Tryon's letters upon several occasions ... by Tho. Tryon.

Twenty Seven Philosophical Letters UPON Several Occasions .

LETTER I. Of the Sense of Hearing . SIR ,

I Perceive by your Letter , that you have been mightily affected with a Consideration of the Senses , in admiring the wonderful Composition of the Organs , and the nice and exquisite manner of their Operation ; for your encouragement to proceed in so commendable and useful Speculation , I shall endeavour to Suggest some hints of Meditation to you , which perhaps you have not yet thought of .

I Shall begin with the Ear , that noble and brave Sense of Hearing , and descant a little upon its Use and Benefits , and the great disadvantages Mankind is subjected to , through the want of it , it is placed in the most Intelligible part of Man . It has its residence in the Head , and is therefore capable to distinguish between the good and evil qualities of Sounds . For Man being a compleat Image or Extract of all Essences , containing all their true Qualities or Principles , that nothing might be defective , he is endued with five wonderful Powers , called Senses , by which he is capable of judging between the good and evil . Of all things the Senses are the chief carriers or conveyers of what is presented before them , to the influential Principles or Magick Powers of the Soul , and where they are kindled or stirred up out of their silent and quiet Magia into motion , whence proceed all Inclinations , Dispositions , Words and Works ; hence they are midwifed into the World , whereby all the deep , hidden and silent powers become Corporal ; for who could tell whether he loved Musick or curious Consorts of Vocal and Instrumental Harmony , if he had never been in the hearing of such things ; or what Child would ever speak any Language or Tongue , if he had never heard it ; and so of all other things that are under the province of this Sense : All the good and evil of words , Speeches , Sounds , &c. are conveyed to the understanding , by the peculiar power of this , without the intervention of any other Sense .

Now , it must be understood , that Words , Sounds , Tones , &c. are endued with all the Qualifications , Virtues and Vices of the Intellectual Man , only with this difference , the Quality which is chiefly stirred up in the Magick Powers , that stamp their Character on the Word or Sound , whether good or evil .

It is also farther to be considered , that the outward Senses are but the Instruments to convey the species of grosser things to the intellectual or silent powers , principles or qualities ; by which means , various Centers and Magick Fires are excited ; which before lay so occult and involved , that a Man was not sensible of any such disposition , to affect or dislike this or that thing residing in him : 'T is by these Doors or Passages , that Man becomes acquainted with himself and Foreign Objects , understanding the forms of his own Composition in good and evil .

The multiplicity of the Senses does not at all prevent their perfection , for tho' there are ●…ive in number , yet each is compleat in its kind and o●…fice , none interfering or intrenching upon the Province of another , but all jointly conspiring to accomplish their own proper Work : The Ear cannot judge of Colours , nor the Sight of Sounds , &c. There is as great variety in Sounds , as there is in Colours , Shapes , Forms or Figures o●… material Bodies , both in their Internal and External Natures .

All Sounds , Tones , Noise or Words in Men , Beasts , Birds 〈◊〉 Elements , do all arise from the two Grand Fountains of Goo●… and Evil in this visible World : All words proceeding from th●… Meek Fountain of Gods Eternal Love , are soft , sweet , and Melodious of a yielding Temper , and penetrating to the very cente●… of the Magick Powers ; from whence the variety of inclination have their Birth .

But if these Harmonical Sounds , &c. find but a weak reception , then they make but little impression on the Central Powers and Qualities ; and then do as it were retire , not leaving any Ideas of their own forms , as the old Proverb has it , It goes in at one Ear , and out at the other . The same , vice versa , is to be understood of all Tones , Sounds , Words , &c. that do arise and take their Birth from the Dark Fountain of Evil , &c.

For there is no greater evil under the Sun , than for Mankind to speak Evil Words , or hear lewd Discourses ; by this sort of Communication , many Thousands of ignorant People have been utterly Ruined ; for if these Hostile Methods gain the Ascendant , they awaken the sleeping Poisons that take such possession that they can never after be turned out of . Upon this account , a due regard ought to be had to Children , taking care that they come within the hearing of no base words and filthy Communication ; because such Sounds , by reason of the latent resemblance between the internal power and the outward Object , stick closer to them , and make such deep impressions , to that degree that the Signatures can never be eradicated nor defaced , neither by cultivation , or any other endeavours .

Therefore such as would not be hurt by this Sense , must shut the Gate of their Ears against all evil Sounds and Voices , which will , if admitted , unlock the inmost Cabinets of Nature .

Now , if Man would use the same Care and Art in managing and dressing the Humane Ground , as the Husbandman or Farmer does in the Cultivation of his Common Field , he would be very happy ; if the Seed he Sowes be good , or defective , his Crop is according ; so it is in the Humane Ground , if he Sows Tares and Thistles , will he expect Wheat and Barley ? it is preposterous and unnatural : A multitude of incurable Disorders and Mischiefs arise for want of a due attendance to , and understanding of these Truths ; the contrary is to be conceived , if we admit the entrance of none but good , melodious and delightful Sounds , Speeches , Words , &c.

The Fabrication and Constitution of the Organs , is also to be considered , the form of it is wonderful , and would naturally entertain none but sweet , soft and Harmonious Sounds , proceeding from the Fountain of Love and Goodness , as is evident by experience ; for all harsh , sudden , violent , fierce Noises , are Ungrateful and Displeasing , nay , oftentimes Mischievous and Prejudicial to the Ear it self ; for which reason Men use to stuff their Ears with some soft Wooll , or the like , when they are going to Engage , least the violent percussion of the Airs , and Vibration , should too fiercely incur upon the Organon , and disturb the Timpanum ; by which means , many have for ever lost the use of that Sense or Faculty . The same Method is to be observed in all sudden and unusual Sounds , as Thunder , &c.

Now , seeing what great advantage is to be made of this Noble Sense , is it not a shame to go to the Coffee-house , Taverns , and other Publick places of resort , and hardly Ten Words of serious Discourse , tending to the Advancement of Virtue or Morality , but all Banter , Jesting , Lying , Scoffing , &c. Therefore it is fit Men should speak less , or be wholly silent till they are capable of speaking better .

Sir , I hope you will excuse the freedom I have assumed , and accept these sudden and almost Extemporary Remarks upon the subject of your Contemplation , as an Instance of real friendship , from

Yours T T.

LETTER II. Of the Sense of Smelling . SIR ,

IN Return to your earnest Request of having me continue my design of Unfolding the Nature of the other Senses , as I have done that of Hearing ; I have adventured to admit that discourse of Smelling to your Perusal , as I intend also the remaining three ; withall Teaching you how to defend your self against ill Scents , which you intimate are very prejudicial to your health .

THe Sense we are now to Treat of , is the Image of all Qualities , Powers and Principles , both of Light and Darkness , dwelling in the Centre of each thing ; and it is clean or unclean , according to the property that governs the Creature , so that as soon as the Body of any thing is opened , it may thereby be distinguished what Form or Principle ruled in the Center of Life ; and he that has the true Use of this Faculty , may easily discern the Complexion of any Creature : It is an invisible Power , it s . Body is the Air , which in a very short time will convey the Scent to a considerable distance , and is received into our Bodies by the Assistance and Mediation of the Air , which is a thin Spiritual Body , penetrating into all parts , doing good or harm , according to the respective Qualities that have the Ascendant ; incorporating with great Vigour , with every thing it finds like its self ; upon which account , gross stinking Foggs , Scents and Vapours , are unclean , and extreamly hurtful to the Mind and Body , being continually drawn into the Central parts , and Wound the Health 〈◊〉 a Spiritual and Invisible manner . The contrary is to be understood of good Smells , and clean , thin , sweet Airs , &c. Now every Scent or Smell , whether good or bad , clean or unclean , does by custom and continual communication , beget and strengthen its Simile ; by which the grossest and most impure Airs , become easie and familiar , otherwise several stinking Trades and Employments would not be tolerable , nor in any degree Healthful ; for as Gods Love is one and the same in all things , so is his Handmaid Nature , which uses all possible Endeavours to provide and Arm her self against the Assaults of her common Enemies , Custom and Habit begetting their own properties , and rendring those things easie , which would otherwise never be endured . Moreover , such troublesom gross Smells are naturally more agreeable to some People than to others , as being endued by their Constitutions , with greater talents of suitable matter , whereby they live as healthy as those who are accustomed to clean and finer Airs : Nay , some Mens Natures and Complexions are so agreeable to these gross Scents and thick Vapours , that they find themselves Disordered when they come into more pure and subtile Airs , as is evident in such who Live and are Born in Cities and great Towns . A Consideration is also to be had , to the Meats and Drinks any Person feeds on , which prepare the Body to a better bearing of Scents or Smells , whether clean or unclean , for Food is the substance of each Mans Body and Spirit ; and for this cause , London , and some great Cities , are as healthy , and as few Dye in them as in the Country , in proportion to the number of People ; notwithstanding the cleanness and goodness of the Air : Besides , the Foods in many Countries of England , are grosser and worse prepared than in great Cities ; great part of them living on Hogs Flesh ill Ordered and Cooked , eaten fresh or very little Salted ; also penning them up in close Sties during the time of their Fatning , is very prejudicial to the Flesh ; which subjects the Eaters to a great number of unclean Diseases in their Bodies , as Mangy Scabs , Sores and Boils ; these things ought to be well considered , because they do very much Affect the Body , in order to the manner of its receiving the impressions of Airs , Scents and Smells . Again , there is not the same likeness and affinity between the Countryman's Food and Air that he lives in , as there is between the Citizens ; the Country Air being fine , and full of Brisk Lively Spirits , and the Cities the contrary ; neither is there the same Agreements in the Methods of living , whereby the fineness of the Air is rendred of little value or benefit to them , for what the one Builds up , the other Destroys .

Now , the Sense we are discoursing of , is the common Officer that communicates these Airs and Scents to the whole Body , whether they be good or evil , and the Body nor the Mind cannot be hurt with them if this Sense will powerfully withstand and oppose them , and not suffer them to enter ; for each Sense hath a Gate , which it can open or shut as it pleases , and therefore when any Person is among gross and unclean Smells , he can hold his Nose : But the best way is , if he is forced to stay there any considerable time , to draw the Air into his Mouth , and expell it again the same way , by keeping it open ; by this means , a Man may in a great measure , avoid the Injury which such Smells would otherwise do , for neither the Taste , Sight , Hearing nor Feeling , can be Afflicted with any evil or good Smell , not communicate the evil of the bad , nor the vertues of the good to the Central parts of the Body , nor Affect the natural Spirits ; each must do its own Business , they cannot Act for one another .

Nevertheless , there are some Scents and Smells so highly graduated in the dark direful nature of sullen Saturn , and fiery Mars , which neither the Temper nor Constitution of Man , or other Animals , are able to sustain or endure : They are of such a vehement , subtle and resistless operation , that they surprize and destroy all the Faculties and Powers of Life in a Moment : Their Motion is so quick as admits no Guard or Prevention : There are no Antidotes against their force , neither in Foresight nor Physick . Italy and Spain can give many fatal Demonstrations of this Truth , who are so exquisite in the mixing , preparing and compounding of Scents , that they have dominion over the very Air to what Extent or Limit they please ; Nay , they will force the Air to Conspire with their Black Designs , and retain the Infection till their Mischiefs are Compleated .

Likewise there are several sorts of Minerals and Metals , that in the Melting , Refining and Separating , send up such Mortal and Inimical Vapours , that no Use or Custom in the World can ever render familiar and healthful ; the more crude and foul any Metal is , the more gross and poysonous are its fumes when it passes the fluxes of the Fire , as Quick-silver , Lead , and many other Metals .

On the other side , the higher any Metal is in its Nature Refined and Purged , the finer , sweeter and more pleasant are the fumes it sends up from the Fire when Melted and Refined ; and consequently more healthy and agreeable to the Workman . The very same is to be understood of the Fat of Beasts or other Animals ; 't is better or worse , clean or unclean , according to the Graduation or Birth of the Creature , which is declared by their Shapes , Forms and Figures , to the distinguishing Eye ; also the Cries and Tones they send forth . Likewise when the Flesh o●… Fat is Burned , and the Centre of the Body opened , the fume o●… smell informs you what property of Nature had the Principle Government in the Creature ; the scent of the Dung or Ordure of most Creatures , will afford a manifest Discovery of their origina●… Qualities , whether clean or unclean , &c. This is apparently evident , let a Hog eat the same Grass , Corn or Food as Sheep , Oxen , Cows , &c. yet the Swines Breath , Urine and Dung will never have the same Scent or Smell with the other ; so that every Creature is endued with a natural and unremoveable Power or Quality , in Changing and Transmuting the Principles of the cleanest of Meats and Drinks into the substance of their own Nature .

Now the Sense of Smelling is placed in the Head , as the most Intelligible part of Man , for the five outward and five inward Senses are the Power that makes a Man a Rational and Intelligible Creature , whereby he is able to distinguish the Power , Vertue or Vice of all Visible and Invisible things : This Sense is a Curious and Divine Power , that is neither seen , felt nor tasted , which is placed in the front of the Face , ( viz. ) in the small compass of the Nose , that it may be always ready to perform its Office , and Communicate the refreshing Airs and delicate Smells to the more Central parts of the Body ; by which the whole is preserved .

Now , by the help of this Sense only , as we have explained and described it , any Intelligent Person may obtain the Gift of distinguishing Things and Qualities , whether they be good or evil , clean or unclean ; and know from what Fountain or Original each Scent or Smell takes its Birth and does proceed .

I have Enlarged the further in Discoursing upon this Sense , because of the Importance and Usefulness of its being rightly understood . Without a due Examination of these things , and an intent Application of the Mind to them , all our labour will be in vain : We shall live only as the Beasts , who blindly follow the Dictates of natural Instinct , being utterly Incapable of Enquiring into the Differences and Distinctions of their own beings . This is that Knowledge which Denominates us Rational , and upon the right Use and Exercise of which , our Welfare both here and hereafter does depend ; which that you may be fully endued with , according to the Capacity of your understanding , Is the hearty desire of ,

SIR , Yours T T.

LETTER III. Of the Sense of Tasting . SIR ,

I Have received yours , and shall endeavour to give yo●… satisfaction , according to my Talent , touching the great noble and useful Sense , called Tasting , which is a Sense mo●… wonderful for its various Uses and manifold Benefits , and in i●… is contained many Mysteries ; the true knowledge whereof , do 〈◊〉 it were , wholly depend on the four grand Qualities , ( viz. ) th●… Astringent or Saltish , the Bitter , the Sweet , the Sharp or Sour●… these four Properties or Qualities are the Original , not only 〈◊〉 all Tasts , but as it were of every Being , and they are Material Mankind and-all Creatures are Compounded of ; and according to the Graduation , Strength or Weakness , these are in eac●… thing , so the Creature is better or worse , sometimes the Astringent or Saltish is most Potent , at other times the Bitter , Sweet , the Sharp or Sour , and the Thing or Creature has its Name and Complexion accordingly . Now no Man ever did or can judge of the Nature , Inclination , Disposition and Operation of any Creature , if he does not distinguish the Power and Government of each of the forementioned Qualities , that have obtained the Ascendant .

Neither ought any Man to attribute unto himself the name of a Philosopher , or a Knower of things that hath not learned the A , B , C , or this grand or first Lesson , ( viz. ) to know and distinguish the Forms and Qualities himself is Compounded of ; for all true Understanding and knowledge begins at home , for in him is contained the true Nature and Properties of all visible and invisible Beings and Things ; Therefore it is in vain to judge of the Nature or Complexion of any thing , when the Signature is not known nor distinguished , all such Opinions are in the dark , or by chance , and because Mankind , and likewise all other Animals , should not be misled , God hath endued them with five infallible Guides and Directors , that no Action of Life should be done but with Advice and Understanding , and not , as is said before , by chance .

The wonderful Creator hath Made and Created all things like himself , for He and the whole Off-spring of Heaven and Earth are but One , he is not divided from his Works , but is in the very Center of them , by which he does support and preserve them .

For this cause he hath given and centerally endued Mankind with five great and most Illuminating or Intelligible Powers , called Senses , by which he is rendred capable to judge and distinguish of the Nature , Complexion , Disposition and Inclination , first of himself , and then of every other Being , four of which Senses are placed in the Head , and therefore it is called the most Intelligible part of Man , the other is through the whole Body , in every part alike ; so wonderful hath our Creator made Man , and so compleat , that there is nothing wanting .

As the Sense of Hearing is the Judge of all Sounds , Tones , &c. both of Man , Beasts and Elements , so the Sense of Smelling is the true Judge of all Airs , Scents and Smells , be they of what kind soever ; the Sense of Seeing is the Judge of all Forms , Shapes , Figures , Signatures and Bodies , both in the Animal , Vegetable and Mineral Kingdoms ; likewise the Sense of Feeling is the Judge of Life in Animals and living Creatures , also of Cold , Heat , Softness , Courseness , &c. as being the Centre of all the other four , as we shall treat more at large in the said Sense .

The like is to be understood of this great and noble Sense , the Taste , whose Office is to judge and distinguish the Vertues , Vices and ruling Qualities of all Meats and Drinks , not only of those sorts that are Simple and Innocent by Nature , but likewise such as are made and compounded by the curious Arts of Coolts and Housewifes .

The common Eating and Drinking of such Compositions , the most part of them being mixed with improper and disagreeable Ingredients , and performed by chance , and without understanding or distinguishing , do not only prove injurious , as being the very original and head Spring of many incurable and cruel Diseases , intailing them on their Posterity ; but such Foods and Liquors do mightily spoil and adulterate this noble judge of Taste , by which means Men do for the most part lose , and as it were , Obliterate the natural or entire distinguishing Property and Power of this Sense .

For every sort of Meat and Drink has a secret powerful Energy , to beget , encrease and exalt the Property or Quality that hath obtained the Government , or that is Predominant in the Foods or Liquors .

So that since Compositions in Meats and Drinks have been so frequent and common to most , or all , or have where-withal , the Pallate and Taste is not only adulterated and made incapable of proper judging or performing its Office , but the Stomach is also depraved , and likewise most or all the great Officers appointed by God and his Law for the preservation and conduct of Nature , or the Microcosm Man .

So that most Men not understanding the true Uses and Benefits of those fore-mentioned noble Powers , are in no better Condition than a Ship that hath neither Pilot nor Rudder , and is thereby exposed to the Rage and Fury of the Elements , and violent , fierce , invading Powers of an Exorbitant or Adulterated Appetite .

Now it is likewise farther to be understood and considered , that where the Sense of Seeing , Feeling , Hearing , or the Sublime Sense of Smelling is short , or not capable of discerning or judging the Innate Nature and Complexion of Animals , by their Forms , Shapes and Signatures . This Sense of Tasting can readily open all the Doors and secret Gates of Nature's Cabinets , and in a moments time , find out and manifest all the hidden or central Mysteries of each thing .

This noble and great Sense is like Fire , that has a Key in its self , that can in a moments time unlock the hardest Coagulations of the Original Qualities , and manifest what Principle or Property ruled in the Centre , whether clean or unclean , as is most manifest and clear in the Burning of various things , Woollens , Woods , and the like , the inward Power and Complexion thereof being very difficult to be understood and judged , when such things remain entire .

This the Taste can do , and therefore it may be justly stiled the Prince , King or compleat Judge over Life and Death : Wherefore the Creator and Preserver of all his Work , hath placed this noble Officer in the principal Gate of the Microcosmical City , ( viz. ) the Mouth , that nothing might be suffered to pass into the Stomach or Nature's Magazin , where all Foods and Drinks are promiscously Treasured up , in order to sustain and support the whole Body ; besides , the Creator hath ordained under the Conduct and Government of this Prince , the Pallate , several under-graduated Officers , as Sentinels that are at all times ready to obey and execute the Orders and Commands of their Superior Prince , ( viz. ) the Lips , that can in a moment shut its Gates , and withstand any thing that intrudes or is offensive ; the next is the Teeth , which is a strong or powerful Officer or Centinel , that can by its Innate power , shut and keep out all the Enemies of the Body : The next , in order to the two former , is the Attractive Power , or mighty preserving Faculty of the Body , for so soon as the Judge or Superior Power commands the Gates to be opened , and the Teeth to macerate or break the Food to pieces , but presently this third Officer , the Attractive Faculty does with all power and vigour draw and Collect a fit and proper Menstruum or Moisture , which doth render the Teeth , Mouth and Tongue capable to Chew and Melt the Food into a soft pappy matter or substance fit for the Stomach , and the better the Foods are Macerated or Chewed , the easier they are of Digestion , and the better Nourishment they afford unto the Body .

Likewise this Prince , the Taste or Pallate hath another powerful Officer placed in this great Gate the Mouth , or common Road that leads into the Metropolitan or Human City , which is called the Expulsive Faculty , by whose Innate power it can , at the command of its Superiour Prince the Taste or Pallate , immediately Expel or Spit forth , ( and that with great vigour , ) what Meat , Drink or other thing is distasteful or unpleasing to the Pallate or Sense of Tasting , so wonderfully hath our Creator guarded the Gate , Road or common Passage , that nothing might pass into the Body or Stomach , but only what is proper and agreeable to sustain and preserve the Human Nature in a due regular Temperature and Union .

For if this Gate or common Passage be kept from being violated or forced upon , by Adulterers and Thieves , and that no unclean thing enters , then all the whole Body and Mind is Sound , Healthy and free from all cloudy Burthensom Diseases .

But on the other side , if the Prince the Pallate , or Superior Officer be adulterated , and hath by intemperance and improper Meats and Drinks , lost its intire and natural Taste , or true distinguishing Power , then presently all the under-graduated Officers and Centinels are thereby made heávy , sleepy , dull , idle , careless and impure , and then this great or wonderful Gate or Road stands open to all Intruders , and there is no Uncleanness nor Intemperance that is withstood , but all Viciousness doth freely pass without any Examination of the said Officers or Centinels , so that the Human City must needs be Defiled , Wounded and Distempered .

For Meats and Drinks being the very Original and Substance , both of the Body and Mind , as we have largely discoursed elsewhere , therefore the Lord hath placed so many powerful Officers and Watchmen in this Road or common Gate , that thereby no unfit Meats nor Drinks might pass nor be admitted , without a strict Examination of its Vertues , Vices , Cleanness or Uncleanness .

However , all these Faculties and Officers must be Subservient to the higher Powers , ( viz. ) the Will , which is , as we have said in some other Cases , the Primum mobile of all the Actions of Life .

So that very often the Imaginative Powers being kindled or roused up by some Advice or Example , either of Custom or the like , that such and such things are good and profitable both for Heath and Physick , whence arises and springs a potent Desire and strong Inclination , and so commands the Pallate and all the Properties of the Mouth , to send it into the Stomach , and when it comes there , your Will and Desire hath no power to call it back , agree or disagree , there it must abide , till Nature can overcome and separate it , and send the particular parts into all the Frontier Garrisons and Sally-ports , where it oftentimes proves Oppressive .

And if the Power of the Expulsive Faculty did reside , or any part of it , in the Stomach as it doth in the Mouth , many People would almost as frequently cast their Food up as they Eat it , it being common for them to over-load their Stomachs with too large a quantity , and of contrary qualities , not but there is an Expulsive Faculty in the Stomach , which doth , as it were , lye hid or sleeping , and Nature doth very rarely call forth or rouse up this Property , but only when she is sorely oppressed , either with too great a quantity of Meats and Drinks , or with things Hetrogenial or of contrary Qualities .

And whensoever this happens , the Operations of the Stomach , and all the Subservient Vessels thereof are in a meer Agonious or Tumultuous State and Condition , by which it appears as clear as the Sun at Noon day , that the Palate , Taste and the Vessels or Servants thereunto belonging ; are the ●…roper and natural Judges , of what is good and agreeable , not only in quantity but also in quality : If Order , Temperance and Cleanness be observed in the use and custom of Simple Foods and natural Drinks , otherwise the Taste or Palate is not a proper Judge .

For all the Senses and their under-graduated Officers are Servants to the Mind , Will and Desire , and to the Original Principles they arise and proceed from .

For this cause every Sense and other Quality , and principle of the Body , and also of the Judgment , are subject to be adulterated and depraved .

And though there be many sorts of Meats and Drinks that at first seem to be very burthensom , and as it were contrary both to the Palate and Stomach , nevertheless , by a little custom , they become easier and easier , till at last they are coveted and desired , which comes to pass by a weakning and strengthening their Similes , which at the first Eating or Drinking , as Smoaking of Tobacco , or any other of the like things had but little footing or matter to work on , and that too , which was very weak and impotent , and lay as it were hid in the still and sleeping Magia , but so soon as a Consederate appeared or touched it , then it began to start up , rejoice and grow strong , so that weak Properties are made strong and potent , and on the other side strong Properties or Qualities become weak and impotent when their Consederates are taken away .

Now , by these and the like methods and ways all the Senses become Depraved and Adulterated , more especially the Sense of Tasting ; as he that is accustomed to Foods ill prepared , and which are of a strong fulsom hogoa , will not like that which is curiously done ; and he that useth himself to high relishing Foods do not care for things Temperate ; and such as use themselves to sweet Foods do not like those that are contrary . And so of Drinks , &c.

And as the Customs of Foods do deprave , change and alter the Pallate to the like and dislike , the very same is to be understood of the Stomach and in most or all the Vessels and other parts or members of the Body .

For each thing both in Meats and Drinks , according to its own Nature and Complexion or what Quality do Govern , do with the highest diligence Advance , Incorporate and Nourish its own or like Property or Quality , and is never quiet till it have obtained the Ascendant and Begot or Generated its own form in the Pallate and Stomach .

And if the Food or Drinks be unequal in its Qualifications , then it proves the more difficult to make it familiar ; but when it is done and afterwards the same Person have a mind to leave it , such a thing will and do prove harder and more difficult to leave and forsake it , then it was at first to make it easie and familiar .

For the more unequal any thing is in its own parts the greater is the inequality , such , Meats and Drinks and other things begets , and so soon as it hath obtained its own form and complexion , then it pleaseth the Pallate , and the Stomach is not contented without it ; which shew the tractableness of Nature out of one thing into another , or rather the Increasing and Decreasing of the Forms and Qualities of Nature ; and that Man is like every thing , and every thing like him : The very same is to be understood of the Reason and all the Properties of the Mind , and Intellects are subject to be altered and changed out of one thing into another both in their Opinions and Judgments , by Discourses , Custom and Communication if the Will and Desires admit of it , or else nothing can be done .

And as improper and unequal Foods and unnatural Drinks becomes as it were natural by Use , Habit and Custom , so likewise the Mind and Understanding do admit of the like Errours .

And therefore Men will as heartily Plead and Uphold and Suffer for an Idle Opinion as for Truth it self , so that it is clear that the Elements of the Body and Mind are as it were one Lump and Subject to be wrought on by every inferiour and unequal thing .

And therefore if the Understanding and Judgment have lost its way and be Adulterated by Custom , false Opinion and Ignorance , then the Reason is Corrupted and gets false Notions of things , and the Will and Desire acts accordingly , Commanding all the Inferiour Officers of Nature to its Dictates and Subjection ; then the palate , the proper and natural Judge of all Meats and Drinks , and things belonging to Nourishment , loses its entire and curious distinguishing Faculty , being commanded by the Will and the Judgment contrary to its Native Right , to Eat or Drink this or the other thing , which at first the Officers of the Palate and the Expulsive Faculty of the Mouth , would willingly cast back , and not have suffered them to have gone into the Stomach : This little Children are often commanded too , ( viz. ) To Drink and Eat things that go against their Stomachs , which by a little Custom as is mentioned before , becomes more easie and familiar ; which comes to pass sooner or later , according to the degree of the Antipathy , by which both the Body and Mind are depraved , and all the Noble Properties of Nature are thereby brought into unequal Operations ; and Complexions are gotten in those Green and Tender Buds which seldom ever depart without wounding or doing some signal Evil both to the Body and Mind : For all sorts of Peoples Childrens Pallates are most entire , simple and perfect , except those whose Fathers and Mothers have lived Irregular and Intemperate Lives , which evil influences their Children cannot but partake of , and so bring a Debauched Palate and several other Distempers into the World ; which for the mos●… part will stick as close to them as their Skin to their Flesh.

For Diseases thus received are very rarely Cured , except regular Diet and other degrees of Temperance , may possibly l●…ve so much influence as to make their Lives tollerable .

For this cause it often proves Hazardous to the Health of many Children , to force a custom , or endeavour to make them Eat and Drink those things they are unwilling to receive , as many sorts of strong Drinks , which seldom fail to do Mischief , and several Foods which Children would turn their Heads away from o●… Spit out , which do seldom happen when the Food is Simple and the Drink Water . The great Wound to Health is , strong Drink and the Food , compounded of several Ingredients that are improper and disagreeing , which of late years hath been much in use ; so that many Children bring with them into the World compounded Diseases , from that Substance and Materials the Seed is made or generated , which doth according tothe Law of Nature endue the Fruit with all the parts thereof .

If People were sensible of what great Importance an intire Simple Life of Order , Sobriety and Temperance is , they would not dare to run such Hazards to humour a liquorish Palate , or rather a debauched Palate , as they do ; intailing on their Posterity ▪ a Thousand Evils .

The Depravation and Ignorance of the Palate in most People that are of Age , is chiefly occasioned by the Custom of the place and the Command of the will , by which this Noble Sense and all the undergraduated Officers lose their Government and the true Nature and Taste of things , not knowing nor distinguishing their Friends from their Enemies .

So that every sort , both of Meats and Drinks passes into the Stomach promiscuously ; the Sentinels and Guards being as it were Drunken or Stupified .

But on the contrary ; a perfect Palate is like a Powerful , Strong , Wakeful Guard of Armed Men , that bravely Maintain their Post and Defend the Microcosmical City from her Enemies .

For the use and office of the Palate is to distinguish whether our Meats and Drinks be equal or unequal , that is , whether the Bitter , the Sweet , the Saltish , Astringent or Sour ; and which of these have the Governing or Predominancy in the said Foods and Drinks .

For these four Qualities are the very Centre and original foundation of all the wonderful and amazing Varieties , not only of Tastes , but of the Complexion of every individual thing or Creature , both in the Animal , Vegitable and Mineral Worlds or Kingdoms ; and according to the degrees of their Government , such a Form , Shape and Signature , Qualification and Nature , they are of either , good or bad , vertuous or vicious ; from which foundation and ruling power , each Creature obtains the name either of good or evil .

Therefore no Man can pretend to know or understand the general nor particular Nature , Effects and Operation of any thing or Creature , if he be Blind and Dumb , as to the Signature and distinguishing these four Grand Qualities or Mighty Powers , that are as it were the very Centre and Composition of all things ; for if the Musician do not understand the wonderful Power and Energy of the Seven Notes , which are the Basis and Central powers of Equality and Concord , nor the Mathematician the true uses of the Nine Figures , the first can make no Harmony , nor the last cannot penetrate into the Secrets of that wonderful and demonstrative Science , by which so many Wonders and Useful Trades , Callings and Employments have been Midwifed into the World , to the great benefit of Mankind . For he that does not understand the Proportion nor the Qualities and Parts things are made and compounded of , cannot have any true or certain knowledge neither of himself nor of any other thing , but do speak and judge by chance , and not from any intelligable or Central Knowledge or Understanding .

The five outward Senses are the Materials Man is Compounded of as to the Elements of the Body , and which are the true House and Corporality of the five inward Mental Senses or Spiritual Powers ; the outward being as so many Kings and Princes who have under their Command many Officers and Centinels that have several Posts , by whose Vigilancy and Diligence all the common Roads and Passages might be kept safe and free from Tumults and Disorders ; for the outward Senses are the Carriers or Presenters of all Objects and things to the sleeping Magick Powers of the Mind or inward Senses , and therefore it is of great and infinite moment for every one to regulate and keep the five outward Senses in due order , ( viz ) That they be not defiled nor adulterated by Intemperance , Uncleanness and Disorders , neither in Meats , Drinks , Employments nor Communications . And therefore this great and Noble Sense , the Taste or distinguisher of all Qualities , Forms and Complexions , is wonderfully and aptly placed in the Mouth or grand Gate or inlet that leads into the very Center of the Microcosmical City ; which Gate or Passage is double Guarded , as is mentioned before , that it may be able to bolt or shut out whatsoever shall be offered that is not profitable nor good ; either for the Support or Substance of the Body or Mind . But if this Sense of Tasting be s●…llyed , and most are rendred incapable of distinguishing Vertue from Vice , or natural Preparations from Hetrogenials ; to judge better of the Nature and true Operations of Foods and Drinks than Blind Men can of Colours , or Deaf Men of Musick ; for having lost the true use of this Noble Faculty and Precious Jewel , a Man is left destitute of all conduct , and there remains but one thing , by which he is rendred in any degree able to resist the great Enemies of Nature , Gluttony , Uncleanness and Disorder , ( viz ) the will and desires can by its innate Power command the Gates , the Teeth and Lips to be shut and barred up , to defend and keep out all Invading and Incroaching Powers that continually attempts to storm the Health and Preservation of Man .

Therefore it is a Vertue of great Value to command the Mouth to be shut and to deny himself the Tasting of improper Meats and Drinks , and to keep the Mouth shut against the beloved Apple ; for by Eating Mankind is preserved both in the Harmony of his Body and Mind , and by Eating he is likewise sunk into the deepest Misery and Depravity , as Witness our first Parents . Eating is a great Misery , which few or none understand , if they did , there would be more Care and Caution in it then there is .

It was not without great Reason and inspired Thought that the Learned Moses tells us , that our first Parents Fell , and Degeneration came on them by eating of the Forbidden Fruit ; what that was , we will not undertake to decide ; however , it is not to be doubted , but that it did arise and proceed from the evil Powers and divided Forms , that is , from the disunion of the Principles and Qualities of their own Composition , for whosoever doth Eat and Drink without the Eye of Wisdom , and distinguishing of God and of Nature in themselves , must of necessity Eat the Forbidden Fruit ; for in whomsoever the Powers of the violent wrathful Spirits are stirred up and awakened , the Mouth of the same black Principle is opened , and with its highest diligence desires and seeks out a suitable Food ; this was the dark or gloomy Door that all the great ●…wils and Cruelties came in at ; for when the Central Blood-Hounds have gotten the Scent , and tasted Blood and Wounds , then all the noble Faculties the Senses , especially that of the Taste , becomes depraved , and the Will and Desires arises and are continually Generated from the dark Magia , then there is no distinction between Cleanness and Uncleanness , Violence and Vertue ; that Form that is awakened in the sullen Magia , forms the Thoughts , Desires and Wills , which Rules and Commands over all the Inferior Officers and Powers , and Nature bows before this violent , fierce and fiery Spirit , as Iacob did before Esau. Now Meats and Drinks are of the same Lump , and in them are contained the compleat Nature and true Property of Man , be they of what kind soever , every sort and particular hath its own Complexion , and its whole Business and Inclination is to advance that Property which is strongest in it , and doth use all Industry to subject all Forms and Powers to its Government , be it either Good or Evil , Violence or Patience , Anger or Love , for so soon as Mankind loses his Way and distinguishing Faculties , then immediately a crowd of Usurpers throng in upon him in a hostile way , and call for their Similes or Assistance ; for every sort of Food and Drink , when it comes into the Stomach , is presently turned to Blood , Spirits . Dispositions and Inclinations ; and if the Forms be divided and Disunion begotten , then Wrath , Fierceness and Violence obtains the Government , and then all Meats and Drinks are changed and Converted into their own Nature and Property , whether they be clean or unclean , for every specifick Body or Thing is endued with its own Magnet , and its Innate Power doth draw forth such Matter , Juice or Nourishment , that is proper to sustain and support its own Body , and at the same time the other Forms and Qualities lie as it were hid , sleeping in the Magia ; ( as for Example , ) In one Field or Pasture there are several sorts of Animals ( viz. ) Cows , Sheep , Horses and Swine , and they all Eat one sort of Herbage or Grass , which do Nourish and Sustain them , notwithstanding they are of several Species or Kinds , as is mentioned before , the Swine Transmutes the Juices of the Grass into its own Nature , ( viz. ) into gross unclean Flesh , and a foul stinking Excrement , very burthensome , and a meer loathing to Nature ; the Horse to a lively , strong , brisk Nourishment the Dung or Excrement not at all offensive ; the Cow from the same Food doth Extract good clean Nutriment , and a considerable quantity of Milk , whose pleasant Colours do declare its Excellency , and the Flesh is much finer and cleaner , also the Dung is of a good Smell , and some do esteem it a good Perfume ; th●… like is to be understood in all Husbandry , each Grain of Seed do●… by a secret Power and Sympathetical Inclination , attract a suit●…ble Matter out of the Earth , to support and nourish its own Body , so Curious , so Mysterious , so Wonderful and so Amazin●… are the Works of the Great Creator and Eternal Preserver of 〈◊〉 his Off-spring .

The very same is to be understood of the Operations in th●… Human Nature , for since Man hath immersed his Will and D●…sires into the blackest and deepest degrees of Bestiality and Depravation , and Lives in and under the Lyonish , Bearish and Do●… gish Spirits , and died with the deepest Colour of Violence an●… Fierceness , then these Rapacious Beasts , and all those evil Properties and Qualities have obtained the Ascendant , and Rule 〈◊〉 the Will and Desires , so by the Power and Operation of the●… ruling Qualities , a suitable Nourishment is Extracted from 〈◊〉 Meats and Drinks , be they of what Nature soever , clean or unclean , the Commanding and Transmuting Powers , standing 〈◊〉 the wrath and fierceness of the divided Forms and disunity 〈◊〉 the Natural Powers , which do presently awaken and stir up a mo●… violent Spirit in the Eaters and Communicaters of such thing for so soon as Mankind Tasted Blood , together with the Flesh , presently awakened and rouzed up all the dark , morose , uncle●… Spirits , and dark Properties of the sullen Magia , and Incorpo●…ted with , and strengthened their Similies , which did quick prepare him to do the like by his own kind , ( viz. ) To Kill 〈◊〉 Slaughter , and to have no more Mercy nor Compassion , than had of the Beasts , being both done from the same Principle Violence .

Eating and Tasting has a wonderful Power and Energie , it b●…ing the very Substance of a Man's Life , this Sense being an ●…ticing Faculty , and when it is depraved , and the Will kindl●… in Violence and Debauchery , then it destroys many thousands poor Ignorant Mortals , and sends them into the next Wo●… therefore Temperance and Simplicity in Meats and Drinks , 〈◊〉 to keep this noble Sense simple and entire , is highly commen●…ble , and as it were the Fountain of all Wisdom .

Many more Excellencies and Vertues the Holy Creator 〈◊〉 endued this great and noble Sense the Tasting with , and 〈◊〉 cularly that of Pleasure and Delight , which seems to surpass all others , what Pastime , Pleasure and Delight is there in the World , that can be compared to a sharp , entire , well prepared Appetite ? doth it not at once compleatly Indulge and Gratify the whole ?

For though this Sense doth not represent the curious Forms and Figures , Odoriferous Smells or Scents , Melodious Sounds and Harmonies ; yet it doth entirely afford the highest degrees of Pleasure , though it must be confess'd it is short , yet livelier than the other as to the Tasting part ; but at the same time , with the help and assistance of the under-graduated Officers , ( viz. ) the Teeth , Liquor and Menstruum , it conveys all the Substance into the Stomach , the common Magazine or Store-house of Man , and then its Subservient Vessels or Officers , separates those Meats and Drinks , and conveys or carries the finer part thereof to every Part or Member of the whole , which doth refresh and strengthen every particular , so that there is a melodious Agreement and lovely Consort between that great variety of all the Forms , Qualities and Senses at once , which does exceed all other Pleasures or Delights in the little World .

For what Person is there in the World that hath a well-prepared Appetite and sharp Stomach , that will not leave or separate himself from all other Pleasures , be they of what nature soever , for a good Meals Meat and Drink , when exceeding Thirst and Drought invades him ? Here the Senses of Life are concerned , and the Support of all the parts of Nature are touched at once , and there all the Parts and Members , together with the Power of the Senses that do inspire and reinforce the Will and Desires , insomuch that they become so very Strong and Potent , that they command the Hands and Feet and all the other Parts , to provide Materials for the maintaining the great Pleasure of the Palate , and to furnish the Stomach or Magazine with such Matter or Food , that they may sustain the whole ; and therefore in cases of necessity , some of the Antients have counted it Lawful to Steal or Plunder for so much Food and Drink as will sustain and preserve Life .

So that there is a greater necessity to support and maintain the Pleasure of the Pallate than any other belonging to the Body . There are three things that are for the Support of Mankind , and that he cannot Live without , ( viz. ) Food , Houses and Cloths : Now Food hath the first place , Houses the second , and Cloths the third . And as this great and noble Sense doth afford unto Mankind the most ample and compleatest Pleasure of all others , and is of the most necessity , so on the other side , if it be over indulged and cloyed , so that it becomes depraved by an intemperate unclean Life , then most or all the forementioned Delights and Pleasures are abated , for the more excellent any thing is in its own Nature , the greater are the Evils whenabased .

Therefore the Foolish , and such as give themselves to Intemperance , Gluttony and Drunkenness , finding the natural and excelling Pleasures of this Sense , they have in most Ages used all endeavours , with great Labour , Care and Hazard , both to the Body and Mind , with a thousand Inventions and unnatural or disagreeing Compositions , Childishly imagining thereby to gratify the more , and continue the long Pleasure and Delight of this Sense , but being ignorant and mistaken in the Operations of Nature , which are all Simple and Innocent , most of them have Experienced the quite contrary Effects , and instead of true Pleasure and Delight , they have dulled , cloyed or blunted the Edge of their Appetites and Palates by their often addresses they make to it : Eating too much in quantity , and of disagreeing Qualities , foolishly compounding many brave , noble , rich Ingredients together , of disagreeing Qualities and Natures , which do , as it were , at once take away and deface all the true Relish and Taste of those fine Things and Dainties , which perhaps many hundreds have lost their Lives to fetch and procure , besides these are not half the Evils that attend those Preposterous Inventions and Methods of Compositions , and Mankind endeavouring to prolong and gratify this Sense , ( viz. ) How many hundreds of cruel Diseases hath Man brought on himself , and worst of all hath intailed them on his Posterity ? by which he hath , not only destroyed and obliterated all the entire Delight and Pleasures of Life , and of this noble Sense , but of them all .

Pray tell me what Pleasure can any Person have in the hearing of curious and melodious Consorts , and Airs of Musick , that lies crying out with the Gout ? Or who can take Pleasure in brave noble and delicate Prospects , or in fine Shapes , Forms and rare Painting , whose Body and Members are full of Diseases , and hardly any part free from Pain ? Or what Delight and Pleasure can curious odorifirous Smells or Scents afford unto him , who is Sick of a Burning Feaver , or in a down-right Consumption ▪ Doth not the Scent or Smell offend such an one ? And what Delight can any Person have in the best and choicest Meats and Drinks , when his whole Body is Indisposed , or invaded by various Diseases ? Or what Pleasure or Delight can any one take it the Embraces and Touch of the fairest Sex and finest Objects , when his Body and all his Members doth languish under various Diseases and Indispositions ?

So that this great and important Sense the Tasting , being kept entire and perfect , by Order , Temperance and Cleanness is as it were the compleat Delight of all the Senses and Powers of Nature , and that faithful Officer and Conveyer of all Materials t●… the Center of Life , by which the Body and Spirits are continually supplied and maintained , and so long as it is in its Perfection and Simplicity , it is the Original of all other natural Delights and Pleasures , but being , as is mentioned before , sullied and adulterated by surpluss of Meats and Drinks , both in quantity and quality , which do not only at once destroy its own Nature , Gust and Pleasure , but likewise of all the other Senses and Powers both of the Body and Mind .

So that all the Delights of Life , the Pleasure of Time , and the Intellectual Speculation of the Wonders of God , his Law and universal Nature , is sunk , which Mankind hath foolishly depraved himself of , Intemperance , Uncleanness , Violence and Oppression , which has so blunted and sullied all the noble Faculties and Functions of Nature , that he hath lost that great Gift and distinguishing Power , so that he hath not any true use of his natural Senses , neither does he See , Hear , Feel , Taste nor Smell the Intrinsick Vertues nor Vices of himself , nor the Things he Communicates with .

Now this is his Fall , ( viz. ) to be ignorant of those Officers and Powers he every moment Uses and Converses with , and cannot do one thing without them , be it of what Nature and Quality it will . The deep degrees of Man's Fall is such , that he is now Acted and Operated by all those great Powers , no otherwise than the Beasts , what he hath obtained more , is a Cunning , Violent , Oppressive , Circumventing Sense of Pollicy , so Miserable Wicked and Ignorant is Mankind become , notwithstanding his Creator hath dressed and endued him with so many noble and worthy Faculties .

What a brave Serene , Quiet , Delightful World would there be , if Man would but turn the Eye of his Mind inwardly , and Search , Feell , Taste , See , Hear , Know and Find himself ; for to know a Man's Self , is to understand all the great Mysteries and Wonders of God , both Corporally and Incorporally ; when this Blessing attends any Person , then he doth not only contemplate the Mysteries and Wonders of himself , and the amazing varieties of occult Powers , Forms and Principles , but he is thereby inspired , and the eye of each Power is so clearly open , that he Sees , Hears , Tasts , Feells , Smells and Distinguishes the Magick Birth of all things in this visible World , and when he looks on , or beholds any Individual Form , Figure or Shape , he Sees and Penetrates into the Center of that thing , and distinguishes the inward Nature and Complexion , and what Form or Quality has the Government and Signature , by which Knowledge and true Sight he can put it to that use that God and his Handmaid Nature ordained it .

Likewise when such an one shall hear any Discourses , Words , Voices , Tones and Cries , both of Men and Beasts , he can distinguish from what Center each Sound , Discourse , Word , Voice , Tone or Cry doth arise and proceed from , and what Principles o●… Qualities , do carry the uppermost Dominion in them , and the Character of that Form they are signed with , and whether each did proceed from Equality or Inequality , Harmony or Discord , by which he is armed and fitted to Embrace that which is good and agreeable to Harmony , Unity and Vertue , and to resist and refuse what is evil and hurtful .

Also when he Tastes any particular Food or other thing , he can distinguish whether it be good and proper to be Eaten , how prepared , mixed and compounded , or simple , and what are the Qualifications of it , and the Form that hath the chief Ascendant in it , distinguishing by the Taste for what it is good , and the contrary , and so be able to Embrace the Good and withstand the Evil.

The like is to be understood in the other two noble Senses or Powers , the Smelling and the Feeling : Now this is some part of the Knowledge of a Man's Self , for by the distinguishing these five great and wonderful Powers called Senses , the inward Eye of the Mind is opened , so that he can through those inspired Qualities , See and Penetrate into the Centre of himself , into the five Inward or Intellectual Senses , which in all degrees answer to the five Senses before treated of , which there is a large Account of in our Treatise of Dreams and Visions .

Now , as Man hath lost the true Intrinsick Uses of these great and noble Powers the Senses , by Intemperance , Uncleanness and his rapacious Living on such Meats and Drinks that was not suitable unto Uniformity and his Original Innocent State ; so on the other side , there is no method nor way to reinvest and obtain his first Condition of Unity , and the understanding of himself and the Signatures of his own Composition ; but Temperance , Cleanness , and to abandon all Violence and Oppression , both to Man and Beast , by which the Divine Union is to be understood and enjoyed , which can never be accomplished , except Mankind keep God's Law , which we shall farther demonstrate in our Answer to your Letter , wherein you desire our Judgement touching the Operation of the five Senses in the Beasts .

In the intreim , we send you this , which please to accept as an Answer to your Question , not doubting but the consideration thereof wi●… afford you some Benefit .

LETTER IV. Of the Sense of Seeing . SIR ,

BY the Receipt of yours , I find you have a great desire to have my Iudgement of that most Stupendious and Wonderful Sense of Seeing , in Answer whereunto I shall , according to my Talent , endeavour to Explicate the Variousness , Virtues and Powers of that most amazing and admirable Faculty .

NOW as that wonderful Eye of Heaven the Sun , is the very Centre of Light of all the numberless numbers of Creatures , being the Foundation , and Well being of them all , who by its illuminating Beams , Communicates Life and Light to all the Host of Heaven and Earth , without which all would be a dark Chaos of Misery and Confusion . Words are too short to set forth the Uses and Excellencies of this Sun of God , in which the Preserving and Divine Power , is understood and manifested .

And as this high illuminating Spirit and Power is the Eye , which doth enlighten and preserve every Member and Part of the Great World , being its Soul or Centre . The like is to be understood of the Sense of Seeing in us , for as the Sun is the Eye of the Macrocosm , so is the Sense of Seeing the Light of the Microcosm which doth enlighten every Member and Part thereof , for Man is a compleat Image of God , and his Handmaid Nature , and doth contain the true Nature and Properties of the whole , and therefore is called a Little World , or an Extract from the Great , and as this high and mighty Power the Sun , doth enlighten , direct and conduct all , and by whose Power and illuminating Beams all this wonderful variety of Beings and Creatures are understood and distinguished .

And as the World would be a miserable Chaos if the glorious Eye of Heaven were withdrawn but one moment , even so it would be with Man , for this Sense of Seeing is both in the Great and the Little World the true Guide of all Action and Motion ; and in this Sense or Light is contained the Secret or Central Fire , which by Motion and continual Circulation of contrary Qualities becomes manifest , warming and preserving the whole , being the Root and Original of Vegetation , and the true Father of the Light , for Fire and Light are inseparable , they dwell eternally together ; for this cause , where the Light is weak or but little , there the Fire is as impotent , as is most manifest in all the Northern parts of the World , most part of the Year being terrible-Cold , Frosty Weather , the Elements being Congealed for want of Heat .

The contrary is to be understood in the Southern parts of the World , where there is Light , Heat is always at hand ; and in what thing soever the Central Fires are potent , there the Light is also strong , powerful and lasting , there being always a proportionable Nature between the Light , Fire or Central Heat of each thing , both in Animals , Vegetables and Minerals ; for this cause Children and all Young People have a clearer and more penetrating Sense of Seeing than those of Age , because their Light burns clearer , and all their Humours are clean , vigorous and free from dull , cloudy Vapours , the Elements of Water and Fire being thin and more pure , do rarify each other , by which the Oil of Life or Salnitral Vertues are clean and free from gross obstructing Matter , from whence the Fire hath its bright , clear , shining Quality ; so that in Youth all the Operations of the Elements are more brisk , lively and powerful than in Age , as appears , not only in the Sight , but in all the Actions of Life .

For as the Natural and Central Fires decay , the Light equally grows weak , some sooner some later , according to the degrees of the Decay or Weakness , sometimes this decrease of natural Heat is Universal ; and when this happens , the whole Body doth quickly dwindle and fall into Death , but very often this Decay of the Natural Heat happens in the Intelligible part , the Head , by some accident of Obstruction , the Vessels or Optick Nerves becoming stiff , or as it were glewy , the Porous Parts or Vessels being narrowed or small , which does prevent the free Ingress , Egress and Regress of the fine thin rarified Spirits that are generated thro' the whole Body , which every moment doth ascend by certain Circular Motions , into the Head or most Intelligible Part , which if at any time the whole Road or common Passage of those fine thin rarified Spirits be stopt or obstructed , the Person so Afflicted immediately falls , and nothing but Death follows , and that in a moments time , this being the Original occasion of sudden Death , so that many Sound Healthy Persons by such like Obstructions fall into Death , who otherwise might have Lived many Years , as being free from Diseases .

For this cause Temperance and Cleanness , both in Quality and Quantity of Meats and Drinks , are as it were , the Spring-head of Health and the Generater of fine , clean nutriment , good Blood , pure Spirits , noble Dispositions and Inclinations , whatever Cormorants and unclean Belly-gods may Dream to the contrary , Nature and God's Law is always true , and cannot lie : Every thing under the Government of the glorious Eye of Heaven , doth arise , proceed and follow its first Matter , and carries in its Bosom or Centre a Key that can readily join and unlock all the secret Doors of Nature's Cabinet , and finding out and incorporating with its Simile , encreasing and strengthening the same , which is the highest Joy and Solace of all Corporal and Incorporal Beings .

For this cause , as any Persons Meat , Drink , Employment and Communications are either from the dark , cloudy Root , clean or unclean , so the Humours , Blood , Dispositions , Inclinations , Words and Works , all proceed and go on in a streight Line or Method , therefore to be either too much in the Sun or Shade begets Complexions ; for Meats and Drinks are the Centre and Substance of our Lives , and in them are contained the true Nature and Property of all Qualities , Principles and Dispositions , enduing the Eater with their Qualifications .

If this were not true , Man could not Subsist or have his Life continued , whatever the unthinking do or may imagine to the contrary , every thing knows its own Voice and Cries after its own Dam or Mother , and the Senses are the Officers , Carriers or Conveyers of all things to the Central parts and Understanding , so that all the hidden Powers and Qualities are awakened , each Quality having its peculiar Appetite , do direct and draw unto its self , both Corporally and Spiritually , not intermeddling with the Business of its Neighbour .

So this wonderful penetrating Sense is the only Guide of the Body , and capable Power to present unto the Understanding and Judgement the Forms and Signatures of all things in the Animal , Vegitable and Mineral Worlds , by which an enlightened Philosophical Mind , can in some degree ( by the Form and Signature ) understand the Complexion of each , and consequently their Uses .

It is this Sense that doth likewise present unto the Intellectual part of Man , all delightful and pleasant Prospects , serene Airs , and agreeable clean Elemental Operations , also all curious Forms and Figures , and the unspeakable variety both of Colours and other Ornaments , made by curious Art and Ingenuity , by which the Mind and Understanding is pleased and delighted .

It is also by this Sense , that Men represent all good Methods or Order , Temperance , Cleanness , the proper ways of Preparation of Meats and Drinks , also proper Gestures , Behaviour and Deportment , Well-going , Nimble , Handsom Running . It is likewise the Matron of noble , curious Arts and Sciences , as representing unto the Understanding the proper Way and Method of Doing and Methodizing each thing .

And therefore all Parents , Tutors and Nurses ought to represent before their Children , all Vertuous Actions and Gestures of Sobriety , and if any Person would have their Children Skilled in any curious Art , Science or Trade , then they ought to accustom their Children to be daily with , and among those that are Skilled and Practisers of those Arts , even from two or three Years Old , the Younger the better , for the constant looking on or beholding any thing , or seeing the beginning and ending of things pertaining to any Arts and Sciences , begets the Ideas and Forms , not only of those things , but the Manners and Methods of Performance in the Understanding and Judgement is thereby made good ; for Man being like all things , and all things like him , and each particular having its own secret Key , it hath Power thereby , when represented to the Understanding , to open and strengthen its own Form , so each thing becomes encreased and strengthened , and the parts thereof distinguished .

For Example , if any Person would have a Son or Daughter to understand the curious Art of Representation , ( viz. ) Picture-Drawing , not the Working part , but only to have Judgement , and know and distinguish when a piece is well done , and the contrary , then let such a Child , instead of Playing with Babies or worse things , be for the most part among such as Draw and Paint , 4 , 5 or 6 Years , or more , by which seeing this Art performed , the Understanding and Judgement will be mightily advanced , and made capable of knowing and distinguishing the goodness of that Art and Property of each particular Feature and Part , of any piece of Drawing or Painting , notwithstanding the Hands are incapable to perform the said Art .

The like is to be understood of Musick , and all or most other Arts and Sciences , for each doth endeavour with the highest diligence imaginable , to apprehend and comprehend all things that are within its own Province or Power , and therefore doth continually convey and represent them before the Understanding or Judgement , opening all Centres , leaving no Stone unturned , ( as the Proverb hath it ) that it may thereby beget its own Form and Figure , and if the Artist be curious , and perform the thing with great Skill , then the Child that beholds such Practices , shall have Judgment , and distinguish accordingly , and so on the contrary the very same is to be understood of all Employments , Trades , and whatever else of this nature ; also the like is to be understood in learning any Mystery , for if the first Learning and Practice of the Senses and Ideas of the thing , open the Gate of its own Property by degrees , and join Forces , strengthening its self , so that the Genius to that thing , which in the Human Mystery lay hid , is raised and awakened from its still Sleep , ●…nd by continual Manuring and Cultivation such an one becomes an Artist or good Workman .

But many times it falls out , that a Youth is put to an Art ; Trade or Employment , in which his Genius is very weak and impotent , which is a Misfortune that cannot be helpt , and such an one cannot attain to be a curious Artist ; every thing having its due bounds or limits , the Forms and Qualities of Nature may by Cultivation be improved , or the contrary , but never made ; for this cause some are more unapt to Learn than others , for where the Genius is strong , Nature bears a more near Simile with the thing they are to Learn ; therefore one is said to be happy and another unhappy ; and whatever hath been said of Vertue , the same may be understood of Vice .

Therefore all such who have the Tuition and Government of Children , ought , on peril of God's Displeasure , to keep a strict Eye over them , not letting them go as it were out of their sight , and if it were possible , that they may be preserved entire in the simple Methods of Nature , and not see the Gluttony , various Intemperances and Disorders , nor vain Sights , Shews , Pastimes , pernicious Plays and Games , which take deep root in the Human Earth , and though they do not distinguish things evil from good , nor the right from the wrong ; nevertheless the Sense of Seeing is always vigilant in all Forms and Qualities , and carries , represents and communicates the thing or things to the Understanding , and with a powerful Influence Penetrates into all Centres and Qualities , rousing up the sleeping Magia or Magical Powers , and finding its Simile , strengthens and encreases it , by which it often gets the Ascendant in the Centre of Life , riding triumphantly , and then that Form or Property obtains the Government .

Such Children or Young People having no Understanding , Government or distinguishing Power , between good or evil , nor what arises and proceeds from the one or the other , so that vain or wicked Principles and Qualities are fixed , and become as one entire Substance and Form of Life , which cannot be wholly overcome or obliterated , though many have and do seek it with Tears , as Esau did .

For whatever Qualifications are well taught and fixed in Childrens tender years , whether it be Sciences , Arts , Trades or Employments , be they either evil or good , they will in spight of their riper Understandings or Judgments , dwell with them ; and if they do not improve , yet they are always ready and forth-coming on every small Call or Occasion ; their Qualities and Essences are not to be altogether Obliterated .

Now when these things are rightly considered or understood and distinguished , all or most of the methods of Tutoring or Educating Children , or our selves , ( viz. ) or our Offspring , are most of them unaccountable , and are little else but various evil Inventions , proceeding from the dark Kingdom of Wrath and Fierceness , to betray and ensnare their own Race . The first thing Mothers , Nurses and Teachers by degrees do Teach their young Infants is Gluttony , Pride and Idleness , which are not improperly called the Engines of the Devil , or the Off-spring of Hell : And after much pains taken to engraft the forementioned evils , and another called Lying ; at Seven or Eight years of Age , they dress them up in Gaudy . Super●…uons Garments , and send them to the Dancing-School to compleat the Tragedy : As also playing in the Streets , or at Neighbours Houses promiscuously , where they see all sorts and kinds of Immodesty , Disorders and Intemperance ; so that not only many Thousands , but the greatest number of Mankind do make use of this Noble Ray , the Well-being , Joy , and Grand Centre of the outward Life , contrary to the end for which it was ordained ; ( viz. ) to an ill purpose , and to their own damage , to violate and oppress those of their own kind , and all the innocent Inhabitants of the Earth , breaking down all the Natural Laws and Bonds of Friendship between each other , and destroying the Uniformity of all the under graduates .

This Sense is the greatest and most noble of all others , for it makes the most hidden and mysterious things to appear , and that which was and is inclosed in the very Centre of Darkness , to become manifest , that which was without motion to become Living , that which was Cold to become Vigorous and full of Heat and Splendor ; by its peculiar power Mankind can as it were behold at once half the Globe Water and Earth , with the wonderful Varieties and Mysteries therein contained . In a word , it is the Pleasure and Well-being of every Life , and true Guide of all Actions : The Eyes are the Gates , through which the Spirits of life pass and repass , having their ingress , egress and regress through the whole Body on all sides , by Pores ; but those that pass through the Eyes are more fine and transparent , carrying with them a fiery powerful life ; and therefore , if these two Gates are kept open too long , the whole Body in a very little time becomes dull , heavy and indisposed , not being able to perform any Action or Exercise ; and this weight or heaviness will come on so strongly , even like Death it self , that all the powers of the Understanding and Mind cannot maintain the motion and vigour of the Body ; neither can the most choice Foods or Cordial Drinks , but all become still , and as it were benum'd .

For this cause persons may fast longer from Meats and Drinks than from Sleep ; therefore these Gates must be shut six or eight Hours in every twenty four , or else Nature and our Bodies cannot subsist , nor be able to go on with common business , neither continue in a state of health ; so great is the necessity of Rest : Therefore poor mean Meats and Drinks , with a due proportion of Sleep , will support and sustain Nature far bey ond the richest Foods and strongest Drinks , with half the proportion of Sleep .

Wherefore all young People or Children ought to have their full time of Sleep and rest , that making them strong , lively and vigorous , and fit for all Actions of Life : Besides , the Eye-lids are not only useful to preserve the fine , thin , pure Natural Spirits of Life , from the usual motions ; by which all Actions and Exercises of life are performed ; but by their closing , there is a kind of Cessation from their circular motions , so that in this time of sleep , the Spirits regain strength and vigour , and thereby a new Life and Motion is Generated : They likewise serve to many excellent uses in Nature , so it defends this delicate tender Sight from all evils that may happen without , in 50 , 60 , or 70 years ; they are also of excellent use at all times or seasons to shut out the Light , that the Evils , Vanities , Intemperances and Disorders , lewd Sports and Plays that are daily Acted by Mankind , to the great prejudice of himself and dishonour of God , which all good Men ought to turn from and not so much as suffer this Glorious Light of Heaven to represent them to our understanding . But above all , to keep the Eye-lids of young People shut , that they may not see the wickedness of this World , at leastways as little as may be , for vain things are the Pests and Distempers of every Age ; and whosoever avoids and shuns them as much as in him lies , is the more happy .

And all Tutors and Parents , instead of Tricking and Dressing their Children in Bravery , and bringing them to Plays and Balls and Dancing Schools , should represent to them all sorts of poor Tradesmen and Industrious People , bringing them to places where they may see all sorts of poor indigent People , who not only rise early , but notwithstanding hard Labour and Pains , fare very hard , having ragged Cloaths , and Shoes without Soles , being all Dirty , going about the Streets Cold and Hungry , having no Food to Nourish them . Also Weavers and Throwsters , where great numbers of Boys and Girls are employed . These and many others , for want of Conduct and Education , become barbarous in their Deportment , Women as well as Men. These ought to be represented as Examples , to those whose better circumstances will give them the advantage of Learning and Sobriety .

That it is not as some vainly imagine , ( viz. ) Lost time to be well taught and skilled in several Arts and Sciences , and that betimes too ; for Seeds Sown , and Trees Planted in season , bear the best Crop , and brings forth the noblest Fruit ; and whatsoever thing you would not have your Children inclined to , never let them see it , for Children and young People use all Industry to imitate what they see , Example and Precedent going beyond Precept : The first is a compleat birth and substance , the other but a Notion , and no more than Air or Spirit without a Body , which passes and repasses , and is lost in an invisible breath or fume , being quickly obliterated and forgot .

There are three degrees to be commenced before any thing in the mind of Man attains a compleat birth , or come to be substantial ; the first degree is , the Original thought or desire , the second is , this being modelled and banded to an fro by the five Councellors the inward Senses , the Reason and Understanding being always at their Elbows to give necessary advice ; and this thought being represented to the Judgment , to know whether it be fit or reasonable it should be Coyned into Words , the next degree is , putting these Words into Actions , which does Crown the whole , and makes the Birth substantial and compleat , whether it be in the evil or in the good , and can hardly ever be obliterated .

For instance , if a Man think or imagine an evil thing , and stop there , he may easily repent , and thereby annihilate it ; but if he bring this thought before the Judge by the Councellors , and it is by them commanded to be Coyned into Words , then if it be an evil thing it will be much harder repented of ; but if it proceed without Correction into Action , then as is said before , the case is much more difficult ; therefore Actions and Evil Precedents do Wound all People very deep , more especially Children and young People ; therefore you ought not to let them see any thing that you would not have them practice , as Soldiers in an Army Training , fine Horses in their Furniture ; nor any sort of Shows or Games , Fighting and Killing either of Man or Beast ; nor let them play with Dogs or such like Creatures , for whatsoever is seen , acted or practised , takes deeper root than either that which is a Care , Thought or Word ; every particular thing works on its likeness , according to its power , and whatsoever is done in the evil , by Examples and Precedents , the like is to be understood in the Vertuous and good courses of Life .

And were it possible to make Mankind intelligible , and to distinguish between the two Grand Fountains of good and evil in themselves , and to know from what root each Thought , Word and Action takes its Birth , and from whence each Invention , Employment , Art and Trade doth proceed and are Midwifed into the World , then would this discourse be valuable unto the Sons of Men , and they would , without invitation , repent themselves of their mistaken Conduct both in themselves and in the Education of their Children ; but if Men Act and Teach without either sight or true knowledge , what can be expected ? nothing that proceeds from them can be more certain than the Judgment of Blind and Deaf Men in the distinction of Colours and delicate Airs of Musick , as is mentioned before .

Seeing is a most wonderful Sense , and the only power , by which all the various Forms , Figures and Shapes of things are represented and communicated to the intellectual or imaginative faculties ; and Man being an Epitome , the whole Nature and forms of things , by which there is a secret conveyance , and each thing hath power to communicate and awaken the hidden or sleeping Magia of Nature , by its own Key , that can unlock all Gates , and raise up , awaken and strengthen its own property ; which by continual management of the strong Will and Desires , such and such a form or quality comes by degrees to obtain the Ascendant , getting the Government in the Mind , which does in a short time betray the Judgment and becloud the Understanding , and then all appears to be rational ; and though the Customs b●… ever so Inimical and Prejudicial to Nature , and doth Diametrically oppose the Health and Well-being , both of the Body and Mind , nevertheless all goes down ; and many are so blinded with false Opinion and Tradition , that no Pains , Cost , Labour or Trouble , shall Deter them from being in the Fashion , or to do what they see others do ; what a great charge and pains do too many Thousands take to maintain their Fantastical Dresses ? how frequently do they put themselves upon the Rack , both of their Bodies , Minds and Purses ? in a word , what would not young People do that they may appear in the Fashion , or be equal with those that are in the highest Mode ? will not they use all Wicked Methods of Life , as Whoreing , Robbing , Stealing ; nay , Murder it self ? and indeed what Wickedness is there that Youth and Children will not practice to get Money , to consume on their Lusts and Invading Passions .

Now if Fathers , Mothers and others , did in any degree consider these things , they would not so readily Teach , Nourish and Permit these Devilish , Spiteful Powers and Qualitys as they do ; neither would they be so easie , and give Money to Dancing and Fencing-Masters , nor would they suffer them to see Poppets , and other foolish Plays and Games ; no , no , they would be as far from these things as the East from the West . People never so much as once think of the evil that may ensue , when their Children , Servants and others go to Shows , Fairs , and playing in the Streets and at Neighbours Houses , which doth wonderfully pollute them ; nay , is it not frequent for many of our modest Dames , both in Country and City , to spend some part of their time when they are at Worship and Church , in gazing , looking and noting those Persons or Gallants that are most in the Mode , or have gotten the newest Fashion or finest piece of Lace , Point , bravest or richest Silks .

Now seeing these fine things hath so deeply and so centrally awakened the imaginative and secret powers of the Mind , that they can hardly eat their Dinner , before they have informed their Husbands and Companions of the richness of such a Neighbours Gown and Head-dress of the newest Mode , often undervaluing the Station , Income or Estate of those Sparkish Madams . The like is among the Proud young Sons and Daughters , telling their Parents how brave , rich and fashionable such and such a Neighbours Children are , endeavouring to imitate and exceed them , shewing their Discontents if they are not satisfied ; which frequently occasions great Disturbances in private Familys : For Parents and Guardians foreseeing the Inconveniences that attend such things , though it be too late in the day : Therefore many do use all endeavours to Plant and Sow good Seed , but the ground or humane earth is not capable to receive it , being as it were choaked or over-run with pestiferous Weeds , which the Parents have so early Planted ; that neither the Fear of God , nor the Instructions and Threats of Fathers and Mothers can obliterate or root out , having taken such deep footing in the imaginative and intellectual faculties of Nature ; the very Beauty of the Mind being so early sullyed by ill Methods and Managements .

And yet most People would have their Children Vertuous Sober , Temperate and Modest , fearing God ; whereas they have Sowed in their tender years , the Seeds of Luxury , Pride and Idleness , which are the three Sons of the evil Daemons ; so that there is much more Mischief than Thousands imagine , in the wrong use of this Sense : But did your Offspring behold the beauty of Order , Temperance , Form , proper Preparations of Meats and Drinks , Cleanness , Industry , Silence , good methods of Learning and Speaking , or any other vertuous course of Life , Children and young People would as readily imitate , observe , follow and practise the●… , as now they do all kind of Viciousness and Evil ; the Divine Principle , Holy Light and Love of God in Jesus Christ , is as near to Mankind as the Evil Principles ; and the one is as ready to exert its power as the other , as each is and shall be encouraged by the Primum Mobile , the Will ; for into whatsoever the Will and Desires of Mankind do enter , whether it be good or evil , that power or principle is awakened and strengthened in the very Center of Life , and will quickly obtain the Ascendant , provided a contrary Will do not timely intervene ; so that many Thousands of ignorant People are deceived before they think or know any thing of it .

These are some of the Thoughts ( relating to your Question , ) which at present occurr to Memory ; hoping that what is herein Inserted , may give you satisfaction , and be acceptable .

From your ready Friend T. T.

LETTER V. Of the Sense of Feeling . SIR ,

IN Answer to yours , touching that most wonderful Sense of Feeling , I shall endeavour according to my Abilities , to satisfy your earnest desire : First , Therefore you may observe , that it is the Centre of Life , and of all the other Senses , for if this be wanting in the whole , or in any particular Member , the Melancholy House of Death immediately seizes , but any of the other four may be lost or wanting , and oftentimes two of them , nay three , and yet the Life continued in vigour .

Therefore the All-wise Creator hath placed them in particular Cells or Apartments in the Head , that if any one , two or three of them should be hurt , distempered , or lost , the whole might not be in danger of sinking into Death , though Nature is not compleat if any one be Lost or Disordered , but this great Sense of Life , ( viz. ) the Feeling is universal , and no part of the Body can subsist without it , not so much as one moment , and therefore when this Sense is Disordered , or any Obstruction or Distemper invades it , the whole becomes heavy , dull and melancholy ; and Death quickly ensues ; so on the other side , when it is in order , the Motions and Circulations of the Body and Members are free from Obstructions , then it is the true Pleasure of Life , and all the other Senses are Subservient to this , and rejoice in its Prosperity , as being their Prince and King ; the Industry of all the others is to support and maintain this .

For if this Sense of Feeling sink , none of the others are or can be well ; by the Innate Power of this , Mankind and all Creatures , ( viz. ) Animals , distinguish between Joy and Sorrow , Grief and Pain , Sickness and Health , Temperance and Gluttony , also Hunger and Fullness , Heat and Cold , Weight or Lightness , Hardness and Softness , Fineness and Courseness , Smoothness and Roughness , Thickness and Thinness , in a word in this Sense is apprehended and comprehended , all Pleasures , Touches and Embraces , and as it were the very Centre of all natural Enjoyments , both of the Body and Mind ; and therefore the great , various and wonderful Powers of the whole , Bows before it , and with all endeavours , each in its respective place , to serve it with the highest diligence , for the Life and Centre both of Joy , Sorrow , Pain and Pleasure , is in this universal Sense .

Therefore all Powers yield their Obedience to it , for this cause whensoever this Sense is Encountred or Invaded by any universal Disorder , Intemperance or Uncleanness , the Life of that part that suffers the Disorder immediately Perishes : This the Learned call the Dead Palsy , and several other Names they give this Disease , which of all others , is one of the most Dolorous and Melancholy , which do attack and invade many Persons through disorderly Living and Intemperance , Drinking and Eating both in Quantity and Quality , such things that are too gross , hard , spirituous , and of a strong fulsom Composition and Preparation , from whence Juices of a proportionable Nature are Extracted , which do infallibly generate thick , gross Blood and impure Spirits , which do as it were , narrow , stop and swell the Highways and natural Roads , ( viz. ) The Porous Passages of the Body , and the Nerves do by these thick Juices , become stiff and Glewy , so that the Blood and Spirits being touched with these Diseases and Infirmities cannot have their free Ingress , Egress , Regress and Circulation , but are waylaied and stopt ; according to the degrees of these Obstructions , the Diseases and the Distempers are more or less .

Now all Fumes and Vapours , that many thousands of People , especially Women , are subject to , as the Gout and all Obstructions , Falling Sickness , and several other cruel Maladies , they are procured and likewise transferred from one Age to another , for want of Wisdom , Temperance and Cleanness in the Methods of Life , for every Person does desire and incline to such and such Meats and Drinks , Exercises and Communications , according to the ruling Qualities and predominant Humours , and their Equality and Inequality ; and the Nourishment , Humours , Blood , Spirits and Dispositions are in proportion ; whence the Seed is Generated , as being the Essence of all the natural Properties and Powers ; for this cause most or all the variety of new and old Diseases are transferred , conveyed and intailed on their Posterity , &c.

Therefore there is hardly found any Medicine capable to C●… them , being so deeply rooted in the very Centre of Nature : Now as these Diseases have encreased since Trade hath advanced , so likewise have improper Compositions and Hetrogenial Preparations gotten great footing in the World , b●… which every Age doth produce a new Off-spring of Diseases , 〈◊〉 known or hardly heard of before , as in this Nation since Stro●… Beer , Ale and Wine became common Drinks , and our com●… Foods compounded and mixed with Spices , Sugar , Spanish F●… and several other Ingredients , we say since this , there a●… great number of cruel Distempers started up in Man's Body , 〈◊〉 were not heard of before , for every sort of Meat and Dr●… hath the Key in its self , to seek , embrace and feel out its own likeness , and hath an Innate Power in its Bosom or Centre , to generate an Off-spring of its own Nature , in proportion to the Nourishment such a thing affords , as the Gout , Stone , Rhumatism , Rickets , and many Leprous or Scabby Diseases , which within 70 , 80 , 100 or 200 years have been Midwifed into our Nation .

Now it is to be observed , that all the other four Senses , when they have gratified themselves , and taken Pleasure even to the highest degree of Luxury , Do slip their Necks out of the Collar , ( as the Proverb has it ) leaving all their evil Works and Deeds of Darkness , to this poor and most deplorable Sense of Feeling , who is bound under the Iron Gates of various , severe and intollerable Diseases , all their malignant Influences , the Taste , Smell , Hearing and Seeing , shut their Gates , and take their Rest , but the Feeling is rarely ever quiet or easy , Sleep and Rest gives them Resurrection and a new Life , but the Feeling remains uneasy , every Member and Joint akes , and the whole Body is Indisposed , Sleep being nothing else but a Transitory Death , or an Occultation to a Renovation ; and therefore no Man nor other Creature can Subsist and Live , except they Die near or altogether a third part of the time that is alotted them .

So that our Lives are a constant or continual Dying ; this being Matter of Fact , why should Mankind be so fearful and timerous of Death , seeing he that Lives 100 years , is Dead more than 30 of it ? which time is an unaccountable to him , as those that are really in Eternity , where there is neither Time nor Place , Near and Far off being altogether the same , and no Man would be more concerned to Die than he is to Sleep , if he had not broken the Law of his Maker , by invading and bringing Desolation on all the Host of Heaven and Earth , which is the Secret and Original of Mankinds Fear , and the true cause of his Uneasiness and Perplexity ; for in this World there is no Creature that Lives without a continual Dying , or becoming as it were Invisible .

Do not all the Herbs , Fruits , Seeds and Grains , and whatever else appears in Bodies , Shapes and Forms ? They we say do daily Die , that they may be capable to reinvest themselves in new vigorous Bodies ; and do not all the Beasts of the Field every moment as it were enter into Death , that they may be able to maintain a short Momentary Life , though the Beasts do not enter so deeply into Death as Man ? Their Sleep being but a kind of waking , in comparison of Mans ; for what Creature in the World is so drowsy and heavy as Man ? Nor is there any thing that sleeps so sound and deep , or do require so much as he , except some few that are called by the name of Sleepers , whose Nature , Original Constitution and Disposition compels them to it ? But most Beasts , Birds and Fish , their Rest and Sleep is nothing but a continual waking in comparison of Man's deep and dead Sleep .

The principal cause why the Creatures are not so drowned in this drowsy Death , is , they have not broken God's Law , but live more intire , and according to their Original , their Meats and Drinks being more suitable to their Original Natures , whether they be clean or unclean , for to Unclean Creatures unclean Food is suitable and agreeable to its Qualifications , and to the Clean clean Foods are in proportion suitable , and therefore all the Beasts are not only more wakeful and less subject to the Sleep of Death than Man , having all their Senses more ready , lively , brisk , and at all times more at command , for they rarely gratify the four Head Senses to disturb and torment the Sense of Feeling ; and therefore are not so terribly pestered with such a number of cruel Diseases as Man ; therefore it is most clear that all the great Powers called Senses , are dull , heavy , and as it were half Dead , when sleeping , but when waking are brisk and lively , all according to the Meats , Drinks , Employments , Communications and Exercises , for Mankind by rapacious unclean Meats and Drinks , makes himself of another Complexion , and his Constitution is another thing than originally it was ; nothing being so deplorable and so great an Evil , as to act and live in a contrary Method to its own Creation , and this is the greatest Curse that can fall upon any Creature , this is Man's greatest Fall and Misfortune , which can never be cured , except he again enter into Resignation or Self-denial , ( viz. ) Into Equality or Union , that is , into Temperance and Cleanness , and live according to his Original State and Constitution . But so long as he oppresses the Creatures , and violates their Well-being and Quiet , he can never have reason to expect to be freed from far greater than the inferiours , and therefore this Feeling Power is rarely free from Trouble and Perplexity , as being subject to all kinds of irregular Courses , both of the Body and Mind , there is no Disorder or Intemperance , but does fall on it , as all our Labour , Care , Love , Hate , Hope , Fear , Hunger , Cold , Heat , evil Communications , and all Words and Works , this Sense is the Centre or House both of Joy and Sorrow , both in Time and Eternity .

For this cause Mankind ought to be on his Guard at all times and Seasons , being beset on all sides both within and without , with a great number of Temptations and evil Customs , the Degeneration of Man is such , that all things he meddles with is a Share to him , being deprived of the true use of the Powers , Qualities and Principles of himself , and being in the Dark , he uses all his Senses to a wrong purpose , so that all those high and noble Intelligences are sullyed and made subject to the gross , inferiour unclean Powers , which doth continually load and lay as it were intollerable Burthens on this universal Sense , every Action and Motion of Life , Inclination and Disposition doth influence that , it being the Touch-stone which doth demonstrate from what Principle or Root each Action and Motion of Life doth proceed and take their Birth , whether from the Evil or Good .

Now this Sense is the Judge both of the Body and all its Actions , and also of the Desires and Inclinations , so that Man hath no occasion to look abroad for Councellors or for a Judge , they all dwell in himself , he is the Thing , ( viz. ) The great Mystery , wherein all the Treasures both of Time and Eternity are to be understood ; and therefore the Apostles might well say , that whatsoever could be understood or known of our Great Creator , and of his great Powers in Nature , was manifested in Man , and as clear to be seen as the Sun at Noon , but who can see the Sun if he be Blind .

Is it not a most miserable and deplorable Condition Mankind hath fallen and sunk himself into , that he hath lost the Understanding and distinguishing Power , of his own Composition , and of his own Senses ? and that he hath not the use of them to that degree as the Beasts have ? ( as we shall demonstrate when we treat of the Common Animals , ) for it is not possible for any Man to understand the whole , if the parts of the Things or Qualities it is compounded of , be not distinguished ; this is most clear and manifest in all Sciences , Arts and Trades , which do all arise and take their Birth from Man , and the Mystery contained in his Microcosm ; for if all Sciences , Arts and Trades , yea a thousand Mysteries and rare Inventions , that have , are , and will be found out and brought to light , had not been originally Essential in the very Centre of Man , then it had been impossible to have brought them to light .

What great Pity and Lamentation is it , that Man , who is endued with so many great , noble and worthy Faculties , and in whom is contained all the great Mysteries of Time and Eternity , and made to live in and under the Operation of the United and Illuminated Powers of God's Law , should suffer his Will and Desires to enter into the dark Magick of Discord , Fierceness , Wrath , Violence , Intemperance , Uncleanness and Oppression of all the innocent Inhabitants of the Earth , and at the same time to plague and to torment himself ; for the Groaning of those Creatures that suffer Pain , never fail to procure Misery to the Actors thereof .

It is farther to be noted , that that thing which is Pleasure to the Sense of Tasting , and a Delight to the Sense of Seeing , doth often prove a torment to the Sense of Feeling , as in Gluttony and Drunkenness , which do frequently distemper the Body , and perplex the Mind : The like the Sense of Seeing doth bring on this Sense , by presenting curious Objects to the Intellects , whic●… puts Man on the Rack till he hath obtained his desires ; and whe●… that is done there is no more satisfaction than before ; for i●… Wisdom be obliterated , then there is nothing can give satisfaction ; for such do all things , by Custom , Tradition and President , asking no question .

Now if Mankind hath lost the use of those grosser Powers , how can he then be capable of the more Intellectual and Divine Operations of Gods eternal Law and Holy Light ?

The first foundation of this Stupidity , Blindness and Erro●… , was gross Eating , Drinking , and Uncleanness ; for nothing hath so much Power and Authority on the Body and Mind , 〈◊〉 Meats and Drinks , which do sustain and support both Body a●… Spirits , and according to their respective Virtues or Vices , they nourish and incline to this or the other thing ; so that nothin●… hath so great power to preserve the intrinsick Vertues and goo●… Properties in Man , as Sobriety , Temperance and Cleanness ; and on the other side . nothing doth so much fully the worthy and i●… ▪ telligible Faculties , as Intemperance , Disorder and Uncleanness .

This is clearly manifest in that noble Sense the Smelling , whic●… is as we have said , an invisible Power , whose body is the Air : This is the Sense by whose directions all the Beasts and Creatures ( who have kept Gods Law ) do distinguish and choose their Foods ( viz. ) what to eat , and what to forbear ; this , Sense penetrates to the very Center of each thing , and doth distinguish the good and evil Qualities , and presents them to the Judge , and if good they embrace them , if evil they refuse them ; this all the undergraduated Creatures do perform without touching o●… tasting , which noble distinguishing Power Man hath least of ; an●… thereby the Sense of Feeling is wounded by receiving Meats and Drinks that produce Diseases and Pains ; for all the Disorde●…s , Intemperances and Errours of the other four , fall or centre o●… the Sense of Feeling , whence springs such a multitude of Diseases in the Body and Mind .

This Sense is a faithful Centinel or Guard , that presents all Comers and Goers to the distinguishing Powers and Judge , which gives certain and true Judgment , if it be not corrupted and blinded by degenerate Courses and unclean Methods of Life ; otherwise it is capable to determine by its Touchstone , the Complexion of each thing ; if it be cold , as a stone , then it turns it by , as unfit for communication , because of his weight and hardness , the Central fire being locked up in the cold Watry Co●…lation or strong Bond of the Saturnine property ; and there●… it is only good for such uses as Building , to withstand the wrath of the Elements , and to shelter Man from their fierceness ; also if any thing be presented in which the strong fierce heat is kindled , it puts that by , and tells its various uses for which it is good , and the contrary ; the Truth of this may be further demonstrated by several Arts , Trades and Employments : The judgment whereof chiefly depends on this Sense of Feeling , for by handling it is known whether work be welldone and compleat . It s smoothness , closeness , thickness , thinness , &c. are represented to the Understanding , and determined according to what it finds , whether it be good or evil .

It is likewise farther to be noted , that this Sense of Feeling is the ground or original to all Corporality , for though the Mind or Soul do contain all Principles , Forms and Powers , which do all lie in the sleeping or silent Magia , even as all forms and qualities of Nature do in the Earth ; which could never be known or become manifest , if the Husbandman by Manuring and Cultivation did not stir up and awaken the innate Powers and Qualities , which do as it were stir up and wrestle with each other ; from whence proceeds a lively brisk motion of heat and vigour , which is called growing or vegitation ; and then the hidden or incorporeal Forms and Qualities become visible , being manifested in corporeal and individual Bodies ; for none of the Magical Forms and Powers can be known , before they become Cloathed with suitable Bodies .

For every Spiritual Power or Quality when it is stirred up or agitated by circular motions , and the russling or rubbing together of contrary Principles , which do generate and open the Gates of heat and moisture , which lie hid under such Spiritual or Magical Power and Form , and is capable to attract proper and agreeable matter for a Cloathing or Body ; and according to the Governing or Predominant quality in the Spirit or Magick fire , whether it be the bitter , sour , salt or sweet , such a Body , Shape or Form that thing obtains , and is accordingly Vitious or Vertuous .

For in all Corporal Beings , the Flegm or Body is the House , wherein the hidden or Spiritual Beings become manifest ; and therefore so soon as the Spiritual substance that is surrounded and skinned over , hath obtained its highest limit , then there is no longer a Progression or Vegitation , but all falls into Retrogradation .

Now the Flegm or Body doth by degrees dye , and the inward power , strength , vertue and spirit of the thing loseth its House or Cloathing , and so sinks into its Original , and becomes again mingled with the hidden Powers and Spiritual Beings of the Elements ; and so much difference and variety you see in the Shapes , Forms and Colours in the Animal , Vegitable and Mineral Kingdoms , which is beyond all human numeration : The same variety there is in the Complexions of the Spiritual Powers and Qualities ; each Spiritual matter that hath the Government , gives the Shape and Colour , and as the Operations of the hidden Nature are in the Creating , Generating and bringing to Manifestation the deep and wonderful Powers of the Vegitable and Mineral Kingdoms : The very same is to be understood in the Animal Kingdom , there being no difference , but that the last is higher graduated .

The Body of Man is the human Ground or Earth , which is as it were a Circle ; in which is contained all the Spiritual Powers , Forms and Principles of Nature : if this were not so , Man could not , nor ought not to be stiled or called the Image or Likeness of God ; so that in Man lyes hid all the wonderful Mysteries and Magick Powers of things , even as they do in the Earth .

Now the Will is the Husbandman , who can and doth by the assistance of the five great Powers and Councellors the Senses , stir up and awaken the sleeping Magick Powers , unto a sensible Feeling , Tasting , Seeing , Smelling and Hearing of each other : And this is Sensation or a stirring feeling Power .

For all the hidden inwardmost Principles and Powers of the Body are Magical , Spiritual and Invisible ; the Body is but the Flegm or Cloathing of the said Powers , as the gross body of Vegitables are the Cloathing or Covering of the Spiritual Sal-N●…tral Virtues and Powers , and keeps the said Virtues from evaporation .

For no Spiritual Power can be , or ever is contented or satisfied , when once it is awakened or stirred up out of its silent Magia or quiet Rest , till it obtains a body , without which it cannot become manifest to its self , nor to the rest of the Corporal or Visible Powers ; for all the hidden Principles or Qualities are not satisfied till they are invested with proportionable bodies , that thereby they may obtain an individual Being .

Therefore from Words each Man doth proceed to Actions or Works , which doth compleat all the gradual proceedings and birth of Nature , by which they become essential and substantial ; so that Principle , Quality or Power that was in its first original ground , a Naked or Magick thought , is by the working , moving Powers , and contrary Qualities brought into a visible substance , or Corporeal Body ; so that from the Nothing or invisible Spiritual Powers , the Visible and Corporal Bodies and Substances of all things have taken their birth ; and therefore it was well and truly said , by the ancient Seers and Wisemen , that God made all things out of nothing .

For the original ground , or unchangeable and incomprehensible Being , is a Nothing in comparison to Corporality , or Corporeal Bodies ; and therefore no Magick Powers or Spiritual Being can be manifest to its self , or become individual , as before mentioned , till it Cloaths it self with a proportionable Body , and doth agree with the original Spiritual Power that governed in Spirit .

For this cause all the Words , Works and Actions of Mankind , are in their Original nothing else but a Magick or Spiritual invisible transparent Power , which doth move and work by several degrees of progressions , circular motions and births : All these Powers by the help and management of the Judge and five Grand Councellors , are Midwifed into the World , and become substantial ; so that all things are Created , Made , and most wonderfully Generated out of nothing ; its ground or original being a Magical or Spiritual Power , which , when understood and distinguished , are all Wonderful and Amazing ; and therefore what Knowledge , what Understanding and Distinguishing is so Noble , so Great , so Divine and Beneficial to Mankind as the true uses of his Senses in himself ; for so soon as this Divine Sight or Union is in any competent degree obtained , then all the Magical and Corporal , Spiritual Powers , feel , and gently touch each other ; in which consist the highest harmony and solace of the Mind , which happy State or Condition of the Soul , is called Regeneration , or an obtaining some degrees of the first original State and Condition Man was Created in .

For the fall of Mankind was , and is still Magical and Incorporeal , ( viz. ) in the very Center of his Life ; for he did by and from the power of his Free Will , and consent of the five Grand Councellors , penetrate into , stir up , and awaken the sleeping , poysonous , fierce Original Qualities and dark Magical Fires , which immediately occasioned unequal Motions and Operations , whereby each form becomes discontented , and invades each others right , and so the union of the still , quiet and Spiritual Powers , became of a terrible selfish nature ; and being divided in their Government , Domineer over each other , and then was Man immediately hid from the Divine Vision , and the Holy Union hid from him .

For so soon as these fierce invading forms and qualities had obtained the Government , and broken the Simplicity and Innocency of the blessed Union , each form did with the highest diligence , Court and Covet all things , both inwardly and outwardly , that was agreeable to its own nature , that it ●…ight throughly be increased and strengthened ; and these disunited Powers of Man's Soul would not , nor could not be satisf●…ed , but had , and still have , a longing , strong desire after Corporality , or to Cloath themselves with suitable matter or Bodies ; and these insulting Powers have gotten the Dominion in the Free Will , which is the Primum Mobile , or chief Governor of all that Microcosm Man ; then each Quality longed and lusted strongly and vigorously after proportionable Food , that they might thereby be strengthened and increased , and so become Corporeal ; for from this very Ground did always , and doe at this day , spring those voracious , gross and unclean Desires and Inclinations in the Mind and Souls of Mankind ; for every Desire and earnest Inclination is a swift Spiritual Property or Power , proceeding from the awakened Magia of evil or good , according to the equality or inequality of the Forms and Powers .

And if this invisible Thought or Imagination be brought before the Judges and the five Councellors , and not cut off or condemned to the Dark Cell of Oblivion , but permitted to pass into the World , ( viz. ) to be Coined into Words , and from thence into Actions , which do compleat the Birth ; and then this Desire , bare Thought or incoporeal Inclination , becomes substantial and Corporeal ; so that that which was a nothing , is by the Husbandman's Management and Cultivation made substantial , and becomes a gross Corporeal Body ; and if that bare Thought , Inclination or Desire be evil in its Original Forms or Magick Powers , and the Judge and Councellors do propagate it , that it arrives to Actions or a compleat birth ; such go on in their own way , and attract all evil and fierceness to its self , as proper suitable Matter ; for every Spiritual Power or Quality when it hath Cloathed its self with a suitable body , does still more violently carry on the government and innate nature of its Original , and is endued with all the Qualifications and Inclinations that did arise in the first Magick Thought .

For all things , both in the evil and likewise in the good , do eternally go on in their Law , if the Judge and Councellors do not prohibit the Birth , and annihilate the first Thought or Intention which is in their Province to do ; but if they admit it to pass through all the degrees and properties of Nature , and it obtains Corporality , then the Law stamps its Soul or Signature on it , and so it proves of great difficulty to obliterate and destroy it .

This was , and is still the fall and depravation of Mankind from the Union of God , and all united Vertues and good Powers : The Magick dark Powers of his Mind and Soul , he suffered to be violently awakened , which as is before mentioned , long after a proportionable Food , that they might become Corporal .

Now the command that he should not eat of the Central fruit that grows in the dark Magick , where each form is divided in its government , having their Operations in inequalities , and the Judge and Councellors concurring ; then the Senses agreed to the eating all gross , unclean , violent Foods , and such that cannot be procured without Oppression .

Mans fall was first Magical , before it could be Corporal , and so is every evil or wicked Action that is done or committed ; and as the Fall and Man's passing out of the Union of and from God , was done in the Mind , and from the Central powers of the Wrath , and unequal Operations of the Forms and Qualities ; even so , and from the same Center must Regeneration begin its work . And first the Eye of the Mind and all the intelligible Powers , Councellors and Judges must have the distinguishing Powers made clear and manifest , or else no Man can distinguish between the two grand fountains of good and evil . And if this Glorious Sight be once obtained , then it will be easy to reconcile the divided Forms and Magick Spiritual Powers of the Mind ; for as the original Disunion began in the Center of Life ; in that place where the Tragedy was committed , must the Redemption and Reconciliation be effected .

The Fall of Man as was before mentioned , was nothing else but breaking the Union of his own Composition ; when each form , quality , fountain and spirit advanced it self in domineering and self-will , by which all the intelligible Fountains , Spirits and Principles operated in Divisions and Tumultuousness ; so that the Body and Mind was , and is filled with pain and horror : And what was the first Man's Fall and Degeneration , is still every Mans fall that lives in and under the divided forms and disunited powers of their Minds , and where the intelligible forms and powers have lost their innate sight and distinguishing properties ; then the Heart akes , and the whole Body and Mind becomes uneasy ; and in this state and condition the feeling Sense or Power loseth all its harmonical Union , true Pleasure and Delight , and in its stead is felt trouble and pain .

So that this Sense is not only the Center of both Joy and Sorrow , but of all the other Senses and natural Powers ; and therefore whensoever any of the other Senses commit any evil or uncleanness , the smart thereof falls on this Sense of Feeling .

Likewise when the Mind is by evil principles influenced or misled , on which there do often follow great troubles or perplexitys . This Sense by Natures Law must bear and endure all .

So on the other side , this Sense doth enjoy all the pleasures of Temperance , Cleanness , Wisdom , Innocency , Charity , Order and Union : This is the House wherein all the good and evil influences do dwell and inhabit . This Sense first felt the miserable Fall and Depravation of Mankind ; the Eating the forbidden Fr●…it , the Dis●…ion within and amongst the intelligible Powers , immediately puts the Body and the natural Powers and Spirits into Disorder , and puts out the Divine Eye ; and then the inv●…ding , wilfull , fierce , wrathful Powers command all the great Guides and Councellors the Senses , all the qualities and properties of the Body and Mind , to obey and observe their Laws and Edicts , which were all Created and Coined from the disunited forms and fountain Spirits , who had obtained the chief government in the Heart and Soul ; then the eye of Unity , Temperance , Cleanness , Order and prudent Conduct was blinded , or as it were quite put out .

So that all the intellectual , and also the outward Senses lose their Native Right , ( viz. ) their distinguishing faculty ; so that most or all things are either done by Chance or ignorantly .

This was the original Fall , and is the present state of Mankind at this day , which most , or all Men feel by woful experience ; and this lost state of Union , and being divided from God , cannot be again felt , seen heard , smelt and tasted , but only by undoing all that our forefather Adam and we his Children did and daily do commit , ( viz. ) by the turning the eye of Mankinds Will and powerful Desires , into Temperance , Cleanness , Order , Humility , Charity , Justice , cleanness in Meats and Drinks , Inclinations , Dispositions , Words and Works ; by which Holy Vertues Man may be again reinvested , and render himself capable of knowing and distinguishing all the operations of the great and wonderful commanding powers of his own composition , which is called and truly stiled the knowledge of a Mans self ; and then and no ●…before , this great Power and Sense of Feeling will again obtain its primitive state of Purity , true Pleasure and Unity ; 〈◊〉 likewise all the other four , which will then be again installed in their proper stations , and rule , command and direct-accordingly !

The Innocence and true Harmony of Mankind , did Originally , and doth chiefly consist in the unity of this Sense called Feeling , both Corporeal and Incorporeal .

The first false step that Adam made , or any of his Posterity , hath and doth at this day make , the evil Influences are felt by the disharmony this Sense falls into ; and on the other side , this is the Sense that all the sweet Influences and harmonical Operations of all the other Senses and great Powers , both of the Body and Mind , can center , and there are no Passions committed , either in Love , Hope , Fear , or Hate , but the Effects and Fruits thereof center and fall into this great Magazine and Store-house .

The Sense of Feeling , and the chief business and work of all the other fourSenses , is to raise up , ripen and collect all its works and productions , and fix them on this Sense , that they may thereby obtain the Lost unity ; for in the divided operations of the Sensual Powers there can be no Pleasure , for in this state one Form , Sense , Property or Power doth use the highest industry imaginable , to strengthen it self , and to invade all the Provinces of its neighbouring Princes , which do perplex and break the Union of the whole .

And therefore many great Evils and Mischiefs fall on Mankind for want of true Wisdom and distinguishing Understanding ; for if Man hath lost the Knowledge and Divine Sight of himself , then he cannot penetrate nor distinguish between the two roots , from whence Pleasure , Pain and Trouble take their original birth ; so that each Sense , Form and Power , both of the Mind and outward Senses , do all things in a blind self-ful method , and use all ways and means to obtain the unity in the use and practice of extreams , and each particular Property doth imagine to be self-subsisting and compleat , without being concerned with its Brethren , or at least consulting them by way of Advice .

For if the great inward and outward Counsellors or Senses be blinded or corupted , then all the Incorporeal Powers of the Soul and Mind are likewise misled into all Errors and gross Stupidity : So then if any of the Senses represent any Object or material thing to these purblind intellectual Powers , and blind Principles of the Soul and Mind , which do draw or attract the use of them so Powerfully , that the disunion of the Microcosm Man , is more and more increased , and by this means , that which was intended by God's Law as a Blessing , ( and if used as it ought , would have been so ) has produced an Evil or Curse , as Instance , that noble and wonderful Sense the Sight , beholds a curious Beautiful Creature or Object , whose place and office is to represent the same , to all the invisible intellectual Powers , Principles and Qualities , which by this glance or Ray of Light ; the Mind , Will and desires , are so kindled , and as it were wounded with this Object , that all the still sleeping Magick Powers , are in a moment stirred up and awakened so that the disunion and disquietness of the Mind is encreased , notwithstanding the Fruition of the desire be obtained .

The like is to be understood in all the Operations of the other Senses , when they bring or present their Fruits to the unthinking blind Intellect or Mind , which comes to pass by this means , ( viz. ) all the inward and outward Guides , and Powers of Life and Understanding , as is mentioned before , having left their Primitive Light and Unity , each Property doth with the highest industry imaginable , strive to obtain a particular fierce exalting power , aiming at nothing else all this while , butt hereby to obtain its lost Pleasure and Union which it misseth , and instead thereof falls into a greater disunion and disturbance , never considering this great truth , that Concord cannot be accomplished but only by the Agreement of all the Principles and Qualities , the thing or Creature is compounded of .

It is likewise observable , that every small Passion or pleasu●… that doth in any degree exceed the limits and bounds of Temp●… rance , Order and Innocence , do produce and multiply a gre●… deal of pain , disorder , trouble and perplexity ; so that whatsoever doth endeavour to encrease any of the Pleasures of th●… Senses , by indulging and advancing any one of them , doth at th●… same time augment and multiply displeasure , perplexity , pai●… and disorder , even to an hundred degrees , and according to th●… Proverb , for a momentary Pleasure , the poor Sense of Feeling is compell'd to endure many of years pain here , and eternally hereafter .

So that the four outward Senses , and their passions and intemperances do not only add perplexity to the Body and Feeling Power , but the five inward Senses of the Soul and Intellect do still suffer greater misfortunes , ( viz. ) perpetual Discord and Anxiety , and therefore there is no method nor way to obtain the true and natural Pleasure of this noble , great and universal Sense and Power of Feeling , but only by Temperance , Order and cleanness of the other four Senses , which method of Life , will by degrees open an Intellectual Eye of distinguishing the Compounded Powers of a Mans self , and the two grand Fountains , of Eternity , Love and Light , Anger and Fierceness , how to avoid the one and Embrace the other . For Cleanness , Humility , Self-denial and Temperance , do wonderfully advance and strengthen the Unity and Eye of Understanding : and there is nothing does so much disperse and dissipate the thick Clouds of Darkness and depraved Understanding , as Cleanness , Innocence , and the avoiding all oppositions and violences , which was , are and ever will be , the forbidden Fruit , the eating thereof became the Substance both of the Corporeal and Incorporeal Powers of Man , which did immediately open the Gates of their own Principles , and by degrees did Captivate all the innocent harmonical Powers and Properties ; and then the fierce , wrathful , invading and unclean Spirits and Principles obtained the Government : This was , and is , called mans Fall or degeneration from Unity ; then , and not before , was this Sense perplexed with pain , then Man was hid or Captivated in those fierce , dark , invading , turbulent Principles and Powers ; and the Divine Principle or Eye of Wisdom or Distinguishing was hid from Man , and he was , a●… it were , stript of all his Ornaments , being left Naked , he was forthwith invaded by all the disorders and evils both of the Body and Mind .

This was the depravation of Mankind , and the Original of the opposition and contrary Will in Man , which deplorable state , and miserable condition , cannot be cured but only by 〈◊〉 Medicine Compounded of Innocency , Charity , Humility , Temperance , Cleanness and Order in Meats and Drinks , Communications and Imployments , which are only capable to reinvest all the great and wonderful Senses and Councellors , unto their Ancient or Primitive State of Pleasure and Unity , where each Sense and intellectual Spiritual Power , doth See , Hear , Smell , Taste and Feel , both in a Corporeal and incorporeal Consort of Love : in Innocency , and harmless operation , each Principle and Power bringeth all its Works , Fruits and productions , into the Magazine or great Power of the Sense of Feeling , in which all the united Powers of the Michrocosmical World rejoyce , that they feel themselves Centered in the Blessed Fountain of God's Eternal Love and Light . Which is according to God's Eternal Law , every Principle and Quality does its own business , and Eternally goes on in its own Method , both in the Evil , and in the Good . For Time and Eternity are one , notwithstanding the most Learned ( as they call them , ) are of another opinion : And therefore those that in the time the Soul dwells in the Body , do enter with their Wills and Desires into this or the other thing or Principle , must dwell in the same Quality to Eternity , if it do not uncloath it self of all Stupidity , Uncleanness , Violence and Wrath ; for it is these evil Qualities , that do Torment this great and wonderful Power of Feeling , both in Time and Eternity ; the trouble and anxiety of the Soul , being both the same in the Body as in the Invisible World , whatever some may judge to the contrary , and it doth suffer both Corporeally and Incorporeally .

And therefore all that would enjoy the true Pleasures both of Time and Eternity , and know the Riches , true Delight and Union of this universal Sense the Feeling , must Redeem their Time , and Cloath themselves with their Original Cleanness and Inocency , and live in the simplicity of their Ancient Law , not contenting themselves with a groundless hope , as most men do , some more , some less , for no Man hopes for what he enjoys or Lives in , but for those things he is Ignorant of , and is far from seeing or knowing whether the thing hoped for will ever come to pass .

Therefore he who hopes , always fears , for hope and fear are brethren , dwelling in the House of Darkness and Death : And though this be a hard Chapter for some to Read , nevertheless it is Matter of Fact ; for had not Man broken the Law of his Maker , then had he not lost his way , and by Consequence had had no Cause or Reason , to hope to find it , nor to fear he should not , for the true State of Mans Intellect and Mind , is to Understand , Distinguish and Enjoy .

And there is nothing more true than where Hope , Fear , Joy and Grief Dwells , all the Intellectual Powers of the Mind are Ignorant , Dark and Blind , they being turbulent Passions of the Mind , that come in with Mans Transgressions .

Hope is a Deluding , Inticing , Airy , Thin Quality , and if a Man catcheth or layeth hold on it , he cannot hold it , but it leapeth forth , no Bounds nor Limits can Master it : If a Man's hopes chance to come to pass , it is so Volatile that it inclines the Mind to some other thing , which the desire of obtaining doth mightily stir up all the Silent or Magick Powers of the Intellect , thereby causing great disquietness of the Soul , and hard Pain and Labour , even to the hazard both of Health and sometimes of Life ; and if it be obtained , the Diseases of the Body or Mind are no nearer the Cure or Satisfaction .

No , this is a slippery Spark , much like the Philosophers Mercury , which is almost impossible to Fix , which hath deluded many thousands , who have been deceived in their Imaginations , and fallen into many Calamities , without any Satisfaction .

How many have been deceived by being well Stocked , and Freighted with this Airy Notion Hope , which is endued with such a Magick Spell or Power , that few or none escape its Charms , but it leads Mankind with great inclination out of one thing into another , which tire the Body and perplex the Mind , always running before , standing at a distance , but never out of sight , enticeing Mankind with her Airy Baubles and Novelties that Man doth not need , never arriving to a quiet and fixed Harbour .

And when a Man hath for many Years , or perhaps all his Life , thus been perplex'd and disquieted , he is no nearer a Fixation or Satisfaction than at first , but many times farther off , and must pass into the Eternal Regions altogether unknown .

And therefore there is no greater Character or Mark of Man's Depravation or Fall , than this night of Hope and various Desires after that , which when Attained , we are as far or farther from Union and Content than before . Therefore he that would enjoy the Illuminating Truth , with a clear Sight , and distinguishing Understanding , must neither possess himself with Hope nor Fear , Joy nor Sorrow , for they are all Passions , and the chief Discoverers of Ignorance , Blindness and Disunity , but must quietly submit to God's Divine Hand , that is never wanting to all such that Live within the Bounds and Limits of his Eternal and Unalterable Law .

All such will feel and enjoy the Pleasant Fruit of Paradice , both in Time and Eternity , but when the Eye of the Mind and Intellectual Powers are Dark and Ignorant , and when the opposite Powers , to all Cleanness , Virtue and Temperance , are awakened , then all the Desires and Hopes do Proceed and are Generated , from those Ruling , Fierce , Invading , Violent , Unclean Spirits and Powers , which stir up and forces the Husband to leave his Loving Wife and Tender Children , exposing-them to all kind of Ruin and Misery ; the Son to leave his Father and Loving Mother , and open his Breast to Guns and Swords , and to all manner of Cruelty and Hardship ; others to Rob , Plunder and Steal ; some to undertake long , hard and hazardous Voyages , and a thousand difficult Enterprizes ; which no Man would ever do , if he did not hope to escape the danger and come off well : Who would be a Soldier , if he were sure to be killed ? and had no Hopes ? or what Person would break open a House , if he did not hope to do it and not to be taken ? none of these wickednesses and violences would be done , if that Gentleman called Hope , did not flatter them , and entice them to it . So that it 's most manifest , that Men do hope against Reason , Wisdom , Understanding , and all known Virtues , who are all sure to Feel the Smart sooner or later .

LETTER VI. Of FIRES . SIR ,

I Have received yours , wherein you desire to be informed the best Method of making Grates and Coal-Fires , in Kitchens and Chambers , the which I shall endeavour to Answer .

1. TAKE two Fire-stones , about 14 or 16 Inches high from the Hearth , which you may fix to a Back of Bricks , in Depth about 7 , 8 , 9 or 10 Inches ; the wideness in the Front 12 or 14 Inches , in proportion to the Depth , that is to say , if the Depth be 7 Inches , then the Front 14 Inches wide , between which Stones you are to place a Grate made much in the nature of a Gridiron , ( viz. ) It must stand moveable upon 4 Legs , not exceeding 3 , 4 or 5 Inches at most from the Hearth , the last of which will serve for the greatest Kitchin-Fires , and the first for Chambers , with 2 , 3 or 4 small Bars , made round , about the bigness of your little Finger , and about 3 or 4 Inches distant from each other , the uppermost Bar to be the strongest , all fastned in 2 sides of Iron , ascending from the 2 front Legs , as high as the top of the Fire-stones , which will be all flat , on the top , in the front ; the bottom Bars to lie flat and not edgeways , a little distance from each other .

Note , that the Stones at the sides and the back behind , must be both made upright , without any shelving , ( as the usual Custom is ) and between the Grate , and the 2 Stones at the sides , and the back of Bricks behind , you must leave the same distance , as you make between the Bars at the Bottom of your Grate , so your Grate will go in and come out easily , which will powerfully draw the Air on all sides , and behind , and make the Fire Burn strong and clear , so that you will have no occasion to use any Bellows to blow it ; the reason whereof is , it being as deep , or of the same compass at the bottom as on the top , and the Grate not standing close , either to the sides or to the back , the Air freely circulates on all sides , so that your Fire burns many degrees stronger than the Customary sloping Grates , which are high from the bottom of the Hearth , and sloping , which prevents Attraction and Circulation of the Air , whereas the low standing of this Grate , together with the depth and upright standing of the sides and back , ( as is mentioned before ) makes it burn so clear and strong , that it will Heat Iron fit for Forging , and Boil and Prepare any sort of Food , not only in less than half the time , but much sweeter and cleaner .

The best way of kindling this Fire , is with a few small Sticks , Shavings or Splinters , upon which put your Cinders , and a few fresh Coals , then you may light it with a Candle , and it will burn without blowing with Bellows , for blowing weakens and destroys the Sulphur or Sal niter in the Coals ; for this cause Fires that are blown , will not Cake or Coagulate , and consequently will not burn near so strong as those that are not blown .

Besides , this Fire will burn quicker , or in a shorter time , and sooner fit for use , and not so apt to smoak the House , nor the Foods that are prepared by it . If you have not Fire-stones for the sides , Bricks will perform the same , and are more lasting . The Charge of the Grate , Stones or Bricks , are much less th●… the common Grates and their Appurtenances ; the whole of the smaller sort will not cost above 12 or 14 s. the larger not exceeding 20 or 26 s.

Moreover , the low standing of this Grate does prevent the Chimney drawing up the heat , whereby the Room is ma●…e much warmer , and the Hearth made so hot , that you may Bake small things thereon , provided that you place Backs to reflect the heat , as is used in Roasting of Meat ; and warms the Legs of those that sit by them , which other Fires seldom do : These Fires will Boil any thing in your Pots , without having Hang●… to them , placing only 2 small moving Bars of Iron , which w●… reach from one side to the other of the Brick-work , ( which m●… all be flat and even on the top ) for your Pot or Vessel to st●… upon .

LETTER VII . Of Bricks , and various sorts of Earth . SIR ,

YOurs I have received , and shall endeavour to answer your Request , ( viz. ) The best and most natural way of making Bricks , Tiles , Mortar , Plaister and Flooering . Of Bricks .

1. DIG up your Earth between Michaelmas and Christmas , that it may have sufficient time to mellow , ferment or digest , which will render it more apt and fit to Temper , and about March or April it will be fit to Tread or Temper , which ought to be done more than doubly what is usual , for the goodness of the Bricks wholly depend upon the well performance of its first Preparation , for the Earth in its self , before it is wrought , is generally brittle and dusty , and as it were without Band or Stability , but by adding small quantities of Water by degrees to it , and working and incorporating of it together , does open the body , by which the Astringent Sal nitral Power of nature does appear and tinge the whole , with a tough Glewy , strong Band or Substance , which without these reiterated Stroaks , Beatings or Temperings , could not have been manifested ; for this Saturnine , Tough , Constringent , Band or Oily Substance is hid and captivated in the innermost Centre , even as the sweetness in Barley , is not nor cannot be manifest to our Senses , till it has past through the several Fermentations and Operations of being made into Malt , which manifests the hidden sweet Quality , which was so central and captivated by the Martial and Saturnine Forms , that without this Operation would still have lain hid or disappeared .

The like is to be understood in the Temperament of most sorts of Earth : This is farther manifest in the Housewifes Art of making good Bread , when there is a due quantity of Water put to the Meal , and well wrought up together , such Bread becomes not only smooth and firm , without having either eyes , or being subject to crumbling , but it Eats sweeter and mellower , and becomes easier of Concoction , affording far better Nourishment than such as is over watered , and not sufficiently Tempered , provided the other Operations , which belong to the making of good Bread , be performed , ( viz. ) Baking , &c. as we have formerly written in several of our Writings .

It is farther to be noted , that the common Method of over watering , both in the Tempering of Bricks , Mortar , Flooring , &c. proves baneful , and destroys the end for which they are designed , for the Labourers generally Temper their Mortar with great quantities of Water , to make it easy in Working , and greater dispatch in fitting it presently for use ; but this Method does not open the body , so that the Astringent Sal nitral Powers of Nature lie hid as before , in which consists the tough , glewy , binding Quality , therefore such Mortar becoming dry , is almost as brittle ●…s the Earth of which it was made , and is the ruin of many noble Structures ; for the Labourers , instead of putting on much Water at once , ought to lay it on by degrees , and mix and incorporate the Lime , Sand and Water well together , by continual Stroaks or Workings , which will open their bodies and manifest the hidden sal nitral Virtues and glewy Qualities , that make it tough , smooth and binding ; for much Working makes and melts it into a soft , smooth Consistency fit for Use , with half the Water , and raises a dewy Moisture out of its own body , which knits and binds , and when dry becomes as hard and as durable as the best of Stones .

Bricks thus Tempered become solid , smooth , hard and durable , and one Brick thus made , takes up near as much as a Brick and a half made the common way , which are light , full of cracks and spungy , occasioned by the want of due Working and Management ; and the mixing of Ashes and light sandy Earth , to make them work easy , and with greater dispatch , as also to save Culm or Coals in the Burning of them .

The excellency of Bricks consist chiefly in the first and last Operation ; for Bricks made of good Earth and well Tempered , become solid and ponderous , and therefore will take up a longer time in Drying and Burning than our common Bricks need , Note , that the well Drying of Bricks before they are Burned , prevents cracking and crumbling in their Burning , for when the Bricks are too wet , they are then extreams , which doth never well together : The best way of ordering your Fire , is to make it gentle at first , and encrease it by degrees as your Bricks grow harder .

It is also to be noted , that in what Earth or thing soever the sal nitral , oily Virtues are weak , hid or unmanifested , that thing is not only dusty and brittle , but consequently subject to decay , as is most clear and manifest in Stones , which tho' they are hard , yet are very brittle and more subject to decay , than the Lime made thereof , for the fierceness of the Fire or Martial Violence , doth loosen and open the strong cold Contraction of the Saturnine Quality , ( which Contraction in the original , arises from the Element of Water ) which hath as it were set the Sal nitral Virtues at liberty , which were before captivated under the cold Coagulation of the original Forms , so that adding a small quantity of Water to those Burned Stones , or unslacked Lime , will melt them down into a dusty or mealy Substance ; which being put into a quantity of Water , will as readily impart or give forth its Virtues into the said Water , as ground Malt will yield and give its sweet Virtues to the warm Liquor in the Mash Tub , and leaves the Grains without Strength or Virtue : The like is to be understood in slack'd Lime , put into a quantity of Water , which will draw forth and imbibe the Sal nitral and Oily Virtues of the Lime , which will have no more Strength or Virtue than the aforesaid Grains ; for if you take this Lime thus Infused , and join it with Sand or other Earth , ( altho' you Temper it to a high degree ) yet it will never make a binding or lasting Mortar , whence it appears , that where the Central Powers or Sal nitral Virtues are hid or captivated , or where they are drawn forth by any Art , or destroyed by Accident , they are of little or no Use for that thing for which they are designed . If this were not so , why should not Stones beaten into Powder make Mortar ? or Barley when broken , ( and not Malted ) yield forth its Virtues into the Water ? Note , that Water draws forth the sweet Virtues of the Barley Malted , which makes various Exhilerating Liquors .

The like is to be understood of Water , which hath imbib'd the Sal nitral Virtues and Astringent Qualities of slack'd Lime , which renders it fit for many Uses , both in Food and Physick , ( viz. ) It is the only Ingredient that Sugar-Bakers use in the Making and Refining of Sugar , for no Sugar can be made without it , or its Equivalent , ( viz. ) Pot-Ashes , which are too Dear with us in England ; for without this Lime-water no Sugar could be Boiled up to a Body or Grain , but would still remain a Syrup . Sugar in its own Nature is an Extream , ( viz. ) A compleat Sweet , in which the other Qualities are wanting ; and for that cause cannot be raised to a Consistency , and fit for Use without this or a like addition , for the Sal nitral Virtues in Lime have their Original from the strong Astringent Band and might of the Fire , which is wanting in the Juice of the Sugar Canes , which being joined to it , gives Life and Vigour to this heavy , flat , sweet Body , and raises it to a hard sparkling Grain , shining like Christial , and renders it much more useful for Eating , and all other Operations , than otherwise .

Lime-water is also good , taken inwardly , against all inward Bleedings or Ulcerations , as also outwardly to wash all Itchy and Leprous Sores and Humors , a Poultice made thus , ( viz. ) Take a quart of Lime-water , and make it boiling hot , infuse therein some Rosemary for a quarter of an hour , keeping it hot , but not boiling , then add as much Bread to the Water and Rose●…ary as will make it thick , with two Ounces of Refined Sugar , stir it and incorporate it well together , spread it on a Cloth , and apply it every two or three hours , and in a short time it will allay and take away any Swellings or Pains in the Head , Neck , or other parts of the Body .

It is likewise to be noted , that the more powerful the Original Forms in any Body are , the stronger is the Coagulation , and that Body or Thing produces a more powerful Salniter ; for this cause Chalk will not make so good Lime as hard Stones or Flints , for a weak thing cannot produce a strong , which appears fatal to many fine Structures in London , Built with Lime made of Chalk , for the Original Forms , ( viz. ) The Astringency which is from Saturn , that gives a Shell , Skin or Covering to all Bodies , both in the Animal , Vegitable and Mineral Kingdoms , and is as it were the House where the other Forms dwell , and is the Original of all Coagulating , Attracting or Indrawing Powers , which preserves and keeps the Volatile Salnitral Spirits from Evaporation : If it were not so no Creature or Thing could obtain its highest Limit or Perfection , and therefore whensoever this hard , tart or severe Astringency is broken or wounded , the Salnitral Oils or Sweet Virtues suffer Violence , and sink into Death without an application of a powerful Medicine or agreeable Remedy .

Now , Chalk doth manifest by its colour and its soft mealy weakness that the forms and principles of Saturn and Martial Fires , a●…e weak and impotent , and that Venus and Mercury have the Dominion or Government thereof ; who always produce more Nice and Weak Sal Nitral Virtues : The powers of Venus are further manifested by its white colour , which in its own nature is innocent and yielding , and as it were wanting of toughness and fire , which the Saturnine and Martial quality always endues their Children with ; and according as the degrees of those original Forms are placed , and qualified in each thing or Body , so that thing or Body is harder , softer , bigger , lesser , stronger or weaker , and their Virtues and Use are accordingly ; for this cause all Herbs that are harsh , astringent , hot or bitter , afford not only greater Quantities of Sal Niter , but more powerful , sharp and penetrating , as Wormwood and others that are under the Regiment of Saturn and Mars .

The like is to be understood of all sorts of Earth and Stones ; for where the Original or Saturnine quality is strong in the Sal Niter , such Stones are contracted and drawn into the most compleat consistency , or hardness when in Earth ; then such Earth is of a glewey sticking nature , as Clay and all Earth that has Affinity therewith ; the Sal Nitral Virtues thereof , in such Earth , lies so hid in the tough Saturnine Body that it will not bring forth Vegitation without being Manured by Earth that has passed through a Ferment , or some Digestion , wherein the Martial Salt and Venereal propertys are strong ; from whence such Bodies have their brittle , mealy or yeilding quality , as Lime , Chalk , Ashes and Dung ; for in this sort of Earth , the Martial Fires , from whence bitterness has its Original , are as it were wholly captivated in the Astringent Chamber of Saturn .

It is also to be noted , that this Earth wants the assisting Qualities of Sol , Iupiter and Venus ; for in what thing soever any one Original Form is powerful , the Unity thereof is thereby destroyed , and that thing may be good for particular Uses , but for general it cannot : As for Example , If the Saturnine Power have the chief Government in any Thing or Creature , that Thing or Creature becomes Hard , Cold , Constringent , Melancholy and Pensive , as is farther manifested in all Earths wherein Mars hath the chief Government and Dominion ; such Earths are endued with great Heat , are Short , Gravelly and Sandy , full of small Stones , so that in all hot dry Seasons , the Vegitations proceeding therefrom , are subject to Scorching and Withering .

It is likewise to be noted , that this Martial or bitter Quality is strong in Trees , and such Trees are Hard , full of Knots , and not tall in Stature ; but when the Taciturn or Astringent Form of Saturn is joined in any Tree or other thing , with the Martial or bitter Quality , then such Trees or Bodies are tall , smooth , hard and very d●…rable , as Oaks and the like , in which those Forms are powerful : But if Sol or Venus , or the sweet Quality have the chief Government in any Earth or other thing , such Earth is mellow , easy to be wrought and worked up , especially if the Form of Iupiter be joined in Government , then it is more deep , mellow , fit for Herbage , Tillage , and the best of Corn , its colour is yellowish , and very good for Wheat , and not so apt to be Blasted by unseasonable Weather , as other Herbage and Grain are , where extream Qualities Govern ; for the nearer the Union , the four grand Qualities stand in any Thing or Ceature , the more useful and beneficial that thing becomes , and its Shape and Form is the more beautiful , for every Original principal Quality and Form is endued with peculiar Sal nitral Virtues , which is the Original ground , from whence arises the great variety of Complexions , Forms and Figures , Usefulness , and the contrary , though this be a Digression , I don't doubt but it will be useful to the Understanding Reader . Note , The same Method that has been described about making of Bricks , will do for Tyles .

Note , A Wall or House may be made with unburned Bricks , first let your Earth be high and well Tempered , smooth and well Moulded , as is mentioned before ; this must be done in the hottest Season , then dried and turned after the man●…er of Brickm●…king , only it must be longer exposed to the Sun and Elements , till they become hard and tough , with these Bricks you may make firm substantial Walls for a House , after this manner ; Take Loam or a Brick Earth , and mix therewith some good Lime , Temper them very high , till they become tough , smooth and glewey ; let the Wall of your House be two Bricks , or two Bricks and a half thick , your unburn'd Bricks being laid in this well Tempered Mortar , they will cement and become one hard solid body , as if the whole were but one Brick or Stone ; when you have raised your Wall 4 or 5 Foot high from the Foundation , then let it dry 2 or 3 days before you proceed farther , then Build thereon 4 or 5 Foot more , making the like pause as before , and so proceed till your Wall is finished , then Temper some of the same Earth the Wall was made of , with a little more Lime than you used for the Wall , which you must be sure to Temper very well , and with this Mortar , Plaster all your Wall well on the outside , which will keep off the Weather , for nothing injures this Wall but wet and moisture , which this Coat will defend , and if you would have it more beautiful , it is only putting more Lime to it , and less Loam , and when this is dry , you may Colour and Paint it with Red , Blue , or any other Colour that pleases you best .

Floors , the best of them are made thus ; Take two thirds of Lime , and one third of Coal-Ashes well sifted , with a small quantity of Loamy Clay , mix the whole quantity that you intend to use , together , and temper it well with Mortar , and make it up into a heap , and let it lye a week or ten days , in which time it will mellow and digest , then temper it well over again , and be sure your quantity of Water do not exceed , but rather that it may obtain a Mellow softness and Toughness from Labour , then heap it up again 3 or 4 days , and repeat your tempering very high , till it becomes smooth and yielding , tough and glewy , then your Ground being levelled , lay your Floor therewith , about two and a half or three Inches thick , making it smooth with a Trowel , the hotter the Season is the better , and when it is throughly dryed , it will continue time out of mind : This makes the best Floors for Houses , but especially for Malt-Houses ; but for those cannot get these Materials , or go to the Charge of them , may take of Clayey Loam two thirds , and new soft Horse Dung one third , with some small quantity of Coal-Ashes , if they may be had , and temper these after the same Method before mentioned , and lay a Floor therewith 3 or 4 Inches thick , smooth and even ; this will cement and become hard , strong and durable , being done in a hot and dry Season , good for Cottages , Barns and other small Houses ; but any that wou'd have more beautiful Floors than these , may first lay their Floors even , smooth and fine , either with the first or last mentioned Flooring , then take Lime made of hard rag Stones , and temper it with a little Water and Whites of Eggs , the more Eggs the better , let these be tempered and beaten extraordinary well , to a very high Pitch , with this cover your Floor , about a quarter or half an Inch thick , before your underflooring be too dry , that they may well Incorporate together , which Workmen do well understand ; this being well done and throughly dry , if sometimes rubbed over with Mops or Cloths , with a little Oil on it , it will look very Beautiful and Transparent , as if it were Polished Metal or Glass , provided the Eggs and Lime are throughly tempered , and otherwise well performed .

LETTER VIII . Of Religion , and the Knowledg of Man's self . SIR ,

NOthing in the World could have been more acceptable than your Letter , Fraught with an earnest desire of being acquainted with such Truths , as will ascertain a Mans Happiness in this Life , and his Salvation in that which is to come . It is indeed a Noble Piece of Curiosity , to Enquire into the Nature of True Religion , and as much our Interest as 't is our Duty : The Wise Man Comprehends the whole of Religion , in these few Words , ( viz. ) Fear God , and keep his Commandments . But this Definition or Description being too General , I shall endeavour according to the Talent that is given me , to Illustrate it in several Particulars , that it may be the better and more easily understood .

THe Apostle St. Iames tells us in plain terms , that Pure and Undefiled Religion consists in Visiting and Relieving the Widow and Fatherless , &c. that is , the greatest and surest Evidences of the Truth and Sincerity of our Religion , are Works of Mercy .

This all Men consent to in Words , tho' not in Practice , the first Step is the Fear of God , the second the Knowledge of our selves , the third Temperance in Meats and Drinks , the fourth Cleanness in all our Foods and Methods of Conversation .

The Knowledge of God , our selves , and his Law , do open the Eyes of our Understanding , and teach us to distinguish between Good and Evil : I mean those Secret and Internal Powers of both that are in our selves , and other things , by which means Man comes to obtain a good Genius or Director through the whole course of his Life : this is the Sum and Total of Religion , which like a great and flourishing Tree , shoots its self forth into many fair and spreading Branches .

Your Food must be clean , and as near as you can , procured without Oppression and Violence ; your Drink must be Water , and a due quantity is to be observed in both , ( viz. ) so much only as is requisite to the satisfaction of the Exigencies of Nature . We must be Merciful to all Creatures of an Inferior Order , and Especially to have a Sympathising Compassion for those of our own Kind . We are to use the greatest Care imaginable in the Education of our Children , who must in a little time after us , come to Govern the World : To be very diligent that they do not spend their precious Time in Vanity , ( as the Custom of too many is ) but continually Exercise them in some useful Arts and Sciences , that in time may become serviceable to themselves and others ; to instruct them to distinguish the Forms they are Compounded of , and how every Creature is endued by Gods Eternal Law , with an Influential Virtue , to Work on its Simily ; so that whatsoever a Child , or any other Creature Eats , Drinks or , does , it has a particular Key or Power in it self , to open its own Gate , and there Incorporate with and strengthen its Simily .

This sort of Learning ought to be Insinuated , even in their Cradles , which would make it grow strong and Vigorous , as we daily see , if Men Practice Virtue , they will grow strong in well doing , and so on the contrary , for there is a wonderful and almost Insuperable Power in Habit and Custom .

Now if you would bring up your Children in Virtuous Exercises , their Meats and Drinks must be Innocent and simple ; by which the Principle of Wisdom and Unity is begotten . Our Meats and Drinks , are the Aliment and Substance of our Lives , and as it were the Basis and Grounds of our Spirits and Bodies in this visible World : For Man is by all Wise Men and Philosophers , esteemed the Compleat Epitome or Image of God , and contains the true Properties and Qualitys of all things , both in the visible and invisible World , Man being like all things , and all things like him , so that each thing has a particular and natural Inclination to Work on him , and beget it 's own Complexion , is manifest beyond Contradiction .

If so , then whatever a Man applys and gives himself to , whether Virtue or Vice , that obtains the Ascendant in him : If he be adicted to Temperance , Sobriety and Order , then the good Genius obtains the Government , and attracts the Virtues of all things from without , and the Holy Powers from within , by which method a Man Arrives to the true Unity in himself ; the contrary is to be understood , if any one give themselves over to Evil , and Intemperate Courses of Life , for it is only the Practice of Good , that Moves the Holy Principles of Gods Eternal Love in Jesus Christ .

But Words and Notions , without a Suitable Conformity in Actions , tho' never so strong in the beginning , do by degrees grow weak , and at last become of no Effect at all .

For this Reason many Sober Men that have Preached and Declared many Excellent Doctrines or Notions , in the first Dawning of the Day of Gods manifestation of his Love to their Souls , have afterwards by degrees grown very weak and Impotent ; now this dwindling and debility , has only proceeded from their not making a Law of Practice agreeable to their Doctrine , and Educating their Children , &c. in the Powers and Virtues of this Law , which is really the Law of God , and under that consideration , it should have been propounded unto them , by which means all the Forms and Powers of the Microcosm would have been Established in Innocence and Goodness , beyond the possibility of ever being eradicated or weakned .

Sir , Be pleased to take this for a present Answer , I have much more to say , but the time obliges me to Conclude .

Your Friend to serve You.

LETTER IX . Of DROPSIES . SIR ,

I Received yours , and am extreamly concerned to hear of your present ill state of Health , nor am I less sensible how hard a Task it is for you to support your self and Family in so languishing a condition , for I am very well satisfied that your Expences do much exceed your Income . You tell me you are invaded by a Dropsie , afflicted with Obstructions in your Breast and Stomach , and that the Physitians have given you over as Incurable ; after having made your Purse as great a sufferer as your Body . This indeed is a very depsorable Case , yet not wholly to be despaired of , for if you will be obliged to follow my directions , I doubt not but to restore you to your health ; and teach you to maintain your Family , with less charge and more comfort than you have ever yet been able to do : You must therefore , if ever you design to be Well , wholly change your Course , and observe some other and better Methods of Life .

LET all your Drink be Water , with some toasted Bread infused , the more Bread the better ; and your Food be as i●… here prescribed . Make your Bread of fine Wheat and well Baked ; Pap of Wheat Flower and Water , seasoned with Salt , and eaten with a few Crums of Bread ; Water Gruel made and ordered according to our directions in the Monthly Observations for Health . Or thus , Take half a Pint of whole Oatmeal , Boil it in three quarts of Water for half an hour , this is the sweetest and best of all other , for such as live without Flesh ; be sure to season all your spoon Meats with Salt , make small Dumplins little bigger than Crown Pieces , they will be soon Boiled , and make the best Bread , and give the greatest satisfaction to the Stomach ; on this you must be contented to live one Year , and not eat any thing besides what is above mentioned , neither Flesh , Fish , Butter , Eggs , Cheese , Milk , &c.

Moreover , if you ever intend to regain your Health , you must Frequent the Fields , and use Exercises and Walking by the sides of Rivers , and in open Airy Places ; let your House and Bed be kept Airy , sweet and clean ; and if you have the Courage to observe this Method for one year , I am Confident you will find abundance of Satisfaction , and not be easily perswaded to leave it off .

Then for Retrenching your Expences in House keeping , you must endeavour to bring your Wife and Children to follow the same Method of Living , this will preserve and encrease their Health , and beget an unexpected Strength and Agility , both in Mind and Body , to a much higher degree than the Customary Meats and Drinks can ever pretend to .

In the Morning about eight of the Clock , your Wife and Family for their Breakfast , may eat each of them a Pint or more of thick Flower Pap , or thick Gruel , and a small piece of Bread ; and at Twelve , a Pint of Pap or Gruel , with a Dumpling or two , as before prescribed ; and then at six in the Evening , each to have a Pint of our thick Gruel : By this way you may maintain your self and Family in Food , for three Shillings , or three and Sixpence per Week , and eat not only plentifully , but with the highest satisfaction to the Stomach and Palate ; and if you have a Mind to indulge them with Butter , one Pound a Week will do it sufficiently , putting a small piece as big as a Nut into into each Persons Dish .

Remember to keep your Children always in some useful Exercise , not permitting them to play abroad promiscuously , in the Streets and Fields , but do you your self Teach them their Books at Home , according to the Method we have set down , in our Discourse of Education , observe those Rules , and you will make your selves easy , and your Children happy . Instruct them in Housewifery , and other useful things betimes , with Love and Meekness , keep them from the sight of vain Shews and Games , idle and sinful Sports and Pastimes ; let their Cloathing be plain and modest , that you may prevent the Growth of Pride , Passion , Violence , Oppression and Covetousness ; fix them to constant orders in Rising and going to Bed , Labour and Exercises , accustom them as much as in you lies , to silence and modesty , nor use many and Superfluous Words when you speak to them , but let your whole deportment to them , be grave without jesting and scurrility , which they will be too apt to Learn of themselves ; let your Correction be Gentle and Just , be sure it be always for a fault , in order to Amend and Reform them ; and not only to shew your Authority and Power , Inflict upon them Fasting or some silent Punishment , such as will stick closer to them , and make them more ashamed , than Passionate Words , and Violent Beating , which do always foment and excite ill natured Humours , that have often very mischievous Consequences attending them , being ever mindful , that every like doth get and produce its simily , especially in Sensitive Creatures .

Thus I have given you some hints and brief Directions of what I thought necessary to be observed , not only in your present Circumstances , but through the whole course of your Life , of which I doubt not , but your own Experience , will in a short time give you ample satisfaction , so recommend you and your Family to the Love of God in Christ Iesus . I remain ,

Your Assured Friend and Servant to Command .

LETTER X. Of the Various Opinions in Religion . SIR ,

I Am extreamly Obliged to you , for the Friendship and Courtesy your last so abundantly professes , and withall must assure you , that the Inclination you have testified , of diving into useful and mysterious Speculations , affords me no common satisfaction : for concerning the Nature of the things you enquire into , it is absolutely necessary to be well informed , seeing no small inconveniency attends the being ignorant of them ; nor is it possible for a Man to arrive at a Certa●… , and come to any satisfactory Iudgment , in matters of Religion ; t●… his Scruples are fully Answered , in relation to your Question , otherwise he will be an Eternal Rover , perpetually fluctuating upon t●… Waves of Doubt and Error ; and like the Logicians Individu●… Vagum , be never brought to a Point , nor capable of a particular Denomination ,

YOU desire to know how it comes to pass , that Mankind doth so Diametrically oppose one another , in the Notion and Sentiments of Religion , and the Worship of God , to the continual disturbance of the Publick Peace of all Nations , all the total destruction and ruin of Man himself .

First , The Grand Reason of this difference has been , and 〈◊〉 is , the Ignorance and Blindness of the Priests , Prophets and Teachers of the People , not distinguishing between the two Grand Fountains of God's Love and Light , Darkness and Evil , from whence all things proceed and take their Birth ; for 〈◊〉 that Worships without distinguishing the Good from the Evil , opposes and destroys those every Principles he endeavour to support and preserve himself by .

Secondly , they invent new fangled Methods , and whimsie●… Circumstances of Worship , which have no foundation in Nature , nor any agreeableness to the Law of God , and stamp then with the Venerable Name of Religion , and impose and exact the Observance of them with severe Penalties . This is a cert●… sign of their Blindness , Ignorance and self Conceit : For God is one , his Law is one , and Religion is but one , from whence 〈◊〉 appears that these fierce Contentions , and Brutal Outrages , which Men exercise against one another , are undeniable signs of Man's wretched Degeneracy from his first pure State of Union ; always groping in the Dark , and making Inferences and Conclusions , with no better certainty than a Blind Man would Judge of Colours , or a Deaf Man of Sounds , who if they happen to Judge sometimes right , it is to be attributed to meer casualty and accident , and not to any certain knowledge .

Now as Ignorance and Blindness is the root of Disunion , so Agreement and Concord , arises from the Understanding ; for Men never differ about things wherein they have Judgement , and of which they know the particular parts and Qualifications . For Example , take Twenty Musitians , and they will all readily agree , that the seven Notes or distances are the Ground and Foundation of all Musical Harmony ; and equally know when their Instruments are in Tune : The same is to be understood of all other demonstrative Arts and Sciences , as in Musick , which tho it be not the most useful , it is confessedly the most Inspired Branch of all the parts of the Mathematicks , for by the sec●… Virtue , of its Mellodious Sounds , it irresistibly penetrates to the very Center of Union , as we have largely Discoursed of in our way to Health . So Twenty or Thirty Carpenters , that are Workmen and Artists , shall in the Discourse of their Trade , unanimously agree and accord in the Fundamentals and Reasons of their Art , and tho the Fashion and Form of the Houses they Build may differ , yet the Principle and Rule by which they Work is still the same , a Turkish Carpenter can Build a House in England , and an English one in Turkey , because they both agree in one Principle and Foundation . The like is to be conceived in Religion ; as there is but One only God , so there is but One Law , and One Religion , and all the Differences and Controversies about Worship , proceed also from Ignorance , Partiallity , Pride , Covetousness and Impurity . Now the Principles and Materials of True Religion , are these .

First , to believe and acknowledge this Only God to be the eternal Fountain of all Beings ; nay , very Being its self ; for all other things are said to be or exist only in a Derivative and Metaphorical Sense , that he is the Creator of all Creatures , and the Preserver of his Off-spring .

Secondly , to observe the rules of Justice , Mercy , Clemency and Charity , which he has prescribed and commanded , to be just and faithful Stewards of all things put under our Government ; as much as in us lies to avoid all Violence , Cruelty , Uncleanness , Intemperance and Disorder , and to do to all Gods Creatures as we would be done unto , knowing that we must be accountable for all these things to the Grand and Chief Possessor and Lord . This is undoubtedly the Summ of true Religion , which all or most Nations agree in and consent to . The first step is , the knowledge of God in Mans self , for he that doth not understand the principles and qualitys he is compounded of , cannot be a true Worshipper , nor direct others in the paths of Unity , nor apprehend any thing aright : The Soul of Man is fitly compared to a Field , whose Earth contains all principles and qualitys , but produces nothing of value till the wise Husbandman doth Manure and Cultivate it ; so it is with the Human Ground ; do not all Children when they are to learn any Art , Science or Trade , begin wrong , which arises only from their ignorance . Thus it is with Religion , all is done by chance where there is no intrinsick understanding of the parts of the thing ; they are to judge or practice , be they what they will .

Sir , This is a true , tho' short account of the grand reason of Mens Differences and Religious Contentions ; which be pleased to excuse and accept for an Answer ,

from Your entire Friend T. T.

LETTER XII . Of the Humanity of Christ . SIR ,

I received yours on the Twenty Sixth , and follow all the directions you prescribed , in reference to the business concerning the settling of your Estate in Lincolnshire ; but the Theological Question in your Postscript did at first somewhat startle me , the Quaery it self being of so nice and difficult a Complexion , and withall knowing you your self to be of a disposition that seldom cares to busy its self with matters of a speculative Nature . However , I shall endeavour according to my small Ability , to give you some answer , always professing not to be dogmatical and positive , when any more rational account shall be offered me .

YOU would know how the Humanity of Christ , or the Divine Fountain of Gods Love , Mercy and Holy Light is to be understood , and what use it may be of to Mankind , seeing there hath been so many Disputes and Contentions among Christians about it .

The original occasion of all this is , their not truly distinguishing the forms , qualitys , principles and powers of God , his Law and universal nature , but confounding and heaping all together , they so live and act only in the knowledge of good and evil ; whereby they fall under the dominion of the divided forms and spiteful powers , whence proceeds Pride , Envy , Violence , and all hot Disputes and Controversies in Religion , even to so high : degree and ferment , that they oppress , kill and destroy the Peace and Well-being of each other . Now our great and illuminated Apostle Paul tell us , that great is the Mystery of Godliness , and Christ's Manifestation in the flesh , which seemed to be as great a mystery to the Primitive Christians , as at this day , ( viz. ) they did not then , neither do we now distinguish the Grand Fountains of Gods eternal Love , Light and Mercy , from the Eternal Fountain of Darkness , Fierceness and Evil , but as is said , they mingled them together ; for Man cannot avoid that power that leads him to Destruction , nor observe nor follow that principle or quality that will preserve him , if he be ignorant , or do not believe it has power ; no error or evil can be avoided or amende●… till it be known to be an error , &c. Hence it is clear , that true Religion and the constant practice of Virtue , doth chiefly consist in the true understanding and distinguishing the principles and Powers of God ; first in Man's self , and next in other things ; for the great Eternal Fountain of God's Love , Light and Mercy , of which a very large Portion did not only dwell in the Human Body of Jesus Christ , from whose Virtue and Holy Power did proceed and flow all those wonderful things he did , but the very same united Fountain has been an Inhabitant amongst the Sons of Men , even from the beginning , and is the Eternal Son of the Great Creator , by whom all things were made , and by whose Power and Virtue they are preserved ; and as Christ himself said , Except I be in you ; that is , Except this Eternal Light and sweet Love of God reign in your Hearts , You are Reprobates . It is the Holy Eternal Principle and Fountain of God's Love and Power , that Essentially dwells in the very Centre of all Mens Hearts , and who give up their Wills and Desires to be Guided and Conducted by its Council : It never failed to Reconcile and Unite their Souls to their Creator : This Central and Holy Preserving Power in the Human Body of the World , is in every Specifick Body or Thing respectively , according to the Graduation of each Being or Creature ; and as each Creature is more or less dignified with a larger or lesser proportion of this Holy Virtue , this Eternal Divine Power , that Creature or Thing is accordingly better or worse .

This whole Visible World is nothing else but the Great Body of God , which was made by his Eternal Love and Power , and is ever sustained by the same ; and as God preserves the Macrocosm by his everlasting Fountain of Light and Love , in the very same manner he doth the Microcosm Man or little World , which contains all the true Properties of the Great , so that the Power of the Eternal Son of God and Fountain of all Beings , is not limited to any Specifick Body , but is Incomprehensible and Unfathomable , filling Heaven , Inhabiting the Centre of all Bodies , giving Virtue , Light and Love to all , according to the Graduation and Capacity of each .

It is therefore of great and unspeakable Advantage and Use to Mankind , to know Christ or the Divine Fountain of God's Eternal Word manifested in the Human Nature , that is , to arrive at the true Knowledge of God in our selves ; for the Manifestation of Christ , or the Son's Power in the Flesh , is the right Distinction every Man makes in himself , of God's Eternal Voice of Wisdom , Love and Mercy , &c. that directs us in the Paths of true Virtue , and secures us from the Spirit of Error , Violence and Oppression . Pray tell me what will it avail any Man , that the Holy Divine Power of God did in an extraordinary degree and fulness dwell in the Human Body of Christ , by which he performed many excellent and wonderful things , and at the same time knew nothing of the Divine Manifestation of God's Eternal Love in his own Human Nature ? If that remains a Mystery unmanifested in and to himself , he will be but little benefitted by the Divine Power and Love of God , manifested in the Human Body of Christ : It matters not what Names Men are pleased to distinguish themselves by ; God knows no Names , 〈◊〉 Natures .

This is the true Use we are to make of the right Understanding of Jesus Christ's Humanity , which it hath pleased God to manifest to many , who have been willing to submit to , and 〈◊〉 guided by the Voice or Principle of Divine Light , which dw●… in the Centre of every Man's Life : And certainly it is the greatest Blessing , both here and hereafter , to know Christ Jesus , 〈◊〉 the Divine Fountain of God's Eternal Love , manifested and distinguished in our Human Natures ; for from this Power of the Son , our Gracious Lovely Fountain , doth proceed Justice , Mer●… Love , Compassion , Cleanness , Temperance , Order , and in 〈◊〉 doing unto all Creatures as we would be done unto ; it is the Eye of the Soul , whereby Men are enabled to distinguish in themselves , from what Principles and Fountains every Thought Word and Work doth arise and exert its self in the Hum●… Ground or Nature .

Hence it is fully evident , that the Knowledge of Christ or the Son of God , manifested in our Flesh and Human Nature , teach●… and powerfully inclines every one that obtains this Spring-he●… of Blessings , to Worship God in Spirit and in Truth , to 〈◊〉 his Neighbour , nay his Enemies , and behave himself as a 〈◊〉 and Faithful Steward in the Management of all things put und●… his Government , to one who has the witness of this Truth 〈◊〉 fested in his Soul , all Controversies , Disputes and Content●… cease , having a firmer and better certainty in himself than 〈◊〉 can be drawn from partial and wrangling Debates : It is Conscience bears him Testimony , with St. Paul , that all that can 〈◊〉 known of God , is manifest and known in a Man's self : A●… this be true , as undoubtedly it is , wherefore do Men so foo●…ly enquire elsewhere , and look abroad , for what they may 〈◊〉 little Application , readily find in themselves ?

Therefore my Friend , turn the Eyes of your Soul inward , and 〈◊〉 shall find the Son 's Blessed and Amiable Power in the Centre of 〈◊〉 Life , to which you must compel your Will and Affections to be 〈◊〉 and Obedient : 'T is this Self-Study I recommend to your daily Pr●… all other things are Foreign to your Interest , but this Knowledge 〈◊〉 stand you in everlasting Stead , and administer Infinite Comfort 〈◊〉 Satisfaction , when all outward Assistances shall fail and desert yo●… .

Your truly Loving Friend , T. T.

LETTER XII . Of an Afflicted MIND . SIR ,

I am now Reading your kind 〈◊〉 , and am sensibly concerned you meet with such a heap of Troubles in your Affairs , ( espe●…lly the Loss of your two Brothers , ) which must of necessity 〈◊〉 sensibly invade your Peace and Quiet , and if given way to , multiply Afflictions in your Mind and Body ; there is no shelter 〈◊〉 such Cases , but an humble and intire Submission to the Divine ●…ill and Providence , which will in time afford you the best Re●…dy , especially if you can perswade your self to lead a Philoso●…al and Pythagorian Life , in Meats , Drinks , Exercises and Communications ; the last of these , if duly observed , will add ●…ndantly to the Health of your Body and the Content of your ●…ind : I could heartily wish it were in my power to join with 〈◊〉 in so noble a Design , nothing in the World could be more 〈◊〉 my good liking . As to your Indisposition , I cannot at pre●…nt give you better Advice than I have already done , when I ●…coursed you in London : however , I would have you , if possi●… , to exalt your Mind , that your present Afflictions and Cir●…stances may not get Dominion over you , for neither your 〈◊〉 , Natural Spirits , nor Body are able to endure such Fatigues , ●…ations and Troubles , as others , who are of more sturdy Con●…tions : Much Thinking to you , will be as prejudicial as hard ●…king will be to another . In my Opinion , the best Method 〈◊〉〈◊〉 settle your Affairs , limit your self to a convenient Comped●…y , and spend your days in such Company as is most suitable 〈◊〉 your Humor and Disposition , and as much as you can , avoid 〈◊〉 being Agitated and Suspended between the Extreams of 〈◊〉 and Fear , I mean as to the Affairs and Business of this World , for when those Passions have got the Possession of Weak 〈◊〉 Crasy Natures , they not only wound the Health , continue 〈◊〉 advance Diseases , but becloud and darken the Minds , Intel●… Powers and pure Spirits ; for when the Human Properties 〈◊〉 Weak and Distempered , the Natural Spirits are in proporti●… Weak and Languid .

This , Sir , with my best Respects , be pleased to accept , from Your assured Friend , T. T.

LETTER XIII . Of Faith , Hope , and Charity . SIR ,

I Have yours of the 8th instant , and shall Answer the Contents as well as I am a●…le ; your desire is to know the Original and True Ground of Faith , Hope and Charity ; and which of the three is most Essential to Man , and most like unto God ? Now Faith , Hope and Charity have three Grounds or Originals , fro●… whence their variety doth proceed , ( viz. ) From the grand Fountains or Principles in Mens Souls , the first carries in i●… Power , Courage , Fierceness , Violence , Covetousness , &c. from the second arises Love , Good-will , Mercy , Compassion , &c. a●… this has the Name and Nature of Goodness , Virtue , &c. From the third proceeds Wordly-Mindedness , Intemperance , Disorde , Vain-Games , Laughing , Jesting , &c. Now according to the Custom of each Country or Place , and as these three have obta●…ed the Government in the Soul , from thence springs Faith , Hope and Charity ; if the Inclinations of a Man be kindled in the first , then such an one hopes to Kill , Destroy and Oppress his Fellow Creatures ; but if the Divine Fountain of God's Love and Li●… obtains the Government , then such do Hope , Will and De●… not only the Preservation of themselves , but also the Peace a●… Well-being of the whole Creation ; but if the Soul be kind●… with the Spirit of this World , and subjected to its Governm●… then a Man's Hopes are Worldly and Selfish , from this Degeneracy of Man , from the Unity of the Original Forms , Princip●… and Powers , and his not distinguishing the Nature and Opera●…on of each , doth not only arise the wonderful Varieties and Co●…fusions in Opinions , but also the variety of Faith , Hope a●… Charity , each according to the Power of that Form that has ●…tained the Ascendant in the Soul , together with the Custom 〈◊〉 Countries , and the Dictates of their Priests and Teachers , every Quality or Principle that has obtained the Government , Labouring with its highest diligence , to accomplish its own Work , 〈◊〉 strengthen its Victory , by violently Resisting and Opposing 〈◊〉 that is contrary to its self ; if it were not so , how is it po●… for a Man to believe he doth God good Service , and hope fo●… Reward in this World and another , for Killing those of his 〈◊〉 Kind , and Oppressing all others ; and at the same time 〈◊〉 Death for a Vain , Idle or empty Opinion , Faith or Hope : Ig●…rance , and Living under base Customs and divided Forms 〈◊〉 the Original of most Mens Faith and Hope , they are Airy Principles , and of evil Consequences , if they have not their Birth from Love and Light , Charity is an Essential Power o●… Divine Virtue : Nothing does so much Resemble God , and recommend Man to him , for he gives freely to all his Off-spring , without Respect of Person , and receives nothing : Charity is the only thing whereon our Eternal Happiness , as well as Temporal depends , as is clear by the Judgment pronounced on the Goats on his Left Hand , by our Saviour Christ , he doth not Condemn them , because they had not Faith nor Hope ; or that they were Turks , Iews , Infidels , Christians , or distinguisht by any other Name or Modes of Religion , but their Sentence was possitive , for not having Charity , not rightly and liberally disposing their Gifts the Lord had endued and entrusted them with , and made them Stewards of ; I was an Hungry , Naked , and in Prison , and you relieved me not , &c. Charity is Substantial , the first and last true Step in Religion . 'T is a cheap and easy Religion , that consists in Faith , Hope , and a few good Words ; but Charity touches to the Quick , and trys what Metal a Man is made of ; by this you shall know you are of God , if you Love one another ; all the rest is but a Lip-service , a vain ●…rivolous Dream and Shadow of Worship , having no Agreement with God , nor Foundation in Nature , being Invisible Qualifications ; as St. Iames 〈◊〉 , Faith and Hope are dead without Works ; Jesus Christ , in the State of his Humiliation , Taught nothing more than this Do●…ne ; as his whole Practice was doing Good , so his Preaching 〈◊〉 a continual Inculcation of Love and Charity ; for in whom●…ver these Essential Virtues dwell , and enjoy-their free Exer●…se and Vegitation , no Question is to be made , but such have 〈◊〉 sufficient Portion of those Invisible and Sublime Virtues of ●…th and Hope . I am , Sir ,

Your Unfeigned Friend , T. T.

LETTER XIV . Of GOD's Permission for the Eating of Flesh. SIR ,

〈◊〉 ●…m extreamly pleased , that my Answer to your last met with 〈◊〉 so good a Reception , which encourages me to hope you ●…ll find no less satisfaction in what I shall briefly observe , concerning the Question you make ; how those Scriptures , which intimate God to have commanded or permitted Beasts and under graduated Creaturs to be Killed and Eate●… , are to be understood ? In Answer whereunto , it is to be considered , that Man had long before such Command or Permission , Eaten of the T●… of Knowledge , the Tree of Good and Evil , whereby he had separated and estranged himself from the Unity of God's Light and Love , so that the Spirit of his Understanding became Blind , and he grew an utter Stranger to himself , and his own Composition , which is called a Degeneracy or Fall , which subjected him to the influence of the divided Powers or Forms , and became totally Ignorant of the Primitive and Original state of Unity ▪ wherein he was Created , by which means Wrath and Violence gained the Ascendant over Man's Will and Affections , according to the Dignification and Power of each , calling Good Evil , and Evil Good , subduing all the Desires and Faculties of the Soul 〈◊〉 the Tyranny and Obedience of the Wrathful , Fiery , Envious Powers and Forms , where each Quality or Principle Industriously oppose and domineer over one another , till the prevailing and superior Quality issues forth its Command , which may in o●… Sense be called the Command or Permission of God , given i●… Wrath and Fierceness , as a Punishment for the Violation of his Pure and Primitive Law of Love and Light . It is manifest , th●… all the Cruelty and Barbarity we see daily Exercised in destro●…ing the Peace and Well-being of one another : And Inferior Creatures , who were Created for another End and Service , 〈◊〉 take their Birth , and proceed from the Dark and Stygian De●…neracy and Separation , from the Divine Power and Union ; 〈◊〉 from the Uniting Power and Eternal Love of God , by whose Virtue all things were made and preserved ; this same Holy Principle became Flesh , and Dwells in every Creature , and is the Light and Life of Man : This is the Voice of Wisdom , that crys in the Gates of Man's Microcosmical City , against all Violence to Man and Beast , and is the Reconciler of Man's Soul to God ▪ bringing it into an Equality and Union . This is the true and natural Effect of God's Love , and whoever has attained to this Blessed State , will esteem the Killing of an Ox , as the Slaying of a Man , as the Scriptures testify , Man is called the Temple of God , that if when Men have given up their Will and Desires to 〈◊〉 Governed and Guided by the Holy Principles of God's Eternal Light and Love in Jesus Christ , which Inhabits the Centre of all Mens Hearts , by which they are rendred capable of recovering that Union again , from which they are Degenerated , so th●… when the Souls of Men are once reinstated by this Blessed Fo●…tain of Benignity , into the equal Operation of those Principle and Forms whereof he is Compounded , they will readily set their Seals to the Truth and Certainty of the above-mentioned Scripture : But others , who do not Live under the Influence and Conduct of this Holy Government , are by the Operation of the Envious and Spiteful Powers , betrayed into the Commission of such Enormities and violent Cruelties as are equally abominable to God and all good Men , generally such is the Original Composition of Man , that the Customs of Countries , Religion , and particular and formal Education will mould it into any Shape or Figure , being Susceptible of all Qualities : And this is the Grand occasion of Ma●… so violently pursuing the ways of Wickedness and Evil , as if it were their chiefest Good , not being at first rightly Instituted , nor wholly brought under the Power and Government of God's Holy Light and Love , and withal living in a continued and wretched Degeneracy and Ignorance of their first Fall and Separation from the Holy and Peaceful State of Union , in which they were Created . This I say is the Foundation of all the Outrages , Villanies and Violence we see so commonly Practised , Ignorance giving them encouragement in their ways of Sin : Therefore if God at any time permits Man to commit any Evil , or to do any Injury to Man or Beast , this Permission issues forth not from the Fountain of Benignity , but from the dark and bitter Fountain of Spite and Vengeance , separated from the Uniform Powers and Divine Vision , as it is said , Is there any Evil in the City , ( viz. ) Man's Heart , and am not I in the midst thereof ? For the Lord fills Heaven and Earth with his Divine Essence and Presence , and where he is not in his Love , there he is in his severe Fierceness and Anger .

Hence it is undeniably apparent , that the Love and Light of God in Jesus Christ , which is the true Redeemer and Reconciler of Man's Soul to God , cannot commend Evil in Man , it being its own Genuin Nature , Inclination and Disposition to act like it self , ( viz. ) Uniformly , disposing and inclining Men to Holiness of Life , and to the Exercise and Observation of all other ●…oncomitant Virtues , as Cleanness , Order , Temperance , Pati●…e , Love and Mercy : But the plain Truth is , Men have g●…n 〈◊〉 themselves , their Wills and Desires , to be Captivated and ●…ed by the Fierce , Violent and Angry Powers of the Fountain of Wrath , from whence all Irregular Inclinations , Words , Works , Commands and Permission doth proceed and derive their Original Birth and Being .

These Tr●…s you ought strictly and daily to Examine and Consider , 〈◊〉 earnestly desire , that God would give you an Enlightned and Divine Understanding , to distinguish rightly between these two Grand Fountains and their Operations , which is the greatest Blessing Human Nature is capable of Enjoying in this Life , and which will make it entirely Happy to all Eternity in that which is to come .

Yours in the most unreserved Respects , T. T.

LETTER XV. To the Honourable Colonel KENT . Of a Soldier 's LIFE . SIR ,

I Received a Letter from you the last Campaign , Dated from B●…sels , some time before the opening of the Treaty of Peace , which brought along with it the welcome News of your Health , and some Scruples concerning the Lawfulness of your Profession , occasioned as you declare , by Reading a Book of Ours , Entituled , The Way to Health , &c. I greatly Congratulate the happy Fortune of its fa●… into your hands , and am apt to believe it was some good Providence that directed you to it , not imagining there could be any Treatise of such a Nature as that is , in so Quarrelsome and Contentious a Country : I confess it is a Discourse very unsuitable for a Soldier , unless he could wholly dispossess himself of the Prejudice his very Profession subjects him to , and bring an Unbyassed and Impartial Disposition to the Realing of it .

INdeed I must acknowledge , Colonel , that I have often admired what could possibly be the reason , that Men of excellent Parts , both Natural and Acquired , of sound Sense and good Education , should as it were Hand over Head , voluntarily , without any Necessity or Compulsion , thrust themselves headlong into Arms , as if a Life of Incessant Fatigue , Hardship and Hazard were desirable , and a Man's chiefest Glory did consist in having a Commission to Destroy his Fellow Creatures ? But now I find , by your Letter , that your Understanding is alarmed , your Eyes opened , and that you begin to doubt the Justice of your Undertaking ; I am very well satisfied you may make the Scruple without the least Imputation of Cowardize , having already given unquestionable Evidences of an undaunted and fearless Spirit , through the whole Course of the late Campaigns : Therefore since you desire my Judgment of the Matter , I shall endeavour all I can to advance your Conversion , and set you right in your N●…tions .

It must be considered then , from what Grounds or Principles this natural Disposition to Revenge , Blood and War doth arise , surely all the Commands of God and Man , do proceed from the two Grand Fountains of Good and Evil , and according to the Predominancy , Rule or Government of either of these Principles in the Heart or Centre of Life , are all a Man's Actions Influenced and Denominated : If the Harsh , Fierce , Oppressive Spirit obtains the Dominion , all kinds of Evil are tollerated and become Lawful , especially if the Teachers justify it , and the Prince commands it , for now a-days , and in former times , the main Business of those sort of People , is to Study Reasons to support and approve the Actions of their Prince , for let his Methods be never so Irregular , they are obliged to Assert and Justify them , and in the most plausible Dress , their Rhetorick can Invent , recommend them to the People , being hired thereto by vast Revenues , and particular Priviledges and Immunities , so that their Judgment in this Case ought by no means to be resied on , they being Parties , and generally having the greatest share in publick Commotions and Transactions .

The Popish Clergy have given abundant Instances of this Complaint , Justifying any Cause or Pretext of one Princes making War against another , as they were Influenced by Ecclesiastical Interests , and particular Respects , who ever Read the History of the Troubles of Italy , and did not discover the Pope to be the grand Fomenter of all the Blood and Distraction , that sullied the Beauty of those Delightful Provinces ; nor has his Holiness been less concerned in the Tumults and Calamities of other Places more distant from his own Territories , sending his Emissaries , Incendiaries and Beautefieus abroad , to disturb the Peace of People , making no Conscience with Insi●…ting and Whispering Rumors , and feigned Stories , to Amuse them at first , then lead them into War and Confusion , as often as he sees such damnable Methods necessary to augment the Interest of his Pontifical Dignity and Grandeur ; and I am afraid , that other Sects and Orders of Men , who would be accounted of a gentle Nature , and more Reformed , will not be able to keep themselves altogether clear of this Guilt and Imputation .

Now , tho' there are many Circumstances and Occasions that may stir up and provoke Mankind to Murder and Destroy one another : Yet the mai●… Spring and Root of this wrathful Inclination , proceeds wholly from the Grand Fountain of Evil in a Man's Self , as we said before , so there ought to be a particular Notice taken of this , if a Man would ever be able to give an Account and Reason of his Doings : For whoever has once Immersed his Will and Desire to enter into the Evil Principle or Fountain , and is Governed by the Qualities thereof ; all sorts of Violence become Lawful to him , for from the Centre of each Fountain , ( viz. ) Good and Evil , all Laws do proceed and arise , which conform and agree with their Original Ground , &c.

Hence it is , the Prince who is the Center of his People , i●… the direful and wrathful Principle , can at any time , upon some fair and plausible pretence , ( for Violence never wants a Colo●… to justifie its Irregularity , ) either make War upon his own Subjects . or call his People to Arms , lead them into Foreign Re●…ons through Heat and Cold , Want , Necessity and Danger , 〈◊〉 purpose to cut the Throats of those that never did him any hu●… perhaps upon no better occasion , than the satisfaction of a private Resentment . Would it not amaze a Man seriously to consider , upon what inconsiderable motives Men are thus hurri●… to their own and others ruin ? To see Gentlemen and Noblem●… of good Estates , who may enjoy all the worthy and commend●…ble Pleasures of Life , without any interruption ; to see the Husband forsaking his Wife and Children , the Son his Parents , the Lover his Darling Mistress , and all these the true and easy enjoyments of Life , nay , quiting the very possession of those things they wish most to Enjoy , to List themselves into the Publick Service , exposing themselves and all they have , to Chance and Uncertainty , only to follow a noisy piece of Brass , or the sound of a stretch'd Sheep skin , Stemming tumultuous Seas , Climbing over Rocks and craggy Mountains , Travelling night and day , through Woods and Desarts , on purpose to destroy those they never saw in their Lives , nor never had any Personal or particular Quarrel with , and all this perhaps for Reasons in which they are wholly unconcerned : for sometimes a Fantastick Prince will in his Humours and Capritio's , run the hazard of destroying a Province , upon as slight an occasion as a Gentleman shall ki●… his Foot-Boy . The great Men of the World are moved by the same Springs as we are , subjected to the same Passions , and if the Evil Principle has gained the Ascendant , there must needs issue very fatal Consequences , when Wrath is joined with Force and Power . This plainly declares , that most men are fallen from the Peaceful Government of Gods Eternal Light and Love , into the direful dark Kingdom of Violence and Oppression , where every Property and Quality are at variance and enmity one with another ; and do with the the greatest Tyranny imaginable , dominee●… and reign ; Survey but the very Materials of a Military Profession , and you shall find they all proceed from this dark wrathful Fountain , Swords , Guns , Spears , Mortars , Bombs , Carcasses , Powder , Regiments , Brigades , Squadrons , Platoo●… , Ambuscades , Mines , Bastions , Hornworks , Intrenchments , Pa●…sados , and an infinite train of monstrous and horrid Terms of Art , Coined and invented on purpose to signifie the Cruelty , Violence and Injustice of Martial Exercises ; nay the very Actions , Gestures and Looks of Men are altered , and fashioned according to the Nature of this envious Fountain of Evil , from whence they are produced . The Poets of old were well aware of this , when they described their God of War , to be a bloated , blustering , fierce , envious , furious , bloody , untamable Deity ; su●… Epithets as these would suit much better with a Devil , than a God ; and further to shew the Extensiveness and Universality of this Evil , they had a Goddess too , a Bellona , altogether as fierce , raging , destructive and un●…eaceable as Mars himself , by which Characters and Descriptions , they painted and set forth to Mankind the odious , abominable , unjust and p●…rnitions effect of War , and the Spring and Source from whence they proceed , and if possible , to deter Men from all actions of Violence , Murder and Oppression , have very honestly Represented their very Gods concerned in these Tragedies , with a Countenance as ugly and frightful , as the grounds thereof are Unlawful and Inhumane .

So that it is , by departing from the Holy Union of Gods Eternal and Divine Light and Love , that Man becomes Freighted with so great a quantity of wrath and fierceness , pushing him on in a blind and direct opposition to the Kingdom of Light and Love , Goodness , Virtue , &c. Hence it is that we daily see that most Men , even in civil Societies , and better regulated Governments , can upon any slight occasion , or imaginary pretence whatsoever , immediately draw the Sword , kill and destroy their Neighbours , Friends or Companions , without the l●…st remo●…se or regr●… , and if this were not so , if there were not this radical and seminal Malignity in the very Constitution of Men , Generals of Armies would find it very difficult to Muster such great numbers of Men together , upon the beat of a Drum . And Children being Begot from the Species of wrath and fierceness , and , from Generation to Generation , Educated and Encouraged in the practice thereof , it mightily awakens and strengthens these ●…l Principles and Qualities in them , whereby they become prompt and ready , at all times to exert their Talents and Invading spiteful Powers , to the destruction of their fellow Creatures .

Now these false Notions do and are like to continue , because their Leaders and Teachers ▪ instead of incultivating into them , the Injustice of these Actions , and demonstrating the Evils they being upon the whole Creation , rather Preach up and Teach the L●…fulness of War and Fighting , and not so much as contradict 〈◊〉 Practice of Eating the Flesh and Blood of Innocent Under●…ted Creatures , by which means no Man is safe longer than the fear of Death , and Sword of the Magistrate protects him , or whilest the greater wrath Commands the lesser , and keeps it in Subjection .

Now the only Method to cure this prevailing mischief , is for every man to look down into himself , and accurately to distinguish from what Principle all the Actions and Practice of Life do take their Birth ; for in our selves , Colonel , God has Essentially planted all the great Misteries of Nature , and what is needful to be known , the first Step to all Prudence , Virtue and the Fear of God , is Mercy , Compassion , Justice and Innocence , all which Spring only from Gods Divine Kingdom of Love and Light , and no man can approach and be United to the Fountain of Benignity , but by the practice and Imitation of Gods Holy Law . Which Consideration , with others mentioned in this Epistle , may I hope , be sufficient to confirm you in the disgust you have taken against that Bloody and Violent profession .

Honoured Sir , Your most Humble Servant , T. T.

LETTER . XVI . Of Employments arising from the Fountain of Darkness . SIR ,

I Ha●…e considered the Contents of your kind and loving Letter , and am glad to find your Curiosity Busied in such useful and necessary disquisitions , as to be truly informed how every Man may come to understand and distinguish in himself , the two Grand Fountains of Good and Evil , or Gods Eternal Principle of Love , as also that of Wrath.

NOW you must Remember Man is a Compleat Image of all Fountains , Principles , Powers , Qualities and Operations , and altho' we have in several of our Writings already Answered this Question in the gross : nevertheless , as a Testimony of an hearty desire to have you fully instructed in all points , that become a reasonable Creature , I shall with all readiness , give your thirsty Soul , a more particular Account of Words , Works , Employments , Meats , Drinks , Trades , Arts , Sciences , &c. from what Principle or Fountain each takes its Birth and Original , in the manifested Word of God , or the Principles of this Visible World , which shall be presented as a Mirror or Looking-Glass , for every Man to behold himself and his Actions in ; so that each may clearly discern the great danger he is in , being prest , and as it were hemm'd in on all sides with evil , wholly under the power of divided forms and qualities , which have their whole Operation in a Hostile way : And to do our business effectually , we shall first begin with Children , and shew the fundemental mistakes and errors of their Education , from whence all inclinations to all manner of Violence , Oppression and Cruelty doth arise .

Mothers , Nurses , and those to whom generally the Care and Instruction of Children is committed , do by their improper Methods and ill Conduct , too often awaken and advance in the green and tender branch , the three Grandsons of the Devil , Gluttony , Pride and Idleness , continually forcing Meats and Drinks upon them , neither agreeable in quality , nor proportionable in quantity , which general evil juices thicken and condensate the Blood , and alarm the central Fires , to the discomposure of the whole Body , and the perpetual uneasiness of the tortur'd Child , who fills the whole House with Outcries and Lamentations ; then no more suitable Remedy is found to quiet it but another Dose ; filling his Head with a deal of impertinent Tattle and Nonsense , which has no better effect than adding Fewel to the Fire , and augmenting the disturbance ; and which , if it were not through folly , neglect , and inadvertency , grown into a custom , would be condemned and abhorred as sinful and abominable .

Then when they come to be about Three Quarters or a Year Old , and begin to distinguish one thing from another , the lesson of Pride is very formally and mischievously inculcated and prescribed to them , by pointing and asking them where they are Fine , making a great and silly noise and wonderment at new Shoes , Stockings , Petticoats , &c. till they are Seven , Eight , Nine or Ten Years of Age.

All this while the Fathers , Mothers , Nu●…s , Servants , &c. do not only teach , countenance and cultivate the two former Vices , Pride and Gluttony , but double their industry to make them idle and wanton ; the Seeds whereof being too soon and early awakened , make such deep and lasting impressions both in the outward and inward Practice , insomuch that they become so fixt and central , that all the tutoring and endeavouring of themselves or others , can never be able to obliterate or remove them , but remain as so many sealed Spells or Characters , that can never be dissolved .

All or most Plays or Games Children in their Infancy are tolerated in , with a thousand odd Postures , Tricks , Frolicks and impertinent Rhimes , Words , and insignificant and useless Inventions , arising from the dark Kingdom and Fantasy Spirit of this World , furnish them with fit and apt materials for Sports of an higher malignity , proceeding from the Center of Wrath , as Stage-plays , Cudgels , Ninepins , Cards , Dice , Billiards , Table , Shuffleboard , Racing , Cock-fighting , Bull-baiting , Bear-baiting , Dog-fighting , &c. whereby all sorts of enmity is taught and advanced .

Besides the frequent custom and practice of abusing and oppressing the Beasts and subordinate Creatures , by over-working them , suffering t●…m to want , and the like ; doth mightily excite and strengthen the seeds of Envy , Hatred and Cruelty , &c.

Likewise all Jesting , Bantering , Jeering , wanton Discourses , and all other Essays of a little Wit and a large Impudence , Passionate Railing , bitter Invectives , Calumnies , Lying , Swearing , Nick-names , and spending precious time in prating of things we are not concerned in , or not at all edifying ; all formal Complements , fawning Addresses , Love Stories , Plays and Romances , be they of what kind soever , do all proceed from the same Fountain , and produce the same dire effects .

Also all Employments and Trades that bear the marks and signatures of Violence , as Butchers and all Killers of Beasts , Fish or Fowl ; Fishers , Hunters , Hawkers , Nets , Traps and Gins , with abundance of other devices , to betray the innocent and let the guilty go free ; and all that buy or sell Dead Bodies of Creatures for Funeral-Shows , Embalmings , &c. are toucht with the like pernicious Evil : All Carmen , Horse-coursers , Drivers , Beastherds , Swine-herds , Seamen , Miners , Brick-makers , and all slavish robust Employments border on the black Center , which is evident from their Qualities , most of them being surly , rash , cruel , impudent , Swearers and Drunkards , nay , even the fair Sex and most Sanguine natur'd Spirits , will by the use of their gross and Saturnine Employments , be quickly tainted with the Infection of the en●…s and spiteful Powers , by reason of the latent image and resemblance of all things in the Humane Soul .

It is to be observed also that all Meats and Drinks proceeding from the dark Center , ought to be avoided , ( viz. ) Flesh and Fish , which are not only gross and unclean , but cannot be procured without death to the Creature , and awakening the Center of Wrath and Violence . Also all Spirituous and strong Liquors , as is manifest by the Drinkers thereof , in their preposterous Discourses and Actions ; also all poysonous and crude Fruits , Her●… and Seeds ought carefully to be abstained from : Moreover , the Beasts , over whom this dark Fountain hath gain'd the Ascendant , are , the Lyon , Bear , Crocodil , Wolf , &c. too tedious here to be enumerated , with Dogs , Cats , Hogs , and the like , whose Shapes , Figures , Tones and Cries do sufficiently declare from what Fountain they proceed ▪ and by what Principle they are Governed : And the Weather that this evil Center produces when it has got the dominion in the Elements , are turbulent fierce Storms , violent Winds , Rain , Snow and Hail , and all other unkind and unseasonable Weather .

Now it ought to be Man's daily study and consideration , that he has these contending Enemies in himself , that he is beset within , without , and on all sides , that he cannot defend himself from the forementioned Calamities if he doth not truly distinguish between the good and the evil ; from this it appears , of what necessity it is for Man to know and understand from what Principles each Thought , Inclination , Word and Work have their Birth and Original ; from the want of this Central Knowledge doth proceed the original mischiefs in the Education of Children , and all the other evils that attend them through the whole course of their Lives ; for without this all things are unaccountable , and done either by the direction of the envious Powers , or by meer casualty and chance ; so miserable is Mankind , and so degenerated from the Union and true knowledge of himself and of God his Holy Creator : Therefore my Friend , turn your Contemplations inward , and find God in his eternal Love and Light in your self , and then you will certainly know and find him in all things else .

Again , all Cunning Policies , Stratagems , and pretended fair Speeches of States-men and others , with a design to impose upon Man's Credulity , making People believe one thing , and at the same time intending another , deceiving the Ignorant , to bring their own base Ends and Devices to pass , proceed from the same dark Stygian Lake or Fountain ; as also the Practises and Methods of Informers , Suborners and Trapanners , whose Business is to Ensnare and Betray their Neighbour out of their Lives , Livelihoods , or Reputation , for Money ; these are the Sons of the Reigning Evil , and deserve the blackest Character , to whom is that accursed Denunciation , Woe , woe , woe , for Ever .

All unwholsome Airs , stinking , gross , sulphurous Smoaks of Cities , Towns , Slaughter-houses , Markets , &c. are of a Saturnine and Martial N●…ture , proving very often Pernicious to Mankind , by Infecting the common Air with terrible Pestilences and Distempers ; for as we said before , every Form or Quality will ever Incorporate and Unite with its Simile , wherever it finds it .

The Eastern Sages in former times , seem to have been abun●…ntly more sensible of these things than the most Learned of the latter Ages of the World , of which Philosophy the Bannians , and some few others , retain still a great many evident Foot-steps and Characters ; their Principles generally led them to Mercy and Compassion , not to Kill , Strike , Oppress , or Eat the Flesh of any Beast , Fowl or Fish , not to Quarrel or Fight with their Brethren ; the Education of their Children is remarkable , bringing them up in all Softness and Humility , usin●… angry Words , nor passionate Blows for Offences , but Correct . them by calmes Ways and Methods , discoursing and talking with them as if they were Senators and not Children , by which means they mildly opened the Centre of Virtue , and disarmed the fierce wrathful Powers and Principles , of their Force and Energy , which doth so powerfully incline the Soul to clean and humble Methods of Living , that they are never known to deviate or swerve from the Laws of their Ancestors in the least degree : The Parents never fearing that their Sons should grow Intemperate , Drink , Swear or Rob , List themselves into the Service of Princes , Marry into strange Tribes , or leave their Religion to embrace another : The like is to be understood of their Daughters ; and though in those Oriental Countries and Government , all Persons are at the Command and Will of their King 's , Princes or Soveraigns , yet the Constancy , Charity and Innocent Principle of their Religion , which doth separate them even from those they Converse with , preserves them entirely from all Assaults or Violations of what kind soever , whilst all the other Inhabitants are subjected to the Arbitrary , Will and Lust of their Commanders ; so true it is , that Innocence hurts nothing , and nothing can hurt that , when it has Centrally obtained the Ascendant in the Soul , by Virtue of good Education , Precedents and Religion : It stands obstinate against all the Temptations of Preferment , Riches and Greatness , no Power being able to Corrupt or Destroy the Seed so seasonably and timely Sowed , and so wisely Cultivated . It would be well for Europeans and Christians , if they would observe the like prudent Methods in the Education and Tuition of their Children , timely Sowing in them the Seeds of Virtue , Patience , Mercy and Justice , and be particularly exact and careful in the choice of Trades , Arts , Sciences and Employments , wherein they are to be Instructed , for upon these things , in a great measure , all their future Welfare , Peace and Happiness depends .

It must by no means be omitted , that even in the Worship and Service of God , there are many Superstitious Errors and Mistakes crept in , arising from this Principle and Fountain , as Sacrifices , Victims , magnificent Buildings , adorn'd Altars , Carving , Painting , Statues , Bowing , Cringing , Ceremonies of all kinds , Antique Postures and Vestures , Musick Vocal and Instrumental , and many other silly Inventions of Priests , on purpose to Amuse and Deceive the Ignorant and get their Money .

It is farther to be observed , that all far-fetcht Rarities and needless Superfluities , which are procured with hazard and great danger , are very Instrumental in the Service of Pride , Avarice , Ambition and Intemperance , as all Trading Countries , great and populous Cities , Towns , &c. have found by woful Experience . These imported Trifles having been in a great measure the chief Promoters of Violence , Oppression , and all kinds of Debauchery . I would if possible , have Mankind very sensible of this Grand Truth , that all things that are procured by Violence , or any kind of Oppression , must be retaliated , for every Tree brings forth Fruit of its own Nature , and every like begets and advances its self , which is the Eternal Law of God and Nature . The Estate gotten by Injury or Injustice to Man or Beast , cannot long continue in that Family , without great Disturbances , Losses , or Troubles , till Restitution be made .

Thus , Sir , I have largely Painted out to you the Grounds of Humane Frailty and Misery , and shewed you how greatly Man is depraved and sunk deeply into the very Abyss of Hell , insomuch , that he has utterly lost his Understanding , and the distinguishing Faculty or Spirit of Wisdom , to Blunder on in Blindness , Violence and Oppression , being continually hurried along with the Impetuous Current of vile Affections , and the dark and spiteful Powers , which have miserably blurr'd and defac'd his Noble and Divine Image . This I hope may serve for a full Resolution and Answer to your Question , and a farther assurance of the Love and Friendship of ,

SIR , Your Obliged Servant , T. T.

LETTER XVII . Of Employment arising from the Fountain of Light . SIR ,

IN my last I gave you an Account of the Thoughts , Words , Works , Actions , Inclinations and Employments that spring from the Eternal Kingdom or Principle of Darkness , Violence and Wrath , whereby Man may clearly comprehend the great Hazard and Danger he is in , both in Time and Eternity . Now I shall in this , discover and distinguish the Divine Fountain of God's Love and Eternal Light , which does continually Oppose and make War against the Assaults of the Devil , and the Kingdom of Wrath and Fierceness , in Mankind , with a distinct Account of the Nature of this Fountain of Benignity , and what Thoughts , Inclinations , Words , Works , &c. do arise and take their Original from this Holy Light and Love ; and as in our former , so here we shall begin with Children .

Good Education is the Sinews of all Virtue and good Government , Mankind being an Image of God , and consequently of the whole Nature of things . A Child is to be made any thing that his Father , Mother or Tutor pleases to have him ; every thing is alike to a Child , Good or Evil are all one , because every thing , both in the Evil and in the Good , has a Key in its self , which is the reason that evil Communication corrupts good Manners . All soft and pleasant Imaginations , Inclinations , Courteous Language , and free Speeches , without Reservation or secret Meaning , have their Birth from the Divine Kingdom of Eternal Light and Love , Justice , Patience , Compassion and Charity to Man and Beast . All mature Thoughts , Considerations , and distinguishing the Evil from the Good , Temperance in Meats , Drinks and Exercises , proceed from the same Fountain , such as are Harmless and Innocent , and can be procured without Injustice , Hazard or Cruelty , and such as are not attended with the Dying Groans of our Fellow Creatures , ( viz. ) Herbs , Seeds , Grain , Fruits , &c. which have a kind and harmless Birth , free from Corruption , and are as it were Divine and Angelical , in Comparison of Fish , Flesh , &c. For all the Beasts of the Field are in one Sense our Brethren , and the Great Creator of all Beings hath ordained the same Way and Method for their Generation , Decay and Corruption , as he hath to Man ; there being no difference in the Grand Point ; besides , they are endued with all the sensible Powers and Faculties as Men are , being equally sensible of Hunger , Thirst , Cold , Heat , Pain , Weariness , and an infinite train of Distempers ; and therefore all Violence , Oppression and Injustice done to them , in Kiiling and Eating their Flesh , appears Barbarous and Unnatural in the sight of the Divine Principle of God's Eternal Love in Mens Hearts and Souls , which is the Son or Holy Power of the Father , and Great Creator of all things .

All sorts of soft , clear , sweet , pleasant Waters , were Primitively ordained as the only Drink for Man and Beast , the Spring-head of all Liquid Nourishment , taking their Birth from the simple Uniform Powers of God , being temperately drunk and used , doth Support , Sustain and Preserve all the Drinkers thereof , far beyond all other invented Liquors or Juices , which do all border on the black and dark Fountain of Wrath , and never fail to awaken and strengthen their Simile , to the great Dishonour of God , and utter Ruin and Prejudice of Mankind ; from whence it is most manifest , that whosoever desires to Worship and Serve God in Truth and Sincerity , and advance the Kingdom of Unity , and be good Precedents and Examples to their Neighbours , ought to drink Water .

All Employments , Trades , Arts and Sciences , that have an innocent Birth , and use Materials not proceeding from Oppression or Violence in the making and procuring them , as all sorts of Husbandry , Tilling and Cultivating the Earth , keeping and preserving of Cattel and useful Beasts , Makers of Garments , Builders of Houses , to preserve Mankind from the Inclemency of the Seasons and Injuries of the Elements ; in fine , all Honest Employments that tend to the Maintenance and Good of the Creation , and are harmless in themselves , do advance Unity , which is the highest Perfection of all Religion and Well-doing .

Learning of Letters , Rhetorick , Oratory or well Speaking , Writing and Understanding Numbers , their various and manifold Use and Service in the Mathematicks ; also Musick , which is the most wonderful and exalted Science , and the only true Epitome of the Incorporate and Heavenly Harmony ; there being nothing that more fully , clearly and substantially demonstrates the excellent Unity and Agreement of all the various Forms , Principles , Powers and Qualities , and though the Use thereof , is not of such necessity as Tilling and Dressing the Ground , and many other Arts and Trades , which are founded in Man's Degeneracy , and falling from the Unity in his own Soul , yet it is manifest beyond Contradiction , that Musick is the most highly graduated of all the Sciences , and of unspeakable Use to the sober , innocent and humble Minded , it being an undeniable Maxim , that Unity begets Concord , and that Discord is the inseparable Attendant of Disunion , ever teaching a Man this necessary and important Lesson , that he should in all his Circumstances and Conversation , act and move Uniformly , and keep his Instrument , ( viz. ) His Mind in Tune , which , to be able in any competent degree to obtain , is the chiefest Blessing of this Life and that which is to come .

All Communication , Discourse , and Reading of Books that prescribe Innocency of Life , Temperance , Order and Method in Eating and Drinking , how to prevent the Bodies falling into Discord , to keep the various Forms and Powers in Agreement , have their Original from , and mightily tend to advance and promote the Effects of the Holy and Divine Principle of Light and Love in the Hearts and Lives of Men ; therefore we ought to be very careful what we write and speak , for there is nothing truer than , that where the Discourses , Words or Writings doth proceed from the Divine Fountain , they do always carry the power of the Principle along with them , awakening and strengthening the same . The like is to be understood of Evil , there being nothing more natural than f●…r every like , to encrease and beget its self .

All kinds of useful , tame and tractable Beasts , and several sorts of Fowl , take their Birth and Original from the more uniform Powers and Qualities , and their Forms and Shapes are accordingly , and the Fruits and Service they afford to Mankind very beneficial , as Sheep for their Wooll , and Cows for their Milk , which have been so valued by some Eastern Nations , that they have provided Laws against the Killing of them , though in reference to other Creatures they have been as Barbarous as their Neighbours ; also the Horse and several kinds of Birds , that give their Service for the Use and Benefit of Man ; likewise all delicate Flowers of various and delightful Colours , and fragrant Smells , streight , tall , smooth , clean Trees , open Plains and Meadows , also the Unity of the Elements , as clean , serene Airs , &c. do issue from the Divine Fountain , from whom all Virtue and Goodness flows ; and according as each Thing or Creature is more or less Dignified with this Blessed Principle , so they become better or worse , useful , or the contrary . All Creatures stand in the Eternal Law , and act according to their first Composition , and as the Forms , Principles and Qualities were seated in the first Creation , so they stand fixed in all for ever , except in Man , who has power by the freedom of his Will , and the Faculty of distinguishing between Good and Evil , of Changing , Encreasing or Decreasing , Principles , Forms and Qualities , where the Principle of Light and Wisdom is weak and glimmering in the Birth , he can by due Management and Cultivation , augment and strengthen it : Man is so wonderfully made and endued with such mighty Gifts , as excel the highest Attainments of all the Creatures , so that if the Eye of his Mind be open , and his Will kindled in the Divine Magia , his Soul has power to meliorate , encrease and unite all the Forms and Qualities of his Composition into the blessed Harmony , then all Works of Oppression , Violence and Malignity cease , all Controversies and Disputes in Religion submit and yield themselves Prisoners to his Judgment , which is able now to discern the difference between Right and Wrong , Truth and Falsehood ; then the Kingdom of Christ , or the Divine Fountain , commences its Reign with the Practise of all the Holy Virtues , acknowledging God's good Hand of Providence in all his Dispensations , Justice to himself and others , Temperance in Diet , Humility , Charity , Mercy , Self-denial , and in short , the whole Circle of Moral and Divine Accomplishments , which that you may be truly sensible of , and fully endued with , is the constant and hearty desire of

Your Affectionate Friend , T. T.

LETTER XVIII . Of CLEANNESS . SIR ,

I Have received yours of the 26th of August , and must acquaint you , that I have several times and in several Writings , given a full Account of the substance of your Question , yet when I consider the importunity of your desires , I have prevailed upon my self to say something more to the Point in hand , withal considering how difficult it is , for Mankind to be perswaded of the truth of those things which they have not been sufficiently accustomed to examine and enquire into ; they are indeed Truths of unconceivable importance , to all whose Eyes shall be enlightned to understand the Mysteries of Nature ; Cleanness in Foods being a thing of greater moment and value than the World usually imagins ; for they are the very Being , Substance , and as it were , the Original of the Microcosm Man , and in them are contained all the true Properties of him , having a Simile in all Particulars , with the Qualities , Principles and Fountain-Spirits , and being taken into our Bodies , they are separated in our Stomachs , by the curious and cunning Chimistry of Nature , whereby they afford Support and Nourishment . This wonderful Elaboration , Digestion and Separation , by refining , purging and cleansing the Spirituous Virtues of our Food , advances them to a higher pitch and degree , from whence Imaginations , Inclinations , Dispositions , Complexions , Words and Works have their Birth .

Every thing in this Visible World doth contain the Nature and Qualities of the two Grand Fountains of Good and Evil , in their very Original , they are endued with an Influential Vertue or Vice , according as each Form stands nearest to Unity or Discord , as is apparent in their Forms , Shapes and Signatures , &c. Now when things come to be eaten , drunk , or joined to any other body , then every particular Quality , Virtue or Vice is stirred up and awakened , by a certain Secret Simpathy or Antipathy , for the Original of all Motions doth proceed from the joining of contrary Qualities , Principles and Powers .

Now if this be not throughly understood and distinguished , no Man will be able to make a proper and advantagious choise in Food or any other thing : The want of this Key is the back Door or Inlet of Darkness , Ignorance , and all the Evils attending Mankind : From this Ground arise all our inordinate desires and longing after unclean and unequal Meats and Drinks ; for all Imaginations or Appetites are clean or unclean , equal or unequal , according to the degrees of Concord or Discord in each Person 's Complexion .

Nothing doth more demonstrate the Depravation of Mankind , the depth of Darkness and Error , into which he hath Ingulphed himself , than a voracious desire after unclean Food , especially such as cannot be procured without Violence and Injustice , in destroying the Unity of God's Creatures , who bear the Image of their Creator in a great measure as well as our selves . This distempered Appetite of Man , in coveting unclean Foods , had never exerted its bloody Effects , if Man had not been first Polluted in himself , for no Commands of Violence , Inequality and Uncleanness can spring from Equality , Simplicity and Concord : Desires have always proportionable Nature and Conformity with that Power , from whence they are derived .

If this Ground of true Wisdom and Philosophy were rightly apprehended and believed , how cautious and careful should we be in the choice of our Meats and Drinks ? What wonderful satisfaction and pleasure should we take in using clean and innocent Foods ? and how mightily would Concord , Simplicity and Unity be generated and advanced ?

Now , if Man were not sunk down to the lowest degree of Depravation , he would not only separate himself ▪ from the grosser Uncleannesses and Impurities in Eating Flesh , but also from the Fruits of the Animals too , though it must be confess'd they are abundantly preferrable to Flesh ; nevertheless they do carry with them , and contain all the true Natures and Properties of the Stock or Creature from whence they proceed : However , seeing they are the Fruits they can spare Mankind , with no great damage to themselves , without any manifest Pain , Trouble , Injury or Oppression , may be Eaten with less Harm and Prejudice than the other ; yet this is to be remembred , that the too frequent use of Butter , Eggs , Milk , Cheese , &c. do insensibly awaken and beget Bestial Inclinations and Dispositions : No Man can pretend to avoid the natural Effects of God's Eternal Law : No Armor is proof against the Influential Powers , even of the least of Nature's Works ; for which reason it is highly necessary , that Man should distinguish the Intrinsical Virtues and Vices of things , ( viz. ) to obtain a true knowledge of their Natures , Complexions and Operations ; for he that has gained the Blessed sight of whatsoever he looks on out of himself , the same shall he find in himself in all its qualifications , so that there is a Simpathetical Concatination of all things . By virtue of this Divine Light and Understanding Mankind is rendred capable of discerning and applying all things that tend to the advancement of the Heavenly Kingdom of Unity , whereby the Virgin Birth is obtained . Let this serve to whet your Appetite after the improvement of Wisdom and Knowledge , and remain a Memorial of the unfeigned friendship of

Your Humble Servant , T. T.

LETTER XIX . Of Flesh-BROTHS . SIR ,

I Have received yours , wherein you desire my judgment of Flesh-Broths or Pottages , their Nature , Operation and Nourishment ; and likewise Pottages and Gruels made of Vegetables , as Fruits and Herbs without Flesh , and which of the two doth afford the best , finest , cleanest and healthiest Aliment to the Body and Mind : This Question we have answered in several of our Writings , nevertheless , shall endeavour to gratifie your curious Philosophical Mind and longing desire after Wisdom . And first , shall give you an account of Pottages made with Flesh , and of the Fat , Gravy and Blood of Animals .

THe flesh of all Animals and Beasts is gross , succulent , and full freighted with many impurities and uncleannesses , as we have demonstrated in our Book , Entituled The Way to Health , &c. And to say nothing of the Bestial and revengeful passion of their Mind , which after Deaths painful stroke centers in the Blood and Spirits , and those violent incroaching Spirits do never fail to incorporate with their Similies in the Eaters , it being the natural Law of God and the way of Nature , which no Art can prevent .

For as Man is the compleat Image and Likeness of all things , Creatures and Powers ; on the other side , all Created Powers are an Epitome and likeness of Man , so that in one Degree or another , Man answ●…s to all things , and all things to him ; and as all Meats and Drinks are made and compounded both of Body and Spirits , even as Man , so from our Foods our Bodies and Spirits are continued , made and sustained , all according to the goodness , badness , cleanness or uncleanness of our Meats and Drinks ; for from the body of the said Foods , Mans Body always is Created and made , and from the Spirits , Mans Spirits are from time to time generated and supported , and so Nature still goes on ; for from the Spirits are made and do proceed Inclinations , Dispositions , Words and Works , and they better or worse , clean or unclean , according as the Meats and Drinks , and their respective Natures and Originals are .

Qualities always maintain and generate their like ; for the Children cannot but partake and be endued with the Principles , Forms and Dispositions of the Father that begot them , and from whence they proceeded ; and though they may alter as to the degrees , some stronger , some weaker , yet are they the compleat Image of the Father , which is the eternal and unalterable Law of our great Creator .

So that there is nothing more clear and manifest , than that all Meats and Drinks are endued with an influential Vertue and Power , to generate , strengthen and maintain their own form and quality , having in their own Bosom a Key to open all the secret Doors and Cabinets of Nature , and there to incorporate , joyn , and reinforce all such forms , principles and powers , as are most agreeable to themselves .

So that it is the highest degree of Blindness , Ignorance and Depravation , for Man to imagine and think that there is little or no difference in the Nature and Operation of Meats and Drinks , and that one thing is as good as another ; which deplorable and miserable Estate and Condition of Mankind , is much to be lamented and highly pityed ; for so long as this Blindness and deepest Stupidity overwhelms People , there can be no inclination to true Vertue , Innocency and Regeneration , ( viz. ) to be made better , for all things both in Body and Spirit are better or worse , vitious or vertuous , according to the materials of which they are made and compounded .

To this all Men agree , that a clean thing cannot be generated or proceed from an unclean , nor a strong thing from a weak : This is generally understood by every Man in his own Science , Art , Trade and Employment ; and in particular , this is wonderfully demonstrative in Husbandry , Painting and Manuring the Earth .

Yet this great and valuable Truth is not understood , nor at all regarden in the Cultivation and Manuring their own Earth , ( viz. ) their Bodies , Souls and Spirits : What a strange and unheard of Paradox is it , that he who pre●…nds to have Skill and Judgment , and to manage and govern the World and all things therein , should be so ignorant , and know so little of himself or of the powers and principles of his own Composition ?

Will not the Husbandman tell you that such and such Land or Earth will bring forth and bear such and such Grains , Seeds , Herbs , Trees and Fruits , better than others ? And will not the Lime-makers and such as are Skill'd in Mortar and Building , tell you that strong Lime cannot be made of Chalk , and that a strong thing cannot proceed and be made of a weak one ; but strong binding Lime must have a strong , firm Original , that is , hard strong Stones , wherein the Sal Nitral qualities of Saturn and Mars , or the original Forms are powerful ? And will not the Husbandman tell you , that if you will have your Cattel or Horses endued with the greatest strength and agility , then you must give them the finest and cleanest Foods , and such as by the Sun and Elements are purged from their gross flatulent juices ; for in such Foods the Spirits are clean , free , prompt and ready , not being overwhelmed and drowned in gross matter ; and of all such , Corn hath the first place ?

And will not Drivers and Keepers of Horses tell you , that dry , clean Foods will enable them to go through more Labour , without damage and hurt than Grass ? And do not Butchers and Tallow-Chandlers agree , that Cattel fed with Corn and Hay , their Flesh will take Salt better and keep longer , and the Candles made of such Fat , will not only burn best , but also endure longer , and are harder and more firm ?

The like is to be understood in all other things , every particular Species carries along , even through all things , its original Seeds , both of vertue and vice , strength and weakness , always enduing their Children or Off-spring with their own original qualifications ; so constant , so true are the ways and methods of Gods Law in Nature , and who dares deny these Grand Truths ?

Now my Friend , if you understand and distinguish what here we have hinted at , then you will easily make a judgment between Flesh-Pottages and those made of Herbs , Fruits and Grains : However , for your satisfaction I shall give you a more particular account of them .

Flesh-Broths or Pottages are various , better or worse , according to the sorts they are made of , and the season of the Year , and the Food the Creature is fed with ; which our Writings give a particular account of , as touching that : Therefore I shall not enlarge .

The Fat , Blood , Gravy , or Juices of all Beasts are exceedingly crude , full of gross matter and dull , heavy , purblind Spirits , with contaminated dolorous Species ; and when it comes into Boyling Water , the Water immediately penetrates the whole substance , and naturally draws forth and imbibes all the flatulent gross juices and bloody matter , and as it were incorporates it into its self , so that it becomes one Body , and the less water such flesh is Boiled in , the more impure , gross and fulsom the Pottage is ; the more water the better it is , both for the Flesh and Pottage too : Now this cleansing liquid Element , doth by an innate disposition , purge , cleanse and draw forth , as is said before , all the frothy , slimy evil juices of the flesh , and leaves it more clean , and the Broth is thereby endued with all the malignant qualitys ; and the more such Pottages are Boiled , the worse and more stagnated , gross and heavy they become ; for Fats cannot be altered , changed or purged from their original impurities , as Vegetables can . The Oily Sal Nitral qualitys are so knit together , that there is no art can alter or change their forms , or purge them from their grossness .

Besides , Fats or Oils will not admit of Boiling , for the longer they are Boiled , the stronger , grosser and heavier they become , as the Tallow-Chandlers and Melters of Fat observe ; and therefore they Boil it as little as possible , but run it off as it melts and rises in the Copper ; and that which rises up first is the cleanest and finest , and the Candles made thereof are better , and Sold for more than the other that comes up last ; and for this cause they Boil as little as they can , only as much as will dissolve the matter ; for if they should not try and separate the watry , crude , grosser parts , the Candles would not burn clear , and the Light would not only be dim , but they would run and sputter .

And if you would be farther satisfied what vertues and vices Flesh-Pottages do contain , then look into the bottom of Tallow-Chandlers Melting Coppers , and take notice of the black contaminated sulphurous substance called Greaves , which many buy to give their Dogs ; with the very same all your Fats and Flesh you eat , is as plentifully furnished as the Tallow , and some of it much more ; for Candles for the most part are made of the cleanest of the Fat , ( viz. ) that which is called Suet , great quantitys thereof being eaten in Pudding .

Now there are several parts of the Creature , where the flesh is much more unclean and foul than Tallow or Suet , as the Neck , Sticking-piece , and the Head , that contains great quantities of black Blood and glandulous Matter , which many People make Pottages of ; such Broth doth never fail of conveying all those stinking , bloody , voracious , unclean qualifications to the Eaters , which generates Nourishment of a heavy , slow , dull , melancholly nature and operation ; the Spirits proceeding therefrom are impure , glimmering , morose and churlish ; the Complexion and all the Inclinations and Dispositions are followed and endued with a proportionable Nature .

Also all Pottages made of Flesh are the very Channel , Sink , and Common-shoar , that dreans and draws forth , or attracts all the unclean dregs , or bloody stinking matter which the flesh is endued with or subjected to : For this cause , all Flesh-Pottages do prove unhealthy to all People , but more especially to the Sick ; and therefore the Eastern Physicians forbid the Diseased all Flesh-Broths or Pottages , and eating of Flesh.

And it is not to be doubted , but in all places where most of Peoples Food is Flesh , that the Diseases for the most part take their birth from their gross unclean juices ; so that there can be no greater evil than to eat those fulsom dregs and lumpish Pottages , which cannot but by simile increase and encourage the Disease , by augmenting the offending matter ; and all this is done for want of understanding and distinguishing the Principles , Fountain-spirits , cleanness and uncleanness of things , and their respective Operations , both in the Macrocosm and Microcosm , and the concatenation of things , how every thing works and joins forces with its likeness , which is the highest joy and satisfaction of all Beings .

Nor can any Man make an happy choise of things , till he can distinguish betwixt the intrinsick and extrinsick vertues and vices of our selves and all other things ; and no sooner is the Divine Eye opened , but immediately Man sees that Meats and Drinks are the very substance of our Bodies , Souls and Spirits , and that all the Dispositions spring from thence .

Now on the other side , there are a great number of clean Pottages made of Grains , Seeds , Fruits and Herbs , which are all noble and fragrant , ( viz. ) Water-gruel , Rice , Conju , Wheat , Chocolate , and various sorts of Candles , made of Wine , Ale , Beer , Cyder , Oatmeal and Sugar ; likewise divers Spoon-meats , made of Milk and Water , and such as these may have Butter mixed with them , ( viz. ) Gruels and Paps , which is many degrees finer than the Fat of flesh , not only as it is the noblest Fruit the Creature affords to Mankind without any manifest pain , violence or oppression to them ; but it is also far cleaner than other Fat , and will endure and keep longer , and will likewise bear more Boiling than other Fats , that is , such as we Eat and make Candles of .

The Sal Nitral Vertues or oily Body in Vegetables , is not only more clean , sweet and fragrant , but much easier separated in the Stomach , and doth administer both dry and moist Nutriment in a clean and easie Method , begetting their Similies ; and doth with the highest diligence withstand all the encroaching Powers or Humors ; for such as is the Food , such is the Body , Soul and Spirits , Cleanness and Equality begets Children like themselves : And the more simple and equal your Meats and Drinks are , the more equal are your Humors ; also the calmer and purer is your Blood , which is the Source whence the Spirits are Generated , and from the Spirits , as we said before , arises Dispositions , Imaginations , Inclinations , Words and Works , both equal or unequal , according to the foundation or first matter .

This being granted , what great care ought Mankind to have in all the methods of Life , for Meats and Drinks being the radix of all Nourishment both dry and moist , are by the curious Art and Chymistry of Nature , higher graduated ; from whence all the nobler faculties take their Birth , wherefore we urge the grand necessity of Prudence in the choice of our Foods , because hence are the Generation of all Essences , Forms , Dispositions and Temperaments , and thence the Seed in Man doth arise , proceed and take its Birth and Generation : And this Seed contains the true Nature and Properties of the whole , and so becomes a compleat Image and Epitome of all Forms and Powers ; and as the Qualitys , Forms and Powers are in the Father either equal or unequal , so they are in the Seed , and as they are in the Seed so they are in the Son

For this cause , Unclean and Bestial , Bloody , Gored Foods , and such as are procured by violence , do contaminate and sully the very Original of Man ; so that the unclean , violent , evil Essences are conveyed from Generation to Generation , and therefore it is no wonder Mankind grows worse and more violent and unclean in his Imaginations , Words and Works ; for every Tree bears Fruits according to its Qualifications and Original Principles . If Man would be so wise to stand still and give himself the leisure to consider these things , then might he see into his own Essences and Qualitys , and how every particular thing is supported by its Simile , and that from hence springs such direful inclinations after these Bloody , Bestial Meats and Foods : Must it not be from the insulting Powers and divided Forms and Qualitys and proportionable Essences in the Central Powers ; for every Inclination and Desire doth proceed and arise from some Central Quality that wants Food to support it , and according to the nature and quality of the Essences , such a Mouth it hath , and such Food it calls for .

Now if Men did in the least see into the Mysteries of themselves , and understood any thing of this , we should not need Arguments to convince them of the truth of what we have in several of our Writings endeavoured to make them sensible of , ( viz. ) their deplorable State and Condition .

YOURS , T. T.

LETTER XX. Of the Right and Left Hands . SIR ,

I Have yours , and also considered your Question , ( viz. ) for what cause and reason Mankind in most Nations do teach their Off-spring not only to distinguish their Hands by the terms of Right and Left ; but all Parents , as Fathers , Mothers , Nurses and Tutors , do industriously accustom and teach them to use on all occasions one Hand more than the other ; that is the Right Hand , which is a true Sign and Manifestation of mans Depravity , and that he hath lost his way , acting in the Dark , without any true consideration , sight , or from Principles , as we have more largely treated and shewed in our Writings .

For Nature nor Gods Law knows nothing of neither Right nor Left , but they are words or terms , by which the Antients distinguished good and evil Principles , and not the Hands or Members of the Body , as in the Cases of the Ninivites ; where it is said , there were so many Thousands that did not know nor distinguish their Right Hands from their Left , that is , good from evil ; which to do is the greatest Blessing and highest degree of Illumination , whatever some dull Souls may imagine to the contrary .

Now man is the only visible Creature that doth contain the true nature and property , both of the visible and invisible World , as being a compleat Image of God and of Nature , being most wonderfully made ; and in him is contained all Mysteries , both of Time and Eternity : And so much as any Man doth truly know of himself , and to that degree as he doth distinguish the Principle , and in Words , Powers and Operations of his own Composition , so far he is capable to penetrate into , and know of all Created Beings ; so that it is most clear and true that Man is compleat in all the Spiritual and Corporal Powers , Principles and Properties ; there being nothing wanting to compleat Mans external and internal Happiness and Union , but true Wisdom , Sight and Understanding , and to distinguish the use of the powers and principles he himself contains , that is , to understand the right from the wrong , the evil from the good , and how to compose , unite and bring the great and most wonderful variety of his Nature into Unity or an equal Temperature ; this being wanting , all his Actions and Methods of Life are done by chance , or rather left-handedly ; that is , from evil principles , dulness , and horrid Stupidity , all the properties and qualifications of MansMind and the Members of his Body , are equally useful when known ; and the Harmony neither of the one nor of the other , cannot be made up or compleated if any property of the Mind or Member of the Body be wanting or defaced , but all goes on in a right line or method ; are known , distinguished and practised , there being as is said before , no Left-hand in Gods Law : This Hand comes in at the Door of Ignorance , where the Union of the parts are broken and divided , where each Form , Quality , Inclination and Disposition becomes self-ful , and sets up for Mastery , which is the principle of the Mind and Spiritual Powers , and also in the Members of the Body is rightly called the Left Hand , as taking its Birth from Selfefulness or evil Principles , being by Men so understood , as when any Man does a thing badly , that is termed Left-handedly ; and when a Man meets with Misfortunes in his Business , such a one will be ready to say , That he got over the Left Shoulder , and this word is seldom used , but when any thing is done irregular , or when Losses and Misfortunes happen ; and if Man had not lost the Knowledge of God , himself , and of the Law of Nature , the Operation of the Left Hand would not have had any Being in him , but his Mind and Intellectual Powers being divided or stray'd from their Union or Harmony , then they become Left-handed , that is , all the Out-goings , Inclinations and Actions , both of the Mind and Members of the Body , have their Operations and Power of Action from Inequality , that is , from the Influences of the Evil Genius or Left Hand .

And as Mankind is fallen into the highest degree of Ignorance and Blindness in the Principles of his Mind and Understanding , from whence the Power of all Actions in the Members , proceed or take their Birth , which is the Original Foundation , not only of this Error in the Use of the Hands , but likewise of all the other Members of the Body , for where the Eye of the Mind is put out , and where Ignorance possesseth , there is no end of Error and Misfortune , which can never be regulated , till Men distinguish in themselves the Right Hand way from the Left , that is Evil from Good , Right from the Wrong , Union from Disunion , Discord from Concord , and Equality from Inequality , for from the Left Hand proceeds all disasterous and extream Operations and Methods , both in the Mind and Members of the Body : Nothing is done well that is done left-handedly , that is from Ignorance and Blindness . Is it not wonderfully strange , and as it were miraculous too , that in so many hundred Ages as have passed , that Mankind should not know the right and proper Use of their principal Members of the Body , by whose Actions the Life is preserved ? but when any Man is endued with a distinguishing Mind , and doth thereby penetrate into the gross Ignorance and Degeneration of Mens Minds and Intellects , then it will appear to be no wonder that Mankind does know no better ; for if the Mind be Dark and Ignorant , all the Commands and Directions do issue forth and proceed in proportion ; for all Conduct , both good and evil do proceed from within , and therefore such as the Mind is , suitable are the Actions and Methods of Life : The Virtue and Vice of every Tree is discovered by its Fruit. In a word , If your Understanding and Mind be left-handed , all the Actions and Motions of your Members are in proportion ; and as the degrees of Wisdom or Ignorance , all proceeds accordingly , and Mankind may assure himself , that he is not more mistaken in any one thing than in this , ( viz. ) To give such unnatural and almost monstrous Directions to his Off-spring or Children , from one Generation to another , to deny them the proper and true Use of their principal Members the Hands , from whose Use proceeds most or all the principal Actions and Curiosities that Support not only the Life , but Pleasure and Beauty too . This selfish Ignorance of Teaching and Whipping Children , principally to the Use of that which they are pleased to call the Right Hand , doth at the same time disable the other Hand , wrongfully called , or rather nick-named the Left , so that it doth not only dwindle and become weak , but as it were useless , in comparison what it would be if it were equally used with the other , for each Member doth grow strong or weak , more or less useful , as they are Exercised in Action , which is the Root of Strength and Agility , for Nature is ne●…r forgetful of Supporting and Supplying her Children with what is needful and proper for their Preservation ; and this is evident in all her Operations and Methods : Are not all sorts of Cattel and Creatures , that are used and accustomed to moderate Labour , do not they grow strong and fit for the Labour or Exercise that they are put to ? as Horses , is not their Strength encreased in general through their whole Bodies ? and also in particular Members , if any one part be put to bear more Labour or Hardship than another , doth not that Member or Part , if not too much oppress'd , grow in some proportion strong , and thereby the abler to bear it ? The like is to be understood in all the Parts and Members of a Man ; he that uses any Labour , wherein the Back is chiefly concerned in the performance thereof , that Part grows thereby stronger than otherwise it would ; and he that uses to Digg , as Gardeners , Brick-makers , and the like , are not their Legs and Arms much stronger than other Mens ? and that Leg or Arm that is most used , or that the Labour lyes hardest on , ( provided it be not too great ) that grows strongest , and the other seems to dwindle , and becomes weak or impotent .

Now one Member , Arm , Hand or Leg is not made more strong or apt for the doing and performing any kind of Labour , Art or Science than the other , but it is only Use and Custom that makes all that , for each Part or Member of Man's Body doth contain and is endued with the true Nature , Properties and Humors of the whole , and is thereby rendred capable when Assaulted or Oppressed with Labour , to send for Aid , and extract Virtue and Power from all the adjacent Members and Parts of the whole Body , and according to the nature of the Labour or Employment , Strength is by this means Communicated . Every particular Thing or created Being is an Image and Likeness of the whole , with only this difference , the Qualities and Principles are in one thing strong , and in another weak , following each other in degrees , which is the Original of that wonderful and amazing variety of Complexions , the Members of the Body are like the various Seeds Sowed in the Earth , each being compleat , that is endued with the nature of the whole , only the four Grand Qualities differ in their degrees of Strength , Weakness and Government , so that every Seed is thereby made capable to attract Virtue , and a suitable Juice or Nourishment , to strengthen and support its self against all unequal Operations and fierce Invasions of the Elements .

This secret or mystical Method the most wonderful Creator hath centrally given to all created Beings , according to the degrees and nature of each Thing or Creature ; for this cause the unequal Use of the Members , be it in what kind it will , proves detrimental to the Body in general , but more especially to particular Parts , 〈◊〉 that Part or Member that is most used doth become strong , by drawing Virtue and Strength from its neighbouring Part or Partner , and so render one Part more useful , and the other less , which is nothing else but an addition of Inequality , which takes its Original Birth from Ignorance and the Inequality of the Mind ●…nd Intellects , which doth mightily hurt Mankind , rendring him much more unapt in his Trade or Employment , the Arms and Hands being the chief and principal Members that are employed in most or all Arts , Trades and Employments : How awkard is it for Ship-carpenters or others of that Trade , to perform any part of their Work with the Left Hand , though it lies never so fair for that Hand , and as contrary to the Right , so that not having an equal Use of the one as well as the other , Men are p●…t to a Shift , and are not only longer about it , but perplexed too , so that most or all Men are as it were Fetter'd , by being accustomed to improper and unnatural Methods , for nothing can make a Man's Business so easy and familiar as the equal Use of their Hands and Arms , they being the head Springs and principal Engins in all or most Business , Trades and Employments whatsoever : Why is our Left Hand , as we use it , more weak and unskilful in the performance of every Action than the Right , it is for no other reason than that it hath ●…ot been used properly , or rather rightly , God and his Handmaid Nature have endued them with a like or proportionable Strength and Parts , there being no difference but what the Mother and Nurse have made , whose whole Business is to make one Lame and the other Strong , so that the Right may be thereby capable to do and perform the Business of both , which Method doth diametrically oppose not only Nature , but render half our Members useless and of little value ; and as Children are equally capable of learning and speaking of one Tongue or Language as well and readily as another , by hearing it spoke , even so they are in the Use of their Hands , both in Writing and all other Arts and Employments .

The Errors that arise from this and other ill Managements are almost beyond number , for as is said before , the too much use of one Hand or Member , and the too little of another , doth powerfully strengthen the one and weaken the other ; for as is mentioned before , that which is most used doth attract Strength , and draw Vertue from the whole , but more especially from its Partner or Brother Member ; by which many young People , especially of the Female Sex , grow Deformed ; whereas if they did use their Members equally , such things for the most part would be prevented , more especially if the other Methods taught in our Books were observed .

What an unthinking , untoward , unknowing , unskilful , unmindful , unregenerate , unfaithful Creature Man is become , as blind and dark as Hell , much to be Pitied , knowing little or nothing of those Principles he is compounded of or operated by , neither of his Body nor Mind , though he do continually communicate with both ; but what can be said ? or who is able to mend this dark Age so long as Ignorance , Blindness , Self●…ood , Pride , Vain-glory , Covetousness , Envy , Fierceness , Violence , Tradition and Customs govern Mankind ? Nothing better can be expected . Sir , This being what offers from

Your ready Friend to command , T. T.

LETTER XXI . Of CORPULENCY . SIR ,

I Have yours of September the 20th 1696 , and take notice that you are troubled with , and subject to , Corpulency or Fatness , and other Concomitant Diseases ; and that you would have a proper Medicine to give you some Relief and Ease : You likewise say you have had the Advice of the most Learned in your parts , and that all Prescriptions and Medicines have proved ineffectual , and that your Disease encreaseth upon you ; I have no inclination to be dabbling with you●… Purse , but shall give you a plain , wholsom method of Life , in Meats , Drinks and Exercises , which if you observe , will with the Blessing of God , make your Life tolerable , if not wholly Cure you .

NO Fatness can be Cured , except such Persons do withdraw the Fuel , and forbear such things both in Meats , Drinks and Exercises that maintain and support it , being a Disease that seldom goes alone , but is attended with a black train of other evils ; their natural heat is seldom potent enough to support and digest their Foods ; besides , the Liquor or Menstruum of the Stomach is rarely free from Crudities , so that great part of their Foods and Drinks are turned into gross , impure Juices , which for want of warm brisk and lively Spirits and thin Blood , great store of Flegmy Fat is generated in all the Members , and likewise in the Vessels and Passages , so that the whole Body becomes glewy , and as it were stagnated , which prevents the thin Juices and Humors from their free passage and circulation , for all the inwardmost or central parts of Mans Body are like Spunges or fine Strainers , by which the fine Humors or Spirituous Vertues of our Food and Drink pass and repass , which is called a free circulation of all the Juices that serve for Nourishment , for there are no large Pipes or Currents for conveyance of Nutriment , as some do imagine , but all the parts are like Glass , that lets in the Light , by reason of its transparency : The like is to be understood of the passing , repassing and circulation of the Nutrimental Humors , Juices , Blood and Spirits through the whole Body , the Bladder being as it were the Sink or . Bag to receive all the thin Juices or Urine which a natural motion and secret attraction Drains , ( viz. ) the Superfluous or Excrementitious moisture from all parts of the Body , and notwithstanding the great quantities that fall into this Bag or Sink ; there is no Pipe , Vessel , or any thing like it , that conveys or carries this Liquor or Urine , but all is done in a Mystical or Wonderful Method , ( viz. ) by the attractive Power of that part , as being its Disposition and Office to draw the thin moisture from all parts of the Body , and the Bladder being Spungious the Urine penetrates through all parts of it , as by way of Pores , much like Sweat that is occasioned by Labour , and many other ways , which by motion and agitation of the Natural heat do easily penetrate through all the parts , and such as Sweat much do make so much the less Urine , provided the Liquors taken into the Body be in proportion .

The like is to be understood of most of the conveyance of all Humors and Juices from one Member or part of the Body to another ; so that whensoever any Member or other part becomes as it were fixed , and the porousness of any of them be stopt , that the fine thin Juices , Blood and Spirits , cannot penetrate or freely repass , then presently is felt a pain or some disorder , and if the Obstruction be much , then that Member or part swells and is full of pain , or the Distemper called the Dead Palsie falls on that part or Member , but more often this sort of Obstruction proves the Gout ; for the Airy , Windy quality in the Body which does continually penetrate , and with a quick and powerful circulation run through the whole , as being the central Life of the Blood , which if wounded , penn'd up , or its circular swift motion any way hindred or obstructed , then great pain or swelling attends that Member : The Obstructions of this thin , light , airy Spirit or Quality in the Body , is the Original of a great number of cruel Diseases .

And it is farther to be understood , that all salt , strong , hard , gross Foods that generate thick or tough Juices , thick Blood and impure Spirits , do mightily stop the glassy transparent or porous Vessels , which do not only occasion gross Flatulent Humors , and Crude Juices to lodge in several remote Members and parts , but penns up and stops the circulation of this Airy quality , from whence springs the Gout and all other evil , windy and gross Distempers , which rarely any Medicine Cures .

Likewise it is to be noted , that the Diseases arising from those evil Obstructions , are various , and of as different Kinds and Natures as Complexions and Constitutions are ; in one it gives the Gout , in another the Stone and Gravel , in another a gross Flegmatick Humor and Fatness , all according to the Original Humors in each Man .

Also these Obstructions do in many People occasion Fumes and Vapours to fly into the Head , and to perplex other parts of the Body ; likewise some others there be , that from the ill Habits of their Constitutions , even from their Birth , as it were Born with Obstructed Natures , which they derive from their Parents ill Habits , Obstructed Natures and Ill Livings ; for no Man of Understanding doubts but that the Seed is a compleat Image of , and doth contain the true Nature and Properties of Man , so the Seed becomes better or worse , all according to the good or ill Habits , Temperance or Intemperance , Order or Disorder of the Parents , so that Wisdom , Understanding , Temperance and Order , are not only the Spring-head of Blessings to Mankind , but likewise to all their Children and Posterity ; which is of great moment , and ought to be considered by all People that pretend to fear God and keep his Laws .

Now the Original of those hard tough Humors and mortiferous Diseases , take their Birth from the Disorders , Intemperan●…es , Gross , Heavy , Unclean Foods and Strong Drinks , for such as the Spirits and Juices of each thing are , such Humors , such Blood , such Spirits , such Flesh , such Dispositions , such Inclinations , such Words and Works they Generate and Maintain , together with the Airs they live in and Employments and Exercises they follow : Therefore such as have a mind and would be Healthy , Cured , or lessen the Distempers that have already invaded them , must observe an orderly ▪ regular Diet , and the nature of the Food they eat , whether gross , clean or unclean , simple , innocent ; and the like as to their Employments and Airs , or else none can obtain their lost Health , or make their Lives in any degree easie , for every thing tends to its Original , and never sails to exert its own power on all occasions and considerations , with that which hath the nearest affinity to it .

Now if the truth of what we have said be considered , understood and disti●…guished , then such a one will know that Temperance , Order and Cleanness are the Spring-head of all Virtues , and as it were , under God , the Original not only of Health but of every good Work and Action ; so great , so powerful , and so wonderful are the Laws of God and the innocent Methods of Nature , they Crown their Observers with the Blessings of Time and Eternity .

I do not doubt , but when you have well considered of what I have already said as to your Distemper , and what I shall say , but that you will incline to observe the Methods I shall propose for the Cure of your ill Habit of Body , and the Diseases attending you : Now the Meats and Foods that are most suitable for the preventing your Fatness and other Evils , are , all such as are clean in their own Nature , having no manifest quality too highly exalted ; for every sort of Food that is unequal , doth increase your Maladie , and leave a Wound behind it .

You may eat , and probably with some success too , Bread , Butter , Cheese , Herbs , Roots , Fruits , Gruels , Chocolate , Paps , Milk-pottage , and various sorts of other clean , innocent Foods ; but it will be better for you not to spread your Table too large , but confine your self to a less compass , ( viz. ) to Bread , Butter and Cheese , Water-Gruel and Flour-Pap , only with Salt and no Butter in it , and let this be your Method , ( viz. ) in the morning a Pint of thin Water-Gruel , with a small piece of good well Baked Bread a little toasted , bite your Bread and sup your Gruell ; the like when you eat Pap , always drinking a quarter of a Pint of Water after it presently , and forget not before or after you eat your Gruel , to take a walk of a Mile or two in the most clean , airy place you can , or by running Rivers side ; for all Airs are much ●…ner by running Waters than else where , for by the curious , moist , thin , Spirituous Vapours that such Rivers do send or breathe forth , incorporating or mixing with the common Air , it both becomes rarifyed , and thereby is made more transparent , thin and Spirituous , so that it easily penetrates into the very center of all parts of the Body , opening all the passages , and moving Obstructions , causing the Circulations of all the Humors , Blood and Spirits to pass more freely ; if this were not so , People that walk by such Rivers sides and others that work on it , would not have such pressing , sharp Appetites , even far greater than those that are exercised on the higher Grounds ; but if any Man Swim or go into such Rivers to wash themselves , or do any other thing of that nature , it will sharpen and increase the Appetite to a higher degree .

Now this comes to pass by the fineness of such Airs , and the thin Spirituous Virtues that penetrate to the Body on all sides , whichare sucked in by the Pores , giving a certain recruit to all the natural Spirits in the Body .

It is likewise to be noted , that such as travel or work in Windy , Rainy Weather , do thereby obtain a sh●…rper and a stronger Appetite than by the like Exercises in dry Seasons , and such a one will not so often want supplys of Drink , because such seasons and places do afford them a much finer moisture , and more agreeable to Nature : You may take your walk before or after you have eaten your Gruel and Bread , then Fast till Dinner , about one or two of the Clock eat a small Sallad raw , made of Parsley , Spinage , Sorrell , and a few Onions with them , and eat them with a little Salt and Vinegar , no Oil , but with Bread and Butter , or Cheese , and sometimes only with Bread ; drink with them fresh small Ale or good Water , the last being Superior to the first ; then fast till Supper , and about Seven of the Clock eat a Pint of Water-Gruell or Pap , with a little piece of Bread toasted , and once or twice a week take a walk of 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 or 10 Miles , or more , as you shall find your self able , and as you grow stronger , increase your walks , to 20 , 30 or 40 Miles .

And you must always go till you be weary , but not till you be Faint , for Nature will not encrease her strength if you do not in a moderate degree exert her Faculties and put her to a little Hardship ; for it is an undeniable rule , and it always holds true , that Nature endeavours to strengthen and arm herself against all Affronts and invading Powers ; for this cause , the more you Labour the more you may , and the easier it becomes to you , which most attribute to Custom , which is true in a Sense ; but give me leave to tell you , so soon as you put your self to any unusual Exercise or Labour , Nature useth all her endeavours and powers not only to withstand such Labours , but to overcome them , that she may be a Conqueror with ease ; and therefore if any particular Member be more used in this Trade or other Employment , whether it be a Leg or an Arm , that Member or part in a little time grows more potent and strong than the other ; and for this cause , after Tradesmen have done their common days Work , most of them can walk and exercise themselves in many other things with delight , and not feel half the dulness and weariness as they did at their Customary Employments or Labours , which had worn out or dull'd the natural Spirits that supported those parts most employed , and did undergo the greatest part of the labour of that Employment or Trade .

But all this while , other Members and parts of the Body that were not so intent or employed in the said Labour , remained as it were fresh , lively and full of Spirits , so that when such a one comes to another sort of Exercise or Labour , wherein those Members or parts were not so much concerned , as is said before , then they do readily lend their Aid and Assistance , by which a Man does exercise himself in another Employment for some time , with ease and delight , notwithstanding he was weary at his usual Trade or Employment .

The principal cause and reason of this is , every part of the Body hath its particular Offices , and the natural Spirits that support and supply it with strength and vigour , which lyes as it were still , and doth not exert its strength nor powers till that part or Member comes to be employed .

This being the original Cause , that a Man after he is weary and dull at the long continuance of Labour in one thing , and the whole Body seems to be tired ; yet at another Employ or Work he shall be ( as was said before ) fresh and lively , which is by the supplies of the lively Spirits , that centered in such Parts and Members , whose supporting Strength and Powers were not called forth in the foregoing Labour .

For this Cause and Reason , variety of Exercises and Employments are best and least burthensome to Nature , being much easier performed , and with more pleasure .

If this were not , little weak Children could never go through a days Play with such might and vigor as they do ; for they are not conducted by Reason nor Interest , for the obtaining a days Wages or greater Gain , but follow Nature , and so soon as they are dull and weary at one Sport or Pastime , they presently fall to another , never reasoning the Cause or studying the Point , but go out of one thing into another ; so that when night comes , they have tired all their Members and Parts of their Bodies , and have left no Spirit uncalled .

It is therefore a grand Mistake in all Parents and Tutors of Children , being a wrong Notion , ( viz. ) To let their Children Play , to refresh and make themselves more agil and lively ; whereas the very contrary is to be understood , for nothing does so much unfit , dull and becloud their brisk , lively , sporting Spirits , as such various Sports , which unfits and renders them uncapable for all sorts of Learning .

Whereas they ought to be Methodiz'd by their Tutors and Parents , that is , to be appointed several sorts of Learning for the day , not exceeding one hour at a time for one sort of Art , and though the same sort might come in the afternoon as in the morning , yet they should spend but one hour at a time , by which they might learn six several sorts of Arts and Sciences in one day , ( viz. ) Language , Writing , Singing or other sorts of Mu●…ick , some useful parts of the Mathematicks , and Gardening , ●…itting or Sowing ; the meaner Arts to spend the less time in , by which the whole day would be nothing but a Play or Diyersion .

Of all Exercises , Walking or Going is one of the most strong and healthy ; for as we have demonstrated , most Employments , Trades or Arts , when a Man hath Laboured all day at any of them , yet he leaves some Member or Part of the Body , as it were unwearied , so that a Man may as it were , with some kind of Delight and Pleasure exercise himself in another , but Going or Walking hard , does at once tire and weary all the Parts of the Body , and though some are more weary and tired than others , because more exercised , or more weak , yet all will be wearied or tired after hard Walking .

So that if a Man after such Going , doth exercise or labour at any other thing , he will presently find himself disabled , and no Member or Part can supply him with fresh and lively Spirits ; which doth shew and clearly manifest , that Walking or Going is one of the best and most natural , as well as equal Exercises , and for that very reason it begets the best Stomach and Appetite , and is the principal Employment , for Health and the encrease of good Blood , strong clean Spirits and vigorous Nerves , and particularly for all fat , gross , phleg●…tick People , and such as are apt to be so : And the more such use Going , the more they may , and the greater the Journeys are , the better , provided they come to it by degrees ; there being no Trade or Employment so beneficial , natural and healthful , though all Exercises are beneficial and good for most or all People .

And if going on foot were esteem'd genteel and customary , many would receive great Advantages thereby ; and notwithstanding it is so natural , so healthy , and gives the Practisers thereof such strength and pleasure of Appetite , nevertheless few there are that chuse it for their own sakes , or the Benefits it endues the Practisers withal .

Riding is a good Exercise , and of much motion , and passing through various Airs , begets good Appetites , and is healthful , but not to be compared with Going on foot , as not being so natural , nor employing the Members and Parts of the Body so equally and genteel ; so that Riding cannot encrease and beget such Strength , nor so many powerful Spirits : Indeed it is an Employment or Exercise of great motion , but very unlike Nature , being the motion of the Horse and not of the Man , which is altogether contrary to the natural habits and motion of Going , and all other Motions that Men are subject to , or ever practise ; and as this Riding , Jolting , Turbulent Horse-motion is altogether contrary to any Motion or Gesture that belongs to Men , or that they are subject to ; so it cannot be made easy but by custom ; and such as do not accustom them selves to Riding when Young , can hardly ever make it easy in Age , the greatest Use of it , is , that it is expeditious and genteel , and Going on foot seems Poor , Beggarly and Despicable , even as almost all the usefullest and most innocent things in the World are ; a Horse is a high , lofty , proud Creature , and may in some measure influence his Rider with such Dispositions , but Going on foot is innocent , simple , natural and contemplative , free from care , having but one to take care for ; the fewer we have in Family the less is our Trouble .

Your Friend , T. T.

LETTER XXII . Of FEVERS . SIR ,

BY yours I am inform'd of your present ill state of Health , and that you are very subject to a Fever , or much Indisposed by Heat , which attacks you on every side , and upon every small Disorder of Meats , Drinks and Exercises , and that you desire my Iudgment of the Original of those hot Humors , and by what Method to prevent them , which I shall readily do ; the Gifts and Talents God hath bestowed on me , are all at the Service of true Seekers of Wisdom , that being the end for which they were given .

FEvers are as various in their degrees as they are in their Natures , all according to the Meats , Drinks , Employments , Venus and Airs , together with the Intemperance of the Stock or Parents , this last is the most dangerous and deepest rooted of all others , and hardest to be Eradicated , for every Fruit is better or worse , according to the temperance , equality or inequality of the original Forms of that Thing or Creature , both in the Animal , Vegitable and Mineral Worlds or Kingdoms ; for the Fruit of each thing is the compleat Son or Image of all the Principles , Qualities and Powers of the Father , that Generated or Begot it ; so that all the Intemperances or unequal Methods of Life , be it Meats , Drinks , or any other thing , do centre in the Seed , which contains all the Species and Essences of the Disorders , both of Body and Mind , and do rarely fail to engraft and entail those incroaching Properties and unequal Powers .

Many of these Diseases thus procured , lie hid during the time of Youth , or so long as Nature is vigorous and strong , but so soon as Age comes , or any other concurring Accident or Intemperance , they start up and appear in their own Forms ; for which there is hardly any Medicine found that can make them tolerable . Is not this most clear and manifest in all the Bea●…ts and Vegetables of the Earth ? and are not all the Young ones or Off-spring of this wonderful and amazing variety of Beings , better or worse , sound or unsound , healthy or unhealthy , strong or weak , according to the temperaments and goodness of the Seed , and the equality or inequality of the Earth or Ground it is Sowed in , and the Cultivation of the Husband-man , whether managed with Prudence or the contrary ?

And as it is with the Beasts and Vegetables , even so it goes , and the very same is to be understood in the Humane Ground , a strong thing cannot arise and proceed from a weak one , nor an equal from an unequal , or a healthy from a sickly , every Seed , Fruit or Son carries in its central Bosome , all the Qualifications , Degrees and Temperaments of the original Stock or Father ; this being the very Ground and principal Cause why so many cruel Diseases that attend Mankind , cannot be Cured , neither by Medicines , nor wholsome temperate Methods of Life .

Now , if this Ground or true Foundation of Wisdom and Philosophy were well understood , the Physician would be capable of giving good Advice and Precedents of Life , and likewise others would be careful , cautious and temperate , both in the quality and quantity of their Meats and Drinks , being sensible , that from the Body and Spirits of each of them , our Bodies and Spirits are continually Made , Created and Generated , and according to the degrees of Equality and Inequality , Temperance or Intemperance , such is the Humors , such is the Blood , such are the Spirits , such Imaginations , Dispositions , Words and Works , every thing according to its original Constitution , and whatsoever Form hath obtained the Dominion in the central Fire , always is generating and creating its own Species or Son , who does in all particulars contain all the Properties , Principles and Powers of the Father , as is hinted before , so that the Essences of each thing we Eat and Drink , in order to support and continue our Bodies and Spirits , do never depart , but advance and confederate with their Similies and Likenesses , and according to their goodness , grossness , cleanness and uncleanness ; such a Man is created , generated or made : This being the eternal and unalterable Law of the Great Father of all Powers , and Creator of all Beings , which no Man can withstand or obliterate ; therefore Equality , Cleanness , Order and Temperance are as it were the Originals of a Sound , Healthy Body , Harmonious Mind , and a Pious , Sober , Clean , temperate Off-spring : For all things in the Good and Evil observe their Original Law , every thing in its own way , according to its Dignification , in Evil or Good , Equality or Inequality , such a Child , Son or Fruit it Brings or Widwifes into the World ; for this Cause Cleanness , Temperance and Order have been so highly celebrated and commended by all the Seeing and Distinguishing Men , both of former and latter Ages ; so that it is plain and manifest , that most of those cruel and incurable Diseases that now reign in the Microcosmical World , have been conveyed and entailed by their Progenitors or Parents ; and if Mankind should now take up and live on simple , innocent Meats and harmless Drinks , and free himself from Violence , Uncleanness and Opression , it would be two or three Ages before Man would be Healthy and Sound , either in their Bodies or Minds , so deeply are they wounded !

Which miserable and melancholy State or Error can never be mended , neither in the Stock , Branch , Fruit nor Son , till it be seen and known to be so , and that the Eye of Wisdom be opened in Man's Mind , by which he sees , understands and distinguishes between the Intrinsick and Extrinsick Virtues , Vices , Cleanness and Uncleanness of their Food and Drink and all other things they join or communicate with .

Now , as Fevers are more tolerable or violent , according to the Form or Power that Operates , Agitates or Invades the natural or central Fires , for Fire is the root of motion , and the true Strength and Pleasure of Life , when it burns gently and calmly , but when it is agitated or too violently awakened or stirred up , then presently , as with a rapid and turbulent motion it seizes the radical moisture and sweet Oil , which is the true Life and Original being of the Fire , but Burning too violently it consumes this Oily Body , and violently attracts the thin , Spirituous , Airy Qualities or Powers unto it self , for all heat or fire of what kind soever , naturally and with great Ardency attracts or draws unto it self the Air , it being its Life , for without it it can neither burn nor subsist .

The Air thus drawn doth always carry in its Bosom the watry Spirit or Element , which gives unto the Fire its bright , clear , shining Lustre ; but the Central Fires being thus agitated or awakened , do in a moment destroy and consume both the radical , Oily Body , and also the Airy and Watry Spirits and Natural Powers , which do presently as it were stagnate and prevent all the circular Motions , and in a great measure stop the Vessels and Parts both Internally and Externally , so that the Blood becomes thick , gross , hot and frothy , and the Pores of the outward Members and Parts becomes hot , narrow or stopt , which doth prevent the Penetration , Ingress , Egress and Regress of the fine , thin , Spirituous Vapours of the Air from without .

So that if the fiery Spirit be violently awakened , it breaks and destroys all the Circulations and Correspondence of the whole Body , all the inward faculties being in an Agony , or a tumultuous State and Operation , and thereby the Life is sunk or destroyed as it were in a moment , if some powerful Food or Medicine does not timely prevent , by opening the doors and porous passages , and to advance the Circulation of the Blood , Spirits , and all the Airy Motions and Faculties ; for should the healthiest and strongest Person 's External Pores be stopt but one Quarter of an Hour , such a one would be seized with a Fever immediately .

For the fine , thin , Spirituous Vapours of the Air that do penetrate the Body on all sides , and by the attractive qualities are sucked or drawn in by way of Pores , which do refresh , uphold , increase and support all the natural Motions and Circulations of the Blood and Spirits , and their fine , thin , Spirituous powers of the Air do never fail to carry and convey the transparent , thin , moist Vapours or Spirits of the Element of Water ; for as the Fire cannot burn nor subsist without the Airy Spirit , so neither ean the Air continue its brisk lively motion without the support of the Fire , which incorporates its self and dwells in the moist Vapour or Spirituous quality of the Water , which Watry Spirit gives Life both to the Air and the bright shining light of the Fire , one cannot subsist without the other .

For this cause , if any Person is employed abroad in moist , wet Weather , and in or about Waters or Rivers sides , such People have for the most part , stronger and sharper Appetites than in dryer Seasons and Places ; for the Air being in moist Seasons ( provided there be not too much wet Weather ) filled or impregnated with the fine , moist Spirits of the Water , which doth give such a powerful life to the Air , that both becomes rarified ; by which it more powerfully penetrates the whole Body , through all parts and Members , to the very Center , which by a Sympathetical Agreement reinforces all the material Motions , causing a powerful and lively Circulation , both of the Blood , Spirits , and all the Aliments ; from whence doth arise and proceed a lively brisk Motion , Strength , Agility , and strong , sharp Appetite , for the more free and open the Trade and Commerce is between the outward and inward Elements , or between the Microcosm and Macrocosm , the better is the state and condition of Health , both of the Body and Mind .

For this cause , the oftner and more any Person doth expose his Body to the open Air and Elements , the stronger the Appetite and Digestive Faculties of the Stomach are , and such Persons are more strong and lively , likewise they are more hardy and more free from Colds and Obstructions , which are nothing else but a Condensation or a stoppage of the porous Passages , from whence cruel Colds and a thousand Diseases proceed ; therefore it is not good to Cloath the Body too Warm , but of the two , Cold is to be preferred to heat , provided it be not too much , and that it be born with pleasure or without pain .

For the inward Virtues of the Elements of Air and Water , are curious living Powers , which do sustain and preserve all the wonderful Beings in this great World , but in what Creature or Thing soever these living Powers and the thin , penetrating , moist Spirits and Vapours become stagnated or thickened , then that Creature or Thing becomes dull , heavy , and full of Indispositions and Crudities .

Now when in any Creature the fore-mentioned central Fires Burn too violently , attracting and drawing all the moist , Spirituous Vapours , both of the Air and Water , consuming and destroying as is before mentioned ; then immediately the Pores are in a manner stopt , and the Forms and Properties do press , and as it were rub against each other , by which the Fire Burns more intense and fierce , like two sticks rubbed hard against each other ; the Internal central heat is thereby stirred up and awakened , and so fiercely kindled , that this Fire which lay hid and captivated in the very Center , doth by this agitation and fierce motion , burn up and destroy the whole Body in a moments time , the Fire being the Original of Motion , and the true pleasure of all the other Elements when it burns easie or gentle , but when it loses its power in any Creature or Thing , all becomes cold , dull , heavy , congealed , and as it were frozen in that Creature or Thing in which the Fire is impotent , and that thing stands near the House of Death and the Melancholly Regions : And though this Noble Element the Fire , be as it were the Life and Original of all lively Motion , and the Well-being of every Creature , and when it incorporates or equally mixes with the other Elements , burning gently , notwithstanding its Excellency , wonderful and various uses ; yet most of the Distempers of the publick State , and also the Diseases incident to Mankind , are as it were Originally occasioned by this Element , and also most of the Outrages that are committed in the great World , from Man to Man ; and likewise the greater part of the Diseases that so terribly torment and afflict Mankind , which if Man observe with a clear Eye and Understanding , he will then see and find that this great Evil hath fallen upon him for his great and deep Degeneration and Separation from the Unity of Gods Holy Powers , and his not knowing and distinguishing the Powers and Principles of God in himself .

Now Man having lost his way , and being sunk into Darkness and Ignorance , he takes hold and uses the gross , fiery , sulphurous and Brimstone Spirit , which Governs in Man as he stands in Self-fulness and separated from the Divine Fountain of Benignity or Holy Union , not being mixed , incorporated or allayed with the sweet Water of Eternal Life in Jesus Christ .

This Spirit or Fire before mentioned , as it stands divided from the Union , is a high , lofty , exalted Power , the Original of all Pride , and a domineering Spirit ; and in what Creature soever it obtains the Government , that Creature becomes proud , and of an insulting Nature .

Now the chief and principal cause or reason is that this proud , fiery , domineering , and as it were consuming Spirit of Fire hath obtained and gotten such an Ascendant in the Hearts and very Souls of Mankind , and also that the exalted and predominating power in most Diseases , is this fiery , brimstone or sulphurous quality of Fire .

Now as any Form or Property obtains the chief Government in the Heart , immediately this very quality doth Sign or Stamp its Character , and as it were , lay its Commands on the imaginative Power ; and so Signs the Inclinations , Dispositions , Words and Works from the Government of this lofty , fiery Power and Spirit ; from whence proceeds all Vain-Glory , Pride , high and lofty Imaginatio●… , Inclinations and Desires after base , slavish , violent , oppressive Employments , as also ardent and longing Desires after unclean , gross Foods and high , lofty , strong Drinks , for every Mouth will be fed with agreeable Food , the Attraction , Desires and Inclinations do always arise and proceed from the ruling Quality ; and Man being divided from the Union of God and his own Composition , into Disunion , the fiery , envious , spiteful Powers exalting themselves , cause a direful Appetite in Man .

And from these very Qualities the violent , oppressive Trade of Killing one another , and Eating the flesh of the Undergraduates or Beasts , having taken their Original Birth ; for every Spirit , Principle and Power doth desire , and is supported and maintained by its Similie , so that it is most clear , nothing being more manifest than from those high , exalted , fiery Spirits and Powers in Man , have sprung such violent and direful Appetites , and strong Inclinations after the Blood of their own Kind , and to eat the Flesh and Blood of the Beasts , likewise to drink hot , fiery , exalted Liquors ; so that there is a Concatenation between the Imaginations , Inclinations , Natural Spirits , Dispositions , Words and Works , Communications , Employments , and the Diseases Man is most subject unto .

Now as all the fore-mentioned qualifications do arise and proceed from a fiery ground , which do with great power and strong vigour attract proportionable Foods and Drinks ; therefore most of our Diseases cannot but be Signed with the Character of Fire , for every Principle , Form or Quality , whensoever it hath gotten or attained the Ascendant in any Man , it goes on in a streight , regular , constant Method to do its own Work , ( viz. ) to nourish , support and encrease its own Spirit and Power , whether it be in the Good or in the Evil.

Hence it is no wonder , that Mankind is so frequently seized , wounded and destroyed by so many sorts of fiery Diseases , ( viz. ) Fevers , when any thinking Person considers what Powers , Principles and Qualities rule and govern in his Heart and Soul , there being a Sympathetical Agreement and Inclination between the governing qualities in Mens Minds , and their Meats and Drinks , and likewise their Diseases , all follow one another in a direct Method or Line .

Now the power and influence Meats and Drinks have on all the Faculties of Nature , no Wise man will or can deny , as is before sufficiently demonstrated ; besides , there is still another Ground and deep Original for the conveyance and generation of a great multitude of Diseases , but more especially this fiery Distemper , ( viz. ) the Seed being the compleat Image or Epitome of all the Properties , Forms and Powers , both of the Body , Soul and Spirit ; and for this cause Man is called the Son or Off-spring of God , or his Image : The same is to be understood of Man when he Generates a Child , is he not his Son , and doth he not bear the Image and true Signature of his Father ? is he not endued with all the principles and powers of Body , Soul and Spirits ? and if the Seed did not contain the true Nature and Property of the whole Father , then the Fathers power or part thereof would not have an Essential Being in the Son , neither would the Son be his true Image ; this being true , as no Wiseman can doubt : Then by the same rule , Virtues and Vices of all Kinds are Sowed in the Seed , and according as the Father and Mother are qualified and tempered in their Order , Sobriety , Temperance or Intemperance in their Meats , Drinks and Employments , Communications , Imaginations , Inclinations , Dispositions , Words and Works , such is the Seed and the Fruit that is Generated , Begotten and brought forth , and is in Body , Soul and Spirit , the very same in all the principles and powers .

This being true , what Conduct , Temperance and Order , what Cleanness , Self-denial and Wisdom , ought Parents to be endued with , seeing they entail all their Virtues and Vices on their Posterity ?

Now Mankind hath so far estranged himself from all those fore-mentioned Virtues , by his gross Evils , Violences , Oppressions and Uncleannesses , that he is run into the deepest degree of Depravity , Blindness and Ignorance ; so that most do live under and are governed by the divided powers and forms of their own Composition , where every quality and principle are at Enmity with each other , so that he is hunted out of one evil into another , Fierceness , Violence and Oppression being his chief Delight , and as it were the Pleasure and Pastime of most Men , ( viz. ) Great Men study how they may destroy , ruin and kill those of their own Kind and Species , and the lower Ranks , in hunting , oppressing and killing the inferior Graduates , and all the innocent , harmless Inhabitants of the four Worlds ; and in Conformity and Proportion to these rapacious Employments , are the principal Foods of Man , so that there is a Concatenation and Sympathetical Agreement and Concurrence of all sorts and kinds of wrathful , fierce Violence , contrived and managed by the inbred , fierce , encroaching , spiteful , envious Powers , which have not only sullyed , but as it were obliterated the Noble light of Understanding and hath sunk Man into the deepest and darkest ignorance of himself and all that is good , so that he neither sees , hears nor understands any thing as he ought , and thereby becomes subject to , and is acted and governed by the fore-mentioned tyrannical Spirits .

Now there is no way or means to prevent those violent Diseases and other Distempers , but by the wholsom rules of Order , Temperance and Cleanness in Meats , Drinks , Communications , Employment , Words and Works , which doth oppose all the fore-mentioned Customs , as much as Light doth Darkness , or the Day the Night ; by which the Observers may obtain a better Seed , which will produce a Healthy and Virtuous Off-spring , ( viz. ) The Foods material and suitable for this purpose , are as followeth ; Bread and all Foods made of the Flour of Corn , have the first place , both for Cleanness , Virtue and good Nourishment , as Bread and Water-gruel , Flour-pap , boil'd Wheat , boil'd Barley , Hasty-pudding , boil'd Bread , and several sorts made of the Flours of Seeds and Corn : Next to these are Milk , Butter , Cheese , Eggs , and a great number of other Exhilerating Foods made thereof : The principal Drink alotted and ordained by God and the Law of undefiled Nature , is pure clean Water .

Next to these are Communications , which have great power over the Imaginations , Inclinations , Dispositions , Words and Works , either to encrease or advance Virtue or Vice ; and these Employments are very material , ( viz. ) All such as are Humane , free from Oppression or Violence , either to Man or Beasts ; likewise all sorts of Husbandry , or any Business in the open Air , more especially such as is on or near the Water , and to Travel in rainy , moist Seasons . Thirdly , Thin or moderate Cloathing , airy , clean , sweet Houses and Beds , observing a mean in all things for Temperance , and to understand the proper Measure , both in Quantity and Quality , are the Sinews of Health , both of Body and Mind ; which to distinguish and understand in a Man's self , is the Spring-head of all Blessings ; for whatsoever may or can be understood of God , and of his unalterable Law , is compleatly and entirely contained in Man .

Therefore the greatest Calamity , the most miserable , melancholy and deplorable Condition in the World , is for a Man to be Ignorant of himself , not to understand and distinguish the Powers of God and his own Composition , for want of this inward true Knowledge he Judgeth of all things as a Blind Man doth of Colours , and a Deaf Man of Musick , all is done by Chance , Trade or Custom ; so great and so deep is the Depravation of Man .

SIR , Yours to Command , T. T.

LETTER XXIII . Of EDUCATION . SIR ,

I Réceived yours of the 20th instant , wherein you desire me to give you an Essential Method of Educating and Bringing up your Children , they being all Young and of tender Age , by which they are rendred capable of being taught and moulded into any Form , Method and Government : First , I referr you to our Book , entituled , A New Method of Educating Children ; which I desire you would Read : However I shall endeavour to gratify your Desire with those Talents the Lord hath given me , not doubting but they will be thereby improved by your Prudent Conduct ; therefore please to observe these following . Rules and Methods .

1. YOU ought to understand and endeavour to be sensible , that our Creator hath made Man in his own Image , and a compleat Epitome of all Principles , Qualities and Powers , both of the Corporial and Incorporial Worlds , all things have an Essential Being in Man's Soul , ( viz. ) Virtue , true Light and Darkness , Love and Hate ; and if Men once come to be sensible of their own Composition , and to distinguish between Good and Evil , Virtue and Vice , and from what Principles each takes its Birth , they would hate and lament their ill Conduct , both of their own Methods of Life , and the bringing up of their Children ; it is impossible any Man should be capable to avoid the Errors of Educating Children , if he doth not distinguish the two Grand Fountains of Good and Evil in himself , and how the various Powers , Qualities and Inclinations , which do all arise and proceed from these two Fountains , are to be Qualified , Allaied and United ; for all sorts and kinds of Knowledge and Learning , though it carries the fairest and most plausible Face ; yet if it do not arise and proceed from the Light of a Man 's own Life , and have a Centre in himself , and distinguished from what Ground and Principle it proceeds ; it is of no value , but all Fantastick and Uncertain .

This is most manifest and true in this Visible World , and likewise in all Sciences , Arts and Trades ; no Man is rendred capable of giving any true Account , or to Judge rightly of any particular Science , Art or Trade , and the inward Mystery thereof , but only such who have Judgment , or can distinguish the principal Qualities and Parts of that piece of Art or Workman●…ip ; therefore it hath by the more Wise and Understanding Men of all Ages been owned , that the Knowledge of a Man's self , hath been the Spring-head of Wisdom , because no Man can possibly know God , who knows not his Works ; all which are a compleat Image of himself , and he that doth not understand nor distinguish the Signature of his own Composition , cannot do it in any Specifick Body or Thing , be it ever so small and inferiour .

Now , the want of this Self-knowledge , and distinguishing our own Principles , Qualities and Powers , is the Grand In-let to all Evil and Error in this World , both in particular and publick Governments .

For this Cause , no Man can be a true Politician or Governor ▪ in this World , if he doth not distinguish the Powers and Principles of Good and Evil in himself ; for where this central Knowledge is wanting , there is nothing but Error , Pride , Self-Arrogance , Covetousness , Envy and Domineering , their Imaginations being kindled , not only in those Evil Qualities but also in the fantastick Regions of this World , so that if any Good comes under such Kings or Princes Government , it is all as it were by chance ; therefore , my Friend , the first true step for obtaining the Wisdom , is to seek and know God , and the Operation of his Powers in your self , which to understand and distinguish , is not only the greatest Blessing , but it likewise furnishes you with all sorts of Materials , for the Mamaegment and Government , both of your self and all that God hath put under your Government and Conduct .

First , Your Wife , or whosoever Nurses or Brings up your Children , must refrain and not use that most idle and pernicious Customs of fantastick , foolish Talking to their young , tender Infants , which doth make such great and deep Impressions , even from one Quarter of a year Old , which takes such Essential root , by way of Simile , and so obtains such a Power , and strengthens the fantastick Principle , that it is not to be wholly rooted out or obliterated .

Secondly , They ought likewise to Cloath their Children in modest , plain Garments , and by no means to point , shew or endeavour to make them sensible where they are Fine : This is frequent amongst all sorts of People , as well those that esteem themselves Sober and Religious , as others , which doth mightily insinuate , raise and awaken the high , lofty Property of Pride , and lay sure and lasting Foundations of Self-esteem , and by degrees strengthen most evil Qualities , by which Means and Methods they put an Esteem and Value on themselves , and at the sam●… time disregard and undervalue all their Inferiors ; this doth 〈◊〉 deeply wound and lay such sure and lasting Methods of Pride , that many thousands of poor distressed Mortals are never he●…ed : That Mothers and Nurses , ought to refrain from the practise of that evil Custom of Slabbering , and Kissing their Children , asking and teaching the Children to do the same ; and though this seems to be an innocent Custom at first , and likewise their talking of Baudy ; nevertheless , this doth so early open the Gates of Venus , and lays sure and lasting Foundations for Wantonness and Uncleanness , so that many thousands can never free themselves from those invading turbulent Motions and Inclinations after Women .

Thirdly , Mothers and Nurses should as much as is possible , refrain and forbear much Talking ; especially impertinent Discourse , and teach them by a sedate silence , and shewing their dislikes in a few words , and those as grave and sober as if they were talking with Senators .

Fourthly , They ought not to shew or speak in the hearing of their Children , any thing wherein Passion is expressed , for whensoever this is practised , the Children are thereby Precipitated into the same Principle of Wrath and Violence , which from time to time is so mightily strengthened , by which early planting , Wrath and fierce Passion obtaineth the Ascendant in the Soul , which can never be destroyed or overcome ; but let the Correction of your Children be done by some silent , wise , sober Methods , sometimes by fasting , standing silent alone , and the like ; such Corrections will penetrate deeper into their Souls , and make them more sensible than Whipping and Beating , which doth chiefly serve to advance the Principle of Bitterness , Envy and self-ful Power ; for by the Eternal Law of God , every like begets and strengthens its Simile .

Fifthly , Use your Children to a constant hour of going to Bed and Rising , ( viz. ) Go to Bed at eight , and Rise at six or seven , according to the Season of the Year ; Custom makes their Sleep more sound and certain , which is a great Conveniency , both to Mothers and Nurses .

Sixthly , So soon as your Children can go about , teach them several little , but useful things , both within doors , as in the House , and also without in the Air , ( viz. ) To know their Letters , which they are capable to learn before they can Speak , Sowing , Knitting , picking up of Sticks or small Stones , carrying from and bringing to you several little things , also learning to Write , Cast Accompts , Musick , and Drawing , in order to Painting , and when you are minded they should stand still from those little Affairs , then command them to stand silently by you , looking on you and what you are doing , which still makes a deep Impression on their Minds , by which they will not know what that , Vanity is , called Play , there being nothing more pernicious , nor promotes Idleness and Vanity more , than Childrens Playing promiscuously one amongst another ; it is certainly one of the Grand Original Banes and destruction of Mankind , for it is so timely planted , and awakens all sorts of Passions ; fantastick Spirits and Qualities , so that as they by degrees grow stronger and stronger , they Degenerate into all sorts and kinds of Wickednesses ; therefore all Parents , Fathers and Mothers ought to employ their Children , or else they will employ themselves , and spend all their brisk , sporting Spirits , in Play and Vanity ; also keep them from the sight of those Children that are suffered to Play ; also from all Plays and Games , and the ill Usage of any of the inferior Creatures ; for all those Evils are like Pestilential Airs , they Influence all their Beholders , and leave their fatal Strokes and Wounds behind them : Suffer not your Children to speak much ; likewise be careful , that you do not Laugh or make a Jest of any of their Actions , for such things prove of evil Consequence to them .

Seventhly , Keep not your Children too long at any sort of Business or Employment , one hour for some sorts , and two hours for others ; and as near as you can , make all their small Affairs , Arts or other things they learn , delightful , and let them not be put on Business when they are sleepy , or otherwise Indifposed .

Eighthly , Above all , observe the Rules of Temperance and Moderation , both in the Quality and Quantity of their Foods , also Times and Seasons for Eating , ( viz. ) At eight in the morning , some sorts of Spoon-meats , again at twelve or one , and at five or six in the evening , the smallest Meal ought to be in the middle of the day ; let all your Meats and Drinks be simple and of a harmless Nature and Operation , made of Vegetables and Fruits , and Water for Drink , let them eat nothing that cannot be procured without the Dying or Destruction of one of your fellow Creatures ; consider all things , and what great Power and secret Energy , Mercy , Compassion and Innocency , do carry with them , and with what excellent Virtues they endue all those that live in and under their Government ; for in them is comprehended all the Good that Man is capable to obtain , both in Time and Eternity .

I could say much more , but having sometime since published a small Book , called The New Method of Education , to which I referr y●… , where you will find some unvulgar Directions for the Bringing up of Children , which please to Peruse : Thus , with my Love and Respects , I remain

Your Faithful Friend and Servant , T. T.

LETTER XXIV . Of the Nature of SMELLS . SIR ,

I Have received yours of the 20th of July , 1697 , and shall endeavour to give you some satisfaction , and likewise an account what Smells or Scents are good , wholsom , healthy , and the contrary ; and in order thereunto , we must first give you an account of the Five Senses , and of their government and power in the Corporial and Visible World , being the five Centinels that keep the Gates of the Microcosmical City , so that no intelligence neither of good nor evil pass into the City , but only by the Leave and License of these Centinels or Guards , each having its peculiar Office , ( viz. )

THe Sight is that noble and great Sense that lets in or conveys all Bodily Forms , Figures and Species of all Corporial Objects , to the invisible Mind or Intellectual of Man , both in good and evil , either to his Preservation or Destruction : The like is to be understood of all the other Senses , they do not Act one for another , but each doth its own work appointed by the All-wise Creator ; as for Example , no Objects , Bodies , Figures or Forms , hurt or insnare the Mind or intellectual powers of Mankind , if he doth not behold or see them .

The Smelling , Tasting , Hearing and Feeling have no power to convey the Objects or Forms of things to the Central Powers or invisible Man , but only the Sight , in whose Province it consists and stands .

The very same is to be understood in all the other Senses , each is confined by the Eternal Law of the Creator , to keep within the bounds of its own Circle , and in all particulars to do its own work ; so wonderful and miraculous are all things made and compounded , so that it is most clear and manifest , that nothing hath power to wound or hurt the Mind and Soul of Mankind , but only those things that these great Powers or Senses admit or suffer to enter in and through one or more of these five Gates , and by the permission of those Centinels , which doth verifie that old Proverb , that is , what the Eye never sees the Heart never ●…es ; which we have treated of more at large , where we discourse of the Five Senses and their Uses , therefore shall proceed to Particulars , ( viz. ) Scents or Smells , disagreeable and unhealthy , are as followeth .

First , all such as proceed from the putrifaction of Animals , as Bloody Slaughter-houses , Butchers-shops , and all other places where are Sold the Dead Corps of the Creatures , likewise Fish-Markets and Shops , Tanners Yards , Hog-styes , and the like places : Next to these are Houses of Easement , close Chambers or Rooms , where the Air hath not its free influences ; the Airs of such places are very pernicious and haueful , also the Airs of Cities and great Towns , where there is a Composition of evil Scents or Smells , proceeding from Slaughter-houses , Shambles , Tallow Chandlers-shops and Melting-houses , the breathings and fumes of all sorts of Flesh and Fish , Cooks-shops , and the Dressing or Cooking of all such things , the reliques or putrifaction thereof running through the Streets ; which fumes and breathings do incorporate with the common Air , all being mixed or compounded with the Smoaks proceeding from numerous Chimneys , which doth stagnate and becloud the fine Spirits of the Air , so that it becomes of a heavy , dull Nature and Operation , and is most injurious to young People and Children , by reason of their tender , fine Spirits , which are much more hurt or wounded than those of greater Ages and Strength , and likewise to such as are subject to Obstructed Natures .

The Cures for such are fine , sweet , pleasant Airs , and clean , thin Foods and small Drinks : It is likewise to be noted , that there is nothing more hurtful to all Peoples Healths , but more especially to some , than the Air of Houses , both Publick and Private , where many People are Congregated or met together ; where the refreshing Briezes of the common Air are prevented , and where the variety of breathing from Distempered Natures , are compounded and mixed with the Air , and so is drawn into the Body , again and again , which ought to be remedyed , on peril of your Health .

For the Air being the Life , and consisting of a thin , Spirituous substance , it penetrates to the very Center of all Bodies , and therefore when it is mixed or compounded with the putrifaction that ariseth from the Animal Kingdom , and from things where the fine Spirits and sweet Vertues are destroyed , and the Original Forms of Saturn and Mars do govern , all such Forms do mightily infect and spoil the common Air , with a violent , poysonous Property or Disposition , which doth powerfully beget their Similies ; every thing hath a Key in its self that can open all the secret doors of Natures Cabinets , and wheresoever it finds its likeness , there it confederates and exerts its own form and property , so that Complexions are begotten , and by degrees appear and become strong , which in the Original were weak and impotent ; and on the other side , that property that is powerful in any Persons Complexions , may by degrees be made weak and faint , by the use , custom and practice of the other qualities , if Nature and the varietys of Properties were not capable of being encreased and diminished , evil Scents and pernicious offending Fumes could never be made familiar , nor evil Company draw Men to Vitiousness , it being the chief pastime , delight and pleasure of all the wonderful variety of qualities and principles of Nature , to encrease and confederate with that which in all things is most suitable and agreeable unto its Temper and Complexion .

And these secret and wonderful Operations cannot be performed any other way , but only by the five great Princes or compleat Governors , called Senses ; the Creator hath appointed each of them its province and government , who are always ready and on their Guard to defend the Tree of Life , that is , that nothing should be communicated to the Central parts of Nature that should be injurious or hurtful ; for no evil can be conveyed unto the Mind of Man , but only by the admittance of one of these Governors or Senses , as we have treated else where ; and therefore it is advisable not to keep bad Company , nor Communicate with any thing wherein the wrathful powers and grosser putrifactions have obtained the Ascendant , for no Person can withstand the secret Conveyances and Operations of Nature , every particular principle and quality goes constantly on in its own way , and doth its own work , and meddles not with its Neighbour ; each Sense judges of all things under and belonging to its own province , and is only capable of communicating them to the Microcosmical World .

It is likewise farther to be considered , that all or most of those Scents or sweet Smells that proceed from the Animals , are for the most part hurtful to the fine Spirits in Man , more especially when they are too near , as the Civet Cat , a rapacious Creature , and fiery by Kind , therefore that substance or matter called Musk , is nothing else but an Excrementitious matter , or the ●…ume or froth proceeding from a fierce , fiery , violent Natured Creature .

And for this cause , it is very offensive to all fine , tender Spirited Persons , Use and Custom makes it familiar to most , there being no other reason to be given for its Vertues , but only that it is the dearest of Stinks ; and if Hogs Dung were as scarce , its probable it might be as much in esteem , for the Creature is much fiercer than a Hog , and the Houses where they are kept are many degrees more offensive , and we are not mistaken , if we should affirm , that Hogs Dung is a better perfume , and less offensive to Nature .

It is likewise to be considered , that the evil Scents and Smells that doth arise and proceed from each particular Creatures Excrements or Putrifaction , are more offensive to themselves than the evil Smells and Scents proceeding from Animals of another Kind , that is , evil Smells or Scents that arises from the Dung of Horses , and putrified matter in close Stables , is not only offensive , but takes off their Stomachs from their Meat , and infects them with sundry Difeases .

The like is to be understood of Sheep . For Example , if they are Folded or Penn'd up too close for several nights in a place , the Scent or Smell of their Excrement being conveyed by that great Governor , the Sense of Smelling , to the Central parts , doth infect the Blood and all the Humors , with a hot Mangy Disease , called by the Learned Shepherds the Scab or Mange .

Now , notwithstanding these Folds lye open and exposed to the Heavenly Dews and Influences of the Air , nevertheless the Scent or Smell of their own Excrements are so prejudicial to them .

Now if Sheep were to be Folded or Penn'd up where Cows or Horses had been put , their Excrements or Dung would not have had any such operation or influence on their Humors .

The very same is to be understood of all other Animals , and more particularly in the Human Nature ; the Scents and Smells that do arise and proceed from our own Excrements , or any other Uncleannesses , are much more offensive and prejudicial to the Health , both of the Body and Mind , than such as proceed from the Excrements of other Animals or Things : This is evident by all Mens Experience , and therefore the Great Creator and preserving Power of the Lord hath endued most or all under-graduated Creatures , with an innate Wisdom and self preserving Cleanness , far exceeding Mankind ; which is very wonderful , and doth manifest the great Wisdom of the All-wise Creator .

Therefore it doth plainly appear that all kinds of Uncleanness contradicts the whole course of Nature . and in the highest degree opposeth Gods Law , and is a true Signal of Mans Degeneration from the Holy Unity he was made to live in and under ; for all evil Smells proceed from Uncleanness , and from the same Root doth arise all Plagues and Epidemical Distempers ; and for this cause , when any Person shall happen to be in places where evil Smells and Scents are , or where Epidemical Diseases reign , not to suffer the Air in whose Body those poysonous qualities dwell , called gross or foul Smells , to touch that curious part called the Sense of Smelling , which Governor or Prince keeps his Court of Guard between the Nose and Brain , but by opening your Mouth and sending it out the same way , any Person may in a great degree avoid the evils that come by gross Scents and Smells , for the magick , inward or secret powers and properties of Nature cannot be roused up , awakened or penetrated into , nor the Vices nor Virtues of things conveyed to them , but only by the five grand Councellors or Governors the Senses , each cayrying and communicating all things belonging to its Province so that the evil Air , Smell or Scent that doth not touch the Sense of Smelling , but passes in and out without the license and admittance of the Smelling , is not capable to do so much injury as otherwise , for none of the other four Senses can open the Gates either of Virtueor Vice , or of any thing but what belongs to its own Province , as is mentioned before ; so that it is clear , that evil Scents and Smells are less hurtful that are breathed in and sent out by way of the Mouth , without , or unknown to the Sense of Smelling , which●… method doth free the Brain from many great evils and inconveniences , which a little custom will make very easie and familiar , so that any Person may pass through or be in stinking places as it were , unhurt , and at the same time avoid the displeasure of an evil Scent or Smell , which doth not as is mentioned before , hurt the Health ; but when such Airs are conveyed to the Sense of Smelling , then it hath its evil influences on the Spirits .

And therefore all Persons that are accustomed to stinking places , and are of Trades that communicate with the putrifactions that proceed from fierceness and violence , exercised by Mankind on their Fellow Animals or Creatures , become dull , foul and gross , and this curious , and as it were Divine Sense , loseth its distinguishing property ; and such Persons are by these and the like Communications , made and altered in their very Radix , so that most of them appear in another Form and Complexion : If this were not so , a Tallow-Chandlers Melting-house , and Butchers Slaughter-houses , and the dark , gross , stinking Smells , and the thick , dreadful Fumes thereof , could never be made familiar .

Every Spiritual Power carries in its Bosom a natural Key , that can with the greatest facility imaginable , open all the secret Doors and Passages of its own Principle and Quality , by which Secret , or as it were , unknown Operation , Mankind is changed , either for the better or for the worse , all according to the nature and ruling Property or Complexion of those things they work in , or communicate with , so that most or all Men , immerse or plunge themselves into many great Troubles , Vexations and Miseries ; and all for want of Understanding and distinguishing the variety of those Forms and Principles they are made and compounded of , which is the highest degree of Depravation , and a Calamity much to be Lamented ; for what evil is greater than for any person to lessen the true use , and to be ignorant of himself , and consequently is blind and ignorant of all other things ? for true understanding and distinguishing takes its Birth within his own Circle , he being an Epitome of the whole Creation , and of the variety of all the wonderful Beings therein contained , that is the Original and Grand Principles and Fountain-spirits are Essentially in him , and he is the very Thing , or else Man could not contain the true Nature and Property of all visible and invisible Powers , or obtain the name of being truly stiled or called the Likeness and Image of the Great Creator , who is All , in and through All.

Now , Scents and Smells that do advance Health and preserve the finer Spirits , both Externally and Internally , are as followeth , ( viz. )

Of all Scents and Smells , clean , sweet Airs , such as are free from the Commu●… , the crouds of Men , and more particularly those by running Rivers and hilly dry Fields , that lies or joins to them , where Flowers , Trees , and various sorts of fragrant Herbs send forth their most pleasant and oderiferous Scents and Smells , which do incorporate with the fine Spirits of the Air , and by the thinner Fumes proceeding from the Powers of the Element of Water , impregnate or endue such Airs with a powerful and penetrating Virtue , which Persons do find by Experiencing a lively Briskness , and sharp Appetite .

The like is to be understood in all moist Seasons , provided there be not too much Rain , but moderate , which when the moisture is temperate , doth with its natural Key , gently and softly open the inward and secret Gates of each thing , freeing the finer Spirits , so that they are thereby on the Wing , rendring them capable to incorporate with the common Air , impregnating it with its fine refreshing Virtues ; the truth of this all Persons do find , when Exercised in the open Air in such Seasons , and therefore all such as are troubled with , or subject to any kind of Obstructions of the Breast , or to Languishing , Consumptive Diseases , may be relieved , and the Diseases in a great degree remedied by a constant Exercise of Walking , and the like , by River-sides , or in such Seasons , or whether the Air , being the most sublimest of Elements , and as it were the true Original of Life , and therefore the finener and more free it is from Defilements , the greater are the administring Virtues and Powers , both to the Health of the Body and Mind , the Magick Spirits and invisible Powers are the true and original Life of all Bodies , according to the fineness , thinness and unity of the Spirit .

And so on the contrary , such is its Body , and it hath its Form , Figures and Qualifications from thence , and the Element of Air being the finenest and thinest of all others , as was mentioned before , so the inward Virtue and Spiritual Powers thereof are in proportion , more especially when it is defiled by Uncleanness , chiefly such as proceed from the Putrifaction of the Animal Kingdom , which is the grossest and more pernicious than any that proceed from the Vegetables , more particularly from Slaughtered Beasts ; likewise the Airs of Gardens and Fields , where Flowers and Herbs of various kinds grow , are filled with the sweet odoriferous Virtues and Fumes of them , and such places are thereby made very pleasant , healthy and wholsome .

Now , the best Perfumes and Sweets , are such that grow in our own Climate , and under the Elevation and Influences of our own Stars and Elements , all being most agreeable to our Constitutitutions ; some being more suitable , having a nearer Affinity to one Person than to another , even as it is in Eatables or Foods , the Complexions of Smells or Scents are as various , and there is as great a variety in them as there is in Complexions , Forms and Inclinations of Mankind , by which means all Scents and Smells are agreeable to one or another , and disagreeable to others , all according to the degrees of the Sal Nitral Virtues or Magick Spirits , so that what is a pleasant , delightful Smell to one , is a distasteful , unpleasant Scent to another , which is only to be understood in the Vegetable World , and not in the Animal , all is gross there , and it is very rare , that their Slaughtered Limbs do send forth Scents that are pleasant , except to such as have their Senses depraved by the Use and Communication of gross things , for the Scent or Smell of the best Flesh or Fish when prepared by Fire , which opens all the Body , and sends forth the inward Virtues , as one may call it , are strong and fulsome , except to those , as was mentioned before , who are used to the eating of them , whose Spirits and Bodies are daily made , subsist , and are continued by them ; but to others , who do Live on cleaner Foods , their Smells and Scents are no better than a strong , stinking Fume or Vapour , more especially when the Housewife or Cook hath not Judgement , or doth not distinguish the Operation of things , and the Method of preserving the Spirits , and the contrary , which is very rarely done by Preparers of Foods .

And it is to be noted , that as all or most of the Animals , and the Foods made thereof , do naturally send forth gross , loathsom Smells , Scents and Fumes ; so on the contrary , all or most of the Vegetables do as naturally breath forth sweet , pleasant , delightful Smells ; more especially all Eatables , and many other of most delicate and fragrant Scents ; therefore they have been called by the Honourable Name of Angelical Food , not only from their Fragrancy but Innocency of Birth and harmless Operation , both on the Body and Spirits , Cleanness and Fragrancy being two of the most valuable Virtues , which Uncleanness and Depravity have almost Banished out of the World ; now Herbs that are pleasant , and their Smells or Fumes most healthy , are these , ( viz. ) Southern-wood , Hysop , Tyme , and Mother of Tyme , Winter-savory , Mint , Penny-royal , Sage , Bawm , and several other Sweets , but these are the principal ; the next Sweets are Flowers , some of the material are as followeth , Pinks , Gilly-flowers of several sorts , Carnations , Jessemy , &c. likewise a great number of Field Flowers , which are less sweet , but more Virtuous , as to the Fumes sent forth into the Air , as the Blossoms of several sorts of Grains and Fruit-trees , which do fill or impregnate the Air with odoriferous Fumes .

There are likewise several other sorts of Herbs , whose Smells and Scents are very delightful to some and healthful to all , as Tansy , Worm-wood , Featherfew , and all other bitter Herbs that grow in Gardens , and also in the Fields and Commons , their Fumes and Scents are sharp , strong and penetrating , amongst whom Rosemary is one of the most valuable , for its noble and lively Virtues , the Fumes of those Herbs do naturally move all kinds of Obstructions , for the bitter Quality is the Root of all Motion , and in what Creature or Herb soever it is temperate , then it is the true moving , boiling Power , and the pleasure of Life , and cause of Joy : For this Cause Bitter Herbs are of great Use in Medicines , and their Scents and Fumes are in proportion : This bitter Quality is the only and principal Friend to the Sweets , for the Bitter or Mars doth so mightily love Venus , that wheresoever the Bitter Quality meets with the Sweet , it hugs it close and keeps it from turning Sharp or Acid ; for this Cause bitter Herbs , as Hops , &c. are added and put into Beer , that the Sweet or Spiritual Virtues might not too quickly turn sour or sharp ; Physicians have likewise prescribed Potions made of bitter Herbs , to moderate or check the Acidity or Sharp Humor in the Stomach , occasioned by the eating of so great quantities of Fat , sweet Foods and strong Drinks , for there is nothing known in Nature that doth allay , and as it were captivate the fierce , hot Fumes of Mars , as the sweet Balsamick Water of Venus , or the sweet Quality .

For this Cause bitter things are mixed or compounded with our Foods , more especially with the sweet or oily Body , and it is for those Reasons , that the Cacao-nut being made into a Food , proves so universally grateful and agreeable to most Stomachs , which doth chiefly proceed from the Sal Nitral Oils and bitter Quality , which Qualifications do render it in the Stomach of easy Separation and Concoction , far exceeding all the Oils of other Nuts , and likewise of Olives and Almonds , besides the Oil of Cacao-nuts is so equally mixed and graduated with the bitter Quality , that thereby it becomes dissolvable , and will by the heat of Fire melt into a mass or pappy Substance , and not become rank , as the Oil of all other Nuts and Things will , just as though God and his Hand maid Nature had endued this noted Plant and Fruit , with all the united Virtues of the Vegetable Kingdom ; and though this Spoon-meat , called Chocolate , will not agree with some Stomachs , the occasion thereof is not in the Nut , but either in the Depravity or Foulness of the Stomach , or in the things it is compounded of , ( viz. ) Sugar , Spice , Milk and Eggs , there being hardly any Spoon-meat or Pottage ( excepting our thin Water-gruel ) that will so soon collect and beget so strong and sharp an Appetite , as Chocolate made without any thing compounded with it , but only made with the entire Nut and Water , it being one of the most easiest and cleanfing Spoon-meats that is or can be procured ; it is not only easy of Digestion of its self , but a small Dish after any sort of Food or temperate Meal , will not only advance the Concoction , but make all easy and lightsome , which doth declare the excellency of its Nature and equality of its parts ; and we do affirm from good Grounds and sufficient Reasons in Nature , that there is hardly any Foreign Fruit or Ingredients that come into England , or any of the European Countries , that is so Homogenial as this Nut , though this Nation hath no necessity either for this or any other , our own Climate and Country furnishing us with all things necessary , both for Food and Physick , Praised be the Great Creator of all Beings .

Now it is likewise farther to be noted , that strong Scents or Smells of all fragrant Herbs , Flowers , Seeds and Grains , or Drugs and Spices do best supply and furnish Nature with their Virtues and Excellencies at some convenient distance , for this noble Sense of Smelling is so Sublime , that near and strong Scents are apt to overcome , and as it were glut it , that it becomes rather a displeasure , and hurtful , than a pleasure to Nature ; all the Senses are liable to be overcome and glutted , as well as the Palate and Stomach , though the Gluttony of the other four Senses doth rarely prove so hurtful or injurious , as that of Tasting , or the Palate .

Sir , I could enlarge upon this Subject , but have here inserted what is needful at present , from

Your assured Friend to Command , T. T.

LETTER XXV . Of PREDESTINATION . SIR ,

IAm very much concern'd at the Intelligence your last kind Letter gives me , in reference to your great disorder about the Consideration of that much Controverted Point of Predestination , which hath , doth , and will occasion great Troubles , as well as Disunion among the Christians ; the end of which never can be expected , till Men arrive to a better Understanding .

THAT Blindness in this Point hath done unspeakable Mischiefs to Mankind , will evidently appear by what follows ; but by God's Blessing , a Medicine may be administred that may in some measure , if not totally , satisfy your longing Desires after Truth in this Case .

You must therefore know , that God , without Nature and Creature , is an Incomprehensible , Unfathomable , Eternal Being ; and therefore the Learned Moses saith , that God made all material Things of Nothing ; and this Nothing is the Eternal Unity and the highest Good , even that very Power that preserveth all material Being .

Now , this Unfathomable , Eternal Being , could , neither doth design any thing unlike himself , because he is the All in Time and Eternity , being the Father of all Creatures , whither Corporeal or Incorporeal , the everlasting Power and Mind , the one only Eternal Will , which willeth nothing but Good .

And when this Unity or Eternal Power had a mind to cloath the various Spiritual Powers with Corporeal Matter or Forms , then the invisible Powers , Principles and Qualities , by the Energy of the one only Eternal Father , attracked proportionate Matter for their Body or Cloathing , and as the Salnitral Spiritual Powers of the Lord stood in their degrees , such were their Forms and Figures , Dispositions and Inclinations ; and hence all the varieties of visible Beings arise , and it is , as was said before , impossible for the only Creator of all things , to will any thing contrary to himself , being All in All , from Eternity to Eternity , and it 's for this Reason , that all things do so vehemently long after God , their Original , all Creatures being the Image of him that made them .

But the nearer any Creature arives to the Unity , the highest Good , the more Virtuous , Beautiful and Happy is that Creature , exceeding all those Creatures standing more at a distance , and obtains a Name accordingly .

All things are in pain , seeking and groaning with the highest Desire , to obtain the Eternal Unity , not being capable of Rest , till they are swallowed up in it .

And all the Spiritual Powers , by which every Creature is preserved and sustained , have an Eternal Original , and are so many Branches of the Incomprehensible Unity , which is the Cause that all Creatures , that are Sensitive , desire to Live for ever , and the regard every one hath to preserve his Body , though intolerable Pains are always about it , is a sufficient Evidence of this Truth .

The same thing is Essential to Brutes , who dread the Shock of Violence , and tremble at the Instruments of their Dissolution , which proceeds from the Spirits , and not from the Body and Desire of Life . Wherefore it must be the highest Will , to violate the Unity by puting a Period to the Lives , either of ones own kind or the other Creatures , being the most spiteful Opposition to the Laws of God , Nature and Eternity .

But what can be said , or who can convince the great Ignorance and Blindness of Mankind ? This Evil is the effect of Man's Fall in the abuse of that noble Faculty , the free unbounded Will of Man given him alone by his Creator , which he should have used to the Glory of God , the Preservation of himself , and the whole Creation : But he forthwith introduced this Will into Self-hood , broke the Unity and destroyed the Concord of his own Composition , which was the true Image of God , and an Epitome of the whole Creation .

Here came in that Noxious Opinion of Predestination , that never could have found a room in Man , but by his falling from the Unity into Discord ; the Operations of the divided Forms , Qualities and Principles , which is the true Birth of Reprobation and Predestination , as is now held and maintained by some among us : But 't is evident , that God hath given Man a free Will , or his Reason , by which he surmounts Brutes , had been of no use to him ; 't is this noble Faculty , by which he is capable of knowing God and all his Greatures , and preserve it from Error ; God hath given his Law in Nature , and revealed Will , whereby he is made capable of discerning , whenever his Desires and Powers may exceed their Limits .

Had God before the Creation , absolutely Predestinated Mankind , he could not have varied from it , but have stood in that Law , even as the Beasts and all other under-Graduates do , for they cannot break that Law , as is very plain ; for did they know their Powers , it were impossible for Man to Rule and Guide them , and much less , being so Impotent , for him to Oppress and Destroy them so many ways as he doth .

Hence it is evident , that Man is Free Will , by which he Transcends all other Visible Creatures , is become his greatest Curse , having thereby broke the Unity , and defaced the beautiful Image of the Great God , by suffering his Will to enter into Discord , and his Election depends on himself , being accountable for all his Evils and Misfortunes . For the Eternal Father of all things is always ready with open Arms , to receive all that are willing to hear and observe the Laws and Dictates of the Voice of Wisdom .

Are not all the Works of the Creator like himself , and we his Children endued with Principles , Qualifications and Dispositions from himself : We indeed vary by and through the Self-hood , but God is eternally equal in all his Methods , causing the Glorious Eye of the World , the Sun , and all the Fructifying Dews of Heaven , with the sweet Influence of the Caelestial Bodies , to fall proportionately on all : One Man's Field is not Predestinated to the continual scorching Beams of the Sun , and at the same time his Neighbour's to be Drown'd with Floods and Inundations of Water : No , the Eternal Fountain of Beings hands forth his Spiritual and Temporal Blessings without respect of Persons , having equal regard to the meanest and most Noble of his Creatures , none having any Character or defending Power beyond another , to protect him from the wrath of the Elements , Sickness or Death , which made the Wise King Solomon say that one Event happened to the Wise man and the Fool.

Now , had the Almighty Being , like some unequal Tyrant , or unrighteous Prince , made and appointed some of his Sons and Daughters to Eternal Misery after this Life , and others to all imaginable Happiness , he would never have given Laws whereby Man might govern his Will ; and all Preaching and Teaching had been vain , and as ineffectual as to Beasts , who live in their limits that is set them ; and as they do not particularly call any thing their property , so they freely possess and use what Nature sets before them .

Nothing is more impious and contradictory to God , than this Opinion and wicked Imagination , making the most Merciful , Righteous and Just God , the Maker and Preserver of all things , the Original cause of Evil.

Every Man becomes predestinated to good or evil in this World , and the World to come , as he introduceth his Will or Desires into good or evil , it being in the power of each Principle and Quality to predestinate and lead all those that are entred into it according to its power , either into good or evil : For Instance , the Son Disobeys his Father and Mother , takes to the High-way to Kill , Rob , &c. and continuing in this Method , the wrathful , fierce Principle and Quality rules over him , an●… will most assuredly predestinate him to Destruction .

Therefore , my Friend , turn the Eye of your Understanding inwards , all the Wonders and Mysteries of God's Nature are within you , you are the Thing your Self , and if with Fervor and Devotion you wait at Wisdoms Altar , you will quickly feel the Grace and Holy Power , the Glorious Light of the Son of God arising in you , and teaching you such harmless , innocent Methods of Life and Love , that will lead you into the Unity , and convince you , that as God is One and undivided , having equal respect to all the Sons and Daughters of Men , and whensoever the Harmony is broken , it proceeds from our selves , and not from God's Predestinating us ; and this take to be a sufficient Answer , and I hope it may be as aparent to you as it is evident to ,

Your Faithful Friend , T. T.

LETTER XXVI . Of DEATH . SIR ,

〈◊〉 ●…ceived yours , and take notice of the Contents , and in particul●… , 〈◊〉 of your unvulgar Philosophical Question , ( viz. ) You desire to know 〈◊〉 Original Cause and Grand Reason , wherefore every Sensitive 〈◊〉 under Heaven , doth with great earnestness desire to Live for Ever 〈◊〉 on the other side fear and dread nothing so much as any kind of 〈◊〉 or Violence that may tend towards the putting a Period to the ●…fe .

MY Friend , all the wonderful and amazing varieties of created Beings and Creatures in this Visible World , which are beyond all Humane Numbers , have all proceeded and sprung from an Eternal Original , and are an Epitome or Image of the 〈◊〉 and Incorporeal Worlds and Principles ; and these manifested Powers do contain the true Nature and Property of the Internal Worlds o●… Spiritual Beings ; for every particular or spe●… Body or Thing , doth in its Signature and Complexion , carry that Eternal Stamp or Character it was Sealed with from Eternity , or before it was separated from the Great Fountain of 〈◊〉 Unity .

Now , it is to be noted and considered , that the great and 〈◊〉 Powers , and variety of the invisible Spiritual Beings , did , do , and ever will long and desire to be made manifest , that is , to be known to its self , which cannot be any other way , but by being cloathed with a Corporeal Body , for a Spirit , or an In●…e Power cannot become Individual , if it be not cloathed with a suitable Body , they being like a Circle , in which all the Spiritual invisible Principles and Powers do act and become ●…nown to themselves , and thereby be made capable of Joy , Ho●… , Fear and Sorrow .

It is likewise to be understood , as was before mentioned , that the Spirit of each Creature is before the Body , and the Desire the Cause and Original thereof ; and as the Learned Apostle Paul saith , the Body is Dead without the Spirit , and 〈◊〉 Spirit is not , nor cannot be known to its self , nor Enjoy or S●…fer without the Body ; and every particular Creature or Being is endued with all the Principles , Properties and Qualities of the Eternal Father or Invisible Fountain of Unity , and are all the true and natural Sons thereof ; and therefore each Sensitive Creature doth from an Innate Disposition and Spiritual Inclination desire to be like its Father that hath Begotten it ; for the Son doth contain the true Nature and Properties of the Father ; and therefore not only Man , but all other inferiour Creatures are the Likeness and Image of him , from whence they proceed and had their Birth , each according to its Kind and Graduation ; and as the Original Forms and Powers were more equal or unequal , inferior or superior , whence proceed the great and wonderful variety of visible Creatures , both in the Animal , Vegitable and Mineral Kingdoms in this World ; for accordi●… 〈◊〉 the degrees , equality and inequality of the Spiritual Qua●… and Powers ; such were the Desires , which did naturally 〈◊〉 vehemently attract a proportionable Matter out of all thi●… for a Covering our Body ; and that Sal Nitral or Spiritual Po●… and Virtue , that did Predominate or had the Ascendant , Sig●… the Body with a Character , and the Inclinations , Dispositio●… , Shapes , Figures and Forms were accordingly , so that the ●…dation of the variety of Bodies and Complexions proceed 〈◊〉 the degrees of the Invisible or Spiritual Powers .

And for this Cause it is no wonder , that every Creature 〈◊〉 hath obtained that high degree of Sensation , and is thereby ca●…le of enjoying or suffering either Pleasure or Pain , 〈◊〉 with the highest diligence endeavour to avoid all Violence ▪ 〈◊〉 and Death , and desire to Live for Ever , seeing that 〈◊〉 sprung from the eternal and unsearchable Fountain of Unity , for every Creatures Actions , Inclinations and Desires are all ●…cording to the Composition of the Spiritual Properties and 〈◊〉 lities , all which have an eternal Original , whence the great 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Desire in all Creatures do spring and arise of Living 〈◊〉 Ever ; and notwithstanding the Inferiors have no cause of Dread , nor Sense on them of any World , or being after this , either Good or Evil , nevertheless they fear and dread all kinds of ●…rt , Violence , Oppression , and consequently shun and avoid ●…th with as much Cunning and Wisdom as Men , and do 〈◊〉 the highest Diligence , Industry and Prudence endeavour to ●…serve themselves and Off-spring , nay , they rather exceed 〈◊〉 ; besides , they have not transgressed their natural Law , and ●…fore they cannot be oppressed with any fear of Pain or Sor●… after this Life , but the Original of all fear of Hurt , Violence 〈◊〉 Death , doth proceed from the Spirit or Spiritual Powers , 〈◊〉 hath cloathed or incircled themselves in Matter or Corpo●… Bodies , which the Spiritual Properties and Powers would preserve and keep as an Habitation for Ever , for by means of 〈◊〉 Corporeal Body or Matter , the variety of the Spiritual Pro●…ties are encircled , and so become a Self-subsisting Creature , known to its self , as was mentioned before , and is thereby ren●…ed capable both of Pain and Pleasure , Joy or Sorrow ; for that which is Eternal doth naturally desire what is like it self , 〈◊〉 therefore those Spiritual Beings and Powers that have the like motion and Sensation of all Creatures , cannot by all the ●…ning Rhetorick in the World , be perswaded on any account , o●… be made willing to Die or be separated from their Bodies , 〈◊〉 nothing is able to abliterate those Inclinations , Dispositions and Qualifications of the Spiritual Powers cloathed with material Bodies , they received from the Grand or Eternal Fountain the Father and Creator of all Beings ; so that the natural Disposition 〈◊〉 Desire of all Sensitive Creatures , is to preserve their Bodies 〈◊〉 Ever , which is like themselves , and according to their Ori●…al Natures , for no Spiritual Power can 〈◊〉 contrary to its 〈◊〉 and its Original Fountain or Father , that Made or Created it .

And for this Cause the Under-graduates do all of them fear and dread Hurt , Violence and Oppression , or any thing that seems to tend to put a Period to their Lives , as the like Actions 〈◊〉 Mankind , and much more , if it be possible , for as they know 〈◊〉 Hurt , nor do no Injury to their Knowledge , but Live within the Limits of the Law their Creator prescribed them .

For this Cause all or most of the inferior Creatures do fear all kinds of Violence more than Mankind , for the more harmless and innocent any Creature is , the greater is the Opposition between the Species of Hurtfulness and Violence , so that the Crea●… Fears and Calamities are thereby encreased , and all Op●… is the harder to be undergone .

For this Cause , the more innocent a Creature is , the greater 〈◊〉 and Evil it is to Oppress that Creature , and therefore Man's Violence , Oppression and Killing the Beasts , is an extraordinary Evil and Sin against God and his Law , for Killing stands in eternal Opposition to the Creating Power of God , which proceeds from Eternity to Eternity , and this Eternal Spiritual preserving Power being the compleat Life and Essential Being of all Creatures ; whence proceeds and springs an eternal desire of Life , or to Live for Ever , according to its Innate Nature , so that it is the greatest Sin that can be committed against that wonderful Mystery and Creating Power of God , as being most opposite , not only to the Creation , but also to all the Eternal Spiritual Powers that are cloathed with material Bodies ; for the true Life , Power , Motion and Actions of all visible Bodies ●…esides in the Spirits , which hath an eternal Original , as was mentioned before , and therefore not willing to be oppressed , hurt , o●… to have its Body any way destroyed , for the Body is the S●…rits natural Right , and will not part with it , unless necessity compe●…s .

And for these Reasons the highest Evil and Punishment that can be done to Mankind , is to put a Period to Life , and therefore the Laws of most Countries do not indict or compel Me●… to Die , but only on the committing of great Evils : The continuation of Life is strangel●… precious in the Central Qualities and Spiritual Powers of every Corporeal Creature ; and will not Man choose a miserable , troubled , labo●…ious Life of Vexation , rather than a short and easy Death ? and this Desire and earnest Inclination to continue a miserable Life , doth not only proceed and arise from the sense Men have of Sin and the breaking of God's Law , for which eternal Punishment is threatned , though this seems to be sufficient cause to be the Root of each Man's fear of Death , which doth not consist in his Transgressions , but from that eternal Life and invisible Spiritual Power , that supports and dwells in the Body , which in all Creatures doth with the highest diligence imitate that Fountain from whence it proceeds .

〈◊〉 it is not to be doubted , that if a number of Men should be Educated and 〈◊〉 up , and under Custom and Meth●… that did not teach 〈◊〉 believe the Immortality of the So●… 〈◊〉 Rewards for Virtu●… nor Punishments for Vice ; neverthel●… the fear and dread of all Violence , Oppression and Death would be the same as now it i●… , and with other Creatures ; for God's eternal Laws in Nature are the same yesterday , to day and for ever , or from Eternity to Eternity ; and Man makes Laws and imitates Customs that are varied and changed out of Evil into Good , and out of Good into Evil ; but God's Law and 〈◊〉 in all the Operations of the Spiritual Powers , are in a cons●… fix'd Method ; and it is clear , that the greatest Evil and 〈◊〉 thing that can be done to Man or any other sensible Creature , is to put a Period to the Life before it hath obtained its highest Limit ; and this sort of Violence doth in all its Circumstances Diametrically oppose the Creating , and likewise the Preserving Power of God , and the greatest breach of Unity .

Now , that which will make Death and the Thoughts thereof easiest , is a clean , harmless , sober , temperate and innocent Life , Living within the Compass and Bounds of God's Law , that is , to do unto the whole Creation and Creatures as a Man would be done unto ; and if this was done , nevertheless every one would Live eternally in this World , if they could , because the Spirit , which is the Life of the Body , hath an eternal Original , and would be cloathed with a proportionable Body , for no Spirit nor Spiritual Power can be known to it self , or be a Self-subsisting Individual Creature , or be capable of Joy or Sorrow , neither in this World , nor in that which is to come , if it be not comprehended within the Circle of a Body ; and therefore the Philosophical Apostle Paul tells us , that if the Dead rise not , or if there be no Resurrection , that is new Bodies , they were the most miserable of all Creatures , which is as if he had said , that if after the Death of these Mortal Bodies , if the Eternal Spirit or Immortal Soul did not obtain or cloath it self with a suitable Body , that is an Immortal one , then their Works and good Deeds could not follow them , neither could the Holy Men and Saints be capable of enjoying those eternal Blessings promised to all those that observe the Laws of their Creator , and keep his Commandments ; for if there be no new Bodies , then the Soul and all the Spiritual Powers that circled and dwelt in this gross Body must of necessity at Death mingle themselves into and with the eternal Fountain , and thereby be eternally Annihilated , ●…s to Individuality , or of being known to it self , and consequently not capable either of Joy or Sorrow : And note , that according to the Disposition and Complexion of the Spiritual Powers , such Bodies they are cloathed with , and therefore it is not to be doubted , but that every Man in the World to come shall be cloathed or obtain a suitable Body , proportionable to the Spirit and Soul , and such as in the time of the Body did freely immerse and enter into all kinds of Fierceness and Violence , Killing those of their own kind , and all under-graduated Creatures , their new Bodies shall obtain a Figure or Form in proportion .

And therefore the Scripture doth say and speak of the Heavenly City and Angelical Powers , without the Gates are Bears and Dogs , for the Spirit is the Original of the Body , and not the Body of the Spirit , and according to the Equality or Ine●…ality of the Spirit or Spiritual Powers ; such a Figure or Form that obtains , for the great and wonderful variety of Forms of Bodies and Figures of things , do arise and proceed from the variety of the Spirits and Spiritual Powers which could not have been manifested , but only by means of the Body , nor be known to themselves .

It is likewise further to be noted , that Death doth at once obliterate and put a period to the five great Princes or Councellors , called Senses ; in which , by and through whom , the living Powers and Spirits of Eternity do manage and transact all material things in this Visible World or Corporeal Body , and at the same time Buries them in the great Abyssal Mystery , separating the loving Husband from the affectionate and tender Wife , and all other visible things that are near and dear to the Senses and innate Affections ; and all that claims an interest to the outward Corporality , the sensitive Body and Spirit of this World , have a right unto , and are necessitated to plunge or leap into the grand Mystery of Eternity ; and that which doth increase and multiply the fear and dread thereof , and makes it so exceeding timerous to pass through or over this Sea into Eternity , is , First , Mens living and acting contrary to Gods innocent Laws of Nature , and the embracing of evil Customs and Traditions , most of which do diametrically oppose all the innocent uniform Powers and Laws of Concord , the ignorances thereof being the greatest evil in this World ; for it is almost impossible for any Person to obtain the Unity , if he doth not distinguish the Power of God in himself , and the Principles of his own Nature and Composition ; and for this cause , many of the Justest and best of Men that have no●… only been soberly and religiously inclined , but have as it were transacted all their Affairs with softness and equity , according to the settled Religion and Custom of the Nation and Place they are Educated in ; nevertheless those great and unnatural Evils , Violences and Oppressions , most or all Nations commit against God and his Holy innocent Law , do so strong and powerfully spring and boil up in the center of Mans Soul , so soon as the Eternal Spiritual Powers do see and feel that their body or circle of Corporality shall be taken away , or they separated from them , 〈◊〉 there is a great and wonderful Consternation or Tumult , all the Centers , Powers and Principles being awakened , and as it were , grating or rubbing one against another , occasioning great Disorders and Agonys between the Nature , Spiritual Powers and Principles , all being unwilling to shift or quit their Body or natural ●…tation , and be put to seek a new one , and being as is mentioned before , altogether ignorant of ; then doth arise in the Center of the Soul various Accusations , of their not doing this or the other thing , or of some mis-spent time or neglect of the ●…mon Duty of going to Church , and the like ; which is often too true , but this great perplexity of the Spiritual Powers and Soul , is , Mans not living in any degree answerable to that great Law of God and innocent Method of Nature , but instead thereof have contented themselves to live in the Observations , Customs and Laws of Tyrannical Princes and Nations , which have Originally sprung from and been Midwifed into the World by the divided powers of Nature , Selfish Pride and Covetousness , and all under pretence of Vertue and Religion , which the poor ignorant , miserable People receive , believe , and will dye in the defence of those wicked Laws and Customs they are Educated and Taught in , which doth occasion the greatest number of Mankind , violently to run into the greatest Errors , and consequently into Discord and Disunity , which is as I have said before , the grand occasion of those Troubles and perplexing Agonies most Men experience on their Dying Beds ; for if Men Live in the practice of Violence , Fierceness and Oppression , be it either to their Kind , or Creatures of inferior Ranks , the Equality and Union of the Powers and Principles of God in a Mans Soul is thereby broken , whence doth arise and proceed those unheard of troubles many Thousands endure when the Soul and Spiritual Powers must leave and be separated from their Habitations or Bodies ; and therefore we would have every one understand this grand and most necessary Truth , ( viz. ) He that would Dye in Peace or in Unity , must endeavour by all the ways and methods imaginable , to transact his Life in Innocency , and being obedient unto the Voice of Wisdom or Divine Principle , ●…ch dwells in the Center of every Mans Soul , which is the true and powerful Advocate ; and is not only willing but able to unite all the Sons and Daughters of Wisdom and Innocency unto the Blessed Fountain of Benignity : Union with this great Original Being , is the only one thing that all Creatures , both Corporeal and Incorporeal ardently seek and groan after , because nothing but that can or is able to give Peace and Satisfaction ; so great and wonderful , precious and necessary is an harmless , innocent Life , it being the very Center of Peace and Eternal Tranquility , the Understanding and Living in and under the good powers and principles of Innocency , is both the pleasure of Time and the happiness of Eternity ; for Innocency wounds nothing , nor nothing that Union , being the Center not only of every Mans happiness and quiet , but the highest satisfaction of all other Creatures , which no Man can pretend to arrive at this Haven of Temporal and Eternal Bliss , but only by observing and living in Gods Law , in all the methods of Life , ( viz. ) in Eating , Drinking , Speaking , Wearing , Buying and Selling , avoiding all oppressions and violences both to Man and Beast , for it is impossible that any Person should see the Blessed State of Unity , whereas every day he greedily and exorbitantly sustains , maintains and continues his Life by the effects and fruits of Disunity and Violenc●… , daily and hourly offered to his fellow Creatures , many degrees more innocent and harmless than himself ; which miserable and melancholly condition of Man and his high and deep depravation , can never be retrieved or redeemed , so long as Mankind doth remain stupid , and altogether blind as to the understanding of Gods Law in themselves , and the particular Principles they are made and compounded of , and their respective Operations ; for nothing is more true , than he that doth not distinguish the birth of every Thought , Word and Work , and from what Fountains or Principles they proceed , is compelled to do all things by chance , Tradition and Custom they are his Projecters and Masters ; so that when Mankind comes to lye on a Dying Bed , the Senses and all the Corporeal Powers become impotent and melancholly , then most or all the actions of Life are as it were unaccountable unto the Soul and Spiritual Powers , which Spirits do as it were with a rapid motion , seek the cause of their Trouble and Disunion , but being ignorant of Gods innocent Law , they blame themselves for the neglect of some little or trivial matters , many of which had they performed , the Soul would have been as far from Satisfaction as otherwise ; and therefore to be ignorant of Gods Law in a Mans self , is the greatest evil , and brings on Mans Soul the greatest perplexity and trouble , whatever some may think or imagine to the contrary , for no Person hath any occasion to perplex and disquiet himself about what shall be his condition after Death , if he spends this little part of Eternity in the observation of Gods innocent Laws ; for what can molest or disturb that Person that hath troubled nor hurt nothing , but hath spent his few days in a calm , innocent method of Life and Unity ? And as Blindness , Depravity and Ignorance is the grand Inlet to all Violence , Oppression and Disunity , so it is the true Root of all fear , suspicion and desparation in the Souls and Spirits of Mankind ; and likewise at this door comes in all wicked , selfish , mistaken Notions , both in Religion and all other matters relating to the Soul ; for Mans Fall and deep degrees of Blindness and Depravation have divided and separated him from the true knowledge of his Maker , and also from the knowledge of the Mysteries , both of himself and all the uniform powers of Nature , which stupidity and ignorance doth powerfully enclose and shut him up in the circle of Darkness , having no certain knowledge , neither of the things that shall be transacted in Time nor Eternity ; and it is well it is so , seeing Mankind hath so violently and freely immersed his Will into this great Sea of Evil , that he doth not know or understand future events , and the sequel of things , which the All Wise Father , and ever Blessed Creat●… of all Beings hath wonderfully ordered ; for if Mankind were not limited as to the knowledge of future events of things , he would be in a far worse condition , and more miserable ; for should the Loving Mother foresee what Miseries and Calamities would befall her young and tender Child , what a Melancholly condition would this fore-knowledge bring on the Parents , whose affections is as their own Lives , the Son runs into the Armies of Princes , with a free undaunted Will , rendring himself liable to all the Miseries of Life , both in this World and that which is to come ; another Robs , Breaks Houses , Kills and Murders all that stands in his way or opposes his wicked practice , and at last is Condemned , and Hanged for his violent Crimes and furious Oppressions ; and an hundred other sorts and methods of Vice , both the Sons and Daughters of Mankind immerse themselves into ; for according to what Principles govern in each Stock or Tree ; such is the Fruits according to the common Proverb , for there is nothing more true than that Discord and Disunity begets and brings forth Children like themselves ; if the divided Forms and violent oppressive Customs and Principles have obtained the Government in the central Life of the Father and Mother , the Son or Fruit cannot but must partake and bear a Simile of its Parents , whence it proceeded ; for if the Foundation of any Creature be Evil , the end must centre in the same ; for most of the great Out-rages , Evils and Calamities that fall on and attend Mankind , do arise and proceed from his acting and living under the Government of the disunited and self-ful Principles and Powers of his own Composition , as was hinted before .

Therefore , that Man should have the Knowledge of future Events , either of this World or of that which is to come ; it would be a great addition of Evil and Misery to him , seeing he transacts the Affairs of his Life under the conduct of such violent evil Principles and mischievous Methods , Traditions and Customs : But if Mankind had but one grain of true Wisdom , and did see ever so little into themselves or own Magia , then a Man would easily guess what Events such violent , oppressive Methods of Life would produce and bring to pass , both in the Evil and also in the Good , for Nature and God's Law is always one and the same , and true for ever ; for every Principle and governing Quality begets and brings forth Children like it self , and endues them with all the Qualifications of the Father , both in Body and Mind , Soul and Spirit , and where he is willing to presage or promise unto himself or Posterity any Good , he must Live first and transact all the Methods of his Life in harmlessness and innocency , avoiding Violence and all sorts and kinds of Oppression , either to Man or Beast , using all the Creatures to a good end and purpose , and above all not to do or enter on any Action of Life without applying ourselves and taking the Advice of that Divine Power , Principle and Advocate that dwells in the Centre of every Man's Soul , whose Rule and Prescriptions , if obeyed , will render our present Momentary Lives comfortable , and Dying-Beds easy , and our future State most Happy .

My Dear Friend , I doubt not when we shall meet in the Heavenly Regions , but that we shall have a most undoubted Confirmation and Illustration of those Truths and wonderful Mysteries we have discoursed of in our Writings , which the Ages to come will have cause to Praise God for , who is the Giver of Gifts and the Revealer of Secrets to the Sons and Daughters of Wisdom , from whom this Knowledge hath proceeded ; which undoubtedly in future Times will draw many into the innocent Method of God's Law , which , if Mankind Lived in , would quickly ease the Soul of that great dread and fear of what shall happen after Death ; for nothing can hurt or perplex that Soul that hath lived a harmless Life , neither in Time nor Eternity , all Dread , Fear and Srrrow comes in at the Door of Violence and Hurtfulness , as also our not governing our selves nor the Creatures , according to the Right of Nature , and the one only Original Law ; and this great violent , tormenting Monster doth first take its Birth in Man's Meats , Drinks , Exercises and Employments , Words and Works are the Fruits that are generated from the central Powers and natural Spirits , so that those evil Principles and Qualities are conveyed from one Generation to another , the Children being Essentially endued with all the Principles , Dispositions and Qualifications of the Father ; and that which makes another considerable addition to those Grand Fountains of Evil , Violence and the breaking of God's Holy Union , is the evil and preposterous Education of our Children , and the wicked Examples and Precedents of Fathers , Mothers , and all concerned in Bringing them up , so that what evil Qualifications are wanting in the Seed , are made up and compleated in their Education , which hath and doth take such deep root , that every Generation are more and more Wicked , notwithstanding the continual Preaching , Teaching and Admonishing of the Clergy of all sorts , and their threatning the Evil-doers with eternal Damnation , and Happiness to those that do well , and the Severity of the Magistrates too ; nevertheless all will not do , because Precedents , Examples , and the continual practise of all Violence and Wickedness do take deeper root , and make far greater Impression than Words and Precepts : What great matter can be expected for Men to hear two or three hours Discourse of the excellency of Virtue , and at the same time , both Teachers as well as the Hearers do practise Evil and Violence all the Week ?

Now , when these things are understood and well considered , how is it possible , that Mankind can arrive at the Haven or Port of Rest ? or what satisfaction can that Soul have , whose Methods of Life hath been in opposition to true Innocency and Virtue , having lived and acted by and under all selfish , violent and tyranical Spirits and Customs ? and though many of them be tolerated by Religion , Laws and Tradition , as those supream and highest Evils are , ( viz. ) The Oppression , and Killing those of our own kind , and all the rest of the innocent Inhabitants of Heaven and Earth , and Eating their Flesh too ; those violent Practises of Life the poor Soul can never excuse it self of or get over at the hour of Death , when all the Natural or Spiritual Powers must be separated , and the Soul left Naked to its Works , which attracts a new Body to cloath it self with ; there can be no true satisfaction or content in that Soul that hath lived in Oppression , and whose daily Practise hath been to break the Union , both in himself and in all other things : The Customs of Nations , Laws of Princes and Ignorance , will not obliterate those Evils that diametrically oppose God's eternal Law , both of the Creation and his Divine Providence of Preservation , whence do arise in Mens Minds and Souls , in Sickness and at the hour of Death , great Horror , Trouble and Anxiety , and through Blindness and Ignorance do place the cause of their dissatisfaction on some inferior Evil , which they are guilty of too , as was mentioned before .

Therefore , he that would Live well and Die in Peace , must first know God , his Law , and himself ; secondly , do no Hurt , thirdly , do all the Good he can ; fourthly , Live and Sustain his Life with harmless and innocent Meats and Drinks ; fifthly , practise all innocent Employments ; sixthly , observe the Rules of Justice , Mercy and Clemency ; seventhly , to Educate their Children in all Submission , Honesty and Innocency , and give them no Examples of Evil , Violence or Oppression ; for in their tender Age the true and lasting Foundation of Unity , true Virtue , and innocent Methods of Government and Life are laid ; it being impossible for Mankind or any particular Person to act in a true and regular Method , in Inclinations , Words , Works and Employments ; if he be ignorant of God's central Law planted in himself , and the Qualities and Principles he is made and compounded of : If this great and necessary Knowledge be wanting , and not distinguished , this Secret and wonderful Mystery of our selves being not known , all Thoughts , Inclinations , Words and Works of Life , are either done by chance or proceed from selfish Evil , morose and wicked Principles , as every days woful Experience doth confirm ; as for Example , As Men and Women pass in the Street or elsewhere , if any Accidents of hurt , be it little or much , from one to another , though unawares or against their wills , nevertheless they send forth fierce , wrathful Words , all tending to promote Violence , as if the Centre of Hell was open , which evil Speeches do with a rapid motion join Forces , and raise up by Simile the like Properties in them to whom they are directed ; by this and the like , a Man may see without a Prospective Glass , what Principles most or all Men live in and are govern'd by , ( viz. ) Disunity and Deformity are most or all of our Children and Young People Educated under ; and such like wicked Methods are their Precedents and Examples , and these evil Seeds being Sown so early , they take such deep root , that in most Constitutions these evil Dispositions and voracious Inclinations can never be obliterated by all the Precepts in the World .

For this Cause the People in general of most or all Nations , continue as Wicked and as void of true Knowledge , Temperance , Sobriety and Piety as ever , nay , every Age makes an addition of new , and as it were unheard of Violences , Oppressions and Blasphemies 〈◊〉 the former , notwithstanding the Laws of Magistrates , to correct evil Manners , and the Admonition and Preaching of the Gospel , the Truth of this all Historys for many hundred years past confirm ; therefore this Degeneration of Man into all kinds of Evil cannot be remedied or cured by any of the Ways or Methods formerly or at this day practised , but by another Method of Life , ( viz. ) We must begin at the Root , that is , with that which makes Men , or is the Substance and Essentials of our Bodies and Spirits , clean , innocent Foods , and harmless Drinks , that our Children may proceed from an innocent Root , and be brought up in all harmless and innocent Methods of Life ; and above all , that they see nor communicate with nothing that is unclean , or contrary to Virtue , Sobriety and Unity , which will not only preserve Mankind from those gross Violences and Oppressions , but will lay a true and lasting Foundation , for their Posterity , for Virtue , Temperance , Order and Innocency , as also the Knowledge of God , which are like Arts , Trades and Sciences , best and surest planted in the young and tender Age of Children , that may easily be done then which cannot be at riper years , as we have largely demonstrated in our Book , entitled , A New Method of Educating of Children ; therefore in the Eastern Countries the great Zealous Pilgrims , and as it were unheard of Votaries in Religion , as well in false as true Notions , are all taught and impressed in Child-hood ; and by the constant Precedents and Examples of their Elders , together with the Traditions of their Fore-fathers and Custom of the Country they live in .

Now , upon the whole Matter , it doth appear as clear as the Sun at Noon-day , that most of the Methods and Actions of our Lives do diametrically oppose the eternal , creating and preserving Power of our Great Creator , and his Law of Innocency and Unity ; this being Matter of Fact , how then is it possible for Mankind to be contented or satisfied on a Dying-bed , when the Soul must be separated , not only from its Habitation , but also from all Coverings , Shelters , and all that is near and dear to it ? besides , there are several other great Evils that do mightily encrease the Anxiety and Trouble of a Dying Man , more especially to all sober Persons ; one of the most principal is , that they are obliged to leave their loving Wives and young tender Children and Relations , to be exposed to the infinite Hazzards , Calamities and Miseries of the wicked , ungodly , unthinking , blind and ignorant World , and that their Posterity must plunge themselves into the b●…se , gross , unclean , fierce , oppressive Customs ; Traditions , Methods and depraved Ways and Principles Mankind hath immersed himself into : The consideration of this , to any Thinking or Pious Person , must needs make a considerable Figure of Trouble , not only to a Dying Person , but also to those that enjoy perfect Health ; if a Man doth take a view of their particular Actions and Methods of Life , and then divide them into ten parts , there will certainly be found nine of them most miserable in this World , in one degree or another , whose mischievious , intemperate , unclean , violent Life doth also threaten them with eternal Trouble and Disquietness ; it is that ●…me when they read , they may at first sight marvel that we talk or discourse after this manner , but if they will but give themselves leasure , to think , consider and look and examine all the various Actions , Methods , Practises and Employments Mankind subjects himself unto , then he will find it true ; first consider the great numbers that follow Drums and Trumpets in the Wars of Princes , and the violent Employments that depends thereon , and this great number are a●… it were the Heart of a Nation , ( viz. ) The Youth in the Prime or f●…l Strength , next to these the Sons of Violence and Oppression are the Mobb or common People , which are as great in number , as wicked , and hardly one degree lower graduated in all Acts of Intemperance , Uncleanness , Violence and Discord than the former ; they want no Furniture to compleat them in the Acts of Mischief , but in the Word of Command or Power , as is clearly manifested , when Changes or Accidents in the Government of Cities , Nations and Countries , are not the great Multit●…e in a moment fitted and prepared for all ●…apin and Spoil , as though they had been trained up and taught the Arts of Violence from their Childhood ? which doth sufficiently demonstrate what Principles and Methods of Life they are Educated in , and what Matter , Seed and Ground they proceed from ; the next sort are the middle People , and how many of them are of violent , oppressive Principles , Unjust and Unmerciful , without true natural Affection and Pitty , horridly Covetous , Unclean and Intemperate , loade●… with procured Distempers , and various other great Evils : Likewise considerable numbers of this Rank do fall into Poverty by Extravagancy and want of Conduct in Trading , and other Misfortunes ; fourthly , the next to these are such as are called Gentlemen , which are of various Degrees and Ranks , the greatest numbers of these are endued with these following Talents , ( viz. ) Their chief Care and Industry is to Educate their Children in all or most of the Grand Evils , which do oppose and contradict God's eternal Law of Unity , and his preserving Power , and that there may be no degree of Evil and Depravation ●…ing , they first very industrously teach and educate them in Gluttony , Pride and Idleness , next the vain Compliments and use of A●…ms , even in their young and tender years , as the Killing , Hunting and Oppressing all the innocent Inhabitants of Heaven and Earth ; next to these , Feats of Arms or Martial Discipline , that they may be endued with the high and domineering Spirit of Violence , which doth not only fit them to be Butchers and ●…ill Men with ease and without trouble , or the least regret , as Butchers Kill Beasts ; but to be ●…ble of being Commanders over the Sons of ●…ceness and Oppression , ( viz. ) Soldiers ; also another part of 〈◊〉 M●…n of Honour and Title are of High , ●…roud , Lofty Tempers , 〈◊〉 Oppressors of the Poor , being Gluttons , Dru●…ds , general Wa●…ters of God's Creatures , which doth not only draw on them a multitude of cruel , tormenting Diseases ; but disturbed Minds , uneasy Beds and guilty Consciences too : Now , when these things are considered , and the true Nature and Principles of them , and whence those great and numerous Croud of Calamities proceed ; then such an one will not ●…rvel , that most Mens Dying-beds are so burthensome and anxious , both to the Body and Mind ; more especially when we consider the 〈◊〉 part or greatest number are cut off in their younger Age or Strength , which makes our Separation from the material things of this World many degrees more burthensome , ●…rrible and frigh●…ful to all sorts and degrees of People : Now , this cutting off the Life so early , even in Childhood , and in Youth , or Strength of our Y●…s , is undoubtedly occasioned by the Intemperances , Uncleannesses and Disorders of our Fore-f●…thers , with the addition this present Age makes , doth cut off the greatest number of Ma●…ind , which doth m●…re cle●…ly appear when we consider the amazing variety and 〈◊〉 ●…fspring of the four Wo●…ds or Elements , ( viz. ) The under●…duated Creatures ; do not things in the Mineral Kingdom arrive to Maturity , as Metals , Stones , and any other things , belonging to the Element of Earth ? and do not Vegetables do the same , whose variety in Nature are beyond Humane Number ? great part whereof doth sustain the Life of Man : The like is to be understood of the inferior Animals or Beasts , do not the greatest number live to old Age , or the highest Limit of their Circle or Law , except some , who are subject to the Drudgery and Tyranny of Man , as Horses , and the like ? for should these great numbers and variety of Creatures be liable and subject to but half the Disorders , Intemperances , Uncleanness , Depravity and Diseases Mankind is , what an addition of Misery would it multiply on Man ? or how could he Subsist or be Supported , and his Life preserved by them ? for should the greatest part of Fruits , Grains and Herbage be Cut off or Blasted in the Bud , or the Off-spring or Young ones of Cows , Horses , and other inferiour Ranks of Creatures be Cut off or subject to Distempers , what a great Perplexity would it be on the Humane Race ? for nothing has kept them from being invaded by various Casualties and Sicknesses , and preserving them in living to their highest Limits , but only their continuation within the Circle of their Law , that God and Nature have subjected them to and under , which , if they had at any time disobeyed or broken , then the very same Flood-gate of Evil and Misery would immediately have fallen on them , 〈◊〉 it hath done on Man .

Therefore it is most evident , that the great numbers of unclean , cruel Diseases , short Lives and immature Deaths , and 〈◊〉 thousand other Evils come in upon him , as soon as he disobeyed his Creator and the undefiled Law of Nature , the obeying and living within the Limits thereof is the ●…ond and Preservation of all the Under-graduates , and the contrary is the melancholy House of Death and Misery , as appears by the many Troubles and Perplexities that 〈◊〉 the Humane Race ; for should Mankind be divided 〈◊〉 Ten parts , more than Nine of them Dies , and are Cut off either 〈◊〉 Childhood or in the Prime of their Strength and Age , many do thereby leave poor , helpless , miserable Wives and Children behind them , who are exposed to all kinds of Violences , Oppressions and Wants , and are under no better Circumstances than a Ship without either Pilot or Rudder .

Now , my Friend , I do not doubt but when you have considered the fore-mentioned Particulars , you will be satisfied , wherefore Mankind are so deeply concerned in , and do so much fear and dread Death .

Likewise there are several material causes in the common me●… of Mens Lives , that ●…ing melancholly imaginations and troubles to the Dying Person , besides what we have before mentioned , ( viz. ) in Parents giving precedents , and educating their Off-spring in all or most of the grand Vices our Great Prophet ●…sus Christ hath strictly forbidden , on peril of his high Displeasure : The first thing they teach their Children is , the 3 grand Vices , Gluttony , Pride and Idleness , which are the common roads and inlets to all other Evils , as Passion , Violence and Uncleanness , which do diametrically oppose Justice , Mercy , and that great and Universal Sacrament , Charity ; for which Holy Vertue , Our Lord and Saviour justified and saved the Sheep on his Right Hand , commanding them to enter in and inherit the Eternal Paradice , whose Gates alway stands open to the Children of Wisdom and Obedience : Is not Fighting and Oppression become the honourablest Employment ? and are not our Children trained up in the use of Arms and Violence , to kill and oppress not only those of our Kind , but spread their Venom also over all the undergraduated Inhabitants of Heaven and Earth , who all become Victims to their fierceness and cruelties , being altogether as it were dispossessed of common Humanity ; for which Practises , all the Goats on the Left Hand were Condemned ; for ●…he Salvation and Preservation both in Time and Eternity , is intailed not only on Christians , but also on all other Nations and Religions , on no other condition than to observe and live in the ●…ower and practice o●… Gods Commands , the particulars of which our Divine Patron and Principles of Wisdom , do command and enjoyn all his Disciples unto , and all that act contrary thereto , ●…doubtedly 〈◊〉 his displeasure ▪ Do not most Men that are endued with plentiful Talents and Blessings of this World , live ●…th themselves and Off-spring in one degree of Luxury or other ? and is it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for ●…ple of all sort●… and Religions ; to break that great and important Co●…dment ? that is ; to 〈◊〉 and give the be●… and c●…oicest 〈◊〉 and Drinks to 〈◊〉 at 〈◊〉 in no need , 〈◊〉 kind of 〈◊〉 and that are able to 〈◊〉 and Feast●… 〈◊〉 , whi●… 〈◊〉 ●…ly one of the greatest E●…ls , but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 incon●… to each Party , preventing them from doing such deeds o●… Charity , which otherwise they would be capable of ▪ How willing are thousands to Treat themselves and Friends ●…th Bottle●… of Wine , and with costly Dishes : of Meat , and at the same time are unwilling to give one Shilling to relieve their necessitous and wanting Neighbour , and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 other things and agreeable practi●…es to this , most that have wherewithall do subject themse●… 〈◊〉 ; and as to 〈◊〉 Talkative or Discou●… part , it produc●… that great and 〈◊〉 effect of Folly , Laughter , which the Tuto●… of such 〈◊〉 Methods call pleasure , and a sort of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 , a●… 〈◊〉 Mankind could not 〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 than exposing it to Sale , as it were by Inch of Candle ; which doth make a Sick and Dying Bed still more uneasy and burthensom , more especially when the Sick Person shall think and consider of the Methods of his Life , great Agonies do arise and spring up in the Soul , feeling its self almost naked or uncloathed of all the Pleasures of Life ; most of which Perplexities are Originalliy occasioned by the vain Educations and wicked Customs of Natons , more especially among the Christians : What vain , empty , frivolous Discourses do all Mothers , Nurses and Maids use to their Children , the first 6 or 7 years of their Age ? always discoursing between Jest and Earnest ; great part thereof Childish Banter , with a hundred odd Tricks and Postures , which doth take such deep root , awakening their Similies , so that those Vices become essential ; that neither Time nor Correction is ever able to obliterate them : Is it not common where 5 or 6 Children are , with a Mother , Nurse and Maid , the whole House is filled with a great noisom Crying , others Laughing , their Governesses Whipping and Threatning of them ? and it is but little amended when they come to 18 or 20 years of Age , when 6 or 8 of these meet , what a strange variety of Notes are heard , as loud Obesence , Laughter , Jesting , Lying , and Jeering one another , each endeavouring in vain talking , to move that vain and ridiculous posture of Laughing ; nay , our Gray-Hair'd Senators are not free from these Vanities , it being common for ancient People to please and delight themselves in telling long Stories of their Youthful Wickedness and Follies , and that too in the hearing of young People , and in the presence of their own Children ; for Histories tell us , that Christ never Laughed whilst he was Cloathed with the Humane Nature ; and to this day it is esteemed a very odd thing for any Person to Laugh in the Eastern Countreys : Nowthese things considered , no marvel that most Men on Dying Beds are under such perplexity and horror of Mind , which doth occasion thousands to make Solemn promises to the Lord to amend and redeem their times , if he pleases to continue their Lives for a very little season longer , which very few do perform ; for those grafted evil Methods do quickly get head , and there the evil Powers become strong and potent ; which doth verify that Proverb , That which is bred in the Bone will never out of the Flesh : Few or none ever consider , that those Childish Evils or Venoms most suck in their Childhood and Youth , do naturally improve in riper years , even to old-Age , as all Trades , Sciences , and other Learning do ; so that most or all Man's days are worse than trifled away : The truth of this appears by the general Conversation of Mankind ; go amongst a hundred sorts of People , of all Pretences and Religions , and observe their Converse and Discourse , their Nature and Tendency ; and upon the whole , a Man shall not hear one word among many that is edifying , useful and proper , or that tends to the benefit of Mankind , neither in the observation of that which makes them Men , and is the support of the Body , Soul and Spirit , or the knowledge of God , first in our selves , and then in all other Creatures ; or how Mankind may render himself capable of discharging that great duty to his Maker , ( viz. ) to govern himself and all the undergraduated Creatures in Good-will , Love and Harmony , which is the true method of doing unto all Gods Creatures as a Man would be done unto ; no , no , not a word of any such necessary Truths , but most or all frothy , vain and fantastick . Now if Mankind spends all his Childhood in sucking in and learning Vanity , and their strength of years in the practice of those Evils and Intemperances which often cuts Man off betimes ; when these things are considered , it is then no marvel that the Dying or Sick Bed becomes so uneasy , there being hardly any sort of People in the World that their Disciples do Dye with that great trouble or pain of the Mind and Body , as the Christians ; more especially that part called the Reformed , which comes to pass for the reasons before mentioned : The Eastern People in General Live and Dye peaceably and easy , more especially the People called Bannians ; who perhaps are some of the strictest Observers of Gods Law , ( viz. ) doing unto those of their own kind , and to all inferior Animals and Creatures as they would be done unto ; having a severe and particular regard to maintain Unity and Humanity , that they may in the Resurrection or next World , ( when New Bodies shall be given them , ) arise in Humane Forms and Shapes ; for it is their undoubted Faith , that if Man lives in Gods Law , and leads an innocent , harmless Life , shewing Mercy , Love and Compassion to all the sensible Creation , that then they shall not only obtain an Angelical form of Body , but have an Eternal Blessed Unity to live with God and his Holy Angels , in the spangled Regions of Eternity : But on the contrary , those that live in the practice of Violence , Oppression and Killing , whose Minds , Spirits and Souls are precipitated into those furious , fierce Principles ; they shall be Cloathed in Eternity with suitable Bodies , for without the Unity or Holy City of Innocency are Dogs , Bears , Lyons , and the like Beasts of Prey , saith St. Iohn in the Revelations ; there being nothing more true and certain , he that breaks the Unity both in himself and in all other Creatures , doth immediately divide himself from God , and breaks forth into Discord , Perplexity and Trouble , let his Religion , Custom and Laws of his Countrey be what it will : And on the other side , that Person that keeps the Unity in himself unviolated , by living in innocent , harmless methods , has Peace both in his Living and Dying : It is a Proverb amongst the Eastern Philosophers and Bannians , that nothing makes the Life of Man pleasurable , and the Dying-bed easy , but an innocent Life , and to imitate God , who is the Creator of all Beings and the Preserver of all his Works : This they say is the true Worship of God , and joins them to the Fountain of Benignity : Innocency hurts nothing , nor nothing that those Eastern Sages or Philosophers have great ▪ Veneration for , Silence is one of the most necessary and useful Vertues , because most Men know but very little , and therefore they ought to talk or discourse in proportion to their Understanding ; for this cause where there is much talk , there is a like proportion of Ignorance and Folly uttered ; as the Wiseman saith , A Fool is known by his much talking : Therefore Pythagoras and many other Eastern Philosophers , taught their Disciples and Scholars Silence , as the first and principlest Precepts ; which the People of those Countreys do observe to this day ; time and practice hath made it easy and natural to them ; so that amongst them , when several Ages are together , ( viz. ) Children , Young Men and Women , middle Age and Old Age , there is not any noise , as talking altogether , but all stand silent and sedate , each Age speaking in their turn , according to their Degrees , which doth not only prevent many Evils , but renders their Family easily Governable , preventing all evil Communication , as Idle Jesting , Laughter , Anger , and a hundred other Inconveniences that attend the Northern Christians ; for Silence is the true Nurse and Support of Wisdom , more especially when the Seeds of Virtue are sown in Childhood : Likewise , most of the Western Indians are great Observers of Silence , speaking much in a few Words ; for much talking is the bane of Meditation , obstructing the due consideration , which ought always to have the first place in the Mind , before the Thoughts or Imaginations are Coined into Words ; so that Person which is silent by Choice and Prudence , doth obtain many advantages of a talkative Man ; he that is silent and utters nothing but what is well digested and weighed , such a one can remember all his Discourse and Conversation in order ; but on the other side , he that is talkative or speaks much , utters many things by chance , and is subject to forgetfulness : This the Christian Nations have , and do daily experience to be too true : Since the Gates of Silence have been broken open in the Christian Nations , and talking of it hath been advanced , the true practice hath been neglected ; and it doth now consist chiefly in noise , and giving a parcel of fine words , for there are no People in the World do talk so much of Devotion and Religion , and do practise so little ; Words without Practice are like Faith without Charity ; and it is too true , that most do study and endeavour to improve their talents of Words , and well methodiz'd Discourses , more than they do in the Practical part ; the last being the Life , and the first nothing but Clamour , and making our Creator Author of all those evil Practices , which do concur to make the Soul of Man uneasy , both Living and Dying : What Countrey in the World doth equal the Northern part of Christendom , in that Universal Sin of Drunkenness , which never goes alone , but is attended with a numerous train of Evils of the blackest Nature and Character , more especially amongst the Reformers , who are willing to be thought the best of Christians ? There are very few that have wherewithal , but do in one degree or other exceed in their Glasses ; which reigning Sins most of the Eastern and Western Indians have avoided and freed themselves from , by contenting themselves with that Drink which our Creator and his Handmaid Nature have given and ordained for Drink , both for Man and also for all other Creatures , ( viz. ) pure , undefiled Water , which hath preserved them from many Evils and Outrages ; which others that have neglected this Blessed Fountain , have committed against God and all other Creatures ; also they are not only the greatest Drinkers of strong Drinks , but the most voracious Eaters of all sorts of gross , unclean Flesh , making little or no distinction between one sort and another ; which doth generate all things proportionable thereunto , rendring them surly , bold , robustick , gross , in all the Actions of Life , which makes very great additions of trouble and discontent , when they are forced to look that grim and meagre Tyrant Death in the Face : Besides what hath been said before , there are two or three vexatious Evils that the Northern Christians , and others that call themselves by that name , do torment and plague each other with , ( viz. ) Persecution , which doth mightily stir up Envy , Back-biting , and various sorts of Hatred and Contention ; which do look with grim , fierce , wrathful Countenances on a Dying Bed ; likewise amongst them have been midwifed into these Northern Regions , various and unheard of Heresies , and most wicked Opinions , as Ranters of various sorts and kinds , which tend to all Evil and Sensuality : ' What Intemperance or Uncleanness is there in the , World , that the Northern Christians have not midwifed into an essential and substantial Method , by a Universal Custom and Practice ; there is hardly a poor . Tradesman or Labourer that doth not spend the 8th . or 10th . part of his Gettings or Wages in Tobacco and Strong-drink , and at the same time their poor Wives and Children half Starved for want of Necessaries : These Vices of late years are become a Trade , and practised by the greatest Pretenders to Christianity and Religion , and many other inferior Violences , as young People throwing at Cocks ; and several other cruel Sports , and neither the Fathers , Preachers of the Gospel , nor Elders of the People , do Correct them for those vile Pranks and Evils ; so that it is as clear as the Sun Beams , that all or most of these Intemperances and wicked Customs , are justified by our Senators and Parents ; for what Evils or Crueltys soever are commonly practised in any Place or Countrey , and not Corrected or Punished , neither by Parents nor Magistrates , is a true Sign that such things are justified : Now let any prudent Person give himself leasure but to consider these depraved Customs and Actions of Mankind , with a distinguishing Understanding , and then he will see with half an Eye the true cause and reason why Man is so perplexed at the Hour of Death , or on a Sick Bed , and how hard a thing it is for him to look the pure , undefiled Love and Son of Eternal Light in the Face , when most of his Actions and Words are bloody cruel , inhumane , and as black as Hell . The whole business of Life and all the Ingenuity , Gifts and Graces the Great Creator hath endued Man with , have been most or all improved to advance Pride , Vain-glory , Cruelty , Oppression and Selfhood . My Friend , when you have read over this Epistle , and weighed it well with a distinguishing Mind , you will be satisfied wherefore Mankind is so affrighted when he thinks of his Change , or when he is on his Sick and Dying Bed .

These are some of the improved Talents the Lord hath given me , which I freely present and recommend to you ; which please to receive for Answer . I remain

Your ready Friend and humble Servant , in the Love of God , T. T.

LETTER XXVII . Of ASTROLOGY . SIR ,

YOur kind Letter is before me , and I have considered the Contents thereof : Your principal Question is , whether that Noble branch of the Astral Sciences called Astrology , hath so great influence and important Signification on the Humane Race , as Astrologers of all Ages have affirmed , as appears by many of their Learned and Ingenious Volumes ; wherein they do endeavour to demonstrate , that each Person is either Fortunate or Unfortunate , Healthy or Unhealthy , Strong or Weak , Wise or Foolish , Tall or Short , Handsom or the contrary , all according to the time or minute of Birth , and ruling Constellations they are Born under , and an hundred things more to this purpose , too tedious to be here ennumerated . Now you say nothing makes such deep and grounded Scruples in your Mind and Understanding , of the Validity or Truth of this Art , as this one particular , ( viz. ) no Person of Understanding but believes , that in the City of London , and likewise in the Nation , that there are a great number Born at one time or minute . and under the same degrees of Ascendants , ruling Stars and Configurations of the Heavens ; and yet all you say are of various Fortunes , Shapes , Figures , Inclinations and Dispositions : I answer , now all that you take notice and affirm , is a grand Truth ; and yet , we must tell you , that this doth not at all invalid or make void Judicial Astrology , but that it is most evident that the Planets and Heavenly Bodies have an innate and powerful influence on all Su●…lunary Bodies or Things ; for it is most evident , that by the circular Motions , Configurations and Influences of those mighty Powers of God or Heavenly Bodies , all material things are influenced , altered and changed out of one thing or quality into another ; all the Elements bow before those great Powers , and never fail to yield their Obedience ; and therefore as they retreat towards the Chambers of the South , our fruitful Season ceases , and the reviving Beams of the Great Eye of the World forsakes our Horrizon , we are attended with cold Winds , short Days , long Nights , Rainy , Cloudy , dark Weather , with an intermixture of Frost and Snow ; which doth , during the absence of the Sun and other ruling Constellations , strip the Vegetable World of all its Ornaments , so that Nature becomes like Old-Age , and lies Bed-ridden till the return of this Glorious Body , whose presence gives as it were a new Life , Vigor and Strength unto all the Undergraduates and Off-spring of this World ; and for this cause , no Man can or dare deny their influences , conduct and power , in and over visible things ; but as to the Forms , Shapes , Manners , Strength , Weakness , Riches , Poverty , Honour , Dishonour , Healthiness , and the contrary , which variously do attend Persons in all Places and Countreys , Born at one and the same time , and under the same Stars and Constellations ; which as is said before , doth not invalidate the Astrological Science or Influence of the Heavens on Mankind , for the causes and reasons following , ( viz. ) First , every Seed produces or generates a Body and Spirit , in some proportionable degree , according to its Qualifications and Nature , never failing to bring forth some new Essence , that did not manifestly appear in the old Stock or Parents ; and although a thousand Persons should be Born at the rising of the same Constellation and under the same Elevation and Configuration of Heaven , nevertheless each of these Persons will wonderfully and strangely vary , both in their Shapes , Forms , Inclinations and Fortunes : The reason is plain , and as it were bare-fac'd ; for is there not a strange variety in the Foods , Drinks , Inclinations , Dispositions , Labours , Communications , Customs and Educations : As for Example , suppose that in one City or Town there are ten Persons have ten Sons Born at one and the same minute , and they Educate and bring them up in ten several Arts and Trades , every one of these Persons shall by the secret power of their Employment , be influenced and subjected to the Method and Manners of those that are of the Employment : Is not this clearly seen in all sorts of Business ? and the same is to be understood in Communication . Now if those External Conversations , as they may properly be termed , are endued with such a mighty Energie and Power to seek out their Similies , and thereby impose their propertys on the Humane Nature , as in a great degree to encrease and change the Inclinations , Dispositions , Words and Works : What then must Meats and Drinks do , which are the very Essences and Substances of the Humane Nature ? every Son and Daughter is endued with all the Qualifications of their Parents , and the Seed is made and generated from all the Qualifications of the Father and Mother : First , from the quality and quantity of their Meats and Drinks , clean or unclean , well or ill prepared , proper or improper Mixtures : Likewise it is influenced , and as it were inspired by each Persons Employment , Communication , Words and Works ; for every Variation not only in Meats and Drinks , but also in all other things or manners of Life , do beget and produce variety of Shapes , Forms , Dispositions and Inclinations : This is wonderfully manifested in the Husbandman's Art ; do not the mixtures of various Earths together , alter and change the Vegetables for the better or worse , stronger or weaker , and every sort of Dung or Earth , according to its quality and quantity is thereby rendred capable , and do bring a newOff-spring of Vegetables , called Weeds or Herbs , that were never seen to appear in that spot of Land ; for the mixtures of Earths that are of differing qualities , do alter and change the complexion of such Land or Earth , by which secret power of Qualities , that property that was strong becomes weak , and that quality that was in the complexion weak , and did as it were disappear , becomes most powerful and manifest : The very same is to be understood in the Art of Representation ; doth not a skilful Painter by an apt commixture of various Earths and Drugs , most curiously represent all the wonderful variety of the Colours , both of the Animal Vegetable and Mineral Worlds ; which is all done by the Sympathetical Power and Secret Operation of the mixtures , and compounding the four grand qualities , the Heavens and the Elements do continually sow and shower down Seeds of Varietys : As for Example , cast up Gravel or Clay , that to all appearance is destitute of all the Sal Nitral or Seminary qualities of Vegetation , nevertheless , being for some time exposed to the Sun and common influences of the Elements , such Gravel or Clay will become covered with various sorts of Herbage ; likewise it is farther to be observed , that the Religion , Customs and Manners of each Place or Countrey , do powerfully alter and change the Complexions of Mankind , either for the better or worse , Virtue or Vice ; as suppose there should be a scrutiny made , ( viz. ) a thousand Male Children of the most roughest , fiercest , cholerick Complexions , should be sent to be Nursed and Educated in a Bannian Countrey , where there is no Fighting , Quarrelling not Killing either of Men or Beasts , or of any Living Creature ; but all their Methods and Manners are sedate and calm , where these young cholerick Sparks have , nor do not see any other Precedent or Example , but Clemency , Mercy , and an humble Deportment of their Elders to Men and Beasts , esteeming it one of the greatest Sins or Crimes that Man is capable to commit against God and the whole Creation , to oppress , hurt or kill either Man or any Living Creature ; and let these Youths remain amongst them till they be 20 or 25 years of Age , in which time they will be throughly grounded and fixed in their Religion and Customary Methods , not letting them know from whence they came nor from what Parents they proceeded ; and then you may be assured that he that is fiercest by Complexion , all the Rhetorick and profits or interest in the World will not be able to perswade such a one , either to Kill , Oppress , be Drunk , or go freely into the Armies of Princes , to destroy those they never saw nor had no occasion of Quarrel . The like is to be understood in all Religions , can any perswade a Turk to become a Christian after 20 years of Age ? Or on the other side , a Christian to be a Turk ? and so of all others ; by which this great Truth doth appear over all , that Customs , Examples and Living Precedents have far greater power and influence over Mankind , than the Constellation any Person is Born under : Besides , the wonderful and amazing Varieties both of the Animal , Vegetable and Mineral Kingdoms , are such , that the Births of all Created Beings , are in one degree or other manifestly unlike ; many Men have been curious in this matter , but no Man could ever find two things in all Circumstances alike , or of one dimention or complexion : And the original cause of this Wonder is hid from the Eyes and Understanding of the greatest number of Men , the blindness , ignorance and wickedness of Mankind is so great , that the Sons of Wisdom are forbid discovering of this secret Wisdom ; for the Unlearned would not only trample Pearls under foot , but also make an ill use of them no Man doubts ; but according to the old Maxim of Wisemen and Naturalists , that Man in Soul . Body and Spirit is a compleat Epitome or Image of the Great Immense Creator and Father of all Beings ; and therefore in him is contained the true nature and property of all material Things or Elements , and he may be fitly and properly likened or compared with the Earth , in which are the Seminary Seeds and powers of all Herbs , Grains , Fruits and Trees , of which there is amazing variety , even beyond Humane number , only this difference is to be understood , the Sal Nitral forms and four grand qualities stand in their several respective degrees , in some things one form and quality is strong , another weak , which doth occasion the great difference of Earths , which by the understanding Husbandman and his Cultivation , can be made capable to bring forth all kinds of Herbage , Corn , Seeds , Fruits and Trees , by his encreasing and decreasing of qualitys , which by his Dressing , Dunging and Manuring , he changeth the complexion of the Ground by his apt mixtures , making weak qualities strong , and strong properties weaker : Now can any understanding Man imagine but that there will be the like great difference in the Humane Nature , for Mens Employments , together with their Communications , are able to vary their Complexions , abating and lessening their sanguine , tractable Tempers , and advancing their fierce invading Tempers , which before their conversing with things of the like nature , could hardly be seen or known ; so that there is nothing more true , than that every particular Trade , Employment or Practice doth incircle all such that enter into such Business , having a Key that opens all the secret Doors and Gates , and the Complexion or Nature of that thing is never satisfied till it hath found out its Similie , which in a little time and practice doth strengthen and advance ; by which weak Dispositions and fainty Inclinations become strong and powerful , and on the other side , strong Inclinations and Dispositions are mightily weakned , and grow languid and drooping as if they had a Consumption : Now if every Man and Woman did not contain the true nature and property of the whole , then this could not be done , for every particular thing must have a Friend or a Confederate in the Humane Nature , or else it could have no power to encrease , decrease , strengthen or weaken Forms , Principles and Qualitys , and mould them into their Natures , by impressing their Dispositions and Inclinations in a great degree alter and chang them . Now if this be true of Exercises and Employments , which are but External , and managed with the motion of the Members of the Body , then what power and influence must Meats and Drinks have on the Soul , Spirit and Body , which are as it were the Original or Seminary Seeds and Substance of the Humane Nature , whose Operations are all Internal ; from which are generated Blood , Spirits , Inclinations , Words and Works , either clean or unclean , better or worse , all according to the nature of the Foods ? If Mankind and those skill'd in the Astrological Science did understand , and had Wisdom to distinguish these things , they would be far more afraid of the malignant influences of the Stars and Constellations that rule in that part of the Globe called the Earth , that is , evil Education , unclean Meats , Drinks , Exercises , Trades , Employments , Communication , Tradition , wicked Customs and Examples , than from the Male Configuration of the Heavenly Bodies , not but Men do by their Uncleanness and Sinful Methods , most powerfully attract and draw the venemous Nature and Dispositions out of all the Stars , Elements , and all Undergraduated things ; for as is mentioned before , Man is like all things and all things like him , and so he is rendred capable to influence all things , and all things have power to influence him , either for better or worse . So wonderful hath our Blessed Creator made all Creatures and Beings , enduing them with an influential Power and Energie ; and more particularly the Humane Nature , for it is not to be doubted , but that Mankind is endued with an innate Power , and thereby is not only rendred as capable to move and influence the Starry , Coelestial , and all the powers of the Elements , as they are to move and influence him to that or the other thing , whether it be Virtue or the contrary ; for the Princes , Governors , Magistrates of all kinds , together with the Priests , Prophets and Advocates , are the great Stars , Planets and Constellations that Govern , and under whose influence all Men and other Creatures and Things are subjected to in this Sublunary World , there being nothing more true and manifest ; that they are the Lord●… of every Mans Ascendant , for by the power and vertue of their Commands , Laws , Customs and Traditions , they make all bow before them , let them be of what Constitution , Nature , or under what Constellation soever , all Configurations , both good or ill must yield Obedience to their Methods , as we have before shewed by the Memorials , Laws , Customs , Traditions and Religions of all Nations ; for this cause , that which is esteemed true Virtue and Religion in one Country , is Evil or Vice in another : Now , can any Person that wears Eyes in his Head be so ignorant as to think or believe , that the powers and influences of the Coelestial Bodies are the prime Cause and Promoters of those vast Variety and Difference there is in the Religions and Manners of Mankind ? no , no , the true Original of all this amazing variety of Sentiments and Methods , are the Or●…cles , Prophets and Gods each Country doth Observe , Adore and Worship , be they either good or evil , all , both the Wise and the Simple fall Victims to their power : Would not Swearing , as is mentioned before , and all other evil Words be they of what nature soever , be as unknown and altogether as hard and impossible as for Children to learn Hebrew , Greek , or any other Language they never heard any speak ; no , the Coelestial Stars and great illuminated Bodies , whose Orbs or Circles they move by our demonstrative Guesser : The Mathematicians do tell us that the Orb or Circle of each Planet is far greater than the whole Globe of Earth and Water , which hitherto no Man in the general hath doubted , what they have found true by the Observations of the most Learned and Ingenious of all Ages for some thousands of years ; and if so , what mor●…l Man can guess the wonderful Creatures and Inhabitants that may possibly dwell and inhabit those Spacious Airy Plains ? for so they seem to us ; and who can tell but that the Globe of Earth and Water may appear to the Creatures of those Worlds as they do to us ; and consequently that the Mathematicians and Astrologers of those unknown Worlds , may make as great ado about the influences of our Planets , Stars and Constellations , as we do of theirs , and give us the same Titles and Names as we do them ; but we have never ravelled in their Regions , nor conversed with the People and World of the Moon , and therefore shall submit and be silent in this guessing Philosophy . It is further to be considered , that the good and evil Successes or Fortunes to the Ascendants , Planets and Significators , that as Astrologers say , are showered down upon Mankind by the benevolent and malignant influences of those great Luminaries and Coelestial Bodies , which are various and strange , if all be true as Philosophers say : Now the Evils and Misfortunes are as it were beyond Humane number , in comparison of the Good ; and whatsoever Misfortune or Evil doth happen or befall Mankind , is by many of those cunning Men attributed to the Configurations and Directions of Planets and Significators , or some one of them ; to Saturn they say , when ill lignified , he powerfully inclines his Sons and Daughters to Oppression , Violence , Killing , Covetousness , Back-biting , Envy , Strife , and all kinds of evil Words and Works : And the like is to be understood of the other Six Planets ; whereas , it is as clear as the Sun Beams at Noon-day , that all the Intemperances , Evils and Outrages Mankind doth commit against God and his Neighbour , are generated and midwifed into the World by Customs , Presidents , evil Communications and Examples ; as appears by the foregoing ; and if this be true , how angry then will those great Illuminated Powers of Heaven be with Man , for laying the Cause and Foundation of those great Evils upon them , as when the fair Sex are vain , proud wanton and foolish , to say that Venus , that great and wonderful Illuminated Body and Queen of Love , is the cause that inclines them to such Wickedness ; or when a young Man is ingenious , sharp and witty , and turns all into Cheating , to attribute it to Mercury ; and when any Person is vain , wanton and unconstant , to lay the cause on the Moon and her Influences ; or when a Man is fierce , devilish , hard-hearted , cruel , and subject to Wrath , Passion and Violence , to lay the cause on Mars ; and when false in Religion , to attribute it to an unfortunate Iupiter ; and when proud and subject to Vain-glory and boasting , to fix it on the Sun ; when in Truth , the Original cause of most or all Evils and Sins , take their first birth in the center of a Mans self , and the People he Lives amongst and communicates with ; so that Mankind doth mightily add to his evil Course of Life , by laying the cause where he should not , and belying those innocent Powers ; which wicked Trade he hath followed ever since he transgressed Gods Holy Law and Commandment , putting the evil from himself and laying the cause on some other thing ; of which its said , that our Mother Eve was the first Precedent or Example : Now what Mankind have to say for themselves when they shall be brought to the Test , I cannot imagine ; for it seems impossible for Astrologers , that they should pass their Accompt without making retalliation or satisfaction ; so that the Wisemen have made but poor work of their Studies .

It is likewise further to be Noted , that no Creatures or Sublunary Bodies are subject or compelled to obey the Influences of the Heavenly Bodies , but only such as have kept and Lived under the Law of God , and observed and not broken the limits of their Natural Orbe or Circle in which each specifick Body or Creature was Originally Created and brought forth , as we have hinted before ; for all the wonderful and most amazing of the Heavenly Luminaries called Stars , Planets and Signs , and though their number be far beyond all Humane Numeration , nevertheless each of them doth keep within the limits and bounds of their Orbs and Original Circles , and doth alway move with an exact and regular motion , keeping and obeying the Voice and great Law of their Creator : And for this cause , all Corporeal Beings that live and move within the Limits of their first Law , and have not at any time broken , nor in any degree exceeded its bounds , are all subject to the Laws , Orders and Methods of Heaven , and to all the Influences of those great Powers , vulgarly called Stars , Planets and Constellations ; and they do with the highest diligence endeavour to observe and imitate their Superior Powers , every Creature observing both time and season ; so that all things are done and brought forth in an exact and wonderful Method and Order , which is strangely amazing and surprizing to any considerate Person : Do not all the numerous Off-springs of the Earth obey the Motions , Influences and Voice of the Heavenly Bodi or Constellations ? And are not the Children or Fruits of our Mother Earth , better or worse , strong or weak , vertuous or the contrary , all according to the Benevolent or Malevolent Influences or Configurations of the Stars , Constellations and Elements . The like is to be understood of the Sensitive Creatures called Beasts , of which there is an unaccountable variety ; nevertheless , each doth in a most wonderful manner and curious method observe and constantly obey the Original Law God stamped on them ; and their Young Ones or Children learn and observe the same , without the invading , fierce Rods of School-Masters or Tutors ; and as the Heavenly Bodies and Governing Powers of the Great Creator , do all work , move and govern in a most exact and regular Order and Method : The like is to be understood of all the Children or Off-spring of the Elements , who keep their first Law , and therefore they do all as exactly keep and observe their times and seasons , alway moving within the compass and bounds of their own Circles or Orbs they were Created in ; and their whole business both of Motion , Inclination ; and all the Actions of Life , is to imitate and observe the Laws and Commands of their Superiors , ( viz. ) the Heavenly Bodies : But the contrary is to be understood of the Humane Race , who have defaced their noble Image , by breaking the Law of their Creator , and thereby have destroyed the Orbs and Limits of their own Circle , so that they are as it were blind , and know little or nothing of the wonderful Operations of their own Heaven , nor are they in any degree sensible of their own Natures or the Principles they are compounded of , which makes them utter Strangers to themselves and to all the wonderful Mysteries of Gods Law ; and for this cause , Mankind ever since he hath transgressed the Holy Laws of God , and exceeded the limits and bounds of the innocent Methods and Operations of Nature , hath been as it were forced and compelled to make strict and severe Laws against the wicked Enormities and Violences he committed against his own Kind , and likewise to all the innocent Inhabitants of Heaven and Earth ; and had not some of the more Wise fixed on Mankind those Laws of retalliation , ( viz. ) of Rewards and Punishments , Man would quickly have destroyed the whole Creation and have raced himself off the Earth ; so that it is as clear as the Sun at Noon-day , that if Mankind had not Dishonoured his Creation and defaced his noble Image , by suffering that great and wonderful power , the free and unbounded Will , to enter into evil Principles , and consequently Practices ; by vertue whereof he was Superior to all the visible Creatures of this World ; then we say , if this had not been done , Mankind would not have had any more occasion to have made Laws with promises of Rewards and Punishments , than the Undergraduated Creatures of the Field have ; for so soon as Man had entered into Cruelty and Revenge , and so broke himself off from the Commands and Laws of God and of the Heavens , that he instantly became his own Law-maker , and was thereby subjected to all the Influences , Laws and Customs of the Sublunary Planets , Stars and Constellations , and is principally governed by them in all Nations ; and therefore as Mankind is departed from the simple Methods of Gods Law into evil Principles and Methods of Life , by which means he hath rendred himself uncapable of the benevolent Influences and Powers of Gods Law , and also of the sweet and fructifying Dews of the Heavenly Bodies ; but on the other side , by his cruel and unnatural Methods of Life he is only capable to attract or draw unto himself the Venom , and weak Influences out of all things Elements and Constellations ; for all things of this great Being or visible World , are compounded of the two Grand Principles of Good and Evil , and into what Man doth enter with his free unbounded Will , that same Principle obtains the Government , and becomes his Ascendant or Governing Constellation , whether it be Good or Evil ; and this Grand Truth every sensible Man must grant , that each principle or quality hath a Key in its own Bosom , both in the Evil and in the Good , to penetrate the depth of all things , and to influence and to be influenced by its Similie ; the Good searcheth the whole Globe of the Heavens and Earth , and wheresoever it findeth its Similie there it rejoyceth , and is thereby strengthened . The like is to be understood of the evil Genius , every Star , Sign and Planet hath great influence and power in his own Orb or Circle , for in them all Learned in the Astral or Mathematical Science , each Planet or Constellation delights and hath a Similie with its own Nature , but when those great Luminaries are out of their Orbs , or meet with contrary Natures , then they are said to be weak and impotent , and their Influences are in proportion , from whence the Notion of Strength and Weakness of the Planets proceed ; every particula●… thing both in the Heaven and in the Earth , is best pleased and delighted in that which is nearest and most like it self ; this every one doth know more or less ; and therefore if Mankind would have the benevolent and sweet Influences both of the Heaven and of the Earth , and of those of his own Kind too ; then let him with his Will enter into Temperance , Patience , Order , and into all vertuous courses of Life , and then he will quickly obtain that Blessed Magnet that will attract and influence the good in the Earth and in the Heavens , and the good likewise in the whole Universe will naturally and powerfully influence him , all the great Governing Stars and Constellations will befriend him with their vertuous Influences : The contrary is to be understood of him who suffers his Will and Desire to enter into the Methods and Principles of evil and violent courses of Life , such a one draws unto himself the Evils and Venoms out of all things , both of Heaven and Earth . Others object and say , ( viz. ) if each Mans good and ill Fortune , Health and Sickness , Death and Life , Honour and Dishonour , Riches , and the contrary , do depend on the time of Birth , the Ascendant , Governing Stars and Constellations , together with the Friendly Aspects and Configurations the Heavenly Bodies have with each other ; they say if this be true , how comes this to pass that a Hundred Thousand Men come into the Field of Mars , Fifty Thousand on a side , and within the compass of one day or twelve hours time , there are Slain Sixty or Seventy thousand on both sides , this doth startle and amuse all Men that are ignorant of the Government and Powers of the Heaven and Earth , making conclusions , and measuring all things according to their narrow Capacities and Sensuality , knowing nothing of Gods Law themselves , nor the Simpathetical Methods of Nature ; for as we have mentioned before , Mankind having by Disobedience and Fraud , broken the Laws of God , and consequently of the Heavens and the great ruling Powers thereof ; and therefore he is not now in the common Capacity of those Creatures that have kept their first Law and Station they were Created in ; so that now by the power of his free Will he is rendred capable to Create , Chuse and Ordain Earthly Stars , Constellations , Governors and Princes in this Sublunary World , or dark Earthly Globe , and thereby he is become a compleat Citizen of the Earthly Regions , and consequently as subject to the Influences of those Earthy Gods , Governors and Princes , as those Creatures are to the Heavenly Constellations and Governors that have not broken their Law , but kept their first Station ; and as these most wonderful and amazing Luminaries , Stars and Constellations , do by their circular Motions , Configurations and Simpathetical Operations , govern and rule their Subjects or inferior Creatures , that have not broken their first bounds and limits of Gods Law , and a regular , exact Method and Order , as is most clear and manifest ( by every days Experience ) to the Vulgar . The like is to be understood of the Degraded Legions , or Creatures called Men , who have as is mentioned before , broken their Original or Heavenly Laws , and so are no more subject to the Laws , Orders and Methods of the Heavens and ruling Princes of their own making ; for so soon as Man had Degraded himself , and fallen from , and out of the power of the Heavenly Government , and so become depraved , then immediately from the same ignorant , blind and wicked Principle , as by Similie , he did and doth to this day , chuse and advance proportionable Governors and Princes to rule over them , and do therethereby oblige themselves under the Penalties of cruel and severe Laws , and so becomes subject to all their Innate Influences and Commands , so that it is most clear and manifest , that if the Governor of any People or Prince of this or the other Nation , have a mind or desire to make War , or to spoil his Neighbouring Countries , he can presently command his People or Subjects into Warlike postures , and cause them to march into the Field , where Twenty or Thirty Thousand are Slain in a Moment , so that every one is subject to the good and ill Fate and Destiny of that Star or Constellation he has made his Governor , and unto whose Laws he hath subjected himself .

This is farther demonstrated by all the under-graduated Creatures called Beasts , ( viz. ) If any Person becomes Master of a Thousand Sheep , Cows , Horses , or any other Creatures , has not our Laws and Customs made him Lord over them ? and doth not their good and ill Fate depend only on him , being unaccountable for all his Actions towards them , whether good or Evil , Life or Death are in and under his Power and Influence ? and cannot he dispose of those innocent Creatures several ways at his pleasure , one part or number to the Hang-man or Butcher , to be Slain all in one hour , and another number to be preserved for some years ? and yet for all this those Creatures are Midwifed into this World , not only at several times , but under as various Ascendants and governing Constellations of Heaven as Mankind is ; so that it is clear , let any Person be Born under what Ascendant or Constellation soever , nevertheless he shall be compelled by the Laws of his Sublunary Gods , Customs and Traditions of the Place or Country he lives in , to submit and obey them : For so soon as Mankind broke himself off from the innocent Influences and Government of the Law of God , and the sweet Influences of the Heavenly Powers , he immediately became subject to a Foreign or Tyrannical Power , so that he is become altogether ignorant of all the great Mysteries , Qualities and Principles his Creator hath endued him with ; the Eye of his Understanding , and all the wonderful Faculties and Intellectual magick Powers become encircled with a dark Cloud of Ignorance , so that he is now like a Ship that has neither Pilot nor Rudder , tossed to and fro by the fierce invading Waves of the Sea , that has no Harbour nor Centre , but he is continually drawn by the dark , ignorant , insulting , earthy Constellations , Customs and Powers , out of one Evil into another , seeking Content and Rest in all his Und●…kings , Enterprizes and Methods , but rarely finds any Satisfation , which cannot be obtained by any other way or method , but only by Virtue and the Power of Regeneration , that is to return and observe the Laws of God and Nature ; for Mankind cannot be a Subject of Heaven , till he obeys and lives in and under the Laws and Influences thereof , as our great Prophet and Saviour Jesus Christ , or the Divine Eye or Principle hath told us ; His Servants ye are whom ye Obey .

Accept this in Answer to yours , for the present ,

from your Friend and Servant T. T.

LETTER XXVIII . Of the perpetual MOTION . SIR ,

I Have received yours of the 26th . of May , 1699 , filled with complaints of the various Indispositions and Diseases that have lately invaded the Health , both of your Body and Mind ; and the worst of all is , these Intestine Enemies have not only beset you on all sides , but they are numerous and powerful ; so that all the helps and succours that Nature , with the aid and assistance either of Meats , Drinks , Exercises , Airs or Medicines , seem too short and feeble to restore you to your former Health : However we shall freely give you our Advice , which will be easie to be observed and practised , if you will but stem the Tide of Custom and give your Mind to it , ( viz. )

First , We referr you to our Writings , in which we have largely discoursed of the Preservation of Health , also of the qualities and quantities of Meats and Drinks , also of Exercises , Airs and Communications ; where you will find both general and particular rules for Health .

Secondly , The Foods that may be most valuable to recover and maintain your lost Health , are several sorts of Pottages or Spoon-meats , as Water-gruel , Milk-pottage , Pap made of Water and Flour , or with Milk and Water , Possets , Bread , and Milk as it comes from the Cow ; several sorts of Caudle , made of Oat-meal , Water , Ale , Wine , or with Eggs , Chocoalate , all eaten with some Bread , these are the principal Foods you ought to apply your self unto , being easie of Digestion , and are to be preferr'd before hard , strong , salt , fat things ; for the Juices and Virtues are easie , Distilling their Nutritive qualities in a silent Method , making no noise , nor give no Disturbance , from whose innocent power and sweet vertues , the Blood and all the motions of the Body becomes advanced into a better state of Health .

Thirdly , Your Drink ought to be good Water , or at least ways small Ale , Wine allayed with Water , &c.

Fourthly , Exercise your self in open , airy places , and by running Rivers sides , and you must above all refrain and withdraw your self from all Sedentary Business , more especially , that tedious and ineffectual Study of the perpetual Motion , a thing that seems altogether impossible to be obtained , because it doth Diametrically oppose all Gods Methods and Laws in this Visible World , which you and others ought to have considered , before such a Labour had been entered upon ; do but survey and contemplate all visible Beings and Off-springs of God and his great Powers , called Stars , Constellations and Elements , as Earth , Air , Fire and Water ; by whom the Great Creator works all wonderful things ; are not their Productions and Created Beings limited in their Motions and all their Methods of Life ? or can any Creature break their Circle in which Gods Law hath bounded it ? and if the Sons and Daughters of the Elements have their set bounds and limits , and cannot pass their several Periods of Time , how then is it possible that we by a certain Art or Science , should out-do our selves ? for Art and Science is but a third Birth from the Original , and consequently but Grand Children ; now that which is endued with a perpetual Motion , Old Age never overtakes them , but they are as it were always Youthful and Vigorous ; and therefore may have the Character of Immortal ; and if the Off-spring and Children of the great Immortal Being be Mortal , what then must the Arts and Sciences be that are produced or flowes from them , as a third Birth ? or can that Creature which is Mortal produce that which is Immortal or Perpetual , which is one and the same : There is no Creature or Being in this Sublunary World that hath an Eternal Motion , but only the Original or Grand Powers of God , ( viz. ) the Sun , Moon , and innumerable Company of Stars and Constellations , together with the ever teeming Elements , ( viz. ) the Fire , Water , Earth and Air , whose generating , creating and preserving Motions are perpetual ; but their Progenies or Off-spring , whose variety and number are beyond Humane Arithmetick , which are all circumscribed to certain Bounds , Limits and Periods in their Motions , Generation and Growth ; and that is most clear , and it is witnessed by innumerable living Testimonies , that for any person to pretend to do or attain to that , which God , his Law , and the whole course and method of all Created Beings forbids , on the peril of Gods high Displeasure : It is true , Mankind by Industry and Art , hath found out many curious and useful things , as that of Clocks and Watches , which of late have been mightily improved , and it is not to be doubted , but that it will be still farther advanced in all Motions and Curiosities thereunto belonging ; but still Gods Eternal Law and his Handmaid Nature , puts Bounds and Limits , so that they cannot exceed their Circles ; all Arts , Trades and Sciences take their Birth in Nature , and the better Workman or more curious any Person is , the more nearer he comes to Nature , but however it is but an imitation of her ; for all Arts and Sciences , Trades , and whatsoever is done and performed by Mankind , the Excellency thereof doth chiefly depend on the degrees of each Persons Judgment , and their distinguishing that principle , form , quality and nature of the thing or materials they work on , and according to the degrees of each Mans Judgment and distinguishing power , such a Workman he becomes , either better or worse ; the Original Principles of all Sciences , Arts and Trades are the same for ever , but the Superstructures or Building thereon do strangely and wonderfully vary , either for the better or worse , all according to the judgment and the degrees of distinguishing in the Workman ; for Nature hath bounded every Man in his Gifts and Talents , for Arts and Sciences are beyond all Humane Number and Capacities ; however there are very few , if any that attain to their highest limit in either Arts , Trades , Sciences , Health or length of Days , which have come to pass by the depraved and unnatural Methods Mankind have from one Generation to another embraced : For this cause , the more ignorant any Person is , the more he values the Works of his Hand , that is , the Commodity he works on or makes up ; and indeed no Artist is so apt to bragg or be proud of his Work , as he that wants a sound Judgment and a distinguishing Understanding , such a Persons Hands goes as far as his Judgment , he values that which one that has Understanding and doth distinguish the principal parts of such a peice cannot ; but that Person that hath a sound Judgment , and doth distinguish the principles and parts of the matter or thing he works on , such a one is rarely proud or conceited of his Art in himself , whatever he may pretend to others for the sake of Gain or his Interest , because his Judgment and Understanding went before , or is greater than his Hands can perform ; by which Eye of Distinction he sees plainly that the peice of Work , be it what it will , may be better performed ; so that such a one is less apt to boast : For this cause , ordinary Workmen or such as are called Bunglers , are more apt to boast and to be pleased than better Artists ; and if the curious Workmanship of some others of the same Trade did not clip the Wings of such Persons , they would be exceeding proud of what they can do : Now as is hinted before , there are but few People in this Nation that ever do attain to the highest limit or number , or become so curious in Arts , Sciences and Trades , as their Genious is capable of ; the Original or grand causes thereof are , ( viz. ) First , most or all Youth are too Old before they are amongst , or communicate with such People that are of the same Trade , Art or Science they are put to , as we have more largely Discoursed in our new Method of Education , for the younger and greener Children are , the more capable they are of receiving all Characters and Impressions ; and for this cause , if little Children were but accustomed to be amongst , and constantly communicate some part of each day with hard working Tradesmen , and though they were not able to do or perform any part of such Labour with their Hands , nevertheless their Judgments and distinguishing Faculties of Nature , will as it were , unknown to themselves , be improved ; and such when they come to be put to that Trade or Art , shall obtain it in a shorter time , and be more curious and better Workmen .

Secondly , There is wanting a true natural method and form in the learning and doing of most things , and the well ordering of Young People , both in Meats , Drinks and Communications ; for Temperance and Order are the Spring-heads that renders Mankind capable to attain to the highest limits of his natural Genius : And on the other side , for want of conduct and a proper management of the Humane Earth , and of the Sowing in each sort of Land the most agreeable Seeds , and that too in its due Season , is the chief occasion that the greatest number are so deeply Depraved , Insipid , Ignorant , Foolish and Intemperate , knowing little or nothing either of God , themselves , not of the wonderful Works of their Maker ; for to be Ignorant is the greatest Evil in the World , because it puts Mankind on a thousand Projections , that have no principles nor ground in Nature , some in one thing some in others , which do ensnare and entangle the most ingenious Persons , whose Gifts and Talents would have brought Honour to God and have been serviceable unto Men ; but for want of Prudence and a distinguishing mind , all their Toil , Labour and Industry hath chiefly served to Inslave themselves , both in Body and Mind , and to lead their ignorant Neighbours into the same Mischiefs and Inconveniences : Therefore my Friend , lay aside all natural Propensity to this Study , and the Reading of Authors that treat of this matter , ( and also consider what we have here presented you with , and mind your Health which is deeply wounded or invaded on all sides , ) which is the true method and means under God to preserve your own Motions and Health , both of your Body and Mind , to the highest degree , that God and his Handmaid Nature have allotted you .

I am your Friend and Servant T. T.

LETTER XXIX . Of MUSICK . SIR ,

YOURS of the 26th . of Iuly , 1698 , lies before me , and having seriously considered the Contents thereof , importing your desire to know whether there be any better or shorter Method for Children and Young People to learn Musick , than our Musicians and Masters of that Science do usually teach : I do readily agree with you , that their Methods are not only Intricate , Laborious , Chargeable and Tedious ; but farther , when all is done , amounts to little or no purpose or assurance of time , whereby many Lovers of that excellent Art have been discouraged from learning themselves , or having their Children instructed therein , and consequently the improvement of so inspired a Branch of Mathematicks , is obstructed ; to which the pride and insolency of many of the Masters , especially such as are endued with any excellency therein , has not also a little contributed , in as much as what from the one and the other cause , we do experimentally find ; there is not one of Thirty or Forty that ever attains to any competency of knowledge in this Art , or to perform a Part at Sight ; so that their Time , Labour and Money spent therein , is much worse , and redounds more to their damage , than if so much had been given clearly away ; for the Tree is not only lost , but even the Season for Planting and Sowing also : Wherefore upon the whole matter it must necessarily follow , that if shorter , easier and quicker Methods be not gone upon for the obtaining a competent stock of Knowledge and assurance in it , than is now generally taught , it will be the part of every considerate Person to desist from the pursuit of it , and to engage and advise others as much as he can to the contrary .

But , Sir your longing and earnest desire after Wisdom and true Knowledge , having penetrated into the very Center of my Magia or Magick Powers , ( as I may call them ) has generated many thoughts and true Mathematical Notions in my Head , concerning thisScience ofMusick , which I shall make bold toMidwife into the World in due Season , whether with or without the leave of our Musical Gentlemen ; but first communicate them unto you for your approbation and satisfaction ; and having premised , that I have already shewed in my Book Entituled A way to Health , the Excellency of Musick in General , and particularly the principles and Birth , as Sounds and Harmony , to which I referr you . I shall endeavour in this place to lay down a short and easy way and method , for Learners to obtain a competent Knowledge of this noble Science .

The first thing then that you are to teach your Children , whom you design for Musick , is to read and know the proper Names , and the Notes , and the Gamut , and to distinguish them in their several places and distances

Secondly , you are to teach them the time and length of each Note , by expressing them with the Voice and motion of the Foot , if it be Instrumentals ; but if Vocal , then with the motion of the Hand ; and this any Musical Child will readily learn and perform in less than four Months , if they be kept to the practice thereof but two or three hours in a day : When that is done , then teach them to strike the Notes with the Bow or Finger , according to what Musick it is , and be sure to make them keep and constantly beat the time of each Note with the foot , and never suffer them to neglect the motion of it or of the Hand ; and as soon as they can strike the Strings any thing clear and firm , then proceed to some easy Lesson , not to strike one Note or Bar without measuring of them with the motion of the foot and Voice too ; and tho' the Child cannot Sing them , yet in Speaking of them in time , together with the fore-mentioned motion of the foot , will not only confirm them in the dividing of the time , but also beget a natural motion and habit , both in the Members of the Body and Intellect or Mind too : Or else you may teach Children to strike the Strings , then make them to do it in time , always using the motion of the Foot or Hand , and so proceed , never suffering them to neglect the said motion of the Foot , and Speaking or Voice , which is a double confirmation , and will give the Learner assurance , making them to understand the dividing of time much sooner .

Now by either of these Methods you may learn any Child of Six , Seven or Eight years of Age to play any indifferent Lesson , Base , or Division at sight , within the space of one year , which I caused one to do in less than Ten Months , and when he could do that , learned to Sing , and take out all indifferent Songs , without a Master , in four Months space ; for the greatest difficulty in learning of this noble Science , consists chiefly in understanding of the Time , since by the wonderful and secret Art of dividing it , all Musical Harmony is performed , and without it there is none either in Man or Birds , but only a Voice , Tone or Noise undistinguishable ; and therefore Musical Harmony is nothing else but a proper and most natural method of Talking in Tune , or a kind of a Simpathetical agreement between Words , Tones and Sounds , divided into longer or shorter Sentences , which can never be nicely or properly performed , either in Vocal or Instrumental Musick , but only by the motion of the Members of the Body , as well as the Intellectual part of Man : For all Arts , Sciences and Trades whatsoever , are learnt by a three-fold Method or Birth , the first whereof is done by opening the hidden or Magick powers in us , vulgarly called Thoughts or Imaginations ; the second is , when those Thoughts or Desires are formed into Words or Sentences , and the third Birth is the putting of these two into Motion and Action , whereby Thoughts and Words become in a kind Essential , Substantial or Material , which so long as the Art or Science remains in the Magia only , could never obtain Essentiality , but continued as an Ideal power , and as it were unknown ; easily cut off , lost or forgot .

But when the Thoughts or Magick Powers are formed into Words , they then become more External , and do thereby obtain as I may say , a Sidaereal or Airy Body , which is much more difficult to be obliterated , than that which is retained in the Thoughts or Magia of the Mind ; but still Words being no more than a composition of the Airy Powers , can by no means become really substantial , but only by being put into Action ; which is clearly demonstrated and understood in the learning of all Arts , Sciences , Trades and Employments ; not but that the Five Senses may be made capable of great Distinguishings and Understandings , by being accustomed to hear Musical Harmony , but they can never perform or do any thing except such do midwife the Magick Powers of Hearing , into Words , Motion and Action , which Crowns the whole with Essentiallity , and gives it an existence ; and therefore it s almost impossible for any Person to be a compleat Artist in any common Trade , Art or Science , by the use of the Sense only , except such things be performed by the Motions and Actions of the Body and Members thereof ; for while any Art remains in the Magia only of Thoughts or Words , it can never be performed from that very reason or constitution of such Bodies , if I may call them so , which are invisible , and as it were Aethereal , and cannot be incircled or made Essential ; so that our Thoughts and Imaginations pass and repass , leaving no Precedent or Foot-steps behind them , that any thing can be learned thereby ; and tho' Words may be said to approach nearer unto a Corporiety than Thoughts , yet they being too slender , and their Airy Bodies invisible , they cannot make such a deep impression , nor become so substantial and significant as the Motions or the Members of the Body ; and for this cause , all Men cannot but be sensible , that no Thoughts or Words are so valuable or so substantial as Actions , seeing Motion and Action may be called the Royal Bodies , wherein all the Intellectual and Magical Powers are incircled , and thereby become known ; and through the same Circle , the said Powers , Thoughts and Words become substantial and real ; so that upon the whole , its manifest that all the curious Arts , Sciences , Trades and Occupations that have , or ever will have a Being in this World , must be midwifed in thro' Motion and Action , according to the Great Apostle of the Gentiles , who says , the visible things do shew and declare the invisible Powers of the Great Creator . Hence it is all Men agree that Practice is the Life in Learning of all Sciences , as it brings forth and manifests the hidden , Magical Thoughts and Powers unto us , making them substantial , which could never have appeared or had a Being any other way .

Now Sir , upon your understanding aright what we have herein Demonstrated , it s not to be doubted , but you will be of my Opinion , that the Masters of Musick ought to teach their Scholars the dividing of Time , by certain movements or motions of the Body , before they suffer the Sounds of the Instruments to enter into their Ears and Intellects , or at least to teach them to divide their Time by the motion of the Body , at the same time ; but the first Method is the best , and soonest Learned ; for the Sounds of all Instruments and Voices are invisible , and being Cloathed with a thin Aaereal Body , they easily penetrate into the very Center of our Intellectual Powers , as it were by an assimulating quality , whereby an Airy Body or Habit is quickly begotten ; which Habit is as it were Incorporeal , Unfixed , moving to and fro with a rapid or unbounded Motion ; so that if the Musician teaches his Scholar long by Ear , without the motion and action of the Members of the Body , then that habit of Hearing , and of the Incorporeal Powers , will grow so strong , and the Airy Fancy so moveable , quick , and as it were unbounded ; that it will be a difficult piece of work , and require much time to bring such a one to Play Time , or to have any assurance , the motion and action of the Members of the Body being not easily to be brought to move in any degree of Uniformity with the motions of the said prevalent , unbounded Fancy ; whereas all Motions ought in Musical Harmony and dividing of Time , to keep an equal pace with each other ; and the reason thereof is , because the motions of the Intellect and Airy Roving Fancy , cannot be any way fixed or brought into an equal motion , but only by being made Corporeal , that is , by being put into action or motion of the Members of our Bodies , which in the beginning of any Persons Learning , is easily performed , because the motion of the Body or Members thereof correct those flying , unbounded ones of the Aerial Fancy and Imaginative Powers , and at the same time the Airy or Intellectual motions of the Fancy , inspire the heavy , dull , melancholly , Corporeal motions of the Body ; so that there is by a little custom and practice a concatenation or agreement between both , so they keep equal and go Hand in Hand together , and the Person so Learning is as it were unperceived by himself , made capable to do more in one year and to better purpose , than generally is done the common way within the compass of Seven ; so horrid and mischievous are Unnatural Methods in the Learning of any Trades , Arts or Sciences .

All Songs , Lessons and Divisions are hard , troublesom , laborious and intricate , to all that cannot divide or play the Time with assurance ; and though there be many that by beginning in their Youth and force of practice , attain to great and swift Hands , yet its observable , if they give over practising but for a little while , they quickly forget ; and 't is certain that their want of Time and assurance to play off Hand , at sight as they call it , makes them often when the Eyes of Parents and Tutors leave them , give it quite off ; and indeed there is a great deal of reason for their so doing , seeing in every new Lesson , Division or Song they must not only puzzle their Fancies and Intellectuals , but still be under the Tutorage of a Master , which is tedious and burdensom to the most industrious , besides , the Learning and Playing the same Lesson over and over again tires and dulls the Ears , and all the Airy , Intellectual Powers belonging to that noble Sense of Hearing .

But altogether the contrary is to be understood on the other side , with the Person that has obtained the assurance of Time , who can readily Play at sight , and consequently in Consorr , which is the highest Pleasure , and the Fancy and airy Motions of the Mind are always united and pleased ; and such a Person never can forget by neglect , but whensoever he pleases , all his Powers and Faculties are ready , and a small practise will bring him in again ; so great are the advantages of a proper and right Method of learning this noble Science .

Now , the proper Age or Time for sowing the Seeds of Arts and Sciences , and of all Trades also , ( except such as are hard and robustick ) and so of this Science in particular , is early , while the Plants are young , green and tender , of which God and his Hand-maid Nature gives us a Precedent in all Vegetables : and therefore such as would have their Children to be excellent Proficients in any Art or Science , let them begin early with them : And for all such as are fitted by Nature for Musical Harmony , the best time for them to begin , is at four or five years of Age , their Youthfulness giving them great command of Hand , and they will draw forth curious , mellow , graceful Sounds , far beyond such as begin at ten or twelve years of Age : And the like is to be understood of several other Branches of the Mathematicks , as Writing , Drawing and Reading ; the last whereof we have set forth in several of our Tracts ; so that it is possible , by such a proper Method and constant Practice , to advance Musical Harmony still to a far higher degree than it is at this day , tho' I must confess there are great things done in this Science ; but being the numbers are but small , that clips the Wings of its higher flight ; for no Sciences , Arts , Trades or Employments do in any Place or Country , arrive to their pitch or utmost bounds of Perfection , but in such alone , where they have not only numerous Practisers , but also necessitous ones too ; Necessity , according to the verity of the Proverb , being the Mother of Invention ; but as long as our Masters of Musick , or such as pretend to the teaching of that Science , go on in their own common , blind , selfish and ignorant Road or Method ; I 'll engage they never will have occasion to Petition the Parliament for a Charter , to Prohibit such as are not qualified , from Teaching ; for their Methods of Learning do as much even in the very Bud ; so that the English Nation hath never bred up a sufficient number of good Masters , to Play upon all sorts of Instruments , which hath given occasion to many Strangers to press in upon us , as Italians , Germans , Dutch , Danes , Flanderkins and French , who many of them , besides the Encouragement they have met with in the Practise of Teaching , have and do daily Marry our Rich Widows and Daughters of Fortune , but of that enough ; and to return more immediately to our Subject , as I have already given you my Sentiments as to the years of the Learners of this Art , I must now add , that the proper time for such to practice it , should be at least three hours in a day , ( viz. ) One in the Morning , another about Two or Three in the Afternoon , and one at Seven at Night ; and this ought to be done , not only in respect to Instrumental but Vocal Musick also ; which last is of all others the most charming , as being of a nearer Affinity to the Mind , and all Real and Intellectual Faculties , since it proceeds from the same Principles Man is compounded of , and is the first Birth , whereas the Instrumental is a second Birth ; for which reason all or most People are better pleased with the first , tho' the learning therof proves more difficult to many than Instrumental Musick , not only for want of good tunable Ears , but Voices too ; and this proceeds from a threefold Cause .

First , Children have not Parents that distinguish one Tone or Sound from another , as not being in the least degree Skill'd in Harmony .

Secondly , In that Children are not amongst and accustom'd to hear either Vocal or Instrumental Musick well performed ; for there is nothing hath such great , and as it were secret Energy and Power to tune the Humane Principles and Qualities , as frequent hearing , as all the Learners of Musick must acknowledge , who by constant Playing , Singing and Hearing , come to understand the Distinctions of Sounds , which cannot be done any other way , as is already mention'd ; so that if little Children were used to hear , they would as readily distinguish one Sound or Note from another , as they do all sorts of Words , and the meaning thereof ; for all the Senses in every particular Person are made good , and there can be no other way to distinguish the Virtues and Vices of each thing , be it what it will , than this ; and as the Sight is made capable of distinguishing all kinds of Forms , Figures and Objects , the very same is to be understood in the other Senses of Smelling , Feeling , Hearing and Tasting ; for thro' and by these five great Faculties and Powers all material things are conveyed to the Intellect : From whence it 's manifest , that each Child becomes more or less Skill'd in Arts and Sciences , according as they Converse with Persons that practise the same .

Thirdly , The occasion that renders Musick so hard , is our way of Speaking or Talking , for all Men that distinguish Sounds , do agree , that Singing is nothing else but Talking well , by dividing each Word into shorter or longer Tone , true Sound and Accent , which cannot be done nor performed if Nature be opposed , as it is in our common way of Speaking ; and this doth appear by the Methods all Skilful Musick-masters use and Teach by , who open their Mouths and keep their Teeth from being as it were closed , whereby the Breath or Air passes freely from the Lungs , thro' the Wind-pipe and Mouth , without Interruption , which gives each Word its true Sound , and renders it mellow , soft and sweet , free from Squeeking or Jarring , and a dead , lumpish Heaviness .

This is the true and most natural way of Talking and Speaking , and therefore no Person can Sing or Speak in Tune , nor give each Letter or Word its true and natural Sound or Tone , except the Mouth , Teeth and Lips be set open , as that the Breath or Air may pass freely without any Interruption .

But instead of this true and natural Method of Speaking , we Speak quite contrary , that is , we depress the Sound of each Word , by shutting our Teeth and Lips , especially the first , whereby the Air passeth with difficulty , and so the Word gives no true Tone or Sound , it being no better than that of the Pipes of an Organ half stopp'd ; and so it is , that the Children imitating this way of Speaking from their Childhood , makes Singing hard , or as it were unnatural to them ; whereas if they did hear the true way at first , they would find it much more easy than the common way is now , Singing would be natural to them , and thereby each Person would with ease and pleasure distinguish Sounds and Notes , and the noble Sense of Hearing would obtain a greater Perfection ; for the more things any Man understands and distinguishes , the greater is his Pleasure , while the quite contrary is to be understood of any Person that is ignorant of himself and of the noble Senses and Powers he is compounded of , which render him a compleat Man .

Now , this shutting of the Teeth and Mouth in Speaking and Pronouncing our Words , alters and changes the true and natural Sound of each Word so much , that when any that are well Skill'd in Vocal Musick shall Sing , the Auditors if they do not understand Musick , can hardly distinguish the Articulation of one Word , tho' each Word be pronounced much fuller and plainer than by the common way , which renders the Sense of Hearing as Uncultivated , and the Person as Ignorant of Sounds , as of any Trade or Science he never saw or learned ; and whereas we Experimentally find , that such Persons can much better understand a common Ballad-singer , than they can a Skilful Master that Sings with Judgment ; the reason is , the former Sings as he Speaks , which the latter does not , but gives to each Word its natural Sound , which is quite contrary to the common Method of Speaking ; for such a Master , in Singing lets each Word pass clear thro' the Wind-pipe without shutting his Mouth , which mellowness of Sound drowns and hides the Letters and Words , whereof the Song is compounded , so that it seems to be composed in an unknown Language .

Now , to touch a little upon the customary way of Speaking , it hath no truth in it , because the Words are uttered without any regard or Knowledge of the Signature , I mean of Composition , Sound or Judgment of Time , and the Science of Speaking , is nothing else but a proper and natural Composition of the four and twenty Letters , and a giving a true Accent , Sound and Time to each Letter or Word ; and such Persons as are best Skill'd in the composing of the twenty four Letters , have the best Method of Speaking , and are called Rhetoritians , and according to each Person 's Judgment and Skill , their Words and Discourses have a proportionable Influence on their Auditors ; for which cause let any two Persons , whereof the one is Skill'd in the Composition of Words , and the other is not , either read or discourse of any particular Thing , Art or Science ; the Words and Discourses of the first will have a greater influence , and not only make a deeper Impression upon the Hearers , but be more pleasing too : And to say the truth , there is a very great variety of Musical Harmony and charming Discourses , to be made by any Person that is Skill'd , and has the true Understanding and Knowledge of the Four and Twenty Letters , and how to place and compose them into Words , and to set each Word and Discourse on its proper Key , so that each Letter and Word may be capable to sound forth and express the very Nature and Quality of the Matter or Thing discoursed of ; for each Sound hath a Sympathetical Key in its own Bosom , that with great vigour and power penetrates to the Centre of the Hearers , and impresses its own Property , and all Persons are as capable and liable to be charmed and composed by Words and Discourses that proceed from a proper Composition of the four and twenty Letters , as any Person is from the lofty , curious and delightful Harmony that proceeds from the Composition of the seven Notes , which is the Ground and Basis of all Musical Harmony , whether Vocal or Instrumental ; for Speaking , Discourse and Musick have but one Ground and Original , and the Pleasure and charming Influences of Talking would be as powerful as those of Vocal and Instrumental Musick are , provided each Person was so well Skill'd , that he could distinguish the true Sound of the Letters , and compose and place each Word on its proper Key or Place , that so it might be capable to have a Sympathetical Agreement with the next Words that follow , each Word keeping within its own bounds , whereby there is a certain Ecchoing or Tuneableness between the Sounds of them .

This Method , Sir , is always observed by the Composers of Musick , both Vocal and Instrumental , so that when they compose a Song , they consider what Key will best express the matter or thing intended , and place each Note at proper distances , and the better to humor the thing , they make use of Flats and Sharps , which is always done by a certain Mathematical Rule , so that when they would express Lamentations and Melancholy Dispositions , they compose and place their Notes accordingly on proper Keys , when on the contrary , to charm their Auditors with Joy , Pleasure and Delight , the Compositions are formed on other suitable Keys , which still is done by a Mathematical Rule : the very same Judgment and Skill each Person ought to have in Speaking and Reading , and particularly all School-masters and Tutors ought to have the true Knowledge of Compositions , else they can never make their Scholars capable of Speaking or Reading by any true Mathematical Method ; and as there is always a proper Time to be observed in the Notes of Musick , so the like ought to be practised in Speaking , and when these Particulars are not nicely observed in Musical Compositions , a Master of the Science will say , that such Compositions have no Sense in them , that is , no true Mathematical Agreement .

Now , these things being not understood by those who have the Management and Education of Children , is the true reason why so few Speak or Read according to the fore-mentioned natural Method , but go on at random , by chance , or ignorantly , whereas Speaking , Reading and Discoursing are as essential a branch of the Mathematicks , as Musick or Navigation , but not being performed from certain Basis , Principles or Measures , they come short of the Perfection they otherwise might be brought to .

But not to deviate too much from the main Subject , which might still be more amply handled , were it suitable with the Scope and Design of this Letter , I am perswaded you will find the fore-mentioned Reasons , enough to deter you or any other Lovers of the Science of Musick , from learning in the common Method , since you will be sure to be cheated both of your Time , Money , Practise and Industry too , whereas if you go in the regular and natural way I have prescribed , you will be rendred capable to obtain your Desire , and that in a short time , and become Master of a Science , than which there is nothing so excellent , beautiful , equal , composed and harmonious , and that comes so near the Original Unity God Created Man in ; there being no material Art performed by Man , that so nearly imitates the Blest Angels and Coelestial Powers above , as this ; for all other Sublunary things are mixed with some unequal Qualities , but Musick agrees in all its parts , and all the wonderful variety of things clap Hands , Eccho and Sing forth God's Praises in Equality and Harmony , being the liveliest Pattern of the Eternal Unity in Time and Eternity , more especially if Mankind could or did Praise the same with pure Hearts and undefiled Hands . I hope you will excuse my tediousness , and take it as a Testimony of the sincere Affection I bear you , who am ,

SIR , Your Loving Friend , T. T.

LETTER XXX . Of LANGUAGES . SIR ,

YOurs by the Ship Fairfax I have received , with much satisfaction , as being mightily pleased with some curious Enquiries made therein , but more particularly , I cannot but take notice of your desire to have my Sentiments , concerning the best and properest Method for a Person of advanced years , to Speak and Pronounce truly and plainly any Foreign Language , whereof he was wholly ignorant before , with the same ease and perfection 〈◊〉 the Natives do themselves .

PRay give me leave to tell you , it makes me Smile to think you should have a mind to go to School in your old Age , ●…ho ' I confess your present Circumstances do in a manner abso●…tely require it ) and of what diversion I shall have , to find out ●…oper Punishments for the Neglects and Delinquencies of an an●…ent Pupil : However , your Curiosity is laudable ; for the understanding of Tongues is not only a noble Accomplishment and Qualification in a Gentleman , but an extraordinary advantage 〈◊〉 the Knowledge and Improvement of all Humane Arts and Sci●…ces , and tho' one part of a Man's Life is much fitter for it than ●…other , yet 't is not to be neglected , as occasion shall offer in any Age : Cato was 40 years Old before he apply'd himself to ●…arn the Greek Tongue , nor did I ever hear his Endeavours in that respect redounded to his Dishonour , or occasion'd any Re●…ction upon Wisdom and Gravity .

I confess it is scarcely known that any Persons of an advanced Age , tho' they have lived and Communicated ten or twenty years , be it more or less , among the Natives of any Foreign Country , have arrived to the perfection of Speaking and Pronouncing their Language truly and naturally , when their Children in far less time , without the help of a Master , have been able to Speak it both properly , exactly and readily ; yet such an Attainment is not to be despaired of in Men of years , if there be due Application used in the learning thereof , to which purpose I have sent you some few Observations , having already discoursed of the Reasons of Childrens Aptness and Capacity , in our small Treatise of Education , to which I refer you .

First , Such an one should Communicate and be constantly amongst the Natives , as also take particular notice of their Words , Discourses , Gestures and Actions ; yet not speak a word after them , but keep always silent , so far as is possible for him , at least for one year , or a year and an half , doing all things as it were by Signs , in which space an elderly Person will be found capable with such Promptness and Facility to Pronounce ●…nd Speak the Language , as tho' he or she were natural Born ; for you must know the greatest difficulty in Learning or Speaking of any Language true , consists in the natural Pronunciation , which cannot be done by such as are in Age , but by this way of Silence ; for no Person can speak or sound any Word true , but only by hearing it well Pronounced ; for if the Sounds and various Tones of Words be not distinguished , then 't is impossible for any Person to make any Harmony in his Words or Discourses ; for which very reason the most apt and ingenious Person in the World , cannot Tune with any perfection any Musical Instrument , but only by a constant Practice and hearing the variety of Sounds , for one year or two at least ; during which space such various Sounds being expressed , the Sense of hearing becomes Cultivated , and distinguishes one Sound from another , as he that speaks his Mother-Tongue doth one word from another ; for as soon as that noble Sense of Hearing is made good , and comes to distinguish the Forms and Sounds one from another , at the very same moment it conveys them to the Internal Senses , which presents them to the Understanding and Judgment : And when this is done , then any Person becomes a Master ; wherefore it 's manifest no Person can make any Musical Instrument to express any Tone , Song , or other Lesson true , if the Pronunciation of each Word or Note be not understood and distinguished , which cannot be done but by a constant silent Hearing .

Now , if Children and young People cannot understand nor distinguish the variety of Notes , Tones and Sounds of Musical Harmony and Speech , without large expence of Time and constant Practise , notwithstanding the Disposition of their Organical Powers for true Articulation , as not having received , or , I may say , been Indisposed by any previous Impressions from other Sounds or Languages ; how is it possible , that one in years should ever be capable to Speak plainly , and to Pronounce any Foreign Tongue , without some considerable time spent in the hearing of it spoke ? for Sounds and Words do by degrees beget their Similies in the Mind and Understanding ; and 't is as possible for any Person to Tune and Play upon a Musical Instrument , without a convenient time for hearing , as for a Man to Pronounce or Speak any Foreign Language true at the first hearing thereof ; and therefore most do miscarry , or at leastwise prove Lame in their Performances , that do at the beginning endeavour to speak and hear together ; for as no Person can Tune any Musical Instrument before he distinguishes the variety of Sounds , the very same is to be understood in Speaking ; for in little Children the understanding and distinguishing Power of Hearing is perfected before they can Speak or Articulate any Word : And Mothers , Nurses and Maids will tell us , that most Infants distingush many things , long before they can Speak or Pronounce them .

And as it is the Sense of Hearing that is only capable to present to the Understanding , all Sounds , Words and Languages , so by a constant practice and frequent hearing , they are pronounced , understood and distinguished , and that with great ease and pleasure ; so that whether they mind or incline to learn or no , yet the Sounds , Words and Pronunciation , will , as it were against their wills , steal into them , and beget a habit ; for in this case it is not barely a great and longing Desire or Inclination , that is capable to make any Person Learn , Understand or Distinguish , but 't is the use of cons●…nt hearing , tho' Desires and Inclinations must be owned to be good Spurs or Incitatives in the doing , ●…ning and understanding of all Arts , Occupations and Sciences : ●…t if Learning depended chiefly upon Inclinations , then thou●…ds of Children would learn but little , and understand less ; but 〈◊〉 any young Person has proper Faculties for the thing he learns , ●…he does but practise , he will become excellent in the Art , be 〈◊〉 what it will , tho' his Desires and Inclinations be not so much 〈◊〉 it , but rather wholly inclined to other things .

And seeing all the Senses are made capable to distinguish and ●…present the true Nature and Property of each thing to the Un●…standing , and Intellectual Powers of the Mind , as Hearing ●…es all Sounds , Cryes and Tones ; the Sight all Forms , Figures , ●…pes and Objects ; the Sense of Smelling , the nature of all ●…nts good and bad ; and the like of the rest : So it is clear , that ●…ring is the first true step to the learning and distinguishing of ●…y Language , as being the Foundation and head Principle ●…reof , for without it no Man could ever Speak , Articulate , or ●…stinguish one Tone from another no more than Cows , Horses 〈◊〉 Sheep do ; and for this cause one Tongue or Language is as ●…ily and familiarly learned by a Child as another ; the whole ●…thod of Speaking being nothing else but an Imitation of that ●…hich is spoke and heard ; and therefore the true way and rea●…est method of Hearing , is , first , to make that great intelligi●…e Power of Hearing good , which cannot , as was said in Musi●…l Harmony , be any other way done but by constant Applicati●… to hear .

Wherefore , if any elderly Person has occasion or inclination 〈◊〉 learn any Language or Foreign Tongue , and at the same time 〈◊〉 not in a capacity to Travel into the Place or Country where 〈◊〉 said Language is supposed to be easiest learned , then such a 〈◊〉 may learn it at home with much ease and delight ; if he does 〈◊〉 take a young Man or Woman that speaks the Lingua natural●… and well , and also English too , in whose Company let him ●…nd the greatest part of his time , and order him to talk the 〈◊〉 continually in his presence , he at the same time instructing 〈◊〉 other in English what to talk or discourse of , also what La●… or Exercise he shall do , so as to be obliged continually to ●…ke Repetitions of the names of all common Things and Acti●…s : For Example , when he comes into any House , he shall ●…ke the opportunity to call over and name all the Houshold ●…ds , and at other times discourse of Husbandry , or the pre●…ing of Foods , and generally of all other Materials , belong●… to an House and Furniture : The like you must instruct him 〈◊〉 do when you walk in the Street , Exchange , Garden and ●…lds , so as to let no Figure or Object pass without some dis●…se , both of the Nature and Method thereof ; to which must be added a constant Repetition of each Thing or Accident that happened ; and all this while the Person that hears must be silent , only giving the Tutor an account of what he shall discourse and act , and within the limits of the fore-mentioned time , of a year or two , the Learner shall be able to Speak properly , easily and readily , with a true Accent or Pronunciation , as tho' he had been bred up in that Country , whose Language he learns . Thus briefly , and with my wonted freedom , I have given you my Thoughts of this Matter , but how far they may concur with your Judgment and Inclination , is wholly to your self , only I desire you to believe they are sincerely intended for your Benefit by him , who is ,

SIR , Your affectionate Friend , and very humble Servant , T. T.

LETTER XXXI . Of Times for EATING . SIR ,

YOurs of the 18th of August is before me , and am heartily glad of you and your Familys good Health and Welfare , and in particular take notice of your Question , which when you was in London we had some discourse about , ( viz. ) The best and properest times of the day for Eating our common Meats , and the Natural and Physical Reasons thereof , which you desire more fully . This Question we have in our Way to Health , and some other of our Writings , given an account of , to which we referr you ; however , the Talents the ever Blessed Creator and Preserver of all Beings hath given me , are always Devoted , both to the Publick and Private , which please to take as followeth :

THE goodness or badness of Concoction of Foods doth cheifly consist in the strength or weakness of the natural Spirits , and according to their Degrees and Powers , so is each Person 's Digestion better or worse , quicker or slower , the Root and Centre of a strong Stomach stands in the Fire ; therefore all such as are dignified with strong heats , such are likewise endued with brisk , lively Spirits , and consequently with their respective Virtues and Vices , cleanness or the contrary , so is each Person in Health , Strength , Sickness and Weakness ; likewise the times of the day for Eating and Drinking do also add or diminish to each Person 's Health , Strength , Briskness , or dull cloudy Heaviness ; for this cause we have in several of our Writings given Direction for the times , that is , to Eat about 8 of the Clock in the Morning , and about 3 or 4 in the Afternoon : Now , the natural Reasons for it , is ,

First , The length of time , between 4 in the Afternoon and 7 or 8 in the Morning , is considerable , and more hours than half the Day and Night , by which the Digestion of the Meats and Drinks are compleatly Concocted , and the Stomach freed , and as it were cleansed from all superfluous Matter , and thereby is rendred fit and capable to receive proper Meats and Drinks , and though the Appetite so early in the morning be not so sharp and craving as it is in the day after Labour and Motion in the open Air , occasioned by the heat of the Bed and Stilness or gentle Motion ; but this kind of Dulness , that most have so early , proves a Benefit rather than the contrary , for both craving or sharpness of Appetite doth frequently centre in a kind of Gluttony ; from whence the old Proverb did take its Birth , Too long Fasting and too sharp an Appetite makes a gluttonous Meal ; and the like is to be understood in too great Drought , both being a kind of Distemper , and never passes off without leaving behind some signal Evil , or at leastwise sowing Seeds and laying sure Foundations for Diseases : But the indifferency and cleanness of the Stomach and Appetite in the morning , prevents this sort of Gluttony , and yet at the same time the Meats and Drinks find a well-prepared Stomach , and a Ware-house , where there is sufficient place and room to stow the Foods , without prejudice to Nature , whereas great hunger and strong , or too sharp Appetites is in many Persons , apt to continue the pleasure of the Palate in Eating and Drinking , much longer than the conveniency or necessity of the Stomach , and therefore most after such Meals do Experience a heavy , hot , cloudy Indisposition .

Secondly , Sleep and Rest from action and motion , are the principles from which the natural Spirits take their Birth , and are hereby continually recovered and sustained ; and on the other side , Motion , Exercise and Action are means and methods that waste , spend and weaken : Now it is clear , that in a Morning every Persons Experience doth witness a more brisk lightsomness , and that the Body and Mind are more able and fitter to perform all actions of the Body , and likewise to exert the Functions of the Mind , far exceeding what they are in the Afternoon or latter part of each day ; and as each Person is more capable and better prepared for all the Actions of Life in the first part of the Day or Morning : The like is to be understood of the Actions of the Stomach , because all the power of Concoction and Digestion consists in the strength , weakness , goodness and badness of the natural Spirits ; for this cause , it always proves an evil for any Person to consume or waste the natural Spirits too much , either by Labour , Fasting , or any other Motion or Exercise before Eating , because Meats and Drinks do require as strong Spirits and many , for the Concoction and Digestion of Foods , as Labour , Motion and the brisk actions of Life do , or rather more , as most can or may experience ; for the cloudy , heavy , hot , weariness , and unnatural Disposition that follows after such great Meals of Food and strong Liquors , which do overfill and stock the Stomach , or Natures Magazin , with too great quantities , and of contrary qualities , proves far harder to bear , and of more dangerous consequence , than either hard Labour , motion or action of the Body ; for this cause , every Person ought to Eat and Drink before the brisk , lively , natural Spirits are too far spent , either by motion , labour , or too long Fasting , by which they are preserved ; so that such a one shall be capable to go through the fatigue and business of the day with ease and pleasure , and thereby free Nature from various Indispositions , and from Sowing of Seeds for future Diseases ; for these reasons all Persons will find by experience , after a little use and custom , that an early Breakfast as we call it , of some sort of Pottages , within half or one hour at the most after they rise , always Drinking a Draught of Small Ale or Beer before they eat , that is , so soon as they are up , will prove of far more advantage , both for Health , Pleasure , and performing all the actions of Life and Business , than a Breakfast about 9 or 10 of the Clock , and a Dinner about 12 , 1 or 2 , as the Custom is , which doth for the most part prove burthensom all the last part of the day , and prejudicial to Nature : For this is to be noted , that the Meats or Foods after they come into the Stomach , do not afford nor distribute their nutritive Vertues under the length or time of 5 or 6 hours , or at leastwise , that a Person can be sensible or feel a refreshment proceeding from thence , but rather the contrary ; and therefore most do from the 1st , 2d or 3d hour after Eating , find a kind of dulness or heaviness , more especially , if the Foods were hard of Concoction , or if they exceeded in quantity : And this common method of Eating about 12 , 1 or 2 of the Clock , proves the more prejudicial in hot Seasons and Climates , for first , the Mornings Labour or Exercise spends great part of those brisk or winged Spirits , which by rest were at the rising up , powerful , are weakned ; and then the Breakfast , together with the motions and exercises between that and Dinner , do set going great part of what remains ; as also the Sun or great Vital heat of the World being in or near the Meridian or full South , which doth make a considerable addition , for the Evaporation , or spending and weakning of the natural Spirits , so that it is no wonder most People after Dinner are so hot , indisposed and drowsy , and that which doth mightily encrease this great Inconveniency , is , that the Dinners are Foods for the most part compounded of strong , gross , suckulent things , of hard Concoction , so that it lies as it were frying or boiling in the Stomach 4 , 5 or 6 hours , calling for Liquor , to quench the unnatural Heats and Fires it awakens through the whole Body , and no Member is free from those burthensom Inconveniencies , whereas altogether the contrary is to be understood and experienced , by an early Breakfast of some sort of substantial Pottage , and drinking a good quantity of small Liquor , as before hinted , for the morning Labour , Motions or Exercises , are performed by the lively , strong , natural Spirits , that have been not only recovered , but Generated by the true Concoction of the late Dinner or Supper and Rest , and these Spirits are all the morning supply'd by fine Spirits of the Pottage ; for all such Foods do more easily concoct , and steal or Insinuate their Virtues , than hard , gross Foods , so that there is a Support all along ; and for this very cause from 11 of the Clock to 3 or 4 , when most People are hot , weary and indisposed , those Persons that Breakfast early are cool , lightsome and pleasant , and in a word , free from these burthensome Indispositions ; for that Food and Drink affords the best Nourishment , and adds the greatest Strength , that is the least felt in the time of Concoction or Separation , and that causes no Heat , Indisposition , nor calls for the aid of the liquid Regions ; therefore those Foods are the most agreeable in which the four Elements are most equally mix'd or compounded , that is , where the Fire or natural Heat doth not over ballance the Element of Water ; the Equality and Inequality of those Elements in Foods are always felt in the time of the Concoction , for heat after eating is occasion'd by Inequality , which Physicians and every other Person ought to understand in the compounding of each thing , for that Person that is quickly droughty , and that his Appetite calls for Liquor , is a true and sure Indication that the Qualifications of the Foods were unequal ; therefore upon the whole Matter , our most natural and kindly Pottages are the most friendly , they being properly compounded and prepared , do as it were at once answer all the ends of Food , and gratify Nature far beyond all strong , hard , salt , high prepar'd or relish'd Foods , leaving behind them no droughty or hot burthensome Indispositions ; and if you or any other Person would know the Verity and Truth of what we have here , and also in several of our Writings , endeavoured to make Mankind sensible of , each Person must fall into the Practice , for there is no other way or method to make it Essential ; for so long as Mens Knowledge and Philosophy remains in the Magia , Notions and Words , such Wisdom , as they call it , is altogether uncertain and unbounded , passing and repassing through the a●…y Fancies unlimited ; and therefore all or most such Notions become altogether obliterated and changed into other Notions of differing Qualities and Natures , never fix'd , neither indeed can they be , because they were not founded on the Principles of Nature , nor by Practice made material .

And for this cause all Imaginations and Knowledge that reside in the Fancy or in Notions , are Incorporeal or Invisible Powers , and consequently not demonstrated ; and they do remain almost as unknown to them that talk of them or others that would understand them , as the invisible Powers , Imaginations and Thoughts of one Man is unknown to another ; and therefore every one that would understand and know the Truth , must retire and go home and practice , and then every Notion becomes as it were Mathematical , that is , demonstrable , and without these material motions of the Body , no Knowledge , Notion nor Imagination can be made a Man's own , nor become Essential to him ; so great is the necessity of good Methods and a prudent Practice of Life , to which I referr you ; for true Knowledge , Wisdom and Understanding cannot be obtained , but only by a proper Method , ( viz. ) The same way that Arts and Sciences are , that is by Labour and a continual Practice , which by degrees opens and unlocks all the secret Doors and inward Cabinets of the Intellect , and thereby the invisible Powers become manifest and visible , which is strangely , and as it were wonderfully done and perform'd in all Sciences , Arts and Trades , so that by and through the Motions and Actions of the Body and Members , the Magical Births of the Imaginative Faculties and Thoughts become manifest and material , and so that which was Incorporeal becomes Corporeal ; and therefore Motion , Action and Practice is endued with a most wonderful Power and Energy , it commands the unbounded Fancy , and encircles the wandring imaginative Power , fixing and limitting those high lofty Spirits that lead most Men into Delusions and Errors , and all this and a thousand more Calamities and great Miseries attend Mankind , for want of a true Method and Practical Life , and the true fixing all things on their Basis and Principles , from whence true distinguishing Knowledge of the Signature of each thing arises and proceeds , which we recommend to you and to all Mankind , with our hearty wish of yours and Familys Well-fare , desiring a Line or two the next Ship that is bound for England . In the interim I Subscribe ,

Your Friend and Servant , T. T.

LETTER XXXII . To a Planter of SUGAR . SIR ,

IN our foregoing we have laid down some Methods how you may preserve your selves and Posterity ; to which I shall add something more , which if put into practice , will not only advance and encourage your Plantations , but render the Inhabitants extreamly happy , both in the present and future Ages ; and stem the Current of Groans , Sighs , Melancholly Lamentations , and Turmoil of your Servants , into a pleasant , calm , serene Life , of happy Employments ; and the Masters of each Family shall enjoy many degrees more quiet , and be freed from those continual troubles and cares they now labour under , and do and will unavoidably encrease upon your selves and Posterity , if some other more easy and profitable Method be not put into practice : Which please to take as followeth , viz.

1. SInce the employing of the Natives of each Country , in the most usual improvement and manufacturing the Growth and Productions , hath always been of the greatest moment and value to that place or Country ; and on the other side , the neglect thereof hath never failed to produce the contrary ; therefore it will be highly necessary that your Law-makers should think of some easier , less chargeable way , to employ some part of their Natives and also their Negroes in improving the Cotton , which in a little time ( proper Methods being taken by the publick ) would advance all the Sugar Plantations to a higher degree of perfection , both of Riches , Ease and Pleasure , than is possible to be effected in that violent and cruel Art of making such large quantitys of Sugar . First , let there be an Act of your Parliament that there be two Schools or proper Houses erected in each Parish , for the Dressing , Spinning and Weaving of Cotton , one for the Children of the English , the other for the Children of the Slaves , Black Servants , where in a short time they would , with the help and assistance of proper Tutors , attain to make not only Fustians , but all sorts of course and fine Callicoes and Muslins too ; these Houses ought to be erected by the publick , and also Instructors both Men and Women , well skilled in the management of that Trade or Employment , where the Children of the White People should be kept and Dieted as at Boarding-Schools : The like ought to be done with the Black Children , and every Plantation should be obliged according to their numbers , to send yearly so many of their Black Children , at the Age of 4 or 5 years ; and the like the English ought to do , and at the same Ages ; for it hath never been known that the Natives of any Country have attained to any degree of Excellency in the working of their own or others Manufactury , but only where they have Sowed proper Seeds in due Season , that is , where they have begun betimes with Children .

As for Example , do not the Blacks in the East Indies do as it were wonders , in that Manufacturing of Cotton Wool , that is no better than yours of the West Indies , and differs no more than their Canes of Sugar and yours ? which perfection in their Callicoes and Muslins have been arrived to no other way , but by putting and bringing their Children up very young , from 4 or 5 years of Age , together with their constant Marrying their Children to their own Trades , that is , the Son of a Weaver to the Daughter of a Weaver ; and so in all other Trades , a Merchant is a Merchant for ever , and Marrys the Daughter of a Merchant , be they poor or rich , that makes no difference , neither doth it alter their Methods , so that it is not with them as it is with us in Europe , the more Children the poorer , but amongst them the more the richer , each Child getting their Bread under their Fathers and Mothers Conduct , from 4 or 5 years old ; by which they do not only Educate their own Children , but do prevent and save the great charges we are at to put our Children Apprentices to others , and at the same time over look the Actions of their Children , and not expose them to Strangers ; many do take them more for the Money they have with them , than for any real Benefit to the Children : And is it not a Paradox , that when a Mother and Father have , ( through their foolish Conduct ) Sowed Seeds of Disobedience in their Children , insomuch that they cannot rule nor keep them in Order , for them to imagine that others will take that slavery off their Hands for a little Money , and that others , or Strangers , should do more for Children than you were willing to do your selves , more especially , when the Seeds of Mismanagement are grown too sturdy and strong ; whereas the Parents had the Fore-Horse by the Bridle , and might have cut off Vice in the Bud.

And what the Blacks in the East Indies do perform in the Manufacturing of Cotton , the like the Europeans do perform in the management of Flax and Wool , as our near Neighbours , viz. the curious Thread that is Spun in Flanders , Holland , Germany and France , which is made into sundry sorts of Lace , Holland and Cambrick , which curious fineness could never have been performed , had they not taught their Children very early : The very same is to be understood in England , of the Woollen Manufactury , for One Hundred and Fifty Years since our Woollen Cloth was all very course , and came short of our common Prizes ; and there is as much difference between the Cloth now and then , ●…s there is between the Fustian we now make for Hammocks and Stockings , and the East India Callicoes and fine Muslins ; but so soon as Navigation , Trade and Rack-renting came on , all Trade was encouraged , and ever since the Natives of England have made it an Employment to get Money and their Bread : The management of all our Growth hath every Age and Year advanced in more excellent performances , which have been wonderfully encreased within 50 or 60 Years , more especially , in the management of our Woollen Manufacturies ; and perhaps , that England now doth as much exceed in the Spinning and Weaving of Woollen Cloth , as Flanders , France , Holland and the East Indies , do in Linnen and Callicoes : And it is to be Noted , that we have attained to this Excellency , since many Hundreds of poor Families have , through necessity , trained up their Children in Spinning , Carding , and other work about the said Trade of Cloth-making , from 5 or 6 years of Age ; so that they can now draw almost as fine a Thread as in Silk , or in Linnen ; so that it is very clear that the early cultivation and Sowing Seed in due season , crowns the Action : Children are like white Paper at first , before it be sullyed , or ill Customs and Characters stamped , you may Sow what Seed you please , and according to each Childs Genius , they will arrive to a happy Maturity .

Now the West Indies is able to Cope with the East Indies , as to the management and manufacturing of Cotton . First , because young Children can get more than their Bread before they are able to perform any other work that belongs to making of Sugar . Secondly , the Meat , Drink and Cloathing is near as Cheap as in the East Indies . Thirdly , the Commodity made , is of more value than in the East Indies , goodness for goodness . Fourthly , it is an easy and soft Employment , it hinders not the Growth , nor wastes the strength . Fifthly , it preserves the Females and their Off-spring from many cruel Diseases , that hard Field Labour subjects them unto , which have , and do prove no small detriment to the Sugar Plantations , the Females not being by Nature endued with such robust or strong Constitutions as the Males ; besides , they by Nature are subject to a hundred Weaknesses that Men are not ; and for this very cause , all Nations by their Laws and Customs , more especially , those that have had regard to the encrease , strength and health of their Posterity , have always allotted the ea●…est and finest Employments for Women : And I must tell you , that nothing hath more hurt and injur'd the Plantations , than the hard Labour and unkind Usage towards your Black Women , for the whole preser●…tion of Mankind as to Encrease , Health and Strength , resides in the prudent Conduct of Women .

For , pray tell us what can be a greater Indication of Evil unto any Country , than that the Off-spring or Children of the Natives , will not maintain their numbers of People ; can any Person be made to believe , that if there were 10000 People of all Ages , both Males and Females , put into any open , Healthy Country , where they have all conveniences of Life , and there to Inhabit for 20 or 30 years , that then they should be dwindled away to 5000 or a less number ? would not any Man expect instead of 5000 more than 20000. Now this Decrease of People doth never happen but on some eminent occasion , either the Climate is extreamly unhealthy , or the People intemperate ; sweeping Sicknesses and Wars : This Decrease of Negroes in all the Sugar Plantations is too true , and the occasions thereof too little examined into or regarded , which proves the greatest detriment to your Settlements ; doth not the contrary of this manifestly appear in England ? hath not their Off-spring and Native Children within the compass of a few years , viz. 60 or 70 , at the most , settled many great Collonies and Plantations , as New England , Iamaica , the Island of Barbadoes , Virginia , &c. besides the great numbers that have of late been destroyed in the Wars , at Land and Sea ; and others that yearly have and do furnish the great numbers of Ships with Seamen ; and notwithstanding these Consumptions , England hath more Natives and Hands than Employments , or Bread at a reasonable rate .

Now when these things are considered and understood , you then will find upon the whole matter , what sort of Conduct and Methods you have subjected your selves to , and that your great industry to make large quantities of Sugar , without having a sufficient number of Hands , and very often good keeping too ; for it is always a rule that never fails , if there be not a due proportion between the Labour , Foods and Rest , then Nature must by degrees sink and dwindle into a Consumption , extraordinary Labour calls for extraordinary Meats , Drinks and Rest , more especially in hot Climates , where hard working cannot be endured , as in Cold ; which we have more largely set forth in our Treatise of the Fruits of the East and West Indies . Now I say , that some such Methods as we have proposed , would certainly give you great ease , and at once set you and your Posterity free from those intollerable Burthens and Slaverys , you and your Servants undergo ; for there is nothing more true than Gods Eternal Law , that if , we over-burthen our Servants that are subjected under our Government for what cause or reason is unaccountable , and do not in some degree do by them as we would be done unto , if we had been served as they have , viz. carried away contrary to our own Wills and Inclinations into Foreign Regions ; or as we would have our Children done by in the like condition , that then you may be sure that suitable returns will be made to the Oppressor , or to his Off-spring ; for the Groaning of him that suffereth pain is the beginning of trouble and misery to him that caused it ; and it is not to be doubted , but under this black Character of Oppression and Violence , the Sugar Plantations do now lye under ; is not this manifest by many , and some of the chiefest Note ? for the more they forecast , take care , Labour , and Oppress in hard , severe Methods , the poorer and more behind hand they become ; also the loose and extravagant Education of your Youth , is a sure indication of Calamity and Misery to any Country ; for in a few years they come to Govern the publick Affairs : These things are of greater moment and importance than the foolish and unthinking do imagine ; and though Mankind doth slight these Admonitions and natural Methods , and goes on in their hard Hearted ways , yet Gods Providence and the Divine Hand never forgets , but early or late there must be retalliation made : These things we recommend to your prudent consideration .

SIR , Your very humble Servant , T. T.

LETTER XXXIII . To a Gentleman in Barbadoes . SIR ,

WIth many serious Thoughts and Reflections , have I at times revolved upon the State of our American Plantations , and the various Methods our Government hath used in reference to them and their Trade ; so much , I presume , to theirs and our own disadvantage , at least at long run , notwithstanding the small Benefit that has been reaped seemingly , by the Imposts laid upon them ; and the receipt of your last , together with your Request therein , having awakened my Mind afresh , to resume my former Conceptions upon the said Subject , I am free to Communicate all that I have thought of in general thereupon , but more particularly what regards the Sugar Settlements , and your Island of Barbadoes , which is the chief of them still , both for its own Produce , the advancement of Navigation and vending the Manufactures of England ; and how advantagious it has been in former times to the Crown of England in all those Respects , might be manifested by divers Instances ; but not to run back too far ; it 's sufficient to observe , that that little spot of Ground , ( which you know is not above 12 Miles over , and 28 in length ) did in King Charles the 2d's Reign ( the Commodities being then free from high Customs and Impositions for many years together ) load between 3 and 400 Sail of Ships , and most of them of a considerable burden , with the Produce of it ; the reason of which Plenty must arise from no other than the natural goodness of your Soil ; and the extraordinary Diligence and Industry of the Planters , and I may say Slavery too : For if in the Infancy of our Sugar Plantations , their Produce of Sugar , Indico , Ginger and Cotton , had not yielded a considerable Price , and the Duties been easy ; it had been impossible ever to have settled them , or at leastwise to have brought them to any such perfection as they be ; for a Man must be in disburst at least 2 or 3000 l. before he can make 100 weight of brown Sugar , not worth above 12 or 14 s.

For this reason most of the first Settlers being Persons of small Stocks ; others would not run the Hazzard of tedious and dangerous Sea-Voyages , into the Torrid Zones , which at first proved very unhealthy for want of Conveniencies of Life , and a prudent Conduct of Affairs , which occasioned the Death of many in the very Enterprize , who left the Benefit of their Labours to others ; and most of those that Survived , before they could bring things to Maturity , had contracted such large Debts with the Merchants , both there and in England , that they were forc'd to Sell ; and the very same Fate attended the second , and many of the third Buyers and Settlers : So difficult was the Undertaking , and great the Charge of these first Settlements .

But notwithstanding the fore-mentioned Difficulties and Discouragements , the Undertakers were buoy'd up by the great Prizes the Commodities bore , and the easy Duties and Customs they paid ; and had it not been so , it 's certain this Island could never have been brought to any Maturity , which in the flourishing State thereof was the brightest Jewel in the Crown of Trade , as well upon account of the great Improvement and Benefit had thereby , both in that noble Science of Navigation , as in Vending such considerable quantities of all sorts of English Commodities , which have not been well understood , and hardly at all rightly considered by our Legislators ; for the West India Trade employs about 1000 Sail of Ships , whereof formerly about 150 went yearly from England and Ireland loaden with Provisions of Beer , Ale , Bread , Flower , Butter , Cheese , Beef and Fish , to the Sugar Islands , which by the discouraging of the Trade thither , together with the high Impositions , is already almost sunk , and must be altogether so in a small time ; since the Planters do already and must Retrench in all their Expences , especially such as are Extravagant ; for Necessity is not only the Mother of Invention , but of Temperance and Order , and how the Planters may still Support themselves , Families and Estates under the present Circumstances of things ; and notwithstanding the vast Losses they have sustained during the late War , ( they having suffered more than all other Trades put together , the Loss of Barbadoes it self , within the compass of one year , being computed at 380000 Pounds ) is a Matter worthy of our Enquiry .

Now , the first thing that should naturally fall under your consideration upon this account , is , whether it be advisable for you , to Plant for the future but one half of the Sugar Canes you have been hitherto wont to do , and Manure the other half of your Land for Provisions , wherewith you may supply your Families and all your Negroes in a great measure , so as that you need not Buy such great quantities of salt Fish and Flesh , which are found by Experience frequently to prove injurious to the Health of your People ; whereas your own Produce will better support Health and Strength , and are by many degrees wholsomer than the other ; by which means alone you will acquire many Conveniencies , for then you will have Hands enough for your Concerns , and be enabled to maintain your Numbers without yearly Buying , which you know is a vast and constant Charge to all Plantations ; for all the Art of Planing and Making of Sugar is very heavy and laborious ; of which I need not inform you , Sir , who are so well acquainted with the same in all its Circumstances , but the sight of the Operation in a Refining-House in London is enough to convince any , that otherwise have never known any thing of the matter .

And now , Sir , if the preceding Suggestion carries such a face of Advantage to your Plantation , undoubtedly the Changing and Planting your Ground with other Vegetations cannot but be extreamly Beneficial , whereas one and the same sort being one year after another Planted in the same Land , do cause such Vegetations to dwindle away , and become poor , for it 's the Nature of every thing to attract such Juices from the Earth as are proper for it , and have a proportionable Nature and Assimilation with it self , and tho' the Ground may be rich to another , yet it becomes poor to that which has been so often Planted , of which all Husband-men are very sensible , who for that reason do often change their Seeds and Vegetables .

Now , your Island being but of a small extent , and you being often necessitated to Plant the same Vegetations in the same Ground , must have worn it out extreamly in respect to Virtue and Strength for them , which is farther and more clearly demonstrable by the depth thereof at the time of the first Settlement , which was very considerable , whereas now the whole Island is become a kind of a Rock , the proper and natural Earth being no more than 2 or 3 Foot deep , before you come to a whitish Marle , somewhat like our chalky Ground in England , tho' much hotter , so that the Land in general is mightily wasted , not only in respect to its quantity , but also quality ; it being evident for the first 20 or 30 years after the first Planting or Settling thereof , the Canes then Planted would bring forth a considerable Crop yearly , from 3 years to 9 , without farther Planting , but only Weeding and keeping it clean , for being cut , they would grow from the old Stock , and all this while every Acre would make double the return it doth now , notwithstanding your great charge of Manuring and Dressing the said Ground , amounts to near 10 times as much as it was in the Youthfulness thereof , it being grown as it were Sick and so Beggarly , that it will not do without yearly Dunging and Planting , which requires considerably more Hands than formerly , and yet produces more uncertain Crops ; for all that are Skill'd in the nature of Agriculture , do know that when the natural Virtues or Juices are decayed , as they do by frequent Tillage , and that the Ground comes to be often Dunged , which they call Forcing , that then such Land , and the Vegetations thereof , will not be able to encounter or withstand the inequality of Seasons ; for in case the year happens to be over-dry , then immediately the Veins and porous Passages of the Earth become stiff , narrow and stagnated , which obstructs the Canes from arriving at any happy Growth or Maturity , while on the other hand , if the Seasons or Years prove to be over-wet , all of them become large and rank , and will not ripen in due time ; both which of late years , by reason of the Earths decay , as afore-said , very often happen ; so that now nothing but a temperate Year and Season , will produce a tollerable Crop .

Besides all which , it 's farther observable upon this Head , that most Land that is often Till'd and Dung'd , produce a great multitude of new and unknown Vegetables , called Weeds , in a manner wholly unknown to the first Planters , and this arises from the variety of Dungs used in the Manure , which proceeding from sundry sorts of Creatures , and consequently being endued with as many different Qualities and Natures , when they become mixed with the Earth thus worn out , do open and penetrate to the Centre , and wheresoever they meet with any agreeble Matter or Juice , they unite and kindle new Essences , from whence new Vegetations , Herbs and Weeds are Generated .

Now , if these things be true , and are duly considered , will there not be a kind of necessity for the Sugar Plantations to alter their Methods , and fall to the Propagating of such other things as will be conducive to the Support of every Man's Family , self Perservation being always preferable to all other Considerations ? and it can be no small Inducement for them hereunto , who cannot but be generally sensible , that 20 Acres of their Ground being Planted with Provisions of several kinds , will bring forth more , and with less Charge too , than 100 Acres will in a cold Climate ; and whereas it will produce but one Crop of Sugar Canes , which it will not now do neither , it will with far less Industry , Care and Charge bring forth two Crops a year of brave Wheat , Rice and Guiney Corn , which is almost equal to Rice ; and the like must be said in the Rearing and Propagating of all Black Cattel , Sheep , Goats , Swine , Hens , Turkeys , Ducks , or the like , and can by no means be deny'd concerning Fruits , Herbs , &c. which are there so forward and so fully ripen'd , that they make an excellent Food , never pestering the Eaters with flatulent , crude or windy Distempers , as most of those produc'd in cold Climates do ; but are in all degrees very friendly and natural , purging by Urine , and keeping the Passages of the Belly free from Obstructions , Costive Humors , and to most Stomachs easy of Concoction .

Besides , Sir , you do not naturally need so many things in hot Climates or Countries , as we do in cold , neither in Meat , Drink nor Cloathing , every thing being as it were Cook'd to your hands , so that there is no such necessity of hard Labour in such respect . And for your Cloathing , whereas you have been wont to be furnished with constant Supplies from hence , cannot you make what quantity of Fustians you please , and almost of what quality you will , having of your own growth plenty of brave Cotton , with which a great number of the East India Inhabitants do cloath themselves , and being Manufactur'd with prudence , is the only proper Covering for such Climates .

These things , Sir , being duly weighed by you , and a serious Application made to the performance of them , it will be both easy and expeditious for you to remedy those Evils you have laboured under , tho' not so much the great Losses which you have sustain'd , ( tho' they have been very heavy ) as upon the large Impositions laid upon the Produce of your Labours , and much easier than for us in the Northern cold Zones under such Circumstances , for the forecited Reasons , which should make you give over Fretting and Pining , and employ part of your Land , as abovesaid , and make but one half of the quantity of Sugar you were used to do , the burden will immediately and insensibly cease , and as it were give you at once an Universal freedom , for then you will have as much for the half , and more than you have now for the whole ; and not only so , but your charge vastly lessened .

How great labour it is Sir in making Sugar , I need not tell you ; nor that if you have not plenty of Hands or Servants , Land , Houses , and all chargeable Utensils , that you still labour to be poor ; and I do not doubt but you are satisfied that this is a proper Method to put an effectual stop to that Flood-Gate , or strong Current , that wastes your Estates , I mean the yearly Buying of Five Hundred or a Thousand Pounds worth of Negroes , in lieu of those who Die through hard Labour , and other Accidents ; but more especially , for want of a sufficient number of Servants : And I am bold to affirm that there are but few , if any Plantations that have Hands enough to do their Business without Oppression to them , to particularize nothing in respect to the so great , and many other , Casualties that do befall them .

Neither can it be thought prudence in any Body of Men , without very great encouragement indeed , to depend wholly upon any one Commodity , as it is now ; but you should Sir have something else to shelter under , without our Parliament would be pleased to ease the Burden laid upon you , which some will have to have had its rise from certain Persons Observations of your luxurious Living , and Gaiety of the rich Commodities that have been yearly Exported to your Islands , of your sending your Sons into England for Education , and most of them proving great Gallants in Apparel ; from whence it was inferred , you were grown wonderful rich , so that it could not be thought amiss , or any Oppression , to lay impositions upon your produce or Commodities , they having at the same time but an indifferent Opinion of those Settlements ; but hereof the Wiser sort of Men have other Sentiments as well as my self : However , by the way could not but give you a hint of it .

But from what mistakes soever the Methods from without have proceeded to keep you low , or rather to reduce you to that miserable Consumptive Life , I may say you labour under , as being filled with great Debts , perplexing Accompts , protested Bills of Exchange , at Ten per Cent. loss , besides the disparagement of your Reputation and Credit ; to which may be farther added , as an Argument for the alteration of your Methods of Planting , the double hazard you run , in keeping to Sugars only , of a long and tedious Sea Voyage ; which in time of Peace makes the insurance for Commodities to be Three per Cent. as we for the Commodities carried from England , to furnish your Plantations , as Three per Cent. to bring your Sugars , &c. to Market , besides the time they can be possessed of the next proceed of the said effects , which is often a Year ; but in times of War the Insurance is given from Six to Eight per Cent. outwards ●…nd from Twenty to Thirty per Cent. from thence to England : To say nothing of the many other Casualties and Damages that happen , such as Plunderage , and the like ; which no Masters of Ships do ever make a full recompence for , neither must the charge be forgotten of two and an half per Cent. for buying the Commodities to furnish your Plantations , and as much for selling your Sugars ; which makes your whole , Five per Cent. Charge .

Sir , many more of these reasons might be suggested to you upon this occasion , had I time for it ; and were it thought necessary for your farther Information , in a matter that is so highly conducive to your Welfare , and so nearly regards your true Interest : But I shall surcease upon the matter , only the consideration of your want of good Firing just ●…oming into my Mind , I cannot pretermit giving you very briefly my thoughts concerning it ; you know in most other Productions of the Earth , little Wood or Coals will serve , but that in making of your Sugars great quantities are indispensibly required , to the well ordering and preparing of the same ; Fire being the principal Tool or Element that brings it to its perfection , which you are now in a manner destitute of ; so that neither of the two can be procured , but at such great and dear Rates as cannot reasonably be afforded by you ; for should you buy either the one or the other , you would quickly find your Plantations sink , for which reason you have been necessitated for several years past to dry your Trash , as you call it , and Cane tops , to Boyl your Sugar withall ; which let me tell you , is a very hard shift , the same being but a poor weak Fire in comparison , either of Wood or Coals , which doth not only create more labour and enhaunse the trouble of your Works , and proves longer in point of time , but doth not and cannot make so good Sugar as the other , since you very well know your Sugars in the Boyling and Clarifying require a brisk , strong Fire , whereby it is made of a stronger grain , better coloured , and the gross , flegmy or crude watery parts are more freely separated from the finener ; whereas weak Fires do not only prolong the Preparation , as already hinted , but it dulls and flattens the Sal Nitral Virtues of the Lime Waters , as also of the sharp , lively , Spirituous Virtues of the Juices of the Canes ; so that such Sugar is not and cannot be so good , nor of such virtue as that which is made with Wood or Coals ; and the very same may be understood in most other Cookeries , or in the Preparation of Food , the cleanness , strength and constancy of the Fire , adding much to the goodness thereof , whilst the contrary is to be allowed in such Fires as are weak , slow , intermitting or unconstant .

And now Sir to conclude , labouring under these and many other great Inconveniences , which attend your decaying Plantations ; is it not very natural that you should enter upon such Methods as have been suggested , without delay , for your relief , and the prevention of a speedy ruin ? and how can you be justly blamed for it ? you have formerly bore with the Act of Navigation , prohibiting Foreigners to Trade with you , to your inestimable loss ; ( tho much to the Gain of England ) with the additional Duties laid upon your Commodities , in the Reign of K. Charles II. to the great decay of your Trade ; but that you should much longer bear up upon the doubling of the whole Impost upon you , in this present Kings Reign , after the many grievous Losses you have sustained by the late destructive Year , can hardly be believed of you , upon the present Basis of your Trade and Planting ; and surely it s not the Interest of England , to put you upon the necessity of alienating your Plantations , to any other than the rarifying of Sugars : And we hope after all , our Parliament will at length better consider of it , and give you all fitting encouragement and relief , which is heartily desired .

By SIR , Your affectionate Friend , and humble Servant , T. T.

LETTER XXXIII . A Letter to a Planter touching the Manufactory of Cotton . SIR ,

HAving no reason to doubt of your receiving my last , wherein I gave you my free thoughts in divers particulars , concerning the Methods you were to use for your own and the preservation of your Posterity , in your present Settlements ; and being perswaded of the good impressions it must have made upon your ingenuous Temper , it has been an inducement to me to resume my considerations upon the same Subject , wherein , without any recapitulation , I shall add somewhat more , which I am of opinion , if put into serious practice , will not only very much advance and incourage your declining Plantations , but be a means to render the Inhabitants extreamly happy , both in the present and future Ages , and stem the current of Sighs , Groans Turmoils , and doleful Lamentations of your Servants , converting them into a pleasant , calm and serene Life of happy Employments , very much to the ease and satisfaction of Masters of Families , and the Planters ; who will thereby be freed from those continual troubles and cares they now labour under , from divers causes ; and which doth and will unavoidably increase upon them and their Posterity , without they be removed by the introduction of some more easy and profitable Employments amongst you , than that of making Sugar , which is so laborious and destructive to the Health of Mankind .

I gave you Sir a hint before concerning your Manufacturing of Cotton Wool ; and as it is a matter I have since more seriously thought upon , in respect to your present Constitution and Settlement , I do not doubt but if your Legislators set upon the right Methods of employing some part of your Natives and Negroes therein , but it would in a little time advance your Plantations to a higher degree of perfection , both in respect to Riches , Ease and Pleasure , than is possible to be expected in that violent , I may say cruel Art of making such large quantities of Sugar as you do : And as publick Works cannot successfully be carried on without publick Authority and Encouragement , it will be necessary for this end , that your Government make an Act for the erecting of two Schools in every Parish or District , one for the Children of the English Inhabitants , and the other for those of the Negroes , who all of them shall be taught there how to Dress , Spin and Weave Cotton , and where in a short time they would , with the assistance of proper Instructors , attain not only to make Fustians , but all sorts of course and fine Callicoes , yea and Muslins too ; for as the said Houses are to be erected by the publick , so also they must find Instructors of both Sexes , well Skill'd in the management of that Trade or Employment ; and under whose care the Children , as well of the Black as White People should be kept and Dieted , as well as Instructed , as beforesaid , as at Boarding-Schools , and the Inhabitants not to be left at their liberty to send them thither or not : But for the more effectual carrying of the Work on , every Plantation should be obliged in proportion to their numbers , to send yearly so many Children of both Kinds thither , and that at the Age of four or five years ; for as they can never begin too soon , so has it never been known that the Natives of any Country have attained to any excellency in the working up of their own , or the Manufactury of others , but only where they have Sown proper Seeds in due Season , I mean where they have begun betimes with their Children .

And for a very remarkable Instance hereof , I referr to your consideration , the practice of the Blacks in the East Indies , who do as it were Wonders in that Manufactury of Cotton Wool , which in it self is no better than yours of the West Indies , and differs no more than their Sugar Canes and yours do ; and who have brought their Callicoes and Muslins to that perfection we see them in , no other way but by putting their Children to , and bringing them up in this Work very young , even from four or five years of Age ; together with their constant Marrying them unto their own Trades , that is , a Weavers Son to a Weavers Daughter , and so in all the rest ; so that a Merchant is a Merchant for ever , and Marrys the Daughter of a Merchant , be they poor or rich , it makes no difference , neither do they alter their Methods thereupon ; so that it is not with them as it is with us in Europe , the more Children the poorer , but quite the contrary , the more numerous so much the richer , each Child yearning his Bread under his Father's and Mothers Conduct , from four or five years old and upwards ; whereby as a farther conveniency , they have not only the Education of their own Children , but do prevent and save the great Charges we Europeans are at to put them Apprentices to others , where we cannot overlook their Actions as they can , but expose them to the Governance of Strangers , many of whom take them more for the Money they have with them , than for any real benefit they design them . And here , tho' it be digressive , give me leave to observe , Is it not a Paradox , that when a Father and Mother have , through their foolish Conduct , Sown Seeds of Disobedience in their Children , insomuch , that they cannot rule nor keep them in order ; for them to imagine that others will take that off their Hands for a little Money , and that Strangers should do more for their Children than they are willing to do themselves , especially when the Seeds of mismanagement are sprouted up , and grown too sturdy and strong ; whereas the Parents had the Fore-Horse by the Bridle , and might have nipp'd Vice in the Bud.

But to return to our purpose , what the Blacks in the East Indies do in the Manufacturing of Cotton ; the like is perform'd by the Europeans in the management of their Flax and Wool : ●…or the first of which we need only cast our Eye upon our Neighbour Nations in Flanders , Holland , Germany and France , where the Thread which is made into sundry sorts of Laces , Holland and Cambrick , could never have been brought to that curious fineness , had they not taught their Children very early to Spin it : And as for the other , which is the Manufactury of England , let me observe , that whereas our Woollen Cloath about an Hundred and Fifty years since , was all very course , and came short of our common Prizes now ; so that there is as much difference between the Cloath now and then , as there is between the Fustian we now make for Hammocks and Stockings , and East India Callicoes : As soon as Navigation , Trade , and Rack-renting came on , all Trade was encouraged , and ever since the Natives have made it an Employment to get Money , and their Bread thereby : The management of all our Growth hath every Year and Age been advanced in more excellent performances , which have been wonderfully increased within these Fifty or Sixty Years , more especially , as to the above mentioned Woollen Manufactury ; and England perhaps now as much exceeds in the Spinning , and Weaving of Woollen Cloth , as Flanders , France , Holland , and the East Indies do in their Linnen and Callicoes ; and it is worth our noting , and makes much for your Argument , that we have attained to this Excellency , since many hundreds of poor Families have thro' necessity , trained up their Children in Spinning , Carding , and other Works about the said Cloathing Trade , from Five or Six years of Age ; so that we find by experience , they can now draw almost as fine a Thread as in Silk or Linnen ; from whence it is manifest , that early cultivation , and sowing Seed in due Season , is greatly necessary to bring the same to perfection : Children are like white Paper at first , before it be sullied , or ill Customs and Charac●…s stamped upon them ; so that you may Sow what Seed you please , and according to each Childs Genius , they will arrive to a happy Maturity .

Now Sir , that the West Indian Colonies are able to cope with the East Indies , in the Manufactury of Cotton , may be made to appear from many Considerations ; but more particularly . First , your Young Children can get more than their Bread , as well as theirs do , before they are able to perform any of the Servile Work that belongs to the making of Sugar . Secondly , Meat , Drink and Cloathing , is as cheap with you as in the East Indies , ( or at leastwise might be so , if you did but pursue the Methods laid down for you in my former Letter . ) Thirdly , the Commodity made , is of more value than in the East Indies , Goodness for Goodness . Fourthly , what is proposed , is an easy and a soft Employment , that neither hinders Growth , nor wastes Strength . Fifthly , it preserves , more especially the Females as well as their Off-spring , from many cruel Diseases , that hard Field Labour subjects them unto ; which have , and do prove no small detriment to your Sugar Plantations , they being by nature not of so robust a Constitution as the Males ; besides they are naturally subject to an Hundred Weaknesses that Men are not , which is the reason that all Nations , by their Laws and Customs , more especially those that have had regard to the Health and flourishing state of their Posterity , have allotted the easiest and finest Employments to their share : And give m●… leave to tell you Sir , nothing has been more hurtful and injurious to your Plantations , than the unkind Usage and hard Labour you put your Black Women to , whose preservation , health and strength , you ought to have made your main Study : But you on the contrary , have doubled their Burdens , and what you unwarily design for their preservation , manifestly leads to their Destruction ; for tho' after those intollerable Works and Fatigues you give them Rum , which at present is a little refreshing , yet you cannot but know it is destructive to Nature , wasting the Vitals , and an Enemy to Propagation : So much of it in respect to the Women Kind . I am loath to be particular with you Sir , in respect to the Negro Men , and your plying of them with this destructive Liquor ; and that upon Sundays too , to very bad purpose : And tho' your Intention herein be to perpetuate their Servetude , &c. the very Methods you take to do it , by such indulging of them in this excess of Drinking , at the same time proves very frequently your Disappointment , and their Death : And as you cannot but be convinced of the truth hereof , so I appeal to your own experience , whether your allowing of Polygamy , or plurality of Wives to your Black Slaves , doth any ways answer your end in the multiplication of Servants thereby , I very much doubt the contrary , and that 't is the ready way to lose both Root and Branch , nothing being more destructive to Humane Nature , than the immoderate use of Venery , which upon the persecuting of a fresh Object , &c. is usually provoked beyond all due bounds , to the manifest enervation and decay of the Man , from whom no vigorous Issue can be expected ; and if any at all , seldom or never comes to Maturity . Many things might be said upon this Head , as to the practice both of former and latter Ages , but not to multiply Instances ; its remarkable to consider the difference between the Turkish Empire and the other Kingdoms and States of Europe ; that whereas the first allows of Polygamy in the utmost extent thereof ; and notwithstanding the greatest part of the Turks Dominions is in it self exceeding rich and fertile , and was anciently full of Populous Cities and Inhabitants , it s now so thin of People , that in many places , for Thirty or Forty Miles together , you cannot see House nor Man ; while the other Territories of Europe , who allow of no such thing , are on the contrary exceeding Populous every where , and seem daily to be on the increasing hand .

Now Sir , I do suppose you are by this time convinced , this allowing of Polygamy doth not at all advance your Secular Interest ; and besides what has been already said , your being forced yearly to buy so many fresh Slaves into your Work , is a manifest Indication of it , as well as of the difficulty of the Labour , and your unkind usage of the Poor Creatures ; without which you could never be subject to such a constant want of Supplies , as you are : It s very strange that the Off-spring or Children of the Native , will not maintain their number of People ; can a Man be made to believe , that if there were Ten Thousand People , of all Ages and Sexes , put into any open , healthy Country , where they could have all conveniences of Life , and there to Inhabit for Twenty or Thirty Years , that then they should be dwindled away to Five Thousand , or a less number ? whereas any one might reasonably , instead of such a dimunution of them , expect double the increase ; and so you might certainly expect from your Negroes , were it not for your mismanagement , which is to your own detriment , tho' little enquired into by you ; you find it is otherwise with England it self , whose Off-spring and Native Children , within the compass of Sixty or Seventy Years , have settled a great many Plantations , as New England , Iamaica , Virginia , Maryland , Pensilvania and Barbadoes ; besides the great numbers that have been destroyed in the former and late Wars , both by Sea and Land ; and others that yearly have and do furnish our Shipping with Seamen ; and notwithstanding these Consumptions , the Kingdom hath still more Natives and Hands , than Employment or Bread at a reasonable rate .

When these things are well considered and understood , you cannot but find what sort of Conduct and Method you have subjected your selves to , and that your great Industry is misplaced , to go about such to make large quantities of Sugar , without having a sufficient number of Hands , and very often good Keeping too ; for 't is a never failing rule , if there be not a due proportion between Labour , Food and Rest , Nature by degrees must sink and dwindle into a Consumption , extraordinary Labour calling for extraordinary Meat , Drink and Rest , more especially in hot Climates , where hard working cannot be so well endured as in Cold , which I have the more largely set forth in my Treatise of the Fruits of the East and West Indies , a Book I remember to have sent you ; wherefore some such Methods as we have formerly , and do now propose to you , would certainly give you great ease , and at once set you and your Posterity free from almost the fatal necessity you are now under ; to be Cruel and Inhumane to your poor Slaves , and give them at least a kind of Captivated Freedom , and relaxation from their insupportable Burdens laid upon them : And to excite you to the Discharge of your duty herein , its worth your consideration to suppose your selves or Children , for once in the condition of your poor Negroes , would you not have thought it punishment enough to have been carried out of your Native Country , without your own Wills and Inclinations , into Foreign Regions , so in the sweat of your Brows to labour for the Maintenance , not only of your selves in a poor despicable State , but of the ease and luxury of others , they being forced to make Brick , as I may say in a Sense they are , without Straw : Think not therefore to thrive by such Oppressive Methods and Severities ; but consider with your selves , that the Groaning of him that suffereth the Pain , is the beginning of the Trouble and Misery of them that laid it on ; begin a reformation in your selves , and cure the looseness and extravagancies of your Youth , ( a sure Indication of Calamity and Misery to any Country ) otherwise you may in a full measure , expect to feel the Vindictive Hand of the Divine Power , which that you may avert , by a Strenuous application of your selves to the Exercise of such Methods as have been now and formerly suggested to you ; wherein the present and future Welfare of your Settlements will mainly consist , and whereby the causes of the above mentioned Calamities of your Slaves and Servants will be removed ; is the hearty desire of him who is an unseigned well wisher to all our American Plantations , and to that of Barbadoes in particular ,

Your Friend and Humble Servant , T. T.

LETTER . XXXIV . Of the making of SUGAR . SIR ,

YOURS of the 10th . of March , concerning the making , Use and Excellency of Sugars , Distilling Brandies , &c. I have frequently perused , before I would resolve to send an Answer ; the delay being occasioned not out of the least disrespect to your Person or Desires , but out of a Sense of my own Inability , to satisfy such curious Inquiries as amply and satisfactorily as I would do : However , I have spent some serious thoughts , and made some recollections upon the matter ; which I shall here communicate to you , upon assurance of the kind acceptance of them , from one who you know is neither Planter of Sugar , nor Refiner , or Sugar-Baker , nor Distiller ; but so far disinterested , as not justly to be suspected of partiality . It will be too tedious to enter upon an Historical Narration of the first Settlement of our Sugar Plantations , and the many Discouragements the Planters at the very first , ( and gradually afterwards by the Art of Navigation , and high Imposts laid upon their Manufactures , ) have laboured under ; therefore to omit these things , I shall come to the matter in hand , without any farther delay ; hoping you will find as much satisfaction in perusing the particulars , as I have had in collecting them for you .

To begin then , the first makers of Sugar , Ground , or break their Canes with Mills , Drawn by Horses or Black Cattel , and not by Windmills , which were not then in use ; tho' indeed the first was less chargeable , but not so expeditious : But however , no Man , tho' his Plantation were his own , could make Sugar without having a Stock , both quick and dead , of at least Two Thousand Pounds Sterling , which was counted no great beginning neither ; and since they have Ground their Canes with Windmills , a Man cannot make an Hundred Pound weight of Sugar , but he must be possessed with Three , Four , Six , nay , Ten Thousand Pounds Sterling in Windmills , Houses , Coppers , Negroes , and many other Utensils belonging to Sugar-making ; besides their Land , which is of a very considerable value : And as the greatest part of their Stock consists in Living Creatures , and those of Humane Race , therefore the more subject they are to Losses and Casualties ; and the same also may be said in respect to their having great store of Houses , and considerable Buildings , which are a constant charge to the Owners ; and more particularly that Planter who has Six , Seven or Eight Hundred Acres of Land , must have at least two or three Wind-mills , each of them costing 1000 l. besides 150 or 200 Negroes , with some other Servants also , which are worth in an Average , Twenty Pounds a Head ; to which I may safely add , that it frequently costs them above 1500 l. in Houses and Coppers , to manage the Sugar Trade , besides 12 or 14 Horses , Black Cattel , and other smaller ones in great numbers ; so that to be a Master Planter , is to be a kind of a King over great numbers of disobedient and troublesom Subjects , every day bringing fresh Intelligences of Tumults and Disturbances : In short , 't is to live in a perpetual Noise and Hurry , and the only way to render a Person Angry , and Tyrannical too ; since the Climate is so hot , and the Labour so constant , that the Servants night and day stand in great Boyling Houses , where there are Six or Seven large Coppers or Furnaces kept perpetually Boyling ; and from which with heavy Ladles and Scummers , they Skim off the excrementitious parts of the Canes , till it comes to its perfection and cleanness , while others , as Stoakers , Broil as it were alive , in managing the Fires ; and one part is constantly at the Mill , to supply it with Canes , night and day , during the whole Season of making Sugar , which is about Six Months in the year ; so that what with these things , the number of the Family , and many other Losses and Disappointments of bad Crops , which often happen ; a Master Planter has no such easy Life as some may imagine , nor Riches flow upon him with that insensibility , as it does upon many in England ; and I cannot but perswade my self , if Mankind were sensible how many degrees of Slavery and Violence the makers of Sugar go through , but that then they would not only have a true value for its excellent Virtues , but be eagerly intent for the discharge of the many burdensom , and I may say unreasonable Impositions laid upon it .

But not to be too General , nor yet digressive upon this Head , I am to observe to you , that the Season for Planting Sugar Canes , is from August to the beginning of December sometimes ; which Canes do not arrive to maturity under Fifteen or Eighteen , sometimes Twenty Months : Their manner of growing is in Branches , three , four , five or six from one Root ; being in tallness and bigness of various degrees , according to the goodness of the Land and Seasons ; some arising from three to six Foot the solid Cane , and the flaggy part that grows from the top of the Cane , to Eight or Nine Foot high , some more ; which top or flaggy part , that by the way is not fit for Sugar , makes very good Food for Horses and Black Cattel : But the solid Cane being ground or broken thro' the Mill , thereby the Juices are separated from the hard and pithy part , which last is dryed in the Sun ; and which , since they are in scarcity of Wood , is become the principal Fuel they use in several of their Plantations ; but more especially in Barbadoes , where 't is called Trash ; and which making but a weak and more uncertain Fire , is much inferior , either to Wood or Coals , in the Boyling of Sugars . But whereas one Acre of Canes at the first settling of these Sugar Works , yielded considerably more at that time than now ; and that also then and some years since , they Planted them but every four , five , six or seven years , according to the strength of each sort of Land , for so many years the Canes would bear great Crops , from the same Root , and that without Dunging ; yet in process of time , the Sugar Canes being of so great a substance , and containing such a quantity of rich Juices in them , and the Planters being limited to so small a proportion of Land , have pressed it so often with one sort , I mean with the Cane , rarely , if ever letting it lye still from the same , is become so Impoverished , that they are now forced to Plant and Dung it every year ; insomuch that an Hundred Acres of Cane now , require almost double the Labour and Hands , they did formerly , whilst the Land retained its Native Strength ; which also then did not only bring forth certain Crops , but fewer Weeds too , that since by frequent Dunging , are so very much increased , as to create great Labour and Charge to keep them clean : Besides , most of the Sugar Islands , especially Barbadoes have a kind of white chalky Gravel , called Marle , two or three Foot deep , which of it self is of so hot a Nature and Temper , and the same is so increased by constant dunging , that their Crops in all dry Seasons are sure to fail , and dwindle to little or nothing ; when on the other side , if the year proves over wet , the Canes become too rank and will not attain to their due Maturity : So that from hence we may by the way observe , that when Land has lost its natural Virtue and Strength , all forreign Aids are inconsiderable , and what Difficulties the Planters labour under from home-discouragements , to say nothing in this place of their other Inconveniences .

But having spoken of the Planting of the Canes , I come to the Nature of the Juice thereof , which is much like to that of Apples , but something thicker , and if the Cane be ripe , its Complexion is of a yellowish Colour , and the Liquor or Juice a compleat Sweet , clean and without any ill Tast or Hogo , but of a pure Sweet in the beginning and end of the Tast ; and for the Canes themselves they are full of Joynts , two , three , four or five Inches asunder , and cover'd with a thin Skin or Bark somewhat hard on the inside , being of a white spungy Substance and full of Juice , whereof the Servants and others do suck and eat great Quantities , without any manifest Injury to their Health , nothing being more pleasant than the Juice of a ripe Cane ; the same being also very nourishing , provided too great a quantity be not taken : Now the way of eating them , is to cut the Skin or Rind off , and to put the Pith or spungy Part into the Mouth , when the Juice will come more freely out than Honey out of a Comb ; the Sweetness whereof does as far exceed it , as a Pippin does a Crab ; yea , and any Person may frequently suck this Juice without tiring or dulling the Appetite or Pallate , which cannot be practised with the best of Honey ; so that it may be truly said of this Noble Plant or Vegetable , that the Great Creator of all things , hath endued it with the Perfection of all Sweets , as appears from the Sugar made thereof , there being no Juice nor Fruit in the World that is so clean and compleat a Sweet , so good nor of so universal Use.

But notwithstanding this Juice of the Cane is so perfect a Sweet , yet nine Pounds thereof , which is one Gallon , makes but one Pound of Muscovado or Brown Sugar , and one of Molosses or Treacle , all the rest being Scum and Dregs , which is separated by boiling , scumming , clarifying and straining ; and if the Canes be not very good or ripe , then nine Pounds or a Gallon of Juice makes but three quarters of a Pound of Muscovado Sugar , and the like quantity of Molosses , and this very frequently comes to pass : For if the Canes be planted too thick , which intercepts the Heat from penetrating thro them to the Roots , or if the Season be too wet , then some are ripe and some are not , and in such a case the Sugar is neither so much in Quantity , nor so good in Quality , and there is as much difference between that made hereof , and of the ripe Canes , as there is between Cyder made of Apples growing on the Top , and the outside of the Trees , and of those that grow under the shady Boughs , where the Sun cannot influence them with his warming Beams ; therefore it must be a grand Error to plant Canes so thick , especially in moist or wet Seasons : Now the Scums , Dregs and excrementitious Parts , which are separated from the finer and more essential Parts , in making of Sugar are of some value , for from the same being fermented and distilled , is extracted a strong Spirit which they call Rumm ; so that you see , Sir , that the Juice of the Cane , by Art and extream Labour , is made into three considerable Commodities , viz. Sugar , Treacle and Rumm , beside which the Servants and Negroes , make a very good Drink with Molosses , Water and some Ginger worked up all together , the Strength being in proportion to the Quantity of Molosses put in , ( as our Beer or Ale is stronger or smaller , according to the Quantity of Malt ) and this Drink is called by the Indian name of Coow woow , the same being altogether as wholsom as our Ale and rather stronger than the common sort ; and tho' there are many other sorts of Drinks made of Molosses , Sugar and the Juices of Fruits , yet this is one of the best and wholsomest , if it be not kept till it be too stale ; but it being the cheapest and most common , is a sufficient Reason with most that have wherewithal to make more chargeable Liquors , to reject it : But to leave this , and come to the principal Ingredient used in making of Sugar in all parts of the World ( of which all eat , but so very few know the manner and difficulty of the Preparation ) I am to acquaint you ; it 's the Sal Nitre , of Stones I mean Lime slacked and infused in common Water , which does as readily imbibe the Salt of the Lime , as hot Water does the Sweetness of Malt in Brewing ; now the Boiler makes his Liquor stronger or weaker according to the Goodness of the Canes ; and there is never any brown nor white Sugar made , nor can be made without this Lime-water or its Equivalent , viz. Pot-Ashes , which yet is very rarely used , the same being neither so good nor so reasonably cheap , whereas the other is experimentally found to be the best for bringing of Sugar to its highest Perfection .

Now Muscovado or Brown Sugar is made sometimes with stronger Lime-water , than our Sugar-Bakers or Refiners do use in Refining white Sugar ; for the Juice of the Canes could never be made into Sugar , that is , into a firm substantial Body , nor obtain a sparkling Grain , without the Help and Assistance of this Lime-water ; but the same would remain forever , a dull , glewy , fat Substance or Syrup , of an heavy gross Nature and Operation , neither wholsom nor pleasant : For as the Juice of the Cane is a compleat Sweet , wherein the saltish Astringent , bitter and sharp Qualities are weak and impotent , therefore with out the Assistance of the other three it cannot obtain a Body , especially without an Astringent Quality , of which Stones are endued with an ample Share ; from whence proceeds the strong , hard Body or Coagulation in them , and the harder they are the stronger and more powerful are the salnitral Vertues of Lime made thereof , as all Builders and Workers in Mortar experimentally find ; seeing good Lime by the Assistance of Water and good management in tempering , will obtain as hard and strong a Consistency or Coagulation as the Stone had , or be rather harder than before it was turned into Lime : For the fire , you must know , in the burning of Lime , does not at all weaken the salnitral Astringency , but breaks and melts down the cold gross Coagulation , opening the hard Body , and frees the more essential Parts and Vertues of Nature , setting them at liberty ; which , while such stones remained entire were not useful for any such purposes : For this Sal Nitre or original Salt is encircled in the innermost Center of all things , both in the Animal , Vegetative and Mineral Kingdoms , and each specifick Thing is cloathed with a suitable Body , according to the Power , Strength and Nature of the Sal Nitre or astringent part thereof ; therefore in what Man , Beast , Vegetable or Mineral the Salnitral forms are weak , so the Body is alw●… in proportion . Now this Salt of Stones is of great Use , and the principal thing that brings Sugar ( as I have already said ) to perfection ; and as the Artist cannot perform the first part of the Operation without the Assistance of this Lime-water , so the brown Sugar made or refined into white Sugar , must also be boiled up with a proper Quantity thereof , stronger or weaker according to the Strength , Goodness or Badness of the Muscovado or brown Sugar ; for that Body and lively sparkling Grain , which the brown sugar received from the Lime-water in the first preparation , is in great part lost when it comes to the Refiners Pans or Coppers , and melts down into a Syrup : and therefore it must again be supplied with fresh Lime-water , to reduce it to a firm Grain or Consistency , or else it will remain a Syrup for ever . And now , pray give me leave to tell you , is it not strange that the Brains of the Learned and others should condemn this wholsom and beneficial Ingredient , by whose Assistance alone , the Juices of the Sugar-Cane you see is brought to the highest Perfection , and rendred useful to Mankind , and without which it could be but of very little Advantage ; and whereas many thousands do suppose that the dusty , stony quality of the Lime remains in white and other Sugars , and for that reason several of our nice Madams , Learned Physicians and Apothecaries , will rather eat brown , dirty or clayed Sugar , than Refiners white Sugar : It 's a grand mistake in them , not but that such Sugars are good in their kind , but not to be compared with our white refined Sugars ; this being a general and a sure . Rule , that the whiter any Sugar is , the cleaner , finer and wholsomer it is , and the more it is purged from all Grossness and Impurity ; when on the other side , the blacker , duller and moister any Sugar is , the fouler and grosser it must be , and consequently the more unwholsom and unhealthy : For the most if not all the Operations of boyling , scumming , clarifying and straining , performed in making the gross , crude Juices of the Sugar-Cane into Muscovado Sugar , is done by the Refiners , even to an higher degree and with great Charge , Skill and Cleanliness in working brown Sugar into white ; and surely , the more Sugar is freed from its Grossness and Molosses , the more compact and harder is its Body , and the more Spirits and Life there is in it , and will perform all the uses in Housewifery to a greater perfection , is of a finer Taste , of a more excellent Complexion , and causes all things wherein it is mixed to be more wholsom and pleasant ; so that our Scruplers may assure themselves , that the Sparklings and Grain and hardness of white Sugar is not at all occasioned by any mixture of Lime , but by its own fineness ; as being freed from the grosser part of Molosses quality , which is soft , gross and of a black or dull ●…mplexion , as is already noted : Besides , the Sal nitral Powers and Vertues that imbibe and give themselves forth ●…nd incorporate with the Water , are invisible and spirituous Qualities , as much unseen and unknown to Mankind , as the Powers and Vertues that dwell in the Center of all vegetative and animal Creatures , which give them a lively Birth and Complexion ; and tho' we know each Creature increases , grows and multiplies , that the inward Power from whence this proceeds , remains a Mystery and altogether invisible to us ; now for the Satisfaction and better Information of such as persist in a Belief , that there is some Trick of the Workman , in preparing a Compost or Mixture of Lime or some such thing in white refined Sugar : Let them take common Water ; as that of the Thames or River , which for the most part is not very fine not clear , into which let them infuse such a quantity of slacked Lime as Refiners do , and in a short time the Compost or dusty Body of the said Lime will sink to the bottom , and the Water will become as it were purged or rarified from all its Impurities , and thereby be rendred much finer and clearer than other Water that comes from the same Spring ; besides , the Lime-water will keep sweet and free from all kind of stinking Foulness a considerable time longer than any other common Water , that is entire or without this Ingredient of Lime : Now it is with this clear and fine Water , that both brown and white Sugars are boiled up , and that which endues both sorts with its sparkling lively Grain and brisk spirituous Body , and without which no Art could raise it to such a compleat and useful Commodity , and become so lively and brisk in Operation , unto which most or all the best and exhilerating Cordials made by Physicians , Apothecaries and Housewives owe their Original also ; so that let them believe or not , it is manifest there is no such Mixture of Lime , Allum , or the like thing in our Refiners white Sugar .

Farther , whereas there are many Arts and Trades that are Preparers both of various sorts of Meats , Drinks and Medicine , that do adulterate each particular thing in their Preparations and Methods , for Gain and Interest ; I need not name any that is not so with the Refiners of Sugar , for they have a powerful Circle that surrounds them , I mean their own Interest also , which is said never to Lie ; whereby they are confined from using or practsing any ill Methods in the Operation of Sugars , be the same what it will , for if . they do , themselves are the Sufferers ; and for this means they use all the regular ways they can to make and advance their Commodity to the higest degree of Whiteness , Fineness and Clearness , as appears by what I have already said . Towards the beginning of this Letter , concerning nine Pounds of the Juice of Canes making but one Pound of brown Sugar , and one of Molosses ; and if you consider that an hundred Weight of this brown Sugar makes but about thirty three Pound of single refined white Sugar , and that thirty three but fourteen of double refined Sugar , it 's next to a Demonstration of what s above asserted .

Then as to the various degrees both of Colour and Goodness of brown or Muscovado Sugar , it proceeds from three Causes ; First from the Goodness or Badness of the Land the Canes grow on ; Secondly from the good or bad Seasons and Times of the Year it is made in ; And thirdly from the Art and Skill of the Chief Workman Boiler . Note , that Muscovado Sugar , which is of a lively , whitish and bright Yellow , with a sparkling Grain , has the first place ; the next is that which tends towards an Ash Colour , having a large sandy Grain or Body , and is a good Sugar for Refiners ; so is the first also , but being dearer by 3●… 4 s. per Cent. than the other , it 's a better sort for Grocers , and therefore Refiners generally work the second : The third is of a darkish sad Colour , and of a good Grain or Body , being proper for refining , but somewhat inferiour to the other two ; besides which there are several other sorts and degrees of goodness in this Commodity , the worst of all being of a kind of a deep reddish Colour , having generally a soft , weak Grain and Body , and makes the poorest work in refining both in Quality , Colour and Quantity , so that the value of Muscovado is always in proportion to its Colour and Strength . There is another white Sugar of various Colours , exceeding our Muscovado , called Lisbon Sugar , because it came first from Brasil , but since our Settlements in the West-Indies , great Quantities have come from Barbadoes , altogether as good as the Lisbon Sugar ; tho' most of our Housewives do mightily esteem this last named , calling it a fat Sugar , as supposing it endued with a better sweetning Quality than our Refiners white Sugar , and therefore will give four or five Shilling per Cent. more for it , whereas ours is much whiter dryer and cleaner , but such is the fondness of our Women for Brasil Sugar , that our Grocers have frequently sold our moist Barbadoes clayed Sugar for Lisbon .

And now since I have mention'd clayed Sugar , it will not be improper to give some Account of it in this place ; this sort therefore is made white by an Operation they call Claying , the Pots of Muscovado Sugar , wherein they take a kind of whitish Clay somewhat like Tobacco-pipe-clay , and temper it with Water for that purpose , to about the thickness of a Pancake Batter or thereabouts ; they pour it with a Ladle on the Sugar in the Pots near an Inch thick , which Clay has a strong , I may say a wonderful Operation and Power over the Sugar to purge the grosser , flatulent or treacly Substance downwards , and to cause the Pot of Sugar , which generally contains about half an hundred of brown Sugar , to become much less in Quantity , and of several Colours and Goodness , viz. In that part of the Pot which is next the top towards the Clay , for three or four Inches deep , the Sugar is very white , near the whiteness of our refined Sugar , and so the whole Pot is in degrees , till you come to the battom , every degree downwards growing worse and worse ; for which reason the Makers and Clayers of this Sugar call it Firsts , Seconds , Thirds and Fourths , for so many degrees of Goodness and Whiteness it is divided into , and each is sold apart . Now this sort of white Sugar is not refined , and therefore not so free from various gross , Treacly Qualities , which no other Art but Refining will purge away or separate , tho' it must be confessed , this clayed Sugar is much clearer than Muscovado , else it would not turn to any Account or Profit to the Planter : And indeed none of our Sugar Islands can make this sort to any Advantage , save Barbadoes , and but some of the Plantations there will do neither , there being but some sort of Ground that will bear Canes to make Muscovado Sugar fit for this purpose : Now the two best sorts , that is , Firsts and Seconds , if it should be refined to the Quantity of an hundred Weight , will not make above half that Weight , the rest being Molosses , course Sugar and Scums , of a dirty , black Substance ; which gross and excrementious matter , while the Sugar remain'd entire , was unknown and unperceivable to the most curious Eye ; and the like is to be understood in Muscovado , to a larger degree , as to the gross matter .

Again , the Marks of good or bad Sugar are known by its keeping a longer or a shorter time , particularly Muscovado Sugar , that has gone thro one Operation only of purging or boiling , is fouler and grosser , than either clayed or refined , and therefore it will not keep so long , tho' it will keep for several years , and be fit for use , but not so good the second year as it was the first ; and when it becomes towards a year and an half old , it grows of a soft yielding Temper , and of a small weak Grain or Body ; and when the same comes into the Refiners Pan , they will find out the weak side thereof , and it will neither answer their ends in Quantity nor Quality ; but clayed Sugar , if well ordered will keep somewhat longer , tho' not much ; hence we find Brasil Sugar generally moist , the same having been long made and taken two Sea Voyages before it comes to be used ; our clayed Sugar that comes from Barbadoes , dwindles also into the same moist Clamminess , and will not keep so long as our single refined Sugar , but the most permanent and durable is our double refined ; so that there is nothing can be clearer than this , that the more any thing advances in Perfection , its Purity is proportionable ,

But because there is something analogous , or rather closely interferes with this Subject in the Art of Distillation or drawing Spirits , or Brandy extracted from Grain , as Malts ; also from Cyder , Raisins , Grapes , Treacle , Molosses , Sugar and the like , we shall a little consid●… the same in this place : I say that every particular sort of Spirit is better or worse , clean or unclean , according to the degrees or cleanness each thing is brought to , or what Purging and Purification it has passed thro' before it comes to the Still ; for which Cause , Brandy made of Malt , the best and most skilful Operator in the World cannot draw so fine nor so clean , as from many other things , tho' he may make it as strong by Rectification , since the Juices or sweet spirituous Virtues of the Malt or Wort , has not passed thro' any Purging , Scumming or Purification , which always separates the grosser phlegmy Part from the fire ; but this Wort is only worked up after the same manner as Ale is , and so passes into the Distillers Backs without any other Operation : So that the Spirits drawn from thence must necessarily be proportionable to their Original ; the like is to be understood in all other crude or unrefined Juices , as that of the Sugar Cane , for tho' it is the most compleat , and as a Man may say , the Prince of all Sweets , yet if it be fermented , and Brandy or Spirits drawn therefrom ; notwithstanding this Juice is so noble and highly qualified , that it will not only make a strong Body , but more in Quantity than any other Vegetation or Fruit in proportion ; yet it will be very foul and unclean , and so all Spirits or Brandies will be , drawn from the first Operation : But if it were the Brewers Interest to brew Strong Ale or Beer , and then to let it stand so long in the Cask till it became exceeding fine , and after that , distill it ; the Brandy thereof would be found to be many degrees cleaner and finer than now it is ; the same may be said of old fine Cyder , Wine , &c. and notwithstanding the Goodness and Quantity of Brandy supposed to be made in France , there is but a very small Quantity that does come up to the highest Perfection in its kind , and that must necessarily be distill'd from fine clean Wines , which is so chargeable away , that there is but little of that sort made , or to be met withal .

Now for the Art of Distillation in general , it 's allow'd to be very Ancient , being first invented by Philosophers and Physicians for Medicines ; as being a lively , powerful and as it were an inspiring Ingredient in many sorts of Physick , they being dull and flat without it ; but surely the first Inventers never thought this Spagyrick Liquor would ever become to be a common Drink for Pleasure and Delight ; which Practise took its Rise from the general drinking of Wines , Strong Beer and Ale ; for in Brewing and pressing the Grape to make Wine , there are Quantities of Bottoms , Settlings , Grounds and Lees , with other sorts of Scums and gross Excrements , that are of no value no●… account whatsoever , Were it not for this Art of Distillation ; which extracts and separates a fiery lofty Brandy or Spirit therefrom , that by common Use and superfluous Drinking is of considerable Value ; but it must be observed by the way , that if the Parent or Original Principles and Properties be unclean and filled with foul Qualifications , the Production from them must in some proportion be so likewise , which no Art or Skill can obliterate or remedy . Now such as would be satisfied whichis the best , cleanest and wholsomest Brandy , must consider each sort's Original , whether clean or the contrary , as as also the Strength , Substance and Power of the Thing or Juice it is extracted or drawn from ; and further , the Purgations , Purifications and Refinings it hath gone thro' , before it comes to this last Operation of Distilling , by which consideration together with distinguishing the Qualifications and Original Principles , a Person shall become capable to Judge aright , otherwise it is not to be done , unless by chance .

But more particularly , the first Brandy or Spirits made of our own Growth in England , was that called Aqua Vitae , being fulsom , gross and unclean Stuff , which the poorer and meaner sort of People generally drink of ; so that the French Brandy exceeding ours both in Cleanness , Strength and Goodness , quickly obtained the Ascendant in the Minds and Opinions of most or all People ; especially such as did take to the common sipping of this Liquor , which was distill'd from several foul and unclean Dregs of several Things , as that of ●…t Beer or Ale , also of Grounds , and Bottoms and the like Materials , together with unskilful and unexperienced Workmen : So that being inferiour both in respect to the goodness of the Ingredients and Skill of the Operators ; to that made in France , ( which by the way was was not then near so good neither as 't is now ) it grew more despisable : Not that I would intimate thereby , that the French are better Workmen than we , for certainly there are no better Artificers or Improvers of curious Arts in the World than the English : It will be needless to multiply Instances , but I only say , that tho' as we are young in the making and managing of Sugars , and yet out-do all Mankind therein , witness our incomparable , double and treble refined Sugars , so our Skill we attained to in the Art of Distillation , according to our Materials is not to be parallel'd . But to return to the next sort of Spirits or Brandy distilled amongst us , it 's that from new Ale made of Malt , which is many degrees preferrable to the other , and in proportion to its Original ; but as this Ale is full of gross , thick Lees , and raw , heavy , dull , unclean and earthy Matter , so the Brandy made thereof partakes of its Nature , and therefore is not so clean as some Brandy made of our own Fruits . The third better sort is that made of Cyder , whereof there is two kinds ; the best distilled from good sound Cyder , half a year or a year old , being free from all Sharpness and Acidity , and being also clear , fine , and well setled , which is the best of any Braudy made of our own Growth ; and comes but one degree behind the French Brandy , or Spirits drawn from the Juices of the Grape ; but the other is meaner , made of new Cyder , and nohing so good as the former , the Matter or Juice being not so well cleansed or purged from the thick Lees and gross Substance as the other , and therefore the Brandy made thereof is of a proportionable Goodness . The next to this is Brandy distill'd from Molosses , that comes from our Sugar Plantations , which is a very lofty , noble , clean Brandy , far exceeding all the former both in Cleanness and Goodness . Another is made of our Refiners Treacle , which is drained and purged from white Sugar , which is somewhat better than that from brown ; the next superiour to this is Brandy , being made of brown Sugar , which is every degree finer and better than the former : Another is Brandy which may be made of white Sugar , that is still finer , according to the Materia from whence it is extracted ; and indeed this last does as many degrees exceed all other Brandies or Spirits , as Light does Darkness , being the Highest and Noblest Cordial that can be made of the Juices of any Fruit or Vegetable .

Moreover , there are several Spirits or Brandies made of Honey and Spanish Fruits , which are better or worse according to the goodness or badness of the Fruit , and newness or oldnest of the Honey , as also of the Herbs and Flowers the Bees extract it from : Now Honey makes very good Brandy or Spirits , but it is foul ; for if Honey were to pass thro' the Art of Refining , there would not be above one part in five or six so clean as Sugar , or the Syrup of Sugar ; but the best Honey comes from Alicant , where the Bees extract it from Rosemary-Flowers , and other Blossoms of a proportionable Fragrancy and Virtue ; the Climate of the Country whether hot , cold or temperate , has also an Influence thereon : Now Honey , next to Sugar , makes the greatest quantity of Spirits , because 't is higher graduated in the sweet quality of Nature than any of the Fruits , Herbs , Seeds and Grains from whence Brandy or Spirits are extracted or distill'd ; for by how much a compleater and more entire Sweet any thing is endued with , so much Brandy or proof Spirits may be drawn from the thing , or very near , if it be handled by a skilful Artist . Now the heat of the Season or Climate does mightily advance or quicken Fermentation , for which reason , all sorts of Juices that are intended for common Drinks in hot Countries , will ferment much quicker and stronger ; and the Drink will precipitate it self into Fineness , Clearness and Raciness , and be better for Use in five or six days , than any of the like Ingredients will be in cold Climates in eight or nine weeks ; therefore hot Countries do as it were forbid the drinking of fermented Liquors and Drinks , and Custom hath done the same , they having found by many years Experience , that such Drinks proved extreamly prejudicial to the Healths of the Natives : Strong and spirituous hard Drinks have the same Operation , and produce the like Effects in colder Climates , tho' not to the same degree ; hence it is , and upon no other Account , that the Torturing Gout and Cruel Pains of the Stone have not spread their Venoms amongst the Natives that constantly keep to the drinking of Water , and the eating Food of a proportionable Nature , of which I have elsewhere written more at large : For all Liquors or Juices that have passed thro' any degree of Fermentation , do thereby divide themselves , that is , the four Grand Qualities , from their still Rest or sleeping Magia ; by which Motion or Fermentation , there arises a moving boiling Strife , and as it were a justling or wrestling with each other for the Mastery , whereby they render themselves capable of being separated one from the other , and of being changed and transmuted out of one form into another ; so that by the powerful Operations of the two great Elements of Fire and Water , and the Assistance of the Artist , the separate powers of these four great Qualities , are brought into their original or central Circle , from whence neither Nature nor the Assistance of Art can promote or advance a further Motion or Progression , but the same must remain in their fiery Circle or Region for ever . It 's further to be observed , that fermented Liquors , which by the forementioned Motion , open so powerfully the Bodies of the said Qualities , and by a concatenative Power , tend towards a spiritual Kingdom , and so by degrees move towards their original Principles , and become finer and racier and fit for drinking : But when any fermented Liquor , be it what it will , arrives at this pitch of goodness ; it can neither by Art nor Ingredients be commanded to stand still , but on it goes , and the Motion continues either quicker or slower , being never contented nor satisfied till it obtains its Center ; but phlegmy , gross , watry Qualities are so strong in most or all such Drinks , that they cannot obtain a clean fiery Body , without the Assistance of the spagirick or fiery Art of Distillation , but they run and transmute themselves into a Sharpness or Vinegar Quality ; and in such a Case , all the Skill and Art of the ablest Distillers , can never bring back or make a Cordial Spirit of such Liquors , saving that call'd the Spirit of Vinegar ; which yet is of another nature and Operation , altogether contrary to the former , and of but little Use and Virtue , except in some particular Medicines : But when any such Drinks are weak , and the sweet Quality has but a small share or government in them , they , a●…ter they have attained to the highest Degree and Ripeness for drinking , which they do in a shorter time than those Liquors wherein the sweet Quality is strong ; very frequently fall into a Flatness , which is called dead Beer , whereas where this great sweet Quality is prevalent , the original Salts are in proportion , and consequently the principle of Heat and Fire is powerful , which appears as soon as the Bodies of such Fruits are opened , or put into Motion by the Art of Fermentation .

But to confine my self as nigh as may be to the two main Things , I mean Sugar and Brandies , intended by this Letter ; give me leave to tell you Sir , all sorts of Sugar are so highly graduated both by Nature and Art , that the same is become the greatest Preserver and the best Cordial in the World , there being nothing found that will so long preserve Crude or raw Fruits , Herbs , Liquors and many other things , as Sugar , more especially the first and second sort ; Sal Nitre or common Salt coming short thereof , so that it seems to have obtained the Ascenden●… ) over all other things in the Vegetable Kingdom : And as to its Sweetness or Operations in many sorts of Foods , it is endued with many charming Properties , whereby it mollifies and as it were unites all the unequal Motions and predominate Powers of the other three-domineering Qualities : I mean the As●…ringent or Saltish , Bitter and Sour , and melts them down unto a degree of Equality , so that by the help hereof many Crude , raw Fruits and others , otherwise in a manner useless , become beneficial , of which there are made many brave , wholsom , exhileratings Foods and Liquors too ; tho' by the by , I am to observe , that such Foods wherein Sugar is mixed or compounded , ought not to be frequently eaten , more especially not by Children or young People , since it never fails to operate and act like it self , I mean , to heat and warm the Blood , generating many powerful brisk Sprits , that for the most part prove of no small prejudice to them ; whereas on the contrary , to most that are of advanced years , the proper Mixture of Sugar in some part of their Food , especially spoon Meat , mightily inspires them with a chearing , warming Quality , giving as it were a youthful Life and Vigour to aged drooping Natures , and heavy dull Spirits , and are to be preferred before all spirituous Cordials and strong Drinks whatever ; which most aged People affect , and which seldom fails to pinch and heat the Ureters , to obstruct the Passages , as also the free Circulation of the Blood , by drying up and consuming the thin moist Vapours and dewy Qualities , which old Age generally wants in a great proportion ; the Preservation and Support of which depends most upon spoon Meats , which sweetned , as already ●…entioned , 〈◊〉 more suitable and homogeneal , than any of those Liquors taken for that purpose .

And as Sugar used in Meats and Preserves is thus so very excellent , the Spirits or Brandies made thereof are no 〈◊〉 so , and must have the first place allowed it of all others , in a manner upon all accounts ; tho' I must say , all Brandies are useful , and have as it were a kind of Operation , which is an hot , fiery , warming , restoring , reviving and penetrating the whole Body with its powerful and rapid Motion , which is the innate and unnatural Disposition thereof : These Liquors being as it were spiritual Powers , by Art divested from their natural Cloathing , or crude phlegmy Bodies ; and therefore at the very first intermission of them into the Body , penetrate to the very Center of all the Principles and Powers of Nature , and joining and incorporating with the original Fire and natural Spirits , makes the Person the same moment he drinks , to feel a brisk lively Fire to kindle ; which upon some occasions , proves of great Benefit , as in fainting Fits , Swoundding , over Dulness of the natural Spirits , also after hard Labour , and so forth : and here give me leave to note , that those Brandies that are thin and less Cordial , such as are distill'd from thin small Wines , and old clean Cyder , are more penetrating and digesting , as proceeding from a meaner , thinner and weaker Original ; and therefore their Operations are good , and may be taken on Foulness and Surfeits to as good purpose , as that made of Sugar ; but the Sugar or Treacle Brandy is more Substantial , fuller and more Cordial , and therefore the drinking thereof does not so soon wound and decay the Drinkers of it , nor cause them to dwindle into Consumptions , as the drinking of French Brandy does ; and this has been observed ever since both sorts have been become a common Drink for Enterment , especially in the Sugar Islands , and other Parts of the West Indies : That when any one took to the drinking of French Brandy , his Friends and Acquaintance condemned him to a short Life of Course ; whereas if any took to the drinking of that made of the Spirit of Molosses , or Juices of Sugar-Cane , they would cry he would hold out . For tho' the common drinking of one or the other be a sin against God , yet 't is certain the sipping of that made of Sugar , does not so soon wound and destroy the radical Moisture and Digestion of the Stomach , as the other does which comes from France ; whose thin , hungry Leanness is manifested by putting a raw Piece of Flesh into it , and another the like Piece into Sugar-Brandy , where you will find the former as it were eaten to pieces and destroyed much sooner than that in the latter ; than which nothing can better set out the Eagerness , Thinness and Acidity thereof : For by how much the more eager , thin and hungry any Liquor is , the less Cordal Sweetness its Body possessed with , the more it seeks after Matter , breathing as it were violently with open Mouth , to devour all Substances that come within its Circle or Province : And further , to illustrate this with an Example , if you put Eggs or any other the like thing into Ale , Beer , Cyder , Wine or Vinegar , you will find that put into Ale to have the first place of keeping , that of the Beer , if mild , next , and so on ; so that that which is sharpest , you see devours or eats up the thing first , whereas the mildest , fullest and most Corpial Body , or that wherein the four Qualities are most equal , will preserve the thing so put into it longest , because all its parts are more equal .

But Sugar , Treacle or Molosses ▪ are not useful only in the forementioned ways , but also upon many other Accounts , too long to be inserted : And I hope Sir you are satisfyed by this time , of their Natures , Distinctions , and different Operations ; and the preferrence due to Sugar both to Foods , Drinks and otherwise , whereunto Molosses cannot pretend to arrive : For having passed thro' the several Fluxes and Operations of the Refiners , and after all the Force of Clay which , by an Innate or natural Disposition purges the grosser , thinner or watry Parts , and separates them from the stronger , cleaner and firmer : The Treacly Substance not only loses all the salnitral Quality of the Lime , but also it s own original salnitral Vertues , wherewith the Juice of the Cane was endued ; so that it can never be raised to a grainy , hard , compact Substance , there being no Confederate in the original Character thereof to incl●…e it so to do ; but for a further Illustration of this , I am to observe to you , that Flesh that is salted , will keep no longer from Putrefaction than while the lively salnitral Vertues of the Flesh remain , which at the first salting were powerful ; and so joining and incorporating with the said Salt , by their joint power are tied , bound or incircled the flatulent , gross , bloody parts of the Flesh , and kept it pure ; but when once corrupted , no new or fresh salting will ever recover it to its former state and condition of Goodness .

But tho' our Molosses will not do this way , they are of exceeding use in Medicines and ather things , and more particularly in fermented Liquors or Drinks ; wherein they are to be preferred by many degrees before the Sweets of Malt : If it were not so , why should the Brandy or Spirits made of Treacle be esteemed so much before that made of Malt , selling 10 , 12 or 14 l. per Tun more than the other ? And you will find , if you put a proper Quantity of Treacle into either Ale or Beer , that is well fermented and kept to a proper Age ; such Liquor will not only be more mild , soft and mellow , but keep much longer than that which is Brewed with Malt only ; and it has been experimented , that three Quarts of it put into a Barrel of Ten Shilling Beer , will make it equal in strength to common strong Drink , and much better too : But you must observe to keep it longer than other Drink , all made of Malt ; for you must know Malt is extream gross and foul , and consequently the Wort drawn from it , is endued with the same excrementitious qualities , which occasions all such Liquors to run and transmute the whole into a racy , brisk , sharpness or fulness in a much less time , than that which has some Treacle mixed with it , because Treacle is cleaner , and so free from those foul , harsh , rough qualities Malt is endued with .

Lastly , for Sugar it self , it is yet much more to be valued in Liquors than Molosses , and the usual Method before its put into Wine , is to melt it down to a Syrrup , they finding by experience its fitter that way for their purpose ; for indeed in the said melting down , it loses neither its sweetness nor cleanness , but only its Sal Nitral , grainy or racy Body , which is no friend to them in the advancement of their Wines : However , I must observe this , that if the Wine where into it s put , be good in its kind , and free from cloudy , stagnated Spirits , it must necessarily advance the goodness and strength thereof , and the operation is accordingly ; but in case the Cane be foul , pricked , or otherways defective , then tho' such Sweets so hide the evil , that many Pallates cannot discern it in the Drinking , yet the Stomach when it hath separated it , finds the pernicious influences thereof ; otherwise this putting of those clean , rich Sweets into their Wine , must certainly be one of the Wine Coopers and Vintners least Errors or Deceits .

I acknowledge Sir I have been both tedious and digressive upon this occasion , for which I desire you to excuse me ; and to be fully assured of my being entirely disinterested in the matter , and so not in the least to be suspected of uncand●… dealing with a Gentlemen whom I so much respect and honour : And whose humble Servant I am , and shall remain whilst

T. T. POSTSCRIPT . SIR ,

AFter such an acknowledgement as I have made in the close of my Letter , I hope you will believe 't is not without reluctancy , that I would add any thing more in this place ; but not expecting to meet with a like convenient opportunity , pray give me leave to subjoyn to the above mentioned Uses and Excellencies of Sugar , a very few things concerning the great Benefits this Commodity brings to the Nation ; which very few People are any way thoughtful or regardful of .

FIrst then , the Manufacturies of this excellent Juice is of much more importance , than all other Fruits and Spices imported to us , in respect of the improvement of our Navigation and Consumption of our Manufactures ; for in King Charles II. Reign , the small Island of Barbadoes Loaded yearly about 350 Sail of Ships , and most of them of considerable burden , with Cotton and Ginger , but chiefly with Sugar : ( And so in some proportion did our other Sugar Islands ) when it doth not contain above an Hundred Thousand Acres of Land , whereof a considerable part of that is poor and Rocky , and not worth Manuring ; and at the same time there was above Twenty Thousand English of all sorts upon it , and 70000 Negroes or Black Servants ; who both the one and the other , were not only Cloathed with the Manufactury of England , but a great part of their Eatables and Drinkables came from thence also : Besides which there were Thirty Sail of Ships employed yearly in the Guinea Trade , all Loaden with our Growth , to furnish this and the other Sugar Plantations with Slaves : To say nothing of the great quantities of Utensils for their Sugar Works , as Copper , Iron , and other things belonging to Building , that were constantly carryed to them . And tho' since the late War there are not above Two Hundred and Fifty Sail Loaden there or thereabouts , and not above Fifty Thousand Negroes , and fewer White People in Barbadoes ; for the Island could once Muster 10000 able Men , but since not above 5000 ; yet both their numbers , and that Trade , is still very considerable ; and surely 't is the Nations Interest not farther to depress , but to encourage it to the highest degree .

Secondly , Sugar finds an Employment for many Thous●…nds in England it self , so as common Partees , Sugar-Bakers , or Distillers , Coopers , Grocers , Carriers , ye●… , and abundance of Ladies too ; who , many of them since the common use of it , have their Closets better furnished than the Confectioners Shops were in former days .

Thirdly , how many Thousand Acres of Land are by the use of this noble Plant , made of five times the value and more , than otherwise they would have been ? as having brought a great number of Fruits , Grains and Seeds into use , that were hardly thought of , or at leastwise but little valued formerly , such as Apples , Pears , Plumbs , Apricocks , Gooseberries , Currants , and many more of the like nature ; which do all increase the Consumption of Grain : To which may be added , the many brave and exhilrating Drinks that are made of the Juices of our Fruits , by the assistance of Sugar , such as Cherry Wine , Currant Wine , Gooseberry Wine , Rasberry Wine , Cowslip Wine , and many more ; nay , it renders divers things of considerable value , which of themselves are of little or none , witness , in green , raw , sharp Gooseberries , which by its sweet and friendly power , are rendred much more preferrable to those that are ripe .

Fourthly , There are but very few who are not sensible how mightily Sugar advances the Kings Customs , not only in respect to the Imposts laid upon it self , but by occasioning many Foreign Commodities to be imported ; which before our Sugar Settlements were not thought of , as the noble Nut called the Cocoa , of which the most equal and agreeable Pottage is made , which if it were not for Sugar , would be but of little use ; and several other Foreign Fruits and Drugs , as Tea , Coffee , &c.

Fifthly , Physitians and Apothecaries cannot but think themselves highly befriended by this noble Juice , since more than half their Medicines are mixed and compounded with Sugar ; and a great part of our Herbs and Medicinal Flowers would be of little or no use without it , there being by a modest computation , above Three Hundred Medicines made up with Sugar ; by whose assistance , their Volatile Virtues are incircled and preserved , which otherwise could not be done .

Sixthly , Then for the Confectioners , what do , or indeed can they do without Sugar ? it being manifest , there are above Two Hundred several sorts of Sweet-Meats made by them with Fruits of our own Growth , which are so many excellent Cordials , delitious and pleasant , and may be all eaten , to the advantage both of health and pleasure , ( if order and temperance be not wanting ) and confederated with things of a meaner quality ; but otherwise , without Sugar they would be harsh , crude , sharp , and subject to decay ; as would also great quantities of Foreign Fruits and Seeds , which are preserved by them , and which upon their Importation , pay the King considerable Customs .

Seventhly , It may not only be mixed and compounded with most , if not all sorts of Vegetations , their several Sal Nitral Virtues , all proceeding from agreeable Principles , but even Bread it self ; which , with good reason , is stiled the Staff of Life , and esteemed the best and cleannest of all Foods ; if it be eaten only with a little good Sugar , it inspires it with a more brisk and lively taste , and is of much easier Digestion , than if it had been eaten by it self : But give me leave by the way to insert one Caution , and that is , that Sugar is not so good mixed with the Fat of Animals , nor with Butter ; that being I may say , an Heterogenious practice ; for the Sal Nitral properties of Vegetables cannot so easily incorporate with the Animal Sulphurs or Fats , and consequently open the Bodies of each other ; and therefore all such Foods as are made up with Butter and Sugar , are generally of an heavy , dull and cloying nature , and never fall to obstruct the Stomach , and retard Digestion : And this antipathy between Animal Fats or Sulphurs , and Vegetable Sal Nitres , is very manifest by what is practised in the Art of Refining of Sugar ; for when the Juice of the same is Boyled in Coppers with most fierce and vehement Fire , such as is necessarily required for that purpose , whereby the Liquor rises up with a much more turbulent and ungovernable motion , than either Beer or Ale , as the Syrrups do exceed in sweetness and strength , and so is subject to run over the Pan , to the great damage of the Refiner : The only Antidote they have found out to allay and quiet it , is Butter ; for tho' the Copper contains 2 or 3 Hundred Gallons , Boyling and Swelling up in the foresaid manner , yet a piece of Butter put in to the bigness of a small Nut , and no more , quickly makes it fall down within its circle in the Copper , and all with an amazing Hush ; and whence should this Ascendancy proceed , but that the Animal power is deduced from an higher Birth , as being made and generated from sensibility ; and passing thro' all the Animal Digestions , there is a kind of an Antipathy in the Butter to the Juice of the Vegetable , as there is in other things of the like contrary kinds . But for all that is said , it must still be owned that the Juices of Sugar are of so generous a Nature , that when they happen to be mixt with any fat things , the Concoction is the easier , especially in all Milk Foods , which are more than twelve parts in fourteen Flegm .

Eightly , The Use of this noble Juice has not only reached to our Raw and unripe Fruits , and the vast improvement of them , ( as before noted ) for common and daily Use ; but proper ways have been found out to keep and preserve them for Tarts and other things all the Year round ; whence as a farther Benefit , it is come to pass in the revolution of a few years , perhaps not exceeding Seventy , than for every Ten Fruit Trees we had then in England , there are now above a Thousand .

Ninthly , Tho' Wine and Tobacco may be justly allowed to be two of the most principal Commodities Imported , that do advance Navigation and the Kings Revenue , yet the Premisses considered , they come infinitely short of Sugar , since they are not only confined ( as it were ) within the circle of their own Consumption ; but even that Consumption may in some degree be asserted to hinder our own Growth , at leastwise in respect to one of them .

Lastly , to add no more Benefits , and to close the whole with a familiar Instance .

Does not the Queen of the Dairy , by the assistance of this noble Juice , vary or manufacture ( as I may say ) her Milk into more than Twenty several delicious Dishes of Food ? And is it also not a Friend to the Laborious Husbandman , by encouraging the Consumption of a great quantity of fine Flower ? so that in short , it spreads its generous and sweet influences thro' the whole Nation ; and there are but few Eatables or Drinkables that it is not a Friend to , or capable to confederate with : And upon the whole , as there is no one Commodity whatever , that doth so much encourage Navigation , advance the Kings , Customs , and our Land , and is at the same time of so great and Universal Use , Virtue and Advantage as this King of Sweets , more especially , when by Art it has been brought to its highest degree of perfection : So our Sugar Plantations should have suitable Supports and Aids from the Government , which is the hearty desire of

once more SIR , Your humble Servant , T. T.

LETTER . XXXV . Of the Burial of BIRDS . SIR ,

I Have considered yours of the 26th of May , with a more than ordinary application , for the Novelty thereof , but more particularly in respect to your uncommon thoughts concerning the Burial Place of Birds ; and in what Element or World they make their Exit ; tho' I find after all , the Solution of your Question so extreamly difficult , that for me it must yet remain a Mistery , as it has done all along to Mankind , who , tho' they have Lived and Communicated with the great numbers and variety of these Airy Troops , for some Thousands of years , have hitherto remained so ignorantly Blind in this matter , that there hath been but very few that have considered , or as much as thought of it : But to endeavour as much as lyes in me to satisfy your curiosity , I shall set down some probable Guesses concerning them , farther than which I do not pretend to go ; and they are reduced to the following Considerations .

1. IN all Birds and Fowl , that excellent Element the Air hath the ruling power , to which their very Constitutions are subjected , notwithstanding the variety of their Shapes , Forms , Natures and Dispositions ; as all Four Footed Beasts and other Animals of the Earth and Water have those Elements predominant in them : And for this cause , Birds do excel all other visible Creatures in the perfection of their Senses of Seeing , Hearing , Smelling , Tasting , and Feeling ; and that the Air has the principal government in them , is very manifest , first , from their Voices , Tones and Singing , as that Element is known to be the very Life of all Tones and variety of Harmony , wherein Birds exceed all other Sublunary Creatures , Mankind alone excepted ; for which we may assign a reason in another place .

Secondly , Their Flying , and conveying their Bodies thro' the Air with a swift motion , is a proof of it , that being a Faculty that as far exceeds all the Inhabitants of this inferior World , as Angels do them .

Thirdly , They Build their Nests for the most part on Trees , making the Heavens their Habitations , wherein they mount aloft ; and with their speedy and swift motions , can in a little while not only move themselves to great distances of places , but at the same time behold the Earth creepers as I may term them , grovelling in their heavy , sluggish motions ; and herein have such exceeding advantages above even the rational part of this lower World , that could a Man be but endued with this Flying Faculty , as Birds enjoy it , it cannot be thought he would be willing to lose or exchange such an Heavenly freedom and perfection , for any Earthly Diadem , or circumscribed dominion amongst us .

Fourthly , Their manner of Subsistance for some parts of the year , is in a manner unaccountable to us , particularly in the Winter Season , from about Christmas to the end of March ; which , tho' subject to most pinching cold Winds , Snow , and Rainy Weather , that never fail to cut off and destroy all Insects and Flies ; and that there is nothing visible to our Senses , whereby such great numbers of Winged Creatures can be Sustained ; yet Birds of most sorts are then in the best case , most Fat , and so esteemed the best and most wholsom Food ; upon account of which , Men double their diligence with Guns , Snares , and the like , to destroy them , without any consideration had , either to their Innocency , Harmonious Sounds and Voices , or other Heavenly properties the Creator has endued them with , above , and in a far more excellent perfection , than any other of the Sublunary Beings . Now that these Creatures that are Corporeal , and compounded of the same Elements and Qualities of Flesh and Blood , as other Animals are , should be able , not only to support themselves from Starving , but at such a time to grow Fat too , when most other Creatures we know or communicate with , sink and perish ; is very strange : But as the Constitution and Composition of Birds are more Airy and Heavenly than other Creatures , Inhabiting the dark , cold , lumpish Earth ; so their Support and Food must be more thin and Spirituous .

Fifthly , Birds exceed all other Animals in their Love and Chastity , and the Fidelity and Constancy of the Male and Female is admirable , as I have set forth at large in my Complaint of the Birds , which I know you have read with Satisfaction ; and as much may be said of them in respect to the Shortness , Entireness and Intelligibility of their Language , being well known to every one of the same Species and kind , a Black-bird to be a Black-bird , and so with the rest . For Birds in their original Constitution are more Sublime than other inferiour Creatures or Beasts , and still retain more of those excellent Branches entire , than the most earthly , since Mankind having had no commanding Power over them , as over other Creatures ( besides Guns and Snares ) it must reasonably be supposed their Natures cannot be depraved as other Animals must needs be , that are subject to the adulterated Methods of Men ; and this Preservation of theirs has been chiefly owing to that Noble and as it were heavenly Faculty of Flying , in comparison whereof other Motions are dull , heavy , burthensom , dark and melancholy , seeming to be be but one degree behind that of Angels , or the invisible Powers : And this is most certain , that the more entire any Creatures keep themselves from communicating with Mankind , as has been just now hinted , the more they keep or act within the Circle or Limits of their own original or first Love wherewith their Creator bound them , so that is , as the Fowls of the Air have a double Advantage over most if not all other Creatures ; for as by their first Constitution , they are made more heavenly and Ethereal , so by the Help and Assistance of these sublime Qualities , they avoid those Evils and Adulterations of their natural constitutive Powers that other Creatures have been subjected to , thro' the intollerable Burdens and Slaveries Men have imposed upon them ; for Mankind cannot but influence all the under-graduates , whose Lives and Fortunes are at his Will and Pleasure , with the same or the like Miseries and Depravities he has subjected himself unto , which is plainly manifested by some of the winged Troops that are of grosser Compositions and familiar Dispositions , such as Greese , Hens , Ducks , Turkeys and others , whose Bodies being gross in Quality , and large in Quantity , occasion them to lose most of their excellent Faculties and airy Qualifications and the like , which they but very lamely perform in comparison of those that neither communicate with , nor are fed by Men ; to say nothing of their being unhealthy , liable to many Diseases , and become short liv'd , as all other Animals are , which are governed by Mankind .

Sixthly , As Birds and Fowls of the Air that do not converse with , or are not fed by Men , are much freer from Distempers than others ; so 't is to be observ'd , that naturally there are but a few particular Diseases amongst them , and that if they have any , they are their own Physitians , and 't is certain , they have no sweeping or general Plagues amongst them ; so that they are not only healthy , but long liv'd too , and History tells us , that some Birds have been observed to have lived three , four or five hundred Years , and yet appeared in youthful Dresses , and undoubtedly their lives are very long , and as unaccountable to us as their Diseases , and more especially Deaths and Burial-places ; which few or none of the Ancient Historians or Philosophers have taken notice of , and that we should remain , I may say , wholly ignorant hereof to this very day , knowing nothing in what Climate , Region or World those airy Beings make their Exit , is as wonderfully strange , as it has been little enquired into by us .

For if we examine and enquire of Shepherds , Cowherds , Fowlers and all sorts of Field-men , whose Business and Employments are in the Fields , Woods , Mountains , Valleys , about and upon both Fresh and Salt Waters ; they will tell you , it is very rare that any sorts of Birds , great or small are found dead , unless wounded by some way or other : Besides , how is it likely any of them should die and their Feathers and Carcases not to be seen , for Feathers are of such a hard , tough Quality , that the Elements cannot destroy or wear them out under a considerable time ; so that they must necessarily be found by one or other , as all Birds that meet with Misfortunes are ; to which we may add , that some Birds have large Bodies , which dying and falling upon the Earth , must infect the common Air with the evill Smells of the Carcase , and be a sufficient Direction to find them out ; and is it possible that Dogs , Swine and other Brutes would not seek them out to devour them , which hereby as well as by the scattered Feathers could never be long concealed from Human Knowledge and Observation .

The like is be understood not only in our own but all other Countries of the World , for if these Airy Creatures were found to die with particular Diseases , or Epidemical Distempers in any other Climates or Regions of the Earth , then we might have some reason to conclude , that towards the approaching time of their Death , they moved themselves accordingly , as some say Swallows and many Birds do against Winter ; but to what Country , Climate or Place they fly is yet to be decided ; that being in a manner as dark and unknown to Mankind , as the place of their Exit , which not having yet been determined by any , I crave leave to thrust in a reasonable Conjecture , viz. That they are buried or swallowed up in some superior Region or World ( wholly unknown to us ) as being most suited to their Natures , wherein they very much excel all other terrestrial and watry Animals ; these being heavy , dull and melancholy , like the predominant Element in them , and their Tones and Cries in like proportion ; while the Volatiles of the Air are quick , full of Life , and in their common Motion have a nearer Similitude to Incorporeal Beings , whose blest Harmony above , they do by their Singing , in some degree imitate .

But , to expatiate a little upon the Qualifications of these Airy Creatures , in respect to other kinds ; the excellency thereof does arise from their original Composition of Air and fiery Sal Nitral Powers and Virtues , which have the Ascendant or Predominancy in the Centre of their being ; whereas the contrary is to be understood of all other Creatures that Walk upon the Earth , and Swim in the Water , the Sal Nitral Properties of those grosser Elements , having the governing Power in them , and therefore they are like them , I mean gross , heavy and phlegmatick , and their Food is accordingly ; and tho' all visible Creatures be made and compounded of the four Elements , together with the four grand Qualities , yet each Individual Creature or Thing is endued with Qualifications , according to the Element , that hath the Predominant Power , whether it be Earth , Water , Air or Fire ; and each of them feed and preserve their own Children ; for which cause there is a wonderful variety and strange difference in the Nature and Complexion of the Creatures and Things appertaining to the Earthy Region , and so of the other Elements that proceed from each Creatures Composition , i. e. when the airy and fiery Elements have a large share in the Composition of any Terrestrials ; such are lively , brisk and quick in Motion , as tho' they had Wings to fly with ; and the same is to be understood in Veget●… , some Trees being tall and lofty , and all others in proportion , neither are the Creatures belonging to the watery and fiery Regions by no means to be excluded herefrom ; yea , all the Inhabitants and Children of the four Elements do vary and differ in their Forms , Shapes , Figures , Dispositions , Inclinations , Manners and Natures , respectively according to their several Compositions , degrees of each Element in them , and the variety of the four grand Qualities , together with the Sal Nitral Properties , as is most manifest by the Off-spring and Children of each Element ; for what a vast and wonderful difference , and how many degrees is there between the Mole , whose Habitation is in the Earth , and the high soaring Eagle and other Birds , belonging to the airy Region ?

Is not the same thing to be understood of the Phlegmatick Shoals or Scaley Inhabitants of the watry Element , the Forms , Figures and Natures of them , all being in proportion to their various Compositions of the Elements and Sal Nitral Powers ? for which reason some are wonderfully large , heavy and slow in Motion , others swift , &c. but in all such , wherein the watry Element is most Predominant , and the other three are weak and impotent , we see , they can hardly live three minutes out of their own Element ; whereas some other Animals , in whose Compositions the Elements of Earth and Air have a large share , can both live in the Water and also out of it , on the Earth for some time ; and the same is also to be understood of Creatures , wherein the Earth and Air are most Predominant : And give me leave farther to observe unto you , that God's Creating and Preserving Power being in the very Centre of all Beings ; therefore each Element does not only midwife its Productions , and wonderful variety of Beings into this visible World , but at the same time gives Food and all Necessaries of Life too , until each Creature or Thing has attained to its due Limits , and then every Element receives her own Children again ; the Earth being the Grave of all Creatures , wherein that lumpish Element did Predominant , and so of the other three , so that it may be fairly inferred , that Birds , upon the approach of their Death , do withdraw themselves from Humane view , to some Regions or Places not only unknown , but invisible to us ; else why should not we find their Carcases upon the Earth , as we do those that are tame and accustomed to our Company , which undoubtedly were originally wild , and as hard to come at , as other Birds and Fowls of the Air ?

It may be farther urged , that all the Winged Troops are bounded , and by Nature limited , so as none of them can exceed in their Flights , as all the Terrestrial Creatures , many of which can run more Miles in a day , than several sorts of Birds can fly ; and most Dogs could more easily catch Birds , could they keep in sight , and prevent them from resting on Trees and other places out of their reach ; nay , many of them are so short of flight , that Men and Boys can tire and catch them by ordinary running , if they can but keep their Eyes on them ; and in short , there is hardly any Bird that is able to Fly 100 or 150 Miles without resting divers times ; and tho' they are the swiftest of any others in Motion , yet none of them can hold out so long ; for most certain it is , that the swifter and quicker the motion of any Creature is , the sooner the same is tired , and wants rest : Wherefore it 's a weak Imagination in any , to suppose , that several of our Birds that are not seen in the Winter , fly into Foreign Countries beyond the Seas , of which Sea-faring Men and Travellers know nothing at all ; not but that there are various sorts of Fowls and Birds seen 500 , or it may be 1000 Leagues off at Sea , but then they are such , whose Constitutions are more , or as much Watry as Earthy and Airy , and that cannot only rest on the Water , but also get great part of their Food from that Element , being much of the Nature of our Ducks , Swans , and the like , so that upon the whole , 't is no ways probable , that our Summer Birds do remove themselves into Transmarine Countries to Winter , nor to make their Exits in , but rather according to their Airy Original , Die in places more agreeable to their Natures , as I before noted ; so that the wonderful and most amazing Wisdom of the Great and ever Blessed Creator appears in , through and over all his Works , in that every particular specifick Body and sensible Creature is made compleat , and wants nothing that can render it more Happy , provided it keep within the bounds of its own Circle and Law , and no additions then can contribute to its farther Blessing ; and tho' the degrees are wonderful and various , as to Virtue and the contrary , and that each , from their own Qualifications , have obtained their Names , which originally distinguished their Natures , according to the Meliority of them , or otherwise , yet the meanest and lowest degrees of Created Beings , even the Reptiles of the Earth , are altogether as compleat and happy in themselves , as those that are in Nature and Composition many degrees higher Graduated ; so that the meanest have no Inclination to change Conditions with the highest , nor the highest with the lowest ; every individual Species being content to dwell with in its own bounds , wherein its Happiness consists , and upon this ground there is no sensible Creature in the World , that is miserable , but only such as have broken the Bounds and natural Limits of their and others that are forc'd to break it ; so that upon the whole , Man must be the only miserable Creature under Heaven , both in respect to the Depravation of his own Nature , and his having by Fraud and Cunning , spread his Malignity and evil Influences thro' and over all the Under-graduates of Animals , forcing many of them to act and yield Obedience to his violent Hands , contrary to the Law , wherein God had Circumscribed , and their own natural Instinct .

Sir , If I have made any undue Excursions in this my endeavouring to answer your desire , I hope you will excuse me , and attribute it to the barrenness of the Subject , and not to any other design in me , than to serve you as becomes ,

SIR , Your Friend and Servant , T. T.

LETTER XXXVII . Of FERMENTATION . SIR ,

T IS much more out of Complaisance to your Desires , than any real Opinion I have of my own Ability , I shall attempt to answer the Abstruce Questions you were pleased to propose unto me , in your Letter of the 26th of September , concerning the wonderful Power of Fermentation , together with the Reasons why the Fat , Flesh and Blood of Animals cannot be fermented nor separated , ( as all Vegetations can be ) nor one Quality Changed nor Transmuted into another .

AND first I am to observe to you , that the Animal Ferment of the Stomach is not only higher Graduated , ( as appears by its Virtue in Turning or Transmuting the Insensible into Sensible Creatures ) but by not dividing or separating the Original Forms and Qualities from their natural Operations , or Phlegmy , gross Bodies , as common Fermentation does , or according to that way and manner as Artists Ferment the Juices of Herbs , Fruits and Grains , whereby the gross Body is destroyed or sunk into 〈◊〉 stinking Liquor , that invests the Original fiery Principles of their natural or gentle Methods , but only by a fiery , turbulent , rendring , thunder-like Motion ; and before which all those unbounded Powers and Principles were still and quiet , being incircled in the Embraces of the sweet Quality and phlegmy Body , as tho' no such fierce invading Fires or Principles had been there .

Now , this comes to pass , because Fermentation opposes all the regular Motions of Nature , and the Eternal Law of the Creator , as being a Death and total Destruction to Multiplication and Progression , and not unlike unto the Deaths of Animals , which cannot be effected without terrible fierce Agonies ; and indeed the dividing the Spirit from the Body , without such a fierce , turbulent and irresistible Motion , is not to be done , as is clearly evinced in all sweet Liquors or Juice whatever , who , when their sleeping silent Powers or original Properties , are disturbed , as they are in a full or strong Ferment , all the Art in the World cannot incircle or tame them .

But , the Fermentation of Food in our Stomachs , as well as of all Beasts , is performed after another manner , imperceptible to the Creature , wherein all is quiet and silent , provided the Meats and Drinks be of a suitable Quality , and not too great in Quantity : And these sweeter Juices or Spirits that Nature draws or extracts for her Support , are not divested of , or separated from their natural Cloathing or Bodies ; neither are the sweet Qualities of such Foods Transmuted into fiery Spirits or first Principles ; for in such Cases the Body and Life could not be supported and continued ; but instead thereof , the Nutriment is divided , and distils its Virtues into Body and Spirits , that is , into Blood ; from whence are made and generated Flesh , Bones , Fat , Spirits , Inclinations , Dispositions , Words , and all Actions of Life ; and for this reason , the more equal our Meats and Drinks are , the better is the Nutriment , and consequently all the Off-springs proceeding from thence ; hence it is that the frequent Eating and Drinking unequal Foods , never fail to beget and lay open the fierce Gates and invading Powers of Inequality , called Sickness , and particularly the Drinking of strong Spirits or Brandy does always prove baneful , except in a Medicinal way , because the original Principles are divested of their Body , and Transmuted into a fiery Circle , out of which there is no deliverance or progression , so that you see the Stomach or Chymical Furnace does that in a silent Method , which the outward Fermentation performs in a tumultuous Manner ; for in the first Elaboratory , Natures Fires are so mild and friendly , th●…t they do not disinherit the original Principles and Forms of their native Right or Propriety , nor divide them into self-ful Desire , or Transmute their beloved Spouse , I mean , the sweet and most aimable Quality into original Fires , as the other does ; no , no , the original fierce Principles of all Food put into the Stomach , do still , notwithstanding the digesting , melting or separating Quality of the Stomach , hide themselves , and continue in the Arms and sweet Embraces of the uniting sweet Quality ; so that there is no such Division or Transmuting the Body and sweet Virtues into a fiery Principle , as is done in Fermentation and Distilling ; therefore if the Meats and Drinks be temperate and equal in their Qualities , the Nutritive Juices are the same thro' the whole Body , and the Volatile Salt of such Foods influences the whole with its pleasant Virtues , whence proceeds a bris●… , lightsome Temper , which is the highest pitch of Health ; not but that the equallest and best Meats and Drinks have the same fiery Principles hid in them , as a Mystery , which are not known nor perceived by the nicest and most curious Palates , so long , as is already hinted , the Thing or Food remains entire : But still they are there , for they are the Father , as we call it , being the original of those things , I mean the first and the last , as is more apparent by the Excrements of all Animals , and also by their Bodies , when they fall into Putrefaction , wherein there is a considerable quantity of Sal Petre or Nitre contained , and in some more than others , according as the Constitution of the Creature is , hotter or colder ; but the hottest affords the most , which being refin'd by Water and the help of Fire , is separated from the phlegmy , gross Parts , of which Gun-powder is made , that with the addition of other Sulphurs , ( viz. ) Brimstone and Charcoal , being the head Principle of that cruel , fierce Fire , which exc●…eds all others , as proceeding from grosser , darker , and more Excrementitious Matter , and as it were generated in the very Abyss of evil Qualities , wherein the Light and uniting good Qualities of Nature are wholly extinguished , and as in the Art of Fermentation and Distillation , all the sweet Virtues of the Vegetable Kingdom , are Changed or Transmuted into a burning , fiery Spirit ; the like Putrefaction does in the Bodies and Excrements of Animals ; and as this last is more heavy , gross , stinking and baneful , so is the Production thereof .

And here give me leave to observe to you , that there is no other way found out to separate or incircle the fiery Sal Nitral original Principles of Animals , from their sweet Virtues , than by Putrefaction , all the Art and Skill of Man being not able to touch or unlock their Sulphur or Oily Bodies ; so strongly are their sweet Properties incircled by the Animal Digestion , which does every moment advance and transmute Insensible into Sensible things , and Inanimate into Animation ; by which wonderful Method and secret Operations of Nature , Vegetables become higher Graduated , and attain to the farthest pitch any Created thing can attain to , which is a Sensitive Life , and about which such a powerful and natural Circle is drawn , as will admit of no farther Progression or Advance .

So that now it clearly follows , that those things that have passed thro' the Animal Kingdom or Digestion of any sensitive Creature , will not produce so clean a Nutriment and fine Spirits , as Vegetables do , each Production or Thing being mild , or fierce and turbulent ; clean , or the contrary , according to the original from whence it proceeded ; and therefore , I say farther , 't is past the Skill of the most Ingenious Spagyricks , to Extract any Cordial sweet Virtues from those original Sal Nitral Powers , that all putrified Excrements or Bodies of Animals are endued with ; nor to cloath or reinvest them in their former Estate , Beauty , Virtue and Splendor , that is , to incircle them in the Royal Bodies of Phlegm , wherein all the united Powers and four grand Qualities were contained , before such Vegetations or Things had passed thro' the digesting Powers and Faculties of the Animal Kingdom , that is the Stomach , and all the circular Motions of Nature : But this must be performed by the Progression and Hand-maid of God , by whose circular Motions and Operations 't is effected .

For Example , take some Compost or putrified Bodies or Excrements of Animals , wherein is contained a considerable quantity of Sal Nitre or Salt Petre , more or less , according to the Disposition of the Creature ; for the original Salts from whence they proceed , are of proportionable Complexions , and therefore the Experienc'd Husband-man manages his Land accordingly , some Dung being better for one sort than for anot●…r ; now lay these Excrements or putrified Matter upon poor Land , wherein the Sal Nitral Qualities are weak and impotent , and they do as it were , in a moment , by the assistance of Heat and Moisture , together with the sweet Influences of the Sun and Elements , mix and confederate with the fading Sal Nitral Properties of such Land , whereby it brings forth considerable Crops of all sorts of Herbage , Seeds , Grains , Trees , and the like , and this no Art is capable to imitate .

Now , this degree of Equality that Vegetations have obtain'd by a gradual Progression and mystical Operation of Nature , Fermentation does , as it were , in a moment disunite , whereby the original Forms become tumultuous , each Form with a rapid , invading Motion laying , as I may say , violent Hands on the Child of Love , which is the sweet Quality ; so that by this friction , boiling and fierce Motion , the whole Liquor or Thing becomes sharpned or racy , which while the original Principles remain'd united to the sweet Quality , all was silent , and , as it were , asleep , without Motion or Action ; and this is evident in the Art both of Brewing and Distilling , and this turbulent Motion or Ferment , is stronger or weaker , according to the degrees and strength of the sweet Quality and heat of the Season .

Now , Fermentation is an opposite and contrary Motion to Nature , and so threatens the total Destruction of the whole , being , as it were , a Death to the united Powers and uniform Principles , and a prevention of all farther Progression ; and therefore whatever is done by Art this way , can never be retrieved , or the Forms and Properties of Nature united , but only by the fore-mentioned way .

The same is to be understood in the Animal Kingdom , for as soon as the four grand Qualities be awaken'd or rouz'd up , then great Agonies are immediately felt , according to the degrees of Fermentation ; and here by the way I am to observe , that all Spagyrical Fermentations of Animals , as aforesaid , is Diametrically opposed and forbid by the Laws of God and Nature , and indeed , if that did not stand in Mankind's way , it 's not to be doubted but he would long since have Extracted lofty high Drinks from the Blood , Flesh and Fat of Animals , as also from the Flesh of Fish , seeing he loves such Liquors so well , and consequently would have been Drunk with the Blood of his Fellow Creature ; and indeed there has been no Art wanting in Man , to Extract the more Essential parts from the meaner , that is , to get the Blood and Gravey , as they call it ; but instead of obtaining the finer , cleaner Juices , they have an addition of contrary Qualities , that is , heavy , gross , dull , unclean Matter , that is more subject to an hasty Putrefaction than that which they leave or reject : Now , the Stomach cannot make so easy a Digestion thereof , as it can of Foods made of Vegetations , if properly managed in the Preparation , which is the reason why some have refrained Eating of Animals , whereby they have obtained an higher degree of Health and Pleasure than they had before .

Now , it is to be noted , that as Fermentation in Vegetables , breaks and destroys the Rest of that thing , so Drinks that have passed thro' these fiery Operations , are changed for the worse , that is , the original Unity by this Motion is disturbed , and there is an unequal working , struggling and dividing Power between t●…em , each Quality endeavouring to be Lord over the other , whereby the whole sinks into its original Form , and all such Liquors in a short time become sharp , harsh or flat , so that both the Water and the Juices of the Fruits become divested of their natural Bodies , which as long as any thing remains entire , incircles all the spiritual Powers or original Principles , and preserves them in the Unity wherein they were Created ; wherefore all Fermented Drinks , and more especially those that are strong , never fail to operate like themselves , so that as the original Forms are by this Art divided in a self-ful , domineering Operation ; the very same they do in the Stomach , wherefore the common drinking of such Liquors are Experimentally found baneful to Mankind , by the great number of cruel Diseases , that more particularly of latter years have been introduc'd amongst us , especially Gravel , Stone , Gout , and the like Evils , which the Natives of all such Countries , who constantly drink Water , know nothing of , tho' it is not such Liquors alone that are thus destructive to Humane Nature , for since sensible Creatures , I mean Flesh and Fish , are become our principal Food , Mankind not only inherits all the Disorders and Diseases such Creatures as he Eats are subject to , he having little or no regard to Cleanness , Uncleanness , Season of the year and of Generation ; but the worst of all is , these cruel Distempers are convey'd down , and entailed upon our Children and Posterity , and therefore grow more and more upon us , and there are no Medicines found out , that will Cure them ; for the Stomach cannot draw any proper Aliment from things that have passed thro' the fierce , unequal Operations of Fermentation , because Inequality cannot administer Equality , each thing operating like it self ; and for this cause , if Mens Foods were to be managed after the manner of Drinks , they would in a short time destroy Mens Health , and sink the Body into Death ; and hence it is , and I presume , with very good reason too , that I have given Water , the Preheminence , before all Liquors , as in respect to Food I have done to Herbs , Seeds , Grains and Fruits , whatever the unthinking World may imagine to the contrary , and since we find there can be no greater Character of the Virtues of Meats and Drinks , than their long keeping sound and good , and that Fruits , Grains and Seeds , together with Water , do so much longer than Flesh , Fish or Fermented Liquors , one should think there could be no difficulty made in the choice of them , seeing the Almighty hath provided such amazing varieties of Vegetables for us , and much easier to be got than either Fish or Flesh.

But to return to the Art of Fermentation , as to the Original thereof ; it was first found out and promoted by the Egyptians , or Eastern Philosophers and Physicians ; for as soon as Man had depraved and separated himself from his Original state of Unity , all the Original Qualities and Principles in him , were terribly stirred up , by his longing , free Will after all Intemperances and Evils , to which he was continually tossed to and fro , so that many destructive , dark Inventions , have , and do still take their rise from thence , which did , and ever since have filled the whole Earth with Violence ; and as such Inventions and evil Customs have been admitted and incouraged , so have our Diseases proportionably encreased , which has occasioned the more prudent and sober part of former Ages , to think of and invent equivalent Medicines or Antidotes , and so went to work , raking as it were , into the Center of all Elemental Things and Creatures , and more especially into the three Grand Kingdoms of Nature , viz. the Animal Vegetable , and Mineral , to find out an Universal Medicine , that might be able to cope with or Cure Universal Distempers , concluding there was no Vice so great , but there was a Virtue as great ; which if obtained , might be effectual to that end . But herein the most Learned and Ingenuous of all Ages have found themselves grosly mistaken , as experience witnesseth ; yet for all their continued Failures , every Age and Country are still pestered with a great number of those Philosophical Heads , that tell Lies in the face of the Sun , and magnify what they can do in this kind , especially on Minerals : It s true they have been able , by the power of their Calcinary Fires , to Flux and Refine Metals into a much higher degree of purity and fineness , which has proved very beneficial to Mankind , as being thereby fitted for various profitable uses : But all this while they found no such thing as the Seeds of Metals , nor yet any Ferment that was capable to divide the Original Forms , or to bring them into a working , boyling , active power , or strifeful , opposite motion ; which Qualifications and Operations do appear in all things that are capable of Fermentation , as we see in Vegetables ; but instead of extracting or obtaining such Seed or Ferment , they procured all the opposite qualities , for their fierce Fires , did in a moment destroy all the Seminary or Living powers of such Metals , of what kind or nature soever they were , and totally obliterated the Characters and Powers of Multiplication .

The very same thing happens in the Vegetative Kingdoms , for if you offer any Seed or Grain to the heat of common Fires , a little will kill all the Spermatick or Seminary Quality , which that moment puts a final stop both to the progression and multiplication of the said Seed or Grain ; and no better can surely be expected from such fiery Tryals in the Animal Kingdom : Will any Person of common understanding believe you , should you tell him , that by Killing of Beasts , and refining their Flesh and Blood with harsh and strong Fires , you can obtain the Seed , and that by the virtue and efficacy thereof , with the help of some Menstruum , you can multiply the same Species of Creatures , from Tenfold to Ten Thousand , as some of the Learned in the Art of Refining , are apt to talk and boast of : But so far it is from being in Mans power to effect this , that we see if two Beasts of different kinds couple together , the Creature that proceeds from such , is rendred uncapable of Generation ; so fruitless have most of our , Spagyrick Philosophers in all Ages been mostly , both in their fiery Operations on Minerals and Animals ; and all they have done , has been but to draw a circle of Darkness about themselves , wherein many Thousands have not only been accessary to their own Destruction , by the venemous fumes of their own Fires , but inticed others into the same Mischiefs , by their Lying Volumes left behind them , which have had no small influence on many very Ingenuous Persons , whose Inclinations prompted them to those curious Studies , together with the hopes of Gain , and to become Richer than the Princes of the Earth ; and who , tho' they have been endued with much Wit , and other ingenuous Faculties , yet they are void of any spark of true light or distinguishing understanding in the wonderful Operations of Nature , Gods Eternal Power and fixed Methods of his Law . But admit we should suppose they could attain to a proper Ferment , both in the Mineral and Animal Kingdoms , and Seminary Qualities ; whereby they could Ferment all Minerals , as also the Flesh and Blood of Animals ; yet they shall not be able thereby to obtain the multiplying quality of Nature , let their Menstruum be what it will ; because Fermentation , wheresoever it is effected , does in a moment destroy the unity of that thing , and all its Seminary Qualities ; from whence multiplication proceeds , by this fierce motion awakening the Central Principles out of their rest , as already mentioned .

Further , I say , if this Fermentation could have been effected in the Mineral and Animal Kingdoms , these Gentlemen would be as far off an Universal Medicine as ever ; neither would they be able ever to have made better Work or Medicines , than there are made of Vegetations , in the method of Fermentation and Distillation , nor probably so good ; because Minerals are harder , crude and harsher by much than Herbs , Fruits , Grains and Seeds , having as it were no proportionable assimilation with the Humane Nature , to which they are great Strangers , and so rendred not capable of being made Homogeneal ; insomuch , that Metals this way could be of no real benefit to Mankind , but rather increase our Evils and Intemperances ; and our Operators , instead of preparing Universal Medicines , would have made Universally destructive Liquors or Spirits , which no Art could ever make agreeable to Humane Nature ; and must be much worse than the Spirits , or Brandies made of Vegetables are . Again , whatever could that way be drawn or extracted from the Bestial Nature of Animals , must of necessity be gross and unclean , in proportion to the Original from whence it proceeds ; for Nature never lies , but is constant and true in all her Operations .

I will not take upon me in this place , to say that the Arts of Fermentation and Distillation in any kind , had been better lost than found in the World ; tho' it is most certain , that Fermentation in the strictest and best Sense , is no other than a certain vegetative and insensible Delirium or Madness , and therefore all its Operations when the Fermented Liquor is strong and spirituous , are in proportion ; and the same as I may say , being Disbanded from under the Government of its Superior Officers , so soon as a quantity of it is introduced into Mans Body , it plunders Nature of all its sweet Virtues , by drying and parching them up ; and at the same time breaks the Government of the Sentes , turning Reason and Wisdom adrift ; so that the Body is in no better condition , than a Ship without either Pilot or Rudder ; and penetrating into all parts and corners , awakens and stirs up the Original Fires ; and by confederating with the same , the whole Man becomes Mad , and like one out of his Wits : For which cause , the Egyptians and Eastern Countries , ( where the Art is supposed to have been invented ) foreseeing the Evils that would necessarily ensue , did both by Laws and customs , prohibit ▪ the Drinking thereof , confining the said Liquors to the circle of Medicines . I might take upon me , were it necessary to ennumerate here the many kinds of Evils and Distempers , the Drinking of such Liquors has introduced into the World ; but to wave that , as being well known , and but too sensibly felt . I shall touch a little upon the other Inconveniences that do attend Fermentation and Distilling : Are not most of our noble Fruits , Grains and Seeds , very much wasted and destroyed hereby ? which if otherwise managed , would be considerable Preservatives . For Example , one Bushel of good Barley made into Malt , Ground , Fermented and Distilled into what they call Common Proof-Spirit , makes but about Five Quarts thereof , which in weight is not above Eight Pounds and an Half ; whereas , the Barley before it was so ordered , as aforesaid , weighed about Forty Five Pounds , and would have made Bread enough to sustain Six or Seven Persons for a whole Week , with some other Foods ; or if the said Bushel of Malt had been Brewed into Beer or Small Ale , it would have made Twenty or Four and Twenty Gallons of good Drink : And tho' this last be of much less value to Mankind , than the said Corn made into Bread ; yet it far exceeds the Five Quarts of Brandy , both in quality and in all its Uses . The like is to be understood in most of our other Grains and Fruits : In a word , Fermentation and Distillation have Midwifed into the World all the enticing Drinks and Liquors that are Drunk ; and tho' these Arts may be allowed to advance some particular things to an higher degree of usefulness , yet they are but few ; and might well enough be spared : Indeed , Bread and Flour of Corn being of a ponderous , close , glewy Body , Fermentation doth advance , and better accommodate it to our Stomachs , making it of an easier Digestion ; tho' at the same time , this virtue of putting Ferment into our common Bread , the supposed advantages thereof proceed chiefly from custom ; for the Ancients , whose Health and long Life , far surpassed ours in these latter days , according to the Testimony of History , used neither Ferment nor Salt in their Cakes ; and many of the Eastern People do follow that custom to this day . And it is also remarkable , that among the Iews , and other Religions too , after some of them came to allow Drinking Wine , and Fermented Liquors , yet they would not admit of Bread that was Fermented , either with Leven or Lees of Wine , to be eaten in their Religious Rites or Worship , esteeming the same unclean , in comparison to that which had no Ferment or Leaven therein ; and this they called clean or unleavened Bread : Neither is this also to be omitted concerning our common Bread ; that if the Yeast be too much in quantity , such Bread becomes in a very short time dry and harsh , losing its sweet , pleasant taste and moisture . And by the by , I may add in like manner , that Salt is a certain and sure Enemy to Bread , not only by causing it to corrupt in a short time , but also it takes away , and doth as it were destroy the natural , pleasant sweetness thereof ; and indeed there is no manner of thing to be urged , but custom , for putting it in ; and 't is well known , that Bread which is designed to be kept for a considerable while , must have neither Salt , Ferment nor Yeast in it ; and this sort of Bread which is generally made for Sea , is some of the sweetest .

And now Sir , methinks I hear it objected and said , that strong Fermented Liquors , as Beer , Ale , Brandy , Wine , and the like , are brave exhilerating Cordials ; and that therefore the Drinking of them must be highly Beneficial to Nature : I grant it is true , they are so if used as they ought to be ; but the contrary is practised , as daily experience witnesseth ; for ever since Mans deep degree of Depravation , and since all kinds of Intemperances and Disorders have obtained the Ascendency in his Mind and Heart , he hath with all application and cunning inventions , studied inequality , and attracted to himself , and violently desired all Meats and Drinks that have a proportionable Disposition and Similie with himself ; and consequently Inequality and Disorder hath been increased both in his Body and Mind , beyond all due Bounds and Limits of Sobriety and Temperance ; for which reason , it must be really conducive to his happiness , to have all such strong , heady Things and Liquors totally prohibited ; more especially since it has never yet been doubted , that I know of , by any Man , but that Water was and is the only Drink ordained by the All-wise Creator , both for Man and Beast ; which having no unequal nor turbulent motion therein , begets none , but its Operations and Influences are like it self ; and they that Drink it shall never want nor desire any other Drink , this being the only Digesting Liquor , keeping the Stomach or Subservient Vessels clean , and causing a sharp and strong Appetite , far beyond all Fermented Liquors , who heat the Blood , and are the causes of many Distempers , as already noted : Nay , doth not experience tell us , that the Natives o●… all those Countries , that constantly Drink Water , are not only Healthier , but much stronger than others ; as in Guinea , Turkey , &c. where their Labouring People will Travel , and carry much heavier Burdens than our strong Beer Drinkers ; it being a commonthing for a Porter in Turkey , to take upon his Shoulders one o●… our Pigs of Lead , to the weight of 250 l. and sometimes more , without any help , and to carry it a good way ; which will make two of our Porters stagger and blow to carry it between them at a Poles end : Nay , it is usual for the Turkish Porters or Labourers , to lift and carry Four or Five Hundred Weight , and yet their Drink is all Water , and Food very mean , according to our estimation of it ; that is , Bread and Grapes , Bread and Herbs , other Fruits , they eating but a very small quantity of Flesh or Fish●… ; so that from hence it is manifest , that strong Drinks and gross heavy Foods , do as it were but cramp Nature in the very Bud ; and therefore it is that there are not near so many Die of immature Deaths in any Countries where the Natives Drink Water , as in those where strong Drinks are in use ; and for this cause also , the Natives in England Four Hundred Years ago , were not only much Healthier and longer Liv'd , b●…t much larger of Stature too ; so that upon the whole , the use of strong Fermented Liquors , is pernicious and destructive to Mankind , and more particularly to those of the Female Sex ; to which , without naming any more the terrible Vapours they themselves are subject to , and the dreadful Convulsions in their Children , are their Original ; and if there be any so temperate , as to Drink little or none of these Liquors , which is exceeding rare indeed , yet if either of their Parents , Father or Mother , did frequently use them , then it is Twenty to one , but these Distempers are thereby conveyed and entailed on them and their Posterity .

Sir , I could say much more upon this occasion , did I think it proper for me , or convenient for you ; but thinking there is no farther occasion for it , I shall conclude with my humble Respects to you , hoping you will so far oblige me , as to let me have the result of your thoughts hereupon , as opportunity shall offer ; and that you will do me the justice , to believe the sincerity of my Sentiments and Intentions herein .

and that I am Sir , Your very humble Servant , T. T. POSTSCRIPT . SIR ,

I Desire you would give me leave to add a word more in this place upon the Subject matter of Fermentation , as it comes just into my Head , and that is the assimulation , as I may say , there is between all fierce and unequal Passions of the Mind and it ; for whether they be of Love or Hatred or the like , I can conceive them to be nothing else but a stirring up the original Fires , or a strong Fermented motion of the first Principles , and a violation of their Law of Equity or Union ; and the quicker or fiercer this Ferment or turbulent Fiery motion is , the more malignant are its influences ; and therefore in what Creature soever such a Fire is stirred up or awakened from its silent Magia , or separated from the incorporating and sweet Embraces of the beloved Spouse called the Radical Humour , whether the Disease be Corporal or Mental , the Life is presently in danger ; for all such unequal motions and the continuance of them will sink Nature down to Death , which is manifested in the case of Agues , to go no farther , wherein if the Cold Fit should continue , it would quickly put a period to Life , so would the Hot Fit do likewise ; nay the continuance of the very Sweating would do it Infallibly . I might also subjoin the sad influences Fermented Liquors have to Ferment Mens Minds , to the unspeakable Detriment of Human Race : But to leave that , I shall only farther add , that what is said in Agues , the like may be understood in Feavers , as when a Feaver is constant and without Intermission , the Life is then quickly in danger ; and there are rarely any Medicines found out that are capable to cure it ; the most Skilful Physitians then Administer at great Uncertainty ; but when intermitting , the Danger is not so great , nor the Physick so uncertain of giving Assistance : The same may be also farther manifested by all the Operations of Nature , and particularly in the Elements themselves , whereof if any of them obtains the Ascendent , the other three suffer Violence ; and the mischiefs are more or less , according to the length of time it governs , as when the Fire gets uppermost , then all is Burnt up and Destroyed ; if the Watery part prevails , the Body is Deluged , and so of the other two , according to their respective Natures and Properties : And indeed if the Great and Adorable Creator had not set bounds , and limited them by his Eternal and unalterable Law of Creation , the whole System of Nature must very soon have sunk into its original Chaos or first Principles again : But God hath Confined all Celestial Bodies , Powers and Elements , yea and the off-spring or various productions of them , so as that they shall not by their fierce , self-full operations , and invading , turbulent powers violate the Creative and Generative Method of his Law ; for so it is , that in what thing or creature soever the Unity or Seminary Qualities are Wounded , whether the same be done by the unequal operations of the Elements , or by the Art and curious Fancies of Chymists , or any other ways , that thing is presently made uncapable to Generate or Multiply ; for the verity whereof the whole Creation and amazing varieties of Creatures therein are manifest Testimonies : And could Mankind but understand this aright , he should find upon the whole matter , that the principal Business is so to Regulate the Actions of his Life that he may keep within the Bounds of Equality , Unity and Concord , or as near thereunto as possibly he can , without which there can be neither Health of Body nor Mind in this World , nor any true pleasure had in Time or Eternity , Unity being the Eternal Bond of Peace in all Enjoyments . Sir , I Beg your Pardon heartily for my prolixity in the Postscript as well as Epistle , and desire you to Believe that I am once more

Your Humble Servant , T. T.

FINIS .