to Piety and Conscience consider all this they would not be so fond of these foreign Need-nots but rather be of David's mind touching the Water his Soldiers procured which he counted the price of Blood and though he had need of it yet he would not receive nor drink it 11. What Principle or Property in Man was it that first invented all Strong Intoxicated Drinks which do chiefly serve to destroy Mens Souls and Bodies Did not he that first invented the making of Wine commit one of the greatest Evils through Drunkenness which is still the grand cause and in-let of Adulteries Whoredom Murders Blasphemies and all kind of Diseases and Oppressions both of Body and Mind whence it is clear that this Invention did proceed from the Bitter Root 12. From whence did and do the daily Inventions Compositions and Preposterous mixtures of Foods proceed which merely serves to stupify the Intellectuals and distemper the Body with incurable Diseases doth not all such pernicious Inventions proceed and arise from the Poysonous Root as also all Plays Games Fine Cloaths Rich Furniture Stately Buildings as Pyramids and a thousand sorts of stately Structures of vast Charge invincible Labour and Hazards to those that build them Will any body say that such things are necessary to the Life and well-being of Man Are they not rather contrary to the Command of our Lord Having Food and Raiment be ye therewith content The Excellency of clean Foods especially of Bread 1. AS a Medicine drives its Qualities from the Ingrediencies as a Building is weak or strong according to the proportion of the materials and good Workmanship in joyning them together So Meats and Drinks whereby Men are nourished and sustained in this mortal State have a far greater Influence and Operation not only on the outward Body and Senses but also on the Intellectual Faculties or Soul than the vulgar does imagine for the Spirit makes all things Essential 2. Bread being the equallest aâ—e cleanest of all Foods as wherein the four Grand Qualities stand at the nearest harmony deserves to be stiled the Staff of Life because it affords a firm clean nourishment and pure Spirits excelling any other particular Food whence the Great Light of the World has honoured it so far as to pronounce it the Symbal of his Body For as the Divine Principle or Human Friendly Nature will incorporate qualifie and allay the out-goings of the harsh wrathful bitter Spirit and bring all into Concord and Equality whereby the inward Sences of the Soul and intellectual Powers taste fâ—el and imbrace each other in Love and Harmony The like is to be understood of Bread it qualifies and allays the Discord and Inequality of all other Foods and so renders it fit for the health of the Body and Mind 3. Bread was the principal Food the Creator ordained for Man after the Fall it having the first place before all other Foods therefore the Lord said In the sweat of thy Brows thou shalt eat thy Bread for all other things that Man needs to feed on can be prepared without Labour or with very little as Herbs Fruits c. but there goes considerable pains to the procuring of Bread and
Fancy raises to a great price nay if a Man or a Woman have but a rich Garment on and it please God to send a sweet Shower of Rain what Lamentations and Wailings what Discontent and Trouble is the silly Creature in on this occasion and how many foolish wishes will it often cause to the Mind the like is to be understood in all other things that cost much Money or Labour the Silver Tankard is lost what Confusion is all the House in nay the Good resolves to go to the Cunning Man that is as she believes to the Devil to get it again when an honest black Jack wooden Can or a sweet Earthen Mugg would have served their turns full as well to Drink out of and prevented all this Hurly-burly for on the other side there is but little trouble about the loosing or spoiling those things that are easily procured and cost not much Money or Labour it not being the real value intrinsique Virtue or Goodness of a thing that causes this noise and contention amongst Men but the cost and high vulgar Esteem as a piece of good Bread is of a more true Value Virtue and Excellency than Twenty of those Dishes which my Ladies French Cook has been this Fortnight a preparing An ordinary Cloth Coat such as Shepherdâ— and Plow-men wear is of far more use to prevent the injuries of the Elements and to cover Shame for I know no Third use of Cloaths unless it be that which the Devil Taught us viz. Pride then the richest Silk that ever Florence beheld so that it appears the most of our vexations and quarrels are about things that are not useful to Man or at least stand him in very little stead and which he may as well nay better be without for Nature needs but few things and those easily to be procured but if the way of the Lord in Nature be perverted and Man's Soul depraved then the whole World and all the Things and Creatures in it will be too little to satisfie his extravagant Appetite and Desires therefore it is the part of a prudent Man to take more Care and Circumspection in the spending of Money than in the getting because he that spends much hazards both Soul and Body Health and Pleasure 8. Remember to entertain Humanity and to live in the good Port of the World for that is the Sons Property for all Innocency Simplicity Virtue be it in what it will whether in Man Beasts Herbs Grass Fruits or Grains it all proceeds and has its Birth from the Holy Fountain viz. the Divine Word and on the other side all Wrath Bitterness Violence and Poisons arises from the first Principle or dark Root for all things things in this visible World or Being consist of Good and Evil the knowledge of which way is Man's Fall as the Divine Moses saith that the Knowledge of Evil is the doing of it and the Knowledge of Good the practice of Righteousness 9. If a Good and Virtuous Person happen to be amongst Evil Men his very refraining from the Evils they commit althô he say not a Word against what they do but remain in silence does yet Judge and Condemn them to their great disquiet and trouble as having an inward Sence and Feeling that the Good Man's Soul and Spirit does with great Power withstand their Enormities and hence is come that common Proverb that a Sober Man or one that will not commit Outrages and Excess as fast as the rest spoil good Company 10. So if one Man tell any absurd or foolish Story that is filled with Lies he always keeps his Eye fixt on his Fellow or Companion to whom he tells it and if he doth not shew him some sign of his good liking or pleasure by smiling or answering he wil ' quickly be weary of his Talk and be ashamed for thorough an internal Sense and Feeling he perceives himself Judged and Condemned though his Companion say not a Syllable good or bad 11. By this you may perceive that Mans Judge is always near him that is those that live and act in the Good and on the other side those that 〈◊〉 in the Evil condemn and persecute such as live in the Good From this ground all good Christian Doctrine and Books have been opposed because the Foolish and Intemperate have found themselves condemned by them as not living up to what such Books directs unto 12. Pride is the great evil Judge of all Virtue Temperance and Well-doing 13. It is hard to be a practising Philosopher in a Married Estate a Man of a Thousand but a Woman of Ten thousand 14. Women are for the most part harder to be weaned from the pernitious Customs of the World and foolish ways of the Multitude than Men it being rare to any of them to have the deep sight of the Divine and Natural Mysteries for the profound and penetrating does arise from the bright flash of Light which is higher Dignified and the property of Fire more exalted in Men than in Women whence greater abilities for Strength Power Understanding Judgment and Government do arise or proceed Man being a wonderful Creature not much inferior to Angels when his great Fire is tinctured and moderated with the amiable Friendly Light which will temper qualify and allay all the unequal operations of the Great Fire whence in Man all Arts and Cunning do arise if its Holy Council be obeyed 15. Man's high Graduation in the deep original fierce Fire is manifested by his fierceness and cruelty in the use of all warlike Weapons his contentious Humors Fighting and Killing those of his own Kind and all other Creatures because the wrathful Property has got the upper Dominion in the Center of his Heart being mightily augmented by Opinion and Custom by which the principle of Friendlyness and Virtue is as it werâ— wholly captivated that ought to have the Government in each persons Life 16. But as for Women their Dignification is from another Property viz. highly Graduated in the Aimable Sanguine Human soft Nature whence doth arise Tenderness yielding Tempers and great Love exceeding Mans which good Nature would be much more potent in them if the daily noise and practising of Arms Fighting and Killing one another and all other Creatures were not so common and counted lawful for that does mightily increase and excite the wrathful Fire in the Females who by Nature are fearful and hâ—te the fight of Arms Tumults and Combustions 17. But if the Females through Custom do suffer their Wills and Desires to enter into Wrath Fierceness and Cruelty suffering the bridles of Chastity and friendly sanguin Nature to be violated which good property is powerful in them as it were their Radix then such Women become far more Dissolute Cruel Fierce and Inhuman than Man because they have suffered or rather forced their Wills and Desires into the dark root of bitter Fierceness which is a Contrarium to â—heir Composition therefore the Cruelty and â—â—chastity of