est in explicabilis horti commoditas nam si necessitatem considero agricultura tanto est humano generi emolumento ut eâ carere nullo modo possis si utilitatem inter primas non postrema Nec quaenam illi poterit comparari si voluptatem dignitati commistam ea est excellentia c. August Quid enim hoc opere innocentius vacantibus quid plenius magnâ consideratione prudentibus quid majus mirabiliusque spectaculum est qnam cum positis seminibus Plantatis surculis translatis Arbusculis insitis malleolis tanquam interrogatur quaeque vis Radicis germinis quid possit quidve non possit unde possit vnde non possit cum rerum natura humana ratio quodammodo loqui potest quid in ea valeat numerorum invisibilis interiorque potentia quid extrinsecus adhibita diligentia in ipsa consideratione perspicere quia neque qui plantat est aliquid neque qui rigat sed Deus qui dat incrementum Antient Authors define the chiefe part of Husbandry to be this The Husbandman ought to consider the Nature of the Trees which he is to Plant and so to dispose of them as they may have fitt soyle and scituation that they may have the influence of the Sunne as much as may be And there will arise great Profitts and advantages with Pleasure attending them O how sweet saith he and pleasant is the Fruit that thou hast Planted with thine own hand to eate thereof and to distribute of the same to thy Friends and acquaintance They say the Profitts of Fruit-trees are wonderfull and cannot be reckned up there is no end of the Account St. Austin accounts this an excellent imployment and worthy the esteem of the best men having many deep misteries secrets of Nature in it to exercise and imploy the understanding of the most eminent persons in considering the Nature of seeds sown in Grafting young Twiggs transplanting Trees and many other works about them to consider and find out the Nature of these things and to apply our selves accordingly but in all to know and conclude That it is not he that Planteth nor he that watereth but God that giveth the increase Mr Boulton an eminent godly Divine in his time saies that Vinyards Gardens Orchards and such inclosed Plotts are the Stars and Paradices of the Earth And Sr. Fran Ba Essayes pa. 226. saies Gardens are the purest of humane Pleasures the greatest refreshments of the spirits of man without which Buildings and Pallaces are but grosse handi-workes Section 6. HVSBANDMAN Seeing it is manifest and concluded by all men that this work of Planting fruit-Fruit-trees is very Profitable and Pleasant how comes it to passe that so many men are yet negligent and slothfull in the worke Many young Gentlemen who have good estates in Lands and might very much improve their Estates by Planting yet are negligent and all that can be said to encourage them to it will not prevaile to set them on worke what may be the reason of this grosse neglect is their any fault or matter of discouragement arising from you that doth hinder them Too things seeming discouragements in Planting FRVIT-TREES There are indeed two things especially that may perhaps arise from us seemingly as matters of discouragement to some men The one is We cannot bring forth Fruits speedily to any considerable profit men must be content to stay and waite certaine years ere they can have any great profits from us And sensuall men that are all for present Profitts Pleasures and satisfaction of their appetites with present things will not stay our time which is necessary for our growth and increase that we may bring forth store of good Fruits for their Profitt And likewise The worke and labour about us seems to be but a meane worke Young proud Gentlemen think it a worke and imployment much below them to digg in the ground to set Trees they account it too mechanicall and therefore have a kind of disdaine of such an imployment which too things often hinder some men from propagating of us notwithstanding we are known to be so profitable Vaine minds take up with present satisfaction HVSBANDMAN It is true indeed some wild lightheaded young Gentlemen that have good Estates runne altogether after the satisfaction of their sensuall appetites and desires which they may have at present and are impatient of delay and so neglect and undervalue these profitts by the Planting of Fruit-trees in regard as yee have said there must be a time of waiting patiently for Profitts by Planting but yet the more wise and sober Persons of the Gentry who hearken to Reason more then Sence are considerate and are fully convinced of what hath beene said concerning the great Profitts by Planting Fruit-trees and other kinds of Trees and accordingly are very diligent about the worke Examples of the greatest persons in Planting But as for that proud conceite of this worke being below them and too Mechanicall let them but consider what was the worke of the first Man and that in his state of happinesse The worke appointed him by God himselfe was to dresse the Garden and to keep it And let them consider also what Examples there are recorded of great persons who imployd themselves with great delight in this work of Planting fruit-Fruit-trees Kings Emperours and the greatest Powers were not ashamed of it but performed it with their own hands Dioclesian Emperour of Roome left his Empire and betook himselfe to this implâ—yment in the later part of his life Elizeus sportanus planted spatiouse and large Orchards and used therein to feast and banquet with his children and Friendâ— Ezra 1.2 c. Cyrus King of Persia who had all the Kingdomes of the Earth given to him was diligent and most exact in this worke of Planting fruit-Fruit-trees with his owne hand as he himselfe acknowledged to Lysander when he came to visit him See his own words as they are Recorded Epistola alberti Lolâ—… ad herculem Libidâ— re Rustica pag. 30. Cyrus minor Persarum Rex vir ingenii excelsi rerum gestarum gloria celeberrimus cum ad eum venisset Lysander Lacedaemonius ipse summis virtutibus pâ—…stans eique dona nonnulla attulisseâ— ceteris rebus comis humanus erga ipsum fuerit quodam vero die recreationis caussa in quendam hortum magna ipsius industria undique conseptum singulari artificio consitum eum adduxit Tum Lysander admiratus egregium omnium rerum ordinem atque proceritates Arborum illarumque in quincuncem directam seriem fructuum pulchritudinem ac odorum qui e floribus spirabant suavitatem dixisse fertur Atqui Lysander meo ingenio ista sunt elaborata mei sunt ordines Arboresque Plantae aliaque quae ita miraris mea manu sunt sara Tum vicissim Lysandrum ipsius comtemplantem purpuâ—am corporisque elegantiam ornatum persicum auro gemmisque praetiosissimis
since is answered by St Austen 10 Book of his confessions I put the Question saith he to the Earth and to the Sea and to the rest of the Creatures and they give me an Answer Now if you would know what my Question was It was the deep intention and consideration I had in my heart about the Creatures And would you know what their Answer was their Answer was that which I collected in my Meditations from their several Natures qualities and properties So that to confer and discourse with Fruit-trees as in the ensuing Dialougue and to receive insturctions from them not only as to temporall Profits but Spiritual also it is in a Rational serious and Spiritual manner to consider them and dive and search into their Natures and Properties as we may observe and gather by Experience from year to year concerning them which every Rationall man may do more or lesse But yet the more knowledg and Experience any man has the better it is don And then the making of right conclusions upon such Considerations those are the Answeres Teachings or instructions of the Fruit-trees so of all other Creatures as was said Job 12.7 aske the Beasts and they shall teach thee docebit te unaquaque ex Bestiis docebit te The Excellencies Vertues beauties and perfections that are in the Creatures do plainly shew forth and manifest the infinite Excellencies and perfections of God his VVisdom Power Goodness Beauty Bounty c. Now when we diligently consider and search out their Natures and Vertues Beauties and Properties which God hath Stampt upon them and put into them and make right Conclusions then we confer and discourse with them The Creatures discover the Attributes of God to the Eye as his word does to the Ear and both to the Mind And this produceth or should do in every one Praise and Glory to God wonder and admiration of him for that he is the Creator and contriver of all these excellent things who being the Originall and first Cause of all these wonderful and excellent Creatures so many so good so beautifull so usefull profitable and pleasant in the lives of men it must needs be concluded that he himself is much more so in himselfe yea infinitely above better and exceeding them all and consequently to be desired and loved above them all Aquin Hujusmodi interrogatio est mentis operatio qua creaturarum perfectiones intuemur Tunc homo Creaturas interrogat quando eas diligenter considerat sed tunc interrogate respondent cum homo prospicit quod tanta ordinatio esse non possit nisi ab aliqua superiore sapientia dispensante That is When we seriously consider the nature and properties of inanimate creatures then we aske Questions of them and they being thus Questioned they return an answer unto men when we clearly perceive that their wonderfull Natures vertues and properties cannot be but from the Power and VVisdome of a superior Cause Every created being instructs us concerning our Creator of his wisdom and goodnesse and of our duty and thankfulnesse we owe unto him so that as many Creatures as are in the world so many Teachers there are in the world Therefore none shall be excused at the last day for their ignorance of God seeing we have not only the word of God but all the Creatures of God to instruct us concerning God and our duty to him So then with these breife instructions concerning discourse with Fruit-trees I commit the Ensuing Dialogue to thy use for thy profitt Who am thy Friend to serve thee in love RA AVSTEN The Contents Trees Speake to men pag. 1. The Language of Fruit-trees p 2 The Age of Fruit-trees ibid. Mans fall Restoring and Establishing p. 3 Section 2. Sympathy and Antipathy in Vegetables p. 4 Sympathy and Antipathy of Plants truly stated p ib. Likenâ—ss of Natures accord best among men p. 6 No attaining Communion with God without a new Nature ib. No cordiall fellowship between Regenerate and Vnregenerate persons p. 7. Perception in Fruit-trees in fled of sence ib. Four distinct Rankes of Creatures each Genus including many speties p. 8 All Creatures are subservient one to another p. 9 Section 3. The benefite of due Ordering of Fruit-trees p. 16 God chastneth all his people some more some lesse for their profit p. 11. Section 4. Fruittrees beautiful objects p. 13 Immoderate love to Creatures dangerous ibid. Too much love to Creatures abates love to God p. 14 Communion with Creatures calls for Communion with God p. 15. Section 5. Profits and Pleasures by Fruit-trees p. 16 Fruits of Trees mans Food ibid. Planting Fruit-trees commended by Antient and late writers p. 18 Section 6. Two things seeming discouragements in Planting p. 22. Vaine minds take up with present satisfactions p. 23 Examples of the greatest persons in Planting p. 23 Many Profits and Pleasures in planting Fruit-trees p. 27 Section 7. Great Trees in too fat soyle bear not well p. 29 Moderation is best p. 29 A just Reprooff of the carnal careless Gentrie p. 30 Skilfull ordering of Fruit-trees produceth Fruitfulnesse p. 31 Remove the Cause and the effect ceaseth p 32 A due commendation of the Pious and Religious Gentry ibid. Section 8. The voice of all Creatures to man Fruit-trees receive and loose their beauty once a year p. 35 The state of all things here below changeable p. 36 Fruit-trees are pincht and endure difficulties in winter p. 37 Fruit-trees in the Spring revive ibid. Some Christians go through great tribulations p. 38 The light of Gods Countenance refresheth the soul after darknesse p. 41 Section 9. The Opinion about descention of Sap examined p. 41 No descention of Sap in Trees p. 43 The Spirit and nature of true Christians tends upwards p. 34 Section 10. Fruit-trees are prepared in Nurseries to be transplanted p. 45 Elder trees transplanted make room for the younger p. 46 Some of the best kinds are to grow still in the Nursery p. 47 Nurseries of Materiall Fruit-trees are apt similitudes of Mystical Fruit-trees in Vniversities ibid. The Spirit and grace of God is to be prefered before all Natural and acquired abilities p. 48 Section 11. Some Fruits seem good to the Eye but are bad to the tast p. 50 Fruit-trees improved by ingrafting p. 50 No works pleasing to God without sincerity p. 51 Section 12. Mulberytrees called Sapientissima Arborum p. 52 mulberry-Mulberry-trees bud late because of a tender nature ibid. Some Christians are more valiant for Christ then others p. 53 Section 13. Fruits ripen successively upon the same tree others altogether p. 54 The wisdom and bounty of God in the ripening of Fruiis p. 55 Section 14. South-Country trees prosper not in England p. 56 Plant Fruit-trees fitt for the Country ibid. Section 15. Redstreake trees formerly of little account p. 57 Redstreake Apples best for Cider p. 58 Comfort after trouble joy after sorrow ibid. Section 16. More planting of late years then formerly p. 59 Reasons for
much Planting of Fruit-trees p. 60 Cider the most wholsome drink especially of the bect Fruits p. 60 Section 17. Fruit-trees shew forth the glory of God p. 61 Fruit-trees are ingagements to obedience p. 62 All men act according to their Natures p. 63 Fruit-trees change not their Natures ibid. All mankind have changed their Natures once and some have a double change p. 64 Section 18. Heat of the Sun needfull for Fruits p. 65 Fruit-trees have a preception of the heate of the Sunn and are refreshed by it ibid. Believers that walke closest with God bring forth the best fruits p. 66 Section 19. The Scripture saith Fruit-trees were from the beginning and shall be to the End of the world p. 67 The excellencies of all Creatures are united in God and infinitely more then all p. 67 The Excellencies and vertues of the Creatures should leade us unto God and there to rest p. 68 Section 20. Young small Trees full of good Fruits p. 68 God calls some of his people in childhood and youth others afterwards p. 69 Section 21. Grosse ignorance reproved p. 73 Most people are ignorant both of Gods word and works p. 74 Vnlearned men may read in the Book of the Creatures Section 22. An invitation and incouragement to a conference with fruit-Fruit-trees p. 76 Many things in Fruit-trees occasion admiration p. 77. 1. Tender Fruits come forth with covers upon them the more hardy without p. 77 Section 23. 2. Different substances made of one substance p 79 Different Gifts and Graces wrought by the same Spirit ibid. Every gift ought to be improved for the profit of all p. 80 Section 24. 3. Grafts and Buds assimilate the Sap of the Stocks p. 81 Section 25. 4 Every small Bud contains the Nature of the whole Tree in it selfe p. 83 5. The properties of a tree are in every seed p. 84 The same flower seed brings forth variety p. 85 6. Many kinds of Fruits upon one tree p. 86 A DIALOGVE OR FAMILIAR DISCOURSE and conference between the Husbandman and Fruittrees in his Nurseries Orchards and Gardens Trees speak to Men. HVSBANDMAN I have read in Learned and Godly mens workes and the Scriptures also declare as much that yee Fruittrees can speake and discourse with men though not with an articulate distinct voice and sound of words to the outward sence of hearing for that is proper only to rationall Creatvres Yet it is knowne yee can speake very intelligibly and convincingly to the minds and consciences of men And can Answere their Questions and speak many things to their profit and edification And that yee alwaies speake the very truth and to the glory and praise of God What Language is it that yee speake is it English or Latin Greek or Hebrew or what other Language else wherein yee discourse with men The Language of Fruittrees FRVIT-TREES We can speake all Languages We can discourse with any People or Nation in any Language whatsoever according as people please to discourse with us so we Answer them every man in his owne Language HVSBANDMAN We in this Countrey are Natives of England we will therefore speake together in our English Tongue for that we best understand Tell me then first of all Of what age are yee of what duration I speake not of these individuall Trees here Planted but of Fruittrees in generall How Long have yee been in the world The Age of Fruittrees FRVITTREES We are of a very Great Age even from the beginning of the Creation which is now according to common computation 5676. yeares or thereabouts This thou maist understand by a Token that much concernes the For we were present stood by when thou and thy wife did both of you transgresse the Command of our Creator in the Garden of Eden in that yee did eate of the Forbidden Fruit Thou had'st liberty enough given thee which was to Eate of all our Fruits throughout the whole Garden Except only of one Tree to try thy Obedience and that as freely as thou wouldest why then didst thou breake the command of God which we never yet did nor ever shall though we are much inferior to mankind Mans fall Restoring and Establishing HVSBANDMAN Herein yee speake the truth and convincingly indeed for so it was which we must acknowledge to God and be humbled for it for it was a very great transgression we lost our glory and our Happiness by it but blessed be God for ever for his free Grace he hath shewed us a meanes and way of recovery to our former state of happinesse which he did not to the Angels that sinned but a little while before us God never spake one kind word to them since nor ever will O the justice and mercy of God towards them justice but towards us Mercy and free Grace in our restoring even all that he hath chosen Yea God hath not only restored and recovered us out of our fallen state but also hath so confirmed us in it as that now we can never fall from it any more as we then did But this is a Gloriouse mistery discovered to us in the word of the Gospell of Christ wherein yee have no skill neither can yee speake as to that matter Section 2. Sympathy and Antipathy in Vegetables HVSBANDMAN It hath been asserted by Learned men That there is a sympathy and Antipathy in Plants Trees and all Vegetables some kinds will not thrive together which they impute to Antipathy and some other kinds flourish and prosper vigorously growing together which they call Sympathy or a good agreement one with another What say yee of your selves as to this matter Sympathy and Antipathy of Plants duly stated We owne the Notion if it be but rightly understood and applyed for there is such a contrariety and heterogeneous quality in some trees and other Vegetables as men speake of And also a likenesse and agreement in Nature in some others But it hath been much mistaken by some writers who have said That there is an Antipathy betweene some Plants as the Vine and the Colewort because they will not thrive together but that is not an Antipathy but rather a Sympathy Lord Baron's Nat Hist pa 101. Exp 480. Because wee Vines love the same fatt and fertill soyle as the Colewort does and thence it is that wee turne our Rootes from it because it hath exhausted the soile and made it barren But there is a real Antipathy in Nature between some trees which are of Different species therefore they will never thrive together when joyned in Grafting As the Apple-tree grafted upon a Peerestock and so on the contrary Also the Plum on the Cherry and the Cherry on the Plum They may grow 2. or 3. yeares but will never thrive to perfection there is an Antipathy in Nature and they reject each other And therefore let men in grafting observe right species and kinds in joyning us together else no profit will accrue to the Husbandman Likenesse of Natures accord best
Physitian can so temper poyson as to make it with other ingredients â—…procure or preserve health so that in aâ—… these things God is seene and to be praâ—sed and admired in his dispensations towards his people and they to learne obedience by the things that they suffer anâ— to be more thankfull and firutfull in theâ—… hearts and lives afterwards Section 4. Fruittrees Beautifull Objects HVSBANDMAN It is a great pleasure and delight to walk among you so many beautifull Fruittrees seeing yee grow so handsomely and uniforme yee grow in order in straight lynes every way look which way a man will decent formes and order of things are pleasant to the Eye as a Consort of Musick is to the Eare And besides yee are more beautifull and delightsome in your various coloured blossomes leaves and fruits these even ravish the â—ences with their delicate colours smels and tasts all exceeding gratefull to the sences and delightsome to the mind Immoderate love to Creatures dangerous FRVITTREES We owne what thou sayest to be true We are indeed fine beautifull Objects and desireable good things usefull and profitable in the lives of men But thou and others had best take heed and beware least yee love us too much that yee set not your hearts upon us for Lalet anguis in herba a serpent may be hid even amongst pleasant and beautifull flowers the old Serpent is still alive that bitt and stung thy first Parents in the Garden of Eden they setting their minds too much upon the beauty and excellency oâ— the Fruits that they saw They saw that the Fruits were beautifull to the Eye and good for food and they took and Eate oâ— it being seduced also by the subtilty oâ— the Serpent And thou maist be sure hâ— hath not lost any of his Malice Power â—… Policy but is watchfull day and night to do thee and others mischeife Too much love to Creatures abates love to God HVSBANDMAN This is a good caution and to be heeded and observed daily For the Pleasures and Profitts of the Creatures do often stale away the minds anâ— affections even of good men which abatâ—… the streame of their love to God whicâ— occasions more or lesse sooner or lateâ— â—hastnings and afflictions from the hand â—… God who cannot beare that the hearâ— of his people should be alienated from hiâ— by any of his Creatures Yet nevertheleâ—… here is a lawfull use of these and otheâ— Creatures with Pleasure and delight so it be within due bounds But this delight in Fruit-trees in Orchards and Gardens in a kind of Communion and complacency with them it shaddows out unto us a great and singular mistery and a priviledge of beleevers the greatest on this side heaven that is Communion and Fellowship with God the enjoyment of him for ever Communion with Creatures calls for Communion with God Sincere and humble Christians know by experience what it is to walke with God in Fellowship with him God doth gratiously condiscend to have Communion and Fellowship with Man with such as he hath Chosen to himselfe and changed sanctified and prepared as Vessels of mercy for his owne use And herein we need not restraine or lymitt our love and affections as we ought to do towards the Creatures all we have or can let out is too little and small â—or this infinitely best Object of Love Communion with and delight in all other Obâ—ects must be subordinate unto this for all the good and desireablenesse of the Creatures are but so many Drops derived from â—his infinite Ocean in his presence is the â—ulnesse of joy at his right hand there are pleasures for ever more Section the 5. Many Profitts and pleasures by Fruittrees HVSBANDMAN There hath been very much spoken by Auntient and late writers about the Profitts and Pleasures that are found in Orchards and Gardens And all people generally do much commend The worke of Planting Fruittrees because of the Profitts and Advantages that yearely do arise from Fruittrees Besides all the delight and Pleasures super-added wherein do these Profitts and Pleasures consist tell us some particulars briefely Fruits of Trees Mens food FRVITTREES Thou knowest ovâ— Fruits are usefull and Profitable many waieâ— in the lives of men They are for food alâ— the yeare long both for meate and drink iâ— was the first Food given to man and thaâ— in his best state and condition even iâ— Paradice the most pleasant place upoâ— the Earth our Fruits were his appointeâ— food he might eate of all our Fruits onâ— Tree only excepted And Fruits of Trees have been mans food ever since and so shall be to the end of the world HVSBANDMAN It is true the Fruits of Trees are good food both for Man and Beast which beeing well ripened they may be used for wholesome food many waies Especially made into Cider the most wholsome drink known in the * Vinetum Britannicum by J. W Gent p. 18. world and so accounted by Learned and skilfull Physitians and found so to be by long Experience not of particular Persons only but by severall Generations successively in severall Countries where it is temperately and moderately used as their common drink which hath been of late time more especially much * see Silva Pomona by Mr. Euelin of the Royall Society celebrated and commended by many worthy and eminent persons upon good grounds both of Reason and Experience As conducing more then any other Liquors to health and long life which are much in esteem among all people Planting of Fruit-trees commended by Antient and late writers Now because the Profitts and advantages by Planting Fruit-trees are so many and great I think it not amisse to acquaint my friends here present with the Praises and Commendations that some Authors have given to this work and imployment of Planting fruit-Fruit-trees that they may be more in love with it and more diligent in it for their own Profitt and for Posteritie also Varro Li. 1. Cap. 4. de re Rustica hinc profectò Agricolae ad duas metas dirigere debent ad utilitatem voluptatem Menander Agricolarum vita voluptatem capit Dum tristia spe futurorum solatur est profecto virtutis vitae Magister Ingenuae omnibus hominibus ager Agricultura quid sit Mihi videtur nihil aliud esse Agriculturam quam inspectâ Plantae Natura Caeli Terrae ei idoneum cultum tribuere ut ita dicam Caelum cum Terra maritare vel societatem perquirere Caeli Terrae ad Arbores O quam dulcissimum est fructus ex arboribus quas sevisti inseruisti coluisti propriis manibus colligere Amicis agnatisque jactabundus largiri c. Virgil in Georg O fortunatos nimium bona si sua norint Agricolas quibus ipsa procul civilibus Armis Fundit humo facilem victum justissima tellus Aves canoros garrulae funduni sonos Et semper Aures cantibus mulcent suis Mira
splendentem respondisse O Cyre quam meriâ—o beatus ab omnibus perhiberis cum excellenti fortunatua singularis ranta conjuncta copulataque sit industria So that such men as are so highly conceited of themselves to think this worke and imployment about fruit-Fruit-trees to be below them are much mistaken they need not be ashamed of it more then their betters Neither hath it beene the choice of some few Eminent persons only but of very many as we find by Records in severall Authors see further Epistola alberti Lolii ad herculem Li de re Rust Solemus autem circa Agriculturae tractationem duos potissimum fines considerare utilitatem nimirum quam continuo inde percipere possumus venustate florum germinatione stirpium proventu fructuum capere solemus Et in qua ubique magna copia bonarum fructuosarum Arborum sese offerat Nonnullos alios in medium adducere qui amore rei Rusticae ita capti fuerunt ut post habitis omnibus dignitatibus Magistratibus Regnis Victoriis triumphis ad Agriculturam se totos applicuerunt Caelum nitescere Arbores frondescere Vites laetificas pampinis pubescere Ramos Baccarum ubertate incurvescere Segetes largiri fruges florere omnia Subsequitur postea aestas non solum floribus ut in primis sunt Lilia Rosae Violae hyacinthi Caryophilli infiniti alii ornatur sed etiam frugibus fructibus vuis animalibus omnibusque rebus Caeteris ad vitam nostram necessariis sustinendam abundat Certe si recte diligenter inquisiveris videbis profecto omnes studiosos literatos homines Ruris cesessu vehementer ses oblectasse illudque semper expecisse plurimum Nam praeter aerem liberum jucundam viriditatem quae plurimum ingenium excitant spiritus quoque inde recreari intelligentiam mirifice acui certum est O beata fincera vita o suave atque honestum ocium quasi omni negotio melius Agricultura sola est cui ingenui excellentes viri admoveri debent Quid datur a divis melius mortalibus aegris Quam bona quae pariunt passim letissima Rura Hic hominum primi vitam incoluere beatam Cum placidam nondum turbarent praelia pacem Cum variis tellus redimitur floribus cum Arboribus viride redeunt per brachia frondes Atque avium dulces cantus nemora avia complent Tunc mecum aut felix nusquam vitae genus ullum Quo se mortales factant aut hoc erit unum Many Profitts and Pleasures in Planting Fruit-trees Thus we see what the Ancient and more recent writers and those of Learning and Eminency in the world have said and esteemed of this worke of Planting fruit-Fruit-trees both as to Profitts and Pleasures in the lives of men and how they have preferred it before other imployments Therefore there is reason all men should have a good esteeme of Fruit-trees and of the works about them especially seeing they are profitable not only as to Temporall Profitts in the lives of men from the Cradle to the Grave from the beginning of the world to the end of it But the same also ministring so many occasions and helps in order to spirituall advantages as hath been shew'd being Examples to us of Obedience to God in that they keep the Lawes of their Creator inviolable after their kinds in observing the Course of Nature from the beginning of the world to the end of it And continually speaking to us to do the same Many advantages we have by them with all Pleasures and Delights superadded So that such a worke carries away the vote and suffrage of all People according to the Poet. Omne tulit punctum qui misciuit utile dulci. Here are two of the most cogent Arguments that prevaile with all men Argumentum ab utili Et Argumentum a voluptate Arguments from Profitts and Arguments from Pleasures Pleasure is call'd sal condimentum vitae the Salt that seasons all things to us the Profitts are more because of the Pleasures and the Pleasures are more because of the Profitts They being united together do commend and set off each other more then they would be single and alone Section 7. Great Trees in too fatt soyle Beare not well HVSBANDMAN Here are a sort of Trees that grow in a very rich soyle deepe and fatt and are faire handsome large lovely Trees as any I can see but yet they do not answer these things in their Fruits I expect they should bring me some Fruit and profit better and more then other Trees that grow in a poore leane soyl and are but small Trees to these which are growne to a vast bignesse and largnesse of body and branches I cannot be satisfied with such poore and small returnes from such great Trees in such a rich and fertile soyle as they here grow in Moderation is best FRVIT-TREES There is good reason we should bring forth good Fruits and more then those Trees that grow in poore ground but consider thou whether our unfruitfulnesse be not occasioned by our too fatt and Plentifull feeding for thou knowest that Repletion is an enemy to Generation in all Creatures according to their kinds Men and Women that are too full fed and grow grosse and fatt they seldome are fruitfull as others who are more moderate and temperate and this is our case by reason of our too full fatt feeding in this deepe and fertile soyle we grow great and run out yeerely in large shootes and broad leaves but shall beare little Fruit while it is so with us A just Reproofe of the Carnall Careless Gentry HVSBANDMAN These things are true and are usefull in their place as to temporall Profitts in the ordering of Fruit-trees But we may learne hence a Lesson of higher concernment it plainly shaddowes out unto us that it is too manifestly seene amongst some great persons the Gentry of this Nation who being Trees planted by Gods providence in a rich and fertile soyle they grow very great in power and dignity swelled with high titles of honour abundance of riches and the best things the world affords But as for Fruitfullnesse towards God spirituall Fruits they are very few and small amongst many of them who live a most carnall sensuall life as if there were no life after this feeding pampering and cherishing their bodies while the poore soule is neglected leane and starven And so ware out a few daies in promp and pride and in a moment goe downe from the stage of the world into eternall woe and destruction O miserable life that some of them live even whilst they live most at ease and in their pleasures Is not he worthy to be accounted a foole that will chuse and prefer a painted bauble not worth 2d before a rich Treasure worth many Millians Much more foolish are they who preferr a short momentany life of sensuall pleasures before the pleasures and glory of Eternall life Consider this yee that
not in to God so soone We see instances of this in Scripture in Samuel the Prophet who was called of a child 1. Sam. 3. so the Prophet Jer Ch 1.6 who was sanctified from the wombe Joseph who for bringing forth good Fruit when he was but 17. yeares of age was sold into Egipt by his brethren what remarkable favours did he receive from God all his daies Gen. 37.2 Obadiah feared God from his youth 1. Kings 18.12 a singular person in his time The Prophet Daniell began to feare God in his youth Dan. 1. And God shewed him miracles of his care and Love he had Learning and wisdome in all Visions and dreames Dan. 1 17. besides the immediate comforts of the spirit of God an Angell was sent with a spetiall message to him to tell him he was greatly belov'd of God And God wrought a Miracle in preserving him from the Lyons The Prophet David of a Young Twigg was ingrafted into Christ Psal 71.5 Taught of God from his youth ver 17. And who ever had a greater testimony from God then he a Man after Gods own Heart And who ever had clearer evidences of the love of God and consequently communion with God than he How great a Prophet was John the Baptist who was filled with the Holy Ghost and sanctified in the wombe Luke 1.15 The Apostle John called the beloved disciple began to follow Christ in his youth and had intimations of Christs love more then the rest of the Disciples he leaned on his brest and lay in his bosome he had full assurance of the love of God to him 1 Jo 4.13.14 and Ch 5.19.20 1. Jo 3.14.24 We know we are of God We know we are in him We know we are translated from Death to Life c. And besides all this such as are Engrafted into Christ whilst they are young and tender twiggs they attaine unto large growths and measures of grace If one have but a small measure of grace but as a graine of Mursterdseed if he begin with it betime in his childhood and youth it will improve and grow in many yeares to a large measure and degree their Brooke will become a River and their River will become a Sea Every Act of Grace will add to the habite of grace They shall proceede from strength to strength from Glory to Glory by the Spiritt of the Lord 2 Cor. 3.18 Section 21. HVSBANDMAN Yee have many Visitors frequently have you this familiar discourse with every one as we have at present and as often as we are disposed Grosse ignorance reproved FRVIT-TREES Many people of all sorts come from time to time and walk among us and look upon us and commend us for brave handsome Trees lovely and beautifull especially when we are in our Gallantrie full of beautifull blossoms and pleasant wholsome Fruits and some greedily pluck us and tear us and sometimes breake off some of our Branches to get our Fruits and so go their waies But speake never a word to us neither do they understand what we say to them though we are continually speaking to men and are never weary of instructing and teaching man his Duty towards God our Creator and also praising and setting forth his glory according to the Law of our Creation as thou knowest and hast often witnessed the same on our behalfe Most people are ignorant both of Gods word and Works HVSBANDMAN I believe what yee say to be true People for the greatest part of the world are ignorant of God of themselves and of all his Creatures as well as ignorant of the Scriptures Though God hath given us two great Volumes or Books to read and study his word and his Workes yet people generally are ignorant of both sottish children as the Prophet calls them who have no understanding wherefore he that made them will not have mercy on them and he that formed them will shew them no favour Isay 27.11 Tremble at this word yee ignorant sottish people there is not any mercy for you whilst yee remain ignorant of God of your selves of his word and of his workes Therefore learn and be instructed else ye shall surely Perish the very Trees of the Garden and all the Creatures of God will witnesse against you Vnlearned men may read in the Booke of the Creatures The illitterate man that knowes not a word or a letter in the Book and thinks to be excused because he is not learned yet he shall find it otherwise one day For this Book of the Creatures is open and legible by all men As St Paul said of the ignorant heathen Rom. 1. They shall be left without excuse Because the invisible things of God his Attributes his Wisdom Power and Goodnesse his Love Bounty and Kindnesse to all are clearly seen in the things that he hath made Therefore it concerns men to learn the voice and Language of the Creatures of God and among them the voice and language of Fruit-trees as well as of his Word and to observe their Lessons and instructions for the mind and things of God are seen clearly in them though not so clearly as in his word But being joyned and considered together we may learn our Duty to God And in the doing thereof We shall be blessed of him Section 22. An invitation and incouragement to a conference with Fruit-trees HVSBANDMAN Come my Friends let us walke into this pleasant Garden and have some further Discourse with those innocent harmlesse Companions the Fruit-trees they will bid us welcome and are still ready and at leasure to conferre with us and will be sure to teach us one good Lesson or other But We must not forget what hath been often said concerning the way and manner of their Discourse with Men That it is not audible to the outward sence of hearing in the sound of words but alwaies to the inward sence the mind and understanding And thus they will Discourse with us as long as we please And they always speake Rationally and Religiously in every thing taking Gods part speaking to his praise and glory and for the instruction of all men both for our Temporall and Spirituall Profitt Here is a very large Garden full of Faire and beautifull Fruit-trees whereby we have both Profitt and Pleasure but I have heard also there are many things amongst you occasioning admiration in men what things are they that may occasion admiration what say yee of your selves Many things in Fruit-trees occasion admiration FRVIT-TREES Thou maiest see many things in the course of our Natures that may occasion admiration of the Wisdome Power and goodnesse of God 1 if thou do but take Notice of our Originall and first springing up we then lying wrapt up in small seeds each one no biger then a graine of Wheate yet out of those came these huge and vast bodies that thou seest here above Ground each one according to its own Nature every seed keeping exactly it s own kind and Nature though many sorts
are sowen in one bed of Earth and drawing the same juyce of the earth yet each seede retaines its owne Nature Tender Fruits come forth with Covers upon them the more hardy without And secondly If thou consider the manner of bringing forth our Fruits especially wee Aprecotts Cherries Plumbs and such as are of the most tender kinds our Fruits come forth with Coates and Garments upon their backs being so tender that without the same they could not indure the common Aire If thou observe thou maist see in our knitting time our infant Fruit within the Blossome no bigger then a Pinns head which increasing by little and little tears this Coate or Garment and throwes it off being then hardy enough to endure the Aire and so we grow on to ripenesse But we that are more strong and hardy Fruits Apples Peares c have no such Coates or Garments upon Us when we are born we are naked when we come first into the world our Blossoms fall off from us when first we begin to knit and appear and so we grow on to perfection HVSBANDMAN I perceve then hereby That that which some Learned Phylosophers call the Wisdome of Nature in takeing Care of it self in these things is but the Course and law of Nature but is indeed the Wisdome of the God of Nature who as he hath made all Creatures so he knoweth perfectly their severall Natures and accordingly provideth for them Section 23. HVSBANDMAN Well This is considerable in order to our admiration But what other particulers can yee tell us of to the same purpose Different substances made of one Substance FRVIT-TREES Take notice of and consider these particulers also Will it not cause Admiration to see and consider how many severall Substances are made of one Simple substance For of the Sap of Trees is made the Barke Wood Pith Leaves Buds Blossoms Stalks Fruit and Seed drawne from the same juyce of the Earth Defferent Gifts and Graces wrought by the same Spirit This illustrates to us that so it is in Spirituall things the paralell holds good the Variety of Gifts and Graces in belevers proceede from one and the self same Spirit as we see 1 Cor. 12.4 There are diversities of Gifts but the same Spirit And diversities of Administrations but the same Lord and ver 6 diversities of Operations but it is the same God that worketh all in all To one is given the word of wisdome to another the word of knowledge to another the Gifts of healing to another the working of Miracles to another Prophesie to another discerning of Spirits to another divers kinds of Tongues to another the interpretation of Tongues Every Gift ought to be improved for the profitt of all But all these worketh that one and the selfe same spiritt dividing to every man severally as he will 1 Cor. 12.12 By all which we should learne to owne and love one another and to be usefull and serviceable one to another every one according to the Gifts and Talents which God hath given unto them Let nor the Rich dispise the Poore nor the Poore envie the Rich let not the wise and Learned dispise the meaner sort who want what they themselves have such may have one Gift or other which the wise and Learned have not which may be usefull to the body let not the Eye say unto the Hand I have no neede of thee Nor the Head to the Feet I have no need of you for those Members of the body which seem more feeble are necessary 1 Cor. 12.22 The variety of Gifts Graces and endowments that men have are wrought by the same spirit and for whose Glory they are to be used and improved and for the Profitt of all Section 24. HVSBANDMAN Proceede further and tell us some other perticulars that may occasion our admiration in the knowledge of them for we know the works of God are marvelous and wonderfull and many of them past finding out and therefore God is to be admired in them Grafts and Buds assimilate the Sap of the Stocks FRVIT-TREES Consider this further That Grafts and Buds set upon stocks that are of wild kinds of bitter harsh and sower kinds these Grafts and Buds being of a sweete and pleasant nature and drawing and feeding upon the sower Sap of those wild stocks yet they do change alter this sower and bitter Sap that they draw and feede upon into their own sweete and pleasant Nature and bring forth Fruits according to their owne Natures And the badnesse of the stocks cannot alter the goodnesse of the Grafts but according to the Law and Course of Nature which all Vegetables do keepe from their first Creation they do convert all their Sap and nourishment which they draw into their own properties and bring forth Fruits accordingly And is not this a Marvelous thing that a great and large stock it may be 40. times and more bigger then the Graft that 's set upon it should not be able to change the little Graft or the Bud that is much smaller into it 's owne kind and Nature This then must be concluded That it is the innate intrinsecall forme of the Graft and Bud that maintaines and keepes inviolable that Law of Nature that the God of Nature at first Creation fixed in every individuall Who alone is to be Praised and Admired in these and all his workes Section 25. HVSBANDMAN What other perticulars do yee discover in the processe of Nature wherein God is seene and discovers his Wisdome and infinite excellencies that may occasion his Praise and Admiration when knowne and observed Every small Bud contains the Nature of the whole Tree in it selfe FRVIT-TREES Know and consider this further That every small Branch or Twigg upon the Trees yea the least Bud upon the least Graft or Twigg doth containe in it the Nature and property of the whole Tree Though one Tree have many Thousands of Buds upon it yet every perticular has virtually or potentially the whole Tree in it selfe though the Bud he never so small and the Tree never so great This is evident by Inoculating the Buds of any Tree continuall Experience proves they are the same and bring forth the same Fruits as the Tree from which they were taken HVSBANDMAN I grant this is a truth and apparent to continuall Experience from yeare to yeare and is a thing to be much Admired that all the Properties of a vast huge Tree should be united into so narrow a compass as a small Bud smaller then a Graine of Wheate Nay more The Nature and propertie of a great Tree though as bigg as 2. or 3. men can fathom with their hands joynd'd does lye in the Roote of that small Bud some of which are as small as a Pinns point this is proved by Experience Because when that small Roote happens to be left upon the wood in taking off the Bud to inocculate as sometimes it is such a Bud does not grow nor spring in the
least the Principall part being left behind which is analogous with the Roote of a Tree in Planting without which it cannot grow And therefore such as undertake this worke of Inoculating looke well to this that this small Roote of the Bud be in it when it is set on the stock The Properties of a Tree are in every seede And further This is also true and a thing to be considered and admired That as the Properties and Vertues of the whole Tree are in every Bud so also they are in every seede or kernell that is in every one of the Fruits that grow upon the Tree But herein a Caution is to be observed which is not so in Buds and Grafts which alwaies bring forth the same in kind That is The seeds or kernells of any Tree sowen will produce the same in kind in this sence that is if we sow the seede of an Appletree it will be of the same speties it will bring forth Appletrees so of the seede of Peretrees or any other kind But then these young Trees produced by the same seede will yet bring forth variety severall sorts of Apples some better some worse yet all of them Apples of one sort or other And in that perticuler also it is the more Admirable That the seede or kernells being alike from one and the same Tree should yee bring forth different sorts of Fruits yet all of them Apples too but different in kinds The same flower seede brings forth variety So also it is in the seedes of flowers when sowen â—…e selfe same seede brings forth different sorts of flowers some double some single some one colour some another which is to be Admired if considered God in his infinite Bounty and goodnesse gives us variety of his good Creatures as well for Pleasure and delight as for Necessity And this should occasion his Praise and Admiration and more chearefull Service from us who reape the benifitt and comfort thereof Section 25. HVSBANDMAN What other wonders in Nature are there that we should take notice of in your continuall course and processe from yeare to yeare whereby you set forth the glory of the Creatour that we may understand it and Admire God in his workes for the workes of the Lord are great sought out of all them that have pleasure therein Ps 111.2 3. His worke is honourable and gloriouse and Ver. 4. O come hither and behold the workes of God How wonderfull he is in his doings He hath so done his Marvelous workes that they ought to be had in remembrance FRVIT-TREES We discover many things to be taken notice of and Admired by all men for the Eternall Power and Wisdome goodnesse and bounty of God is seene in us besides what has beene or may be said take notice of this further Many kinds of Fruits upon one Tree Upon one great Appletree or any other kind may be grafted many kinds great variety according to the number of the boughes and Branches so many severall sorts may be grafted Perhaps 20. 30. 40. or more severall sorts of Apples may be Engrafted upon the same Tree if men desire it for a curiosity some early kinds some later some of one shape and bignesse some of another the Grafts being variouse though they grow all upon one Tree and feede upon one and the selfe same Sap yet they will bring forth variety of Fruits every Graft after his owne kind HVSBANDMAN I have seene variety of Fruits upon one Tree and many more kinds might have beene Grafted upon it if men would these severall sorts of Grafts brought forth variety of Fruits every Graft after his kind And this proves that to be true which a Learned * Sr Fran Bacon Nat Hist pag. 100. Philosopher hath asserted That Grafts Governe all Grafts Rule although they are Engrafted upon a different stock yet they convert that different Sap which they feede upon into their owne Natures and bring forth Fruits accordingly And this observation may be usefull both for Profitt and Pleasure A man that hath but a small peece of ground for his Orchard yet he may have variety of Fruits upon a few Trees according to the bignesse and largenesse of the Trees so he may multiply his Grafts of what kinds he thinks best Si quid novisti restius istis Candidus imperti si non his utere mecum FINIS