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f^^^mm^

mam

.'Milt^M'.^..

THE

AMERICAN ORiACLfe^

COMFREHEN'DING

fl »

AN ACCOUNT OF RECENT 'DISCOVERIES

IN TlIE ARTS AND SCIENCES,

■ f ., ■

WITH

A VARIETY OF RELIGIOUS, POLITICAL, PHYSICAL,
AND PHILOSOPHICAL SUBJECTS,

Neceffary to be known in all families, for the Promotion of
their prefent felicity and future happiness.

BY THE HONOURABLE

SAMUEL STEARNS, LL. D.

AND DOCTOR OT PHYSIC;

ASTRONOMER TO HIS MAJESTy's PROVINCES OF qUEBEC,

AND NEW BRUN6WIC;

ALfO TO THE

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS,

AND THE STATE OF VERMONT, IN AMERICA.

Quam ampla funt Opera tua, O Jehova \ Quam ca omnia fapienter fe;ifti !

LONDON:

Printed for, and fold by, J. Lackington, No. 46 and 47,

Chifwell-Street, Moorfields; and J. Parsons, No. 21,

Pater-Nofler.Row, London. 1791.

[Price 8s. 6d. in Boaids.]

[Entered at Stationers Hall.]

"mmm/mmm-mi^m^

•• • ••

<:>

••••
••••

•••

'^P^OUllU'

^« V .'^ /-

■ /

- J ^ ^^/3

■ r

I* — . ...

. I

•*6*"%^-ir:^-iife*Ay4^

"f.

P R E F A C E.

. 4/v

1 1 .. i . J : .

KIND READER,

THE mifcellaneous Work coiitainefl in
the fubfcqutnt Pages, and prelented
to the Public, is intended to inform and im-
prove thofb who may think their time not
unprofitably fpent in its perulal, and who
ftand in need of information.

^'.It wis not the Author's defign to have
made thofe things pubhc at fo early a period ;
but to gratify a number oi his private friends'
who conceived his Productions in a light per-
haps beyond their intrinfic value, Ind re-
queued they might be immediately pub-
lifhed for the baieht of Mankind, he is in-
duced to abandon his original intention, and
thus prefent them to the impartial Public.

A few

PREFACE,

A few things in Profe are extracted from
various Authors ; but the Poetry, with the
exception of a few Hnes, was compofed by
the Author himfelf. As the fubje^s are nu-
merous, brevity has neeeffarily been attended
to, and every endeavour ufed to comprehend
niultum in parvo^ and preferve accuracy and
correanefs. But as errors may have cfcaped
his obfervation, fhould any be difcovered by
the Readers, he will thankfully receive their
communications of the fame, and carefully
endeavour to attend to their corredlion in #
future edition.

Philofophy, and the Liberal Arts and Sci^
ences which have been nurtured by its pro,
grefs and improvements, and has fhone out
with fuch remarkable fplendor in thefe mp-
dern ages, have been the objedls of his early
and unremitting ftudy. The pradice of Phy.
ic, and the making of Aftronomical Calcu-
lations, engaged his attention for upwards of
twenty years, and in the courfe of his travels
in England, Scotland, Ireland, France, and
many parts of America, he has attended
Leaures upon Phyfiology, Chymiftry, Ma^-
"f ^' ^\^^i-^^ Optics, Aflronomy, and
other Branches of Natural and Experimental

Philofophy,

'j^figp^r.

< '•#

PREFACE.

VII

ra<5led from
i, with the
ompofed by
e<fls are nu-
en attended
:omprehend
:curacy and
ave efcaped
fcovered by
iceive their
id carefully
idlion in »

ts and Sci-r
by its pro*

fhoDe out
thefe mp-
f his early
:e of Phy-
cal Calcu-
pwards of
bis travels
ance, and

attended
:ry, Mag-
omy, and
erlmental
iilofophy.

Philofophy, has had a familiar acquaintance
with the moft approved Authors upon the
Liberal and Mechanical Arts and Sciences,
all of which have contributed to furnifli him
with the knowledge that is communicated to
the Public through the medium of this
Work, and enabled him to complete it in
a manner that may render it produdive of
the good purpofc for which it is intended ;
and although it is called ^he American Oracle^
yet from the variety of fubje£ls it compre-
hends, it will be found to be 'the Oracle of
the Worldy becaufe it contains a general ac-
count of the Univerfe.

As the Work is caculated to diifufe ufeful
knowledge amongfl: mankind, to Simulate
them to a6ls of goodnels and virtue, and
thereby promote their prefent felicity and fu-
ture happinefs, fhpuld it eventually prove
conducive to thofe great and important ob-
jefts, it will be an ample reward for the la-
bour which has attended its profecution, and
afford lively fenfations of joy and pleafure to
the Reader's, and the Public's

Moft obedient

humble fervant,

, , ^ THE AUTHOR.

London^ June i<, 1781.

Page

3.
32,.

33,-

- 60,

- 93.
-176,.

-187,.

- a69, -

- 398, -
. 486, .

• 602, -

• 609, -
618.-

ERRATA.

line 25, for4ri, read 511. • •

•"» for Sept. read Oa. 19.

II, for Oft. 6, peace proclaJmed in i^Sz

'783.
9, Read, Peace proclaimed between OreJit
tain, Holland, and Amerlica^
3 », for proceffion, read preceffi<j.n.

— for 39, read page 93.
10, for colume, read colun.

7, for twenty, read fixty.

— 24, for are inclined, read is

^8, forinimentum, readlinin...

— I, for 6, read page 486.

— I, for at, reud as. . ' " '

— 15. rafe out, « clean animals that he h&d,"

— »2, for a thing is, read a thing which ii/
-25» foi- 1789, read 1790.

read

r»

DIRECTION to THE BINDER.

let the figure of the Solar Syftem face the 90th M|e. - ■

y *>,:iV» vt^S

THE

AMERICAN ORACLE.

din i;82,read
veenGrelit-Bri^

m. ■■■ .

CHAPTER

0/* Chronology— •!£;///> Tables of remarkabu Mroi
and Events^ from the Creation to theTear 1790.

he hH"
hrch ii, ..

hoige, 'V*-'

A S ajlronomers begin their compntations at cer-
^ -*• tain fixed points in the heavens, called sepo-
chas, or radical places ; io hijiorians begin their
reckonings from certain fixed points of time, called
seras, or radixes of time ; as that of the Creation,
Noah*s Flood, &c. as in the fubf::'quent Tables.

Anno Mundi
O

1656

1948

2107

The creation of the world
Noah's flood - . -

' The birth of Abraham
Sodom and Gomorrah deftroyed

The departure of the Ifraelites out of Egypt 2452

Their entrance into Canaan - - 2492

Saul, the firft King of Ifrael, began to reign 2909

Solomon's temple began - - 2932

The deftruftion of Samaria - - 3226

An angel deftroys 1 84,000 of the AlTyrians 3294

Babylonifli captivity - - 3349

B Solomon's

mam^j

i THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

SolomonVs temple deftroyed

The beginning of Daniel's 70 weeks

Death of Alexander the Great

Reiloration of the Jews

Corredion of the Calendar by Julius Cccfar

Herod began to reig.i in Judea

The reputed sera of the birth of Chrifl:

He difputes with the dodors in the temple

Is baptifed by John in the Wildernefs

And crucified by the Jews

Stephen is ftoned to deati) - »

St. Paul is converted - ,

St. Matthew writes his Gofpel

The followers of Chrifl: fiWl called Chriflians

Claudius Caifar's expedition into Britain

St. Mark writes his Gofpel

London founded by the Romans

Th 2 council of the apoflles at Jerufalem

St. Luke writes his Gofpel

St. Paul fent in bonds to Rome, preacheth, and

Anno ArnnJi

3492
3626

J784
39<^S
3949

Anno Domini
O

36
39

43
44
49
52

writes his epiftles
The afts of the apoftles written
The Chriftians perftcuted at Rome
St. Peter and St. Paul put to death
Titus takes Jerufalem; r,too,ooo Jews perirn :

97>ooo taken prifoners
A plague kills 10,000 perfons at Rome " .»

1 he Philofophers expelled Rome by Domitian 8 .

'Sill^^^^^^^^^ 96

The Jews murder 200,000 Greeks and Ro- ^^
mans

115

^ Th^

6z
64

■i#*<flg((8ifV('

•'«^- -*-'^^JS»v*: ^ik^^,,^r. V,

Anno Muiiifi

- 33^^
3492
3626

37H

r 3905

3949

Anno DominJ

t : It

ms 40

43
44
49
52
55

, and

62
63

64
67

x'h

ian 83
3n 96

1^5

'CHRONOLOGY. 3

Anno Domini

The jews all banifhcd out of judca ; 580,000

deflroyed by the Romans - 1^5

Juftin writes his firfl: Apology for the Chriflians 139

140

143

245
161

217

250
274-
306
308

Ptolomicus Geographus lived

Galenicus Medicus lived

Arrianus Iliftoricus lived • «

Antoninus Philofophus lived

Oppianus Poeta - - ..

Purgatory invented - - -

Silk firfl brought from India to T'lrope

Conftantine the Great began to reign

Cardinals firfl began

The Chriflian Religion tolerated by Conftan-

tine - . , .

The firfl general council at Nice
St. Martin lived
Bells invented by Bifhop Paullnus^ of Campag-

nia - - - - 400

Rome taken by Alerie, king of the Vifi-Goths 41 o
The Romans evacuate Britain - - 426
Socrates, an hiflorian, lived - * . 4^5
Chriflianity introduced into Britain by the

Romans - - . ^yy

The Chriflian Religion introduced in France 496
The doctrine of purgatory introduced jti i

Dionyfius, a monk, introduces the computing

3^3
Z^3

of time by the Chriflian sera

The manufafturing of fdk introduced in Eu-
rope - - .

A terrible plague continues near 50 years all
over Europe, Afia, and Africa

Latin ceafes to be fpoke in Italy

Auguftln, a monk (with 40 more) comes into
England

51^

55'"

557
580

596
The

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

Anno Domini
606

640

7^j

The power of the popes begin
Mahomet dies, aged 64 -

Jerufalem is taken by the Saracens
Alexandria in Egypt taken by ditto, and the

grand library burnt
Glafs invented in England, by Benalt, a monk 664
The Saracens conquer Spain - 7 1

The computing of years from the birth of

Chriit firfl ufed in hiftory - 748

A plague deftroys 34,000 perfons in England 772
Charlemagne, K. of France, gave the prcfent

names to the winds and months 800

Alfred the Great divides England into coun-
ties, compofes a body of laws, erefts county
courts, and founds the univerfity at Oxford 896
The univerfity at Cambridge founded 9 1 5

A plague deftroys 40,000 people in Scotland 954
The coronation oath firft ufed in England,

and juries firft inftituted . ^^g

Figures in arithmetic brought into Europe
from Arabia, letters having been ufed in
their room , ^^,

I'aper, made of cotton rags, ufed - 1000

The Turks take Jerufalem from the Saracens 1 06 c

Mufical notes invented

Juftices of the peace firft appointed in Enr
land

The tower of London built
The order of Knight Templars Inftituted
The canon law collefted by Gratian, a
monk of Bologna

London bridge firft built of ftone " .

1070

1076
1080
1118

1151

1 1 60

Paper

CHRONOLOGY.

Anno Domini
II70

Paper firfl: made of linen rags

Glafs windows began to be ufed in private

houfes in England
Conjunftion of the fun, moon, and all the

planets, in Libra. Sept.
Dicu ct Mon-droit iirfl ufed as a motto
Chimnies firfl made, and firnames firfl ufed,

in England

Aflronomy firfl fludicd by the Moors

London firfl incorporated into a city, with
a Mayor, &c.

Magna Charta figned by King John ; and
the Court of Common Pleas eflablifhed

Afb'onomical tables conllroded by Alonfo,
King of Caflile

Commons firfl fummoned to Parliament In
England - ^ .

Mariners' compafs invented, or improved,
by Givia of Naples

Gold firfl coined in Chriflendom

The firfl comet whofe courfe is defcribed
with exaclnefs - - ,

The French lofe 400 veffels, and 30,000

feamen, in a fea-fight with the Englifh 1340

Gun-powder and guns invented, oil-paint-
ing firfl ufed, and the Herald's College
inftituted - - ,

Ninety-thoufand people die of a plague in
Germany

Knights of the Garter infdtuted in Eng-
land ; and a plague deftroys near nine-
tenths of the people in Britain 1349

B 3 Coals

1180

1186
1194

1200
1201

1208
1215

1264

1302
1320

1337

1348

THE AMERICAN ORACLE,

M
i ■

Coals firil brought to London

A fhower of hail kills looo men, and 6000

horfes, in England
A dreadful plague in England
S7i?>7A- people die of a plague in England
Windfor Caftle built
A terrible plague and famine in England ;

and cards invented in France for the

King's amufement
Wcflminfter Abbey re-built
Guild-hall, in London, built
The univerfity 01 St. Andrews, In Scotland,

founded -

Pumps firft invented

Printing invented in Holland

100,000 people deftroyed by an inunda-
tion in Holland

The univerfity at Glafgow, in Scotland,
founded . . _

Engraving and etching on copper invented

Ihe umverfity of Aberdeen, in Scotland,
founds •

Firft ftanding army in England eftablilhed
Maps and fea-charts firft brought into
England

Theftudy of the Greek language introduced
m England

The Spanilh inquifition ;^ 15,000' Jews
driven out of Spain

America dilcovered by Columbus
Algebra firft known in Europe

Anno Domini

1359
1361

1362

1386

1391

'399
1410

1411

1425
1440

1446

1454
1460

1477
1483

1489
1491

1492
1492
1494
South

Uomini

1359
1361

1362

1386

1391

'399
1410

1411

1425
1440

CHRONOLOGY. J

Anno Domini

South America difcovered by Americus

Vefpufius - - ^ 1497

North America difcovered by Sebaftian

Cabot, about - - 1498

Thirty thoufund perfons 'le of a plague in

London . - - 1499

Shillings firfl: coined in England - 1505

Columbus died, aged 59 - 1506

Gardening introduced into England, from
the Netherlands j and half of the peo-
ple die of a plaguci in Britain ^5^9
Martin Luther began the Reformation 1 5 1 7
The Pope gives the title of Defender of the

Faith to the King of England ' 1520

Cannon began to be ufed in Ihips - 1539

Pins firfl ufed in England, in the room of
fkev/ers ; and filk ftockings firfl worn
by the King of France - '543

Council of Trent begins - 1 545

Firfl law in England eflablifhing the inte-

reft of money - - '54^

Books of aflronomy and geography de-
ftroyed, as infefted with magic, in
England - - 1552

The Reformation compleated in Scotland
by John Knox ; and filk ftockings firfl
worn in England by (^Elizabeth 1561

Knives firfl made in England - i ^6'^

The Royal Exchange in London built 1 569

Thirty thouiand necromancers in France ;
and a great maffacre of the Proteflants
at Paris - ;^ 1572

B4 The

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

The Dutch in Holland revolt from the Spa

nifh government
Eaft India company incorporated
Sir Francis Drake, thefirft Englifh circum-
navigator, returns from his voyage
round the world
New Style introduced in Italy by Pope Gre-
gory
Tobacco frrfl: brought from Virginia into
England; and Newfoundland fettled by
the Englifh . .

(^ Elizabeth beheads Mary Q^ of Scots,

after i8 years imprifonment j

Coaches introduced into England
A band of penfioners infiituted in England
Trinity College, in Dublin, founded
Watches firfl brought into England from

Germany
Theory of the Tides firfl given by Keplar
Decimal arithmetic invented at Burges
England and Scotland unite under the name
of Great Britain

Anno Domini

^579
1579

is8o

1582

^5^

1589

1590
1591

K197
1598

1602
1603

30,578 perfons died of the plague in London 1604

Powder plot difcovered at Wefhninfler
Oaths of allegiance firfl adminiflered in

England j and Canada fettled by the

French
Virginia fettled
New York, the Jerfies, and Pennfylvam'a,

fettled by the Dutch and Swedes ; and

Galileo difcovers four of the fatellites

01 baturn

1605

1606
1607

160H

\nno Domini

CHRONOLOGY. ^

Anno Domini

Six hundred wizards condemned, and moft

of them burnt, in France
Jupiter*s moons fird dil'covered by Galileo
Baronets firll created in England ; and
200,000 perfons die of the plague in
Conflantinople
Logarithms invented by Napier, a Scotch-
man ; and Sir Hugh Middleton brings
the New River to London, from Ware
Harvey confirms the circulation of the blood
The broad filk manufafture from raw filk,
introduced into England ; and negroes
firft imported into Virginia
Nova Scotia fettled by the Scotch ; and
New Plymouth, in New England, fet-
tled by Puritans
Firfl: neat cattle imported to America
Theiiland of Barbadoes fettled by the Eng-
lifli; and 35,417 people die of the
plague in London
MafTachufetis fettled
New Hampfliire fettled
Bofton built - - .

Maryland fettled

Diedof aplague at Lions in France, 60,000
people ; and Maryland given to Lord
Baltimore
Huygens difcovers Saturn's ring ; and Pro-
vidence, in Rhode Ifland, built
Connecticut fettled ; and regular polls efta-
bliQied from London to Scotland, Ire-
land, kc.

i6og
1610

161X

1614
1619

1620

1621
1624

1625

1628
1629
1630
1631

163^

Rhode

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

■

Rhode Ifland fettled

Newport built

Forty thoufand Englifii Protellants inaflii-

cred by the Irifh
Sir Ilaac Newton born
' Eledricity, the firil idea of it, given by

Ottogiiericke
K. Charlecj 1. beheaded, aged 49
Cromwell afTumes the protedlorfliip
Huygens difcovers the fifth moon of Sa-
turn; and Admiral Penn takes Jamaica
from the Spaniards
Cromwell dies
K. Charles II. reflored
The (loyal Society eftablifhed at London
Carolinas planted
The Dutch and Swedifti fettlements in North

America conquered by the Englifh
68,000 perfons die of a plague in London
Great fire in London 5 and tea fijft ufed m

England
Peace of Breda

Peace of Aixla-Chapelle

Peace of Ninceguen; and Habeas Corpus

adlpafTed
49,487 people die of a plague in Vienna
A great comet appeared from Nov. 3, tb

March 9 ; and the true orbits of comets

demonflrated by Doetfel
Philadelphia founded

Anno Dcniini

- 1638

1639

1640

i<^43

1647
1649

1654

^^55
1658

1660

1662

1663

1664
1665

1666
1667
1668 '

1672
1679

16S0
1683
Bavonet$

"^m^

CHRONOLOGY.

Ar.no Dcniiiii
- 1638

1639
l-

1640

' i<^43

y
1647

1649
1654

^^55
1658

1660

1662

1663

1664
1665

1666
1667
1668

16S0
1683

lyonetij

Anno Domini

Bayonets firft ufed by the French — Bank
of England eftablifhed — and, the firfl
public lottery drawn
^1 Stamp duties inftituted in England

Peace of I yfvick ...

Darien, in America, fettled by the Scotch

PrulTia erefted into a kingdom ; and, Soci-
ety eftabliihed for the propagation of
the gofpel in foreign parts

Gibraltar taken from the Spaniards ; and
Court of the Exchequer inftituted in
I England - - .

Dr. Benj. Franklin born Feb. ; and a treaty
of union between England and Scotland

A new mountain rifes out of the fea in Tur-
key, in Europe called Tbera / and the
firft Britifh parliament
, Minorca taken from the Spaniards ; and
Sardinia erected into a kingdom

St. Paul's church re-built by Sir Chriftoph.
Wren, in 37 years

The peace of Utrecht, whereby Newfound-
land, Nova Scotia, New Britain, and
Hudfon's Bay, were yielded to Great
Britain, and Gibraltar and Minorca
were alfo confirmed to the Britifh crown

Aurora Borealis firft feen

A rebellion in Scotland in favour of the
Pretender

An aft pafled for feptennial parliaments

Lombes, at Darby, ereds a filk throwing
machine, containino- 26-^86 wheels all

1693
1694
1695
J 699

1701

1704
1706

1707
1708

1710

^7^5
1716

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

I719

1720

1727
1732

'743

1744

£.,.,, . , , „ AnnoDonuui

ot which take up ons-eighth of a mile,
and are moved by one water wheel : In
24 hours it works 318,504,960 yards
of Organzine filk thread
Died of a plague, at Marfeilles, 18,000

perfons
Inoculation firft tried on criminals, with
fuccefs ; and Sir Ifaac Newton dies,
aged 84 nearly
Georgia, in North America, fettled j and

Gen. Wafhington born Feb. 1 1.
Died of a plague at MefTma, in Sicily,

50,000 perfons
Commod. Anfon returns from his voyage

round the world
A rebellion in Scotland, projeded by the
French ; and 6000 Americans, with
alliflance from England, take Cape
Breton from the French
Elearic fhock difcovered at Leyden, bv

Cuneus - , _

The peace of Aix-la-Chapelle
Weftminfter bridge, after 12 years labour,
fmiihed : (it coft 389,000!.)

The Antiquarian Society at London incor-
porated

3ea water made frefli by experiment

Old ftyle ceafes, Sep. 3.

The BritifhMufeum ereded; and a Society
of Arts, Manufaftures, and Commerce,
inftituted in London . . j^^.

A. D. 1754,

1745

1746
1748

1750

1752

•T%:

AnnoDonuui

nile,

I: In
ards

CHRONOLOGY.

A. D. 1754.

lOOO

I7I9

1720

i^'ith

lies,

and

1727

1732

'743

the

1744

ath

ape

1745

1746

1748

Lir,

1750

3r-

'75^

1752

^7S^

.D. ]

'754'

The Britlfli colonies in North America being ahnoft
furrounded by French, Spaniards, and Sa-
vages ; and the French having augmented
their armies, and made encroachments upon
the Britifh fettlements, by erecting forts on the
banks of the rivr Ohio, to which place Col.
Wafhington, at theheadof 4000 men, marches;
builds a fort, which, on being demanded by
a fmall party of French, they are taken pri-
foners. The Governor of Canada attacks the
fort; and Walhington, on being overpowered
with numbers, capitulates, furrenders, and
marches towards Virginia. Many of the
Fnglifh are plundered and murdered by the In-
dians. From hence a war broke out between
England and France.

^755'
The Englifh take from the French two fhips, 6oq

foldiers, with their officers, and 5000 crowns,

off the banks of Newfoundland.
Two thoufand men from New England take Nova

Scotia, and difarm 15,000 neutral French and

Indians.

Gen. Braddock defeated by the French and Indi-
ans, near Fort du Quefne

Gen. Johnfon defeats the French at Fort Edward,
and takes their commander, Baron de Diefkau,
prifoner

Gen. Johnfon is created a Baronet, and the parli-

ment gives him 5000 1. for his good fervices.
Gerith, near Bombay, taken by the En'rllfh.

A. D. 1755.

THE y\MERlCAN ORACLE*

A. D. 1756,

The French lanci 18,000 troops on the illand of
Minorca. Admiral Byng's cowardice. Fort
St. Philip, and Fort St. Ofvvego, taken by the
French. Marine Sociery ellabhfhed in Lon-
don. ParHament relolves to augment the iand
army from 35,000 to 49,740 efFeftive men;
and the feamen to 55,000, including 11,419
marines j and to raife 8,350,325!. to defray the
charges of the war, &c.

That the electric fluid would emit fparks, difco-
vered

-Admiral Byng fhot. I'he Duke of Cumberland
goes to Hanover ; has fundry battles with the
French : Refigns, and Prince Ferdinand fuc-
f ceeds him— who obtains feveral victories over
the Gallic troops, and recovers a number of
places that had been in their pofTeffion. The
Ifle of K\yi taken from the French. The
French take and demolifh Fort William Henry.
Bufbudgia, in Bengal, with fundry other places
are taken by the Englifh. The Nabob's army
IS defeated : he is imprifoned, and put to death.

Admiral Watfon dies. Parliament fettles the fup-
plies, which amount to 10,486,452!.

1758.

Several French veiTels are taken by the Eiuriifh
near Carthagena. The Prince George, of 80
guns, commanded by Rear-Admiral Brode-
nek, on a pafllige to the Mediterranean, acci-
dentally takes fire, and burns till fl,e finks :
tae uumirai, ^vuh .bout 300 men, make their

efcape

CHRONOLOGY.

:he illand of
rdicci Fort
:aken by the
led in Lon-
lent the iand
2ftiv€ men;
dirg 11,419
o defray the

arks, difco-

Ilumberland
les with the
dinand fuc-
Elories over
number of
[Tion. The
ich. The
iam Henry,
thcr places,
bob's army
Lit to death.
'es the fup-
I.

he Eiigllfh
rge, of 80
al Brode-
lean, acci-
Hie fmks :
nake their
efcape

A. D. 1758.
efcape to land ; and 500 perifli. Lord Anfon
and Sir Edward Hawke fail to St. Malo. The
Britifl) troops, under the command of the Duke
of Marlborough, take poflelTion, and burn a
French fleet, confiding of 2 men of war, 3 3
privateers, and above 70 fail of merchant
fhips.

The Englidi fleet and army leave St. Malo, and
take poflfefllon of Cherburgh, where they de-
ftroy the famous bafon, harbour and fluice, in
that place. They leave Cherburgh, go to St.
Briac, near St. Malo, and deftroy about 15
fmall veflels. On re-embarking, the French
fall on them, and kill and take about looo
men. Gen. Drury and Sir John Armitage
were among the flain.

Fort Louis and the town of Senegal taken by the
Englifli. Goree taken from the French by
Commodore Keppel.

Fifty thoufand Englifh troops in America. Gen.
Amherfl: and Admiral Bofcawen take Cape
Breton. The Ifland of St. John, in the Gulph
of St. Lawrence, taken from the French by the
Er-Hfli, under the command of Lieutenant-
Colonel Lord Rollo. Gen. Abercrombie re-
pulfed at Ticonderoga-T-where Lord Howe is
ilain.

Fort Frontinac taken from the French and Indians,
by Col. Bradftreet : Ke deftroys nine armed
veflels belonging to the enemy.

Britradier- General Fnrhpc faL-00 i?^-*. j.. r\...r.
from the French.

The

THE AMERICAN ORACf.E.

^Hli!

A. D. I75S.

The Englifh demoHfh a fort in Grand Ana Bay, in
Martinico, and tal'e four piivateers from the
French.

Prince Ferdinand, with the allied armv, obtains
great vidorics over the French in ih Hanove-
rian dominions.

The Dul^eof Marlborough dies. Parliament grants
12,761,310!. 196. 5d. to fupport the war.

1759-
The French and the Pretender meditate to invade

England.
Admiral Rodney bombards Havre, and burns the
florcs intended for the in vail on. The French
abandon the town.
Admiral Bofcawen cannonades the French at Tou-
lon. Afterwards he takes two French men of
war, and deftroys two more, near Gibraltar.
Sir Edward Hawke blocks up the French fleet in
the harbour of Breft, but is driven from thence
by a llorm. The French purfue, and are de-
feated by having a number of their fhips de-
firoyed by Sir Edward, which renders tlieir
intention of invading England abortive.
Guadaloupe taken by the Englifh, commanded by
Gene Hopfon and Barrington, with the iflands
Defeada, Los Santos, and Marigalante, in tlic
Weil Indies. The French in Canada induce
the favages to commit the moft horrid barbari-
ties upon the fubjeds of New England. The
Englifh make peace with fifteen Indian nations,
vwii. .timuciit tukcs liconuciago and Crown

Point.

CHRONOLOGY,

P^B A. D. 1759.

Point. Sir William Johnfon takes Niagara
Gen. Wolfe killed, Sept. 12. qiicbec taken]
Sept. 18. Col. Ford obtained a complete vie!
tory over the French near MafuHpatam. Col.
Maitland takes the town and caftle of Suart.*
Vice-Admiral Pocock lights with a French
fleet, and becomes mafler of the Indian coaft
A Du^.h Commodore refufing to let Captain
Wili a pafs, the Captain reinforces Col. Coote
on the coaft of Coromandel, defeats the French
^ and takes four of the Com,nodore\s (hips ; and

Mun/ter taken by Gen. ImhofF. Many more flur
m,fl.es happened in that country that year
.Jch^ the E^^^^^^

Parliament raifes 16,130,561!. g,, gd. for de
fraymg the charges of the war.

The Fre.ch take Carrickfergu 1 in Ireland \' u

t' It '-''''''' ^^^^^^^^^

^ Ifle of Man, by Capt. Elliot, Capt. Log e and
Capt. Clement. A fmar- .r, ^ '

i" which the Frentht IdrofCaTer'^H'
the,r Commander, M.de Thuro l rt "' "'
The Cherokee Indians on the baclc ofN^nhC.r
t^ 'r«'?«^'l •^y^'^eFrench) break *S r
-^unuerandmaflacremanyofth;S

The

THE AMERICAN ORACLil*

-r i

A. D. 1760.

The Governor of North Carolina makes peace with
them J but as foon as he had returned home,
they attempted to furprife Fort George, kill-
ed all the Englifh traders in their country,
and mallacred forty of the defencelefs inhabi-
tants.

Gen. Amherfl: fends Col. Montgomery with 1200-
me«, who chaftifed the Cherokees by deftroy-
ing every village and houfc in the lower nation^
putting great numbers to death, and bringing
40 women and children as prifoners to Fort
George. Afterwards they made another cx-
curiion in the middle f^ttlemencs, deflroying
all before them with fire and fword. The In-
, dians, in revenge, attacked Fort London ; and,
after granting a capitulation, maifacred the
greateft part of the garrifon.
M. de Levis, with 1 2,000 men, befieges CKiebec,
And Gen. Murray, with 3000 men, fAp. 28.}
marched out near three miles from the city,
loft 1000 men in killed and wounded, and was
obliged to retreat back to the city. On the
arrival of an Englifli fleet from Halifax, under
the command of Lord Colville, the fiege was
raifed, and the French fled to Montreal— wh. . e
three Engliili armies met afterwards ; and Vau-
dreuil, the French Governor, finding himfelf
entirely inclofed by the three armies, furren-
dered the garrifon, with all Canada, Sept. 8,
on condition that the French fliould enjoy their
religion and etfeas j and that thofe of the

French

CHRONOLOGY.

.A. D. 1760.

French that chofe to return to France, fhould

be tranfported thither.
In the courfe of the fummer. Captain Byron, with

three fhips, deftroyed the French fettlements

in the Bay of Chaleur, where he took 3 frigates

and 1 9 fmailer vefTels.
This year the walls of Cape Breton were demolifh-

ed, and the implements of war, artillery and

ammunition carried to Halifax, by order of his

Britannic Majefty.
Arcot, Parmacoil, Alumparva, Carical, and Pon-

dicherry, in the Eaft Indies, taken by the Eng-

lilh. ^ ^

The French army in Germany ccnfifled of near
130,000 men, and the Englifli of 25,000 : the
allied fell very fhort of the French army in
numbers, but they exceeded in the quality of
the troops. Many heavy battles were fought,
and many viaories obtained over the enemy. '

King George II. dies, and King George III. begins
to reign. The Commons grant upwards of
^9,000,0001. for the fervice of the current
year.

A. D. 1761.
Prince Ferdinand, with the allied army, obtains a '
yiaory over the French, who lofe 5000 men
m battle.

In another battle Prince Henry, brother to the
hereditary Prince, is mortally wounded. Many
fkirmiflies enfue.

Major Heaor Monro takes Mahle, in the Eaft In,

dies-

Sbah

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

iMiJ

«i

A. D. I 761.

Shah Zadda, a prince of the Mogul empire, joins
the French in the Eaft Indies, but is routed by
the Englifh troops, who take all their artillery,
part of their baggage, and a number of French
officers.

Lord Rollo, and Sir James Douglas, take the ifland
of Dominique from the French in the Wefl In-
dies.

Numbers of vefTels are taken from the French this
year, in different parts of the world.

The ifland of Belleifle taken from the French by
Admiral Keppel, and Major-General Hodgfon,
June 7th.

The Commons fettle thefupplies which amounted

to 18,229,1351. iSs. iitd.
The Spaniards declare war againft Great Britain.

1762.
England declares war againfl Spain.
Peter III. Emperor of Ruflia, is depofed, imprifon-
ed, and murdered.

American Philofophical Society eftabliflied at Phi-
ladelphia.

The Englifli take Martinico, with all the Caribbee

iHands in the Wefl Indies, from the French.
Havannah taken from the Spaniards by the Englifh. •
Manilla, in the Eafl Indies, taken by the Endifh

from the Spaniards.
Sundry vidories obtained over the French in Ger-
many, by the Englifh and the allied armies.

1763.
Peace eftablifhed between Great Britain, France
• Spam, and Portugal j and Canada, Nova Sco'

tia.

CHRONOLOGY.

ipirc, joins
; routed by
ir artillery,
■ of French

2 the ifland
e Wefl In-

rench this

"rench by
Hodgfon,

amounted
Britain.

imprifon-
d at Phi-

Caribbee
ench.
Englifli.
: Englifli

in Ger-

mies.

ce.

Fran

)va Sco-

tiii.

A. D. 1763.

tia, Eaft and Weft Florida, part of Louifiana,
Granada, St. Vincent, Dominica, and Tobago,
are confirmed to the Britifh empire.

1764.
Parliament grants 1 0,000 1. to Mr. Harrifon for his
difcovery of longitude by his time piece.

A Society of Artifts incor|x)ratcd in England.

Stamp a6l paffed. The Americans oppofe it. The
merchants enter into a non-importation agree-,
ment.

Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, in-
ftituted at New York, March 18.

Stamp aft repealed.

April 2 1 , A fpot^ or macula of the fun, more than
thrice as big as this earth, paffes over the cen-
tre of his body.

. ? 1768.

Academy of Painting eftabliflied in London.

War declared between the Ruffians and Turks.

Great difturbances in America concerning duties
laid by Parliament on glafs, fait, &c.

The merchants agree, not to import fuperiiuities
from England. The Be .nians demolifh the
houfes of the cuftom-houfe officers. Two re-
giments fent from Ireland, to fupport the civil
power at Bofton.

The King acquaints the Parliament with the con-
duft of the Americans.

96 public edifices, 4048 houfes, and 1000 perfons,
dcftroyed by a hurricane at the Havannah.

C -^ A, D. i76'9,

TilE AMERICAN ORACLE.

A. D. 1769.

The Boflonians petition Parliament, praying that
the revenue acts may be repealed.

The prayer of the petition not granted. Mention
is made of the riots and tumults in Boflon, &c.
and Parliament refolves, that all ads made in
the Colonies, which tended towards the throw-
ing off the fovereignty of the Britilh Parlia-
ment, were illegal and unconftitutional, ancj
derogatory to the crown :.nd dignity of his
Majefly, &c.

A comet appears, with a very long tail.

The King acquaints the Parliament with the dif,
tradted condition of America. • ■

Some of the merchants in England petition Parlia-
ment, praying that the duties might be taken
off of fundry articles imported to America :
their prayer is in part granted.

Mar. 5. Capt. Preflon, of the 29th regiment, with
a number of his men, being furrounded and
abufed by a mob, the mob is fired upon, and
five are killed ; which adion was afterwards
called by the Americans, the Bojlon mafacre.

The King acquaints the Parliament with the condi-
tion of the Colonies in general, and the condu(5l
of the Boftonians in particular.

250,000 people die of the plague in Poland.

l)r. Solander, Mr. Banks, and Lieut. Cooke, re-
turn to England from a voyage round the

world.

''f:

aying that

Mention
lofton, &c.
s made in
the throw-
ilh Parlia-
ional, ancj
ity of his

1 the dif-

on Parlia-

be taken

America :

ent, with
nded and
pen, and .
fterwards
(facre.
he condi-
: condiift

and.

oke, re-
fund the
world.

CHRONOLOGY.

A. D. 1771.

work!, having made feveral important difcove-
lies in thv ,ou:h Seas.

1772.
The King of Sweden changes the conllitution from

ariftocracy to a limited monarchy.
The Emperor of Germany, Emprefs of Ruflia, and
King of Pruffia, ftrip the King of Poland of a
, great part of his dominions, which they divide
among themfelves, in violation of the mod fo-
lemn treaties.

€apt. Phipps fent to explore the north pole ; but
is flopped by the ice at lat. 8 1 deg. N.

The Jefuits expelled the Pope's dominions.

The Ealt India Company fends their cargoes of tea
to ronfignees in America, Parliament having
lowered the duty from 12 to 3d. per pound.

Dec. 16. A mob at Bofton deftroys 342 cherts, by
throwing it into the fea.

Died of a plague at Baifora, in Perfia, 80,000 per-
fons.

1774.

Peace proclaimed between the Ruffians and Turks.

The Americans deny that the Britifli Parliament
had a right to tax them.

Parliament pafTes an ad iox flmtting up the port of
Boflon, till fatisfaaion fliould be made to the
Eafl India Company, &c. ; and alio another aci,
for regulating the government of the Mafla-
chufetts Bay, and for fending criminals to Eng-
land to be tried, if juflice could not be had in

C4 the

THE AMERICAN ORACLE*

A. D. 1774.

the Colonies. Alfo, an nd was pafTed for the
future government of qiiebec, in which the
Romifli clergy were allowed the free exercife
of their religion.

Gen. Gage arrives at Boilon with a fleet and army.

The port is fhut up.

The BoHonians enter into a folemn league and co-
venant, not to export or import any commodi-
ties to or from Great Britain, nor to have con-
nexion or trade with any one fo doing, till all
their rights and charters fhould be reftored to
them.

Sept. 5. A Continental Congrcfs meets at Philadel-
_ phia. The people in the Maflachufetts mob the
King's counfellors and other friends of Govern-
ment, who flee to his MajeRy's army for pro-
tedlion.

Committees of correfpondence are chofen ; the
courts of juflice are flopped ; and many of the
military officers refign their commiffion's in the
Mi'ffachufetts.

Gen. Gage feizes the provincial flores in the I\Iaf-
fachufetts, and fortifies the town of Bofton, in
confequence of the preparations for war in the
colonies by the Americans.

The Reprefentatives, without the advice and con-
fent of the Governor and Council, proclaim a
fafl. And,

Some of the clergy, refufnig to obey the procla^
mation, are treated as enemies to the country.

The millers not allowed to grind any grain for the
friends of Governm.entj nor th(

1 a rvn r-i%* ^\\ ^ -a^ m. ^ _

and
mechanics

^ ^

CHRONOLOGY.

A. D. 1774.

mechanics to have any correfpondence with
them. The printers were forbid to print for
the tories ; and the people were not allowed to
drink tea, nor the clergy to pray for the Kino-.
The people conftrained to flgn leagues and cove-
nants ; fpend much time in making iniple-
ments of war, and in running to trainings,
town and committee meetings, county conven!
tions, &c.

Aproclamation iffued in England to prevent the ex-
portation of arms and ammunition to America.

The people in Rhode Ifland and New Hampfhire
fbize and carry off the cannon and other pro-
perty belonging to the crown, which was de-
pofited in thofe governments.

Minute-men, or men to be ready at a minute^s
warnmg to fight againft the King's troops,
cholen in the Maffachufetts.

A falfe report is fpread, viz. that the King's troops
had been from Bofton to Cambridge, and had,
%vithout any provocation, killed fix innocent
people there. Whereupon the militia was
raifed in the Maffachufetts, Connedicut, &c.
and marched, in great multitudes, to take Bof-
ton ; but, on finding they had been mifinform-
ed, returned back to their habitations.

^775*
April 15. The battle of Lexington.

May ic. ':"iconderago taken from the Britifh bv

Col. Ethan Allen.
May 14. Crov/n Point taken

troops.

from the King's
May 25.

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

■4u:

A. D. 1775.

May 25. Gen. Howe, Clinton, and Biirgoyne, ar-
rive at Boflon.

June 17. Battle at Bunker's Hill: Charleflown
burnt : Gen. Warren flain.

Aug. 23. The King iillies a proclamation for the
fuppreiTion of fedition and rebdiion.

0<a. J 8. The Britifh fleet burns the town of Fal-
mouth.

• Dec. 10. Battle at Grave's Ifland in Virginia.
31. Gen. Montgomery ilain at qucbec.

1776.
March 17. Bo:lon evacuated by the Britifli.
May 6. The fiege of Quebec is railed.
June 28. Battle at Sullivan's Wand.
July 4. Independency declared by Congrefs at Phi.

ladelphia.
July II. The battle at G win's inand.
Aug. 27. Long Ifland tak;^n by the Britifli.
Sept. 15. New- York taken by the Englifh.
Nov. 18. Fort Lee abandoned by the Americans.

20. Fort Wafhington taken by the Briti/h and
Germans.

Dec. 26. Hefiians taken at Trenton by the Ame-
ricans.

^777-
Jan. 2. Battle at Princetown, in the Jerfies.

March 23. Stores deflroyed at Pcek's-kiUs 'by the
Bntiili. ■'

April 27 Danbury, in Connefiicut, burnt by the
JLnghfh. ^

April 29. Gen. Woofter killed.

' ' July^.

CHRONOLOGY.

rgoyjic, ar-

iharlellown

on for the

m of Fal-

^inia.
-bee,

efs at Phi.

nericans.
Iriti/h and

he Ame-

es.

ts by the

It by the
July 6,

A. D. 1777.

July 6. Ticonderago taken by the Brhifli.

18. Gen. Prefcott taken at Rhode Iflandby the
Americans.
Aug. 16. Englifh defeated at Bennington, in Ver-
mont.
Aug. 28. Gen. Howe landed at the head ef the

Elk.
Sept. 1 1. Battle at Brandywine.

27. Philadelphia taken by Gen. Howe.
Oct. 4. Battle at Cc" n Town.
7. Battle at Stillvv ^r.

9. Fort Montgomer) taken by Sir Hen. Clin-
ton.
15. Efopus burnt by the Britifh.
1 7. Gen. Burgoyne furrendered at Saratoga.
21. Red Bank, in Pennfylvania, attacked.
Nov. 15. Mud Ifland taken.

Fc\ 6. An alliance made between France and the
United States of America.

April 13. The Earl of Carlifle, W.Eden, Efq. and
Geo. Johnflon, Efq. appointed Commillioners
to reftore peace to the Colonies : They arrive
at Philadelphia— and Congrefs refufes to treat
with them, &c.

June 18. Philadelphia evacuated by the King's
troops,

June 28. St. Pierre and Miquelon taken from the
French by Admiral Montague.
— . Battle at Monmouth, in the Jerfies.
July 27. Sea-fight off Breft, between Admiral Kep-
pel and the French fleet.

July 2;.

THE A.vIHRlCAN ORACLE.

A. D. 1778.

July 27. Count d'Eftaing arrived ai Rhode Ifland.

Aug. 29. Battle at Rhode Illand.

Sept. 7. Dominica taken from the Englifh by the

French.
Oa. 3. The Commiffioners ilTue a manifefto and

proclamation for reftoring peace in America,
oa. 17. Pondicherry, in the Ealt Indies, furren-

ders to the Englifli,

Dec. 28. St. Lucia taken from the French bv the
Englilh. ^

J779-
Jan. 4. Georgia furrendcred to the BritiHi troops.

— . St. Vincents taken by the French.
July 3. Grenada taken by the French.

6. Adm. Byron and Count d'Ellaing fight.

— . r)'Faaing and Gen. Lincoln repulied at Sa-
vannah in Georgia ; and New Haven, in Con-
nedicut, plundered by the Britifli.
July 9. Fairfield, in Connedicut, burnt bv the
Englilh. ^

July 12. Norfolk, in Conneaicut, burnt by the
King's troops.

July 16. Stony Point taken from the Britifh by the
Americans.

Aug. 14. Penobfcott taken by the Britifh from the

Americans.
Aug. 18. Paulus Hook taken from theBritifli.
oa. 10. Coun, I'Eftaing repulfed at Georgia.*

24. Omoa taken from the Spaniards.

25. New Port evacuated by the Britifh.

A. D. I

78<

C II R N 1, G V.

• ' A.h. 1780.

Jan. 8. Admiral Rodney takes two fail of Spanill?

fliips.
Jan. 16. He takes and deflroys feven Spanifti fliips

of the line.
MpTch 14. Mobille ta!:en by the Spaniards.
April. Admiral Rodney fights in the Weft Indies.
9. Weft Florida furrenders to the King of
Spain.
May 12. Sir Henry Clinton takes Charleftown ia

Sout-h Carolina.
May I y. Admiral Rodney fights with the French
fleet.
— . A great riot in London. The rioters
demolifh fome Romifti chapels, Newgate, the
King's Bench and Fleet prifons, alfo fundry
private houfes and other edifices in London
and Southwark. The rioters were at length
fuppreffed by the military, and many of them
tried and executed for felony.
May 19. A remarkable dark day in NewEng'and.
Aug. 8. Five Eaft Indiamen and 50 merchant fliips
taken from the Englifli by the combined fleets
of France and Spain.
Aug. 16. Earl Cornwallis obtains a vi dory over
Gen. Gates near Camden, South Carolina.
— . General Sumpter defeated by Col. Tarle-
ton
Sept. 3. Henry Laurens, Efq. who had been a pre-
fident of Congrefs, taken by the Englifli near
Newfoundland.

Sept. 23,

"f^J,

THE AMERICAN ORACLE,

':Wi

A. D. 1780.

Sept. 23. Major Andre taken by the Americans as
a fpy.

Sept. 24. Gen. Arnold deferts, and goes to New-
York, where he is made a Brigadici -General
in the royal fervice.
Oa. 2. Major Andre hangod as a fpy at Tappan.
4. Mr. Laurens committed to the Tower in

London, on a charge of high treafon.
10. Dreadful hurricanes in the Weft Indies.
. Dec. 20. Declaration of hoftilities agalnft Holland.
— . Tarleton and Morgan fi'^ht.

1781.
Jan. 6. The French repulfed at the ifiand of Jerfey.
II. Admiral Hugiies takes Trincomale on the
ifland of Ceylon.

Feb. 3. St. Euftatia taken by the Englifli from the

Dutch.
~. St, Martin's, Saba, St. Bartholomew, takea

from the French by the Encrlifji
-. Demerary and Etfequibo, on ?he Spanifh

mam, taken from the Dutch by the

Englifh.

March,3 Dr.Hcrfchel difcovers a new planet,

called Gcorgium Sidus, or Hcrfchel_
March .5. Earl Cornwallis obtains a viaory over

^en Green, at Guildford-court-houfe, North
Carolma.

Camden burn, by the Britjft in South Carolina.
Norfolk, m Vtrginia, burnt by Gen. Arnold.
May 12. Negapatam taken.

June 2.

CHRONOLOGY,

lericans as

s to New-
:i -General

Tappan.
Tower in
treafon.
Indies.
Holland.

of Jerfey*
le on the

from the

w, taken
h.

Spanifh
I b) the

V planet,

3ry over
', North

'olina.

Did.

June 2.

A.D. 1781.

June 2. Tobr;;o taken by the French from the

Engl i 111.
Aug. 5. Admiral Parker fighti? with a Dutch fleet.
Sept. 6. New London, m Connedicut, burnt by
Gen. Arnold.

' — . Lieut. Colonel Tarleton defeated Sieur de
Choifc.

Sept. 7. French and Englifh iight off Chefapeak
i Bay.

^^/^^^vSept. 19. Lord Cornwallis fur renders to the French
and Americans.

1782.

Sir Lyre Coote obtains a victory over Ilyder Ally.
Jan. 14. Nevis taken by the French.
Feb. I-?. St. Chriftopher's taken from the Engli/h
by the French.

Feb. 25. Minorca taken from the Englifh by the
Spaniards.

March i. The Houfe of Commons addrefs tie Kin<r
againit any further profecution of the war in
America ; and refolve, that all thofe wno fhould
advife, or by any means attempt the further pro-
fecution thereof, fhould be confidered as ene-
mies to his Majefty and the Britifli nation.

March 28. Holland acknowledges the indepen-
dence of America.

April 12. Admiral Rodney obtains a viftory over
the French fleet commanded by C. de Grafle,
in the Wefl: Indies.

April 1%. Admiral Hu^rhes had a fev-^'^ «r,«nrr«
ment with the French fleet near the ifland of

Ceylon,

'T Fj ii mi » u-»wi j i.»^> I

li::!

^1'

iv A

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

A. D. 1782.

Ceylon, in which a great number of men Were

lofl on both fides.
May 8. The ifland of Bahama taken by the Spa-

niards from the Englifli.
Aug. 29. The Royal George, of 1 10 guns, is over-

fet, and funk in the Englifli Channel, and about

900 people perifli.
Sept. 13. Gen. Elliot defeats the combined fleets

of France and Spain at Gibraltar.
Od. 6. Peace proclaimed between Great Britain,

France, and Spain. r/<y 3
Nov. 30. Provifional articles of peace figned at Pa-
ris between Great Britain and the UnitedStates

of America.

Dec. 20. Dr. Stearns, having made calculations,
pubhflies the firfl: Naufical Almanack that ever
was prmted in America.

Jan. 20. Preliminary articles of peace between his
Britannic Majefty and the Kings of France and
Spain figned at Verfailles.
April. An ifland rifes out of the fea, near Iceland
illuing great quantities of fire from two of its
emmences, like burning vulcanoes.
Sept 3. The definitive treaty of peace between
Great Britain, France, Spain, and the United
btates of America, ratified.
The Britifii Fifliing Society incorporated.

A. D. 1784.

Jan. 14. Congrefs ratifies the definitive treaty of
peace between Great Britain and America.

Jan. i6.

CHRONOLOGY.

A. D. 1784.

Jan. 16. Congrefs iflues a proclamation, recom-
mending and ftriftly enjoining the citizens of
the United States, to carry into efFed every
fentence and claufe of the definitive treaty.
March. A comet appears.
May 20. The definitive treaty of peace between

Great Britain and Holland figned at Paris.
July. Peace proclaimed ^^reat Britian fefifewai

Holland and America.
Sept. 15. Lunardi afcends in an Air Balloon, the
firfl attempt of the kind in England.

1786. r--

Augua 2. Margaret Nicholfon, a lunatic, attempts
to flab the King of England with a knife, in
confequence of which Ihe is fent to Bethlehem
Hofpital.
Sept. 19. A plan fet forth in Great Britain for
eftablifliing a Colony in Lucany Bay, in New
Holland. A commercial treaty is figned at
Verfailles between England and France.
An infurredion in the Maflachufetts— The
fitting of many of the courts of juftice is
flopped by the infurgents.
Congrefs recommends to the Legiflative AfTemblies
of the United States, to repeal their laws,
which had been fullered to exifl and operate,
that were repugnant to the definitive treaty of
peace between Great Britain and America.

'787-
Jun. The infurgents under the command of Gen.
Shays, flill continue to impede the fitting of
the courts of juflice. The Legiflative Alfem-

bly

THE AMERICAN ORACLE*

A. D. 1787.

bly raifes an army, which was put under the
command of Gen. Lincoln. Several ikirmifhes
enfue, and fome are killed on both fides. The
infurgents defert Gen. Shays. He flees with
his Head Officers to Canada. Many of the
infurgents are afterwards tried for their lives.
Some receive fentence of death ; but are all,
with their General, afterwards pardoned.
The Maffachufetts, with fundry other States,
repeal their laws that were repugnant to the
articles of the peace
Some difturbances in Holland, the male-contents
defire to abridge the Stadtholder's power. The
public tranquillity fs reftored. The Legillative
Aflemblies in the United States of America
fend a Convention to Philadelphia, in order
to amend the articles of confederation and
perpetual union between the States. The Con-
vention frames a new conftitution, which they
call the Federal Conftitution. This makes a
great difturbance amongft the citizens.

1788.
Jan. 17. Lord George Gordon having been found
guilty of publifhing two libels, one againft the
Queen of France, and the other againft the
criminal jurifprudencc of England, is fen-
tenced to be imprifoned in Newgate three
years, then to pay a fine of ^f 500, and find
fecunty for his good behaviour for fourteen
years.

26. Dr. Stearns formed a new Hypa/jefis upon
the caufe of the Jurora Borealis.

Jan. 31.

CHRONOLOGY. a?

A. D. 1788.

Jan. 31. Died at Rome, Prince Charles Lewis
CafTimir Stuart, called the Pretender, aged ^'j
years and 2 months.
June 13. A provincial treaty of defenfive alliance
is figned by the minifters plenipotentiary of
their Majefties the Kings of Great Britain and
Pruffia.

1789.
April 23 His Britannic Majefly, having been in-
difpofed from Od. 1788 till March 1789, ap-
points a thankfgiving, and vifits St. Paul's.
<24. General illumination on the King's recovery.
Dr. Herfchel difcovers the 6th and 7th moons
of Saturn. Great infurredions in Paris,
occafioned by the people's paying enormous
taxes, from which the nobility and clergy were
exempt. The people carry their point in fub-
jefting thofe chifles to taxation, and contend
for a right of reprefentation, as forming one of
the three eftates, according to the conftitution
of Great Britain. They meet with oppofition,
but carry their point at laft.

1790-
Jan. 26. Dr. Stjearns receives a letter from Dr.
Herschel, informing that Mrs. Herschel,
filter to the Dodor, difcovered a comet on the *
7th inftant.

April 6. A violent fhock of an earthquake at
Oczakow, which deftroyed a church, and
did other damages.

Mav 27. London RrJflo-p (kr^^r'\r TTMfi, i:^i,*«:«^

1) 2 April

Hi '3

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

A. D. 1790.

April 20. DoGor Benjamin Franklin died, aged

84 years and 3 months.
July 14. Democratical Conjiimion ejlablijhed in

France,
Dec. 23. A terrible ftorm of thunder, lightning,

wind, hail, and rain ; which did much damage

• T J 1

m London and elfewhere, by overturning
chimneys, houfes, trees, &c.

Chronologifts frequently contradia one ano-
ther—hence their works are not always to be
depended on. The Author has taken much pains
to colled the beft accounts that could poflibly be
obtained ; and therefore flatters himfelf, that the
^ receding Tables are the mofl accurate of any that
have hitherto been publifhed.

;.^ ff

't: ^

CHAP,

Si EH

THE author's contemplations. j7

died, aged

lablijhed in

» lightning,
ich damage
overturning

CHAP.

II.

A Defcription of the Author's Philofophical Con-
templations, Jjironojnkal^ and other Labours,

one ano-
vays to be
much pains
poflibly be
f, that the
of any that

CHAP,

TN profound ftudiea I take much delight,

At high noon aay, and the fileut night ;
Of wond'rous things I aim to find the caufe.
By diving into Nature's fecret laws.
Sometimes i fit, and with myfelf converfe.
And contemplate upon tlie univerfe j
Sometimes, when oii my downy bed I Ik,
My wand'ring thoughts to dillant objeas fly:
Sometimes they're iixed on the fplendid fun.
To fee the planets round his body run.
In that pofition there to ftand and gaze,
Whilft rambling comets in the fyllem blaze.
Then, from the fun, my thoughts do take a flight
To globes extended far beyond our fight ;
There I furvey the works that DEUS made,
When He the bafis of great heaven laid ;
When He rais'd up the arches of the flcy.
And fram'd a num'rous train of worlds on high,
Where funs, nv> doubt, do fhine with fplendid light.
And planets roll, adorn'd with day and night.
Where beings do perhaps their voices raife,
In celebrating their Creator's praife 1

When I've thus view'd the fyftems to and fro,
My wand'ring thoughts defcend to objeas low :
Froni upper worlds moll rapidly they fall.
To view God's works upon this earthly baU,

I>3 ' Here

3»

THE AMERICAN ORACLE,

-f'rll

jf.,.|j':!|

■

Here I gaze at the lands, the rocks, the feas,

The nurn'rous plants, and diff'rent kinds of tretfc ;

The birds, the beafts, the fifties — all tiiat be

In air, In earth, and the exten five fca.

I view the people all, both great and fmail,

1)1 kingdoms, towns, and cities large and tall ;

See their religion, cuftomo, and their laws.

Their times of peace, and times of blqody v'ars^

The elements I view of ev'ry kind.

And all their qualities do try to find.

And whilft Pm thinking of great Nature^s laws,

I aflc myfelf, what truly is the came

Why clouds arife ? Why ftorms of rain and fnow *

Why fogs appear, and boifl'rous winds do blow ?

Why tides fpving up, and billows roar aloud ?

And the grum thunder rumbles thro' the cloud ?

Why flaming lightning often zigj!ag flies ?

And the mock funs appear within the fliies ?

The metpors why ? and why tlie northern light ?
And rainbow comes fo frequent in our fight i
Why other things fo often do appear

Within the earth's extenfive atmofphere?

Why inundations do fo oft arife,

And drown the people in a great furprife ?

Why mountains burn ? and why the hills do /hake ?

What thing it L that caufes an earthquake ?

Why cities fink ? and other places fall

So low t^it they cannot be feen at all ?

Why .uands rife, that ne'er were feen before ?

And hills fpring up upon the rocky fliore ?

Why fliones fall downwards ? Why the fmokes ariff

Towards the regions of the upper ikies ?

Why the hot flame the fuel doth confume.

And where its gone when turned into fume ?

What makes the fprings, in diflf'rent kinds of foil.

With a great heat from day to day to boil ?

Why water-fpouts and whirlwinds do arife,

And raife things up towards the azure /kies ?

Why the broad fea, with a fine brilliant light,

Doth look fo fiery in the darkeft nie-ht >

Why

eaf?.

if tret* J
be

tail;

V'ars^

laws,

fnow I
blow ?
d?
oud?

ght ?
t?

1 /hake *

•c?

ces ari'ff

ffoil,

bt,

Why

THE author's contemplations. ^9

Why the bright fun upon an axis turns,

And, unconfum'd, his body ever burns?

Why the Almighty gives its heat fuch force,

Orders its motion, and direfts its courfe ?

Why planets do in wond'rous order run.

From age to age, around the fpleadid fun ?

Why this great globe, with unfelt motion, rolls

Upon an axis pointing to the poles ?

What makes the cold, and what doth make 'le heat ?

And the proudi waves againft the mountains beat ?

What brings the fpring, the fummer, and the fall.

And winter time, upon this earthly ball ?

What makes the day ? and what doth make the night ?

And what divides the darknefs from the light ?

What makes the compafs vary from the poles ?

And why the variation weftward rolls ?

Why northern lights were n't feen upon the ilage9

Until men liv'd within the prefent age ?

When in the morn Pm weary of my bed,
I rife and write what came into my head,
What I upon great Nature's laws had thought.
What in the night had to my mind been brought :
But ftill I find my thoughts, without controul.
Upon a number of great objefts roll.
I go to work, and, with a fteady mind.
The planets places in their orbits find.
For times not come I find their longitude.
And compute their diurnal latitude ;
Their right afcenfions, declinations too ;
Their rifings, fettings — all point out I do.
Eclipfes, tranfits, occultations, I
Foretcl how foon they wiU be drawing nigh.
In obfcurations of the fhining fun,
I find the courfe that the dark moon will run ;
Where her penumbra firft will ftrike the globe.
And bring thereon a doleful mourning robe !
How far her (hadow really will expand.
And obumbrate the fea and folid latad.
I always aim to be exceeding furc
To tell how long eclipfes will endure :

D 4 Wfctti

) ! ! il

■ir Mm

'li

'<m'n

\nrim

l!^-f:'*

■

40 THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

When they'll begin, likewiTe how large they'll be;
And when their end the gazing world may fee !

In the defedlions of the rambling moon,
(Which happens oft, at ev'ning, morn, and noon)
I find the magnitude of the earth's /hade,
And how therein the Lunar globe will wade ;
Whether one part, or whether there'll be all
The rays of Sol hid from the Lunar ball :
From thefe things only 'tis that I conclude,
What will be the eclipfe's magnitude.
The beft of rules obferve I always do,
In occultations and in tranfits too.

Whilft at my ftudies I am fitting ftill,
I'm often cali'd to vifit perfons ill :
Then I hafte where malignant ills do rage.
And againft them with all my fidll engage.
Sometimes I bleed, fometimes I puke and purge ;
I ufe fuch things as Nature feems to urge.
I am not fond of getting worldly pelf,
But ufe the poor juft as I do myfelf.
The beft of med'cines any one can choofe,
I to my patients orders give to ufe ;
And to the fick cannot for confcience* fake,
Give things myfdf would not incline to take.
Unlefs I know of what a pill is made.
To give or take it always I'm afraid.
The ufe of nojrums therefore I defpife.
With the whole train of quackifli viUanies.
I've often thought, that people, when they're ill,
Do take fuch things till they themfelves do kill.
A man well fl<illed in the medic art.
Can have no need to aft a knavifh part :
Out of good fimples, compounds he can make, "
l-it tor Ills patients and himfelf to take :
If he his med'cines doth incorporate,
M know their ftrcngth, and how they'U operate,
He U eafc the pamed, and he'll give relief
To men and women overwhelm'd with grief-
As all of them may ftand a chance to find *

Inemfelvesreh'ev'H ar'r'nH,V~t„ .u-? • ,
- - _ ^-^„!„j{.g lu uicir mind;

THE author's contemplations.

To get quite freed from all their racking pain.
Have health reftor'd, and ftrength return'd again.
But if he knows not what he gives, I'm fure.
He nor his patients can't expeft a cure.
Let all therefore who to phyficians run,
The knavifh quacks and all their nojlrums fhun j
Left they, like fools, do fpend their cafh in Taii^
Take i)\Q Jlow poifotty and at laft be ilain.

Thefe are the ways that I," by night and day,
Do exercife as time rolls faft away.
The field I find, in which I did engage.
Is large enough for mortals on the ftage j
Who being weak, and very Ihort in fight,
Know not fome things hid by the God of MightJ

Compofcd, A, B. 1790.

CHAP.

■i i'r:

■';-*^

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

, I'.ii

i'"ii

i'llili

I y !

': it

11"

if .

■,.il'

,^^..

CHAP. Hi.

A Definition of AsTV^ot^oMY—Wberg it is fuppofed
it wasJirJiJiudied—The Names and Ages of feme
eminent Ajlronomers — Obfervations on thofe of
Great Britain^ France^ and America — The great
Utility of the Science^^alifications nefejfary for
ihife Tjuho calculate the Motions of the Cclejliat
Luminaries,

ASTRONOMY IS a fcience that teaches th^
diftances, magnitudes, orders and motions
of the heavenly bodies ; and was a myftery hidden
from ages and generations, until it was made
known in thefe modern centuries, by the ftudies,
obfervations, and improvements of ingenious men,
—It has been faid, that the Moors firft fludied
the fcience, and that it was brought into Europe
in 1 20 1. — Some have alfo fuppofed, that the
I'C theory of Aftronomy took its rife in Egypt
or Babylon, and that it was firfl taught by Py-
thagoras in Greece, who died 497 years before

Chrift,

After a long and dark night of oblivion, the

Pythagorian Syftem was revived by Copernicus

of Thorn in Pruflia, who died A. D. 1543, aged

70.— -juuii A-CpicT, uurii UL vv j(iiciiucrg in i>ppcr

Saxony, in Germany, made a great progrefs in

Aftronomy j

DEFINITION OF ASTRONOMY.

it is fuppofed
-^Z^^ offome
on ihofe of

—The great
nefeffary for
the CeUJliat

: teaches the
and motions
^ftery hidden
t was made
^ the ftudies,
genious men,
firft fludied
into Europe
ed, that the
rife in Egypt
ught by Py-
years before

oblivion, the
Copernicus

• 1543' aged

;rg in TJppcf

t progrefs in

Aftronomy j

Aftronomy; he died 1630, aged 59. — Afterwards
the celebrated Sir Ifaac Newton, who was knighted
by Qiicen Ann when he was about 62 years of age,
brought the knowledge of this fcience to a high
degree of perfection; he died 1727, aged 84.—
We have alfo had feveral other eminent Aftro-
nomers in Great Britain befides Sir Ifaac ; as Mr.
Flamftead, who died 17 18, aged 73, — Dr. Halley,
who died 1742, aged 86. — Mr. Whifton, who
died 1752, aged 85. — Dr. Bradly, who died
1 762. — Mr. Mayor, famous for conftruding Aflro-
nomical Tables, who died 1762. — A Mr. Robert
Heath, who has been dead upwards of 20 years,
if I miftake not ; and a Mr. FergufTon, who died
lyj^. —At prefent there is the Rev. Dr. Malkelyne,
Aftronomer Royal, and the celebrated Dr. Herf-
chel, who has made great difcoveries and improve-
ments in the divine fcience, as he has difcovered
one primary planet, viz, Georgium Sidus, and
four fecondary fatellites, which had not been feen
before. Two of thefe fatellites revolve round
Georgium Sidus, and the other two round Saturn.
. — The Dodor has alfo difcovered, tnat the ring
of Saturn has a rofation in about ten hours, as
};q informed me,

Dr. Herfchel difcovered the Georgium planet
with a telefcope about fix feet in length j an4
he has lately conftrufted another, which is
about 40 feet long, and 4 feet 9 inches in
diameter. This is the largeft I ever faw, and I
t)elieve of any in the world. It }ias enabled hiin
to make the other difcoveries,

Iperceive^

THE AMERICAN ORACLC.

I .Hi

I II'

;-!'■'■■ fl

I perceived in July 1790, when I was at the
Royal Obfervatory in Paris, that the French
Allronomers are very accurate in taking obfer-
vations.

1 have not L ; at that the American Aftronomers
have ever made any great dilcoveries or improve-
ments in taking aflronomical obiervations ; but
they have fome eminent Calcukitors, as the cele-
brated Mr. Wefi:, Trofefibr of Mathematics and
Aftronomy in the Univerfity in Rhode-Ifland
Government — Dr. Low, and a Mr. George, of
the Maffachufetts — Mr. Strong, Dr. Perry, and
Mr. Dubol, of ConnecHcut : but I am not ac-
quainted with the Calculators in the Southern
States.— • I obfcrved at Philadelphia, hi 1783,
that a number of Almanacks were publillied from
one calculation, under fidilious nanies, as Father
Abraham, Poor Will, Poor Richard, kc; but
could not ls:'arn who was the aiitiior. The
fame calculation was alfo publifhed in the Jcrfies^
under fome other name.

At New'-York, an Almanack was publi/licd under
the name of a Mr. Hutchens, who had been dead
fome years.

An Almanack was publiflicd in French, in
Canada, when I was there, fuppofed to be calcu-
lated by a l^lathemalician in the Seminary in
CXiebec ; but it was very deficient, as neither
tl;e Moon's place, rifmg, foulhing, or fetting, was
given.

I have made and publlflied Aftroiiomlcal Cal-
culations for feverrd Governments in America,
: for

I was at the

the French

taking obfer-

Aftronomers
or improve-
vations ; but
, as the cele-
lematics and
Rhode-Iflantl
George, of
Perry, and
am not ac-
le Southern
I, m 1783,
blillied from
;s, as Father
i, kc.f but
thor. The;
the JcrfieSj

h'Hicd under
i been dead

French, in
'o be calcu-
t'minarv in
as neither
fetting, was

)niical Cai-

America,,

for

DEFINITION OF ASTRONOMY.

;Sr upwards of twenty years, annually calculated
f'T fix meridians and latitudes ; ami have not
heard of any Af^ronomer that ever attempted to
calculate and publifli a Nautical Almanack, in that
quarter, but myfelf; and I only undertook the
tafk once. The greatnefs of th<" work, and
the commotions that exifled on account of the
war, obliged me 10 difcontinue it.

There are two gentlemen in America, who arff
faid to be very accurate in the conftruction of
Orreries, viz. a Mr. Rittenhoufe of Philadelphia,
and a Mr. Pope of Bofton:— The former conflructed
one that exceeded every thing of the like kind in
the world; and fince that, the latter con{lru^l:ed
another, that exceeds the former : He maae a
prefcnt of it to the Prefident, Profeflbrs, kc. c^'
the Univerfity at Cambridge, in the Common-
wealth of MafTachufetts; and the General Afiembly
of that Republic gave him three hundred guineas
(as he informed me, when I faw him in London)
in confequence of his performance, and donation.

No fcience can be of greater utility to the human
race than Aftronomy ; for, by it, we not ' ily
point out ihe longitudes and latitudes of the
planets, with their rifmgs, fouthings, fettings,
eclipfes, tranfits, and occultations— but determine
many important things in chronology, navigation,
and furveying. Hence, if we had no knowledge
in this fcience, we fiiould not be able to find the
limits of' kingdoms and dates, nor to fleer a
veflel over ti.e great oceans to the remote parts
of the globe, wh':ch would hinder our growing
rich by trade and commerce, and prevent our
receiving many of thofe foreign produaiohs that

are

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46 THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

are neceffary for the prefervatlon of life 5 fuch as
clothing, food, phyfic, &c.

There are but a few Aftronomers on the globe,
owing no doubt to the deepnefs of the myftery,
and the extenfivenefs of the labour in attaining
the knowledge necelTary for a ProfeiTor of the
divine fcience.

An Aftronomer niuft be well (killed In every
branch of the mathematics, viz. arithmetic, alge-
bra, geometry, trigonometry, navigation, furvey-
ing, &c. ; and if he undertakes to make calculations
for one year only, he will find that he enters into
a large field of bufinefs, and into a puzzling, per-
plexing, and intricate work, that will be attended
with the expence of much time and hard fludy.
A calculation that is made for one year, never will
anfwer for another, by reafon of the unfleadinefs
of the motions of the luminaries.

There are three kinds of Aftronomers, if I mav
be allowed to ufe the expreffion, viz. One that
marks the places of the ftars, planets, and comets^
by taking alironomical obfervations — One that
points out their places for times to come, by
aftronomical calculations — And another that
reprefems their motions, by making mathematical
machines, as orreries, artificial globes, and
planetaviums.

CHAP.

JI.E.

f life 5 fuch as

on the globe,
' the myftery,
' in attaining
)feiror of the

lied In every
thmetic, alge-
alien, furvey-
:e calculations
he enters into
uzzling, per-
il be attended
1 hard lludy.
ar, never will
; unfteadinefs

ners, if I mav
iz. One that
and comets^
s — One that
to come, by
another that
mathematical
globes, and

MOTIONS OF THE PLANETS.

CHAP.

IV.

CHAP.

Of the Motions of the Pri?nary and Secondary P*u. j>ff
— Caiifes of the Eclipfes, Tr an/its, and Occuitations
— The Signs of the Zodiac, and the Number of the
Northern and Southern Conjlellations — Ajiromnikal
CharaQers — Superjlition of the Ancients,

WE may reafonably fuppofe, that there are
innumerable fyflems of worlds in the
boundlefs expanfion of the univerfe j and that the
great fixed ftars are funs to fyflems of planets and
comets. But be this as it may, it has been demon-
flrated by aflronomical obfervatlons,
' I. That the fun is placed nearly in the centre of
our fyflem, and that it has no circular motion, only
a rotation upon its axis.

II. That feven primary, and fourteen fecondary
planets, complete their revolutions round the fun,
in their determinate or appointed times.

III. That the primaries are moved with an an-
nual and a diurnal motion.

IV. That the fecondaries revolve around their
primaries, as the primaries do round the fun ; and
both are moved round the fun together, as the pri«
maries complete their revolutions.

V. That fome primaries have fecondaries, and
others have none.

VI. That our earth is a primary planet, and
completes her revolution round the fun between
the orbits of Mars and Venus.

VII. That Mars, Venus, and Mercury, have no
—— - i'-vv«wrti3f iJittu«o; ana maune earth has

^ one.

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THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

!))■

one, Jupiter four, Saturn feven, and Georgium
' Sidus two,

VIII. That the orbits of the planets are not cir-
cular, L . elliptical, and have different degrees of
cxcentricity.

IX. That they are moved by a proje£lile force in
their orbits, and a central force towards the fun.

X. That their motions are regular and uniform,
and the areas they defcribe around the fun are pro-
portionate to the times of their periods.

XI. That the fquares of the times which the pla-
nets fpend in revolving round the fun, are always
proportionable to the cubes of their greatefl: dif.
tance from him. Hence the longer their orbits
are, the longer will their revolutions be.

Xn. That they all revolve through the twelve
figns of the zodiac, which is a zone that is i8 deg.
and 30 min. in breadth, in the middle of which is
the ecliptic, or fun's path. Hence they make an
angle with the ecliptic of 9 deg. and 1 5. min. called
their north and fouth latitude.

XIII. That they revolve acconling to the order
of the figns of the zodiac, but appear at different
times to be dired, ftationary, and retrograde; which,,
pnsenomena arife from their various fituations, and
the velocity of the motion of the earth.

XIV. That when a primary planet is in that part
pf its orbit that is neareft to the fun, it is at its
perihelion; but when it is moll remote, it is at its
aphelion.

XV. That when a fecondary planet is in that part
of its orbit that is neareft to its primary, it is at its
perigeon ; but when it is mofl remote, it is at its
apogeon.

XVI. That

1:1

MOTIONS OF THE 1?LAKETS.

id Georgium

s are not cir-
nt degrees oi'

eftile force in
ds the fun.
and uniform,
I fun are pro-

•

'hich thepla-
i, are always

greatefl; dif.

their orbits
)e.

jh the twelve
at is 1 8 deg.
I of which ii
ley make an
'. min. called

to the order
• at different
;rade; which,
lations, and

•

; in that part
, it is at its
?, it is at its

i in that part
y, it is at its
;, it is at it&

XVI. That

XVI. That the annual motion of the earth
raufes the fpring, fummer, autumn, and winter ;
but the diurnal caufes the day and the night.

XVII. That an ctlipfe of the fun is caufed by the
moon's coming between the fun and the earth at
the time of her change ; and that of the moon by
her falling into the earth's fhadow at the time of
her full, occifioned by the earth's coming between
the fun and the moon.

XVIII. That the fun and moon cannot be
cclipfed, only on the full and change days; and not
always then, becaufe fhe makes an angle with the
ecliptic of 5 deg. and 1 8 min. and therefore often
paifes to the north or fouth of the fun at the time
of her change, and to the north or fouth of the
earth's fhadow at the time of her full, without
cauling any eclipfe.

XIX. That there cannot be more than feven,
nor lefs than two cclipfes in a year j but more
happens of the fun than of the moon, by reafon of
his being greater than the earth's fliadoM^

XX. That the points where the moon's orbit in-
rerfe£ts the ecliptic, are called her nodes ; but they
run retrograde, or contrary to the orders of the figns
of the zodiac. Her menftrual motion, however,
is always direct, or from weft to eaft : and when
Hie is three figns to the eaftward of the fun, Ilie is
at her firft quarter ; when fix figns, at her full ;
and when three figns weft of the fun, at her lall
quarter.

XXI. That t . moon is very unfteady in her
motion, as her velocity is fometimes fwift, and fome-
times How ; the figure of her orbit being neither a
circle, nor an ellipfis, nor a parabola.

E XXIL That

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1^ THE AMERICAN ORACI J!.

XXII. That file always moves with the fame face
towards the earth, and her diurnal motion is equal
- to her menftrual motion, viz. 27 days and 8 hours.
She has no light of her own, but ihines with a bor-
rowed light reflected from the fun. Hence flie ap-
pears horned, halved, gibbous and round, ac-
cording to her pofition in her orbit, and dillance
from the fun.

XXIII. That no planet, in all our fyftem, is half
fo difficult to trace as the moon, and a calculation
made for one year will not anfwer for another.—
Hence Aflronomers are obliged to make new cal-
culations, as they do for the other planets, every
year,

XXIV. Sometimes Venus and Mercury pafs be-
twixt us and the fun, and appear like a dark fpot
on his difk. Thefe eclipfes are called tranfits, and
there are more of Mercury than of Venus.

XXV. That the fatellites of Georgium SIdus, Sa-
turn and Jupiter, are eal\' to trace ; and the quan-
titles, durations, reft and afl tdions of their eclipfes
(called occultations) are eafily found by reafon of
the fteadinefs of their motions.

XJVI. That Mercury is fituated the neareft to
the fun of any planet in our fyitem, and revolves
between the fun and Venus. Venus revolves be-
tween the orbit of Mercury and that of the earth -
the earth between Venus and Mars 5 Mars between
the earth and Jupiter j Jupiter between Mars and
Saturn ; Saturn between Jupiter and Georgium
Sidus ; and Georgium Sidus between Saturn and
the fphere of the fix.d (lars, .vhich arc placed at an

immeirfe

MOTIONS OF THE PLANETS.

the fame face
otion is equal
and 8 hours.
? with a bor-
ience flie ap-
rcund, ac-
and diflance

'ftem, is half

a calculation
■ another. —
ike new cal-
inets, every

:ury pafs be-
a dark fpot
tranfitSj.and
us.

n Sidus, Sa-
d the quan-
[leir cclipfes
y reafon of

: neareft to
id revolvcj^
evolves be-
the earth ;
rs between

Mars and
Georgium
Jaturn and
laced at an

immenfe

immenfe diftance from our fyftem. Vide the figure
of the folar fyllem.

XXVII. That the figns of the zodiac are called
conftellations, each of which contains 30 degrees,
each degree 60 minutes, and each minute 60 fc-

conds, kc.

XXVIII. That north of the zodiac there are
36 conftellations, and fouth of it 32 ; which num-
bers being added to thofe of the zodiac, make 80,
and includes the whole canopy of the heavens.

XXIX. That the concave furface of the ftarry
heavens, witl^ the different conftellations, are
marked on the convexfurface of an artificial celeftial
globe ; and they are reprefented by the forms of
various animals, whofe names and figures are
printed on the paper that covers the globe.

XXX. That the names of the northern conftella-

tions are,

LATIN NAMES.

Andromeda

Aquila cum Antineo

Anfer cum Vulpecula

Auriga

Bootes

Caffiopeia

Camelopardus

Cepheus

Coma Berenices

Corona Septen,

Cygnus Gallina

Delphinus

Draco

ENGLISH NAMES.

Andromeda

The eagle with Antionus
The goofe with the fox
The waggoner
Bootes

The lady in her chair
The cameleopard
Cephus
Berenices hair
The northern crown
The fwan hen
The dolphin
The dragon
£ 2 Equulieus

THE AMERICAN ORACLE,

-.1'

LATIN NAMES.

Equuleus Equifeaio

Hercules

Leo minor

Lacerta

Lynx

Lyra

Perfeus, C. M.

Pegafus Equus

Sagitta

Serpens Ophiuchi

Scutum

ENGLISH NAMES,

The horfe's head
Hercules kneelinq;
The lefTer lion
The lizard
The lynx
'i'he harp
The Perieus
The flying horfe
The arrow
Serpentarius
Thclhield

Serpentarius, or Ophiu-

chus Theferpenf:

Triangulum The triangle

Urfa major The great bear

Urfa minor The little bear

Canes Vanatici The dog greyhound.

XXXL The charafters anc! names of the con-
Itellations of the zodiac are,

I^TINNAM£S. ENGLLS-H NAMES,

*)^ Aries

^ Taurus

^ Gemhii
23 Cancer
SI Leo
^ Virgo
es: Libra
»U Seorpio
^ Sagittarius
f? Capricornus
^ Aquarius
H Pilces

The ram
The bull
The twhis
The crab
The lion
The virgin
The balance
The fcorpion
The archer
The goat
The water-bearer
The liflies

Head

Neck

Arms

Brealt

Heart

Belly

Reins

Secret^

Thighs

Knees

Legs

Feet

XXXII. That

n NAMES.

s head
neelini;

MOTIONS OF THE PLANETS.

ion

s
horfe

ear

ylioiind.

of the con-

Head

Neck
Arms
Bread
Heart
Belly
Reins
Secrets
Thighs
Knees
Legs
Feet
XII. That

XXXII. That the foiuhern conftellations are.

LATIN NAMES.

Ara cum thuribulo
Argo vel navis
Apus

<^anis major
Canis minor
Cetus
Centaurus cum lupe

Chameliontis

Columba Noahi

Corona Auftralis

Corvus

Crater

Eridanus fluvius

Grus

Hvdrus

Lepus
Mufca
Monofceres

Orion

Pavo

Phoenix

Pifcis volans

Robur Carolina;

Sextans

Toncan

Triangulum Auflr.

Dorado Xiphias

ENGLISH NAMES.

The altar with a cenfcr

The fhip

The bird of paradifc

The greater dog

The lefTer dog

The whale

The centaur with the
wolf

A chameleon

Noah's dove

The fouthern crown

The crow

The cup

The river

The crane

The water-adder

The hare

The fly

The unicorn

Orion

The peacock

The phenix

The flying fifh

The royal oak

The fextant

The American goofe

The fouthern triangle

The fword fifh

XXXIII. That various accounts have been given
r^y diiierent Aflronomers, of thenumber of the fixed

E3 ftars.

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THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

ftars. Mr. Flamftead, in the year 1689, fuppofed
their number to be 3001, viz. 151 1 in the nor-
therh hemifphere, 943 in the zodiac, and 547 in
the fouthern hemifphere ; and dillinguiflied them
by feven degrees of magnitude. But fcarce 1 000
can be difcerned in Great Britain by the naked eye
in a clear night. The ftars, however, are fo nume-
rous, that no man on earth can number them ; for
by looking into Dr. Herfchel's telefcope, thoufands
and tens of thoufands appear beyond thofe men-
tioned by Mr. Flamftead.

XXXIV. That befides the aflronomical charac-
ters annexed to the names of the figns of the zo-
diac, there are others which leprefent the ftars,
planets, and afpefts :

LATIN NAMES. ENGLISH.

* Stella
O Sol

^ Mercurius

* Venus
© Terra
^ Mars
"V Jovis

^ Saturnus

Aftar
The fun
Mercury
Venus
The earth
Mars
Jupiter
Saturn

OENDERS.

Feminine

Mafculinc

Mafculine

Feminine

Mafculinc

Mafculine

Feminine

G Georgium SiJus George's ftar
I> Luna The moon

7*'s Pleiades The feven ftars

XXXV. That when a planet is moving north-
ward, it is in its afcending node, called the dragon's
head, and marked Q : and when it is moving
f-nhward, it is in its defcending node, called the

dragoon's

MOTIONS OF THE Pl-ANF.TS.

)89, fuppofed
I in the nor-
;, and 547 in
guiflied them
t fcarce 1000
he naked eye
are fo nume-
>er them ; for
pe, thoufands
1 thofe men-

nical charac-
ns of the zo-
:nt the ftars,

OENDER3.

Feminine
Mafculinc
Mafculine
Feminine
Feminine
Mafculinc
Mafculine
Mafculine
Mafculine
Feminine

3ving north-
the dragon's
t is moving
?, called the
dragoon's

dragon's tail, and is marked es. But when it in-
terfe^hls the ecliptic, it is in the node itfclf.

XXXVI. That the following charafters repre-
fcnt the afpeas, as when two planets are in the fame
de'^ree, they are in conjunction, marked 6

When 30 degrees apart, Semifextile SS

-60 —
- 54 —

--90 —

120 —

144 —

150 —
180 —

Sexiile -^*

Quintile (^
Quartile d
Trine ^

Biquintile Bq
Quincunx Vc
Oppofition 8

XXXVII. That the Ancients ^uppofed the moon
had a great influence upon the human body, as fhe
pafled through the figns of the zodiac ; that when
ihe was in Jries, flie governed the head ; when :a
Taurus, the neck, &c. ; and that it was unfafe to let
blood in the head, or any other part, whilft fhe re-
mained in that fign which governed the part. But
I have found by my own experience and obferva-
tion, in bleeding patients, that this hypothecs was
founded altogether upon fuperflition.

This opinion was undoubtedly inftilled into the
Ancients by the Aflrologers, who formerly impofed
upon the ignorant world, by pretending that they
could foretcl future events by the motions of the
heavenly bodies. But we ftill retain the ancient
cuflom of repreienting the moon's place in the
figns of the zodiac, by faying in our almanack^
l>end, neck, anus, $:c.

CHAE

5<i

THH AMERICAN ORACLE.

C II A P.

A DcfcHptton of the EclipHc, Poles, Egiiinoaial, Zc^
nith. Nadir, Spheres, Lalitude, Longitudes, llori^
^on, Ucmifpheres, Meridians, Amplitude, Right
Afeenfwn, Equinoxes, Azimuths, Cyeles, Parallaxes,
Tropics, Polar Circles, Soljiiccs, Cardinal Points,
Seafons of the 7 ear. Zones, Semi-diurnal Ares,
Length of the Days, Square Miles on the Surface
of the Globe, Number of Inhabitants, ^<.-.

: 1

: ,\

. 1 i

■ "1

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hi nl

'T^IIE ecliptic is the path in the heavens whlcli
the fun appears to defcribe as the earth palles
throiio-h the twelve figns of the zodiac. Aries,
Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, and Virgo, are
north-rn figns; Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capri-
cornus, Aquarius, and Pifces, are fouthern.

2. The poles of the world are two hxed points in
the heavens, diametrically oppofite to each other,
and a right line fuppofed to be drawn from each, is'
called the axis of die earth, about which the diuriial
motion is performed.

3. The equinocHal line is a great circle, that fur-
rounds the globe, at righ angles, with the axis of
the earth : it is 90 degrees from each pole, and in-
terieds the ecliptic at the beginning of Aries and
Libra. The length of the equinoctial is equal to
the circumference of the globe, which is 360 de-
grees, or 2 1,600 geographic miles.

A de-

*1f«

; -:#

'juinofl'uil^ Zc-

is^ Pnralla^ccs,
-dinal Points^
iiiirnal JircSy
m the Surface

ravens which
; earth palles
ac. Aries,
Virgo, are
Eirius, Capri-
hern.

ccd points in
' each other,
rom each, is
» the diurnal

:Ie,that fur-

the axis of

ole, and in-

" Aries and

is equal Iq

is 360 de-

A de-

ASTRONOMICAL DESCRIPTIONS.

A degree of the equator, and one of the ecliptic,
vuul other great circles of the fphere, is fuppofed to
be equal, though the latter is much longer than the
former. The equator is divided into 24 equal
parts, each containing 15 degrees, which are equal
to an hour of time, as each degree is equal to four

minutes.

4. The diameter of the earth from pole to pole
is not quite fo large as it is through the equinodlial,
which is evident by her fliadow in an eclipfe of the
moon ; but the dillerence of the polar and equato-
rial diameters, ariCes, it is probable, from the ex-
panfion of the globe by the heat of the fun in the
torrid zone, and the condenfation of the fame by
the cold in the polar regions.

5. The zenith is the point direftly over our
heads ; the nadir is the point diredly under our
feet ; and when the fun, the moon, or a ftar is in
the zenith, it is verticil.

6. There are three fpheres, viz. a right, oblique,
and parallel ; as,

Firji^ When a fpeftator is on the equator, he is
in a right fphere ; the poles of the world are in the
horizon, and the equino6lial paHes through the ze-
nith and nadir. The equator, with its parallels,
viz. the tropics and polar circles, make right an-
gles with the horizon. The days and nights are
equal as the fun, moon, and flars; are twelve hours
above, and twelve below the horizon, at the times
of the equinoxes,

KJ J' i^ V I'iU i } m

M ii'

58 THE AMERICAN ORACLi!.

Secondly, When a fpeclaror is betwcjii the equa-
tor and the poles, he is in an oblique Ipliere. One
pole is elevated lels than 90 degre'^s above the ho-

rizon, and the other is dcprefled as many below.

The luminaries ai'cend and defcend obliquely, tho*
fome of them that are fituated near the poles never
afcend at all. The days and nights are of uilFcrent
lengths, according to the difTerent degrees of lati-
tude, and the feaibns of the year. The diurnal and
no^lurnal arcs of the fun vary in ail parallels of
latitude. .

Thirdly, When a fpet^ator is at e'ther of the
poles, he is in a parallel fphere. One pole is in the
zenith, and the other is in the nadir. The equi-
noclial is parallel to the horizon; and all tlie paral-
lels of the equator, viz. the tropics and polar cir-
cles, are alfo parallel to the horizon. The fun is
half the year above, and half the year under the
horizon, and the days and nights are fix months in
length. When our fummer folilice happens, the
fun at the north pole is 23 de^, 28 min. above the
horizon ; when the equinoxes happen, he is in the
horizon ; and when he is decHned 1 8 degrees to
the fouth, the twilight ends at the north pole,
which remains in utter darknefs till the fun returns
within 18 degrees of the equator again, unlefs it
is illuminated by the moon, the Aurora Borealis,
&c.

7. The latitude of a place is its diflance north
or fouth of the equinoctial, and is always equal to
the height of th>- pole above the horizon : hence,
if a fpectator is 20 degrees from the equator, that

\\-iII

.z,

A'cjn the enua-
Iplicre. One
above the ho-
lany below. —
)bliqucly, tho*
he poles never
ire of uilFcrent
egrces of lati-
le diurnal and
11 parallels of

e* ther of the

pole is in the

The eqiii-

all the paral-
md polar cir-
. I'he fun is
:ar under the
fix months in
happens, the
in. above the
I, he is in the
[8 degrees to

north pole,
e fun returns
tin, unlefs it
ora Borealis,

fiance north
^avs equal to
zon : hence,
equator, that

\vill

ASTRONOMICAL DESCRIPTIONS.

will be the elevation of *he pole, and, of courfe,
the latitude of the place.

8. The longitude of a place is its diftance from
feme firfl meridian, eaft or weft, as that of the
Royal Obfcrvatory at Greenwich ; and every ftep
we move, north or fouth, I: rings us into another
J -titude : and every ftep we travel, eaft or weft,
b"'ngs us into another longitude, and alio ii.to
ar.other meridian.

9. The horizon is a great circle of the fphere
which divides the upper hemi fphere, or half com-
pafsof the heavens, which is vilible from ihc lower,
which is iiivifible.

10. There arc two I orizons, "oiz. the fenfible
and the lati.'tial. The fenfible is that which ap-
pears to a rpe6tator placed on the furface of th?
crlobe; and the ratic.-', that v/hich wouL. npear
to him, if he was placed at, and could fee from th(^
centre. This horizon would divide the firn^ament
into tWQ equal parts, called ^be real and tr>;. hori-
zon.

11. The hemifphere is that part of the heavens
which is above the horizon ; it is alfo one half of
the globe, and likewife all the firmament that is
below the horizon.

12. A meridian is a great circle palling chrough
the poles of the world, and the zenith and nadir
crofting *^^.e equinod:ial at right angles, dividing the
hemifphere into two equal parts, called the eaftern
and weftern hemifphere? ; and when the fun comes
to the meridiaiij it is noon,

13' The

r r

•!'' . i\

l"iH
I

'\'\

I 1

>., \

IL ■ i ' •• ; ;

M' !*

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

.)•

The meridian altitude of the fun, moon, or
itar, IS Its height above the horizon when it is on
the meridian.

14. The femf-dlurnal arc cf the fun, moon, or
ftar IS half the : ne it is above the horizon : and
the fenu-noclurnai arc is half of the time that it i.
below the fame.

15- 'i'he amplitude of the fmi, moon, or ftar h
an arch of the horizon between their rifniR or fet
ting, and the eaftern or weftern points thereof

16. Ihe afceniional difference of the fun, moon
or ftar ,s the difference between the right and ob-'
hcjue alcenfion and defcenf.on, or the tinae they rile
and fet before and after n.x o'clock

.7. The lo„sit.,de of the fun, planet, or ftar, is
1 s d,f..,„ee f ron> the vernal equinox, which is move
able about 50 feconds f,r annum, or its diftance

from thefirff ftar of Aries, which i'simtnov::!!;:"
18 Ine latitude of a planet is its diltance from
the ecliptic, as was before obferved.

19. The heliocentric longitude of a planet is its'
place as feen from the fun, and the geocentric -.s
feen front the earth. The fame is to\e ob e ve]
jvnl. ^regard to the heliocentric and geoce^

20. The right afcenfion of the fun, moon, or ftar
I' f .^^Srees of the equinoflial, reckon d f m
the begmmng of Aries, coming to the meridh
vith a ftar or planet, or to any hour circle at S
angles with the equinoaial. "^''-'t light

■Jl: ^'''^'i^^'^'''"" °fthc equinoxes are the go-
-S back of the equinoaial points 50 feconds in a

. year,

^Lin, moon, or
when it is on

m, moon, or
orizon^ and
:nie that it is

n, or flar, h
I'ifing or let-
thereoi.
' fun, moon,
ght and ob-
me they rife

t, or flar, is
ich is move-
its di (lance
iioveable.
ihuice from

planet is its
■ocentric as
e obferved
geocentric

3n, or riar,

3ncd from

meridian

f e -at right

^re the go-

:onds in a

year,

ASTRONOMICAL DESCRIPTIONS. #1

year, caufed by the earth's fpheroidal figure in its
diurnal motion ; if will complete a revolution in
about 25,920 years. This revolution is called the
Platonic Yea^, at the period of which the Ancients
fuppofed that every thing will come round in the
f;ime order they then were.

12. When a ftar rifes as the fun fets, it rifes
achronlcally ; when it fets with the fun, it fets
achronically. When it rifes with the fun, it rifes
cofmically ; when it fets as the fun rifes, it fets
cofmically. When a liar emerges from the fun's
light wellwaru, fo as to be feen in the morning
before the fun rifes, it rifes heliacally ; when a
planet emerges ealhvard from the rays of the fun
fo as to be vifible in the evening, it fets heliacallv.

23. The anomaly of a planet is its angular dif-
tance from its aphelion.

24. Azimuth circles arc verticle circles paflln"-
through the zenith and nadir.

25. The cycle of the fun is a revolution of 2^
years, and that of the moon a revolution of 19
years.

26. The elongation of a planet is its angular dif-
tance from the fun as feen from the earth. 11ie
greateft elongation of Mercury is 28 deg. 21 min.
8 fee. and that of Venus 47 deg. 38 min. ^5 fee
—Venus and Mercury are called inferior planets ^
Georgium Sid s, Saturn, Jupiter, &c. fuperior.

27. The parallax of a planet is the difference
between its true place, as feen from the earth's cen-
tre, and its apparent place as feen from the earth's
furface.

28. The

. !

;i::

!: 'ii ■ I'^i'i

■ ■ 'If

THE AMERICAN ORACLH,

28. The parallax of the annual orb is the ann-[p
the earth would appear under to the eye, at each
planet, to be elongated from the fun j being greatelt
and lead at the extreme pofitions.

29. There are two fpheres befides thofe already
mentioned, viz. the celeftial fphere and the tcrref-
trial. The terreftrial circles and poles of the earth
are fuppofed to be extended to the heavens. Kence
if two flars fhould be found in thofe points, they
would be called pole flars ; but as there are not
any vifible ftars in thefe points, the nearefl to them
are called bv that name.

30. The ecliptic hath poles and circles ; thefe
poles make an angle with thofe of the earth of 23
deg. 28 min. The circles of the ecliptic are called
the circles of the celefiial longitude ; and thofe pa-
rallel to the ecliptic, circles of the celclHal latitude.

31. If the axis of the earth was perpendicular to
the plane of the ecliptic, there would be no decli-
nation from the equinodial points ; the equ<>tor,
the tropics, polar circles, and the poles, upon that
fide of the globe next the fun, would always be illu-
minated, and the days and nights equal. But the
axis being inclined -3 deg. 28 min. to the nlane of
the ecliptic, and keeping obliquely and iii a parallel
pofition to itielf through each revolution, produces
the fpring, fummer, autumn and winter, and the
inequality of the days and nights.

32. The angle that the equinodial makes with

the ecliptic, is called the fun's declination, and is

equal to 23 deg. 28 min. It is half the year north,

and half the year fouth of the equinox. From the

4 20th

ILK.

orb is the angle
he eye, at each
J being greatelt

s thofe already
and the tcrref-
•Ics of the earth
:avens. Kence,
fe points, they
! there are not
leareft to them

circles ; thefe
:he earth of 23
iptic are called

and thofe pa-
lertial latitude.
Tpendiciilar to
d be no decli-
; the equ.^tor,
les, upon that
always be illu-
ual. But the
3 the nlane of
id iii a parallel
:ion, produces
nter, and the

il makes with
ation, and is
le year north,
!v. From the
20th

ASTRONOMICAL DESCRIPTIONS. 6%

2oth of March to the 23d of September, his decli-
nation is north ; and from thence to the 20th of
March, it is fouth. When the fun enters Aries,
the vernal equinox happens ; when he enters Can-
cer, the fummer folftice happens ; when he enters
Libra, the autumnal equinox happens ; and when
he enters Capricorn, the winter folilice happens.
The equinoxes and folllices are called the four
cardinal points. The fummer folftice happens
about the 2 1 ft of June; then the days are thelongeft
in the northern latitudes, but fliorteft in the fou-
thern. T' winter folftice happens Dec. 21. then,
the days are the fhorteft in the northern, but
longeft in the fouthern latitudes : but the days and
nights are of an equal length at the times of the
equinoxes. The fummer half-year is about nine
days longer than the winter half-year, owing to
the earth's being nearer to the fun in the winter
than file is in the fummer, which quickens the
rapidity of her motion ; for the nearer a planet or
comet is to the fun, the fwifter will their motions
be : therefore the earth paiTes quicker through the
fouthern than the northern figns ; for it is about
nine days longer in going from the vernal equinox
to the autumnal, than it is in going from the latter
to the former. Let us compute —

SUMMER,

( I

t f1 i

'. ." .1

"'■■■■ -i.

M' . i r i

lillii

; r^HHf

THE AMKPJCAN ORACLE.

SUMMER HALF-YEAR.

Days.

March

April

May

June

3<^

July

Aug.

Sept.

187

Subtra^cl

178

WINTER HALF-YEAR.

Sept.
Oct.

Days.

Nov.
Dec.

30
31

Jan.
Feb.

3^
28

March

178

.Difference 9 days, ^lod crat dcmonjlran-

dim.

53. The terraqueous globe is divided into five
parts called zones, -viz. one torrid, two temperate,
and two frigid zones. The torrid is 46 deg. 56
min. in breadth, and limits the fun's trreateft de-
cimation north and fouth. It is bounded northerly
on the tropic of Cancer, and fcutherly on the
tropic of Capricorn. In this zone the heat is very
extreme, and the fun rifes aild lets 46 dtg. 56 min
farther to the fouth at the time of the winter foil
like, than it doth at the time of the fummer fol-
ftice. The moon rifes and fets s7 deg. ^ min
and the other planets 65 deg. 26 min. further to
the fouth at fome times, than they do when they
are at their greateft declination northerly. And
as the declination of the moon and planets is
often greater than that of the fun, by reafon of
their latitude from the ecliptic, their femi-diurnal

and

:le.

ASTRONOMICAL DESCRIPTIONS.

;r half-year.

Days.

cpr.

)ch

5^^

bv.

'cc.

in.

:b.

arch

178

'rat dcmovjlran-

ivided into five;
two temperate,

is 46 deg. 56
I's greateft de-
nded northerly
therly on the
he heat is very
■6 deg. 56 min.
the winter ibJ-
e fiimmer fol-

*^^g- 32 mill,
ill. further to
do when thcv
herly. And
tid planets is
by reafon of
• feini-diurnal
and

and renii-no6lurnal arcs are frequently longer than
thofe of the fun. I'he fun is always verticle in fome
part of the torrid zone, and he is always rifing
and always fetting in fome parts of the globe.

The temperate zones are fituat.ed between the
torrid and the frigid zones, and each of them are
43 deg. 4 min. in breadth.

The northern temperate zone is bounded by the
arftic circle on the north, and by the tropic of
Cancer on the fouth. The fouthern temperate
zone is bounded northerly by the tropic of Capri-
corn, and foutherly by the autarkic circle. In thefe
zones the heat is not fo extreme as it is in the torrid,
nor the cold as it is in the frigid zones.

The frigid zones are each of them 23 deg. 28
min. broad. The northerly one is bounded north
by the north pole, and foutherly by the ardic circle.
The foutherly frigid zone is bounded north by the
antardlic circle, and foutherly by the fouth pole. —
The cold is very extreme in thefe zones.

34. When the fun's declination is the greatefl:
northerly, his femi-dlurnal arc at Philadelphia, or
in the latitude 40 deg. north, is 7/j. 29777.

When the moon's is the greateft north,

her femi-nodurnal arc is - 7 r^

When the other planets are the greateft
north, &;c. - . 8 13 .

The moon's femi-no6lurnal arc is longer

than the fun's, by - - o 24—

Planets longer than, &c.

0—44—
The

,ir .1 . I'll

,i .

'ill

l>il!l

I'Ml

I,: .(•

■I 4„

i|yi-!

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

The fun*s greateft declination is
The moon's greateft declination is
Jupiter's greateft declination is

Dcg. Min,

23 28

28 46

32 43

The moon's declination greater than the
fun's - . . r

The planets declination is greater than
*^ fj fun's, by - - ^ c^

35. There is a confiderable variation in the
length of the days in the capital towns and cities
in North America. At Qiiebec, at the time of the
fummer folftice, the days are 15Z;. 507;/. long

At Bofton

At New- York

At Philadelphia

At Charleftown

15— 14

15— 2

14—58-..
14 — \G

Longer at Quebec than Bofton o — 36

at ditto than New- York o — 48

at ditto than Philadelphia o — 52 .

■ at ditto than Charleftown i — 34

Dedud the length of the day from
24 hours, and the remainder will be
the length of the night :

Thus— - . 24— o

Length at (Quebec - » S— 50

Length of the night

10-

Aftror -lers do not agree about the lengths ot
the days ut the ubove places j but I have conftruclcd

thi.s

.E.

Dcg. M'uu
23 28

in the

than

ariation in the

3wns

and

cities

the time of the

[5/;.

507;/.

long

'5—

14—

^5—

2—

[4—

58-

[4—

i6—

—

36-

• - - . .

c —

•48-

—

52—

'"■••••■

I —

24 — o-

'5— 5^-

8— r

the lengths of

avc conftruclcd

(his

ASTRONOMICAL DESCRIPTIONS.

this calculation according to the diredion given by
a celebrated Royal Aftronomer.

36. The terraqueous globe is compofed of land
and water, and near three quarters of its furface is
fuppofed to be overwhelmed with the watery ele-
ment.

There are four great continents, viz. Europe,
Africa, Afia, and America; and alfo the continents
near the poles : the northern is called Terra Arc-
tica, and the fouthern Terra Antardica.

There are five great oceans, viz. the Northern,
the Pacific, Southern, Indian, and Atlantic'

The Northern Ocean flows along between the
'ar6lic continent and the northern parts of Europe,
Afia, and America.

The Pacific, which is about 11,000 miles from
north to fouth, and 1 0,000 from eaft to weft, waflies
the weftern and north-weltern fhores of America,
and the eaftern and north-eaftern fhores of Afia.

The Southern Ocean lies fouthward of America
and Africa, joins the Pacific Ocean to the fouth-
ward, and reaches fome parts of the antarclic con-
tinent. Its extent is not yet known.

The Indian Ocean is bounded by Afia on the
north, extends to the Pacific on the eaft, and to
part of the fouthern antarclic conf' lent. It is be-
tween feven and eight thoufand miles from north
to fouth, and four thoufand from eaft to weft.

The Atlantic divides Europe and Africa from
America, bounds on the Indian and Southern
Oceans, and is about fix thoufand miles from north

F 2 to

TI!£ AMERICAN ORACLE.

to fouth, and three and four tlioufand from call to
wcfl.

Befides oceans, there are feas, bays, gulphs, ftraits,
lakes, ponds, rivers, &c. on the furface of the'
globe ; and befides continents, there are iflands,
peninfidas, i/thmuses, promontories, capes or head-
lands, Sec. though fome of thefc join to the (crnr
firma.

;r:t!

I! i . r

■■; ?it

■I I

The

id from eaO: to

gulphs, flraits,
furface of the
re are illands,
capes or head-
n to the icrm

CONTENTS OF THE GLOBE.

oovri/^OOOO'^-OCO

• 1- X. O O 00000000 c^ w

•5r CO

ti
c
o

o o
o o

<-> o

ooocoooo

O J u w o (J u O
r^^C fo O O -t- O

C\ t--VO VO VO VO tr, ^

oooov/>gooN

OMONroOOOr-^

O O

C\ On

LnVD C7\ »i-i ro r~ •rt- O
C\ M Vi.1 VO N O t--. O
l/^O 'j'NOCOOOOO o

Nr»Ovooo-t-00

Lr-\ lO 0>

O in o

O 00 o

O ■<*• o

o
o
o

C\ O 00 Ti

■4- t;;^vO « vo VC
O C?i ■+ "-T w

r- O

i^ O

o o

r\ v\ M *x «^

fo ONVC O O
O tJ- -< vo O
en r-~ M On 00

•N •V •S

o
o
o

O
O

co*x>

O _

o o

On 00

N i-l

O VO
O

(4*^ M IH IH

N o o o

ON Tt- tn O

VN r\ #^ «\

N 00 CO VO

in O
r-- O

O N

O O
O in

000 00
tn CO «n

^ o

-u!

•J

C/3

OS ^Jh

•n S
P ^

u •"
w •-

C --^

e s

rt 'C

S«3CI

6-5

«J

^ J-t

c c

rt w <u

ee.s

O 3 J5

« to

c
I-
o

bo is

•n
w

erf ■

1-' .

O
.3

C<3

w C3
C ^
" 3

The

ivirm

mi-

M -I'-

/ ! ■' i ■

7*^ 'niE AMERICAN ORACLE.

The number of inhabitants in the known world,
according to the befl computations, are eftimated
at 953 millions : Of which Europe contains i^t; ;
Afia, 500J Africa, 150 j and America, 150 mil-'
lions.

The inhabitants of the United American States,
according to an account publiflied in the MafTa-*
chufett's Regifter for the prefent year, 1790, are
as follows : Viz.

States.

1. New Hampfliire

2. Mafiachufetts

3. Connetlicut

4. Rhode-Illand

5. New- York

6. New-Jerfey

7. Pennfylvania

8. Delaware

9. Maryland

10. Virginia

11. North Carolina

12. South Carolina

13. Georgia
i4« Vermont

Total

Chief Toivns.
Portfrnouth
Boflon
Hartford
New-Port
New- York
Trenton
Philadelphir
Wilmington
Baltimore
Richmond
Newburn
Charleflown
Savannah
Bennington

Inhabitants.

J02,000

360,000
202,000

58,000
238,000
138,000
360,000

37,000
218,000
420,000
200,000
150,000
90,000
200,000

e^^tt^f'T" '^ ^"'"^^^"^ ^''^ "°t mention,
ed m the Regifter. I received the account by ^
news-paper. ' ^ *

Pteftdcnis

; known vvorlj,

, arc eftiniatcd

contains 153 ;

■rica, 150 mil-

merican States,

in the Mafl^i-

-ar, 1790, are

Inhabitants.

JO2,000

360,00a
202,000

58,000
238,000
138,000
360,000

37,000
218,000
420,00c
200,000
150,000
90,000
200,000

Ci I MATES.

2j773»ooo

not mention-
iccount by ^

Prcfidcnis that have been chofen in the Contijientai

Congrefs,

1. Peyton Randolph, Efq.

2. John Hancock, Efq.

3. Henry Laurens, Efq.

4. John Jay, Efq.

5. Samuel Huntington, Efq.

6. John Hanfon, Efq.

7. Elias Boudinot, Efq.

8. Thomas Mifflin, Efq.

9. Richard Henry Lee, Efq.
10. Arthur St. Clair, Efq.

J I. Cyrus Griflfen, Efq.

12. George Walhington, Efq.

Climates.

Of Virginia

— Maflachufetts

— So. Carolina

— New-York

— Connefticut

— Maryland

— New-Jerfey

— Pennfylvania

— Virginia

— Pennfylvania

— Virginia

37. There are 30 climates between the equator
and each of the poles. In the firfl 24, the days
increafe by half-hours ; but in the remaining fix,
between ihe polar circles and the poles, the days
increafe by months.

The following Table exhibits the notthern and
fouthern boundaries of each climate, with their
breadth, and the length of the days.

Pteftdcnts

Cltm.

7«

.nl'!il

THE AMERICAN ORACia-.

Latitude.

Urcudth.

Loiiireft Dai

Clim

• I

H. M.

r « 25

12 30

2 1 16 25

23 50

13 30

30 25

36 28

.JL

14 30

41 22

45 29

15 30

49 I

16 30

10
1 1

54 27

5^ 37

17 30

58 29

59 5«

18 30

61 18

62 25:

'9 30

63 22

I 6

20 30

64 49

6j 21

21 30

65 47

66 6

22 30

22 66 20

66 28

23 30

66 31

^^ .

67 21

Month

69 48

xMonths

73 37

Months

78 30

Months

84 5

Months

kd-^'

1 : '■

!ii

C^««/r/Vj /« i^e different Climates North of the

Equino6iial Line,

I. Within tac firft climate, lie the gold and filver

coaft m Africa; Malacca, in the Eaft Indies; Cay-

cnne and Surinam, in Terra Firma, South America.

II Here lie AbyfTmia, in Africa; Siam, Madras,

and Pondicherry, in the Eaft Indies ; Straits of

Darien,

CLIMATES.

: Day '
_M. I

?o_

\o
o
;o
o

o
o
o
o
o

o
o

)ld and filver
Indies; Cay-
ith America,
am, Madras,
; Straits of
Darien,

Darien, between North and South America ; To-
bago, the Grenades, St. Vincent, and Barbadoes,
in the Wefl Indies.

III. Mecca, in Arabia; BombaVj part of Bengal,
in the Eafl: Indies; Canton, in China; Mexico, Bay
of Campeachy, in North America : Jamaica, Hif-
paniola ; St. Chriftopher's, Antigua, Martinico,
and Guadaloupe, in the Wefl: Indies.

IV. Egypt, and the Canary iflaads, in Africa ;
Delly, capital of Mogul empire, in Afia; Gulph
of Mexico, and Eafl: Florida, in North America ;
the Havannah, in the Wefl: Indies.

V. Gibraltar, in Spain ; part of the Mediterra-
nean Sea; the Barbary coafl:, in Africa ; Jerufulem,
Ifpahan, capitalof Perfia ; Nankir, in China; Cali-
fornia, New Mexico ; Wefl: Florida, Georgia, and
the Carolinas, in North America.

VI. Lilbon, in Portugal ; Miidrid, in Spain;
Minorca, Sardinia, and part of Greece, in the Me-
diterranean ; Afia Minor ; Part of the Cal'pian
Sea ; Samarcand, in Great Tartary ; Pekin, ia
China ; Corea and Japan ; Williamiburg, in Vir-
ginia ; Maryland and Philadelphia.

VII. Northern provinc 2s of Spain ; fouthern
provinces of France ; Turin, Genoa, and Rome, in
Italy ; Conftantinople, and the Black Sea, in Tur-
key ; the Cafpian Sea, and part of Tartary ; New-
York, and Bofl:on, in New England.

VIII. Paris, Vienna, capital of Germany; C^^ew-
Scotland, Newfoundland, and Canada.

IX. London,

-0>

IjEn

. , I

'' i '

P^J

,''

1' .r

Kkj

'i ' ''

1! l!^

■,i':

, •;||.

•■"i:

(

'■ ''"■;

': 't

I'*'

■v:'!t

Ml
l'

.if'!!

ill i

i I

. '!'

THE AMERICAN ORAOI E.

IX. London, Flanders, Prague, Drefden ; Cra-
cow, in Poland j fouthern provinces of Rufila, part
of Tartary ; north part c f Newfoundland.

X. Dublin, York, Holland, Hanover, and Tar-
tary ; Warfaw, in Poland ; Labrador, and New
South Wales, in North America.

XI. Edinburgh, Copenhagen, Mofcow, Cape of
Ruflia.

^ XII. South pa:t of Sweden ; Tobolfki, Cape of
Siberia.

XIII. Orkney Ifles, Stockholm, capitalof Sweden.

XIV. Bergen, inNorway ; Petcrfliurgh, in Rufiia.'

XV. Hudfon's Straits, North America.

XVI. Siberia, and the South-wefl part of Green,
land.

XVII. Drontheim, in Norway.

XVIII. Part of Finland, in RufTia.

XIX. Archangel, on the White Sea, Rul'fla.

XX. Hecla, in Iceland.

. XXI. Northern parts of Ruflia and Siberia.
X All. New North Wales, in North America.

XXIII. Davis's Straits, in ditto.

XXIV. Samoieda.

XXV. South part of Lapland.

XXVI. Wed Greenland.
XXVIL ZembIa Auflralis.
XXVIIL Zembla Borealis.

XXIX. Spitzbergen, or Eaft Greenland.

XXX. Unknown,

i )••• (

A degree

(ft

IE.

Drefden ; Cra-

of Rufiia, part

Hand.

)ver, and Tar-

or, and New

fcow, Cape of

^Ifivl, Cape of

tal of Sweden,
■gh, in Ruffia.
rica.

art of Green.

GEOGRAPHICAL CALCULATIONS.

, Rul'fia.

Siberia.
America.

and.

A dcojree

A degreeof ' titude is 60 geographic miles, which
is equal to about 69I miles Britifh meafjre ; —
and a degree of longitude is of the fame length
on the equator : But the degrees dccreafe in all
parallels of latitude between^ the equinoflial
and the poles, and at thofe places they come
to a point. The fubfequent Table exhibits
the variation, or decreafe, in geographic miles,
and hundredths of miles, in all the intermediate
degrees of latitude.

Dcg.
Lit.

5
6

7
«

10
II
12

'5
16

17
18

ly
20

23
24

25
26

27
28
29
30

Long
Miles:

59
59
59
59
59
59
59
59
59
59
5»
58
58
58
5«
57
57
57
56

5^
56

55
55
54
54
54
53
53
52
51

icothpart
of a mile.

94
92

77
67
56
40
20

8
89
6S
46
22

o
60

3"
4

I J

3^
o

23
81

38
o

44
o

l.Vg.
Lat.

33
34
i5

37
38

43
44
45
46

47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58

59
60

Long j 1 00th part
Miles of a mile.

50
50

49
49

47
47
46

46
45
44
43

43
42

39
38
37
37
36
35
34
33
32
31
30
30

54
92

43
68

73
o

41
55

..(jr.

Lat.

Long jioothpart
Miles 'cf a mile.

I 61

i 62

; ^3
64

67
68

71
72

75
76

77
78

79
80

83
84

85
86

2 6

;«

CHAP.

1'^

III;

^'i-

THE AMERICAN ORACLt.

^ \

n-'i;

C H A P.

Of the Circumference and Diameter of the Earth's
Orbit, and her Diurnal Motion — Why the Sty/j
was, and ought to be altered—Of the Divifnn of
Time-— When different Nations begin their Days—
Of the Birth and Crucifixion of Christ— T/jt'
reputed ulira not the true JEra of his Birth, which
is demonf rated by Ajhonomical Calculations — Of
the Clock Equatms—How to regulate a Clock,

THE mean diflance of the earth from the fun
is about 8 1 miUiors of geographic miles,
and the circumference of her orl- is rr c^y millions,
and file travels about 1,394,520 r.iil<<s m twenty'
lour hours— a motion much more >upld than that
of a cannon-ball. Her dinrnd motion is 21,600
miles in a day.

Her revolution round the fuii is completed in
365 days 5 hours 48 minutts and ^7 feconds of
time; and by reafon of thofe odd hours, minutes
and feconie, we are obiige<i tj add one day to the
month of '^ bruarv, -ver> fourth year, to make the
years agr .^ near as polii' le to the earth's revolu-
tions ; but as there are 1 1 . .Inutes and 3 feconds
wanting in each year to make 6 hours, the time is

■-' . carried

LL'.

/ ■

THE earth's orbit.

of the EartJys
Why the Style
the Divifnn of
1 their Days —

ZHKIST—Thc

r Birth, which
Iculations, — Of
ulatc a Clock,

from the fun
raphic miles,
^ 9y millions,
<'S ill twenty-
3id than that
^n is 21,600

:ompleted In
7 feconds of
urs, minutes
ic day to the
, to make the
Lrth*s revolu-
id 3 feconds
, the time is
carried

carried forward 44 minutes and 1 2 feconds in the
fpace of four years. At this rate, it advances 1 8
hours and 25 minutes every century, and i whole
day, or 24 hours, in fomething more than 13a
years and three months and an half. From hence
arifes the nccellity of altering the ftyle ; for if it
was not altered, the feafon of the year that now
happens in the middle of July, -vould fall in the
middle of January, in about 23,725 years. The
ityle was altered or brought, back eleven days in
1752; and fmce that period, the time has run for-
ward 6 hours 59 minutes and 54 feconds ; and in
1882, it will be time to bring it back a whole day,
or alter the (lyle again.

Time is divided by us into centuries, years,
months, weeks, days, hours, minutes, feconds, &c.
A century is a revolution of 100 years. A year is
one revolution of the earth through the figns of the
:<odiac. A month is the quantity of time that the
earth fpends in palling through one fign, called a
yearly or a calendar month. A week is 7 days 5
24 hours is a day ; 60 minutes is an hour, and 60
feconds a minute. Four weeks is called a weekly
month.

Common or civil years are of different lengths,

accord ng to the cuflom of different natiors.^

Some reckon their year by folar, and fome by lunar
motion.

The civil year contains 365 days for three years,
wh'ch are called common years ; and every fourth
year contains 366 days, called Biflextile, or Leap
Yea, , The civil years are alfo called Julian Yerrs,

becaufe

!-ii;: ..:.|,rl'

■' ■' i .

t'ii

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

becaufe Julius Casfar was the firfl perfon who
added one day to every fourth year.

The civil, or common lunar year, contains 1 2
lunations, or 354 days ; v/hich is 1 1 days fhorter
than the folar. Therefore, to fupply this defeft,
and make the hmar ccrrcfpond with the folar time,'
the Jews added 30 days to every third year : but
that was not enough by about 30 days and i8
hours, to make thofe reckonings agree. Twelve
lunations was called the co7?i/>kfe, and the addition
of the 30 days the vacant or cmbolimic year. The
firft Romans ufed the Jewifh mode of reckoning ;
and afterwards Julius Casfar introduced his mode of
computation : but as his mode was deficient, and
the time had advanced too forward, Pope Gregory,
in 1582, ordered that ten days fhould be added to
the 5tli of Oclober— which brought the feafons
back to their prop r places—and the 5th of this
month was called the 15th.

Aftronomers begin their day at noon— the Jews
began their days at the fetting of the fun ; (hence it
is faid in the Scripture, that the evening and the
morning was the firft day:)— the Chriftians begin
their days at midnight ; and the ancient Babylo-
nians, Perfians, Syrian^:, and modern Greeks, begin
their days at the rifmg of the fun.

There are two kinds of hours— an equal, and an
unequal. An equal hour is one 24th of a mean
day, meafured by a legulatcd clock . An unequal,
is cne-t^elfth part of the time that the fun is above
the horizon j and the longer the days are, the
longer will the hours be. -.^ The Jews made

their

ti\

I ,1,:

■ft perfon who

•

ir, contains 12
1 1 days fhorter
3ly this defea:,
the folar time,
hlrd year: but
) days and 18
gree. Twelve
id the addition
nic year. The
of reckoning ;
ed his mode of
deficient, and
Pope Gregory,
d be added to
ht the feafons
le 5th of this

>on — the Jews
fun ; (hence it
ning and the
iriflians begin
cient Babylo-
Glreeks, begin

equal, and an
th of a mean

An unequal,
2 fun 15, above
ays are, the

Jews made
theif

THE DIVISION OF TIME. ^9

their hours in this manner, and reckoned time by
laying, the firft, fecond, third, &c. hour of the day,
or the hrlt, fecond, third, &c. hour of the night.

The fun rifes and fets at Bofton, in America,
about feven hours later than it does at Jerufalem,
and about four hours and forty minutes later than
it doth at London.

The common rera of Chrifl is four years later
than the true iera : hence what we call 1790,
ought to be called 1794 ; for he was bom before
the death of Herod the Great, who fought to kill
him as foon as he heard of his birth. And, ac-
cording to the teftimony of Jofephus, (b, xv. c. 8.)
there was an eclipfe of the moon in the time of
Herod's lafl ficknefs, a little before his death ; —
which eclipfe fome aihonomical tables fhew to
have happened in the 4710th year of the Julian
period, March 13//;, 3/;. 21 ?n, after midnight, at
Jerufalem. Now Chrill mufl have been born
ibme months before Herod's death ; becaufe, in
ilie interval between his birth and Herod's death,
he wai; carried into Egypt for the prefervation of
his life. — His birth therefore muft be about four
years before the reputed iera.

Chrilt died in the 4746rh year of the Julian
period, on Friday the third of April, in the 33d
year of his age, according to the reputed ocra — or
37th, according to the true sera, diicovered by the
eclipfe of the moon already mentioned. He was
put on the crofs about noon, and expired at about
three in the evening, the whole neighbourhood of
Jerufalem being overfpread with a miraculous

darknefs

r^.

k,'

(

1 1

i ^

■!|"t
, ,1

1
f

1 ■ I

VttE AMERICAV ORACLE.

darknefs during the time of his fufTcrincr. A he.l-
then writer, viz. Phlegon, the I'rallian, for want of
knowledge in Aftronomy, imputed the caufe of
this darknefs to an cclipfe of the fun ; but as the
moon was near her full, tiiere could not be anv
eclipfe of the fun by her interpofition at that time.
There are but four days in a year, in which a
clock, or watch, that meafures time even, will agree
with the fun, -viz. April 15, June 16, Auguit 31,
and December 24. At all other times, he will be
too fall or too {low. From Dec. 24, to April i j;,
he will be too flow j from thence, to June i ^, too
faft : from thence to Auguft 31, flower ; and from
thence to Dec. 24, too hii. This variation is called
the equation of time.

The greateit equations are as follow, t;;-.

Feb. 10.
May 14.
July 25.
Nov. I

> the fun will varv

I 147,7. ,

|i J-.

too flow
^ J 4.7?:. 2.f. too fafl;
I 5;;/. 58j-. too flow
1^16/;.'. lis. too fafl:.

Thefe variations arlfc from the inequalities of the
earth's motion, which performs her diurnal rota-
tions fooner at one time than ihc dotli at another.
When the fun agrees with the clock that meafures
time even, the rotation is performed exadly in 24
hours ; but when he is too fi-ft of the clock, the
rotation is performed in lefs than 24 hours ; and
when it is too flow, it is performed in more, &c.

One apparent revolution of the fun to the meri-
dian, will be lofl: by a planet moving round him— in
the fame manner that > traveller would loic a day

LE.

criiiG^. A Iie.l-
an, for want of
I t!ie caufc of
iin ; but as the
lid not be anv
n at that time,
ir, in which a
;ven, will agree
6, Augiiit 31,
les, he will be
'o to April 15,
June 1 5, too
vcr ; and from
iation is called

7 '

41 J-. too flow

2 s. too fafl
5Hj-. too ilow
1 i s. too fuft.

[ualities of the
diurnal rota-
Lh at another,
that mcafures
exadly in 24
he clock, the
. hours ; and

more, &c.

to the ineri-

lund him — in

id loic a day

goini^

khOULATION OF A CLOCK OR WATCH. Sf

going round the earth the fame way with the
apparent motion of the fun, who would reckon
one day lefs at his return than the inhabitants
remaining at the place of his fetting out, whatever
number of days lie had fpent in gohig round the
'•lobe. '

Hence we lia-re two vears, viz. tlie folar and
the fidereal. The former contains fom-jthing more
than '^Q>^ revolutions of tlie fun to the meridian,
and the latter upwards of '^^66 revolutions of a
lixed* ffar to the fame meridian. — Hence alfo we
iiave two kinds of days, 'vlz. a folar and a fidereal.
The folar is that ciuantity of time that the fun
fpends in going from a meridian till he returns to
it again; the fidereal is the time that a fixed flar
.r])cnds in departing fror.i a meridian till it returns
again. A mean folar day iy equal to 24 hours ; a
mean lidereal, to 23 hours 56 minutes 4 fcconds.

How to regulate a Clock or WaiJ:,

Obfcrvc through a fmali hole in a window-lliutter
tHo time any fixed (tar dlHippcars behind a chim-
>iey, or any other object at a fmall diltancc ; and
if on the fucceedlng n;ght it comes to the meridian
3 minutec c;6 feconds fooncr bv the clock or watch,
and Oil the next nigijt 7 minutes 52 feconds fo.jner,
the next night 1 1 minutes 48 feconds fooner, and
fo on for every night fooner in that proportion,
your watch, &c. is right. In one month the varia-
flon from the firfl; ohfervation will be two hours,
in three mouthy fix hours, in fix months twelve

^ hours.

ill

li
i

'' ■

lin

f ! •

•(

'1i

'1'

Jl:

'';

I i

(

'1 '11

■ 1

! :.

I:''
^ ' 1

11 1 ' j

■ <

i :■

ir1

' ■ '' '

•^

• 1 I";*'

-1 ''

■

li ' " i -I

It i

i:!'

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

hours, in nine months eighteen hours, and in
twelve months twenty-four hours.

^ Tyl BLE of the Annual Revolutions^ Diurnal
Motions^ and Dijiances of the Primary Platiets
from the Sur, <^e.

Annual Kcvuluti'oiis. iDiumal Rotat

ions.

D. H. M.

Has no revuliiti(

8. iD. H. M.

)n. 1 25 12

87 23 14

34 j IJiiknovvii.

224 16 41

31 ! 23 20

.'^^>? 5 4B

57 • 23 56

636 22 18

ly 1 I 40

4350 8 3s

4 j y 56

10750 13 14

4 1 Unknown.

82 I years.

; Unknown.

The Diameters of the Primary Planets, -with their
Dijiances from the Sun.

O
51

JJiamt'tcrs in
En;;lirti ii^:;,-s'

byo.Goo
3>o o

7,0-0

00 0')0

700 yO

D'fhinccs in
Eii-lini miles.

Tlie .1; 'a (]j u!ic'

4r,cco;Oco
49,c..o,ocj
icc,oco,oco
i67,cco,OwC
57o,oco,ooc-
9 .;s,cc..',coo

lo',''i,'J'-C-,COO
1- I-. il ijuui;.:;.

The

I..:

I.E.

hours, and in

utions. Diurnal
'rimary Phimts

Rotat

ions.

Vll.

n.
n.

'Cis^ with ihcir

REVOLUTIONS OF PLANETS.

The Rcvoluiicns of the Secondary Planets.

5-
6.

7-
8.

9-
10.

1 1.

12.

^3-
'4-

Of tlie Eartii's moon
Of Jupitfr'ii fiHl moon
Of his fecond dittv)
Of his third ditto
Of his fourth ditto
Of Saturn's firlt moon
Of his fecond ditto
Of his third ditto
Of his fourth ditto
Of his fifth ditto
Of lu's fixtli ditto
Of his fcvcntli ditto
Of Georglum';; lirli: moon
Of his fecond ditto

D. H. M. S.

iDift. from the,
I l'rim;uv. I

I Mih's. I

C II A P.

i 240,000

3^>

363,600

'1
.1

580,000 I

925,000 i

J 8

1,650,000 i

202, Rod ;

257,900

362,900 j

841,000 ]

'J -»

2,463,000 1

1 1

VII.

A JJjort Hi/iory of Comets-^Of the Laws by whieh
they arc governed— Their Utility in the Univerfe,

GOMETARY Aftronomy is but in its infant
ftate; for, their motions are fo very irre^rular
tliat it is very difficult to determine their revoludons
with cxaanefs, by agronomical obfervations.

I ihall, in the firll place, give a ihort hiftory of
C'omets :

Secondly, Mention the laws bv which they are
governed; and, '

'i'hirdly, Shew their utility in the univerfe.

G 3 I. Of

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

:U lii

Vvi

ru\

''}']'

1 if-':^

i t

i
I
I

I. 0/ the llijiory of Cornets,

COMETS, called Blazing Stars, are durable
bodies, compofed of matter capable of undergoing
prodigious degrees of heat and cold, as will here-
after be demonflrrtted. They have undoubtedly-
appeared in every age fince the creation ; for the
ancient Egyptians and Chaldeans had fomc know-
ledge of them : But it is evident that the Ancients
knew but little concerning the nature of Comets.
for they were not able to trace their motions.
The celebrated Sir Ifaac Newton was the hrii
mathematician that diicovered the nature, philo-
fophy, and aft ronomy of thofc luminaries.

Ariftotle, and the Learned among the Greeks
were of opinion, that Comets were nothing but
fublunary vapours, or airy meteors ; and from
hence they negleded to trace them through their
intricate paths.

The Ancients fuppofed that the appearance jl
Comets were ominous of fome future judgments
fuch as terrible thunders, lightnings, earthquakes,
inundations, wars, famines, peftilences, &c.; and
fome among the Moderns retain that opinion to
this day: However, it is exploded by the Learned.

The Comets are fo very numerous, that fome
have fuppofed that more than four hundred belon
to our fyftem : But it is not really known how
,^reat their number is ; and it is probable that
fome centuries mud roll off before their number
is known. Dr. Herfchel informed me in Odober
1790, tliat four hud made their appearance within

that

.r.

'Cts,

■f

s, are durable

of undergoing

, as will hcre-

e undoubtedly

ition ; for the

^^B

id fome know-

It the Ancients

I^B

re of Comets,

their motions.

^^H

was the firit

nature, philo-

VB^

naries.

>^^B

g the Greeks',

e nothing but

"",. '^9^^R

s ; and from

'^B

through their

appearance jl

re judgments,

, earthquakes,

ices, &c.; and

rat opinion to

' 1

the Learned.

)us, that fome

undred be! oner

f known how

'^»

probable that

their number

ne in Odober

■1

^arance within

that \

HISTORY OF COMETS. %g

that year; but none of them had been vifible to

the naked eye. But though the number of Comets

are fo great, I have not learnt that the periods of

more than three have been determined by allrono-

mical obfervations. The firfl: appeared in i66i,

the fecond in i68o, and the third in 1757. The

period of the firll is 129 years, that of the fecond

^y^^ and that of the third y^ only. It has been

expected that the firft would have been vifible this

year : but I have not heard of its appearing. Dr.

Herfchel docs not fuppofe that either of thofe

difcovered by his telefcope, was the one we have

been looking for.

II. Of the Laws by which Comets are governed.

1. THE comets perform their revolutions round
the fun in certain determinate or appointed times,
like Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, &c.

2. They are moved by a projecTiile force in their
orbits, and a central force towards the fun, like
the planets : hence their motions, in fome mea-
fure, are regular and uniform j and the areas they
defcribe round the fun, are proportioned to the
times of their periods.

3. Their orbits are not right lines, nor circular,
but elliptical or parabolic, much like thofe of the
planets, only they have greater degrees of cxcen.
tricitv.

4. Some of their excentricities are {i:^ very ex-
teiifive, that the fides of uheir elliptic or parabolic
orbits are almofl converted into right lines.

^ 5. Thofe comets that have the greateft excen-
tricities, approach the nearefl to the fun at the

^ 3 times

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

1.0

I.I

1.25

lis Ki III 2.2

1.8

1-4 ill 1.6

Photographic

Sciences

Corporation

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580
(716) 872-4503

\\>

^.^^

iJMi.

!l! !,

,lr

i 1

.' .t

■.;

^ 1

THE AMIiRlCAN ORACLE.

times of iheir perihcllons ; and thofe thJ?t have tlic
lead, are vice 'verfa.

6. The comets and planets arc governed by one
and the fame iaw : hence die fquares of the thnes
they fpend in revolving round the fun, are always
proportionate to the cubes of their greated diftance
from him • hence alfo, the longer their orbits are,
the longer will their revolutions be.

7. The motions of fome comets are direct,
according to the order of the figns of the zodiac ;
but others run retrograde, or contrary to that
order.

8. The planes of the orbits of fome cometx
have not three degrees of elevalion above the
plane of the ecliptic, whillt others have almolt
ninety.

9. Some comets have extreme degrees of light
and heat, when they are at their perihelions ; and
fuch degrees of cold and darknefs, when they are
at their aphelions. ■

10. When they are near the fun, their motions
are very fwift ; but when they are at their greateft
d'f^^ance from him, their motions are remarkably
flow.

11. The comets, like the moon, fliine with a
llfrht reflected from the fun : thev are environed
and compreiled by a large atmofphercj confifling of
fine matter replete with clouds and vapours.

1?.. The head of a comet is the atmofphere
itfelF, in which is a large internal body called
tlie f'urkus ; it (nines v^'ith the borrowed light
that I have but jull mentioned.

13= The

GOVERNMENT OF COMETS.

hSt have tlic

rccs of light
he lions ; ?.nd

1 1.. The tail of a comet generally arifes from the
Nucleus, and is an exhalation in the form of a

fiery beam.

14. The length of the tails of fome comets
have been feventy or eighty millions of miles ; and
iheir breadth or thicknefs, thirty or forty millions
more. Their tails are always turned to the parts
that are oppofite to the fun, becaufe it is natural
for fumes to fly from the heat, like the fmoke from

the fire.

1 5. The m.agnitude of fome comets have been
fuppofcd to be equal to that of the earth ; and the
diameters of their atmofpheres, near twelve times
greater than that which fuvrounds our globe.

16. The extremities of the tails of fome comets
are fo thin and tranfparent, that the fixed ftars
may be feen through them ; but no fuch thing
can be difcovered through thofe parts of their tails
that are near the heads of the comets, by reafon
of the denfity of their parts.

17. The comets are fo very numerous, that
they make the greatefl part of our folar fyftem ;
they may be properly called a fort of planets,
becaufe they revolve round the fun.

18. As the path of a comet appears much like
a great circle of the fphere, it may eafily be deli-
neated upon the furface of a celeftial globe.

19. Ihe velocity of a comet will feem to be lefs
than it really is, if the earth moves the fame w^ay j
but if it moves contrary, it will appear greater^

20. The tails of fome comets, when they are
in the afcending or defcending nodes, m? ■ flrike
acrof the orbit of the earth, and involve this

G 4 globe

I'll

' ! I

1 I

i^m

THE .AMERICAN ORACLE.

globe in them. The dreadful comet of i68o
was, on the • ith of November, found to be not
mo'-e than the femi-diameter of the fun to the
northward of this orbit.

21. The comets have an annual parallax, but
not any of a diurnal kind.

22. They are capable of undergoing prodigious-
degrees of heat. Sir Ifaac Newton demonftrated,
when the comet I have but jufl ri.entioned arrived
at its perihelion, which happened December ii,
i68o, it was as much nearer to the centre of the
fun than the earth was to the fame, as 6 is to
I GOO ; and that the fun's heat on the comet, was
2000 times greater than a red-hot iron. Hence it
is evident, that the comet mud retain its heat a
long time afterwards : for it has been proved, that
a red-hot globe, of the magnitude of our earth,
would fcarcely lofe all its heat in 50,000 years. It
is therefore probable, that the comets carry a part
of their heat to their aphelions, or greateft didances
from the fun.

23. The tails of comets are generated by ihe
heat of the fun, for they have no tails at all until
they come within a certain diflance of that lumi-
nary ; then the exhalations begin to appear, and
they grow longer and longer until the comets have
jult pafled their perihelions : afterwards, the tai^s
grow Taorter and fliorter as the heat decreafes,
and at laft they wholly difappear : — hence it is
manifell, that the nearer they approach to the
fun, the longer will their tails be.

24. It is probable, that in the atmofpheres of
the comets, there may be violent tornados, and

terrible

omet of i68o
unci to be not
lie fun to the

1 parallax, but

ing prodigious

demonftrated,

itioncd arrived

December ii,

2 centre of the
ne, as 6 is to
ic comet, was
•on. Hence it
:taln its heat a
n proved, that

of our earth,
coo years. It
:s carry a part
latefl; di (lances

lerated by ihe
lis at all until
of that lumi-
) appear, and
i comets have
rds, the taifs
2at decreafes,
-hence it is
roach to the

mofpheres of

Drnados, and

terrible

UTILITY OF COMETS. 89

terrible ftorms of thunder, rain, hail, fnow, &c. :
but what damage our earth might receive by being
ftruck by the tail of a comet, is unknown ; only,
. as their motions are very fwift, it is reafonable to
fuppofe that this globe and the comet would both
receive a very great fliock.

III. Of tbe Utility of Comets,

AS to the utility of comets, we may reafonably
fuppofe, that the Supreme Creator made them not
in vain, and that they are ferviceable in redifying
and reftoring the gradual decays of other heavenly
bodies : for, as the comets pafs through our fyllem,
their atmofpheres are fo greatly rarified and ex-
panded by the heat of the fun, that they are Mat-
tered through all the planetary regions ; and being
thus difperfed, inuft be, by the power of gravitation,
attraded into the atmofphere of our earth and the
other planets ; which undoubtedly enriches the
circumambient air, repairs the decays of thofe
globes, au.i promotes the generation and nutrition
of the vegetable and animal produdions ; laying
a foundation for the prefervation of the health,
and prolongation of the lives, not only of the
human race, but of the birds, beafts, and fifties.
Eminent philofophers have fuppoled, that the
mofl fubtile and adive particles of our air, upon
which the life of things chiefly depends, is derived
to us, and fupplied by comets.

It has been obferved, that the dark fpots in the
fun are only parts that have been burnt out ; and
that they are nothing but a dead calx, left without

fire;

Mil

111

11 f

III phi
i

4ii ■

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

fire ; and as thofe fpots have fhined out again with
great fplendour, it has been fuppofed, that, by the
central force of the comets, they are brought nearer
and nearer to the fun in each revolution ; that fome
have already fallen into him, and fupplied that
immenfe body of fire with new fuel ; that from his
being thus renewed and recruited, he has finned
out again with a greater luftre j and that the fpots
that had appeared for a long time before, have
thus fuddenly become invifible*.

The great fixed fi:ars are undoubtedly funs to
other fyllems of planets and comets ; and it has
been fuppofed, that thofe funs do frequently lofe
their brightnefs by the emiilion of light and
vapours ; and that they are rekindled at certain
times, by comets fidling upon them : that by their
being thus renewed, they fuddenly iliine again with
remarkable fplendour ; that from hence they have
been taken for n iw liars, as fuch fiars have often
feemed to appe.ir, and others grow dim and
difappcar.

!ii

* A fpot more than thrice the bJgnefs of this earth, pafTcd
over the fun's centre, April 21, 1766, which I fuppofe waa a
Comet.

ln:i

I fliall

I i

I ■ p

. 'A

out again with
^d, that, by the
brought nearer
tion ; that fome
id fuppHed that
; that from his
he has fliined
d that the fpots
le before, have

ubtedly funs to
3ts ; and it has

frequently lofe
1 of light and
idled at certain

: that by their
[liine again with
bence they have
lars have often
[row dim and

f this eartli, paHld
ich I fuppoie way a

I fliall

Engmx^^cl foTche AMERICAN C)R.U LE

/vr//ie ?rft/it ly /vi'/zf .Arz/rri'/: //iry zr^// jr/t^- /o ^/>v

Ifli :i *i.mm

ll^li

-, !•-, ' ' ' iF

THE author's reflections.

9«

I fhall conclude with the following :

THE Mighty God hath all the fyftems made
Of worlds, and hath a folid bafis laid
On which the univeifal fabric Hands,
Obeying of his great and good commandg.
I have attempted truly to defcribe,
How all the planets and the comets Aide
In wond'rous order, as they all do run.
As they revolve around the fplcndid fun.
The comets' ufe likewife I did relate.
How their expanded air doth circulate
Through all the fyRcm ; how that they may fall,
And be like fuel on Sol's bun-ing ball.
As time rolls off, the ftars (hall fade away,
And the glad face of fun and moon decay :
If not renew'd, — we don't pretend to doubt,
The light in all fuch globes will foon go out.
Heart can't conceive, nor mortal tongue exprefs,
Wliilft we abide in this world's wildernefs,
What wondrous works the Great Supreme hath laid
Within the vaft expanfe which he hath made.
Thus I've the works of the Great God of Might
In part defcrib'd, whofe power is infinite !
Who, from this globe, will all his faints convey
To the bright regions of immortal day !

CHAP.

5 E 4

THE AMERICAN ORACLE*

'I* HI

CHAP. VIII.

■

J Definition (?/* Astrology — rr/;fr^ // Is fuppofcd
was Jirji fiudicd — Uo'w Afirologcrs pretend to tell
future Events, and -where flolcn Goods are con-
veyed — Of Conjurers, Witches, Wizards, Sorcerers^
Necromancers, Dreams, Vifio7is and Apparltiom —
Whether the Devil knows future Events,

STROLOGY is an art whereby its profef.
fors pretend to tell things paft, prefent, and
to come, by the induence of the ftars, their mo-
tions, and afpecls to one another.

It is fiippofed that this art was firfl: fludied in
Kgypt or Babylon, and that from thofc countries
it has been fpread over the face of the globe.

This art confifts of two branches, viz. the aftro-
nomical and the aftrological. The former is the
art of erecting a figure of the firmament, repre-
fenting the lituations of the planets for any given
time, vvith the afpeds they bear to each othe?" ; and
the latter is the art of judging of the events of
things by the figure creeled, as that of the telling
of fortunes, where llokn goods are conveyed to,
&c. But as I acquainted myfelf with every branch
of the art when I was young, and found by my
own experience and obfervation that it is only a

deception

.£.

DEFINITION OF ASTROLOGY,

it isfuppofcd it
pretend to tell
jOoJs are con-
irds, Sorcerersy
' Appnritiom —
cnis»

eby its profef-
:, prefent, and
:\rs, their mo-

firfl fludied in

hofc countries

he globe.

iHz, the ailro-

formcr is the

anient, repre-

for any given

h other ; and

the events of

of the telling

conveyed to,

every branch

found by my

t it is only a

deception

deception as to the telling of future events, I fhall
explode it as an impofition contrived by impoftors
to delude the ignorant, and get away their money
for nothing. It is true, indeed, that an Aflrologer
may chance to guefs right fometimes ; but I am
perfuaded that he cannot tell when any perfon will
be married, how long he will live, nor where
things are fecreted that have been carried off by
thieves.

I therefore advife all Aflrologers who follow the
practice of impofmg upon the ignorant world, to
defifJ- ^' ' t^ jir evil conduft, and all rational people
not o . heir time and money in running
after ' ' -^rs.

As rs, witches, wizards, forcerers,

and necrou , s, it is faid that they ufe magic

or the black art, deal with familiar fpirits, ufe
enchantments, and have their airiRance from the
devil. It is alfo faid, that the necromancers tell
future events, by calling up dead men's ghofts, or
the devil ; and that the witch of Endor raifed up
Samuel in this manner. Many fuppofe that there
are no witches in thefe times : but be that as it
may, it is evident by the Scriptures that there were
witches in old times ; for it is faid in the Mofaical
Law, " Thou llialt not fuffer a witch to live;" and
in the New Tcftament, witchcraft is mentioned in
the catalogue of capital abominations.

As I never acquainted myfelf with magic, I
cannot tell how far the mailers of the art can go
in telling future events ; but one author told me,
fhat he did not believe that there is any devil in

the

i'4

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

the unlverfe : For he faitl, he had been alone in ^
"wildernefs feven days and feven nights, and '\ul
fpoke to no being during that time ; only he linn-
raoned the devil to make his appearance — and as
he did not appear, he con; 'udcd that there is no
fuchfpirit. But, by the famcriile, the author mi(^ht
have conchided that there is no Supreme Bcino- ia
the univerfe, if he had been fumnioned, and had not
appeared.

A dream is the adllon of oar imaginations when
we are afleep ; and there are fome that arc good,
and others that are bad. 1 he good confifl in the
revelation of the will ot the x\hnighty, and the
bad in divers vanities. Vid. Ecckf. v. 7.

A vifion is an apparition, phantafm, or gho{l:
which is the fpirit of a perfon deceafed, and aifo
a divine revelation, by a dream, or an outward
voice.

An apparition is the appearing of a fpirit, ghofl,
or vifion. Hence an angel may be called an appa-
rition ; for the Almighty maketh his angels fpirits,
and his minifters a flame of fire. Vid. IM. i. 7. '

That there were dreams, vifions and apparitions
in ancient times, cannot be doubted by thofe who
believe the facred Scriptures ; for the Almighty
revealed his mind and will to his patriarchs, pro-
phets and apoftles, by fending his angels or fpirits
to them, who fometimes made a vifible appearance,
and deliv./ed their melTagcs by outward voices,
dreams, kc.

The Fcngels that gave Lot warning concerning
thedcilruaicnof SoJciii uki Gomorrah, made an

outward

^gQ

)RACJ-r.

d been alone in a
nights, and ^'ad
e ; only he ilnn-
carance — and as
that there is no
:he cuuhor mi(dit
jprcme Being in,
ned, and had not

aginations when
e that arc good,
od confifl in the
lighty, and the
. V. 7.

ital'm, or ghofl^
eal'ed, and alio
or an outward

»i" a fpirit, ghoft,
I called an appa-
is angels fpirits,
/id. Heb. I. 7.
and apparitions
d by thofe who
the Almighty
patriarchs, pro-
angels or fpirits
ble appearance,
Dutward voices,

ling concerning

jrrah, made an

outward

DEFINITION OF ASTROl OGY.

outWvird appearance, and delivered their mcfTap-e
by an outward voice. Vid. Gt^n. xix. And the
angel that warned Jof^ph to d'=;part into Egypt,
appeared to him in a dream, faying, " Arife! take
the young child and his mother, and flee into
Egypt, &c." Vid. Mm't. ii. 13.

We have alfo a; -.: count in the Scriptures, of
the appearance of feveral perfons after they had
been dead hundreds of years ; for v/hen Chrifl:
was transfigured on the top of a high mountain,
V. .xen his face did fliine as the fun, and his raiment
became as white as the light, Peter, James and
John being prefent, there appeared unto them
Mofes and Elias talking with him. Vid. Matf.
xvii. I, 2, 3. When the angel of the Lord had
liberated Peter from confinement, he went to the
houfe oi' Mary, where thofe that were within, not
believing it was Peter, faid. It is his angel. Vid.
Jcls xii. Hence it is manifefl that ghofls or fpirits
appeared in thofe times, or they would not have
cxprefled themfelves in fuch a manner.

Moreover, we have alfo an account in the Scrip,
tures, of the appearance of evil fpirits ; for when
Micaiah related Jiis vifion concerning the deftruc-
tion of Ahab, he faw 3 lying fpirit, which was the
devil, for he is the father of lies. Read the twenty-
fecond chapter of the Firft of Kings. In the book
of Job it is faid, that there was a day when the
fons of God came to prefent them before the Lord
and Satan came alfo amongft them ; and in the
fourth chapter of Matthew, we have ar. account of
the Devil's coming, to tempt Christ.

From

''ill

"ff THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

From hence it is manlfefl, that both good and
bad Ipirits have appeared in old times ; and as the
power of the Holy One of Ifrael is not limited,
as he is the fame ye(i:erd:iy, to-day, and for ever,
and doth of hh fovereign will and pleafurc in tlu."
armies of heaven above, and amongft the inhabi-
tants of this lower world, he can fend his anu:ei^'
the fpirits of his faints, or thofe in the infernal
regions, to any part of the univerfe, and cauTtj
them to appear to whomfoever he pleafes ; for all
the material and immaterial beings are at his
command, and all are obliged to obey his fovcrci^'n
orders.

Many fuppofe that neither the angelical nor
the diabolical fpirits, nor the ghofts of perfon*
deceafed, are fuffered to appear in the prefent a"-/.;.
However, it is evident by the teflimonies of perfon;,
of the bell credit and reputation, that apparitions
have been feen of late. Of this there have been a
number of recent proofs, two of which I will juft
mention.

A young man who had left his fatlier in the
North of England, and was off many leagues at fea,
being at cards in the cabin, flopped playing all at
once, and gazed with afloniflnnent. The com-
pany afked, what he was gazing at ? and he iiiid
that his father appeared to him. iVftcr his arrival
in Great Britain, he found that his father died at
the inflant that he made his appearance. This I
had from a lady of undoubted veracitv, who was
a near neighbour to the father and the fon.

A woman with whom I was well acquainted,
being on her death- bed, expreifed a great defirc,

•LE.

botli good and
les ; and as the

is not limited,
ly, and for ever,
I pleafure in the
ngft the inhabi-
fend his angels,
in the infernal
irfe, and caure
pleafes ; for all
igs are at hi,s
ey his fovcrci'ni

: angelical nor
oils of perfon*
the prefent age.
onies of perfons
bat apparitions
re have been a
hich I will jull

s father in the
' leagues at fea,
J playing all at
rit. The com-
t ? and he faid
iter his arrival

father died at
ranee. This I
acity, who was
le fon.
eli acquainted,

a great defire,

VISIONS AND APPARITIONS. 97

i'.iil before (he expired, of feeing her only fon, wIuj
was then at fea, and of delivering to him a meifage.
.She mentioned to the by-ftanders what fhe w^anted
lo fay to her fon, and died immediately. She
was in New-England, and her fon near the Weft-
Indies ; and about the tim.e that fhe died, fhe
appeared to him ftanding on the fhrowds of
the velTel, delivered her meffage, walked over
feveral barrels on the deck, then w-ent down the
fide of the vefTel, and appeared to be floating on
the water fome time, and then funk. The youno-
man fet down the day and the hour that fhe
appeared, and alfo the w^ords flie had fpoken. He
fuppofed that what he had feen was a token of his
mother's death ; and, on his arrival home, found
that fhe died at the time fhe appeared to him, and
that the words that he had written correfponded
<?xaaiy with thofe delivered to the by-ftanders.
He went to fea afterwards, and wiis drowned. Per-
haps her appearing to him in that manner, was a
iorerunnei , not only of her own, but of his death. ^^
Apparitions may be feen by fome, and not by
others, which is evident by the company's not fee-
ing the man that appeared to his fon in the cabin ;
but though every one is not permitted to fee them.
It is no proof that they do not appear at all. Many
that have retained the opinion for a long time
that there are no fuch appearances, have afterwards
been ccnvinced of their error by feeing fuch things
themfelves.

Thofe that deny that the fpirits of the invifible
world have Ibmetimes made their appearance, mufl
affirm that the writings of the holy patriarchs,

H prophets

%'mif

pi] ' !'t|f'

98 THE AMERICAN ORACLE,

prophets and apoflles, and the te/limonies of many
good men and women, are all falfehoods, and that
the Almighty is an imperfed being, that it is not
in his power to caufe fuch appearances ; but fuch
an opinion muft be very abfurd and ridiculous.

Befides the appearance of good angels, the
fpirits of feme that have been dead, and Satan
himfelf, we have an account in the Scriptures, of
the appearance of the Almighty ; for he appeared
to Adam and Eve, to Cain, to Noah, and to others
in the antediluvian world, and to Mofes and others
fmce the flood.

Although I am far from being timorous or
foperftitious, and believe people are often affrighted
and think they fee apparitions when they do not,
yet I am convinced that they do fometimes appear,
not only from the writings of the Scriptures, and
the teftimcvnies of perfons of good repute, but
from my own experience and obfervation, having
feen not lefs than five in the day-time, and when I
■was not thinking of any fuch things, nor the leafl:
affrighted till they all vaniflied ; exc pting one,
which I knew to be an apparition as foon as I faw
It, becaufe it was in the form of a coffin, and proved
ominous of the death of a near relation : three of
the others were in the forms of men, and the other
in the form of a woman. I have alfo heard noifes,
which, together with the apparitions, I elleemed to
be forerunners of the deaths of certain perfons.

I have often been afked, whether 1 believed that
the Devil knows future events ? and my anfwer
has been, that it is probable that he does ; for when
he tempted Adam and Eve iu Paradife, he faid,

« For

iCLE.

limonies of many
fehoods, and that
ing, that it is not
ances ; but fuch
d ridiculous,
ood angels, the
dead, and Satan
le Scriptures, of
for he appeared
ih, and to others
VIofes and others

ng timorous or
; often affrighted
:n they do not,
metimes appear.
Scriptures, and
od repute, but
Tvation, having
me, and when I
js, nor theleafl:
excepting one,
as foon as I faw
•ffin, and proved
ation : three of
1, and the other
Ifo heard noifes,
s, I efteemed to
ain perfons.
• 1 believed that
id my anfwer
does J for when
•adife, he faid^
« For

OF THE DEVIL S KNOVl^LEDGE. ^^

" For God doth know, that in the day ye eat
thereof, then your e;, js (hall be opened, and ye
Ihall be as gods, knowing good and evil." Vid.
Gen. iii. 5. ; which proved true according to the
Almighty's own words, viz. " And the Lord
God faid. Behold ! the man is become as one of
us, to know good and evil.'* Gen. iii. 22.

When the witch of Endor had raifed up
Samuel, or the Devil in his fhape, a true account
was given of the things that happened afterwards.
From hence we may conclude, that the Devil
knows future events, though perhaps not every
thing that is to happen.

To conclude, I do not fee any thing in natural
philofophy that is repugnant to my hypothefis
concerning apparitions ; and I believe it is in the
power of the Great Governor of the Univerfe, to
caufe them to appear to the fons and daughters of
men, and to reveal his mind and will to his chil-
dren by his own Spirit, or by the fpirits of his
iaijits or angels.

H 2

CHAP.

JOO

THE AMERICAN ORACLE*

c: H A p. IX.

A Definition of Atheism, Superstition, and
Idolatry — Of the four Religions — The Chrif-
iians divided into different Se6laries — Partiality
reigns too much among them — The Articles, of the
Mahometan Religion—When the Pagan commenced
— The Heathen Gods and Goddcffes,

ATHEISM is the denying or difbelieving
the Being of a God.
Superftition is an introduftion of needlefs cere-
monies into the modes of worfhip ; the adding of
things not required by the Great Governor of the
Univerfe ; a falfe and midaken devotion.

Idolatry is the worfliipping of the fun, moon,
and flars ; the birds, hearts and fifhes j and images
made by the hands of men, &c.

Some have fuppofed that there are no Atheifls
in the world; others fay, that Atheifm rather
prevails in fome parts : But be this as it may,
there is a plenty of Superflition and Idolatry in
many places, and I am forry that Superflition
reigns too much in Chriftcndom.

There are but four Religions in the world, the
Jewifli, Chriftian, Mahometan, and Pagan.

The Jews adhere to the ]\Iof;:ical law : The
Chriflians, to the dodrine of ChriR and his apodles:

The

OI- THE DIFFERENT SECTARIES.

lOI

^STITION, am/
ns^T/jc Cbrif.
'ies —Partiality
Articles, of the
igan commenced

ir difbelievi

ncedlefs cere-
the adding of

vernor of the

tion.

e fun, moon,

3 J and images

■e no Atheifls
theifni rather
is as it may,
d Idolatry in
t Superftitioii

le world, the
Pagan.

I law: The

,d his apoflles:

The

The Mahometans, to the tenets of Mahomet ; and
the Pagans worfhip different kinds of idols.

The Chriltians are divided into a great number

of Seftaries, as Roman Catholics, Lutherans,

Prefbyterians, Baptifts, Quakers, Methodifls,

Moravians, Sandcmanians, Arians, Socinians, Ar-

minians, Univerfalifls, &c. many of which are too

uncharitable to thofe not of their own perfuafion.

I was even taught myfelf, when I was young, that

if I afTembled with any fed to perforin religious

worlliip befides the one I was brought up with, I

went on to the devil's ground, Howeve/, I foon

foribok that fupcrflitious notion, when I came to

confider that the earth is the Lord's, the fulnefs

thereof, the world, and they that dwell therein ;

and that the poor Devil has not one foot of land

on the globe, although he offered to give all the

kingdoms of the world to Chrid, if he would fall

down and worihip him.

The Mahometan religion commenced about 623
years after the birth of Chrift.
The articles of the religion are :

1. That there is but one God.

2. That Mahomet WaS fent by God,

3. The obfervation of purifications.

4. The praying at appointed times.

5. The giving of alms.

6. The fafling in the month Ramezan.

7. The going once in pilgrimage to Mecca.

8. The abftaining from fpirituous liquor and

gaming.

9. A man may marry four wives, and may

keep concubines.

^ 3 10. Every

'■ i

.1,! 1=

■ii#:f(li:

102

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

lo. Every male flave whoprofefTes this religion
fhall have his freedom : But as it is fuppofed that
the vi^omen have no fouls, it is immaterial what
perfuafion they are of.

According to Chronology, the Pagan religion
was firft introduced by Ninus king of Aflyria,
2084 years before Chrift. The gods of the Hea-
thenifh nations have been very numerous ; and
fome V^ere called mafculine, and fome feminine, as
will appear by the following catalogue, viz.

Abeona, the goddefs f voyages j Adraflea,
goddeifes of Nemefis and Fortuna ; JEgeria, a
beautiful nymph worfhipped by the Romans, and
much by their ladies; iEolus, the god of the
winds ; iEfculanus, god of riches, worfhipped by
the Romans; iEfcuIapius, god of pbyfic; Agt-
noria, the goddefs ofinduftry ; Anatis, the goddefs
of proftitution among the Arminians ; Angerona,
the goddefs of filence; Anteverta, the goddefs of
women in labour; Apollo, the god of mufic,
poetry, and the fciences ; Argentinus, the god of
wealth; Ate, the goddefs of revenge; Averrun-
cus, a god of the Romans, fuppofed to keep off
and remove evils and misfortunes ; Aurora, god-
defs of the morning, and mother of the ftars and
winds ; Autumnus, the god of fruits.— Baal, an
Affyrian god ; Bacchus, the god of wine ; Bapta,
the goddefs of Ihame; Bellona, the goddefs of
war ; Britomartis, a Cretan goddefs ; Bubona,
the goddefs of oxen.— Cabrus, a god to whom
fait M\ was offered in flicrifice; Camsena and
Carna, goddeifes of infants ; Canopus, an Egyptian
god; Cardu, an houfehold podd^fs ; Tardna. n

Romifh

mi. t

.CLE.

es this religioa
s fuppofed that
imaterial what

Pagan religion
g of Aflyria,
Is of the Hea-
imerous ; and
le feminine, as
ue, viz.
zs J Adraflea,
L ; JEgeria, a
Romans, and
! god of the
vvorfhipped by
pbyfic; Age-
is, the goddefs
; Angcrona,
he goddefs of
od of mufic,
us, the god of
^e; Averrun-
. to keep off
Aurora, god-
the ftars and
:s. — Baal, an
fine ; Bapta,
e goddefs of
fs ; Bubona,
od to whom
^amsena and
an Egyptian
: Cardua- a
Romifh

HEATHEN GODS AND GODDESSES.

103

Romifh goddefs, fuppofed to prefide over the vital
parts of mankind ; Catius, a tutelar god to grown
perfons; Ceres, the goddefs of agriculture; Cerus,
the god of opportunity ; Coelum, the mofl ancient
of the heathen gods ; Collina, the goddefs - f the
hills ; Comus, the goddefs of laughter and jollity ;
Concordia, the goddefs of peace among the
Romans ; Cunia, a goddefs of new-born infants j
Cupid, the fon of Mars and Venus, and god of
love, fmiles, &c. — Dagon, a god worlhipped in
Canaan ; Dercete, a goddefs j Deverra, a goddefs
of breeding women ; Diana Lucina, a goddefs
of Women in labour ; Difcordia, the goddefs of
contention ; Domiducus and Domitius, two nup-
tial gods J Dryades, nymphs or gods of the woods,
— Educa, a goddefs of new-born infants j Egeria,
a goddefs. — Fabula, the goddefs of lies ; Fabulinus,
a god of infants ; Fama, the goddefs of report ;
Februa, a goddefs of purification ; Felicitas, the
goddefs of happinefs ; Feronia, the goddefs of the
woods ; FelTonia, a goddefs of wearied perfons ;
Fidius, a goddefs of treaties ; Flora, the goddefs of
flowers and of corn ; Fluviales or Potamides, god-
deifes of rivers : Fornax, a goddefs of com and
bakers ; Fortuna, the goddefs of happinefs and
mifery, faid to be blind. — Gelafinus, the god of
myrth and fmiles. — Harpocrates, the god of filence;
Hebe, goddefs of youth ; Hippona, the goddefs
of horfes and ftables; Hoftilina, a goddefs of
corn ; Hyale, a beautiful goddefs of the woods,
and one of Diana's conftant attendants ; Hygia,
a goddefs of health ; Hymen, the god of marriage.

•—Janus, a pod of new-hnrn infnnfc • lntf'rr\Ar,rio

H 4 a goddef*

i::

;KHfl

" !

4 1 '■ li'

104

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

a goddefs of breeding women; Jugatinus and
Jupiter, perfeclus, nuotial gods ; ^ Juno, the
daughter of Saturn and Ops, fi/ter and wife of
Jupiter, great queen of heaven, and goddefs of
marriages and births ; Jupiter, the fon of SaLurii
and Ops, and fuprenie deity of the Pagan world;
Juventa, a goddefs of youths.— I.adura or I.adu'
cina, a goddefs of corn ; Lares, the fons of Mer-
cury and Lara, worfhipped as houfehold gods;
Lateranus, a houfehold god ; Laverna, a goddefs
of thieves ; Lemoniades, goddeffes of meadows ;
Levana, a goddefs of new-born infonts ; Libitina'
the goddefs of funerals; Limnades, goddefs of lakes
and ponds ; Lubentia, the goddefs of pleafure,--
Manageneta, a goddefs of x^'omen in labour ; Man-
tura, a goddefs of corn ; Manturna, Matuta, and
Mena, nuptial goddeifes ; Mars, the god of war -
Meditrina, a goddefs of grown perfons ; Melicerta'
a feagod ; Mellona, the goddefs of honey ; Mercurv
the fon of Jupiter and Maia, mellenger of the ',od '
inventor ol letters, the god of eloquence, mcrchan-*
dize, and robbers; Minerva, the goddefs of wifdom
arts, and war, Sec. ; Mnemofyne, the goddefs of
the memory; Momus, god of raillery ; Morpheus,
the god of dreams; Mors, the daughter of nidit
and fleep, and goddefs of death ; Muatta, or Mutu
the goddefs of filcnce.-N.i=nia, the goddefs cf
funeral fongs ; Naiades, ^..Udefles of rivers and
fountams ; Napa. ,e, goddeffes of groves and valiies ;
Kutio and Nudina, goddefles of infants; Nea^ra,
a godde.s loved by Apollo ; Nemefis, or Adraft^a
the goddefs of revenge ; Neptune, the god of

the

CLE.

Jugatinus and
Is ; Juno, the
ter and wife of
and goddefs of
e fon of 8aLiini
e Pagan world ;
i<^l:ura or Ladii-
he fons of Mer-
oufehold gods ;
L-rna, a goddefs
s of meadows ;
•ants ; Libitina,
goddefs of lakes
' of pleafure, — ■
I labour; Man-
i, Matuta, and
le god of war ;
)ns; JMelicerta,
3ncy ; Mercury,
5cr of the god. ,
snce, merchan-
dcfs of wifdom,
the goddefs of
ry ; Morpheus,
ghter of niglit
latta, or Muta,
he goddefs cf
of rivers and
es and vallies ;
ants; Neaira,
, or AdraftiEa,
, the god of
the

HEATHEN GODS AND GODDESSES.

105

the fea ; Nereides, fea-goddeifes ; Nox, the mofl
ancient of all the Heathen gods ; Numeria, a god-
defs of grown perfons ; Nyftimenc, a goddefs of
Theflaly. — Occator, a god of harrowing ; Ocea-
nus, a very old fea god ; Orbona, a goddefs of
grown perfons ; Orcades, the nymphs of moun-
tains ; Ofiris, an idol worfliipped by the Egyp-
tians, under the form of an ox. — Pales, the goddefs
of fliepherds ; Pan, a god of the fliepherds ; Par-
tunda, a nuptial god ; Patelina, a goddefs of corn ;
Paventia and Polina, goddelTes of infants ; Pello-
nia, a goddefs of grown perfons ; Penates, fmall '
flatues, or houfehold gods ; Phscafiani, ancient
gods of Greece ; Phorcus, a fea god, who could
take any form; Picumnus, a rural god ; Pilum-
nus, a god of corn and breeding women ; Pitho,
a goddefs of eloquence; Pluto, th^i god of Hell ;
Piutus, god of riches, the blind, lame, and timo-
rous ; Pomona, the goddefs of fruits and autumn;
Priapus, god of gardens and debauchery; Pro-
pa^tides, godde(fes in Cyprus ; Profa or Porrima,
a goddefs of women in labour; Pfyche, the god-
defs of pleafure.— Quics, the goddefs of grown
perfons.--Robigus, :\ god of corn ; Rumina, a
goddefs of new born inlUnts ; Runcina, the god-
defs of weeding ; Rucina, a rural deity.— -Salus,
the goddefs of health ; Sancus, a god of the Sa-
bnies ; Sator and Sarritor, rural gods ; Seia and
Segetia, goddeffes of corn ; Senta, a goddefs of
married women ; Somnus, the god of fleep ; Stata,
a goddefs of grown perfons ; Statanus and Scntia,
deities of infants ; Stercutus, or Sterquilinus, the
god of dung ; Stimula and Strenua, godde.^es

,1,,,:..

to6

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

of grown perfons ; Suada, a nuptial goddeft ;
Sylvanus, a god of woods and forefls ; Syrinx, a
nymph of Arcadia. — Tacita, a goddefs of filence ;
Tantalus, nymph of Plota j Tereus, the nymph
Biftonis ; Terminus, the god of boundaries j
Terror, the god of dread and fear ; Themis, the
daughter of heaven and earth, and goddefs of
juftice ; Thetis, the goddefs of the fea ; Tutelina,
a goddefs of corn.—Vacuna, the goddefs of idle
peribns ; Vagitanus, a god of little infants ; Val-
lonia, a goddefs of vallies ; Venus, the goddefs
of love, beauty, and marriage; Vertumnus, god
of the fpring ; Vefta, a goddefs of fire ; Viales,
deities of highways ; Vibilia, a goddefs of wander-
ers; Virgincnfis and Viriplaca, nuptial goddefi'es ;
Vitula, the goddefs of mirth ; Volumna, Volum-
nus, and Volupia, deities of grown perfons;
Volufia, a goddefs of corn ; Vulcan, the god ol'
fubterraneous fires.

Thus numerous were the idols of the Heathens ;
and befides thofe I have mentioned, fome wor-
shipped the Thunder and Lightning, with many
other things too numerous to mention.

C II A P.

"'"fe

LE.

ptial goddefj? j
efls ; Syrinx, a
Jefs of filcnce ;
s, the nymph
f boundaries j
; Themis, the
nd goddefs of
fea; Tutelina,
oddefs of idle

infants ; Val-
, the goddefs
rtumnus, god

fire ; Viales,
fs of wander-
ial goddcfi'es ;
inna, Volum-
wn perfons ;
, the god of

ic Heathens ;
I, fome wor-
:, with many

XXIST£NCE OF THE SUPREMIT BEING. lOj

C II A P.

CHAP.

The Woj-ks of the Vifible Creation demonftrate th§

Exijicnce of a Supreme Being — From whenct

Supcrfiition and Idolatry fprang- — Atheifitcal^

Siiperfiitioia, and Idolatrous People exhorted to

fludy Phihfophy,

THAT there Is a Supreme Being of infiniis
wifdom and pozuer, that created, u'pholds,
preferves and governs the univerfe, is evident
by the fyftems of worlds, the revolutions and
rotations of the heavenly bodies, and the contents
of our terraqueous globe ; for all demonftrate his
exiftence, omnipotence, omnifcience, and omni-
prefence ; who is juftly named the King Eternal,
Immortal, and Invifible, as he is King of kings,
and Lord of lords, rules over all, is from ever-
lafting to everlafting, the fame yefterday, '■o-day,
and for ever.

This infinite and incomprehenfible Fountain of
life and motion is an Invifible Spirit : hence the
idolatrous nations have become fo vain in their
imaginations, that th.y have taken the Works of
the Creator, for the Creator himfelf ; have paid
adoration to the fun, moon and ftars ; birds,
beafts, and fifhes ; and to dumb idols, made of
gold, filver, wood, and ftone, which can neither

hear.

loS

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

Vli

■

hear, (ct, feel, nor ^vaIk, as they are void of
lenle, life, and motion. 'I'hus have the Heathens
changed the truth of God into a lie, and worfliin.
ped and fervcd the creature more than the Creator
who is bleffed for ever. Amen ! '

Sefides this vanity of worHiipping the works of
the Almighty Hidead of him felf, another hi-s pre-
vailed in places where the knowledge of the true
God has in feme meafure been made known It
IS an mtrodudion of a great mafs of formality
fuperftition, ceremonies and orders into the mode.'
ot worfhip, which are entirely iiecdlefs. This h'ls
been a great^ burden to the people, has tended in
keep them in vaffalage and flavery, and to make
them have erroneous notions concerning God and
the things of Religion. Thefe impofitions were
undoubtedly contrived by defignine men to
aggrandize themfelves with worldly honours' and
profits.

^ I befcech all (Iiat arc- or may be of an athciflic^'l
fuperftuious, or an idolatrous principle, to au4
I. !^.;!o, phy, vvh.cb is the mother of all eood arts
■as It will teach them that there is a Crea'tor, n,akc'
them happy in this prefetit life, at.d ripen them lor
glory m a future (late. Aequaint yourfelves, there-
fore, wuh th,s divine fcienee. Survey the heavens
and earth ; contemplate upon the .wonderful w orks
o. the vfible creation ; trace their plu«iomena, and
mvf.ft ,gate their laws ; and you will muiouhtedlv be
convinced, that there is a S„fre,„e Being of infinite
^vifdom and power, that created, upholds, and
governs the univerfe. View the fyftems of worlds •
and confider of the ditonces, magnitudes, orders^

and

\CLE.

they are void ot
lavc the Heathens
lie, and wor/liip.
than the Creator,

ing the works of
another has pre-
^^^t of the true
lade known. Jt
ifs of formality,
s into the niode.s
diefs. This has
o has tended to
y, and to make
erning God and
mpofitions were
ning men, to
ly honours and

)f anatheiflical,
iciplc, to fludy
'" all good arts,
Creator, make
ripen them for
'urfelves, there-
ey the heavens
Dnderful u orks
ictnomena, and
inuoLibtcdly be
'cing of infinite
upholds, and
ems of worlds;
tudes, orders,
, and

EXHORTATION TO STUDY PHILOSOPHY. log

and motions of the heavenly bodies : — the periods
of comets ; the revolutions and rotations of the
prinnry and lecondary planets ; their diredions,
Itations, rcrrogradations, nodes, excentricities,
aphcli(;tv:, perihelions, heliocentric and geocentric
longitudes and latitudes ; right afcenficns, decli-
nations, amplitudes, altitudes, femi-diurnal and
femi-nodurnal arcs ; rifmgs,* fouthings, fetlings,
afpeds, conjundlions, oppof tions, quadra ^s ;
eclipfes, tranfits, and occultations:— the quantities,
durations, reft and affedions of the folar and
lunar obfervations ; the magnitudes of the appa-
rent diameters of the luminaries: — the courfe of
the penumbras ; the obumbration of the terreftrial
difr, and of the lunar rays ; the rotation of the
fun upon its axis :^the annual revolution and
diurnal motion of the earth ; its journey through
the figns of the zodiac : the equinoxes andfolftices;
fpring, fummer, autumn, winter, day and iiight :
—the diverfitles of colours, velocity of the rays of
light, expulfion of darknefs, ^ eneration of heat,
difperfion of cold : —the moon's attradion upon
the waters, at the times of her apoge n and
perigeon i—the fpring and the neap tides j the
ebbing and flowing of the fea, kc.

View the vv^onderful formation and contents of
the terraqueous globe ; its compofition of earth,
air, fire and water ; its rocks, mines and mine-
rals ; vegetable and animal produdions of trees,
plants and herbs ; birds, beafts and filhes ; men,
women and children; kingdoms, towns and
cities ; and the different complexions, languages,

religions,

THE AMERICAN ORACLX.

\i ;

^ ' %'■

1 '?'I1

i f^

1 "'J''- ■,

M^M:'

, 1 !

!' ■

„f

1 fi:i

1
1

Srra

religions, cufloms, manners, forms of j^overn-
ment, and fyftems of laws among the nations.

Behold the wondrous atmofphere, that envi-
Tons and compreifes the globe I — Confider of its
claftic powers and mutations ; of its expanfion and
elevation by heat, and condenfation and deprellion
by cold :— its different currents and motions ; as
hurricanes, tornados, trade winds, monfoons, gales,
breezes, whirlwinds, &c. — how replete it is with
clouds and vapours, from which are generated the
rain, hail, fnow, froft, dew, mift, fog, &c. — of
the caufe of the rainbow, mock funs, meteors,
northern. lights*, and other phirnomena : — of thc-
' roaring of the winds, raging of the feas, and erup-
tions of burning volcanos : — of the various prodi-
gies and judgments that are frequent in the world;
fuch as, thunders, lightnings, earthquakes, inun-
dations, wars, famines, peftilences, &c.

When you have taken an accurate furvey, and
ferioufly contemplated upon thefe objefts, you mull:
be convinced, that thofe things could not be formed,
put in motion, and conduced in fuch a regular
order and manner, without a primary canfe^ or a
Divine Artificer, endowed with infinite power,
wifdom and ^ill. " For the invifible things of
him from the creation of the world are clearly
feen, being underftood by the things that are
made, even his eternal power and godhead. The
heavens declare the glory of God, and the firma-
inent flieweth his handiwork."

Befides the great benefits you will receive from
the Iludy of Philofophy, in being led into the know-
ledge

.CLE.

>rms of (^overn-
y the nations,
here, that envi-
-Confider of its
ts expanfion and
•n and deprellion
nd motions ; as
monfoons, gales,
epiete it is with
re generated the
ft, fog, &:c. — of
: funs, meteors,
)niena : — of the
e feas, and erup-
e various prodi-
mt in the world;
thquakes, inun-
-S, &c.

*ate furvey, and
>bje(5ls, you mu(l:
d not be formed,

fuch a regular
lary caufe, or a

infinite power,
ifible things of
'orld are clearly
things that are
godhead. The

and the firma-

111 receive from
1 into the know-
ledge

EXHORTATION TO STUDY PHILOSOPHY. Ill

ledge of the Creator ; it will teach you the nature'
and utility of the liberal and mechanical arts and
fciences, viz. grammar, rhetoric, logic, mufic
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, aftro-
nomy, navigation, furveying, agriculture, trade,
commerce, mechanics, architecture, manufactures,
magnetifm, botany, chymiftry, pharmacy, anatomy,
phyfic, furgery, hydroflatics, pneumatics, optics,
electricity, he. All the difcoveries and improve-
ments in thefe things owe their origin to Philofo-
phy, which is the very bafis of your happinefs,
eafe and comfort. Without this knowledge, the
world would be filled with violence, and its inha-
bitants brought into a deplorable condition.

Wherever this excellent fcience has fhone out m
its meridian fplendour, the clouds of darknefs and
ignorance, that overfpread the minds of many,
have been difpelJed. Hence atheifm, fuperftition,
and idolatry, have been deftroyed : the craft of
falfe priefts, witches, wizards, necromancers, con-
jurers, aftrologers, and all thofe kinds of locufts
difcovered, and the deluded people freed from the
burden of their impofitions. The knowledge of
the true God has thus been made known ; the idols
of the Heathen deftroyed, the true religion difco-
vered, proper aodes of worfhip eftablifhed, and
the way to heaven and happinefs made plain. In
a word, Philofophy is not only the fource and
foundation of abundant ufefulnefs. but of abundant
profit and pleafure. It is the noblefl fcience m
which the human mind can poffibly be engaged j
a deliuhtiul ftudy, attended with the moft bene!

ficial

,. '; 1

.1'!

THE AMIiRICAN ORACI.E.

ficial confequences to the Inhabitants of the work?.
It teaches us to fear the Lord, which is the be-
ginning of wifdom ; and to depart away from ini-
quity, which is a good underilanding.

By the cultivation of this divine fcicnce, the
Aftronomer is enabled to meafure the diftances,
determine the magnitudes, calculate the motions,
and point out the places of the heavenly bodies :
the Geometrician, to determine the boundaries of
continents, empires, kingdoms and ftates : the
Navigator, to condud his velfel, and meafure his
voyage to the remote parts of the globe : the Phy-
'fician, to prefcribe proper remedies, and cure dif-
eafes : the Apothecary, to prepare and compound
natural and artificial fubftances for medicinal pur-
pofes : the Divine, to preach orthodox fermons ;
?ind the Lawyer, to conducl, according to the direc-
tion of the fbrutes, laws and ordinances of the
country or place in which he refidcs. In fme, it
enables every one, let his profcflion be liberal or
mechanical, to tranlact bufmcfs in the moll accu-
rate, eafy, and advantageous manner.

Furthermore, I bcfecch you to take a further
furvey of the works of the Divine Artificer^ that
appear in the vifible creation. Confider of the
generation, formation, nutrition, growth and pre-
fervation of all the different kinds of vegetables
and animals :— of the wondrous conftrudion of
the human frame ; which is compounded of folids
and fluids, confiding of bones, cartilages, liga-
ments, fibres, membranes, mufcles, glands, tendons,
arteries, veins, nerves, teguments, teeth, nails, &c.

—of

i/'l

s of the worlt^.
ich is the be-
iway from ini-

e fcicnce, the

the diftances,

: the motions,

Lvenlv bodies :

boundaries of

J dates : the

id meafiire his

)be : the Phy-

and cure dif-

md compound

iiedicinal pur-

dox fermons ;

ig to the direc-

tiances of the

. In fine, it

be liberal or

^e mofl accu-

take a further
Artificer y that
infider of the
Dwth and pre-
of vegetables
)n(lru6l:ion of
nded of folids
rtilages, liga-
mds, tendons,
;th, nails, he.
—of

EXHORTAtlON TO STUDY PHILOSOPHY. IIJ

-—of the chyle, blood, bile, faliva^ tears, jierfpi-
ration, pancreatic juice, mucous milk, fabaceous
humour, cerum, gummi occuli, amygdalie, gaf-
tric fluid, lympha, phlegm, fpiritus animalis, &c. —
of the vital, natural, and animal functions : the
action of the heart, lungs, and arteries ; and of the
folids and fluids upon each other : the mandu-
cation of food, and the deglutition and digeftion
thereof, for the nt)urifliment of the body : its
mufcular motions and voluntary aftions, which
conftitute the.fenfe of feeing, hearing, feeling,
fmelling, tailing, perceiving, reafoning, imagining,
remembering, and judging ; with all the affections
of the mind. Confider, I fay, feriouHy upon all
thefe things, and you will undoubtedly be con-
vinced that they did not come by chance : you will
know that you are fearfully and wonderfully made ;
that there is a primary caufe, a Divine Archited,
who is the Former of your bodies, the Father of
your fpirits, the God in whom you live, move, and
have your being : — you will no longer be like the
fool, that hath faid in his hearty there is no God,
nor like thofe that follow fuperflition and idolatry j
but be fenfible that there is an infinite and an
incomprehenftble Fountain of life and motion, by
■v\ hom all things were created, both in heaven and
earth, whether they be vifible or invifible to us
in this mortal flate ; who requires no worfhip, but
that which is performed in fpirit and truth : — your
minds will be exalted, your faculties enlarged,
your ideas raifed, your underflandings illuminated;
and you will join with the faints in celebrating

I th«

n, ,

f;.:

" '

■

ll/l

r' i ' " .,1 : !, ' '■

''>:

liii

■' ''1 ': 1

114

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

the praifes of Him, who is the only proper
objea of religious adoration and worjhip ; faying,
" Great and marvelJous are thy works, Lor/i God
Almighty ! juft and true are thy ways, thou Kin^j^
of Saints! Who ihali not fear thee, Lord! and
glorify thy name?"

■\

c a A p.

CLE.

le only proper
worjhip', faying,
orks, Lord God
ays, thou King
'j Lord! and

IIEI'INITION OF OPPRESSION, &C.

115

C 11 A P.

XI.

C II A P.

A Definition of OpprcJIion^ Tyranny^ Sedition, Trea-
Jon, Rebellion, and Ferfecution. — The evil Effects
of thofe Abominations,

^PPRESSION is the laying of fuch heavy
burthens upon the people, that they are
unable to bear; and the crufhing of them, by
authority and violence. Thus Pharaoh oppreffed
the children of Ifrael, by putting ihem under tafk-
niafters, and requiring brick without draw.

Tyranny confifts \n a cruel, violent, and unjufl:
government. It is the abule of royal power, by
depriving the peoi)le of their religious and civil
rights, by cruelty and injuftice.

Sedition is the exciting of mutinies, 0-rifes,
contentions, divifions, animofities, infurredions,
mobs and riots.

Treafon confifts in attempting to kill a king,
queen, or a prince; a levying of war againfl them,
adhering to their enemies ; the coining of bad
money, and the counterfeiting of a king's great
privy-feal. Thefe things are called High Treafon.

Petty Treafon confifts in a fervant's killing
his mafter ; a woman, her hufband; a fecular or
religious man, his prelate or fupe^ior, to whom
he owes faith and obedience.

1 ^ Rebellion

liil

ii6

THE AMERICAN ORACI..^.

i ;'

' JHil

f.i

ih:

^ Rebellion is a wilful breaking of the laws, by
difobeynig the commands of the Almighty, or
the good and wholefonie laws of the land ; a
revolting from the governmcm of a king, and' the
rifing up in arms againft a fovereign.

Perfecmion is an unjult or violent depriving of
people^ of their civil and teligious liberties, by
icourgmg, fines, imprifoninents, banilhment the
confilcation of property, death, &c. '

All thefe abominations ought to be fuppreffed
wherever they do ot; may exid ; beeattfc they tenj
to deJlroy the fehc.ty of ntankind, and make- then,
miferable. Wherever oppreflion and tyranny rei-^r^s
the progrefs of the cultivation and hnproventcnt'
oftheartsandfaeneesis impeded, the kingdon,
or ftate ,s weakened, and poverty and diftref;
muft mevttably enfue. Sedition, treafon, rebel:
ion anc perfecutlon, are all productive of the
f^rne calanut.es, lor they involve the people in
vallalage and flavcrv. ' ^

-A rebel muft be a horrid monfter, for he mull

ln-eakh,soat,>ofallegia,.ce,ande:xF.feh;,:u-

o a vartety o per Is .,nd dangers : he has no

reft day nor mght, for he is continually afraid of

^e;:f.t:fi,;:ii:r"T-^™^^^^^

' 7. " ^^^ Uiccecds in his attempts to dc-
one a ktng or a prince, or to rutt' off with

"■' ''""""^ '^^« ; and thole that have been in
oppofitton to his evil conduft, are perSed
becaufe they could nnf in ;• • penecutea,

multitude to do v^l T T'' '"""^ '^'^

° "^^ ^''^' ^^'is not rebellion been the

caufe

:l3.

)f the laws, by
; Almighty, or
f the land ; a
1 king, and the
;n.

U depriving of
s liberties, by
anifhment, the

•

' be fupprciTed,
caufe they tend
and make them
tyranny reigns,
i improvement
, the kingdom
y and didrel^i
treafon, rebel-
udive of the
the people iu

•, for he miifl:
:xpjfe himfcif
5 : he has no
lally afraid of
idign punifii-
tempts to dc-
run off with
a part of it,
a facrifice to
lave been in
e perfeeuted,
:e follow the
lion been the
caufe

ON. REBELLION.

<i7

caufe of all the caknnltles that have happened in
the univcrfe? — Was it not a rebellion that caft the
fallen angels out of Heaven, and cauled them to
be referved in chains under darknefs, until the
dreadful coming of the great day ? — Vv^as it not a
rebellion that call Adam and Eve out of Paradife,
and expofed them to all the miferics of this life,
and that which is to come ? — Was it not a rebel-
lion that made Cain a fugitive and a vagabond in
the earth ? — Was it not a rebellion that caufed the
antideluvian world to be filled with violence, and
brought the deluge which fwept off all excepting
Noah and his family, who were loyal fubjedts ?—
Was it not a rebellion that brought that fhower
of fire and brimdone upon Sodom and Gomorrah,
which deftroyed thofe cities ? and in a word, has
not rebellion been the caufe of all the calamities
that have befel the human race fmce the creation
of man ?

A rebel is a tranfgreffor of the laws : therefore,
all oppreffors, all tyrants, all evil feducers, all
traitors, and all perfecutors, are rebels j becaufe
their condudt is repugnant to the commands of
the Great Governor of the univerfe.

The conduft of a rebel is not like a rational
creature, but like a roaring lion, tearing tiger,
devouring wolf, and a raging bear ; violence and
oppreffion, carnage and defolation, poverty and
diltrefs, vaffalage and llavery, are the things which
he promotes. He carries on his abominations
under a cloak of religion and liberty, difturbs
people in their bufmefs, robs them of their pro^
perty, and takes away the lives of the innocent.

1 3 He

xi8

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

:!|

N I;

" -i

He is a curfe upon earth, a judgment to the hu-
man race, and a child of the devil. Hence in-
dignation and wrath, tribulation and anguifli,
will be the reward of i'uch workers of iniquity.

Let all rational people remember, that rebellion
IS an abominable fin ; that it is pregnant with
every evil work, and that it is like the fm of
witchcraft ; that it brings a train of judgments
upon the human race, dellroys the public tran-
quillity, and makes mankind miferable. Let them
have no correfpondence with thofc diflurbers of
the peace ; but labour to fupprefs rebellion in all
its various forms, wherever it may fpring up.
Let them fear God, honour the King, and thofe
in authority ; and live peaceable and quiet lives,
in all godlinefs and honefty ; for the wrath of
the Lord is againit them that do evil.

in I

iff

C H A R

.ACLE.

DEFINITION OF LIBERTY.

119

iient to the hu-
:vil. Hence in-
n and anguifli,
i of iniquity.
r, that rebellion
1 pregnant with

like the fin of
n of judgments
he public tran-
•able. Let them
fe diflurbcrs of

rebellion in all
nay fpring up.
ling, and thofe
md quiet lives,
r the wrath of
ivil.

C H A P.

CHAP. XII.

Definiiion of Lihekty-^AU have a right to it, hut
fome deprive themf elves of that right by their own
'comlutU and fome by the conduct of others — Of
ihc Duty of Nations ^T he evil Effects of bad
ConjUtiitions — Of the French Revolution — The
happy Condition of the Britifh Empire*

AS Liberty confifls in the fiv^e exercife of our
religion, the enjoyment of our rights, and
the profits of our labour, with the protection of
our perfons and properties, it is a privilege of an
jinmenfe value : and as it is the natural right of
every man, it is our indifpenfible duty to feek
after it, whenever we are deprived of its benefits.
But we find that many deprive themfelves of liberty
by their own evil conducl — by breaking the good
and wholefome laws of the land, by doing things
difhonourable ♦"" the Creator, and injurious to
mankind. Thuc thieves, robbers, murderers, Sec.
deftroy their own freedom by their vicious beha-
viour ; and expofe themfelves, not only to confine-
ment, but to more fevere punifhments.

We alfo find, that many are deprived of liberty
by the inhuman conduQ: of tyrants, who opprefs
and perfecute thofe over whom they have ufurped
dominion and power, by taking from them the
liberty of confcience, and loading them with

" - "}

I A

t4 i

150

THE AMFRICAN ORACLH.

Ilil

■

It IS the duty of every nation to guard againft
all thefe ev.ls ; and from licncc arifcs the necoflitv
of having a good confUtution and fyflem of laws
in every kingdom or ftatc, binding upon all ranks
orders and degrees of men. Hence alio arilos
the neceflity of saving kings, counfellori, rover
nors magiftrates, and other officers appointed, for
the adm.n<(lrat,on of jullice, and the prefcrvation
of public tranquillity. ^ "

Various conftitutions and fyftems of laws have
been framed and eftabliflicd amongft different
nations ; and where ignorance and fuperftition
have reigned triumphant, the conftitution and
laws have been very deficient, To th,: ,hings have
been efiablinied and pradifed that were repugnan
to the principle, of juftice and humanity. Whit
nmnerous mukitudos have been inaflacred for 'a
difference of opinion in matters of religion and
modes of worftip! And how many .houfands
have worn out their days in vafl-alage and flavery,
becaiife laws have been made contrary to the
requifnions of tiie great law of Reafon ! But when
ever the minds of the people Pre illuminated, and
he clouds of darlnefs, ignorance and fuperft tion
re ddpelled, the fpirit of Liberty breaks'forth lik
the fun in Its meridian fplendour; the conftitu-
tions are altered, oppreffive laws aboliflied, the
bunds of tyranny and oppreffion are broken fun!

ment thetl "f""! ""^ '"''^''^^Se'' *-- -"^n"-
h nV; . r -f '' '^^'■■^"i"-' ^"s and fciences

which are'h *■/"'■"■" ^'J"^ thofe libe, ties
Which arc the natural right of e' ery man.

The

.CLH.

to guard agalnfl
fifes the neccflity
J fyftcm of laws
5 upon all ranks,
ence alio arifes
infellors, gover-
ns appointed, for
the prefervation

tis of laws have
ongft different
nd fuperflition
3nfl:itution and
lat things have
I'ere repugnant
tumiry. What
lafiacred for a
f religion and
iny thoufands
;e and flavery,
ntrary to the
3n ! But when-
iminated, and
d fuperflition,
saks forth like
the conflitu-
iboliflicd, the
broken afun-
^rom confine-
i and fciences
hofe libe.t ties
lan.

The

GOOD EFFECTS OF LIBERTY.

121

•■i

The illumination of the minds of the people in
France, has been produ<hlive of the great and glo-
rious Revolution ; of the forming of a new conlli-
tution, the enacting of new laws, and the abolifh-
ing of thofe things that were repugnant to the
interelt and profperity < i the kingdom. How
pleafuig mufl it be to fee both the King and the
National Aifembly imite together in eftabliiliing
the new conflitution, and in promoting whatever
may conduce to the good of the nation, and benefit
of mankind in general! May the flam'* of .liberty,
like the refulgent beams of the fun, be extended
over the face of the whole globe ; and may all
nations partake of the great and glorious bleffings
of natural freedom !

And vvith pleafure we recoiled:, that once in

the Britijh Empire^ the inhabitants, fired with the

love of Liberty, drove ignorance, darknefs, and

fuperflition before them ; made a glorious ftand

for their rights, and were thereby brought into a

happy fituation. We are now blefl with a good

King, with good rulers, and with a good confti-

tutionand fyflemof laws: here a man enjoys a

free toleration of religion : here he is rewarded

for his labour : here he is protefted in his perfon

and property : here agriculture, navigation, trade,

commerce, architedure, and the manufactories^

thrive and flourifh ; and the nation has arrived to

an mconceivable pitch of grandeur and affluence.

Our conflitution, being pregnant with a variety

of privileges, is admired by diflant nations: foreign,

ers come from afar, and findflielter and protedtion

liberty and freedom, under our government.

CHAP,

^i ''

PW'

'i 1 ,- ,..:,...

hH|j

^^Hpi

■

Will

III

i ■ ■

122

THE AMERICAN ORACI.h,

C II A 1*. XIII.

T7jc Great Constitvtion of Iaj^lrvy, founJed
upon the Principles of Jifjlicc, and the Lazes cf
Humanity*

EVERY conftitutlon and fyfiem of laws piiglu.
to be conftrucled upon the principles oi'
juftice and humanity, which will enfure the rightsi
of a King, and the peace, liberty, and happiiidk,
of his fubjects. i fliall therefore beg leave to
obfervc,

I. That every man has a legal right to perform
religious worfhip according to the didates of hk
confcirnce, at fuch times and places as fhall be
molt agreeable to hiinfelf ; providing he doth not
injure others in their perfons, characters, or pio-
perries.

2. That it is unlawful to perfecutc any of the
human race, for a dilference of opinion in mat-
ters of religion or modes of worlhip.

3. That public teachers are needful to inflrud
people in the principles of religion and morality.

4. That good rulers, both in church and flate,
ought to be reafonably rewarded for their fervices
out of the public funds, and empowered /:. remove
cfficcTs for male-couduct j and, by and with the

advice

tMWSS

ACr.K,

CONSTITUTION OF LIBERTY,

123

iBr.RTv, fuunJM
and the Liizcs rf

2m of laws piiglu.
he principles ol'
eiifiire the rights
', and happinds,
re beg leave to

right to perform
e chelates of his
aces as lliall be
ling he cloth not.
iraclers, or pio-

cute any of the
)pinion in mat-
P-

idful to inflrud
and morality,
lurch and flate,
ir their fervices
^ered /i remove
y and with the
advice

;idvice and confent of the body corporate, to expel
members for vicious practices.

5. That the freedom of fpeech, and the liberty of
the prels, are the natural rights of every man, pro-
viding he doth not injure himfelf nor others by his
converfation or publications.

6. That legiflative and executive officers, con-
fiding of kings, counfellors, governors, judges,
magiftrates, reprefentatives, and other rulers, are
neceflary to make and execute laws for the prefer-
vation of the public tranquillity in empires, king-
doms, and flates.

7. That it is unlawful for rulers to make and
execute laws repugnant to thofe of the Great
Governor of the univerfe, or deftrudive to the
peace and profperity of the community at large.

8. That the people have a right to chufe and
fend delegates to reprefent their flate and con-
dition in a legiflative alTembly.

9. That a legiflative body ought to confifl of a
mixture of monarchical, ariftocratical, and demo-
cratical governments ; and be divided into three
branches, as that of a King, Lords, and Com-
mons.

I o. That each branch ought to have a negative
voice on the other branches ; and no bill ought to
be pafled into a law without the advice and con-
fent of, at lead, two thirds of the members of two
of the branches of the legiflature.

II. The legiflators ought to meet once in a
year, and as much oftner as the circum Lances of

the nation mav rernnve of C-,^U 4.:„ ^„j „i_^ —

as may be niofl convenient.

12. That

, ■■ f

■1

;' !(

V: sr; i.ii

•'.I !i

'tf'i i

124

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

12. That the people have a right to petition the
legiflatiire for a redrefs of grievances.

13. That every branch of an empire ought to
be fuhjcd to the fupreme legiflative head of a
nation : to render all proper honour and obedience
to the King, and to all in authority, and to be
fubordinate to the good and wholeforae laws of
the land.

14. That a King ought to be confidered as the

iirft fupreme legiflative and executive officer in a

kingdom, and to be empowered to grant pardons

to criminals whenever it may be needful. He

has a right to a free liberty of confcience ; to pro-

teaion in his perfon, character, and property ;

to rule and govern his people according to the

conllitution, (tatutes, laws and ordinance^ of his

realm ; to that honour and obedience thai is due

to perfonages in fuch an exalted fiation ; and to

fuch a revenue as his circumftances may require

and his fubjecls- be able to raiie. '

15. Thiit no man ought to be chofen into
office, unlefs he is endowed with wifdom and know-
ledge, and can be well recommended for good
works Lind pious aaions.

1 6. That it is lawful to confer titles of honour
upon, and to give rewards to fuch perfons as may
merit them by their vigorous exertions and rood
condud. ^^

17. That legiflators ought to be exempted from
bemg arreiled for debt, whilft they are paflin^r to
remain at, and are returning from the legiflative
afl-embhes, becaufe an arrellmcnt woukfimpede
the public fervice, •

' ' i8, That

LACL£.

ight to petition the
ances.

'• empire ought to
iilative head of a
our and obedience
lority, and to be
holeibrae laws of

confidered a^ the
:utive officer in a
to grant pardons
be needful. He
nfci

ence ; to pro-
r, and property ;
according to the
rdinanccs of his
iicnce that i,s due
fiation ; and to
CCS may require,

be chofen into
'iidoni and know-
lended for good

titles of honour
I perfons as may
rtions and good

s exempted from
iy are paffing to,
111 tlie legillative
: would impede

j8. Thut

CONSTITUTION OF LIBERTY. 12 ?

1 S. That courts of juflice ought to be eflab-
lifhcd, and juitice adminiftered to all without
rcfpcct of perfons.

19. That every man ought to be allowed a trial
by jury.

20. That thofe under confinement ought to
know what they are confined for ; who their accu-
fers are ; not be compelled to bear witnefs againfl
themfeivcs ; be allowed to bring evidence, with
the benefit of counfel ; and fli ;uld not be con-
demned, unlefs found guilty by the teftimony of
two or three ci edible witnelfes.

21. That exceffive bail ought never to be
demanded, exceflive fines required, nor exceflive
punifliments infiicled.

22. Th;it criminals under confinement ought '
to have no puniflmient laid upon them, but that
which is rcquifite for the fecuring of their bodies ;
unlds, after they have been found guilty, it is
ordered by the judges, agreeable to the laws of the
land.

23. That no man ought to be Imprifoned for
ilcbt, providing he gives up his property to his
creditors, and has not wafted his time in idlenefs,
nor his eftate by intemperance, gaming, or any
other vicious pradice.

24. That perfons ftilfely imprifoned, ought to
be immediately liberated, and to have ample fatif-
fadion for the injuries they have received ; and
thofe guilty of the abomination of confining the
innocent, ought to be feverely punifhed for their
atrocious condu<^.

. 25- That

Ir. ■ llj !

; ! j:

125

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

25. That every one who is a fubjecl of taxation
ought to be allowed to vote for a reprefentative
providing he is twenty-one years of age.

26. That every man ought to be taxed in pro-
portion to his abilities.

27. That the power of levying and colleding
. taxes, duties, impofls, kc. with that of coinin'^-

money, emitting bills of credit, borrowing money
for the public uie, entering into treaties and alli-
ances with foreign powers, appointing, commif.
fioning, and fending of ambalVadors, miniftcrs,
confuls, melTengers, &c. belongs to the Icgiflature!

28. That fuch treaties ought to be efteemed as
apart of the law of the land; kept inviolate ; and
whenever they are broken, reltitution ought to be
made to the party Injured.

29. That as money is a defence as well as wif.
dom, a circulating medium ought to be eltabliflied,
confiftingofgold, filvcr, copper, and bills of ex'
change. Its credit fhould be kept up, and but one
currency eflabllfhed in a kingdom.

30. That churches ought to be built for the
accommodation of the people wlien tliev perform
religious worfhip; public fchools, coliegt.s, aca-
demies, and univerfities ercded, for the promotion
of literature ; hofpitals founded, for the reception
of the fick J work-houfes for the cmplovment of
idleperfons; and prifons for the fecurin- of
thieves, robbers, murderers, and other felons ;^
and focieties inftituted, for the purpofe of making
further difcoveries and improvements in the liberal
and mechanical arts and fciences.

;i. That

LACLE.

ubjecl of taxation,
r a reprefentative,
5 of age.

) be taxed in pro-

ig and collefting
1 that of coiniri'^-
borrowing money
treaties and alli-
ointing, commif.
adors, nn'niftcrs,
to the Icgiflature.
o be elfeemed as
pt inviohite ; and
ition ought to be

e as well as wif.
to be eflabliflied,
, and bills of ex-
L up, and but one
1.

be built for the
len tliey perform
', college;,?, aca-
)T the prninotion
for the reception

employment of
the fucuring of

other fdom ; —
rpofe of making
nts in the liberal

'^,1. That

CONSTITUTION OF LIBERTY. 127

31. That cuftom-houfes, poft-offices, and pofl-
roads, ought to be eilablifhed in every kingdom
and ftate.

32. That weights and meafures ought to be
alike in every part of an empire, if not through the
world.

T,7,. That all foreigners ought to be treated
with hofpitality, and proteded by the laws of the
land.

34. That the heirs of an eftate ought not lo be
difinherited by reaibn of the ill conduct of their
parents ; nor thrown out of their poUs of honour
and profit, in confequence of the unlawful be-
haviour of their relations.

2,5. That every author ought to have the benefit
of his own pi-odudions, whether they be upon
theological, mathematical, philolbphical, phyfical,
mechanical, or gny other fubjeft.

36. Tim all ollicers, whether ecclcfiaflical, civil,
or military, with every other perfon, ought to
guard againfUedition, treafon, rebellion, and every
thing that may tend to fow difcord amongft bre-
thren, deftroy the public tranquillity, and make
mankind unhappy.

Thus have 1 framed a constitution, which
appears to me to be according to the law of rea-
lon, and the dldates of found policy. Perhaps
fome things have efcaped my obfervatl-n, that
might juftly be added. However, I believe, that
'one calculated and eflabliflied upon thefe prin-
ciples,^ would fecure the rights of kings, and thofe
of their fubjedts, which is all that any rational
perfon can defire,

C H A P.

. .'iH

•; 4:*. f i

!i,

. ; 1

-' IfM

Hi-:'

^11^

*6:'-:'

128

THE AJvIERICAN ORACLE.;

c II A r. XIV.

Oft/jc Impo[fihiUty of framing a Conflitulion thai will

pleafe cvery-hody — Anecdote 'f tivo Irifjmcn —

The Rights of Kings, and Liberties of their Sub-

jccls, ought to hefecurcd by j good Conjfitution and

Syfle?n of Lazvs. — Story ;/' the Paifon's Wi'/

Thoughts on the Mode ofchufuig Reprcfcntatives —
The Happincfs of the Pco-ple ought to be promoted.

I CANNOT expect my poljflcal fcntiments will
pleafe every body, let them be ever ib well
founded on reafon ; for there are fuch a number
of difcontented mortals in the world who lull
after dominion and power, and fueh multitudes
that do not wifii to be under any government at
all, that fliould the Angel Gabriel frame and fend
a Conjiitution from Heaven, fome would be found
to murmur at it.

^ Many are of fuch a craving temper and difpofi-
tion, that they would engrofs the whole world to
themfelves, and rule and govern it, were it in
their power. The ambition of fome men is almoft
boundlefs — This brings to my mind an anecdote
of two Irifhmen, who being intoxicated with liquor
at an inn, began to think that they were mailers
of the whole globe, and agreed to divide it equally
between themfelves : but as the intoxication in-

creafed.

I .f

\CLEi

'J'

CONSTITUTION OF LIBERTY.

129

IV.

n/litution thai 'will
two Irijhmcn —
rtics of ibeir Sub'
^d Conjitlutlnn and
' Par foil's Wh —
licprcfcntaihvcs —
ht to be promoted.

il fcntiments will
be ever lb well
; fuch a number
world who liifi
fuch multitude-;
y government at
' frame and fend
would be found

iiper and difpofi-
: whole world to
1 it, were it in
lie men is almoft
ind an anecdote
:ated with liquor
3y were mailers
divide it equally
intoxication in-
creafed.

creafed, one of them, who was of a very cravinGj
difpofirion, concluded that he had the bed right to
the world, and fwore that he would have it all to
himfelf ; whilfl the other contended, that he was
juftly entitled to one half of it, and wanted no more
than his right. At lad they fettled the matter by a
number of heavy blows ; but whether the world
was to be equally divided, or whether one was
tc have it all, and the other no part of it, I have
forgot, although I had my information from a
gentleman who was witnefs to this very fmgular
conteft, and knew fomething of our ujifc com-
batants.

The fame temper and difpofition amongfl: others,
has prevailed too much in the world j and has
fomctimes broke out into fuch atfis of violence,
that kings and nobles have been deprived of their
rights, and oftentimes tlie people at large of theirs.
A monarch may crave the eftates, and all the pro-
fits of the labours of his fubjecls : and, on the
contrary, the people may crave thofe things that
legally belong to their king ; and, by ads of vio-
lence and injuftice, both may lofe their rights.
— But, thefe extremes ought to be carefully
guarded againfl j and the rights of kings, and
thofe of their fubjeds, fecured by 2igood ConJHtution
and fyflem of laws. Is it not ftrange that mortal
men, who can abide but a very fhort time in this
troublefome world, Ihould be fo craving as to lufl
after more riches, honours and profits, than they
can enjoy, or that can poflibly do them any good?

" Why doth the mifer all his cares employ,
" To gain thofe riches that he can't enjoy ?"

K When

■ :^|'"ii'

\ii

i3<^

THr; amj;rican oraci.e.

When the powers of Icoiflation are lodged
altogether in one man, and the nobles and ether
inhabitants of a country are fhut out from having
any voice in the making of laws ; or when the
powers are in the nobles, or in the people only,
it will naturally generate a fpirit of difcontent
amongfl: thofe who have not a fliare in that power.
Will not a king feel very uneafy, if he has no
pprt of the legiflative power ? Will not the nobles
be difcontented, if they have no part of it ? And,
will not the people murmur, if they have no fiiare
in the fame ? I'herefore, to prevent uneafmefs,
and promote a fpirit of union and harmony in
cnipires, kingdoms and ihites, k k bell, in my
opinion, to have a mixture of monarchy, arifto-
cracy and democracy in every legiflative bodv
like the parliament of Great-Britain.

"J^he things of this world are fo mutable, that
we cannot foretel what conftitutions may be efta-
bliflied hereafter. x\nd although an allronomer
can determine the revolutions and rotations of
the rambling planets, and point out the diredions,
flations, and retrogradations of the luminaries of
iieaven, for thoufands of years to come , yet he
cannot foretel what will be done hereafter, even
In his own country, or in any other part of the
globe, in regard to the overturning, altering,
framing, and eftablifliing of conftitutions, king,
doms, or ftates. It is probable that there may be
alterations in thefe things ; and perhaps the fu-
ture generations may have a greater knowledge in
politics than the prefent, and be able to frame better
modes of gOYernmem than the nations are in this

age :

ion are lodged
Mcs and ether
»ut from having
; or when the
le people only,
t of difcontent
I in that power.
', if he has no
1 not the nobles
rt of it ? And,
^ have no fliare
ent uneafinefs,
id harmony ij\
k bell, in my
narchy, arifto-
^iflative bodv,

mutable, that
s may be efta-
an allronomer
d rotations of
the diredions,
; luminaries of
:ome, yet he
ereafter, even
er part of the
ng, altering,
utions, king*

there may be
rhaps the fu-
know ledge in
o frame better
US are in this
age:

CONSTITUTION OF LIBERTY. I3I

age : for, if the knowledge of philofophy increafes
in the world, and the glorious fun-fhine of liberty
and freedom breaks forth, the clouds of darknefs
and ignorance will be difpelled j atheifm, fuperfli-
tion and idolatry will wear away ; and the people
be freed from thofe burthens and impofitions that
involve many, in the dark and benighted corners of
the globe, in vaflalage and flavery ! It is probable
they will difcover that fome conftitutions have been
deficient, and be able to corred and amend what-
ever has been amifs.

But many are of fuch a changeable temper and
difpofition in the prefent age, that they would be
for ever altering a conftitution that is conftruded
in the befl manner, and continue their alterations
'till it is wholly ruined, like the Mini/icr*s wig ;
an account of which I will jufl relate as I re-
ceived it.

A Reverend Divine having loft his hair in his
old age, bought a large white wig to cover his
naked head : But it difpleafed his auditors to that
degree, that they had a church-meeting on the fub-
jed, and concluded that the wearing of fuch a large
wig was idolatry ; and accordingly fent a committee
to their Reverend Pajior, to acquaint him that his
congregation was much difpleafed, &c. He told
them, that he did not wifh to have any uneafmefs
about the wig ; and if they thought it was too
large, they might make it fmaller ; and delivered it
to the committee, who laid it before the congre-
gation, to have it altered ; when one cut off a lock
of hair in one place, and another in aaothej:, &c.

K 2 till

1-^2 THE AMER1CA>J ORACLE.

till the wig was utterly fpoilcd. -At length they
agreed that it was fit to be fcen in the pulpit ;
whereupon it was returned to the owner, who
faid, it could not now be idolatry to wear the wig,
for it had not the likcucfs of any thing in Heaven
or Eartb.--V\^ fo it is with a conftitution that is
conftruaed 'in the belt manner : it will not fuit
every one ; and if it is clipped by every dilcon-
tented mortal, it will be wholly ruined, like the
Reverend Divine's ivig.

There is a vanity that I have feen under the fun,
and have often wondered that it has not been fup-
preffed in this enlightened age— I mean the un-
juftifiable mode of chufmg legiilators in fome parts

of the globe.

When the people arc called upon to chufe their
reprefentatives, a number will put up in fome
public place, when perhaps not more than one
IS to be chofen. There fcaffolds mufl be
erefted, publications fent forth, mobs convened
day after day, harangues delivered, and many
thoufands fpent to induce the freeholders to chufe
their delegates — when the whole of the work
might be completed in half a day, by the people's
alfembling at the places appointed for the perfor-
mance of religious worfliip, and carrying in their
votes, in writing, to the clerk of every parilh,
who might eafily fend them to fome perfon that
might be aulhoiifed in the county to receive and
vount the fame, and to promulgate who has the
greatcil number, or who the people have chofeii
for their legiilators. "Would not this mode take

'»

CONSTITUTION OF LIBERTY.

133

up lefs time, be much eafier to the people, and
much more commenchible, and beneficial to the
community, than to have the freeholders fatigue
themlelves by coming a great diftance, wafting
their time by being kept from their employments
day after day, quarrelling and wrangling about
the choice of a reprefentative ? or, than to have
the candidates for fuch places wafte their eftates
by keeping open houfes, giving away victuals,
drink, ribbands, cockades, &c. till they have
ruined themfelves, families, and creditors ?

As it is our indifpenfible duty to promote the
happinefs of mankind, I have mentioned things
In the p? eding chapters, which I hope will
be inftrumcntal in promoting their peace and
profperity.

In fome parts of America, the people have chofen
their reprefentatives in the way that I have dif-
approved ; and in others, in the way that I have
recommended. Candidates often merit the atten-
tion of the public by their good condutSl, and by
publications fpread abroad by their friends ; and
are frequently chofen into office that way, without
being put to the expence of keeping open houfes,
and of troubling the people to aflemble day after

C II A P.

'34

Tlin AMERICAN ORACLE.

CHAP. XV.

The Epijllc of the Author—^ Dcfcription of the
Road to Liberty.

rp'O all people, nations, and languages, that
X dwell in all the world.

2. Grace, mercy, and peace be multiplied unto

you.

3. It hath feemed good unto me to promulgate
this EpyHc, and to make known thereby the
genuine defcription of the road which leads to
that liberty which is deftitute of licentioufnefs.

4. To mention thofe things that will make you
comfortable in this life, and conduct you in the
way to everlafling felicity in the realms of immor-
tal blils and happincfs,

5. I befeech you, therefore, to remember, that
atheifm, fuperflition, idolatry, f ".jn, treafon,
rebellion, covetoufnefs, theft, ruuucry, murder,
intemperance, debauchery, bad language, gaming,
idlenefs, and all kinds of vice, will carry yoyi out
of the road that leads to liberty, and involve you
in deftrudion and mifery.

6. Shun, therefore, all kinds of vice and immo-
rality, and walk in the pleafant paths of piety and
virtue, which will eftablifli your freedom on a
permanent bafis.

7. I-ct

EPISTLE OF THE AUTHOR.

^35

:edoni on a

7. Let thofe who doubt the exigence of a
Supreme Being ; and thofc who vvoriliip the fun,
moon, or (tars— the birds, beads, or fdhes— or
idols made by the hands of men, contemphite upon
the works of tlie vifible creation ; which will natu-
rally convince them of their error, and excite them
to pay homage and adoration to Him, who created,
upholds, and governs the univerfe, and is the only
proper objed of religious worihip.

8. Avoid contentions, divifions, and ammofities,
which too frequently terminate in bloodlhed and
devaftation.

9. Follow peace with all men ; break not your
oaths of allegiance, fuHil your obligations ; fear
God, honour the King, and thofe in authority ;
and be fubordinate to the good and wholefome
laws of the kingdom or ftate in which you refide.

10. Walk honeftly ; render to all their dues ;
pay your debts, and your proportion of the public

taxes.

1 1 . Be kind to the poor and needy, relieve the
opprefled, vifit the fick, bury the dead, feed the
hungry, clothe the naked ; and ihew a6ls of kind-
nefs, charity, and humanity to ftrangers, captives,
and prifoners.

12. Love yourfelves, your families, and your
neighbours ; do good to your enemies j avenge
not yourfelves.

13. Be not high rdnded in profperity, but
patient in adverfity.

14. Cultivate and improv^ the liberal and me-
chanical arts and fciences, and promote every
thing that may tend to make mankind happy.

K 4 15. Be

■»

1^6

THE AMiIklCAN ORACLK.

15. Be careful of your credit, your time, antl
y(mr money ; ihun bad comi)any, ufe not bai'
laiij^uage, be not idle, wafte lot your cflate I:.
fu pert! ui ties, be temperate and exemplary in your
lives and convcriations.

16. Shun the pollutions that are in the world,
fupprcfs that which is evil ; do as you would be
done by, and continually follow that which is
good : then will ye be in the road that leads to
h berry.

17. Grace, mercy, and peace be multiplied
unto you all. yiiucn.

This Epistle of the Author, was written froin
yhi^Iia, to the inhabitants of the world,

C II A P.

DCriNITION or ELECTRICITY.

r time, anJ
ife not bat*
ur cflatc I: .
hiry in your

1 the worlJ,
i would he
It which h
hat leads to

I multiplied

/rittcn ffoin
world,

137

hi'- M

u ' ^

C II A P. XVI.

C II A P.

yi Definition o/E l e c t r i c it y — Wbo made Difcoveries
in the Science — Hoiv Buildings, Vejfeh, ^c. ought
to be furnijhed with Rods to carry off the Electrical
Fluid — Of the Elc6lrical Kite — Whether it is dan-
gerous to luear Hair pins, ^c. in a Thunder
Storm— 'The ivonderful Effeds of Lightmng-—'
Communication of Mr. Woodward — Of Animals
killed by Lightning — Where it is fafefi to be in a
Thunder Storm ^The Sea an Ele6lric Machine —
What Difcafes may be cured by Elcclricity,

ELECTRICITY is faid to be an attradlon
without magnetifm. It is the attracting and
repelling of very light bodies, when the attra6ting
body is rubbed or chafed.

The firft idea of Eledricity was given by Otto-
guericke, A. D. 1647; ^"^ the elearical fhock
was firit difcovered at Leyden, in 1 746, by Cuneus j
and in 1756, it was found that it would fet fpirits
on fire.

The eledrical fluid feems to be in all bodies in
a greater or 7\ lefs degree. Some things will
attraa and ccndua it, but others repel ics force.
Glafs, hair, filk, and gums, are called electrics, or
non-conductors j but metals, water, green wood,

and

I" ll

S«f?

138 THE AMERICAN ORACir.

and mod: animal and vegetable fubflances, arc
non-eleclrics, or conductors.

Dr. Benjamin Franklin, of Philadelphia, made
difcoveries and improvements in Electricity. He
found that an electrical kite, and pointed rods,>
would attract and conduct the electrical fluid. On
making his difcoveries known, he was made a
Fellow of the Royal Society, iind was afterwards
honoured with a diploma from the univerfity of
Oxford in England, conflituting him a Doctor
of Laws.

Dr. Prieftley, it is faid, has alfo made great
improvements in Electricity; and feme fuppofe,
that they are equal to thofe made by Doctor
Franklin.

Great advantages have already been derived
from thofe difcoveries and improvements, on
account of the prefervation of buildings, and many
people in thunder-ftorms. All towers, fteeplcs,
other buildings, and iliips, ought to be well
furnilhed with pointed rods, to attract and con-
duct the electrical lluid ; though fome are fo fuper-
ftitious as to fuppofe it is not lawful to try to
defend thofe things againft the violence of the
lightning : but they may as v,'ell fuppofe that it
is unlawful to brace a houie, and defend it that
way againft the violence of the wind ; for the wind
and the lightning arc both fcnt by the Almighty,

Small iron or fteel rods, with fliarp points, are
faid to be the belt conductors. The electrical
fluid will make its way to thofe that are the nearelt,
and it chufes thofe that arc of the belt kind, Tht:

rods

OF THUNDER AND LIGHTNING.

139

>fl:ances, arc

ilphia, made
^ricity. He
lointed rods,.
,1 fluid. On
was made a
as afterwards
iiniverfity of
m a Doctor

made great
>me fuppofe,
; by Doctor

icen derived
vements, on
;s, and many
ers, fteeples,
to be Well
.ct and con-
are fo i'uper-
ul to try to
leiice of the
ppofe that it
jfend it that
for the wind
Almighty,
p points, are
'he electrical
e thenearelt,
L kind. The
rods

rods fliould be placed in fuch directions as to
convey the lightning into the ground from the
buildings, or into the water from veffels.

A kite fent up into a thunder cloud by a wire,
having a key tied to its end, and held by a fdk
ribband, will attrad the ele£tric fluid from the
clouds, and conduct it to the ground in a beautiful
and furprizing manner.

Some fuppofe it is dangerous to wear hair-pins,
jewels, necklaces, buckles, &c. in a thunder-
ftorm, becaufe thofe metals attract the electric
fluid; but I have feen it demonilrated, where
lectures have been delivered upon Experimental
Philofophy, that hair-pins and other metalics
may, if placed in proper directions, preferve the
lives of people, by conveying the lightning from
their bodies and limbs. I have been credibly
informed, that a man in America had his fhoe-
buckles melted on his feet by a flafh of lightning,
and that he received no other damage.

The lightning has Itrange elfefts upon minerals,
vegetables, and animals : fometimes it will melt
metals, at others it will not ; fometimes it fets
trees, buildings, &c. on fire, at others it will not ;
fometimes it burns animals, at others it will not;
fometimes it tears things to atn'ns, at others it
leaves them whole ; fomcrimes it breaks every
bone in an animal to fine pieces, leaving the flefh
and Ikin whole ; at others it has no fuch eflfed :
fometimes it tears their flefh to atoms, and leaves
their bones found ; fometimes they are killed, and
no figns of a bruife can be found in their bodies

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

limbs. When they are killed in this mnnner,

uppofed that their breath is taken a\\" v by

the force of the lightning, as it is fometimes irom

others by the force of a cannon-ball, when the

body appears to be unhurt.

The lightning flies in all direftions : fometimes
it will run in a horizontal courfe, cutting down
large trees, &c. It often falls perpendicular,
oblique, zigzag, &:c. I have known it flrike the
ground, and then run upwards, tearing all before
it. V\'hen it iirikes a iiick of hewed timber, it
will follow the grains to where they have been
cut off; then it will leave the (lick, and pafs on
to where they have been cut off in another place ;
tlk-rc it will enter, and tear "the timber to the
heart, if the grains lead to it. Of fuch things
I have been an eye-wltnefs.

The Hon. Bazalel Woodward, Efq. vice-prefi-
dent, and profelTor of the matheniatlcs and natural
piiilofophy at Dartmouth College, in the State of
New Hamnfliire, gave me an account of a very
remarkable phivnomenon which happened jufl by
his houfe. — Two ir.rge pine-trees, w Llch I viewed
mylelf, were both ilruck at tlie fame inflant with
the lightning, at about eleven in the evening.
They ilood near 66 yards from each other. One
of them was a dry, and the other a green tree.
The lightning ran from their tops to their roots,
and tore out near a quarter part of each tree, whicii
was fpread round in line fplinters. ]\lr. Wood-
ward ran imn\ediately from his bed to the other
fide of the room, to conifoit one of his chiulrcn

that

OF THUNDER AND LIGHTNING.

his mnnner,
en aw- V by
etimes irom
, when the

: fomethnes
-Uting down
I'pcndicular,
it flrike the
ig all before
1 timber, it
have been
nd pafs on
)ther place ;
iber to the
fuch things

. vicc-prefi-
and natural
the State of
t of a very
ned jufl by
L"h I viewed
inflant with
le evening,
ther. One
green tree,
their roots,
tree, which
Mr. Wood-
> the other
lis children

141

..4

that cried on being furprized at the noife of the
thunder; and feeing a light fhine through the
window, fuppofed his barn was on fire. He
therefore ran to the window, and, behold, the dry
tree appeared to be on fire from the top to the
bottom ! and it emitted fparks in diflerent direc-
tions, fome horizontal, fome oblique, others per-
pendicular ; Ibme arofe to a great heipht above
the tree, when all at once the light difappeared •
and that which is very remarkable, is, that the
tree was not burnt in the lead in any place. He
afked my opinion upon this phiTsnomenon ; and
1 fuppofed, that the tree was highly charged w ith
electrical fluid, and that it burll through the
bands of its confinement, and emitted thofe coruf-
cations till the fluid was exhauiled and difperfcd
in the atmofphere without fetting the tree on fire.
Animals killed with lightning fwell to an enor-
mous fize. An ox killed that w^ay, was found
Handing on his legs the next day, mtich fwelled.
A man was killed in one church, and a woman in
another, fitting in an ered pofture, and remained
fo after they were dead. I have had the care of
three patients that lived at a great diflance from
each other, who were ftruck with the lightning.
The firll was thrown into hyfleric fits, the fecond
confiderably burnt, and the third was flruck with
numbnefs : but they all recovered. Thus rapid
is the force, wondrous the operation, and dread-
ful the effeas of this fubtile eledric fluid.

It is fuppofed to be fafer to fit in the middle of a
large room during a thunder-ftorm, than it is to

! 1

142

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

be neat the fides, or in a fmall apartment, becaiifc
the lightnhig frequently runs on the fides of a
building. The windows aught to be ihut ; for, a
perfon Handing with his cloaths dry, in the open
air, in a room, under a flicd or a tree, will be in
great danger of attrading the electrical fluid : but
he is not in fo much danger if his cloaths arc wet,
becaufe the water is a condudor.

The earth and waters are full of the eleclric
matter, as well as the atmofphere ; and it is fup*
pofed that there is enough in the fea to conrume it,
were it put in motion. As water is a conduclor,
and fait a non-conduaor, the fea may be called a
Iui.re ekarical machine; for ^ hen it is agitated
by^the wind, it, coHeas fire on its furface from
beneath : hence it appears in the night as though il
\^'as on fire. A cloud, therefore, railed from a rough
fea, contains more ekaric fire than one railed
from the land or a calm fea. Hence, if two
fuch clouds meet, that which is the highed
charged will diicharge itfelf into the other by u
jlafli oi lightning, which will rcftore the equili-
brium. This fire clearing the air, the adjoining
air will ruili in with a report called thunder. It
a cloud highly charged, is attraded by a mountain,
tower, lleeple, houfe, or tree charged in a lefs
degree, it will difcharge its contents, tearing what-
ever obftructs its force : hence appears the need
of wires to attrad and convey the lluid.

I have neither time nor room to give any long
hiftory of Eledricity, nor even a defcription of
the elearical machines and experiments that I havG

feeti

USE OF ELECTRICITY IN DISEASES.

143

Rien where I have attended ledures upon Experi-
mental Philofophy ; fhall therefore only obferve,
that a fpectator would be furprized, were he to
attend fuch lectures, at the wonderful difcoveries
and improvements that have been made in this
fcicnce in the prefent age. •

Elcclricity is faid to be beneficial in agues, St.
Anthony's fire, lofs of fight from a gutta fcraia
and other caufes, extravafated blood, bronchocele
chlorofis, coldnefe of the feet, confumptions, con-
tradions of the limbs, cramp, deafnefs, dropfy,
epilepfy,^i//^z lachrymalis, ganglions, gout, gravel,
headach,hyfterics, inflammations, king's evil, lepro-
fy, mortifications, pahy, peripneumony, pleurify,
rheumatifms, ringworms, k-M&, fciatica, fliingles,
fprains, furfeits, toothach, tumours, and St. Vitus's
dance.

But it is hurtful when the pulfe run high, and
alfo to pregnant and fuckling women, and to
unborn children. It is very prejudicial in all
venereal cafes, becaufe it increafes the momentum
of the blood.

In intermitting cafes, the patient fliould be
eledrified when the pulfe are at the lowed ; and
none ought to apply this remedy without the ad-
vice of a Ikilful phyfician, becaufe it may convey a
diforder to every part of the human body, and do
much damage thereby.

When the pulfe are higher than in a flate of
perfea health, electricity muft be cDtirely omitted :
but when the body is in a proper condition, dif-
eafes mny be cured by the deaHcal fluid, when
other remedies fail.

CHAP.

<44

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

CHAP. XVII.

Of the Caufe of Thunder, Lightning, Earth-
QiJAKEs, and Inundations — A Table of re-
markable Earthquakes^ and the Places and People
that have been fivalloived up,

AS Thunder is only the report of the Light-
ning, it is needlefs to fay much upon that
' fubject : What we have to do, is to point out the
caufe of the Lightning.

In the preceding chapter we mentioned, that
«« when two clouds meet, that which is the moft
highly charged wiih the elearical fluid, will dif-
charge itfelf into the other by a fialh of lightning,
which reftores an equilibrium. This clearing the
air, the adjoining air rulhes in with a report called
Thunder." Let us now obferve, that the Light-
ning is produced by fulphureous fteams exhaled
by the heat of the fun, and the nitrous acids or
falts floating in the air, which, combining togv.
ther, generate heat by fermentation; and the
violent adion and great rapidity of the motion of
the different currents of air upon the combuftible
compofition, makes it take fire, and caufe thofe
dreadful explofions we call thunder-claps.

Hencci

OF EARTHQIJAKES.

145

Hence, then, the heat or fire mufl proceed from
the antiperiflafis which exift between the particles,
and their friftion, or rubbing againfl one another.
We find, that Aqua Fort is ^ and the filings of copper,
will generate heat ; that the oil of caraway-feed,
poured on the compound fpirits of nitre, will
kindle immediately into a flame, and caufe a pro-
digious explofion 5 and that the flowers of fulphur,
mixed with ah equal quantity of the filings jf
iron, will produce a blafl. Hence, if twenty
pounds of each are mixed intp a firm pafle with
a little water, and the compofition is buried four
or five feet under ground, in fix or feven hours
the earth will tremble, crack, fmoke, open her
mouth, and vomit flames of fire. A large quantity
of fuch matter would make a burning volcano ;
if it fhould burit under the fea, it would produce
a water-fpout ; if in the clouds, thunder and light-
ning. This is called an Artificial Earthquake, '&c.

I have heard thirteen Earthquakes in America,
and have obferved, that the found of fome refem-
bled the noife of thunder j fome, the roaring of
wind J fome, the running of water ; and fome, the
burning of fire. Hence I concluded, that there
are difterent kinds of Earthquakes, produced from
various caufes. Thofe that I have felt, all hap-
pened in fair w^eather, and when the wind did not
blow : excepting one, which made a noife like
heavy thunder at a diftance ; the ftiock was vie,
lent, and the weather very windy and rainy.

They commonly happen in calm, warm, dry,
fultry, or frofty feafons, and are felt both at land

I* and

146

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

and fea. Some are confined to narrow limits ;
others are extended to many countries. Some
are gentle in their motions ; others are violent,
laying all in ruins. A hollow rumbling noife
rolling in the air, like the roaring of a cannon,
precedes the fliock. They are felt more in high
places than in thofe that are low, and have a greater
effect upon flone and other folid buildings than
thofe of flighter materials. Great towns and cities,
fituated on fea , bays, rivers, or burning moun-
tains, are the mofl fubjed to Earthquakes. They
cauie the water in wells to become foul ; and fome-
times they (hut up fome fprings, and open others.
Sometimes they fwallow up mountains, illands,
towns and cities ; affrighten and deftroy the birds,
beafls, and fifties ; men, women, and children.
Sometimes the fea roars, and rifes into billows ;
and the earth opens her mouth, and vomits flames
of fire, with great quantities of water, fand, flones,
fulphur, &c. The atmofphere is turned red : new
mountains and iflands are thrown up : the rocks
are fplit to pieces ; fome canals of water are filled
with earth, whilfl new ones are opened. Some-
times the bells in churches ring ; the tops of
fteeples and chimneys are ftiaken down ; the beafts
of the field, and the fowls of the air, cry out ;
whilfl the inhabitants of the earth are filled with
lamentation. Thefe are the works of the Almighty !
He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth j He
itoucheth the hills, and they fmoke.

It is faid, that Earthquakes have produced pains
in the head, back and joints, rheumatifms, verti-
gos, hyfleric complaints, and other nervous difor-

ders,

"iftitli^'

OF EARTHQUAKES.

147

dcrs, arlfing perhaps from fulphureous* aAd,othet
difagreeable eflluvia that iflues out of )he eafthi'^il'*
and the frightful appearance of things. V ' "'^

Philofophers have accounted various' ways fur '^\ i
the caufes of thefe dreadful pha^nomena ; as, ,

1. From fubterraneous cavities, vaults anlc*iHlals
in the bowels of the earth, fome of which are
iilled with wind, fome with water, and fome \\ifbf
liquid fires. '

2. From fulphur, bitumen, falts, amber, mine-
rals, &c. depofited in the globe ; which, being of
an inflammable nature, generate exhalations by
fermentation or other caufes. 4||

3. The motion of the wind and water in the
fubterraneous caverns and canals, may drive the
rocks, mines and minerals together with fuch a. ;•
rapidity as to caufe them to emit fparks that may'
fet fire to the fulphureous, nitrous, and other
inflammable fleams that are of a combuftible
nature, which, wanting vent, produces eruptions,
and all the violent and dreadful effeds th;it are
frequent in Earthquakes.

4. From fubterraneous clouds burfling out into
lightning.

5. The falling-in of arches weakened by conti-
nual fubterraneous fires.

6. The burfling out of rarefied fleams of water.

7. The ignition of inflammable^exhalations.

8. The violence of the eledlri^al fluid.
In fome places, the combuftible matter may find

vent without producing any direful effeds ; but
when the giound is tigrhtlv condenfed. the Jnflam,

L 2 mable

148

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

r'-1h.|l

■

niable matter will burfl open the gates of its con-
tincment, the fides of the fubtcrraneouo caverns
Tvill fall together, and down will go mountains,
ifiands, towns and cities, if they are fituated upon
fuch places ; and where there are waters contained
in fuch fubterraneous apartments, they will afcend,
and overwhelm the parts where the mountains,
&c. have been fwallowed up. Hence, new lakes,
new rivers, new ponds, &c. are made on the
furface of the globe.

When new mountains and ifiands are thrown up
by the combuftible matter, a fufficient quantity of
earth and v/ater ruflies under them, to fupport
them from finking, otherwife they would natu-
rally fubfide.

About the year 1749, Dr. Stukeley invented a
new hypothefis concerning the caufe of Earth-
c^uakes, which is what is already mentioned, viz,
the violence of the eledrical fluid. He fuppofed
that the earth is fometimes fo overcharged with
it, that it breaks out into the atmofphere, and
caufes all the dreadful phasnomena ; that when
the earth is highly charged, the touch of a non-
electric body, fuch as a cloud not charged with the
electrical fluid, will produce an earthquake ; and
alfo, that one may be produced from a cloud
more highly charged than the earth, if it empties
its conteniii on the globe.

Let us therefore obferve, that when the eledrical
fluid in t'- ^ earth and atmofphere is in a perfect
equilibrium, there can be no earthquake, if this

Illlin tS the rt\\\rn of f]^r»ro ^-/-.t-rin-«of''->"c» - «-t^"f ,,.K.,..

— — ^ ^^„,.^ ^j, tit^.jj^ vwiiiiii'JliViio , tii<;l \. liti;.

fuch

OP EARTHQUAKES.

149

fach convulfions happen, as foon as the terreftrial

and atmofpherical eledlric fluid is equally difperfed,

the Earthquakes ceafe, ai>d all things are at reft.

It is my opinion, that Earthquakes are produced

from various caufes ; but that they moft frequently

happen from the generation of heat, by the ferJ

mentation of beds of fulphur combined with divers

kinds of minerals ; that the heat increafes until the

combuftible matter takes fire, and produces thofe

dreadful explofions, vi^hich are fometimes fo violent

as to caufe the earth to open her mouth, vomit

flames of fire, torrents of water, wind, fand, rocks,

kc. and to fwallow up mountains, iflands, towns,
and cities.

" In dcepeft caves are beds of fulphur made.

And in a fecret fearful ambu{h laid ;

When God's avenging hand (hall touch the train,

Some warn'd devoted city quick is flain.

The earth 's convuls'd, lier jaws are open'd wide ;

Churches with all their lofty fpircs fubfide ;

To Nature's womb they fink with dreadful throes.

And on poor fcreaming fouls the chafms clofe !"

I fhall conclude this Chapter by the addition of
the fubfequent Table of Remarkable Earthquakes
and Inundations :

EARTHQllAKES,

Twelve cities overturned in Afia
Nicomedia, and feveral neighbouring cities,

fwallowed up
One hundred and fifty cities fwallowed up

in Macedonia - . .

Fifty thoufand nerfnns rlf»fl-rnv^rl Kw in o, — *i,

quake and an inundation in Alexandria

120
357

Several

ISO

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

Several cities fwallowed up in Europe

Several cities fwallowed'up near Cybyra

Several cities fwallowed up in Palefline

The walls of Conflantinople and ly towers
overthrown - - -

The city of Antioch almoft deftroyed

One at Conftantinople, that lafted 40 days,
and overturned fever al edifices

Several cities deftroyed near Antioch

Four thoufand eight hundred people fwal-
lowed up at Antioch

One at Conflantinople

Many houfes overthrown at Rome and Con-
flantinople > - -

France, Germany and Italy fhaken, and
St. Paul's thrown down at Rome

One through all England

One at Shropfliire

One at ditto - -"

One at ditto

One at ditto, v/hen flames of fire ifTued out
of the earth - -

The city of Catania, and above 1 5,000 peo-
ple, fwallowed up

One that overthrew a church at Lincoln,
and fome others

A dreadful one in - -

One in Shropfl:iire

One at St. Albans

A general one, that threw down St. Mi-
chael's near Glaflonbuiy

The greatdt in England

A.D.

394

417
419

446

458

480
526

528

552

5S7

Soi
1090

IIIO

III6

II20

II34

1185

1228
1249

1250

1274

1328

Several

REMARKABLE EARTHQUAKES. 1$!

AD.

Several churches thrown down - 1382

A very dreadful one -> -^426

Another - - 1661

Fifty-four towns and cities, with 60,000

people, fwallowed up in Sicily 1691

Port-Royal in Jamaica fwallowed up 1693

Sixty thoufand perfons deflroyed nt Sicily 1693
Near 400,000 people deflroyed in Jhina 1699
Peru laid walle by an earthquake, 300

leagues in length, and 90 in breadth 1700
An earthquake at Rome - 1703

One at China - 1718

The kingdom of Chili deftioyed - 1730

Four provinces deflroyed in China - 1731
One at Naples - i^ 32

Two thoufand fouls, 100 houfes, and five

churches, deflroyed in Ireland ^734

Lima and Callao, with about 3,000 people,

fwallowed up in Peru - 1746

Two in London - - ^7 50

Four thoufand perfons deflroyed at Philipoli

in Romania - - ^75^

Two hundred mofques, and a great part of

the city of Alexandria, deflroyed ^75'^'

Many villages fwallowed up in Morea ^754

Forty thoufand people deflroyed at Conflan-

tinople and Grand Cairo - '754

Two thoufand Houfes deflroyed in the Iflp'^d

of Metylene - - 1755

Quito in Peru deflroyed - ^755

Lifbon, and 70,000 inhabitants, deflroyed ^755
Four earthquakes in North- America 1755

L 4 One

X52

TI-IE AMERICAN ORACLE.

One at Azores •

One at Tripoli - , «

A terrible one in Syria

Eight hundred and eighty perfons buried in

an earthquake at Conftantinople
One'thoufand fix hundred people deftroyed

at Martinico
One at Altdorf in Switzerland
The city of Gualtimala, and 8,000 families,

fwallowed up
A dreadful one at Smyrna
Thirty thoufand people, and the city of Mef-

fma, fwallowed up
Two earthquakes in North-America
Part of Oran in Africa deftroyed
Two earthquakes at Cherburg, on the coafl:
of France, which deftroyed many houfes
and people

A. D.

^759
1760

1766

1767
1774

1774
1778

i79o

1791

The Author is forry he is not able to give a
fuller account of the numerous Earthquakes that
have happened in America : though he has heard
thirteen, he has forgot the particular times when
fome of them happened. As he is now in Lon-
don, and at a great diflance from America, where
his records are, he is incapable of giving a further
account at prefent; however, he expeds to be
able to do it in fome future edition of the American
Oracle. Jan. 17, 1791.

OF INUNDATIONS,

^53

Of the Caufe of Inundations.

Inundations are fometimes caufed by Earth-
quakes, and fometimes by violent ftorms, which
makes the fea rife fo high as to overwhelm the
land. When ftorms are the caufe, the water
rifes higher at the times of the fpring-tides, than
it does at other times. We have no account of
a general deluge, excepting that rf Noah's flood.
Inundations are frequent in low lands in Ams-
rica, fituated near the fea; but I have not heard
that many lives have been loft, neither have I
underftood that many have been loft in Great-
Britain, Ireland, or France: Though at New-
caftle upon the Tyne, about 120 perfons loft
their lives by an inundation, in 1446 — 100,000
people were drowned at Dort, in Holland, 1568—
72 villages were overflov. ed in Zealand, and above
20,000 people perifhed, in 171/ — 1300 were
drowned in the fame country, and there was a
dreadful inundation sit Peterft)urgh, in 1 yyj.

Since I wrote the preceding, I have received
the following account, i;/z.— That a terrible Earth-
quake began on the 5th of February 1663, ^nd
raged through all Canada till July fr^'owing, al-
moft every day or night, for a quarter or half c.a
hour at a time. Its eftecls were horrible; as the
mountains dallied together, and fome tumbled
partly into the river St. Lawrence, and were partly
removed to vaft diftances, with their trees ftanding
upon them.

CHAP.

1 5^

THI AMERICAN ORACLE.

CHAP.

XVIIL

Offbe Number and Caufe of Burning Mountains —
Their terrible Eruptions— What makes Hot Springs.

IN Europe, there are three noted Volcano's, vi:^.
Mount ^tna in Sicily, Hecla in Iceland, and
Vefuvius near Naples in Italy.

In Afia, there are Mount Albours ; one on the
Ifland of Ternale, fome among the Molucca Iflands,
one on one of the Mauritian Iflands, one on the
Ifland of Sorca, feveral in Japan, and a number
more in the neighbouring Ifles ; — .ere are alfo
feveral in the Philippine Iflands ; — one in the
Ifland of Java, Mount Gounapi in the Ifland of
Barida : — and there are others in the Indies, as in
Sumatra, and the Northern parts of Afia.

In Africa, there is Mount Beni-guazeval, near
Fez;— Mount Fugo, on one of the Cape de Verd
Iflands;— and the Pike of Tenerifte, in the
Canaries.

In America, there are a great number of burning
mountains. In Peru, there is Mount Arequipa,
Mount Carapa, Mount Malahallo, and many
more.

In Mexico, Mount Popochampecht, and Mount
Popocatepax. There are alfo fome in the Well-
India Iflands. It is faid, that there are upwards

OF BURNING MOUNTAINS, I^^

of fixty burning mountains in the world ; but
thofe whofe names I have mentioned, are the moft
remarkable ; and their eruptions frequently caufe
earthquakes.

Burning Mountains are caufed by beds of
fulphur, bitumen, minerals, pyrites, &c. depofit-
ed in the bowels of the earth, which are capable
of generating heat by fermentation. Thefe tak-
ing fire, produce explofions in proportion to
the quantity of inflammable fubftances. Srime-
times they are more violent than thofe o^ gun-
powder or thunder; have aftoniflied, terrified,
and deftroyed mankind, and dciolated the earth
around them. A Volcano may be called a ter-
reftrial cannon, whofe mouth is often more than
a mile and an half in circumference, out of
which is vomited torrents of fmoke and flames,
rivers of fulphur, bitumen, melted metal, clouds
of afhes and (tones, enormous mafles of rocks and
calcined vitrified fubftances, which bury towns
and forefts, cover the country a hundred or two
hundred feet deep, and form new hills and moun-
tains. The adlion of the fire is fo vehement, and
the force of the explofion fo powerful, as to fhake
the earth, agitate the fea, overthrow mountains,
and deftroy cities, at a very confiderable diftance.

Some have fuppofed, that thefe torrents of
liquid fires proceed from the very centre of the
globe, and that they come from Hell. The inha-
bitants of Iceland have believed, that the roaring
of their Volcano was the cries of the damned in
the infernal regions, and that its eruptions pro-
ceeded iTom the fury and defpair of thofe confined

ib'^^^H

fill

156 THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

in that horrible pit. Their aftonifliment begets
fear, and their fear generates fupcrftition. Some
fuppofe that thofe hres do not reacli many miles
below the furface of the globe : however, it is
probable that fome of them run very deep, or
they could not vomit fuch vaft quantities of
matter. Some mountains that have been on fire
are gone out, according to the accounts given of
thcin by hiftorians : it is probable that all the
fuel that was in them has been confumed.

New Volcanos have burft out ; perhaps fomc
have been fet on fire by fermentation, and fomc by
lightning from the clouds.

It is not known when Mount JEtna firfl took
fire ; but by digging 68 feet into the ground,
marble pavements, and other ruins of an ancient
city, have been found. The fmoke and flames of
this Volcano have been feen at the diflance of 60
leagues. In 1650 and 1659, new fiery mouths
did burft out through this mountaui, and they have
alfo burft out at other times. An eruption in
1537, caufed an earthquake through all Sicily,
that continued 12 days, and overthrew a great
number of houfes and edifices. The earthquake
ceaied on the opening of a new mouth, which
vomited a torrent of fire, that burnt up every thing
within five leagues of the mountain. Great quan-
tities of" afhes were thro^vn out, fome of which
were carried to Italy ; and fhips at a great diftance
from the Sicilian fhore, were incommoded with
them. Stones have been thrown out of this
mountain, to the diftance of 60.000 paces. One

OF BURNING MOUNTAINS.

^S7

of the eruptions, in 1693, deflroyed upwards of
6o,oco people, as we obferved before.

Mount Hecla vomits its fires through ice, fnow,
and a frozen foil, with as great a violence as Mount
/Etna. It throws out vafl quantities of aflies,
pumice (tones, and fometimes boiling water. There
is no living w'ithin fix leagues of this Volcano.

Mount Vefuvius buried the city of Heraclea 60
feet deep under the matter thrown out in one of the
eruptions. In 1737, there was fuch a dreadful
eruption, that a large torrent of red-hot melted
metalline fubftance was vomited through feveral
mouths, which overfpread the country, and ran
to the fea, which was fix or feven miles from its
fcurce. The breadth of this torrent was about
50 or 60 paces, and its depth about 6 or 7 feet.

In 1693, ^ burning mountain on the ifland of
Sorcain Afia, vomited bitumen, and other inflam-
mable fubftances, in fo great a quantity as to form
a buriiinj)- lake, which extended till it covered
the whole ifland. There have alfo been terrible
eruptions in other parts of Afia, where the burning
mountains are fituated.

The Volcano in the top of Tenerifle in Africa,
freqaently caufes earthquakes. In 1704, an
eruption of fulphur and melted ore ran down like
a river, deflroyed feveral towns, and converted the
richefl land in the ifland into a barren defert.
Other burning mountains in Africa have their
eruptions, and caufe earthquakes, and fo do thofe
in America.

I fliall conclude this Chapter by juft mentioning
the caufe of Hot Springs,

■ m

rjS THE AMERICAN ORACLP.

As there are fubterraneous veins of liquid fires
in the bowels of the earth, fome of the waters in
thofc fprings may be heaied that way ; and others
may be heated by paffin:^ over b>. Is of minerals,
that generate heat by fermentation : — but more of
this, when I come to treat of the virtues of the
mineral waters.

CllA .

OF THE AURORA BOREALIS.

I5P

CHAP.

XIX.

How the Author came to form a new Hypothefis
concerning the Caiife of the Aurora Borealis —
What his opinion is — M7jy thofe Lights did not
appear informer Ages — His Hypothefis verffied,

IN the evening of the 26th of January 1788,
as I was fitting in a large room in the State
of Vermont, the weather being very fevere, a cat
jumpeti into my lap, whofe hairs were ftiffened
with the cold ; and, as I flroked them, I obferved
that they emitted corufcations, and began to con-
clude that they were the elearical fluid. In a few
minutes I turned my attention to the caufe of the
Northern Lights. Said I, why may not the atmo-
fphere emit corufcations as well as the hairs of the
cat, if it is properly ftiffened with the cold, and agi-
tated by the different currents of air ? I therefore
formed a new hypothefis concerning the caufe of the
Aurora Borealis ; and fuppofed, that thofe phaeno-
mena are generated by aqueous, nitrous, fulphu-
reous, bitumenous, and other exhalations from the
fumes of various kinds of waters, earths, minerals,
vegetables, animals, fires, burning volcanos, &c. ;
which being charged with a fufficient quantity of
the eledrical fluid, and rarefied by the heat of the

fun.

i6o

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

fun, become lighter than the furroundlng atmo-
fphere : that from hence they afcend, until they are
elevated to the upper regions of the air ; and being
driven by the wind from the equatorial and tempe-
rate to the polar regions, meet with the cold,
combine and ftiffen to a proper confidence by
reafon of their humidity ; and, being afterwards
agitated by different currents of air, crackle and
fparkle, like the hairs of cats and other animals
when fliffened with the cold ; which corufcatiou
in the temperate and frigid zones, appears in the
horizon, zenith, or ellewhere, according to the
pofitions of the fpe^tators, and the elevated exha-
lations : that the diverfities of the colours arifc
from the difference of the qualities of the combined
particles, as thofe which are of the moft inflam-
mable nature fliine vuth the greatefl lullre.

That the Northern Lights did not appear in
ancient times, becaufe the air was not impregnated
with proper materials to generate thofe phseno-
mena ; that the confuming of great quantities of
fuel in America in thefe latter ages, the breaking
out of burning mountains, and the vifitation of
our fyilem by blazing flars, whofe atmofpheres
have been fo greatly expanded by the heat of the
fun ; that a part of them have fell into the atmo-
fphere of our earth, and charged it with new
matter; that from this, and the other fumigations,
the air has undergone luch a change, that when-
ever it is brought into a proper confiftence, the
Aurord Boreali.'^ makes its appearance, unlefs it
becomes invifible by the rays of the fun or moon.

That

OF TI-IE AURORA BOREALlS.

i6r

That the rays of the Northern Lights rife much
higher than the combined particles from whence
the lights proceed ; which is manifeft by the rays
of a candle being extended to the fides of a room,
the light of a fire to the clouds, and that of the
fun to this globe.

Sometimes I have heard the combined particles
cra'jkle, when they have been agitated by the
wihd : their noife refembled, in fome meafurc, that
of a loofe fail flapped in a gale of wind.

The hemifphere is often illuminated till it is as
light as bright moon-fnine ; the particles move
in different directions, and appear in different
forms : they frequently fend forth ftreamers, which
dance like lucid pillars ; and about two or three
times I have feen them appear like armies fighting
againfl each other.

The hemifphere is fometimes as red as a fiery
oven ; but in general thefe phosnomena are more
brilliant, and the lights are more bright and fre-
quent, in the temperate and frigid zones, than they
are in the torrid.

Thefe lights do not go out immediately, like a
flafh of lightning, but often continue fome hours.
This appears mylterious : but the humidity of the
particles undoubtedly caufes them to combine
immediately after they are agitated by the wind y
but when the humidity is deftroyed, the combi-
nation ceafes, and of courfe the phasnomena.

Some have imputed the caufe of the Aurora
Borealis to the eledrical fluid, and I am confident
that it is that fluid that produces thofe lights ;
but the quefiion is. What puts it in motion, and

H makes

l62

THE AMERICAN ORACLE*

makes it break throucrh the bands of its confine-
ment, if it is not the fridions produced by the
wind ?

Thus have I mentioned the hypothefis I formed :
—It has been publlflied through America; and
fmce my arrival in England^ it has been promul-
gated here. I have not heard that any perfon
ever wrote againft it : and if I am in the dark,
I fhall rejoice in being enlightened ; as it is the
truth I arm to find, and publifh to the world for
the benefit of mankind.

I fhall conclude tliis chapter with the following
lines, viz.

IN feventeciT himdred dghty-eight, I fat
In a large room, with a good natur'd Cat :
She foon jiimp'd up, and ffood upon my knees ^
I ftrok'd her back, which did her not difpleafe.
A« fhe purr'd round, and grew exceedip,:; bold,
I found her hairs were ftifF'ned with tht cold :
When I ftrok'd them — ^behold, the fparks did fly T
Like flaming lightning through tlie azure fky.
From what, faid I, from what can this proceed ?
Muft not this be cleftric heat indeed ?
Is it not ftrange, that it doth break its bands !
When the cat's hairs are ftroked by my hands ?

Whilft In my fludies I did thus proceed,
I form'd a new hypothejis indeed !
I turn'd my thoughts upon that gloomy night.
Unto the caufe of the great northern light :
May not, faid I, the vapours here and theire
Emit fuch corufcations in tlic air,
When they into a proper ftate are roll'd,
Condens'd and ftifPned by the freezing cold.
And agitated by the lofty fails
Of breezy currents, or of gentle gales J

Sor*

author's hypothesis VERSIFtED. l6x

Sol's heat, fald I, moft rapidly exhales
Fumes from the mountains and the dcepell valeg •
From earths and water:,, mines and fulphurs all.
From plants and herbs, from trees both low and tall ;
From creeping things of diff'rent kinds of names.
From burning hills, and all the fiery flames ;
From nitrous falls, and other things that be
Found on the land and the great wat'ry fea.
By the Sun's heat, thefe fumes are much enlarg'd 5
And, being with eleftric matter charg'd.
Become more light, it cannot be deny'd,
Than the furrounding air on ev'ry fide.
Hence they afcend, and elevated are
Unto the regions of the upper air ;
And being driven by the wind that rolls
From the equator onward to the polls,
Meet with the cold — their humid parts from thence
Combine with others, and become more denfc.
The r npofition, fliakcn by the means
Of windy currents called airy ftreams,
Emit fine fparks, as I've already told,
Like the cat's hairs, when ftiif 'ned by the cold ;
Which corufcations in the zones appear
Sometimes to draw towards us very near :
Sometimes they're high, and then again they're found
Defcending gently to the foHd ground j
Illuminating, in the filent night.
The hemifphere with a refulgent light !

Thefe northern lights, as I have oft been told.
Were never known within the days of old j
But now, behold ! they're often feen to dance
In Britain, Holland, Germany, and France !
Nay to and fro they by the winds are hurl'd,
'Till they appear in moll parts of the world.
In divers forms within the changing year,
Thofe floating exhalations oft appear :
Sometimes they do like lofty pillars rife,
And flioot their ftreams tov^ards the higher (kies ;
Sometimes they dance about like fiery Vails,
Sometimes thev look like clouds — llkp mmpfo *■,',],..

M 2 Sometimes

3*r ■

164

THE AMERICAN

uLE,-

Somcliincfi like armies fighting in the air !

But this phenomenon i» fomcthing rare !

iiometimos they're red, and then again they're white ;•

Sometimes they Ihlne with a refulgent light !

St}metimcs they crack, and rapidly the found

Extends ilf* If down to the folid ground :

Sometimes their motion, ev'ry one doth know.

Is very fwift, and then again *tis flow.

May we not now with reafon here fuppofe.

That thefe divei'fities of colours rofe

From particles which in the air exift,

And do of diff'rent qualities confill ?

That thofe wliich were of the moll flaming kindV

Have always with the grcateft luftre (hin'd ?

In later times, a change without all doubt!
Within the atmoi'pliere was brought about ;
Which is the reafon why the light appears
To lis fo frequent in thefe modern years,,
And why it did not in the former age
Appear to thofe that then were on the flagff.
Perhaps the earth fome time hath drawn a fliare
Of rambling comets' atmofpheric air :
For, as they pafs in their elliptic courfe
Tluough this great fyftem with a rapid force,
Sol's burning heat their atmofphercs expand,
'Till part of them Into the earth's do land ;
Her great attraftion caufing them to fall.
And change the air that doth furround her ball.

Some burning mountains, too, without all doubts
Have on this gtobe in modern times burft out ;
W^hoie fumei have charg'd the circumambient air
With new expanded matter evcry-where.

The air alfo might change in fome degrees.
By the confumption of the num'roua trees,
And other fuel, in thefe modern times,
Burnt by the people in the weftern climes.
The air thus cKang'd, its particles combine,
And wond'rous lights now frequently do fhine;
Some ren_, fome white, fome crimfon, pale, and blue }
Some fliinlng bright, fome with a grcyifh hue :

iJwt

AUTHOR'ti HyP0TH£SI6 VERSIFIED.

"But oft they're hid by Sol's rcfulgem h'ght,
And the Moon's rays within the filent night.

The northern hghts afcend more high, indeed,
Than the great mafs from wiiencc they dc; proceed ;
Ilhiminating, as they do arife,
The hemifphere, toward* tlie upper iliicr.
To tell the truth, it is my candid mind,

That the elcftric matter lies conlin'd

Within the vapours llifF'ned in thi; air,

Until an agitation makes them rare :

Then the eleftrlc fluid breaks its bands,

As from ilifF hairs when ftrokcd by our hands ;

Through its confinement truly it doth burlt.

Something like lightning in a thunder gull.

If you Hiou'd afk, what makes this liery train

In the wide hemifphere fo long remain i

Why in an inllant it doth not go out,

Like flaming lightnings hurling round about ?

I /hou'd the myllery thus to you unfold :

The parlicles keep llifF'ncd with the coldj

Although expanded by a gentle breeze,

Yet in an inllant they again do freeze.

Thus they go on from time to time to fhine ;

At lafl they're broke fo that they can't combine ;

Then in the air, behold, they take a flight !

And the phcenomenon goes out of fight.

Thus I've attempted to relate, indeed.
The caufe from whence the northern lights proceed :
If I aip wrong, with pleafare and delight
I'll thank the perfon that may fet me right ;
A/5 'tis the truth— the truth I aim to trace,
And fprcad the fame amongft the human race.

JLoriiion, J/an. 27,

165 '

» , •-•..,

17511.

CHAP.

1 65

THE AMJiRICAN ORACLf.

CHAP. XX.

Of the Cause of the Rain-bow, Meteors, Sun-dogs,
Jack-with-a-lanthorn, Hurricanes, Trade-winds^
Monfoons, Whirlwinds, Water-fpouts, Clouds,
Rain, Hail, Snow, Froji, Miji, Fog, and Dew —
The Riftng and Falling of the Tides, with an
American Tide-Table*

THE Rain-bow Is a meteor of divers colours,
occafioned t/ the refraftjon and re<^e6tion
of the light of the Sun failing on the furface of
the drops of rain.

There are two Bows, the internal, and external.
The former is produced by two refradions and
one refledion. The firft refradion is of incidenJ:
rays proceeding to one common point, from
which they are refleded to another, and from
thence refraded a fecond time to another, which
produces the various colours of the bow ; as, the
red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and
violet.

The external bow is produced by the refle6lion
of the interior bow. Tiie internal is the brightelt,
and the external the lefs brilliant.

The higher the fun is above the horizon, the
lower will the bow be 5 but the lower the fun is,

the

METEORS, SUN-DOGS, &C.

167

the more will the bow be elevated. Rain-bows
often appear where great rivtrs fall down fteep
places with fuch rapidity as to raife a mift in the
air ,

A Meteor is an imperfefl: mixed body, confift-
ing of vapours drawn up into the midrUe regions
of the air: they appear in divers forms. Some
meteors are very large, and make a tremendous
noife like a clap of thunder^ and even caufe the
earth to tremble. We have had feveral in Ameri-
rica, fmce my remembrance, that have made
dreadful explofions : they were undoubtedly gene-
rated by fuch combuftibles as produce the thun-
der and lightning ; but, in general, they fly through
the hemifphere without any remarkable report.

Sun-dogs, called Mock Suns, becaufe they re-
femble the fun, are two fpots that frequently appear
in a cloud when the fun fliines through it, and vhen
he is about 15 or 20 degrees above the horizon.
We often fee them in America, and they com-
monly precede a florm. Their colour is much like
that of the rain-bow, and their magnitude equal to
that of the apparent folar difc. One is fituated on the
north, and the other on the fouth fide of the fun.
The refradion and refleftion of the rays of light
are the caufe of thefe phasnomena.

We have alfo circles round the fun and moon
frequently in America, which appear fomething
like the rain-bow, but of a paler colour. Thefe
are occafioned by the refraclion and refleclion of
th'^ folar and lunar rays, and are figns of rain or
i'now.

A Jack

i68

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

'CK'

A Jack with a Lanthorn, called Ignis Fatuus,
or Will with a Wifp, is a fiery meteor, confilling
of a vifcous fubllauce, or fiU exhalation ; which
being kindlea in the air, reflects a kind of thin
flame, without any fenfible heat. They comrnonly
appear in low lands, in foggy nights ; and dance
up and down according to the motion of the air.
People that attempt to follow them, often wander
out of their way, and fometimes run into hedges
and ditches. I have feen three of thefe meteors
in mv travels.

A Hurricane is a violent ftorm of wind ; and a
wind is a current or ftream of air, as a river is u
current or flream of v/ater. The blowing of the
Wind arifes principally from two caufes, viz. from
the rarefaction and elevation of the atmofphcre
by the heat of the fun, and the condenfation and
deprelHon of the fame by the cold. Hence the
air, where the fun is verti.J,e, becomes the moifc
heated and rarefied ; : ad being thereby made
Mghter, rifes upwards, iuu? the cold air on either
fide ruflies in t > reftore .mi equilibrium. Some
fuppoie that the diurnal motion of the earth is the
caufe of the blowing of fome eafterly winds ; but
when partici-s are exhaled by the heat of the fun,
they nmll necefiarily .'uufide as they become con-
denfed wiih the cold, anr" are thereby made hea-
vier than the particles that are underneath : hen-
they fall, and caufe the air which is under th
to be driven away ; but when they are all fub-
fided, an equilibrium is reflored, and the atmo-
fphere is at reft.

Hurricanes

OF TRADE-WINDS, MONSOONS, ScC, i6q

Hurricanes are fomedmes fo violent, that they
tear trees up by the roois ; overthrow houfes,
churches, and fleepies ; fvveep off vegetables and
animals, and dc'ilate countries. They deftroy
• veffels on the fea, and thio<v the watery jiement
into fuch raging- waves and billows that they
produce inundations.

The 'tirade- winds blow from north-eaft on the
north fide of the equinodial, and from the fouth-
eafl: on the fouth fide, and almoft due eafl at and
near the equator ; but at two or three degrees on
each fide the winds vary, and it is fometimes
calm weather for a month together."

The Monfoons are periodical winds, which blow
about fix months in one diredion, and the other
fix months diredly oppofite. Thefe winds Ihift
at the times of the equinoxes, and produce ter-
rible ftorms of wind, thunder, lightning, and
rain. The monfoons are chiefly in the Indian
feas, and do not extend above two hundred
leagues from the lara.

Sea and Land-breezes are alfo periodical winds,
which blow from the land from midnight till
about noon; and from the fea, from abo .t noon
till midnight. They do not extend more than
three leagues from fhore.

Beyond the latitude of 30 deg. north and fouth,
:Jie winds blow from all the different points of the
cumpafs.

A Whirlwind is cauf^.l by three or more w^ids
jneeting in one poi; which makes them fl^.-
upwards ; and that - hich is the ftrongeft, drives
t»ie other before it.'

A Water-

tr*^ J

J/O

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

A Water-fpout is a mafs of water colle^llecl be-
twcen a cloud and the furface of the fea, in fhape
of a pillar of water. Thefe fpouts are fre-
quent in the Weft-Indies ; and fhips that are near
them are in great danger, unlefs the fpouts are
broken and difperfed by a fhot from the cannon.
Some have fuppofed that water-fpouts are caufed
by fulphureous explofions burfting out under the
fea; and perhaps that may be the caufe fometimes.
I do not remember that I ever faw above one water-
fpout, and that was extended co the clouds : I
fuppofed it was occafioned by a whirlwind. It
doth not appear to me, that fuch explofions are the
caufe of water-fpouts in general ; becaufe they
would fend the water up in an inftant, and then
it would immediately fubfide, unlefs a ftream of
fiery matter fhould continue to iiTue from under
the fea. Again, if a fiery explofion was the caufe,
I lliould think they would not travel from place
to place, as the one did which I faw.

Clouds are a colledion of vapours exhaled from
the earth and waters ir'o the middle regions of
the air ; but the more ihey ire rarefied, the higher
they rife, and, being lighter than t. - air that buoys
them up, float in the atmofphere vmtil they are
condenfed by the cold : — hence the upper parts
fall on the lower, till a thick mafs is formed.

The Rain is caufed by the aqueous particle^s
condenling till they become heavier than che a/r
which is under them: — hence they fiUl in dro;os
called rain.

Hail is occafioned by the watery particles meet-
ing with fuch degrees of cold as to make them

freeze after they have been formed into drops.

The

OF SNOW, FROST, MIST, &C.

*7i

The Snow is produced by the vapours freezing
before they get formed into drops.

Froft is caufed by the freezing of thofe moift
particles which we call dew.

The Mifl is occafioned by the vapours being fo
condenfed with the cold, that they cannot rife
high above the earth ;— hence they hover about
upon and near its furface.

^ A Fog is caufed juR like a miftj only the par-
ticles are not quite fo much condenfed with the
cold.

A Dew is produced by the condenfation and
fubfiding of the invifible vapours which have
been exhaled in the day-time by the coolnefs of
the evening, when the weather is not cold enough
to make them freeze.

The Rifmg and Falling of the Tides are occa-
fioned by the attradion of the fun and moon upon
the waters ; and the nearer thoie. luminaries are,
the higher will the tides be. When the moon is
at her perigeon, or in that part of her orbit that
isthenearefl to the earth, and there happens to
be a conjundion or an oppofiiion, the tides will
afcend very high : But tides are not only raifed
every day upon the waters, but upon the land ;
for the atmofphere rifes and falls like the fea,
and the higher the one rifes, the more will the
other be elevated.

There are two kinds of tides, viz. the fpring,
and the neap. The f Drmer begins three days be-
tore, and continues three days after the full and
change of the moon^ and the latter happens about
the times of her firll and lafl quarters. The

fpring

172

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

fpring tides are the Iiighcfl, and the neap the
loweft.

As the tides follow the courfe of the moon, it
IS not high water twice in twenty-four hours, but
twice in twenty-five nearly, which is called a
lunar day ; for, as ftie moves every day in her men-
flrual courfe to the eaftward, and as her motion
is very unllcady, it is fometimes a little more,
and fometimes a little lefs than twenty-five hours
from the time of her leaving the meridian till flie
returns there again.

At the time of the new and full moon, the fun
and moon atrraa together, which makes the tides
rife higher than at other times ; but when fhe is
in her quadratures, thofe attractions are in oppo-
fition to each other :— -hence, when the fun raifes
the water, the moon depreifes it.

The vides do not rife fo higli in tlie torrid zone,
as they do in the temperate and frigid : hence
they are not fo high in the Wefl-Indies, as they
are at New-York, Boflon, Halifax, &c.

In the Bay of Funday, it is faid, they frequently
rife feventy feet, owing to the rapidity of the Gulf-
ftream, which meets the waters that come from
the rivers in that part of the world, and throws
them up in billows. The tides often rife tiventy-
five feet at C^ebec, although it is fituated about
three hundred and twenty miles up the river Sr.
Lawrence

At fome places, it is high-water when the moon
is on the meridian ; at others, fome hours before
that time ; and at others again, fome hours after
fhe has pafled it. Thefe inc<]aaiities arife from the

waters

"ffm^

RISINC AND FALLING OF THE TIDES. I 73

waters being obftruded by lands, gulphs and
other ftreams. The general motion of the' tides
in the great oceans, are from eaft to weft, accord-
ing to the apparent courfe of the moon.

When the wind blows the fame way with the
coming in of the tide at any place, it will be high
water fooner than the time mentioned in a tide-
table; and when it blows againft the tide it will
be full fea later. The higher the tides rife, the
lower they fall, as one extreme follows another
^ Some have fuppofed that our terraqueous globe
ts a hvmg animal, and that it has not only life
but breath, as well as motion ; and that its infpi!
ration and refpiration is the caufe of the rifmg-
and falling of the tides :-but this is a matter I
ihall not undertake to determine at prefent

Befides tl.e earth, air and water, the'moon
Hath an efted upon the vegetable and animal
creation, and attracts their fluids in proportion to
her various fituations from the fun, and her dif-
ferent diftances from our globe.

I fhall conclude this chapter by adding the fol-
lowing Tide-table, which I have taken much pains
to conftrua from the bed authorities I have been
able to collea. It may be of great fervice to ma-
nners failing on the North-American coaft, if they
fliall be pleafed to buy, and keep by them, the .
^^.MERiCAN Oracle.

A TIDE-

!l| 'I

»74

THE AMERICAN ORACIK,

<
o

.•J

to
<a

N w N N cn ■+ lr>VO VD r»OC ONO O'-'

« « -

O 00 NO -^ N
N N w N ro

OCOVD -^M OCCVO •+M
rh r|- i^VC r--10 CO C\ O 1-"

*^ »-4

w-\ <>^, w c^ t-- "^ '^< ■-• 3N 1^ "> c^, >-. o\ i-

^ «-> N Wr, ■^ cn N Lo tJ- CC N 'O

i-< N »- N N ro -^ i^vo vo t^ao O O

M4 K l-( M

wr, ro If ON t--

"H N N w N

kM hM 1^

1/^ CO ^ On t^ I'N to •-< c\ t-^

w Ur^ CO N w lo CO M

CO T^ rj- lo^ t--oo CO C\ O

;2;

O O fi ><i >-i

^4 1-4 1-11-4

Tt-cop*'-' rt-cor<>-i
N N CO rt- loV3 NO r-oo On

O CO VO ■r^ N

C\ O •-« 11 ^^

1-4 M l-i 1-4

OCCNO "^N OOCNC -}-N

CO n >o -i- <"o >-< uo ■^-

•-1 N CO CO "T" loNO t-- t-OC

1
*— 1

14-, CO " O t--

O O O '-' N

^ — 1.4 1-4

loco"-" CNt^'-oco'-' ONr-»

1-4 L-. CO N »-i »o r<^ N

i-i N N CO t}- u^,no o r-oc

2 .• i

K 2J

2 Ji ^ i^ -^ c

bC^

>.W ^i

./ <u

^ ^ ;z

cq 5 rt o CO r^ .3

Ph^^

:z;0 .0.0''^

W 04

O-'-i^-- -rc» 07SNO -^-N Oa5VO rhN
COM U~(r}-cO'-4 toTj-COi-i lO'^-

OOONOO-^N'-'NCJCO-i- l^VO NO r^

1 — I

. ^ ..,,--. -. wN 1 ^ i-o CN-) -i ON t^ Lo C'V •-" C7\
"I CON w u^-^coN i-i Lo-^cor4 M u/^

:ocNO'-'-iri'-iNcoco'^ 10 VD r- c~

1— 1

C/^ \G Tj- ri ^., vO ^r "N U ^ NL, -1- M
■rt-CONi-i rJ-CON"- •i-CON'-'

ooooo\o»-'NN — rico'^'i- <o^O r--

«-4 t-» »-< *-4

JO N-J -1- -4 O ^, \^ '^- N
rJ-coN^4 Tt-cONi-4

O CC NO 't- C4 O
ri- CO C.> 1-4

r^QOOvO'-<'-''Si-<c)'Oco'1- LoNO t~»

«-oco~i Cni--'oco'-' On
cor» '-' lo-^coN "-• lo

1-^ ii-^ CO •-• O I^^
r^ CO N H \t^ -^

l-^OC ON ON O

<s M 1-4 rt CO -1- lo to NO

O c/:; ND -J- n O >- 'O r;-

10 rj- N >-"

■^

l-M

NO l>-CO OnC>0 -• N >H 1-4 (v| cO'rf-ij-^irv

■^- CI O CO vC -.1- N O 00

lo -i" CO «-" to -i- c-j 1-4

<i ■^ N O SO NO
to rt" CO >-"

toNO t--co C^:^0►-r^^->-l^^co'^-tf^

lo CO 1-4 C>. I ■^ uo (.i"i 1-1 z.y

M to C) N "I 10 CO

1^ Ir^ IY-, 1-1 1^, r-
M 1-4 »o CO N

CO "th H- loNO r-^^c goonOmnnmm

1^:5

CO — On r^ to lo •-• -N r-

lO CO c< w o- rr, ts

r^ lO -4 CA 1^ l.r\
4 to CO N 1-1

N N CO -h to NO NO r-CC On O O -1 rv» ►-.

O C^ l^ to PO w CIO NO -)-
-j- CO M "I tJ- CO CI

''^1 >-i Tn ^^ 10 CO
w ^ CO N 1-1

ONOO-iNMi-lC^CO-t-to toVD l-^(X

to NO t-^oc c^ o >-> M CO

-4 l-< IH I-I ^4 O C) C) t^l

•4- »oO t^aj Ov
c4 M f^ N N

W o .

• — <-«

5 • k4

-S l-jr C«

r; w> 5

. ^ w

. '^ ^^ -5

5 hIh P- r.
j2 c

I- C-i 5 ?
■u ^ O '^ I

2 1 u I

c
S

•-^ c:j "^ re

o
d
c

^ o

c § - .

o t:
.-^ rt .

Ch 7'3 o

C14
t2
W

c
o

=; ."^ 3

EXPLANATION OF THE TIDE-TADLE. jy^

N. B. If you dedua 7 hours and 57 minutes
from the time of high water at New- York it
will give the time of high water at Philadelphia!

Dedua 5h. 45m. and it gives high water at
Mobile Point, Kingflon, and Efopus.

Dedua 3h. 6m. Albany.

Sandy-Hook, George-town
Bar,and Charleftown-Bar.

Newport, Saint Auguftine
Bar, and New-Providence.

Savannah and Bedford in
Dartmouth.

Cape Fear.

Amboy and Providence.

Port-Royal Bar.

Tybee Bar.

Sunbury in Georgia, and
Hell-Gate.

Tarpaulin Cove, and New-
town Landing.

Bofton, Reedy-Ifland, Fal-
mouth, Cafco Bay, Say-
brook Bar, Wilmington,
North.Carolina.

'^^'hite-Stone.

New-Haven, Hackimack,
PolIepePs rfland.

Guildford and Nantucket.

Dedud 2h. 20m.

Dedud ih. 25m.

Dedud ih, 12m.

Bedua ih. cm.
Dedua oh. 43m.
Dedua oh. 30m.
Add oh. 15m.
Add oh. 30m.

Add ih. era.

Add 2h. 15m.

Add 2h. 45m.
Add 3h. cm.

Add 3h. 30m.

If you would find the time of high water at any
place mentioned in the above Table, proceed thus

VIZ, '

I. Find how many days old the moon is, and
apply it to this Table.

2. Take

176 TrtE AMERICAN ORACLE.

2. Take out the hours and minutes which (land
in the column for the place you mean to find the
time of high water for, which ftands againll the
day of the moon's age.

E X A M P i E.

Suppofe you would find the time of high water
at New- York, the moon being eight days old :

With the number Eight enter the Table, and
acjainft Eight under A, you will find in the
fecond colume, under B, 3h. 24m. the time
required, &c.

i ■

gg,

■

C II A P.

■ ^f*rT''

OF MONEY".

»77

CHAP. XXI.

l^'/jat my properly be tal/edMoNEY-^Siher a Clrcu^
hting Medium in Abraham's time—When Metals
ivcrefirji coined according to Chronology^Of Bills
of Exchange and Public Banks-^Of the good and
bad Effeas of Paper Money in America-^The
New Currency ordered to be coined by Congrefs-^
The Difadvantages of Bills upon Intereji, and of
a Sinking Fund-What Currency might be moll
beneficial to the Nations^Weights and Meafures
ought to be alike through the World^The Credit
of Money rifes and falls in proportion to the
Demand there is jor it^The great Advantages
cfa Circulating Medium, and the Calamities that
Jollow where People are dcjiitutc of one-Why
fome Countries are drained of CaJh^How to get
Motley, and grow rich,

MONEY is a piece of metal ftamped with the
effigies of a Prince, or arms of a State,
which makes it current and authentic to pafs at a
common rate for a medium of trade.

Gold, filver, and copper, are the principal metals
ufed m the coining of money ; and nothing but
metals coined can properly be called money, al.
though paper, parchment, leather, &c. have been

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

1.0

I.I

1.25

■ 50 "^=

j" |a2

Iff 1^

|||25
12.2

2.0

1.8

i.4 IIIIII.6

Photoeranhic

SciSices
Corporation

71 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) 872-4503

•sj

THE AMERICAN ORACLE*

made ufe of for a circulating medium, and called
money in divers countries.

It appears by Sacred Writ, that filver was in cir-
culation in Abraham's time ; for he bought a piece
of ground for a burying-place, for which he gave
four hundred iliekels of filver, which was about
fifty pounds fterling, or but half that fum if the
fhekels were of the fmalleft kind : for the Jews
had two kinds of fliekels ; one was equal to two
killings and fixpence, and the other to one and
threepence. How long money was in ufe before
Abraham's days, we have no account : but, accord-
ing to chronology, it was firft coined by Phydon,
a tyrant of Argos, 894 years before Chrift; and
fira ufed in England 25 years before the Chriitian
sera, but coined at Rome 269 years before the faid
aera commenced.

- 1216

1257

1672

Sterling money firfl coined in England

Gold in ditto

Shillings in ditto

Copper in ditto

Sovereign coin was valued at 10 flnllings m 1532

at 24 ditto in - 1550

at 30 ditto in - 155a

Guineas went for - - 30 ditto in - 1688

But were reduced to - 21 ditto in- 1717

It was ordered that gold fhould pafs by weight,

and that which was too light fliould be

recoined >nG 4, ^774

Hence it appears, that the facred and profane

hiftories do not agree concerning the firfl coining

OF BILLS OF EXCHANGE*

179

A. D.
I216

1257

1672

1553
1688

1717

1774

of money, for Abraham lived a long time before
Phydon.

A. D.

Bills of exchange were invented In England 1 160

And an aiSt was paiTed to prevent the fending
of any other money out of the kingdom, in 1381

And alfo another for regulating their pay-
ment, in - - - - - 1698

The firft public bank was eflabliflied at
Venice, in-------- - 1550

And that of England, in - - . - - 1693

Bills of exchange, bank-notes, and emiffions of
paper-mcney, have been of very great utility in the
carrying on of trade and commerce, wherever their
credit has been kept up : but where they have loft
their credit, they have been very injurious to indi-
viduals, and the community at large.

The circulating medium in North America, has
confifted of gold, filver, copper, and paper.

There has been a number of emifiions of paper-
money in that quarter, fome of which have been
very advantageous in the payment of public taxes
and other debts, and in the carrying on of trade
and commerce : but others, by lofmg their credit,
have done much damage, not only to the people
of that country, but to foreigners.

About the year 1745, paper-money was emitted
in New England, for the purpofe of carrying on
a war againii the French, when Cape Breton was
taken. This currency depreciated in the Mafla-
chufetts, till forty-five fliillings were not worth
more than a f^ollar, or four fliillings and fixpence

N 2 fterling. ^

1,1 r '* i

-If

: 4^ Urn

i8o

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

fterling j and their paper-money in Rhode-Ifland,
till eight pounds were equal to a dollar only.

In 1750, Great-Britain fent one hundred and
eighty-three thoufand pounds fterling to the Mafla-
chufetts, as a remittance to reimburfe the expence
that province had been at in taking Cape Breton ;
and their depreciated paper-money was called in,
and paid off at the rate of one dollar for forty-five
ihillings, and the bills were burnt. Hence, the
ufe of paper-money was totally prohibit .i in the
Maffachufetts, till the war commenced between
Great-Britain and her Colonies j and as their im-
ports overbalanced their exports, the province was
drained of its money, till it became very fcarce ;
hence they were obliged to carry on much of their
trade and commerce by barter.

I am forry 1 am not able to tell how their paper-
money in Rhode-Ifland was redeemed, or what
became of it; but the depreciation continued till
1759. They had paper-money in circulation in
Conneaicut juft before the commencement of
hoftilities between the mother-country and her
colonies, and its credit was nearly equal to that

of gold and filver.

In New.York, the Jerfics, and Pennfylvania,
they were deftitute of a paper-currency for a long
time ; and as thofe provinces were drained of their
hard money, by reafon of their imports over-
balancing their exports, the inhabitants, to bring
hard money from foreign countries, offered to give
more for guineas, crowns, dollars, &c. than their
nominal value: hence, eight Ihillings at New- York,

the

EFFECTS OF PAPER-MONEY IN AMERICA. l8l

the north part of the Jerfies, and feven fhilUngs
and fixpence in the fouth part, and in Pennfyl-
vania, v/as given for a dollar. But this fcheme
had not the defiiv^d effea ; for, although it brought
a little money into thofe Governments at firftj, yet
the merchants flopped its progrefs, by raifmg the
price of tlicir commodities in proportion to the
elevated price of the coin : the people were there-
fore obliged to carry on their trade chiefly by barter;
a very dull way of doing bufmefs : — their trade
became fo ftagnated, and their commerce was
brought to fuch a ftand, that they were obliged
at laft to emit paper-money for a circulating me-
dium. This gave new life and vigour to navi-
gation, trade, commerce, architecture, agricuL
ture, and the fettlement of new lands. The in-
habitants were greatly benefited by their various
emiffions, and, to the honour of thofe provinces,
they kept up the credit of their bills equal to that
of gold and fdver ; and they anfwered for a me-
dium of trade, and the payment of debts both at
home and abrond.

The people at Delaware and Maryland had
paper-money, which preferved its value equal to
gold and filver. In Virginia and the Carolinas
they alfo had paper-money ; but I have not learnt
that they ever emitted any in Georgia, before the
commencement of the hoftilities between Great-
Britain and her Colonies,

The paper-money depreciated in South Caro-
lina, till thirty-two fhillings and fixpence was
efteemed to be equal to no more than a Spanifli
milled dollar j but its credit was raifed by taxa-

N 3 tion,

jjijjiiyj

l83

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

tion, and remained equal to hard money, till the
Province revolted from the Britifli Government.

I have been informed, that the firil emiffion of
paper-moncy in this province, was at the rate of
four fliillings and fixpence for a dollar; but how
their emiffions were iifued afterwards, I know not;
nor how much their paper-currency depreciated
in Virginia and North-Carolina, I have not learnt.

It has been faid, that the French in Canada
and Nova-Scotia had paper-money in circulation
when thofe provinces were taken by the Englilh,
and that they loft their bills in confequence of
their coming under the Britifli Government. 1 he
circulating medium of thofe Governments at pre-
fent, is gold, filver, and copper ; and their cur-
rency is ditferent from that of Grcat-Britam.

The fubfequent ^fable exhibits the different cur-
rencies that 'have been eftabUihed in the North
American Governments :

Value of a 1 Value ot a
Guinea. I Dollar.

d.
o
o
o
6
6
u
6
o
o
8
8

Canada and Ncya-Scotia .

New-England

New-York, and North Jerfey

South Jerfey

Pennfylvania

Delaware - - -

Maryland

Virginia - - '

North-Carolina

South-Carolina'

Georgia - - " , .

In South Carolina and Georgia, the guinea
ought to be 213. 9!d. according to the elevated
,,ii.>.. .iKr>v<3 4 a. 6d»

£■

o
o
o
o
o

4
o

o
o
o
o
o
o
o

5
6

7
6

4
4

nice o

f the dollar above 4S«

Thefe

^/.

guinea

lev ate d

Thefe

DIFFERENCE OF CURRENCY IN THE COLONIES. iS^

Thefe have been the eflabliihed currencies ; but
in feme of the Governments fouth of Canada,
their currencies have gone backwards and for-
wards, and efpecially in the Maflachufetts, Rhode-
Ifland, and South Carolina.

The currencies of the Weft-India Iflands have
alfo varied from that of Great Britain, as follows :

£'

At Jamaica - 140
Barbadoes - 135

Nevis and Montferrat 175 ;> equal to 100 Sterl.

Antigua and Saint
Chriftophers 165

The reafons why the currencies were fo change-
able and different from one another in the colonies,
are as follow :

1. Thofe Governments, in their infant ftate, had
but little trade, and of couri'e but little money.

2. They were involved in debt for goods im-
ported from Great Britain.

3. They had not many commodities for expor-
tation, and were therefore obliged to export their
gold and filver, which was as much a merchan-
dize as any thing they dealt in.

4. The want of a circulating medium obliged
them to emit bills of credit.

5. Their bills fiiUing into difcredit, by merchants
giving more for gold and filver than the nominal
value of the papo-currency -, as that of giving
forty-five fliillings for a dollar in the Maflachu-
fetts J eight pounds, in Rhode Ifland j eight fhil-

N 4 lings.

' i ' iH

,!l,i

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

lings, at New- York, &c. Hence the credit of the
paper-money always depreciated in proportion to
the elevated price of the folid coin.

Let us, in the next place, fay fomething concern-
ing the depreciation of the paper-money emitted
in America after the commencement of hoflilities
between Great Britain and her colonies.

The Legiflative Affemblies in various Govern-
ments emitted paper-money for the purpofe of carry-
ing on the v/ar ; and afterwards the Continental
Congrefs followed the fame example *. The credit
of thofeemiflions were equal tothatofgoldandfilver
for fome time ; and many who had hard money,
exchanged it for thofe bills at an equal par : but
injured themfelves greatly thereby ; for, in p ocefs
of time, the credit of the bills depreciated to that
degree, that a hundred paper dollars were fcarcely
worth one of filver. •

Various methods were taken to keep up the
credit of the paper-currency : in lome places, the
prices of the neceflaries of life were ftated ; but
all proved abortive, for the credit fell till Congrefs
refolved that the paper-money fliould be called in
by a tax, which was accordingly done ; and the
papeT-currcncy being loft, the people were greatly
diftrefled for a circulating medium, as law-fuits
were multiplied, and many imprifoned for taxes
and other debts.

It has been faid, that the great fcarcity of money
was the caufe of thofe emillions pafling equal to

* Two hundred millions of paper dollars were In circul-ition
about the year 178 1.

' ' filver

DEPRECIATION OF AMERICAN CURRENCY. l8^

filver and gold at firfl:, and that they depreciated
in confcquence of the following occurrences, viz,

1. From the rife of the neceffaries of life, by
reafon of the war.

2. 3y the Loyalifls refufing to take the money
emitted by the revolted colonies, as they fuppofed
the provinces would be conquered, and that the
credit of the paper-money would fall to the ground.

3. From the Quakers refufing to take the
money, becaufe they fuppofed it was emitted for
the purpofe of promoting the efFufion of blood.

4. From counterfeit emiflions being put into
circulation,

5. From the condu£l of fliarpers, who monopo-
lized both the foreign and domeftic produ^ions,
and fold them tor extravagant prices.

6. From their having no public funds to redeem
thofe emiflions, by exchanging them for gold and
filver.

After the commencement of the peace between
Great Britain and America, the Legiflative
Aflemblies of Rhode-Ifland, Vermont, New- York,
thejerfies, Pennfylvania, North Carolina, South
Carolina, and Georgia, emitted paper-money,
which was a great relief to the inhabitants of thofe
Governments: but their bills depreciated very
much in Rhode-Ifland, and fome in Vermont ; but
not a great deal in the middle Governments,
tho' confiderably in the Southern. The inhabi-
tants of thofe States where paper- money has not
been emitted flnce the peace, have been greatly
harrafled with law-fuits, imprifonments, &c. for
the want of u circulating medium.

JuUi.

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

But, according to the prefent conllitutlon of
the American States, no money but gold and
niver is to be made a legal tender in the payment
of debts: hence paper will not be made a legal
tender, as it was formerly. The Britilh merchants
have fuftered greatly in times pad, by ^ being
obliged to take the papcr-mcney when it was
depreciated ; but now that inconveniency will be
removed, for the Congrefs have palfed an Act
for the coining of certain pieces of money, under
the following names, viz.

An Eagle
Half Eagle
A Dime
A Cent
A Mille

}>cqu

al to

f 10 dollars
5 ditto
rVth ditto
TQ-cth ditto
Tsi cih ditto.

This is to be the currency of the United States,
and I underftand that all the other currencies are
to be aboliilied : which is a very laudable aft of the
Congref? ; for, whilft fo many different currencies
were fuiTered to pafs through the States, they were
produaive of many injuries to navigators, traders
and travellers, becaufe the bills emitted in one
State would not pafs in another, which was very
detrimental to the traniliclion of bufmcfs.

How much money would be fufiicient for a
circulating medium in the United States, is uncer-
tain : But I fliould think, that ten millions ^ of
pounds iter ling would not be too much, accordmg
to the number of people •, for it is faid, that their

inhabitants

Mil

DISADVANTAGES OF BILLS UPON INTEREST. 187

inhabitants confifl of al:>..ut two millions and
upwards of fcven hundred thouland fouls ; and
according to a late publication, their national debt
amounts to about fixty-five millions of dollars.

How large the circulating medium of Great
Britain is, is unknown to me ; but fome have
fuppofed it is near twmtty millions, befides bank-
notes -and bills of exchange. According to the
news-papers, the national debt is two hundred
and fixty-three millions ; but fome fuppofe it is but
about two hundred and forty millions.

The number of the inhabitants of France are

computed
circulating
and their ni
fterling, Th.

t twenty-five millions; their
r,t 91,666,6661. 13s. 4d.
at 141,56656661. 13s. 4d.
cannot fuppofe that tea
millions would be too large a circulating medium
for the United States of America.

Bills have fometimes been emitted upon intereft
in the American States, and have paifed as a me-
dium of trade. But this kind of currency has been
injurious to the people : For,

1. They were a great hindrance to the tranfa£t-
ing of bufmefs with expedition, at fairs, markets,
fliops, &c. J for, whilfl the people were counting
their money, thev had to caft up the intereft of
their bills before they could tell what they were
worth ; and thus, much time has been wafted
through the inconveniency of fuch a medium.

2. They were a great damage to people in
diftrefs, who wanted to borrow money ; for, if the
owners of the bills were able to keep them, they
would hoard them up in their chefts, inftead of lend-
ing

: It: M'

i88

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

ing them, becaufe they were fure of their mterefl
whilft they had the principal in their own hands.

3. They diminifhed the circulating medium
greatly, by being hoarded up.— Therefore I cannot
recommend bills upon intereft for a mt Hum of

trade. 1 ' u

Some have fuppofed, that a finking fund is the
bea for a circulating medium, where people are
obliged to have a paper-currency in circulation :
But of this I difapprove, though it would tend to
make the money circulate brifkly ; for people
would be very careful how they kept fuch money
hoarded up in their cherts, becaufe its nominal
value would be continually fmking*, but when
they attempt to pay a debt, they mull be put to the
trouble of computing, before they can know what
their money is worth. Hence, if a twenty-fhilling
bill was to run down in as many years, and the
polTeiTor was to put it off after it had been emitted
eleven years and two months, he mufl ftand to
compute before he could know what it was worth,
which, at that inftant, would be but eight fliiUings
and ten^pence ; and if he had owned the bill but
fix months, he muft lofe fixpence of its nominal
value : and befides all this, when the credit ^ of
fuch bills are wholly run down, the circulating
medium is totally deftrcyed. Therefore, the
people would be obliged to emit new bills, or
live without money, if no other currency could be

obtained.

This erroneous opinion concerning a fmking
fund, hath arifen from fome who have fuppofed

th;^t

CURRENCY MOST BENEFICIAL TO NATIONS. I 89

that a nation is in debt for the money the people
emit themfelves ; but they will be convinced of
their error, when they confider that the nation
did not borrow it, that it i^- their own manu-
factory, and that the) owe nobody for it.

Different nations have different currencies ; but,
in my opinion, that of pounds, lliillings, pence,
and farthings, is the m i:. « onvenient : and if
fuch a currency was to be eftabliflied through the
world, it might be very beneficial to the nations.
It might alfo be very beneficial to have all the
different ^ ieces of coin rorrefpond with the pounds,
(hillings, pence, and farthings, agreeable to the
following Table, viz.

A Guinea

Half Guinea

Crown

Half Crown

Shilling

Sixpence

Penny

Halfpenny

Farthing

]> equal to

Likewife Bills of Exchange

£■

0, &c.

Hence the currencies might be alike through
all the parts of the known world, if the nations

Mvnn

■•■-\

igo

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

would agree to It ; and a guinea made in Great
Britain, might be equal in weight and value to one
made in France ; and one coined in France, might
be equal to one coined in America, &c. This
ivould be a great advantage in the carrying on
of trade and commerce both at home and abroad,
as it would fave the trouble and expence of
reducing the value of one currency to that of

another.

This currency would be much eafier reckoned
than that of dollars and other forts of coin, for
once reckoning might anfwer : but we have to
reckon or count our money twice when we take
or put off dollars, 5.-c. for we are obliged to
count our dollars Hrft, and afterwards reduce them
into pounds, and juft fo it is with guineas ; whereas
if they w re equal to twenty lliillings each, once
counting would be fufficient.

And although the guineas and other pieces of
money might be made of equal weight and value
through the world j yet, the money coined in each
kingdom might be diltinguiHied by having the
effigies of each King, and the arms of each State,
enllamped on it. It is my opinion, that if all
the diiferent currencies, with weights and mea-
fures, were reduced to one flandard through the
world, it would be a great benefit to mankind.

A paper currency is the beft, if the credit of it
is kept up ; for it is lighter to carry from place ta
place, and may be more cufily fecrctcd from^
thieves and robbers, than gold and fdver : but if
the credit of paper-money is fuflered to depreciate,

' . . . . ■-, it'

RISE AND FALL OF CREDIT.

191

it proves an engine of fraud and opprelTion, be-
caufe it reduces people to beggary and want.

The credit of a currency -will fall in time of
war, in proportion to the advrnced price of the
nccelTaries of life. Hence, when Samaria was be-
fieged by Benhadad the king of Syria, the peo-
ple in that city were fo greatly diftrefled for the
want of provifions, that an afs*s head was fold for
fourfcore pieces of filvcr, which was equal to
eighty pounds flerling, and the fourth part of a
cab of doves dung for five pieces. Vid. 2 Kings,
vi. 25.

When people are pinched and flraitened, they
will fometimes give all their fubftance for relief.
Hence, Satan fpake the truth, though he is a liar,
when he faid, Skin for Ikin, yea, all that a man
hath will he give for his life. Vid. Job, ii. 4.

It has been faid, that the people of Montreal
in Canada were fo greatly pinched for fait, jufl
before that place was taken by the Englifh troops,
that they gave fifty dollars a bufliel for that com-
modity.

I have already mentioned, that the bills emitted
by the Continental Congrefs, depreciated, in the
time of the war, at the rate of a hundred for one.
At New- York, the credit of the gold and fiiver
was judged to be depreciated as much as ten for
one, whilfl that place was in the pofleflion of the
Britlfli troops, as provifions were ten times as
dear as they were before the war commenced ;
but fince the war is over, it is faid that the credit
ot the money is as high as ever it was before the
troubles began.

From

192

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

■ From hence we may infer, that the credit of a
circulating medium rifes and falls in proportion
to the demand there is for it, and the elevated
price of the neceflaries of life : But money ought
by no means to be undervalued, becaufe its credit
rifes and falls ; neither ought the people to be de-
prived of a circulating medium, becaufe its credit
has been reduced in a time of public calamity.

There is no intrinfic value in bills of credit
or paper-money, as there is in gold and filler ;
although in reality it is of very great utility in
the tranfadion of bufinefs, wherever its credit is
kept up, as was before obferved. Hence it is
neceffary to have public funds of hard money, to
exchange for that of paper.

A Kingdom or State may have too much, juft
enough, and not enough money for a circulating
medium ; for if the Almighty Ihould rain down a
fliLwer of guineas upon a kingdom or country,
and make money as plenty as the fands upon the
fea-ftiore, it would foon be of little value amongft
the people ; and its credit would fall, till a ton of
gold would not fetch more, if fo much, as an
ounce will now. It is therefore requiiite that
every nation fhould not be ovcrftocked with
money, but only have jufl enough for a medium
of trade, and to defray foreign and domeftic debts:
And it is alib requiiite, that the people fliould
have a fuOicient quantity of fyccic for thefe pur-
pofes : for, wherever they are deilitute, the wheels
run heavy; the progrefs of navigation, trade,
and commerce, is impeded j agriculture, architec-
ture.

THE CIRCULATING MEDIUM.

193

ture, and the manufaftures, do not thrive and
flourifli : the people are oppreffed with heavy
taxes, hampered and harrafled with law-fuits, and
frequently imprifoned for debt. Hence, that people
that is deftitute of a circulation medium, mull be
in a deplorable condition.

Surely oppreffion will make a wife man mad ;
and where people have heavy burthens laid upon
them, which they are unable to bear. When
they are in debt, ftraitened and pinched for
money, they run mad ; quarrel and contend
with one another ; commence needleis law-fuits ;
take away goods, lands, provifions, and other
property ; ftrip poor women and children almofl
naked, and reduce them to poverty and diflrefs :
The honeft and induftrious hufband muft go to
prifon, have his conftitution injured by confine-
ment, muft be kept from following his lawful
occupation ; whilft his wife and children are lan-
guifiiing for the neceflaries of life. Thefe things
are not only hurtful to individuals, but to the
community at large :

Vajiitas vamjjima ! ijla omnia funt vanitas /

The want of money alfo hinders people from
travelling abroad, to do bufinefs of importance j
for if a man is obliged to take a long journey, and
is deftitute of cafh, unlefs he can carry provifions
enough upon his back, or on his horfe, to fup-
port himfelf, he muft perifli on the road, without
he turns beggar, which would expofe him to the
mock arid ridicule of the populace; and let
him be at home or abroad, he will beteafed in his
mind, difturbed of his reft, and hindered from

O performing

194.

THli AMERICAN ORACLE.

Jperfonulng his duty in lome la^vful employment.
If he has' money due to him, he will be obliged
to Ipend much time in running after it ;— and all
to no purpofe : his debtors cannot pay him ; nei-
ther can he latisfy the lawful demands of his cre-
ditors. All thefe, and many more calamities,
naturally refult from the want of a circulating

medium.

'J'he Wife Man faid, that money is a defence, as well
as wifdom. Ihis was a very good obfervation ;
for, it defends us againll hunger and nakednels,
relieves us in ficknefs and health, ])revents our
beinr imprifoned, and having our families rumed
bv poverty and dillrefs. It gives life and vigour to
tile cultivation and improvement of the liberal and
mechanical arts and fciences, and no nation can
be happy without it. Pccwiia obcdiunt omnia.
. The advantages of a circulating medium are fo
0reat, that no nation can be happy without one ;
^nd where people are dellitute of this auxiliary
engine, one ought to be immediately made ; and
if rrold ?nd filver cannot be obtained, fomething
elfe'' ought to be fubltituted. A paper-currency
may have all the defired eflecf s, if things are con-
duded with wildom and prudence.

Some countries have been drained of their cafh,
by negleding to carry on their manulliaures,
and fuftering their imports to overbalance then-
exports J but fuch evils ought to be prevented by

induftry. ^ , ,

I come, in the next place, to Hiow how people
may get money, and grow rich. I fliall therefore

recommend the following, ^'/a. . , n ■

I. Induitry,

HOW TO GET MONEY.

^95

1. Induftry, becaufe the diligent hand maketh
ric/j,

2. The abftaining from intemperance, idlenefs,
playing, gaming, and the keeping of bad company.

3. The ufe of fuperfluities in apparel and every
other thing.

4. The not fuffering of our expences to over-
balance our incomes.

5. The laying up of fomething againfl a rainy
day.

If thefe dircdions are ftri^Stly adhered to, people
in general will grow rich ; though fome may be
prevented by unavoidable misfortunes, fuch as
ficknefs, lolfes at fea, fire, &c.

We cannot live without labour ; for the farms
and gardens muft be cultivated, or we muft flarve ;
and the arts and manufadures muft be carried
on, or we fhall go naked, let us have ever fo
much money. Therefore, Tom and Dick and
Harry, and Jenny and Sally and Nancy, muft
all follow fome lawful employment for a liveli-
hood.

There are two kinds of poor In the world, which
are called by fome, the Lord*s poor, and the devil's.
The former are thofe who are made poor by un-
avoidable misfortunes; and the latter by floth^
idlenefs, intemperance, kc. The firft are objefts
of charity ; but the latter ought to be treated with
ncglcft and contempt.

Some are born poor, and remain fo by reafon
of oppreflion, which keeps them in valTalage and
flavery all their days: This is the hard fate of*
many of the poor Africans In fome parts of the
world.

O 2 A TABLE

196

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

A TABLE of the Weight and Value of Coim.

Gold.

Englifli Guinea

Half Guinea

Quarter Guinea

Johannes

Moidore

Diibioon

Piftolc

Eagle

Half Eagle

wt.

5
2

8
16

1 1

Crown
Half Crown
Shilling
Sixpence
Dollar
Half Dolla:
Quarter Dollar
Piaftereen
Dime

Silver.

dwt.

3
I

J7
8

3
I

16
20
22

8
16

8
II

An Ounce of Gold

worth
A Penny-weight

— Grain

— Guinea
■— Johannes

— Moidore

— Dubloon

— Piaolc

— Eagle

— Crown

— Dollar

— Piaftereen
«— Dime

- 3

- o

- I

- 3

- I

- 3

- o

- 2

- o

Sterlinjr.

s. d, q.

17 10

3 10
o 2
I
12

7
6

5
5

NcwEngfand
£. 4. d.

o
o
o
o
6
o
o
6
o 10

o 5

New Yorfc.
£. s, d. y.

3
a

o
o
o
o
o
o

3r
»5

5 6

5
10 o

1 8
4 16
I

16
8
2
o
6
6
I
o

8
4

o
o
o
o
o
8
o

7 2

o 7

o o

I 17

t6 8

2 8

7/50

9
o

2
I

4
o

2
I

I
o

o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

9 i*^

INTEREST TABLES.

197

S I X 1

*ER

1 3 Mc

CENT.

j r Moiith"

1 2 Months.

»nths

1 6 Months
'£. s. d. q.

1 I Year.

£•

1^. s. d. q

.'/". s. d.q

•;^"- -f-

d. q

7;. /. d. q.

t I <

I Z ]

' 4 ■

[
1

3 2

7 c

> 1

7 o| 221

2 »! 243

5 3 2

! 7 c

)

10 2

9 2

370

^ 4 3

9 2

t I

2 I

4 3

402

6 c

5 IOC

> I

6 c

00' 600

' 7 c

) 12 1

9 2

70^ 720

8 I

9 2

I 4 .1
I 7 c

) 2

I
4 3

4
4

2 1
9 2

8 4 3
970

10 3

I 92

8 I

4 3

10 9 2

loo

• 200

200

40c

00' 12

1400

300

6 00

o\ 18

I 16

400

80c

001 4

002 8 00

500

10 00

, 1.10

Oj 3 00

000

12 00

1 I 16

3 12 00

700

I I

2 2

004 4 00
4 16 00

800

I 4

o| 2 8

900

18 00

I 7

002 14

005 8 00

100

I »^

I 10

0030

Oj 6 00

1000

5000

ojo

060 00

5EVEN
2 3

PE R

^ CENT

I I

8 ij 142

2 3

? 2

8 I

4 3 292

8 I

10 421

5 2

4 3

92^ 570

5
6

8 1

I 20
I 4 3

9
I

3
4

60 700
21; 843

/
8

9
II

I 7 2
I 10 I

2
2

5 I
9 2

4
5

10 3 992
70 11 2 I

102

2 10

I 3

32 12 7

120

240

00 14

240

480

00 14

001 8 00

360

700

6 oj I I

002 2 00

480

940

o| 1 8

2 16 00

5 10

II 80

6 oj 1 15'

3 lo 00

70c

e\ 1

I I

002 2

0, 4 4 00
4 18 00

70
80

820

16 4

I 4

602 9

940

18 8

I 8

00 2 16

0, c 12 60

10 60

I I

1 II

6033

006 6 00

JOO

II 80*

1340

» 15

3 10

007 00

I goo

5 16 S oi

I ij 4 o|i

7 10

035

0000

ATABT.F,

J98

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

A TABLE of the Rates at which Dollars
pafs in the American States.

Dollars.

Vermont,
New H.iinp-
Ihirc, MalVa-
chufetts.Con-
necliciit,
RhoJc Ifland,
and Virginia.

New York,
and North
Carolina.

C H A P.

pF THE mariner's COMPASS.

•199

C ii A P.

XXII.

1 Curo-

and

giii.

s. d.

4 8

) 9 4

) 14

) 18 8

I 3 4

I s

I 12 8

1 17 4

220

z 6 8

4 13 4

700

9 6 8

I 13 4

-3 ^^ « 1

/^ 13 4

;3 ^- •■

16 13 4

33 6 .^'

Concerning the Variation of the M a r in f a *s Co m p a ss.
The Caufc of it is fuppofed to arifc from a Magne-
tical Effluvia^ gradually' circulating in the Bowels
• of the Earth.

'"r^HE Mariner's Compafs was firft: invented in
A the year 1229 — exhibited in 1260 — im-
proved in 1300 — and the variation difcovered in
^533* t>y Sebaftion Cabbot.

It appears that the attraction of the load-ftone
\vas firft dilcovered by Magnus, a fhepherd, who
obiervifd its flicking to the iron in his fandals,
which were a kind of a fhoe open at the top,
and fiiflened with hitchets ; and that from him the
flone had its name, viz. Magnes.

This flone is an iron ore, of different colours
and folidities ; the moft folid is the befl, and that
which is not very heavy. The medical virtues of this
Hone were known in France before the year 1 180.
It is fomewhat aflringent; but is not ufed in
medicine in the prefent age, though fome have
lately attempted to cure diftempers by the mag-
netical effluvia which arifes from them.

The attraction of the load-ftone is at two op-
pofite pointSj called poles ; and if the ftone is

O 4 broke

200 THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

broke into a thoufand pieces, each piece will re-
tain its attrading poles ; and thofe that are Imall,
will attraa more in proportion to their magni-
tilde, than the larger. The bodies they attrad are,
iron. Heel, and other magnets ; but they attraft no
other metals, unlefs they are combined with thele
things. Hence it is fuppoftd, that Animal Mag-
netifm is of fome utility in the curing of diftem-
pers, becaufe our blood is impregnated with fer-
ruginous particles; and that the magnetical efflu-
via, that ilTues from a load.aone by attradion,
repulfion, or fome other way, operates upon the
animal fluids, puts them in motion, and aihfts
nature in throwing off difeaies.

The attraaive power of the Magnet is the
flrongeft in comaft, and it decreafes by a pro-
portion not yet found out : but that point which
attraas one end of a touched needle, will repel

the other.

Fluvius Gio, of Naples, about the year 1440,
was the firft that difcovered, that fteel rubbed with
a load-ftone, and then fufpended, would point
to the poles of the world ; and therefore applied

it to navigauon. * o u a-

About ninety-eight years afterwards, Seballion
Cabbot found that the needle varied m Great-
Britain, about eleven degrees to the eaftward ot
the north pole. The variation continued eafterly
near one degree in feven years, till it formed an
angle with the meridian of London, of thirty de-
grees. The variation then Ihifted weftward, and
moved with the fame velocity; and about the

vear

POWER OF THE MAGNET.

201

year 1600, the line of non-variation paffed over
Kngland, and the needle pointed diredly to th«
north and fouth f oles. Since that time, the va-
riation has travelled wclhvard, and now makes an
angle v/ith the meridian of London, of about 23
degrees. Perhaps it may continue weftward till
the variation fliall be as great that way as it was
to the eadvvard, and then return eaftward again.
If the occidental variation (liall happen to be as
great as the oriental, viz, 30 degrees, and it fhall
continue to move about one degree in feven years,
the line of non-variation will return again to Lon-
don in about 315 years from this prefent year,
1 79 1 ; and at that rate, a revolution of the mag^
netical variation will be completed in about 991
years, as it will be that time in removing from
the eaftern extremity till it returns to the fame
again. I have been informed, that the line of non-
variation has lately pafled fouthward near Ma-
dagafcar: that it doubled at the Cape of Good
Hope, floped acrofs the Atlantic, touching Brazil ;
and that it pafled from thence, in a ferpentine
courfe, through Canada, over the Weftern Lakes ;
and terminated at the north magnetical pole,
fituated about twelve degrees from that of t"-*
earth, in the meridian of California : That from
thence the line of non- variation pafled over the
earth's north pole, inclining eaflerly, over Siberia,
Tartary, China, the Land rone Iflands, and Nevir
Holland, to the other magnetic pole, fituated
near lat. 56 deg. fouth, and long. 80 deg. weft
from London, But the lines of non-variation, and

the

J32 T'lE AMERICAN ORACLT.

themaf^netlcat poles, all move welhvard at prcfcnt.
1 w'ds iufornvjd, when I was in Canada, in tlie year
1788, rhat the variation in (^ebec was 12 deg.
well,'and 11 at Montreal : thole cities are about
170 miles from each other. Hence, the further
ve go welUvard from London, the lefs will the
variation be, till we come where there is none ;
for the variation is greater at London than it is at
Quebec, and at Quebec than it is at Montreal.
^The whole globe is fuppoled to be a magnet ;
and where there are beds of minerals of a ferru-
ginous kind, the power of attradion is very great
upon magneticrd needles; and furveyors meet with
much difliculty in running their Hnes, by reafon
of the variation of the Compafs.
• Some have fuppofed, that Klearicity and Mag«
netiim have a great affinity to each other ; becaufe
^eel, when llriick with the lightning, or a (Irong
Ihock of eledricity, immediately receives polarity
and magnetic attraction.

I have often be. ^ rcqueftcd to make known my
hypothefis conccrnmg the caufe of the variation
of the Compafs— Shall therefore juft give my
opinion upon the fubjecl ; but muft obferve, that
Dr. Ilalley, :. celebrated Britifli Aftronomer, fup-
. pofed that the diurnal motion of the earth was
the caufe of this variation. However, 1 believe he
.-was miitaken; becaule the diurnal motion is
always from well to eail, but the variation is
fonietimes one way and Ibmetimes the other. .It
the motion of the earth was fometimes from eafl
to weft, and fometimes to the contrary, and the
needle followed it, then might we have juft rcafou

VARIATION OF THE COMPASS,

■201

to fuppofe thiit the Doctor was not millakeii ; but
Jince the motion of the earth is but one way, and
that of the compufs two ways, he was undoubtedly
wrong in his judgment.

Some have- imputed the -caufe of the variation
to high mountains and deep vallies on the furfacc
of the hmd and fea, and have fuppofed that they
have caulcd the needles to vary ; but I caimot
be of that opinion.

In the bowels of the earth, there are beds m
fulphur, iron ore, and other minerals ; befidei
fiibterraneous veins of liquid fires. Now, it feems
probable to me, that a fubtilc fluid, of a magneti-
cal kind, is <Tenerated by the fermentation of thofe
things ; and that it moves gradually in the earth
and waters from weft to ealt, and from eaft to
weft, attracting the needle to and from the
poles. But 1 may be niiftaken ; and it is fup-
pofed, that there is not one Philqfopher on the
globe that is able to determine the matter.

C H A P.

* k^

204,

THE AMERICAN ORACLK.

■lU

CHAP- XXIII.

J DcfinitloTi of Animal Magnetism, invented in
Gcrma?iy, taught and exploded in France —but
praclifed in England in a dijjcreyit manner from
ichat it 10 as ivhcn it was frji applied in a Medical
'ii,\iy — ^ New Difcovery,

ANIMAL Magnetifiu is the art of curing of
difcafes by a fubtilc fluid arifing from mag-
netical bodies, as load-flones, fted and iron rods,
&c. and alfo by a fubtile eflluvia which arifes
from human bodies : the former is now laid afide
in t'ie cure of diftempeis ; but .the latter is applied
for that purpofe.

The effluvia that arifes from the human body,
is combined with the electrical fluid ; and the com-
pofition is fuppofed to be a mixture of fire, air,
light, and fpirit, and fo very penetrating as to
pafs through every part of the human machine :
but I imagine there are other kinds of particles ia
the composition.

This effluvia is of a magnetical kind, becaufe
our blood is impregnated with ferruginous parti-
cles, which the load-done will attradt. Hence,
it may be proper to call the cornpofition and ope-
rations, Animal Magnetifm.

OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM.

20^

It IS faid that Animal Magnetifm was firll
invented in Germany, by a M. Mefmer^ who
afterwards taught it in France, where five learned
xxiQXi were chofen to fee whether it was beneficial
or not in the cure of difeafes ; who declared
that it was only an imaginary piece of work, be-
caufe the experiments ufed to comince them of
its reality produced contrary eifefts.

When this art was firft made ufe of in a medi-
cal way, its Profeifors employed an apparatus
confiding of a large tube, which was partly filled
with load-ilones ; through the tube a number of
iron rods were projeded, for the purpofe of con-
veying the magnetical fluid to their patients.
• The operations were performed by the patient's
rtanding with his bread againfl the end of one of
the rods, and taking hold of it, firft with one hand,
and then with the other, and by drawing them
towards his vital parts; which conveyed the mag-
netic fluid from the load-ftones into his body, as it
was fuppofed. But I have not learnt that it ever
produced any violent commotions in the human
frame.

Since the invention of this apparatus, I uider-
ftand that our Britannic Profeflbrs have made
new difcoveries, wl eby they have found, that
the magnetical effluvia which arifes from the hu-
man body, is vaftly more efficacious in the cure
of difeafes, than that which arifes from other
magnets. Hence, they have exploded the firft
mode of magnetical pra<^tice, have wholly laid
afide the apparatus, and make ufc of the new
invention only, in the cure of diftempcrs.

The

sb6

THE AMERICAN ORACLE*

pa'

The human body is now converted into an
dearie or magnetic machine : the arms are the
conduaors, and the fingers the pointers, for con-
veying the magnetical effluvia to patients labour-
ing under bodiiy weaknels and indifpofition.

In the new method of pradice, we are direded

to proceed as follows :

I. The operator mull place the patient m a
chair before him, and fome dired that a prayer
be made for fuccefs in the operation.

2 He muil fix all the energy of his foul on the
relief of the patient :-His mind mull be abllraaed
from every other thought, and filled with aftec^
tion, benevolence, kindnefs, pity, fympathy, con-
ilant intention, attention, confidence, and com-
pallion towards the objed prefented for relief. *

3. He mufi: hold the fingers of both his hands
towards the invalid's pericardium; and afterwards
move them in different dirccaons, as, horizon-
tally, perpendicularly, obliqucU, &c. for the
moving of them up and down is faid to agitate
the bile, and produce cruaations, vomitings,
puraings', &c. But once in a while they muft be
thrown with great velocity almoft to the breaft of
the patient, and he mufl rub tliepart afleded with
pain or any other diforder.

Thefe operations are faid to excite the magne-
tical cilluvia to tlow in proportion as the bodily
and mental fiiculties of the operator are engaged:
And il the ciifordcr of the patient requires it, a
commoio will be produced ; bm if a commoto is not
needful, a crifis will follow 5 or if a crifis is not

required.

OF ANIMAL MAGNETISM.

2C7

required, the effluvia will operate fonie other way,
till the patient is reftored to health; but tlie
operations mufl: be repeated as occafions may re-
quire : and fome dire^ their patients to rub
themfelves with a cloth.

The motion of the hands of the operator, is
called, treating the patient. The commoto is a dif-
turbance in the human frame, attended v.ith
tremors, erudations, vomitings, &c. without a
lofs of the fenfes : But a crifis is a kind of a thun-
iler ftorm raifed in the mortal body by the violence
of the magnetical effluvia; it is attended with
fpafms, convulfions, fainting, lofs of fenfe, pro-
found lleep, &c. — But more of this hereafter.

Son.e of the Magnetical Profeflbrs have pre-
tended to cure diilempers without the motion of
their hands. Thefe operations are performed by
an a(a of the mind, which, with all its powers and
faculties, muft be fet on the patient; and the
ftronger the mental powers are in the operator,
the more effectual the remedy is faid to be. In
this manner they have attempted to cure patient.'*
at a great diflance.

As each body is furrounded with an atmofphere,
and charged in a greater or lefs degree with the
electrical fluid, or magnetical effluvia; that which
has the^ mod motion, is faid to produce Animal
Eleftricity, and communicate the fluid through
the cutaneous pores into the other body, until an
equilibrium is reftored.

The incorporation of the atmofpheres is faid
to produce a flrange connection between the ope-

raiur

^li.lS^

" ('

' i, s£* iit i'-<a^

20S

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

' .1

■..it

rator and the patient i The former fomethnes feels
in his hands and fingers, heat, pain, prickling,
numbnefs, &c. and often a pain in that part of his
body or limbs which is affeded, which is fuppofed
to be produced by fympathy; and the latter, a kind
of a warm glowing fenfation, though fometimes
cold chills will follow.

1 have feen a woman thrown into a cnlis by
the violence of the magnetical effluvia. She was
preatlv convulfed, her limbs were diftorted, and
Ihc had twitchir.gs in her nerves and tendons, a
Itrangulation of her fauces, rifing in her throat,
difficulty of breathing, threatening a fuftocation,
lofs of 'voice and fenfe, palenefs of face, with a
fainting, which was followed by a profound fleep.
At laa a diaphorifis came on ; and fundry torrents
of the effluvia being poured upon her, which
:,,ade her ftart furprizingly, Ihe awoke in perfed
health, as llie informed us. ^ ^ , , ,. ,

Some who have paiTed through thofe dreadful
commotions, have pretended they could fee through
folid bodies, and that human bodies have ap-
peared tranfparent during the crifis ; but thefe
ph^enomcna are very rare, as I have been informed.
The magnetical effluvia, like the motion of the
fea, and the operation of other remedies, has
dilferent effeds on different conftitutions ; to fome
it proves emetic, to fome cathartic, to fome both
emetic and cathartic, to fome anodyne, to fome dia-
.horeiic, to fome antiphlogiftic, &c. , It contains a
complete fvftem of the virtues of all the fimples and
compound, that have been derived from the mineral,

vegetable.

ANIMAL MAGNETISM.

209

Vegetable and animal kingdoms, according to the
imaginations of fome perfon?.

Hence it is a fpecific for all kinds of difeafes.
We often hear, that it reftores the blind to fight,
caufes the deaf to hear, the dumb to fpeak, and the
lame to walk ; but perhaps fome extol it too high,
whilfl others may have too low an opinion of it.

Some have been fo imprudent, that they have
accufed the Magnetic Doftors of curing diflempers
by the power and influence of evil fpirits' ; but I
am fenfible they are miftaken, for I never knew
that Satan was ever transformed into a phyfician,
though it appears that he has been transformed
into an angel of light, and into a minifter of
righteoufnefs. Vid, 2 Cor. xi. 14, 15.

Although Animal Magnetifm was exploded in
France before the Britannic Magnetlfei s had
made the late difcoveries, yet it may be very be-
neficial to the human race, for ought we know •
for there was a time when all the Philofophers
were banifhed from Rome, notwithflanding they
were the wifeft and moft ufeful men in the world';
and in the year 1552, all the books that had been
'Written upon Aflronomy and Geography, thofe
infallible and ufeful fciences, were defrroyed in
England, becaufe it was fuppofed they were in-
fedted with magic. Therefore, we ought not to
decry our new art, unlefs we find, upon a due in-
vefligation of the matter, that it is of no ufe in
the cure of diflempers. Perhaps it would not
have been exploded in France, if thofe difcoveries
Jiad been made there, which have been made in
Great Britain.

* I have

I'll

[iU

nil

'M-i '

■ ' w

2IO

THE AMKRI-^^' ORACI F..

I lave atlendca Ibme of the mtignctlcal opera-
t!o,« ; an,l it appears to tne, by the bell obferva-
tkms that 1 hsvc been able to make, that the
cures are performed by the ftagnated fluuls and
rompaaed humours being put into circulation,
bv the motions of the hands of the operators, ihe
aflion of the maguetical effluvia, and the powers
of imamnation in the patients.

Certain it is, that fome patients will go into a
crifis, and that others v.ill be greatly agitated by
thofe operations, %vhii!l others again are not
aifeaed at all ; but the Profeffors that 1 have been
acquainted with, have eonfefled that they could
not render a philofopl-.ieal reafon for thofe things.
I have therefore contemplated much upon the- fub-
iea and it was a long time before I eould deter-
mine in mv mind how thofe terrible commotions
are produced: but on the 1 5th of February 1791.
1 came to the following conclufion, viz.

That the thundcr-ilorin railed in the human
frame, called the crifis, with the other fymptoms,
are produced much like the thunder-ftorms in <he
terreftrial atmofphere. Let us therefore obferve.
that ^»hen a non-elearic body or cloud coines
near to, or joins one that is eleclric, or high y
charged with elearical fluid, the latter will d f-
charge itfelf into the former, and produce terrible
commotions, 'till an equilibrium is reftored.

Hence if by the motion ot the hands, or by
any other means, a Magnetic Operator becomes
hieher charged with the magnetical effluvia than
the body ofthe patient he is treating, the efflum

)pera-
fcrva-
X the
i and
ation,
s, ihe
iuwers

into a
:cd by

e not
e been

could
things,
[le fub-

deter-
lotions

1791.

human
iptoms,
5 in <he
)bferve,
comes
highly
A'iU dif-
terriblc
d.

, or by
becomes
/ia than
: effluvia
will

ANIMAL MAGNETISM.

2tl

will difcharge itfelf from him into the patient
imtil an equilibrium is reftored ; but a crifis, or
fome other commotions, will be produced by fuch
difcharges.

Again, if the body of the patient is higher
charged than the operator, the effluvia will be con-
veyed from the patient into the operator, and pro-
duce thofe fenfations of heat, pain, prickling, and
numbnefs, as before mentioned.

Furthermore, if both bodies are charged alike,
neither the patient nor the operator will be
affefted; becaufe the effluvia is in a Hate of perfcd
equilibrium.

Thus have I at lafl; rendered a philofophlcal
reafon for the caufe of the different operations and
effeds of the magnetical effluvia in the corpus
/jumanum. The hypothefis is new, and entirely of
my own invention : I did hot receive it from any
perfon ; neither have I mentioned it to any body.
Yefterday was the time I made the difcovery :
and I think I am not miftaken j if I am, I hope
I fliall be convinced of my error.

But the powers of imagination will fometlmes
have a furprifmg effeft in the cure of diftempers ;
and, perhaps, it has been an afliftant in fome of
our magnetical operations.

Lo?idon, Feb. 16, 1791.

For further information concerning Animal

Magnetifm, feeaTreatife, intitled, "TheMyftery

of Animal Magnetifm revealed to the World,**

publiflied by the Jut/jor of the American Oracle,

F z

CHAP.

•112

Till-. AM! RICA?; ORACLP-

c a A p. XXIV.

If!

i
I

Ofibc KiJ^as of the Passions rrf the Mind, fuch as
M^a-, Surprhc, Fair, Terror, Grief, Vehement
Deftrc, Sjdncf}, md Defpnir-Of the Po'wers
of hmi'(imillon—A remarLddc Account of Tii,-o
Women thai '.vent into a CriJJs, mid of t-u^o ctba .t
that icent info Convulfions-^Ihio a Man %L'ns
affrighted to death,

HE Violent Pafficns of the Mind, fuch as
j^ anger, furprize, lear, terror, grief, vehe-
ment defire, faJnefs, and defpair ; often make
trreat ravages in the c(jnililution.
"" Anger increufco the ftrcngih ; quickens the mo-
tion of the heart, lungs, pulfe, and breathing;
throws the whole frame into a tunnih; and fome-

times prove? fatal.

Surprize, i^-ar, and terror, contrad the veflels
in the external parts of the body and limbs, force
the blood to the heart and lungs, produce a cola^
nefs of the extremities, palpitation of the he^art,
trembling, congeftions in the fatiguinary velTels,
convulsions, fwooning, f>ncope, apoplexies, pal-
fies, epilepfies, and fometimes fudden death. ^

Grief, vehement defire, fednefs and defpair,
impair the tone and ftrcngtk of the nervous

PAss.'OKs or 'rrrr :\i(.n'd.

2^3

lyPicm, weaken and retard the motion of the
pulJc, dcftroy the appetite and dij^eUIon, and pro-
duce wecikntl's, palene/s of lace, looCcncr^j of the
fkin, dilliculty of breathing, coldncCs of the ex-
tremities, frightful dreams, melancholy, niadnefs,
ilccpy difeafes, heniiplexy, palfy, gutta ferena,
faiiitings, concretions, pali)itaLions of the heart,
polypuies, diarrheas, hyjiochondriac and hyfteric
complaints, flatulencies, cachexy, and the fcurvy.
Thcfc paffions have different etfecis in different
conditations ; but in everv conftitution they tend
to deftroy the vital, natural, and animal functions
of the body and mind, as,

1. 'I'he aciion of the heart, lungs, and arteries.

2. The manducation of food, and the deglutition
ar.d u»;.;eiuon thereof.

^. The mufcular motions and voluntary aclions.

4. The imagination, judgement, rcafon, and
memoiy. ' .

'I'hc power of fancy is often fo great in preg-
nant v.-omen, as to occal;on moles, alfo marks,
and other deformities in the bodies and limbs of
iheii c'uldren; and it has been faid, that fome
have had the plague a. I imall-pox from a ftrong
imauir.ation onlv.

Violent love, called love ficknefs, has produced
it cachexy and the ereen ficknefs in women.

Too much inrcnfe ftudy, or profound and labo-
riv^us meditations, confumcs the ftrength, weakens
lii..- nerve.;, and inverts the regulation of the natu-
iid n'.otion:-;.

Bill ultiioiigii the pallions of tlie mind often brittg
Oil mortal dili^mpr'^'S, yet the powers of ir.aginu-

P 3 ttou

214

THE AMERICAN ORACI-F.

t M Hi

tion have a furprizing efTea In the cure of difeafes.
I have been acquainted with a phyfician, who faid
he was once requefted to vifit a woman that was
fuppofed to be very near her end, but imagined
that he could reHeve her ; and as his circumftances
would not admit of his vifiting her, and as he knew
{he was troubled with an hyfleric complaint, he
fent her feveral pills, made of nothing but a piece
of bread, with ft rift orders for her to take them,
becaufe fuch pills had Hived the lives of thoufands.
She accordingly obeyed the orders, and recovered ;
but imagined the Do'aor had wrought a miraculous

cure.

Oflate I have been informed, that a Magnetic

Dodor agreed to magnetiie his patients at fuch an
hour, when he was about ten miles from them ;
but at the time appointed he fell into company,
and totally forgot his obligation: two women,
however, who were his patients, conceited that
he was magnetlfmg them at the time he had fet,
and went into a crifis.

At about eight of the clock one evening, when
I was learning to be a phyfician, three women
came running into the houfe, in a t;;rea£ furprize :
two of them threw themfelves on a bed, and went
into convulfions; and the other lat down in a
great chair. I afl^ed what was the matter? But
none of them were aible to fpeak for a confiderable
time. At laft the one in the chair iniormed me,
that as they were attempting to walk through a
field, fomething rofe gut of the grafs, th it made a
ftrange noife, and appeared like a prrfon in a
white iheet. A man who had imprudjatly wrap-
ped

ii:

rOVVERS OF IMACJlNATlON.

215

pcd himfclf In a fiicct on purpofc to affrighten
them, came into the hoLife Inim'jdiately, told what
he had been about, and that it was not his defign
to have aiFrlgbted them to that degree: But all he
could iay or do was in vain ; the convuHions con-
tinued all night, with Rich violence that it took
three or four robufl men to hold the patients.
This affright was attended with very bad confe-
qucnces ; for one of the women w^nt into a
confumption, and died in a lliort time ; and the
other frequently had convulfions afterwards.

Here we may obfcrve, that, by the powe^ of
imagination, the woman recovered that took the
pills ;— that, by the fame power, the women went
into a crifis ;— and alfo, that, by the fame power,
thofe affrighted went into convulfions. It was
nothing but imagination : they fuppofed they had
feen the devil ; but were miltaken — no body had
touched them, or hurt them ; it was only their
fancies that made thofe terrible ravages in their
confiirutions.

I will jufl mention another flrlking inflance of
the powers of imagination.

A man who was under fentence of death, was
permitted to chufe that mode of execution which
he thought would be the eafieil, and he chofe to
bleed to death. At the time appelated for the
execution, a Surgeon blindfolded the criminal,
tied him to a tree, and hung a bladder of warm
water privately to his back, which he opened with
a launcet, and cried, the " blood is now running I
" the poor man has but a fhort time to live !'*

The

2l6

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

The criminal, on feeling the warm water run down
his back, fuppofed he was bleeding, fainted away,
and died immediately.

As fri|:,hts are often produdive of very bad
coniequcnces, this is to caution all perfons into
"whofe hands this may come, aga-nft afirighting
any of the human race, left: murder fhall be
committed when it is not thought of. The wo-
man 1 have mentioned, lofl her life by the impru-
dence of the man that appeared in the white flieet ;
and he fmcerely regretted that he was ever guilty
of fuch a wicked tranfaction.

I have frequently thought, that monftrous ill-
Ihapeti pictures are no-ways beneficial to man-
kind, and efpecially to the female fex : perhaps
they are too often the caufe of thofe deformilics
^hat fome ch.ldren arc born with.

CHAP.

'f'

THE SHAKING QtfAKKRS.

CI7

c II A r.

XXY.

^n Account of the Shaking Qtjakers in America.

THIS new fea Iprang up about the year 1779 ;
and an old woman, called the Eka Lady^
with twelve difciples, all of whom were faid to be
Europeans, were the founders of a new mode of
woriliip : they drew thoufands of people after
. them, and pretended they were veftcd with power
from on High, to work miracles, heal the fick,
raifc the dead, call out devils, and fpeak in un-
known languages.

This Lady refidcd in the north-wefterly part of
the State of New-York, where fhe began to inftil
her tenets into fome of the people there. After-
wards Ihe rambled from place to place, promul-
gating her religion, gaining profelytes in New-
England and elfewhere; and Ihe engrofTed the
kingdom of Heaven entirely to herfelf and her
followers, to the feclufion of all others.
• She pretended, her million was immediately from
Heaven ; that f^e travelled in pain for her eledj
could fpeak in fcventy-two unknown languages'
in which file converfed with thofe that had departed
this life ; that there had .lot been a true Church
on earth fince the Apoftles' days, until her's was

Qreaedj

2lS

THE AIVIKRICAN ORACLr.

ercacd •. that both the living and the dead muft
be raved. In, by, and through her ; mutt confeft '
,i,eir Ans unto her, and procure her pardon, or
thcv could not be faved ; that (he gathered her
«;huroh both from earth and hell ; as every perfon
,hat had died f.nce the Apoftles' time, until her
Church was fet up, had been damned ; and that
they were continually making iutercefl.on to her
for falvation, %vhich was the occaCon of her talk-
jnc in thofe unknown tongues.

Thofe that entered into her Church, were obliged
,n confefs their f.ns, and deliver up tlieir )ewe s.
Tings, necklaces, buckles, watches. &c. to be
difpoled of as flie thought lit.

It has been faiJ, that fome of thofe confeffions
proved beneficial; for fome of the members of her
Church confeffed they had ftolen divers things
that had been laid to the charge of innocent

When thcfe people carry on their worflup, they
pretend to praife the Lord by f.nging, dancing.
Imping, turning round, falluig down, tumb hug,
&c in the mean time, fome will be trembling,
gro'amng, fighing, and fobbing ; whilll others are
preaching,, praying, exhorting &c. Others wi 1!
be clapping their hands, Ihouling, hallooing,
tcreaming, and making fuch an h.dous nolle that
i, may be heard at a great diftancc, and frequently
aflVigiitens people. _ .^

Thev oilen dance three hours without mtcrmn-
fion; and when any of tliem are tired ot praifing
the Lord that way, they are whipped up by
others, to make the wovllup go on bnfkly. 1 hey

dance

THE SHAKING QITAKERS.

21^

I muO:
confc-fs
on, or
ed her

perfoii
iuil her
[id that

to her
er talk-

obliged

jewels,

to be

ifeffions
rs of her
s things
innoc'»;nt

ip, they
dancing,
ambling,
embllng,
it hers are
bcrs will
lailooing,
loife that
sequent ly

Intcrniif-
F praifmg
:d up by
y. They

dance

dance till they are very much emaciated ; the wo-
men grow pale, appear like ghofls or apparitions,
or almoft like delerters from a church-yard, if I
may be permitted to ufe the failors phrafe.

They are not allowed to wear fuperllulties In
their apparel : their chjathing is plain, and of a
iightifii colour.

They make no ufe of theEucharifl:, or of water
baprifni, in their churches, are averfe to wars and
fightings, and to fwearing, ufe the plain language,
and fay yea and nay, inftead of yes or no ; but
all their tenets are not approved of by the other
<^iakcrs.

At particular times they labour very hard at
their refpedive occupations, and are vcrv careful
that no portion of their time is fpent in idlenefs.

They pretend they hold a correfpondence with
the Saints and Angels, and that tliey frequently
fee and converfe v/irh tlie Spirits of their departed
friends.

I have been informed, that the number of Shak-
ing C^iakers has conlilted of no lefs than fix thou-
fand people ; and that many of the men have re-
fufed to lie with their wives, becaufe theyfuppofed
that they were part of the hundred andVorty and
four thoufand mentioned in the Revelations, that
were redeemed from the earth, and were not de-
filed with women.

They pretend that they have already been mad^
partakers of the fird refurrcaion, and that oix
them the fecond death will have no power.

They do not allow inRrumcntal muHc in their
churches, becaulc tbtj fi-.ppofe that th:it was eerc-

IliOi.'.!:!!,

225 THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

moninl," and is abolished. But they pretend, that
they carry on their xvorHiip by the immediate
power and influence of the Holy Ghoil, and that
they have Scripture warrants for their pradice,
as, " Sing unto God ;— Praifc ye the Lord in the
"'dance;— O clap your Irands, all ye people!—
« {houtunto God;— make a^ Joyful nolle; -fall
«' down before the Lord, &c.'*

It is faid, tliat the Elccl LaJy, with one of her
brothers, died in the Jerfies feverir years ago.

c 11 A r.

■aaaaiM

AN ACCOUNT OF THE BIBLE.

22i

C H A P.

XXVL

An Account of the Bible, and its different TranJIa>'
iions — A Short liijlory of Diclionaries — and the
Epijiles of Philadelphia,

ACCORDING to Hiftory, the Old Tefta-
ment was firfl written in Hebrew, and
afterwards tranflated into Greek, about 275 years
before the birth of Chriil, by feventy-two Jews,
and by order of Ptolomeus Philadelphus king of
Kgypt, who had ereded a magnificent Library at
Alexandria. The Apocrypha was alfo undoubt-
edly written in the Hebrew tongue; and it is
faid, that the New Teftament was firfl wrote in
Greek-

The Bible has been tranflated fundry times into
Engiifh.

King Alfred tranflated a part of it.

Aldemus tranflated the Pfalms into Saxon, in 709

Edfrid, or Ecbert, tranflated fome other

parts, in - - - - - 730

Bede tranflated the whole - - 731

Trevifa publiflied the whole in Engiifh, in 1357

Tindai's tranflation brought higher, in - 1534

T;ndar<

SI 2

THE AxMLRICAN OR.ACLE,

A. U.

■IS:

Tindar.; traiiflatlon revifed and altered, in 1538

Publifncd with a preface of Cranmer, in - 1 549

Another tranflation publiihed - - 155"
The lame revifed by feveral bifliops, and

printed with alterations - - 15^*^

A new tranflation was publiflied by King

James's authority, in - - - 1607

The lafl tranflation is the one in prefent ufe ;
but it is not every whit perfeft. The want of
knowledge in the languages, has been the caufe of
fo many trahflations and aUeratioixS; and it is
thought that the prefent tranflation might be cor-
rected and amended.

In tlie Ohl TeJJatnent

tiicrc arc
Books - 39

Chapters - 929
Vcrics - 23,214
Wordi - 592»439
Letters 2, 728,1 ou

In Uk' Apocrypha lln the Atw Tejlamcnl
there are thv are

Books

- 15

Books

- - 27

Chapters

- i«3

Chapters

260

Verfcs -

- 6,c8i

Vcrles

- 7»959

Words -

152,185

Words

i8i,25j

[Letters

838,3^0

A.D.

The Bible was tranflatcd into French, before 1356

The Vulgate edition was printed

Englifli tranflation firft allowed in every

family - - - - -

Firfl: fuffered to be read in churches
Firfl: tranflated into Welfli
The prefent tranflation fmiflied
No Irilh tranflation 'till
Permitted by the Pope to be tranflated into

any language - ,. . -

1462

1539

1549
1567

161 1

1685

1759

A SHORT

HISTORY OF DICTIONARIEI^*

A. U.

1538

1549

1560

1607

nt ufe ;
^ant of
caufe of
d it is
be cor-

; Tijlamctil
arc

- - 27

260

- 7»959
181,25^5

838,380
A.D.

re 1356
1462

1539

1549
1567

. 161 1

1685

ito

1759
SHORT

8HORT HISTORY of DICTIONARIKS.

IT Is laid, that there are no Ditlionarles, or
Lexicons, for either the Latin, Greek, or Hebrew
languages, that are more then 380 years old.
Hence we muil conclude, that they had none
cither in Moles's, David's, or Solomon's time,
nor in the days of Chrifl and his Apollles ; but
that they have been compiled in thefe modern
ages.

The DiSionaries, like the Tranfiations of the
Bible, have gone through feveral alterations and
refinements j and about 60 or 70 years ago, fome
words in the Englilh language had different mean-
ings put to them : and as time rolls on, it is pro-
bable that new explanations of fome words, not
only in the Engiifh, but in other languages, will
be made.

^ It is difiicult to tell which of the EngUfh Dic-
tionaries are the beft ; becaufe fome are bed upon
one thing, and fome upon another. Bailey's,
Fenning's, Johnfon's, Entick*s, &c. are all good;
and there are excellent Didionaries upon the Arts
and Sciences. The like may be falii of the Latin,
Greek, and Hebrew Lexicons,

1,1;

CHAP.

424

TirC AMERICAN ORACLE-

THE

EPISTLES of PHILADELPIIUS,

■

E P 1 S T. I.

Admonitlom againji the Ufagc of bad Language.

TO all People, Nations, and Languages, that
dwell in all the world :
' 2. Grace, mercy, and peace, be multiplied

unto you.

* 3. It hath feemed good unto me, to fend forth
this Eplftlc, befeeching you to forfake vice, and
to follow virtue :

4. That whilft great difcoveries and improve-
ments are making in the liberal and mechanical
arts and fciences, there may be a reformation
amongfl: thofe who ufe bad language :

5. That they would no longer take the Sacred
Name in vain, by continuing the pradlce of pro-
fane curfing and fwcarlng ; as that of faying, " I
fwear by God 1 I fwear by Jefus I I fwear by
the Hoiy Ghoftl &c.~-God damn your blood!
God damn your eyes ! God damn your foul to

hell!'* &c.

6. That they would entirely leave off the ufe of
thofe unjuilifiable and nonfenfical expreflions ; as
thofe of faying, " That is a damned good man,
a damned good woman, a damned good horfe,'*

&c.

7. That

I, <>

EPISTLES OF PHILADELPHUS.

225

7. That they would no longer weary themfelves
by the ufage of fuch profane oaths, fuch horrible
imprecations, corrupt and abominable language ;
but that they would fwear not at all, ufe bleifrng
inftead of curfmg, and adorn their converfation
at all times with decent language.

8. That they would confider, that for every
idle word, which they have, or may fpeak, they
mufl: give an account on the Day of Judgment j
and ihat by their words they will be juftified, and
by their words they will be condemned.

9. I befeech you again to forfake vice, and fol-
low virtue.

10. Grace, mercy, and peace, be multiplied
unto you all. Amen !

The firfl Epiftle of PJnladelphus was written
from Anglia, to the inhabitants of the world,
by Philanthropos.

The SECOND EPISTLE of Philadelphus.

CHAP. I.

Philadelphus eahorteth the People to remember
what ivas iuntte?t in his former Epiyi/e.^6, The
Tongue an unruly member.

iHILADELPHUS, a lover of the brethren,
and a fervant of the Mofl High God :

2. To

256

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

2. To all People, Nations, and Languages, that
dwell in all the world :

3. Grace, mercy, and peace, be multiplied

unto you !

4. It is my heart's defire and prayer to God,
that ye may remember the things that 1 mentioned
in my former epiftle :

5. That the word thus fpoken may have a fuit-
able impreflion upon your minds ; that ye may
lay it up in your hearts, and pradife it in your
lives and converfations •, and that it may do you all
good, in this your time of trial and probation.

o. Know ye not, that the tongue is a., unruly
member, full of deadly poifon ; a world of ini-
quity, that defileth the whole body ; and that if
any among you pretend to be religious, and bridle
not their tongues, their religion is vain ?

'i?

CHAP 11.

/^n Exhortation to the Praclicc cf Moral Duties.

I BESEECH you, therefore, my beloved bre-
thren and fillers, that yc abftain from the
ufage of bad language :

2. That you who are heads of families will be
pleafcd to fet good examples before yt^ur children
and fervants, by living holy and exemplary lives,
adorned with a good converfaticn :

3. That ye give thole under your care a good

education, and bring them up in the nurture and

admonition of the Lord.

A. Remember,

EPISTLES OF PHILADELPHUS.

2^7

that

4. Remember, that if ye ufe profane curfing
und fwearing, with other ungodly exprelTions,
before your children and fervants, that they will
follow the fame evil example.

5. Be careful therefore of your condud ; and
teach thofe committed to your charge, to fhun
the pollutions that are in the world :

6. To abftain from bad language, bad company,
intemperance, idlenefs, playing and gaming.

7. Frequently remind them of the mortality of
fheir bodies, of the Judgment to come, and of
the account they muft give at the Dread Tribunal
for the deeds done in the body :

8. That their thoughts, v/ords, and aaions,
are regiftred in the books of Heaven ; and that
they will be rewr Jed according to their works :

9. That if they do evil, they will be punifhed
with indignation and wrath, tribulation and an-
guifli ; but if they do that which is good. Glory,
honour, peace, immortality, and eternal life, will
be their reward in the w^orld to come.

10. Grace, mercy, and peace, be multiplied
unto you all. Amen !

"I'he fecond Epiflle of Philadelpbus was written
from Jngiia, to the inhabitants of the world,
by Philanthropot.

<^2

The

22$

THE AMERICAN ORACI-Ey

tut:

THIRD EPISTLE of Philadelphos.

,t i

The People exhorted to u^orjhlp the Creator— 4'
fupprefs Viee — 5. live peaceably —7. and to keep
aFqfl, tifc,

TO all People, Nations, and Languages, that
dwell in all the world :

2. Grace, mercy, and peace, be multiplied-

unto you!

3. It hath feemed good unto me to fend forth
this third epiftle, befeeching you to render all
proper adoration and obedience to the great
Creator, upholder, prcfervcr, and governor of the

univerfe :

4. That ye fupprefs athelfm, fnperftltion, idola-
try, fedition, treafon, rebellion, and eveiy thing
that may tend to diflionour the Creator, and dif-
turb the public tranquillity :

5. That ye live peaceable and quiet lives, in all
godlinefs and honefly ; fearing God, h ring
Kings, and thofe that are or may be in authority
in the kingdoms and countries where yc do or

may refide :

6. That ye be fubordinate to every good and'
wholefome law, and cultivate and improve thofe
things th?.t may promote your own felicity, and

♦ t,« V.or>n'neri '^f mankind in iTgneral.

7. Keep

EPISTLES OF PHILADELPHUS.

229

7. Keep fuch a faft as the Lord hath chofen ;
break the bands of wickednefs, undo the heavy
burdens, and let the opprefled go free.

8. Deal your bread to the hungry, clothe the
naked with a garment, and provide fhelter and
entertainment for thofe who are or may be defli-
tute of houfe and home.

9. Be kind to ilrangcrs, to widows, and to the
fatherlci's.

10. Honour the aged, obey your parents, ferve
your mufters.

11. Abufe not yourfelves, nor your fellow-crea-
tures, nor even the brutal creation.

1 2. Do good to all men as ye have opportunity,
follow peace, walk honeflly.

13. Remember the things that I have commu«
nicated unto you,

14. Grace, mercy, and peace, be multiplied
unto you all. Amen !

The third Epiflle of Philadclphus was written
from Anglia, to the inhabitants of the world,

by FhilanthropQs,

0.3

CHAP.

230

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

C II A P. XXVII.

1 1

T/jeViuhOi^ovuEK's Religion dcfcribcd — The Ph/re
be ivould chufe fji' his AhoJc, and how he ivctdd
conduct hiwfi If through Life, hfc-'A new Song
on the IVorh rf Rightcoufncfs,

1EST any f.iould be in diflrcfs,
.^ To really know what 1 proiefs.
In things of a rehgious kind ;
I therefore do relate my mind
To all enquirers, and make known
Tlie principles which are my own.

1 worOiip the Great God of might,
Whofe wondrous Iben- th is infinite I
Truly rtfillinj:*, at i'U times,
Whatever leids to vicious crimes :
By no iDiar.^ taking worldly pelf-,
Loving my neighbour as myfelf :
Ilotping the poor that are in need ;
To rtrangers very kind indeed :
I flriv. as iiuch as e'er I can,
To get ro be 'i perfect m?n ;
Ev ;!nirat:n-:r ol the ble'.s'd.
In doii.g t^JiTi; ,s that's for the belt.
My pr:iv:i.'-3 are fuch as thefe;
AvA men \ lay call me what they pleafe—
A Turk, a CliriPa-.m, or a Jew,
Or o'ao of the Paganic crew.

C«-nn.'u'd in A:r.Li*ca,
. : in July 1706.

THE

THE l»liI1.0S0HHER S caOICE.

231

T H L

P H I L O S O P H E R's CHOICE.

IT is my choice to find a place,
Upon tills earthly globe,
Within fome healthy pleafant fpace,
To fettle mine abode :

Where I from tyrants cruel rage.
And robbers, may be free j

Where evil m^n do not engage.
To fpoil true liberty :

Where neighbours are exceeding kind.
And virtue doth increafe j

And I, with a contented mind.
May daily live in peace :

With a good wife, replete with fenfe,
Whofe manners are refin'd ;

Whofe temper's fweet as innocence,
And all her a<^ions kind.

<^4

Too

232

THE AMERICAN ORACLE-
S'

Too much eftate I never chofe :
Wou*d be fo rich indeed.

That I may help myfelf, and thofc
That often ftand in need..

Thus independent, live I would
In fome convenient place.

And fpcnd my time in doing good
Amongft the human race.

My times of leifure I would fpend

In ftudies that are deep :
The benefit of what I penn'd,

I'd let the people reap.

8.
And when my days on earth Ihall ceafe^

I'd chufe, among the bleft,
A ciown of glory, honour, peace.

And everlalling relt.

Compofcd at mjlmhipr, in the Kingdom of Great-Britnw,
April 27, 1789.

A NEW

A NEW S0N9,

533

NEW SONG,

ON THE WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.

WHERE dwells the man that dares fupprefs
The Godly Works of Righteoufnefs ?
The wretch that would attempt the thing,
Ought on a gallows high to fwing.

The ivorks of righteoufnefs.

Wherever they^ve been wrought.
In this world's wildernefs.

Much happinefs have brought :
They are of great a?2d 7nighty weight
To mankind in this ?norta/fiate.

Ye noble fricrtds, humane and wife !
We hardly know what profits rife,
How much doth fpring we fcarce can guefs.
From the blefs'd works of righteoufnefs.

The works of righteoufnefs, &c»

How pleafmg to a righteous foul.
To do good deeds without controul.
To help the brethren in diftrefs,
By gen'rous ads of righteoufnefs !

The works of righteoufnefs, &c.

How

■m

4' , >'

'p ;

f-.f' Ij 3

h 1

i.*i
l,'|l

334

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

How galling to a pious mind.
To fee the fons of men unkind,
To fee them oft too much opprefs,
Inftead of working righteoufnefs !

Tbe works of righteoufnefs^ kc.

My worthy friends, we fhall be blefs'd
With glory, honour, peace, and reft,
If we at all times truly prefs
After the thing calFd righteoufnefs.

The works of righteoufnefs, &c.

O Righteoufnefs ! thou lovely thing !
Much profit thou doft always bring :
The boundlefs good I can't exprefs,
Obtain'd by thee, O Righteoufnefs I

The works of righteoifnefs,
. Wherever the' ve been wrought,
Jn this world's wildernefs.

Much happincfs have brought :
They are of great and mighty weight
To numkind in this mortal Jlate,

Compofed at LorJoti, Feb. 3, 1791.

CHAP.

STATE OF THE HUMAN BODY, &C, 2^$

CHAP.

XXVIII.

OftJjc State and Condition of the Human Body;
and of the Birds, Bca/is, and Fijhes ; Trees,
Plants, and Herbs — JIl muji die^Whether the
Soul had an Exijicnce before the Creation of Man
— The happy Condition of the Dead.

^jp'HE Human Body is a compofition of the
X four elements; that is, of the earth, air,
fire, and water. It is nourifhed and fupported
by the vegetable and animal produdions, the cir-
cumambient air, and fundry liquids. It is con-
Itantly flying off by infenfible perfpiration, and
other evacuations ; and is fo very mutable, that
it changes once in feven years, and becomes en-
tirely new. The old body is difperfed among the
elements ; and the new body is generated out of
the materials appointed for nutrition.

The Divine Artificer hath breathed Into this body
the breath of life ; hath implanted in it an immor-
tal foul, which is endowed with rational powers
and faculties, ^nd is made capable of worfliipping,
knoudng, ferving, and enjoying the Author of its
being, viz, the Great Incowprehenfible Fountain of
life and motion.

This

236 » THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

This body meets with various degrees of pica-
fure and pain ; and being but a temporary build-
ing, continues but a fhort time in this mortal
ftate. It is expofed to an innumerable train of
accidents and difeafes ; and as it is appointed that
all men fl-.all once die, at laft the appointed de-
flruftion comes. The body becomes a lifelefs
lump, and returns to the elements out of which it
was formed. The tcrrcflrial part returns to the
earth, the aerial to the air, the igneous to the fire,
the aqueous to the water, and the fplrit to him

that gave it.

Thus have I dcfcnbcd the compofition of (he
human bodv, with the Hate, condirlon and fate
of ail mankind. — But not only the human race,
but the birds, beads and fiflies, trees, plants and
herbs, are formed out of the four elements, and
undergo various changes whilfl: their lives con-
tinue ; but at lafl they die, and their bodies are
difpcrxcd among the elements.

Some animals, and fome vegetables, live a long
time; but others are very {hort-lived. Infants
often die, that never faw light. But we only live
at the prcfent time ; for the time we hare lived
is paft and gone, and that which we have to live
is not yet come: — Hence, we only live at the
preient moment ; and our lives are as a vapour,
that appeareth for a very little feafon, and then
fuddenly vanifheth away. Mankind arc like the
grafs, that is flourifliing in the morning, but in
the evening it is cut down and withereth. The
time of our continuance in this mortal ftate
is fo very uncertain, that we cannot tell whether

SOUl/s EXISTENCE BEFORE THE CREATION. 237

we fhall live one moment, or a confiderable num-
ber of years ; but when we become old, we know
that we mufi; die In a fhort time, according to the
courfe of nature.

I have frequently been afked, whether I thought
that the fouls of men had an exiflence before the
formation of their bodies ? And my anfwer has
been, that it is probable they had ; for when the
Almighty had formed the body of Adam out of
the dud of the ground, he breathed into his
noftrils the breath of life ; and that breath un-
doubtedly had an exiftence before it entered into
the body formed for its reception, becaufe it pro-
ceeded from the Great Fountain of life and motion.

Again — When the Almighty converfed with
Job, he faid, " Where waft thou when I laid the
foundations of the earth ?" Vid. Job, xxxviii. 4.
It is therefore apparent, that Job was fomewhere
in the univerfe when the world was created,
though his body was not formed, nor his fpirit
put into it.

The very materials with which our prefent
bodies are compofed, were undoubtedly created
when the world was, though they were not framed
into thefe earthy tabernacles. Hence, we may in
that fenfe be called as old as the earth, or the
fun, moon and ftars, if the earth was created as
foon as thofe luminaries.

Death is only a change from this flate to ano-
ther, — as our bodies remrn again to the elements,
and our fpirits to him that gave them ; and the
dead being at reft, are totally free from the cares,
troubles, and vexations of a mortal life. None

are

11:

',}i

ft^8

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

are afraid of lofinq their lives or eftates, by thun-
ders, lightnings, earthquakes, inundations, {'corms,
or tempefts ; nor of being dedroyed by the ^var,
famine, or peftilencc. Thcfc fcenes of trouble,
thcfe perils and dangers, are all over and gone.

SHORT I^^ our pafiago tlirough this nether world;
For foon, by death, we from the llage are lu.rl'd.
The tender infants, in their lovely bloom,
Are often hurry'd to the fdcnt tomb !
• Adults grown up, nay fome of ev'ry age.

By cruel death, are taken from the ilage '•
The high, the low, the rich, the poor, tlic fmall.
By the great Iws "/terrors foon muft fall !
The richell man, (it cannot be deny'.:)
Who with good things moll amply is fnpply'd ;
Whilft he does live, doth grief and trouble find,
' l3 oft in pain, and vexed in his mind :
At laft he's ftruck a fatalllroke by death !

Down falls his body, and off Hies his breath 1
But where it goes, c>r how far it doth fly.
No mortal man can tell below the flcy.

The elements that in the body are,

Return to thofe from whence they taken were.

Thus dull to dud, and air to air, we find,
And heat to heat, are foon again combiu'd ;
Water to water, alfo, foon doth flow,
And the whole mafs to difTolution go !

Await, O man ! tliy doom ; foi 'tis the fate
Of every creature in this mortal ilate :
But when death comes, the fplrits rife on high,
Of godly ones who In the Lord do die.
Thus whilll their bodies are behind at rell,

Their pious fouls with happinefs are b'iti;/d.

O happy ilate, in whieh the d':ad are call !^
Their pain is gone, and ail their trouble's pall :
Need no phyfician to give them relief;
■ Are free horn pain, from forrow, and from gnef ;

And

HAPPY CONDITION OF THE DEAD.

And from the rage of all the fons of ftrlfe,

And the vexations of a mortal life.

The fland'ring tongue, and the back-biting knave,

Cannot hurt thofe within the filent grave :

Nor can the thief, who robs by night and day,

Nor any murd'rer who kills on the way.

By no means can the tyrant them opprefs.

Nor any mortal lead them to dillrefs.

When roaring winds bring up the thick'ned cloud.

And the grum thunder rumbles out aloud ;

When tlie earth quakes, and lofty cities fall ;

When places fink, and can't be found at all ;

When inundations o'er the land arife,

And burning mountains burft towards the flcies ;

When famine and the pellilence doth rage,

And wicked nations In a war engage ;

When blood and carnage greatly doth expand,

And delolatlon overfpreads the land,

And bolll'rous tempeils rage upon the fea :

Then are the dead from danger wholly free.

They're not afraid of being hurt, or flain.

Like wretched mortals who alive remain.

Let not the living, then, at death repine.

Since it was made by God, an aU divine.

To ralfe the ju It, —the hujband, cb'dd, and 'wife, .

From fcenes of trouble, to a better life !

239

'■<B

C II A P.

And

t4^

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

CHAP. XXIX.

■

The Aes of the VATRiA^cns^TbouS^jts on ih6
Wearing of Mourning, and on the Burying of the
Dead under Chur hes,

ACCORDING to the Scriptures, the people
lived much longer in the antideluvum
world than they have fince, as will appear by the
fubfequent Tables :

BEFORE THE FLOOD,

Adam

Seth

Enos

Canaaa

Mahaleel

Jared

Enoch

Methufelah

Lamech
Noah

lived

SINCE THE FLOOD,

Shem

Arphaxad

Salah

lived

Yt-ara

912

910
895
962

969

177
95Q

600

438

433

Eber

AGES OF THE PATRIARCHS.

7.41

Yt-ara

912

910
895
962

969

in
95Q

600

438
433

Eber

r,hcr

Pel eg

Rue

8erug

isfahor

Tcrah

Abraham

Ifaac

Jacob

Jofeph

Aaron

Mofes

Jofliua

lived

Yeara
464

239

230

I4B
205

''IS

180
147

no
123
120
no

Hence it is evident, that the days of man hav€
Oiortened by degrees ; for Adam lived 930 yeais,
and Jofhua only no. Some, in thefe modem
times, have lived till they were upvi^ards of 150
years old, though but a very few live till they arc
an hundred years of age.

It is very natural for people to mourn wheii
they have lofl their relations ?nd friends ; and I
have obferved, that fome mourn till they greatly
impair iheir health and fenfes.

The praclice of mourning feeriis to be very
ancient ; for Abraham mourned for Sarah^ vid.
Gen. xxiii. 2. — And Jofeph mourned feven days
for his father, with a great and very fore lamenta-
tion. Vid. Gen. 1. 10.— Alio, the children of
llrael mourned thirty days for Mofes. Vid. Deut.
xxxiv. 8, ^c.

242 1HE AMLKICAN ORACLE.

It has been faid, that fome people have hireiJ
mourners to weep and make a lamentable howling

at funerals. "

Some of the favage nations have cut themfelves,
and torn their llelh to pieces, in conlcqUence of
their lofmg their relations. And iome of the
American Indians lay their dead upofl feafloldf.,
where they ercd feats for the mourners, who go
and fit bv the corpfe every d^iy for a confiderable
time, and weep and howl for their departed
friends; but if they cannot go themfelves, they
hire others to howl in their room.

In thofe parts of Chrillendom where 1 have been
acquainted, the people In general have made ufe
of black cloaths, ribbands, veils, weeds, buckles,
&c for mourning. But the Spaniards formerly
wore white garments for that purpofe > and it
xvould do juft as well as black In thefe times, if it
was the fafliion. _

Many families in America have been mjured in.
time paft by running into debt for mourning ;
for it was once the cuftom for every one in a
family to drefs in black, when they loft their rela-
tionsi and if they were not poor, to give a pair
of cloves to every on£ that attended a funeral.
Th-rs pracTicc was fometimcs not only injurious to
thofe who loft their friends, but to thofe that fold
mourning ; for they often loft their property, by
trufting people that were unable to make pay-
ment. 1 . r

But thefe excefTes have been rcftramed in Iome
places by <hc afts of the Icgiaaiive aflembhes.

W MOURNINGS AND FUNERALS.

hire<i
wUng

ice of
3f the

ho go
crable
parted
, they

e been
ide ufe
iickles,
rmerly
and ip
s, if it

ired irw
(rning ;
c in a
ill rela-
a pair
Funeral,
rious to-
hat fold
rty, by
ke pay-
in fome
"emblies,
who^

Xv'ho, if I miftakc not, have prudently ordered that
nothing fhould be worn for mourning, but black
gloves, a weed, or a ribband, &Ck which expence
was but trifling.

It was formerly cuftomary in New England,, for
every perfon that had an inclination, to attend a
funeral without being invited. The parfon of the
parifli alfo attendedj and prayed with the mourners
at the houfe of the deceafed. After prayers, if
the deceafed was an adult, not lefs than four, and
often fix bearers were chofen to carry the corpfe
to the grave.

The corpfe was then moved out of the houfe,
and laid upon a bier placed on a table, where the
coflln was opened, and the mourners and others
viewed the dead body; which being afterwards
nailed up, a pall was put over it. Upon the pall
white gloves were laid for the bearers. Gloves
•were then given to the parfon and others that at-
tended. The bearers put on their gloves, and
walked with the bier, &c. on their (boulders, to
the biu-ying'place ; the mourners walking two
deep, next to the bearers ; and both men und
women fell into the proceffion, and walked in a
regular and decent manner. If the burying-grouni
was at a confiderable diftance, the bearers were
relieved on the way by the people^ who took
turns in carrying the corpfe : but the bearers took
their places again when they came near the place
<if interment ; and when they had arrived, they
laid down the coipfe, took off their hats, and put
ihe body into the grave, which was filled by the
by-ftanders, the mournars {landing in the meari

R 2 time

•
I'A'i

ii i

•1

B' '

^^TS^^

■L.

2^^ THE AMLRICAN ORACLE*

lime ;it the hcul of the grave. When the burial
vvas over, the oldcll male among the mourners
relunied thanks to the people, for their kmdnefs
ill attendhi- the funeral. No orations, nor
prayers, uere made at the grave by the parlon,
as he had prayed before at the houfe ot mourning.
Sometimes the people walked baek with the
mourners in proteilion, and were retreflied at
their houfe with a fupper, kc. But the Quakers
did not wear mourning, nor allow their coflins to
be painted blaek, nor was a blaek pall ufed : their
colTms were of the natural eolour ot the boards
they had been made of. ' ^

The funeral ceremonies were dlfterent in tlie
various governments. In Canada, the people fang
as they went with a corpfq to the grave ; and I
have been informed, that they buried (hoes, can-
dles, money, kc. with the dead ; and alio, that
that is the cullom in other Catholic countries. ^

In the State of New-York, the people are in-
vited to attend funerals. They aflemble at the
time appointed. Ihc corpfe is carried to the
crnve by ten or twelve bearers ; and the men
walk in proeeillon, but the women do not go to

the grave. ^ , , .

The parfon that attends. tL. funeral, and the
phyficians that attended the deceafed, each of
them receives a fcarf, that is, linen enough for a
fliirt, which they wear to the grave over taeir
richt flioulders, tied in a large knot under their
h^ft arms. Thefe are not only worn at the tune-
rals, but at church the next Sunday inorning.

\V hen

OF FlINERAl.f^ IK AMERICA.

245

When the corpfc is interred, they return in
proccflion to the houfe oi' mourning, where they
Ihid the tables fpread, and furnillied with fpicci
wine, pipes and tobacco. They tall to drinking
;md Imouking : the converfation runs upon a va-
riety of fubjecls, fome of which are very unfuit-
a'ble for fuch folcmnities. But they often have a
flipper, aiul the houfe of mourning is converted
into a houfe of feafting. This, hcv ever, is not
t^ie pradlice at every funeral in that government.

At Philadelphia, the people are invited to at-
tend fuacrals. The parfon walks before the
bearers: and if the deceafed was a woman, the
ladies walk in proccflion next to the mcnrners,
and the gentlemen follow after ; but if th-; de-
ceafed was a man, the gentlemen walk before the
ladies: and the parfon delivers an oration at the
grave.

The people are invited to funerals at Charlef-
town in Soutli-Carolina. At the houfe of mounv
iiig, they receive cakes, v/ine, punch, &c. and
alio a fprig of green rofemary wrapped m a piece of
paper, which they carry to the burying-ground,
and throw into the grave whilfl the people are
burying the corpfe. Here the parfon either deli-
vers a fermon, or makes an oration, at the time
of the interment.

But fomctimeSu, when the fnow is deep in Ame-
rica, or when the travelling is bad, the co.^jfe is
tarried in a carriage to the grave.

The funeral ceremonies are diiferent inEurtpe,
as well ?.s in America. At fome places in Eng-
land, they fmg a bynin, whillt they are burying

R 3 the

24?

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

if'

the dead. I underftand that this method is prac-
tifed by the Moravians, and by the Methodifts.

In fome places of America, they bury their de'id
under churches ; but it is not fo much praftifed
there, as it is in fome parts of Europe. This
cuftom was firfl introduced in England in 750.

1 have been alked, whether I thought it is pru.
dent to bury the dead under the churches ? And
ray anfwer has been in the negative ; becaufe the
infedious effluvia of putrifying bodies may be fo
very penetrating, as not only to impregnate the
furrounding earth with its poifonous qualities, but
even to efcape through the bounds of its confine,
ment, infeft the air, and fpread contageous dif.
tempers amongft the living, wljich mufl lay a
foundation for augmenting the congregation of ihe
dead. But how far my hypothefis may feem ra-
tional, I leave to the judgment of Philofophers,
and the Gentlemen of the Faculty, to determine.^

When people die of putrid dilbrders, their
bodies ought to be buried foon, to prevent the
fpreading of infeaioui diftempers. But if they
die in a fit of the apoplexy, or very fuddenly fome
other way, it may be proper to keep them a few
• days ; becaufe fome have come to life, that have
appeared to be dead.

In divers parts of America, the graves fall in,
and become level with the ground within a year
after a dead body has been buried ; but in other
parts, they do not fall in perhaps in the courfc
of twenty yejirs,— I have been afked to give a rea-
fon for thefe things. My anfwer has been, that
thy earth is impregnated in fome places with

falineous.

DISSOLUTION OF THE BODY.

247

ialineous, nitrous, and other particles, which pre-
ferve bodies from confuming, and that from hence
Xome graves do not fall in for a long time ; and
alfo, that it is impregnated in other places wi.h
copperas and other qualities which are capable of
dilTolving bodies in a fliort time, and that from
hence it is that fomc graves faH in,in lefs than a year
after a body has been buried ; for 1 have been in-
formed, that a piece of beef will be confumed m
a few days, if it is put down inro the copper-
mines in Connefticut,

Moreover, I rendered another rcafon, that is,
die rag« of putrefaftion in fome bodies, which
may caufe them to dilTolve, with the coffins that
contain them, fooner than others ; for one body
has a greater degree of putrefadion than another.
I knew four young women, who were twins, that
took the dyfentery, and were all dead and buried
in fix days. They wer^ laid within about eigh-
teen inches of each other, and where there did not
appear to be any difference in the qualities of the
earth. The grave of the one that had the greateft
degree of putrefadion, fell in in a (hort time ;
but the others did not fall in for a confiderable
number of years. This I imputed to the violence
of the diforder in the putrifying body.

It is cuftomary in great towns "ud cities in
England, to bury the dead upon one another. A
gentleman informed me in 1790, that he faw a
grave dug jufl by Weftminfter-Abbey, and that
he counted fifty.three ikulls that were thrown out
of it, befides other bones :— He alfo faid that the
fmell was fo very difagreeable, that he could but
iua endure to ftand and count the ikulls.

R4 Now,

248,

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

jjr.sii

Now, who can fuppofe that the earth is not
greatly impregnated with a contagious infedion,
where fo many diftcmpered putrifying bodies have
been buried in fo fmall a phice as one grave ? and,
who can fuppofe that this fubtile effluvia does not
creep through the earth, and impregnate the air
in a greater or a lefler degree with its poifonous
qualities ?

To conclude, I cannot, for the reafons I have
mentioned, think it is prudent to bury the dead
under churches, nor very near to them ; and as
there is room enough in the world, they may be
carried to a proper diftance, and buried, without
being put one upon another. It is our duty to
exert ourfelves in promoting whatever may tend to
preferve our own lives and thofe of others, and
to fupprefs every evil practice that may nder our-
felves and our fellow-creatures miferablcc

It is u m.anifeft abufe of the creation, to deck
and adorn ourfelvqs with things entirely needlefs.
, — As to the wearing of mourning, it is certain
that it can do the dead no good, nor the living
any further than that of covering their naked nefs,
and fcreening them from the inclemency of the
weather. The burying of gold and fdver with the
dead, and other things that can do no good, is alfo
an abufe of the creation ;-^and it is the duty of
every rational creature to guard againft excefs in
thefc things. If people have any thing that they
can fpare, let them give it to tlie poor ; inflead
of burying it in the ground, or wafting it for
fupertluitiqs,

CHAP.

CN THE SLAVE TRADE,

^49

C H A R XXX.

Thoughts en the Slave TRADE—Tyj^ Thunder of
the Laiv, the Thunder of the Go/pel^ and the
Thunder of the Confcicncc^ forbid this cibomi hie
PraBice,

0;NE tiling is praclifcd in fome parts of Chrif-
tendoni, which is an abomination to the
Lord, and a difgrace to the human race. It is
that of ftealing our African brethren, carrying
them from their country, felling them like
horfes, Iheep, or fvvine ; and the keeping of them
in cruel bondage all their days, without the allow-
ance of any freedom, or even leave to return to
the place of their nativity, to vifit their families
and friends.

Many of thofe miferablc objcds who have the
misfortune of being born of fuch ftolen and en-
flaved parents, ha^^ but a gloomy profpeft before
them; becaufe they are obliged 'o fpend the
whole of their days in vaiTalage and llavery, with-
out enjoying that liberty which is the natural right
of every man : And not only fo, but they are
liable to be fold from place to place, like animals
belonging to the brute creation,

This

3,5^

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

This abominable pradice commenced in Portu-
-al in the year I443; i" England, m 15" ■ •
fnd' at Virginia, in .eao-.-But, to the honour
of the Brififh rarliament, the Negroes are not
ennaved in Great-Btitain at the prefeut tune.

Surely thofe that follow this illicit trade, muft
be alhard-hearted as old wicked Pharaoh,the tyran-
iLling of Egypt:-nay they are more ..cW

.hen he ,vas ; for he only oppreffed *« e he— 1
„nder his own government, ^v> hm ''- l'"'^^ ^
his kingdom, without being guthy oi the horria
f n of going abroad .0 follow the pvaa.ce o
thef°and robbery. Hence he was gudty of but
te crime. But L tyrannical wretches are gmh^
of two : the firft is that of man-ttcahng ; and the
feond is that of bringing their fellow-n.omls, wtt
th^r pofterity, into cruel bondage and ttavery, as
!on^ as life continues.

If the LoKP, on hearing the cry of the op^
preffed Ifraelitcs, can>e down and pun.n.ed the
Lyptians with a nun>ber of heavy judgmem.
then they were guilty of but one crime ; o Low
:tch for r puninunent nmll thofe be counted wor-
Tv who a'e guilty of two abor.unable cr.mes
Sut though fucho&nders may lometmtes cfcape

punintment in ^^^J^^^^^^^^

::rtrs^:a:;v:"h:a/dtherevj^

of te rijht-us judgment of God, who w.U ren-
1 to Lery manaccording to the deeds done tn

the body.

Let

ON THE SLAVE TRADE.

25 «

Let thofc that live in the practice of thefe abo-
minatlons, liften,

1. To the thunder of the Law ;

2. To the thunder of the Gofpel; and,

3. To the thunder of Confcience.

1. To the thunder of the Law. — ^The Law ex-
prefsly fays, " Thou fhalt not fteal ;" and again,
" He that fleaHth a man, and felleth him, fhall
furely be put to death." Hence, thofe that follow
the Slave Trade, ought to be executed.

2. To the Thund(T of the Go/pel. — « Indigna-
tion and wrath, tribulation and anguifh^ upon
every foul of man that doth evil : For the wrath
of God is reveakd from Heaven, againfl all un-

godlinefs and unrighteoufnefs of men." «« For

the Law was not made for a righteous man, bi4t
for the ungodly and proflme, for murderers of
fathers, for murderers of mothers, for perjured
perfons, for man-ftealers," &c.— It is therefore
evidenr, that thofe who Ileal, fell, and enflava
rheir brethren, difobey the Gofpel, and makethem-
.f;elves liable to the dreadful pumfhraent& denoun-
ced again (l fuch rebellious, fmners.

3. 'J'o the thunder of Confdence.--i:hii tells
you, that all nations were made by the Almighty ;
that they are all entitled to freedom, though
it hath pltftfed the Former of their bodies tQ
make them of different colours and complex,
ions: That mar^-ftealing, and the bringing of
your brethren into cruel bondage, is a tranfgref-
^m Pf the Law, gpd ^ difobedience of the

ill

5^2 THR AMERICAN ORACLE. ^

pie ; ftiouid tne) mothers, your

brothers and fillers, V°« J' . j ,„d aimoll

ftarved, mto Atrica , u cic

talk-mato, and l-P'- J^ch ^^^^^^^^ .luld

days; do y°" ""^ *'."V^ Surely the thunder of
be very cruel and unjuft ^ W ^^ ^^„^^^

this mfan ous, t offenders ought

.bominable praa ce Su ly ^^^.^^^,^

«ol-^-"f ^::;"Veta 'and contempt, for dif-
='"' nil ndo-'i^S^ their atrocious condu^
^",-'-f not v' y i.-ange that this dilgraceful k.nd

, „ot ff -^^;'ttt r tiuow that of the
Parhament ^^^^j '° , J, New-Ycnk, the Jcr-
Legiflators m New-I-nS'^"^ ^^^^^^ ,hc

^'"' r;' 'Tfroirfli-f their bondage?

n: •''S h^rhL abo,ni..a,ion is m^^^f
—It 18 faid, ttiat 11 pennlVlvauia, in the

• in the governments So«h o Un .^ ^ _

• weft.lndiainands ='"'\'nthe bp-nm
But thofe that follow this evil prad.cc,

AUTHOR S EXHORTATIONS.

253

men
unto
done

Exani-
r, and
, your
ldr»n ;
aimoil
under
U your

; would

nder of

; follow

d, and
■s ought

fociety,

for dil-
condu£t.
■ul kind
lot been
countries
-Why do
he Britifli
lat of the

the Jer-
rated the
bondage ?
I pradiled
lia, in the
ominio, > *•

mulf tev-
t'Ainly

tainly incur the difpleafure of the Mojl High, and
expofe theinfeh es to his wrath and indignation.

Liften, therefore, O ye tranrgreflbrs ! to the
thunder of the Law, to the thunder of the Gofpel,
and to the thunder of your own Confciences. Re-
frain from your evil conduct ;—forfake the prac-
tice of man-flealing ; — break your bands of wick-
ednefs ; — undo heavy burthens j — and let the op-
preflfed Africans be releafed from the fhackles of
their bondage, and the chains of their vaflalagc
and flavery, left ye debar yourfelves from entering
into thatrcji ivhich remains for the People of God.

London, March Jj 1791.

CHAP.

254

riit AM-r.RlCAl«J ORACLE*

U A p. XXXL

'si

m^ ought to be liccfed to keep Public-Hous.s--

Of Dnmkcnnefi and Gluttony ; how Drunkards

Lt to be mLgcd-Of the E.f^^h.ch attend

Canuns, Lytng^nd Stealing-A C.ut.n a.a.nji

■ the keeping of Bad Company.

NO perfon (hould be licenfcd to fell fpirltous
liquors, unlefs he can be well recommended
for his fobriety and good behaviour ; anu he
ftould be ftrialy enjoined to beware of entertam-
f„:td contpany', that of drunkards in p«t.c,aaj,
vhofe excefs in this abommable v.ce no only
Toves ruinous to themfelves and families, but
Xn an inlet to every fpecies of wickednefs. to
thf^ hurt of mankind in general.
* AnTn-kceper ought to be well fumiftcd ;;th
everything neceffary for the entertainment of tr-
ill He oudn to allow no gaming m h„
vdler». Uc ougi , ^^ ^^fte both

v.niir,. • becaufe it has a tenaency lu "»
tt=;Loney,and.fotodi^^^^^^^^^^^

:t;^'^L : Itf gilU Histwn-cuaomers
? t; when he oV-fcrves th»y have got enough ;

is time for them to go home to their wi^^^
^ I ■

)USES-

•unkards
h attend
I aga'wji

fpiritous
imended
and he
mtertain-
articular,
not only
ilies, but
idnefs, to

Lfhed with
ent of tra-
ng in his
vafte both
,er people,
reft. He
-cuftomers
)t enough ;
y, -when it
heir wives
and

OF DRUNKENNESS. ^te

and families. If they infifl upon having more
liquor, his prefentlng them with a little fmall-beer
or water will perhaps fatisfy their thirfty cravings,
and may be the means of their going horns
fobcrly*

Drunkards ought not to be allowed to haunt
inns, taverns, or ale-houfes ; as they not only do
hurt to themfelvcs, famiHes, and connexions, but
alio to the houfes they frequent, by preventin'^
decent people from entering them to do bufmefs,
for which purpofe they are particularly intended,
as well as for entertainment. Soma go to the alc-
Uoufes on Saturday evenings when they have re-
ceived their wages, where they ftay till their
money is fpent, while their families are perhaps
in want of the neceflaries of life.

The abominable vice of drunketmefs, which
prevails fo much under the fun, burns up beauty,
haftens age, makes a man a bead, a ftrong
man weak, and a wife man a fool. It deftroys
• the credit, reputation, wealth, and health of mil-
lions ; as many a good conftitution has been
ruined by it. By the immoderate ufe of fpiritous
liquors, gouts, dropfies, rheumatifms, confump-
tions, and many other diftempers, are generated,
which cut down great multitudes, before they have
lived half their days : Numbers of poor women,
and children, who once lived in affluence, are
reduced to beggary and want, by the imprudent
condud of thofe that wafte their eflates by in-
temperance. Nay it is thought that intemperance
kills more than the fword.

A drunkard

■\k

.'i< M

'.m*:

2r6 TIir/AMLalCAN ORACLE*

A drunkard is a plague .o himfclf, a trouWe f
,,:, i^inilv, a difgrace to his neighbours, and a

or ballail, under full fail to Jdlrucbon. He s

dfpifedbyall good people; .hey treat hun w.th

^ I n u:. -/Mnmiiv Wlicn intoxi-

neeka, and ftmn his ^ompan). ^^''"^^ ^^

^tU he is incapable ot- taking car. olu^f^^ .
in danger of falling i""> '"'c hre, and water,
of being killed by carts, coaches waggons and
horfes when he attempts to walk abroad ; of
p i ting with the cold in f-re weathc^ and
of being robbed and murdered m the ftrects ani

'tXwho are apt to drink to excefs, fl^ould

be wat^ched and ^^^i^^^"^^^'
they are not capable ot tawng care u
k oucht to be done by others.

If any perfon intoxicated with hquor comes
into 4 inn, he ought to be turned out, to pre-
J^u'he company from being inerrupted; or >f
Ih .Iherisftormy.andheisin danger ofpeufl-
tg^v th cold, he ought to be put into fome apart-
ment by himlelf, and allowed only water t.U h.

'Tmanf- much indlfpofed after drinking
too nS I -ill prcfcribe a cure for that dan-
cerous d'ilemper : , ,, ., ,

^ . . Let the drunkard's head be ratfed.

a. Dip a fponge in vinegar, and hold it to his

nofe.

n. Let him be blooded.

4. Give hhn water to dnnk.

5. Four cold water on his head. •

OF OLUTTONS AND GAMESTERS.

-SI

le t#
id a

tielni
le is
with
itoxi-
ifclf J
■atcr J
5 and
i; of
, and
s ani

fliould

•17

ior it
ifelves,

comes
to pre-
; or if
perifh-
2 apart-
till he

rinking
lat dan-

it to his

6. Give him a cathartic, or injeft a laxative
enema.

7. Put his feet into warm water.

8. If he recovers, keep him from fpiritous li«
cpiors.

Gluttony is another vice that prevails too
jniich ; and though it does not deliroy the fenfes
by intoxication, like fpiritous liquors, yet it hurts
the vital, natural, and animal functions, and ge-
nerates dangerous diflempers. — The wife man
fays. The drunkard^ and the glutton^ Jhall come to
poverty. Prov. xxiii. 21. — Again, the Apoftle
Paul fays, Drunkardx, &c. Jhall not inherit the
kingdom of God. 1 Cor. vi. 10.

Gaming ought by no means to be allowed in
any kingdom or (late ; becaufe it is injurious, not
only to individuals, but to the community at large.
It is attended with a train of evil confequences,
fuch as lofs of time, credit, and reputation. It
leads people into intemperance, fuch as drunken-
nefs, &c. } generates contentions, divifions and
animofitics amongfl: friends; occafions wranglings,
quarrellings, bad language, and fightings — and
fometimes the lofs cf lives. — Hence, people that
are one day very rich, may the next day be very
poor; and families in affluent circvmillances to-day,
may be reduced to poverty and diflrefs to-morrow.

Both drunkards and gamefters, that perfifl: in
their evil courfes, ought to be confmed in work-
houfes, and kept in fome lawful employment ; by
which me^ms they may in time, upon reflexion,
become ufeful memb(!Vs of fociet}\

6. Uive

j.c8

THH AMFRICAN ORA'

. If anv man, woman, or chi' ■, 'litai be inclinea
to undo themfclves, kt them take to lying and
dealing, or either of them may anfwer alone for
thepurpofe: For, befides the danger of fines or
imprifonments, the whip or the halter, the liar
and the thief are cxpofed to the hatred ot all
good people, and even to that of one another.
Liars cannot be believed, even when they peak
the truth ; and if any thing is dole, it will be
laid to a thief's charge, .vhether he is guilty ot
the crime or not. In fhort, liars will not believe
one another, and thieves are jealous of each other
when goods are ftolen. ^

Thefe miferable animals are always in a wretched
condition ; for wherever they are known, people
are afraid to harbour them in their houfes.

Liars may do much damage in places where
their charaaers are not known, by defaming the
innocent; and if they are permitted to bear ialle
witnefs, they may be guilty of the hornd crime ot
Ihedding innocent blood.

People of the beft credit and reputation are
therefore always in danger of being injured by
liars and thieves, lience fuch villiims ought not
to be fuiVercd to run at large ; but ought to be
confined in fcmie place from which they cannot
efcapc, and there kept to hard labour.

The LecrlHature of the Mafilichufetts have con
trived a very laudable mode of puiillbment for
thieves, and other viiluins whofe crimes have not
been fo heinous as to bring the ollcnders to the
gallows.- rhey arc fent to Gullle William, which
h an ifiand furroundcd by water, and litivated

about

OF THIEVES AND LIARS.

259

cUneii
g and
ne for
ncs or
be liar
of all
iiother.
fpeak
,vill be
iilty of
believe
h other

retched
people

s where
ling the
;ar falfe
crime of

Ltion are
ured by
ught nol
ht to be
y cannot

lave con
iment for
have not
;rs to the
ni, which
I fituatcd
about

about three miles from Bofcon, from which they
cannot eafily make their efcape. There they are
kept to hard labour, the profits of which are con-
verted to the good of the public. Some are con-
fined for one year, fomc for two, three, &c. and
fome for life. Their punifhments are in propor-
tion to the magnitude of their crimes.

This laudable example ought to be followed by
nil nations ; for it is much better for the com-
munity to have fuch vagabonds kept in lawful
employment, than to have them confined in pri-
fons at the expence of the public, or to allow
them to flrolc from place to place, robbing and
Healing for a livelihood.

Let all liars remember, that whilfl they live in
that wicked praftice, they are the children of the
devil, who is the father of lies. John viii. 44.—-
That the Lord is the hater of a falfe witnefs, that
fpeaketh lies. Prov. vi. 17 — 19. — That all liars
ihall have their part in the lake liiaL burneth wdth
iire and brimflone. Rev. xxi. 8. except they re-
pent and reform from their evil courfes. Let him
that flole, (leal no more ; but let him labour with
his hands, to get fomething for his maintenance,
and to make reftitution to thofe he has injured by
his atrocious conduct. Eph. iv. 28.

IF you're at home, or on a route,
Beware of knaves that run about
To rob and fteal ;— -of them be fhy,
And guard yourfelf when they come nigh.

S 2 A cor-»

r-'*

til

26o

THE AMFRICAN ORACLE*

!► .i

■•■ A correfpondence Ivdve you not
With any thief, or drunken fot :
Haunt not the taverns, nor grog-fliops.
With gaming beaus, and filly fops.

To keep with them always rcfufe.
Who frequently bad language ufe ;
From ev*ry gang that is too rude.
And all tliofe wretches that arc lewd.

Left they, before you arc aware.
Lead you into fome dreadful fnare,
Deflroy your innocence and fame.
And bring upc. you a bad name.

§^
Thus, if bad company you fliun.
To vice you'll not be apt to run :
In good repute you may remain,
And ihun much trouble, gncf, and pain.

C II A F.

OF WHOREDOM.

G^l

CHAP. XXXII.

Of Whoridom, viz. 77?^/ of Idolairy, Adultery^

and Fornication, /

'^r^HERE are feveral kinds of Whoredom ;
1 fuch as,

1. The worfhipping of folfe gods.

2. Adultery, or an unlawful conneclion between
married perfons.

3. Fornication, or an illegal correfpondence
between thole that are unmarried.

All thefe abominations are called whoredom. —
Let us therefore obferve, That when the Ifraelitos
forfook the worfhip of the Moft High, and paid
homage to idols, it is faid that they went a-whor-
ing after thei' own inventions. Vid. Pfal. cvi. 39.
—That when David had an unlawful correfpon-
dence with the wife of Uriah, it was faid that he
committed adultery. Vid. 2 Sam. xi. 4. — And
Shechem committed fornication with Dinah. Vid.
Gen. xxxiv. 2.

Whoredom of every kind is an abominable vice.
It tends to deftroy our felicity in this life, ?nd our
happinefs hereafter; for befides the fm of not
worihipping the True God, whoredom raifes a fpirit
of j^aloufy between a man and his wife ; pro-

S 3 duces

i»i

^ 1.1 H.l

262

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

duces contcnuons, divifions and ammont.es ,
breaks up families, and blatts their reputation.
It alfo hurts the credit and charuaer ol unmarried
perfons, and reduces them to beggary and want,
which excites them on to commit other abomina-
tions, fuch as theft, robbery, mur-.-er &c.-By
means of a whorith woman, a man is brought to
a piece of bread, fays Solomon, Prov. v.. 26. bo
alfo, by the means of a whorith man a woman i*
brought to a piece of bread, fays the Author of
\\-ii American Oracle. . ,. , „„

How dees the world fwarm in this degene.ate
a.e, with a great multitude of miferable wretches
vvho, by reafon of whoredom, are reduced to fuch
poverty and diftrefs, that they are deftitute of
houfe and home, of food, raiment, and other
things neceffary for their fubfiftence . _

In this deplorable condition they remain till
,hcy are thrown upon the town, confined in
lokhoures,, or caft into prllun, for theft or ome
other crime ; and the p " n- cb-.luren of uch dege-
nerated parents uiufl be u.un.ained by the pa J,
6r by the charity )? fome friends, otherwife they

muft peridi wlih hur- -r. r , r • ,

Thofe tha-, liv- in tl ,; praaice of thefe vices
pafs through mucli c.r,:, trouble, and vexation ot
fpivn. The whoremoi-;';c'- is continually alraid o
being fei..ed by a;i offi>:er, and either comr.utt.J
to prifon, or of having his caate taken from h
to fupport thofe vlcio'^s, lewd, debauched creatu. =.,
with whom he has had a c.urerponJence.-l he
whore is alfo afraid of the miferies (he may bring
unon hcrfelf by her evil conduft. In Ihort, both

fities ,
ation.
arried
want,
imina-
:.-By
ght to
16. Sa
man i»
thor of

enerate
retches,
to fuch
tutc of
.1 other

lain till
ined in.
or feme
z\i dege-
e parifti,
vifc they

sfe vices,
nation of
afraid of
^miuUf^d

roni V
:rcatui~i;>
ce.— The
nay bring
ort, both
live

OF WHOREDOM.

163

live in fear that their reputations will be deflroyed,
and their conftitutions ruined, by the reception of
a certain vlriis^ which will be mentioned in the
iubfequent chapter.

Let all perfoxis who have any rrgard for the
prefervatlon of their health, wealth, credit, repu-
tation, and ialvaiion, fhun the company of lewd
men and women. This ma- prevent that anxiety,
poverty an>l diftreff, which will inevitably come
upon thofe who keep their company, and follow
their evil pradices. — Let whoremongers, adul-
terers, and fornicators, forfakt their evil condud,
and live pious and virtuous lives for the future ;
and let them remember the words of the Apoftle,
r/z. that marriage is honourable in all, &c. but
that whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

lleb. xiii. 4.

Various punifhments have been inflifted for
idolat'-r, adultery, and fornication. Under the
Mofaical law, idolatry and aduhery were puniflied
with dcatli, and fornication by a fine. The Ba-
bvlo^;:.ans, Arabians, Tartars, Indians, Javans,
;i;(ut Mexicans, made adultery and fornication a
capital crime. The Turks drowned fuch women,
nnd put the men to great torture. The Hunga-
rians executed thofe guilty of fuch crimes. ^ In
Great Britain, adulterers are fined, and fornica-
tors are obliged by the law to pay a certain fum
of money for the fupport and maintenance of their
bailard children.

In the Mailachufetts, -dulterers are puniflied by
fines, imprifonment. fetting on the gallows.
Handing in the pillor ;, and by being whipPvd at

S V ^^^®

1 11

'■• ''n

■§k:'::M

264 THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

the poll.— Fornicators are fined ; and if a married
man and woman has a child within fix or feven
months after they have been married, they are
obliged to make a public confeflion before the
church and congregation unto which they belong,
or they are debarred from having their children
chriftened.

Some of the clergy have made fuch unfortunate
perfons acknowledge, that they had been guilty of
a breach of the feventh commandment, viz. of
committing adultery. Thus they have been in-
duced to tell a lie before the Lord, the church,
kc. ; for aduUery cannot be committed when both
of the perfons are unmarried. — Some again have
made them acknowledge, that they had been
guilty of the fm of uncleannefs ; and others, that
they had been guilty of the fm of fornication.

To conclude, neither Chrill nor his Apofties
have impofed any fuch degrees of punifhment
under the gofpel difpenfation ; and reafon and
common fenfc tells us, that fines, imprifonmcnts,
&c. cannot forgive fins. Therefore, let all thofe
who have been guilty of fuch abominations, " go
their way, and do fo no nore, left a worie thing
fliould come upon them."

C 11 A V

OF THE VENEREAL DISEASE.

2^5

C H A P. XXXIII.

Of ihe Venereal Disease— //j terrible FffeBs on
the Huiiian Body — How to cure the Dijhinper,

THIS malady is called the plague of Venus,
the venereal peftilence, the French difeafe,
^^c. It v/as not known in Europe till it was
brought from the Spanifh Weft-Indies into Spain,
by Chriftopher Columbus's men, in 1493.

In 1494, it was carried from Spain to Italy;
and in 1495, i^ was fpread in Naples and France •
and from thofe countries it was fpread over Eu-
rope. Not only Europe, but America, and all
parts of the habitable world where trade and com-
merce are carried on, have become infeded in a
greater or lefler degree. It has lately found its way
among the innocent inhabitants of the iflands
newly difcovered in the Southern Ocean, who
being ignorant of the method of cure, have been
in a deplorable condition : and I have been in-
formed, that it is endemic in Peru.

When it firft began in the Spanifii Weft-Indies,
or what it proceeded from, I believe no mortal
can toil ; but it has been fuppofed thr.t it oriri_
natcd from a vegetaoie or an animal poifon.

However,

266

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

If J

However, U is but a fuppofition, ^vithout ai.y

Eur pe than the difcovery of Ameriea has done
toed • for it has Hain thoufands, and turned the
oSi'tutions of an innumerable -'"tude o^ pe -
,,,. Kvery one of the ,_
take ths terrible malatl) . ine nib.i
the vieh and the poor, the young and the old J^e
honell and the dilhonelf, are eonanua ly xpofe
to it An honeft hufrand may take it of a d.n,.,nel
':&; audauhone(Uvifemaytakeitofad>fl,onea

''"Xhet.v..- may be communicated various ways ;
for beUdes that'of an impure eontaeVandcottton

vithaniufeaedpevfon, a nurfe may take ..,. /

luckUn. a child born with i', or mhenva;s n -

dedrandachiMmaytakeit byfuckuM a

voma; labouting under ^l^at contp amt may

nllb be taken by kiffing a pcrfon v...ole mo.tl. i
itted, atidly the reception of the P.^^^^^^^

any part where the ikin is oil. 1 '--^ ' J^ "^^ j '^
thtvvas afflie^ed with an umverlal ami, who
imed to me that he took it by handhng a vene-
real patient when ho had a wound m hi. f. K ■
in ilLt, wherever the vin. can get through 1 1.
Wn, it will enter Into the mals ot the fluuls, and

lav a foundation for a confirmed /««.

'The ftvonger the virus is, the fooner tt wdl
operate. I he-1 a patient fay, tha, e K t U .m-
mediately after he had taken the '" -^-' ' 'I';'^
,Uc poifou feemed to vu.t like a w.ld-fire, and .n

f ill

.t air/

.age in
\ done
ed the
)f peo-
able to
le low.
Id, the.
:xpofed
iilionclt
iflioneil

s ways ;
coition

e itj.l^y
vavs in-
ickin^'; a
\[ urav
110 uth is
loifon in
phyfician
m, who
g a vene-
is finj^cr.
-ouj^h the
uids, and

jr it will
t'clt it im-
:ion; that
re, and in

ids

OF THE VENEREAL DISEASE.

267

Jefs than 24 hours produced a cordee, and other
bad fymptoms.

Sometimes it is very flow in its operation ; but
the fymptoms generally appear in three or four
days after the infedion has been received. It ope-
rates different ways in different conftitutions. It
ufually begins with a fenfation of heat, and prick-
ing pain in making water : then comes on a run-
ning of virulent matter, of a white, yellow, green,
or bloody, colour ; followed with a ftridure, a
cordee, phimofis, paraphimofis, ftrangury, bu-
boes, chancres, warts, cutaneous eruptions of a
red, white, or blue colour ; nocturnal pains, in.
flammations, fwellings, excoriations, ulcers, fif-
fures, opthalmies, lofs of fight, deafnefs, carious
bones, fpii^^s, ventofas, nodes, tophs, ganglions,
gummas, caruncles, gangrens, and mortifications.
Sometimes the virus runs to the nofe, and eats
It off. — When the running is flopped, or what is
improperly called a gonorrhea ftcca comes on, then
the virus enters into the mafs of the blood, and
the patient is in a dangerous fituation.

Men, by reafon of their different formation,
have more complaints than the women ; and chil-
dren born with the diforder, are worfe to cure
than either.

The ancient phyficians were entirely unable to
cure this terrible malady, till they difcovered the
virtues of the argentum vivum, This difcovery
was made about the year 1522, which was 29
years after the poifon was firft brought into Eu-
This is an excellent fpecific, and the only

rope.

'I II

rem

,edy

■p ' -all
sis !' ,

268

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

^, ^l

remedy I believe that will perform a radical cun\
thouo-h It mufl be fometlmes combined with other
medicines. But it has been llild, that the North
American Indians can cure themfelves when half
rotten, with a decodion of the rad. lobelia; but I
never in all my travels could get any of It.

The methods of cure muft be according to^ the
conllitutlon and circumftances of the patient.
The venereal virm mufl be deftroyed; the parts
defended againll its acrimony ; and the irritation
which it caufcs abated. Hence phlebotomy, a
diluting antlphlogiftic regimcrt, joined with mer-
curials, and fundry vegetable productions, mult
be exhibited ; and every thing avoided that tends
to inilame the blood. I have often obfcrved, that
mercurial friftions are very efficacious when the
taint is univerfal ; but they muft be ufed with
caution. The warm bath and mercurials joined
with opium, are alfo very beneficial.

Let thofe that may have this diforder, apply
immediately to fome Ikilful phyfician, inftead of
tampering with medicines themlllves, or of apply-
ing to quacks, who impofe upon the ignorant
world with noftrums which will not pcriorm a
radical cure. It is a pity this I'irus cannot be
expelled out of the world ;— but how it can be
done I know not ; unlefs all the people were put
under a courfe of phyfic atone time, and eveutheu
1 believe it would be difficult. v -

C K A r.

OF MATRIMONY.

C69

C H A P. XXXIV.

Hoiu to chtfc a good Wife, and a good HasBAND
— How young Goitlcmen and Ladles ought to con-
ducl tbc?nfclves if they intend to get married'-^
lioio Hujhands and Wives ought to treat each
other, bring up their Children^ and behave to
Servants — Of the Duties of Children and Serva?2ts
to their Parents and Majlcrs,

T'HE chufing of a good wife, and a good huf-
bund, are matters of very great importance;
bccaufe a difagreeable companion mufl make a
man, or a woman, very unhappy : — Therefore,
kr thofe unm..rried Gentlemen, who may intenc
to enter into the bands of matrimony,

Cliufc one tliat has an lioncft mind,
Wlio is to moral good inciin'd ;
Endow'd with decency and fenlc,
A temper mild as Innocence.

And let the Ladles, who may be inclined to
marry,

Chufc one that's pleafing to their fight,
Whole character is very bright ;
Whofe temper's good, whofe noble mind
To pious adtions are inciin'd.

Thofc

'^H

I I

Ril

t'/o

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

excellt

tempers

difpofitions, are the onl^ proper pc^rfons to enter
mto a married iiate ; becauib they will live in
peace and harmony, and make good members ot ^

Ibciety. _ -

If Harry pays his addreflls to Nancy, under
the pretence of marriage, flic ou ,ht to confider
of the matter well, before Ihe confents to enter
into the folemn obUgailon.-licncc flie ought to

know,

I Whether he has common fenfc.

2. Whether he is good-natured, humane and

cenerous. « . , . , r

-. Whether he is honed in his dealings.

4*. Whether he ufes bad language.

c. Whether he is a drunkard.

6*. Whether he wades his time and money in,

gaming.

^ Whether he keeps good company.

s'. AVhether he has been obedient to his parents

andmaflers. ira i ♦

9. Whether he is induftrious, or addided to

idlenefs. ,. 1 1 r m

ro Whether he belongs to a creditable family ,

thoudi none that behave well, ought to be de-

fnifed for the ill conduct of their relations.

,,. Whether he is a man of his word, and
punaual in fuUUling his obligations. ^^

12. Whether flie likes his perlon, religion,
convcrfation, and behaviour.

,3. Whether it is probable he can fupport her
in ficknefs and in health, &c. ^^^

OF MATRIATONV.

Now if flie fliall find that Harry is ponifled of
but few of ihefc properties, and addiclcd to many
niilinji;;;, or that flic cannot love his perfon,
reli,i;Ion, 5:c. (lie had better not marry ; becaufe,
if Ihe does, flie may be niiferable afterwards. —
And Harry, before he attempts to marry, ought
to confider of ail thcfe things ; and to find by
appearances at leaft, that Nancy's perfon, fenfe,
temper, and conduft, will be agreeable.

Many people rufli too fuddenly Into a married
dale, without weighing thcfe things well in their
minds before-hand.— Hence, a foundation is laid
for contention and difcord, as well as for much
trouble and vexation.

Nancy may undo herfelf by marrying ; for, if
Harry is a drunkard, thief, liar, gamefter, fcold,
^c. he may treat her ill, wade her edate^ and bring
difgrace upon himfelf and his family.

And perhaps if their profeHions of religion are
ditfercnt, they may cuarrcl about the dodrines of
original fm, electl jn, reprobation, infant baptifm,
^c. and like diHerent feclaries, be fo puffed up in
their vain imaginations, that they will cenfure
each other to the Infernal regions, ufe indecent
language before their children and fervants, and
learn them to follow a bad example.

The Catholics may fuppofe that their principles
are right, and that thofe who dlffent from them
are heretics : — The Lutherans may fuppofe that
their opinion is bed: And the Calvinlfls may
fuppofe that they are God's eleft ; and that Aofe
that do not think and ad as they do, will not go
to Heaven. I'he like may be faid of fome other
. ' ' feds;

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Sciences
Corporation

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WEBSTER, N.Y. MS SO

(716) 872-4503

"^ WJ><

272

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

feds- who, if they are unequally joined in matrl-
mony, mav contend about their religious fenti-
ments and make themlelvcs unhappy. But the
philofophers are perfuaded, that, in every nation
and fea, they that fear God, and work nghteoul-
nefs will be favcd ; and they wifli that that un-
charitablenefs which fo much prevails amongft the
different denominations of Chriilians in the prefent
acre may fubfide-with all the fuperftitious no-
tions which they have imbibed from their cradles,
concerning their own righteoufnefs, and the un-
riohteoufnefs of others ; and alfo that chanty,
humanity, brotherly love, and pure religion might
overfpread the globe, as the waters cover the feas.
I have been informed, that a young man, who
is a Calvinift, lately vifitcd a young woman called
a Univerfalifl, with a defign of marrying her.
After fome time, Ihe found what principle he was
of and that if they married, they (liould not agree
about religion ; and for that reafon, flie carefully
warded off the impending danger, by refufing to
let him vifit her again upon the fubjed of matri-

"" filt although a man and his wife's being of a
different fentiment concerning religion, commonly
rrenerates flrife, yet fometimes fuch perfons have
lived happily together. If they are of eafy tem-
pers -nd difpofitions, and can confent to let each
other enjoy a free liberty of confcience without
moleftation, they may live in peace as long as lite^

continues. , . r

A voung lady, or gcnthman, \vho inclmes o,
oet married, flwuld be jjood-natured, go cleanly
° dreued.

OF MATRIMONY.

^11

dreiTed, refrain from intemperance, idlenefs, gam-
ing, bad conipany, bad language, and all kinds
of vice. They f]:iould be charitable, courteous,
kind and humane, obedient to their parents and
mailers, and, in a word, they ought to walk
honeftly; for all vicious practices tend to b"ing
them into difcredit, and to hinder matrimony*

Sometimes good men have bt^en married to bad
women, who have afterwards reformed, and made
good wives. And good women have fometimes
been married to bad men, who have grown bet-
ter, and made good hufband.s. — Souietimes both
have appeared to be bad, yet have done well :
Again, when both have appeared to be good,
they have proved bad after marriage.

A hufband ought to be very exemplary in his
life and converfation. He fhould be no liar, thief,
or drunkard; not a ufer of .bad language, nor
contentious, or covetous; but very i *nd and hu-
mane to his wife, provide well for her in ficknefs
and health, and always remember the Words of
the Apoftle, that men ou^ht to lo've their wives as
their own bodies ^ Eph. v. 28.

A wife ought to be very pious and virtuous, a
chafte keeper at home, good and obedient to her
own hufband. She ought to be no fcold, tattler,
brawler, or back-biter ; but a promoter of peace
and harmony, in her family, and amongft her
neighbours. She ought to be kind to her huf-
band and family, and to take good care of them
both in ficknefs and health, and to remenxber the
words of King Solomon, that a virtuous woman
is a crown to her hujband, Prov. xii. 4 ; Jnd thai

T it

274

THE AMERICAN ORACir.

it ts better fir a man to dwell in ibe corner of a
boufe-top, tba-^ ivith a brawling woman in a wide'

houfe. Prov. xxix. 9. ' , r .u •

Parents ought to fet good examples before their
children; and, according to the advice of the
Apoftle, to bring them up in the nurture and ad-
monition of the Lord. The fame ought to be

done to fervantsi . ^^ ^, :,.

Both children and fervants ought to be kept 11.
fome lawful employment, and out of bad com-
pany, left they learn the pollutions that are m the
Lrld. But if parents and mafters ufe pro ane
curfm, and fwearing, their children, &c. ^vill fo low
L fame evil example; for, accordmg to the vulgar
faying, " As the old cocks crow, fo crow the

Youno; ones. . ,

P-irents are often to bhme for fcoldmg at, and
beatinc their children and fervants, when they are
not to blame.. Thofe brought up in this way,
are the moil hard to govern ; for where parent*
and mafters are continually frettmg, fcolding,
. and ftriking thofe under their care, without any
apparent caufe, they are foon difcouraged, and
become hardened, fo that they wdl not move
■ when they are bid, without the violence of a
^lo,v.-Many of the poor infants have been ruined
by being (buck on their heads, which has fonie-
uLs ciufed deafnefs, a lofs of fenfe and fight :
therefore, this cruel pradice ought to be uppreffed.
Cliildren and fervants may be fpoded th« way,
iuft as a cruel mafter may fpoil a horfe that has
U^h life, and is full of good nature -, for if he
„,ounts fuch a horfe, and falls to whipping of

nim^

OF PARENTS AND CHILDREN.

275

him, he may foon wear him out, bring down his
fpirits, and difcourage him fo that he will not go
at all unlefs be is beat.

The prejudice of education, and the influence
of tradition, has a furprifmg effea upon children,
and even upon grown perfons; for the latter gene-
rally (though not always) retain the principles they
imbibed in their infancy to their dying day.
Hence, if you teach a child that the Heavens and
Earth were reated by Mahomet, it will retain
that belief, unlefs the voice of Reafon fhall teach
it better— It is therefore necelTary, that children
(hould have good principles inftilled into them
when they are young ; for if a child is brought up
in the way it Ihould go, when it is old, it will not
be apt to depart therefrom.

There are feveral vanities which have prevailed
in fome places where I have been acquainted. As,

1. Some parents, who were able, would not
help their children when they have come of age.
Hence, they have been provoked to anger, and
brought into a ftate of difcouragement.

2. Some parents have given near all of their
eftate to one of their children only, and have
turned the refl out naked into the world. This
has generated a fpirit of envy amongfl: brethren,
and been the caufe of much contention and
difcord.

3. Some have given all their eftate to their
children, who have become fpendthrifts, and thus
turned themfelves, with their fathers and mothers,
out of houfe and home.

T- But

IS Mi

276

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

But all thefe extremes fhouid be carefully
guarded againft. Parents ought to help their chil-
dren xvheii it is in their power, and to confider
that all muft be provided for and lupported
through life, and that one child is an heir to an
eftateas well as another ; and to remember that
he that giveth all his fubftance to one child, and
nothing to the red, fowsdifcord amongft brethren,
which is a thing that the Lord dotii hate. 1 rcv.

Again, parents ought to keep enough of their
eftate in their own hands, to fupport themfelves
with as long as life continues. ^ tr

Children ought to obey their parents, and ler-
vants their mafters : For it is laid. Honour tby
father and mother, that thy days may be long upon
the land, ^^-'^ ^^^d' Children ^ey your parents m
all things, for this is zvell plcafmg to the Lord ;
and, Servants, obey your majlers, &c. He that
curfed his father or his mother, was to be put to
death under the Mofaical law ; and the Apofl e
under the Gofpel difpenf\ition, mentions the dif-
obedience of parents as a capital rrime. Rom.

''' Where children are obedient to their parents,
and fervants to their mafters, a fpirit ot union
and harmony generally exifts in families, provid-
ine the parents and mafters are exemplary in their
lives and converfations ; but where a difobedience
prevails, contention and difcord, poverty and

aiftrefs, frequently enfue. ^,., ,

' Children

efp

tho
iinc

'I'lli

DUTY OF CHILDREN.

277

^ Chi.tli ea ought to be very kind to their parents
m their old age, as well as at all other times, and
efpecially if they have become poor : For, ihcy
thcii provide not for their own, and efpecially for
thofe of their own houfehold, have denied the Faith,
and arc worfe than Infidels,

CHAP.

syS

THJ AME».lCAt5 OB.ACVE.

CHAP. XXXV.

Wbal becomes of the Fuel -when it is cor.fimcd, the
Water -when it is boiled atuay, and the hre -^'ben
it is gone mt-What produces rire-How to pre-
sent the Bread from being burnt- -The ad.an-

. tages of the Heat of the Sun-Of the S^aUt.es
of the Earth, Air, Fire, and Tlater. _

WHEN the Fuel is confumed, it is all Roue
off by fumigation into the atm°ri)hcre
except the terreftrial parts, or allies, which are lett
behind : And the lame may be faid of the ^vater
when it is boiled away ; for it is all gotte off by
evaporation, unlefs it was impregnated «uh e nh)

particles; and they, like the a(hes, ^'-'e 'f bf ""^;
^ As to the Fire, it is totally gone off into the

air, when the fuel is confumed ; where it mixes
with the other elements, and thus becomes m-
vifible, until it is put in motion by the v.o ent
agitation of different bodies. Hence, the fm«.ng
of flint and fteel together, will produce v.f.ble
fparks, which will kindle into a flame, if they have
fuel tofeedthem; nnd burn till the fuel is conlumed,
unlefs it is put out by water, or pent up from
the furrounding air.

The fire all flies off into the atmofphere, when

it is put out by water; anu ii u pc^ -^ d..u..-„
^ br undone

mmmttm

OF THE HEAT OF THE STJN.

279

brlmftone is covered with ?, lid, the fire will go
out, for it cannot burn where there is a fixed air.
About one quarter of the air we breathe in is
moveable, and the other part is fixed : the move-
able is what caufes the fire to biirn, and it is alfo
the caufe of animal life.

Let an oven be ever fo hot, it will not burn
the bread, if it is immediately Hopped tight j but
ji' the air has an ingrefs into the oven, the bread
will be burnt. Perhaps this information may be
ferviceable to bakers.

Of the Heat {f tlye Sun,

BY obfervatlc is it doth now appear,
The land and fea, with the whole atmofphere,
Whilfl they in their diurnal courfes run.
Do all expand when heated by the Sun.
Hence, by the heat of our great Sol alone.
The earth fwells larger in the torrid zone.
Than at the centre of her fteady poles,
Through which her body on an axis rolls :
The heat expands the globe on ev'ry fide j
But cold condenfes, and makes things fubfide.
Hence mountains, iflands, towns, and cities be,
With other things upon the land and fea,
At noon more high than when the fun doth rife,
Or when he fets in yonder xveflern Ikies*
If great Sol's heat did not all things expand.
On the wide fea, and on the folid land.
No tides wouM rife, no murmuring winds wou'd

roar :
No waves wou'd dalh againfl the rocky {hore ;

T4 To

aBo 'IHI: AAU:B.K AS' ORACLE.

No lhunder-l^ol•m^ no rain, noliail, no fnow,
No mill, no dew, no morl^funs, no rain-bow,
i^o noitlurn ligh'-S no vapours woii'd appear.
Nor cloudR roTidenfe in all the licniirphcrc.
As there*d be nothing but a iixcd air,
'Twou'd makt; the weather keep exceeding fair.
No ilamcs wou'd rife, no wood at all wou'd burn,
Nor any metals into liquids turn.

All things wou'd die— If you will me believe,

No animal upon the globe couM breathe ;

in folemn filence ev'ry thing wou'd be.

Upon the land and the extended lea ;

All calm, all dead, not any move at all

Upon the furface of this earthly ball.

Of the Four Elements.

THE whole terraqueous globe is a compoiition
of earth, air, hre, and water •, and all its produc
tions are rompofitions of the fame elements. 1
Ihall treat of each of thcfe elements iu their
order,

I. Of I be Earth,

THERE isbut one kind of earth, one of air, one
of fire, and but one of water ; however they may
be impregnated by the different fubftances with
which they are combined or mixed. — Hence the
earth may be mixed with metallics, the air and
ilre with different fumigations, and the water with
various kinds of particles.

Earth, in a chemical fenfe, confifts in that part

which cannot be melted in the fire, nor extended

OF THE EARTH.

261

by a hammer. It is called n/pnt mortuum, becaufc
it cannot be raifed by diftillation, nor diflblved
by folutionj being a thick, dry matter, that is
left in the bottom of a ftill or furnace, after ve-
getable, metallic, or other operations have been
performed. — This kind of earth is not fo pure as
the other elements.

There are five kinds of mineral earths, three of
the vegetable, and as many of the animal.

The Mineral Earths are,

1. Ihe rryjidl/inc, as flints and cryftals; they
are friable in a ftrong fire.

2. The calcareous ; — a flrong fire will convert
it into an acrimonious calx.

3. y//-^/7/V/f row— the pureft of clays, boles, and
ochres.

4. Talky'—iUi is fcarcely alterable by a vehe-
ment fire,

5. Gypfeom, Englifli talc, gypfa. A gentle heat
will reduce them to a fine powder.

The \^:gctable Earths are,

1. That from the burning pf foft fpongy and
farinaceous plants, i

2. That from the burning of harder and lefs
iucculent plants.

3. Tliat fVom the burning of wood.-

Animal Earths are,
J, That from the burning of (hells.

• 4- iiat

sSa

THE AM£R1CAN ORACLE,

2. That from the burning of bones, horns,

and hoofs. , n n i

3. That from the burning of blood, lielh, and

(kins.

Oyfler fhells, crabs eyes and ciaws, red and
^vhlte coral, pearls, bezoar, chalk, fome marles,
lime-flones, marbles, and fpars, are called tnjipul
earths, becaufe they are capable of abforbmg

acids.

■ Gold, filver, iron, copper, brafs, lead, tin,
mercury, antimony, bifmuth, zinc, fulphur, falts,
rocks, diamonds, precious ftones, with all the
other mines and metals, are lerrejlrial lubftances.

Gold is the heavieft of all metals, and tin is
the lighteit. The former is above nineteen times,
and the latter fix times heavier than an equal
bulk of water.

Thefe earths have an abfoibing quality.

II. Of the Air.
T^ IE Air Is a tranfparent fluid fubflance, which
environs and compreffes the globe on every fide.
It is fubiea to expanfion by the heat, and to con-
denfationby the cold: Hence, it rifcs higher m
the torrid, than it doth in the frigid zones. Its
heipht, at a medium, is from 45 ^o 5° "^^^f^* *|
mav be compreiTed into a very fmall compals, and
expanded to a great magnitude, being very elaftic
and ponderous. Vid. The caufe of the bloiving of
the winds ^ p. 168, &c. ,

OF THE AIR. 283

The preiTiireof the air is fo very great upon our
bodies, that, to every fquare Inch, we bear near
15 pound of avoirdupois weight: Hence, if a
man has 1 2 fquare feet in his body and limbs, the
preflure wi.l be ahnoft equal to M5 tons 17 16
pounds weigiit ; which would crufh nim to atoms,
were it not for the equilibrium betvv'een the air
within him and the furrounding atmofphere.

The air is a p^rt of the compofition of all
bodies ; hence it unites and prel'erves their parts.
It is neceflary for the prefer vation of animal I'^e,
and the generation of flame, as I hinted before.
Some animals cannot live without it; b'Jt toads,
vipers, eels, fifhes, and all kinds of infects, will
live in a receiver, when the air has been exhauited
by an air pump.

This element is a fluid, that cannot be converted
into a folid by any method hitherto invented.
Its particles are fo very fmall, that they cuanot be
difcovered through a microfcope, although they
nre larger than thoie of fire. Fire pervades glal:;,
oil, water, Sec. and will pafs through many corn-
pad, fubflanccs ; whilft air is refilted by ftrong
paper. The air is the objedls of taile and of the
effluvia to the nofc : It is alfo the vehicle and
condudor of found ; for if there was no air, there
would be no found at all.

Although, in reality, there is but one air ; yet,
by reafon of its being impregnated with diiferent
qualities, it is called by difl:erent narres : as^

I. The atmofpheric air — This abounds with
fulphur, and confifls of an acid phlogifl:ion.

2. A fixed

284

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

1. A fixed air, formerly called gas; but of
late has been called artificial, faaitious, and

mephitic air.

3. An inflammable air— This confifts of an acid
vapour and phlogiftion : it is ten times lighter
than the common air, and will take fire like gun-
powder, and caufe an explofion.

4. A nitrous air— This is generated by the py-

rites and other metallics.

5. An acid air— This is obtained from metals
with the fpirit of fait, or from this fpirit without

metals.

6. An alkaline air- This is the vapour of vola-
tile alkaline fait.

The common air is combined with all bodies
in different proportions, and lies in a fixed ftate ;
but when it is let loofe by fermentation, putrefac-
tion, or other caufes, it refumes its former elaftic

powers. '

The quantities of fixed air in the followmg

bodies have been found as under : viz*

6 \ the part of its weight.

In yellow wax - tV 1
courfe fugar -
oyfter fhells -
muftard feed -
peafe
tartar
human blood - %j j

All kinds of air are capable of becoming fixed ;

becaufe they may be imbibed in fome fubftance

or other, and fo become fixed in them.

A fi^^ed

"J
I

or tHE AIR.

A fixed air is an antifeptic^ which powerfully
tefifts putrefadion, and is one and an half heavier
than the common air. Water imbibes more than
its bulk of this air ; flame is extinguifhed, ani-
mals are deflroyed, and even the vegetables fuffer
by its influence.

A heavy air ComprelTes the cutaneous pores,
dilates the lungs, and drives the blood to the head,
which produces the vertigo, head-ach, pleurify,
peripneumony, an^ quinfey.

Too light an air produces the gout, rheumatifm,
fpitting of blood, hypochondriac and hyfteric
complaints, nervous and intermitting diforders,
by retarding the circulation of the blood, and di-
miniihing the external refiftance to the fluids con-
tained in the pulmonary vefTels.

A hot air quickens the circulation, promotes
perfpiration, enlarges the humours, generates acri-
mony, and weakens the fibres. Hence, if the
air fuddenly becomes cold, it produces bilious and
other fevers.

A cold air conftringes the fibres, diftcnds the
lungs, condenfes the humours^ diminiGies the
perfpiration, and caufcs external inflammations,
quinfies, pleurifies, and peripneumonies.

A dry air caufes fevers, by fhrinking the folids,
and incrafiiuing the fluids.

A moid air relaxes and weakens the conftitu-
tion, diminiflies the perfpiration, makes the blood
watery, and produces the dropfy, cough, althma,
intermitting and nervous complaints.

1
J

i286

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

A hot, moifl air, is very unwholefome ; be-
caufe it relaxes and generates putrefadion : But
v'hen it is infeaed with a malignant miafmata,
-and other poilbnous exhalations, it is very perm-

cious. , , , 1 . •

Let all thofe who may be heated by hot air,
be vevv careful of going into that which is cold,
becaufe it may produce dangerous diftempers.
The fumigations of tobacco and vinegar are very
excellent to keep off the noxious qualities of the
circumambient air.

III. Of the Fire,
FIRE Is a pure element, and a part in the
compofiiion of all bodies. It may be called the
b'lfis of iiFe and motion ; for whenever the am-
mal heat ccafes, the human body becomes cold,
and is a liftlefs lump. Hence, fire is the fub-
ilricc of all our motions and fenfes ; for, with-
out it, we cannot fee, hear, fmell, tafte, nor feel
• ny thintr. It gives motion to the particles of the
uir, fpring to their adions, and life and vigour
to the human frame.

- Some fubrt ances attrad and retain larger pro-
portions of heat than others ; and one part of a
bodv will attraa and retain more of it than ano-
ther • hence the red globules of the blood in the
human frame, attract and retain a greater degree
of heat than any other part. ^

Animal heat is produced, by the craflamentum
of the blood, which attrads and retains a part of
the are which is difperfed through the terraqueous

globe.

OF THE FIRE. 287

globe. This fire being thus converged to the
blood, makes the fibres become elaftic, diftends
the cells and cellular membranes by rarefaaion,
begins and continues an aftion and re-adion be-
tween the vital heat and the fibres, and caufes
and fiipports thofe motions on which life depends.
But the nerves condud the fire thus attraded to
every part of the human frame, and from thence
all our fluids become vehicles and condudors.

Hence the nervous fyflem mufl: be firft expanded
by the heat, and afterwards the other veffels :
But whatever increafes the craflamcntum of the
blood, increafes the vital heat. Hence animal
food, and aromatics, will contribute towards the
augmentation of this fire. Many difeafes have
been called ignis callidus^ hot fire j fuch as burn-
ing fevers, inflammations, &c.

The common heat in the human body, raifes
the mercury in Fahrenheit's thermometer to 98
degrees, though fome people are healthy when it
only rifes to 83; and this heat continues the
fame, let the weauier be hot or cold, unlefs
fome difeafe is produced, which raifes or depreflfes
the animal heat j but this heat rarely rifes higher
than 1 10 degrees, or falls lower than 94.

Fire, though it is a pure element, yet it may
be impregnated with particles which confift of
different qualities; or rather, the fumigations
uhich arife from it, may be thus impregnated.
Hence, when dog-wood or ivy is burnt in America,
it will poifon thofe that fl;and in the fmoke.

This element is of great fervice in chemiftry,
cookery, and to keep us warm ; and in a word,

288

THE AMERICAN ORACLE,

II '

u is a part of our bodies, without which wc cani
not exift one moment,

IV. Of t he Water:
WATER, if not impregnated with other par-
ticles of matter, is a pure element. But I believe
it is always impregnated in a greater or lefs de-
gree, with particles of difi^rent kinds, imbibed
from earths, minerals, folts, fulphur, kc. and
that even when it comes from the clouds, bccaufe
fuch exhalations afcend into the air, and combine
with the watery fluid.

The fluidity of water arifcs from a certain de-
gree of heat ; for if the heat is two-thirds Icis
than that of our blood, the water freezes ; but
if it is made about twice as hot, it boils, and
cannot be made any hotter. But it will retain its
qualities if it has been boiled or undergone the
action of fermentation with other things, as that
of brewing, &c. ; but though it retains its quali-
ties, it ought to be boiled before it is drank, to
kill the animalcule; that may be therein.

This element is fLibjed to elafticity, expan-
fion, and compreffion ; for the heat will expand
and make it elaftic, and the cold will condenfe it
into a fmaller compafs, and caufe it to become

fixed or frozen. *

River water is efteemed beft for fliort voyages,
and fpring water for thofe that are long ; becaufe
the latter will not become putrid fo foon as the
former.— Soft pure water, however, or that which
falls from the clouds at a confiderable didance

from

OF THE WATER. 289

from great cities, is efleemed the moft healthy
and the befl for ufe. It is a great diluter and
promoter of digeftion.

Springs that proceed from a clean gravelly
earthen highland, alfo afford good water ; and
water may be purified by diftillation, which makes
it the pureft of all kinds, and it is fuppofed to be
as good as the moft celebrated mineral waters.

Let people be careful of drinking water, or any
thing cold, when they are hot, left they die in-
ftantaneoully.

Stagnant waters are very prejudicial : they
abound with a falino-caiiftic and volatile effluvia
which generates putrid and malignant difeafes.
Thefe waters ought not to be drank either by
man or bcaft.

Water is of great fervice in navigation, chymif-
try, cookery, &c. and if that which is good is
drank, quenches thirft, cools fevers, promotes
digeftion, perfpiration, urine, &c. and like the
other elements, it is a part of our bodies which
we cannot live without.

CHAP.

l^c

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

CHAP. XXXVI.

How to repre People to Life that have been drowned
foe Author's Okrvations-^How he fuffered

Shipwreck.

IT is faid that feme have been reftored to life and
health, that have laid under water fix hours.
Let us obferve, i. That when the body is taken
out of the water, it (hould be put into a warm
bed, a warm bath, or expofed to the heat of the
fun. It fhould not be rolled on the ground, nor
on a barrel, nor taken up by the heels; but re-
moved gently to the bed, bath, or warm fun.

2. Let it be rubbed with coarfe cloths, until a
glow is perceived in the fkin.

3. Let the breath of a healthy ftrong perfon be
blown into the mouth of the patient, to diftend

the lungs.

4. Blow the fmoke of tobacco in the mouth ot

the patient. .

'5. If he was plethoric, bleed him in the jugular
vein, if he will not bleed at any other.

6. Tickle his throat with a feather, to excite

vomiting.
. 7. Force nothing down his throat ; but apply vo-
latiles,fuchasfpiritsofhartniorn,oroffal-ammoni.

ac, to his nofe, and alfo fnuff, to excite fneezing.

8. Inject: the fumes of tobacco into the intei-

tines with a glyfter-pipe, fumigator, or a pair of

bellows if nothing elfe can be had.

: 5. When

RECOVERY OF DROWNED PERSONS,

'9<

9. When he can fwallow, give him a draught of
warm water, with a table fpoonful of muftard
mixed therein.

10. Apply bottles of warm water to his feet,
joints and arm-pits, if he is not put into a warm
bath ; or it may be done after he is taken out ;
and warm bricks wrapped in cloths may be rub-
bed up and down his back, and over his body.

II. Wrap the body in a warm fkin, juil taken
from a fheep; alfo, cloths dipped in brandy, rum,
or gin, and the cheft, belly, back and arms rub-
bed wi'.i thcnij maybe ferviceable; but fome
rub the body with dry fait, fo as not to wear off'
the fkin.

Thefe fridions and other remedies fliould be re-
peated as occafion may require -, it will perhaps
be two hours before any figns of life may appear,
and yet the patient may do well.

But a very fmall quantity of water is fwallowed
by drowned perfons ; for they do not attempt to
breathe until they become infenfible. Hence it
is necdlefs to roll thtm on barrels, or to fet them
on their heads.

I never had but one patient that was drowned ;
and after bleeding, rubbing, &c. when his life
began to return, he (ighed, gaped, twitched, and
went intofuch violent convulllons that ii: took about
four or five men to hold him. As foon as he could
fwallow, I gave him (as 1 had nothing elle with
me) a large dofc of Bates's anodyne balfam in
fome warm water, which allayed the fpafms, pro*
moted a diaphorefis, and he foon recovered.

fii

191

THE AMEHICAK ORACLE.

Another man was drowned at the fame time ;
but he was not taken out of the water till it was
too late to attempt to bring him to life.

This accident happened by the overfetting of a
fmall canoe; and I have often been furprifed that
the pradice of making fuch dangerous things, and
the venturing of people's lives in them, has not
been fuppreffed. I was very near lofmg my life
by being overfet in one of them, in the river
St. Lawrence, in the province of Quebec— I once
alfo fuffered Ihipwreck, in confequence of the ill
condua of our Captain, who got drunk, and let
the veffel run too near the rocks. At laft he fell
over-board; and the failors, being furprifed, left
the helm in order to fave his life. I ran out of
the cabin, and feeing nobody at the helm, fprang
to it myfeif. In a moment, however, the ftern
of the veffel flruck, and threw off the rudder;
and the wind being violent, fhe foon ftruck again,
and bulged, the Captain by this time having got
into the veffel. We all jumped overboard, and
cffeded our efcape to land. A woman with a
child about a year old was with us : I carried the

child aOiore myfeif. Drunken Captains, and

drunken failors, are by no means fit to have the
care of veffel s.

People that have been hanged, and others that
have died fuddenly, may fometimes be reftored
to life in the fame manner that thofe are who
have been drowned.

CHAP.

OF THE HOT SPRINGS, AT BATH, f^J

CHAP. XXXVII.

Of the Hot Springs at BATH'-^pimons concern-
ing the Cauje of their Hea^,^An Accomt of the
^lalities and Operations of their Waters, with
that of other Medicinal Waters in Europe — Of
Artificial Baths ^ and the Mineral and other Waters
in America — Poetical Prefcripiions for Patients
that may go to Saratoga, ^c,

'THHE mofl remarkable mineral fprings that I
X have feen, arc at the famous city of Bath,
which is fituated about io8 miles weflerly of Lon-
don. This city is built of ftone, and is the moft
beautiful place in the kingdom. Here the nobility
and gentry flock in great multitudes, to drink the
waters, and bathe themfelves. Here are alfo
different baths that have different degrees of heat
as from 94 to n6 degrees by Farenheit's mer-
curial thermometer. It is faid, that the hotteft
will boil an egg in four minutes : but there are
fuch conveniences, that the heat may be eafily
lowered to any degree for bathing, by the addi.
tion of cold water.

The time for bathing is from fix to nine in the
morning, afterwards the water is drawn off into
the river Avon, and the baths are filled again
with frefh water for ufe the next morning. The
phyficians order their patients to bathe in waters
of fuch degrees of heat as their circumftanccs re.

U3 q.jij.^^

494

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

quire. Thefe waters boil as they come ow of
the earch ; and a great fteam ariks, wluch is fa.d
tokeepoffinfeaioosdiftempcrs.

Various have been the opinions of I'hrlofopher,
concerning the caufe of this heat.-Somc have
imputed it to fubterraneous fire m the bowels of
^he earth, whofe fumes find vent by '|^™w,ns out
the waters. Others have Kn^pofed that the heat
proceeds from the waters running over beds ot
Lnerals, or being impregnated with the vapours
cf pvrites, or fire-ftones, wl>ich contain a large
quantity of fulphurcous and ferruginous matter -
The latter is prolxably the true cauie ; for the
niountains from whence the waters proceed, are
full of fuch ftones ; and if water is poured upon
them, it will produce heat by lermentanon. Rut
hot fprings in general are produced no doubt from
various caufes, as fubterraneous veins of hquid
fires, beds of fulphur, and other minerals, which
aene'rate heat like the pyrites at IJath.

By analization it has been found, that a W in-
Cbefter gallon of Bath water contained,

',.. • • ■ dwts. grains-

1. Of calcarious earth combined with
*a vitriolic acid, in the form of a

feleniic. - " * "_

2. Of calcarious earth combined with

- an acidulous gas.

n. Of marine fak of magnefia

4. Of tea fait. - - - -

■ ' ':h acidulous gas o

3 ^9 T^-

Of iron combined

O 22 TS
O 22 T«
1 14 T5
O "io

6. Of

OF BATH WATE'Al.

29^

4
iff

6. Of afcidulous gas, twelve ounces by mcafure.

7. Of atmofpheric air, two ounces.

From the combination of the fulphureous gas,
feat fait, ferruginous and other qualities, it is that
thefe waters are fo very ufeful in the cure of
chronic and other diftempers.

Bath waters are attenuating, cleanfing, and
ftrcngthening. They are friendly to weak confti-
tutions, and beneficial in gouty, fcorbutic, and
rheumatic complaints ; for wandering pains, pal-
fics, convulfions, contradlions, bilious cholic, ob-
ftrudlions of the liver and fpleen, jaundice, hypo-
condriac and hyfteric diforders, decayed appetite,
leprofy, and all other cutaneous eruptions : they
comfort the nerves, and warm the body.
• They are hurtful in haemorrhages, mflamma
tions, and infradions of the lungs. When thefe
waters are drank, high-feafoned meats and fauces,
with fpiritous liquors, muft be avoided, becaufc
they generate inflammatory diforders. Proper
evacuations muft precede the ufe of thefe waters,
and the patients muft drink and bathe fafting :
not more than two pints ought to be drank in a day.
There are three other hot fprings in England :
viz. one at Buxton, one at Briftol, and another
at Matlock — The firft raifes the argentum vivum in
Farenheit's thermometer about 80 degrees ; the
fecond, about 76 ; and the third, near 68.

Some impute the virtues of the mineral waters
to a quantity of fixed air contained them.

Some

^^$ THE iLllllltCANOlACLl,

Thcfe waters (hould be drank at the fountain,
for their virtues will foon fly off through the nictft
fealcdcork. The Bath waters hold their heat
longer than any other heated to the fame degree.

The Buxton waters operate as an alterative,
and increafe the vital heat : They are efteemed
to be ferviceable in the gout, rheumatifm, dry
afthma, convulfions, indigeftion, lofs of appetite,
contraaions of the tendons, and catamenial de^

feaions. Buxton is in Derbyfhire, about 159

inilcs from from London.

Brillol waters are impregnated with lime, and
abound with a foft alkaline quality. They are a
fpecific in coughs, confumptions, fpitting of blood,
dyfentary, diabetes, inflammationF, fcurvy, ulcer-
ations, fpafms, and acrimonious humours.— Bri-
itol is 120 miles wefterly f'-om London.

Matlock waters are ili^rh-H' impregnr^ted with
felenites, or fome other earmy fait ; and have the
fame virtues as the waters at Briftol.— Matlock is
in Derbyftiire, 104 miles from London.

All mineral waters participate in a greater or
Icfs degree, of earthy, falineous, fulphureous, and
other matters over which tl: ;y run in their fubter-
raneous paffages. Hence their virtues are vari-
ous, according to the different qualities of the
matter with which they are impregnated.

There is a fpring near Wales in England, that
throws matter out of it, which refemblestar— fup-
pofed to be occafioned by fubterraneous fires, and

the confumption of coal-mines.

"' ' Befides

OF MINERAL WATERS IN ENGLAND 297

Befidcs the preceding fprings in Great-Brltain,
there are, i. Alkaline waters at Upminner
Brentwood, Weal, Sclter, and Tilbury ; the latter'
IS the ftrongeft. It is good in acidities, crudities
alvine fluxes, and other difordcrs from a debility
of the fibres. A quart may be drank in a day.

2. The bitter purging waters at Northaw,

Brant, Alford, Colchciter, Lambeth, and Dul-

wich. A patient may drink from one to three

pounds in a day as a purge ; but- it m^.ft be taken

in a lefs quantity as an alterative— a little brandy

or aromatic tindure is recommended to prevent

their griping. They may be mixed with milk

^•hey, wine, &c. and ufed as common drink in

luch quantities as to keep the body lax.

3. Steel waters are thofe of Pyrmont, Spa, Tun-
bridge, Hampftead, Iflington, Hartfell, &c. all of
which are in England. The firft and the thi.
are efteemed bed for medical ufe. They have tl
virtues of iron and fteel, which are alike. The
open, corroborace, and artringe : Hence, the,
are good for weak, lax, pale, leucophlegmatic ha-
bits. They encreafe the vital heat, raife the pulfe.
ftrengthen the ftomach, and invigorate the whole
iyltem. They promote deficient, and reftrain re.
dundant difcharges. From one to three pints of
this water may be drank in a day.

4. The principal hot waters in Europe, are.
thofe of Bath, Aix-la-Chapelle, in France, and
Bourbon in Germany. Germany is faid to contain
more mmeral waters than all Europe befides.

Some

I5S THK AMERICAN ORACLE.

Some of Aca. ave fo hot, that the patients let the
rerscooltenortwelvehoutsbeforeteya.

..feci. The bath aPd med.cmal waters at Embs.
W>(back-t,, Schwalbach, Wmdungcn, and tho e m
„,any other places, are faid to P-f-7-''" J,^
.he cure of internal and exten.al d.fcafe . fhofe
of Dungen, arc laid to in-xicateas .txhas w.e ;
and for that reafon they are .nclofed, fo that peo- .
1 cannot come at them .'ithout perm.ffion,
oiherwifc they miglit drink too freely.

The waters at Aix-la-Chapelle are ftrongly .m-
p^esnated with ftilphur : they are very na^ou ,
Ld their ..rgative quality ts fo great that but

few can bear it. ,, r • ;n Fr-incc-

There are other remarkable fprmgs m F.ance

J!! :Onea, B.reges, whofe waters are eReemed

he bcft in that kingdom for the erne of difeafes-

, One at SuU/.bach, whofe waters are good for

Jftl, paify,-dawcaknefsofth.~

,^aem-V Several at B^S--' ^r f! T At
Jftecmed beneficial in the cure of d>fcales-4. A

I . One at St. A.mnd. whofe waters open

waters— ^. <J-<c •> ,„„„„vcl 6. One at

obllrv-aions, and cure tnc g.avel

A.cne. ^vhofe waters are lo po.lonous, that they

Ursb.rdsthatd„nkofitinftantaneor,fl>-^

, U is laid, that the water of the K vei
Than.es, which runs through London, wil burn
• ,f„.r it has been at lea about 18 or 20
like Ipints alter it nas -iLi^ihrlike •

n..ntl s and that fome other waters wiUdo the like .
n,amnb,anu j^C^ ^^

but how to account fot this, I ^^^^^^^^

OF THE VIRTUES OF SEA-WATER.

*99

abounds with an oil or fpirit that rifes on the top,
and becomes inflammable by the motion of the
feain long voyages. Perhaps the conftant fri^ion
may caufc the water to imbibe fomething from the
cafk, that may make it inflammable.

6. Sea water has different degrees of faltnefs •
The proportion is from io to ^V of the weight of
the water. This water is the falteft at the equinoc-
tial, and frclhefl: towards the polar regions : Hence
2oib. of water in die torrid zone, will yield ilb of
fait ; and 5clb. in the frigid zones, will yield the
fl^me quantity: and in the intermediate latitudes
the quantity increafes and decreafes in proportiori
as we advance towards, or go from the equator.

Sea-water is difcuticnt, corroborant, and ant',
fceptic. It purges gently, promotes the fecretions
M'arms and ftrengthens the body, and is good in
fvvelhngs, carious bones, and as a vermifuae Jt
prevents the falling off of the hair after p°atients
have been ill of fevers, if the head isbathed there-
with.- It IS aUo efleemed beneficial in the bite of
a mad dog, if the patient is plunged often in it • it
IS alfo good for thofe that are melancholy, and af
feezed with madnefs. But it is hurtful in inflam-
mations.-The dofe is from half a pound, to one
and an halfj in the morning.

BcMes tlie natural, perhaps it may not beamifs
ro lay fomething concerning the virtues of the ar-
tificial baths, which may be either cold or hot—
Thefe are performed at a bath, or in veffels made
tor chat purpofe, fuch as bathing-tubs, &c. which

ftould

300

THF. AMERICAN ORACLE.

(houW be made fo large that the patients may fit ot
(land in them, as their circumllances may require.
Of thefe baths there are three kinds ; as,
I . The pedihwia, or bath for the feet :
^. Thc/«»<V«?<>««, or half-ba ,h, vh.ch reaches
no higher than the umbilical region.
,. %ahieum totum, or total immerfion.
The svater .fed for warm artificial bathing fcould
be of the fofiea kind ; that of rain is thebeft ; that
o meUcd fnow is the next for foftnefs, and that of
: rW the ne.t. 8.C. ; but where foft water cannot
b had, that which is hard may be foft^ned wuU
caftilc-foap, milk, wheat-bran, camomile flowers
"un..mallU.orwhitelily-roots. as either of

tlicfe will make it foft.

The pedUu^ia callida, or warm bathing of the
feet. pr!.mo.es the circulation of the fluids ; makes
l.;.f,lf,onf,om theheadaad vita parts; ra,fes

,hc pidfc, and creates a temporary fever. It is ot

glc fer^ice in colds, fpafms. head-achs recent

obftruaions, fixed and wandering pains, p^eunfies

peripneumonies, convulf.ons chohc h^morrhoKls

Typochondriac and hyftenc complaints menftrual

obaruaions, gout, rheumatifm. -KUlgia, and a»

obftrufted perfpiration : it promotes adiaphorefis.

reft and fleep ; the water ihould not be too warm
Lt'al It will make the patient faint, weak^nd

,,,ft,, and pains will be exat^^in his. dT

feet and legs may be immeiied as nign a
S-ctiandthepatientlhoulddrinkawarmm^-

OF COLD AND HOT BATHING. 301

fion of camomile-flowers, keep his feet in the water
about half an hour, and then go into a warm bed.

The ydilwvia is hurtful in inveterate obftrudions
and fchirrous tumours ; and it is dangercjs to
drink any thing cold whilfl the feet are in, or foon
after they come out of the water.

The pediluvia frigida, or cold bathing of the
feet, raifes pleafmg fenfations in the mmd, and
alTifts cathartics and diuretics in their operation :
Hence it is of great fervice in the iliac paffion, as
it tends to produce thofe evacuations which are
neceflary to eradicate the diforder. — The going
with one's feet wet and cold, will often occafion a
diarrhoea.

Tht/emicupiumy or warm bath, aflifts other re-
medies in the cure of grievous complaints ; and
fo does a total immerlion, though it is befl for
the patient to fit with his head above the water.
In m^ftdiforders, however, I prefer the/m/V«/;/«w

and the pediluvia to that of a total immerfion.

Warm bathing isexcellentin venereal complaints,
and efpecially when the taint has become univer-
fal. Patients afflided with cancers, have found
great relief from it.

Cold bathing is the mod ufeful when a violent
Hiock is required ; but proper evacuations ought
to precede the ufe of it. It contracts the folids,
condenfes the fluids, and accelerates their circula-
tion. It IS beneficial when the body requires
bracing. Sometimes it is of great fervice in the
iheumatifm, palfy, melancholy, andmadnefs, and

302

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

for children who have the rickets ; but none ought
to make ufe of it, without the advice of a &i!ful

phyfician.

The North American Indians make ufe ot a va-
pour bath, by mutting themfclves v,p in a fmall
tight room, and by throwing hot ftones mto a
pail of water. When they have thus fwcated lor
lome time, they pUuigc themfelvcs into cold water,
and go immediately into the vapour bath agam.
This mode of praft.cc is very benelicial m the
cure of recent diftempers. , rt

Both the warm and cold b;uhs ought to be ufed

.,,., n-r>mirh • but when the fibres are
upon an empty Itomacn . mn.

rigid, and the vifcera unfound, cold bathmg is im-

proper.

But let VIS return to the mineral zccHers.^lhcre
are a number of fuch U^rings in America, whofc
^vaters are impregnated wiihdiiTerent quahnes. ^

At Lancafter, in the county of \Vorcefter, in
the commonwealth of Maflachufctts, there is a
Iprino- whofe waters are beneficial in rheumatic
complaints, as I have found by my own experi.
ence and obfervation. The patient may drmU
half a pint two or three times in a day, and plunge
himfelf once when his ftomach is empty. He
fhould come out of the water immediately, and
keep himfelf warm after the immerfion.
. At Stafford, in Connedicut, there is a mineral
fpring whofe waters are laid to be benehcial m
fcorbtitic complaints, cutaneous eruptions, and
other diforders : And, at Guildford, in the dime
« government

OF MINERAL WATERS IN AMERICA.

303

government, there is another fpring,, whofe waters
will evaporate, even when tightly corked in a
bottle ; but I know not their virtues.

In the eafterly part of the county of Albany, in
the State of New-York, there is a mineral -fpring
whofe waters are much applauded in the cure of
diftempers. But the moR remarkable fprings ia
this State, are thofe of Saratoga, which are eight
or nine in number : They are fituated in the
margin of a marfh, and furrounded by rocks form-
cd by the petrefaftion of the waters. One of
them is about five or fix^eet above the furface of
the earth, and is in the^Sf a pyramid. In the
lop of this rock there is a cylindrical aperture,
about nine inches in diameter, through which the
water iiTues, being always greatly agitated as if
boiling in a pot, although it is very cold. ^The
water runs over the top of the rock in the begin-
ning of the fummer, but at other feafons it Hfes
not fo high by twelve inches. The rocks that en-
compafs the other fprings, are of different forms ;
but the waters feem to boil, and they runcontimi-
ally.

It is fuppofed that all thefe fpTings proceed from
one fountain, but feparate in different canals,
whereby fome have greater connections with me'
tallic bodies than others.

They are impregnated, i. With a foffile acid—
2. A faline fubftance—3. A chalybeate property—
4. A calcareous earth— and, 5. With a prodigious
quantity of air.

This

3<'4

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

This air, ftriving for vent, pvoducej fermentl-
tion ; and it is fo penetrating, that .t cannot be
confined in a tight veffel : Hence it muft be
drank at the fpring, or it nvIII lofe .ts virtue.

The particles of diffolved earth fubf.de as thtfe
waters run off, and, combining with the falts and
fixed air, concrete, and form the rocks about the

'"bv obfervation it has been found, i. That if a
young turkey is held within a few inches of the
furface of the water, at the lower fpr.ng. u w.ll
be thrown into convulfions in lefs than half a mi-

""r That the holding of it in fuch a f.tuation
one minute, will make it become motionlefs. _
3. That it will throw a dog into convulfions m

lefs dian a minute.

. That if a trout is thrown into a veffel of
this'water, when juft taken from the fpring. u wll
go immediately into convulf.ons, and expire m a

few minutes. , r r --

c That if a lighted candle is held near the furface
of "this water, it will fuddenly go out, and the fire
i„ the wick will be extinguilhed inftantaneoufly.

6 That if a bottle filled with this water is clolc
Iv corked, and afterwards Ihaken, the airy matter
,vill expand, force out the cork, or fplit the bottle.
, That wheat, flour mixed with this water and
knilded into dough, and then baked, makes l.ght
and fpongy bread, without the addition of yeall
« leaven. ^^^^^^

OF MINERAL WATERS IN AMERICA,

8. That when the air is gone off by evapora-
tion, the water lofes its tranfparency, and lets fall,
a calcareous fediment.

9. That if a piece of the rock that environs the
fpring is put into the fire, it will calcine into
quick-lime, which may be flacked with cold water,
—Hence we may conclude, that the waters are
impregnated with lime-ftone, and that the gas is
an aerial acid, which makes the water capable of
diflblving and conveying the ftones above the fur-
face of the earth.

Thefe waters are cmelic, cathartic, and diure-
tic in general ; but they have different effefts in
different confl:itutions. They have an agreeable
tafle whilft the patient is drinking, biit foon after
they produce one that is difagreeable.

A gentleman of the faculty who lived near thefe
fprings, informed me, that a patient may drink a
gallon of the waters in a day, with fafety ; and that
they are excellent in fcrophulous, rheumatic,
and other complaints.

In the upper p rt of Morris County, in the Jer-
feys, there is a cold mineral fpring, whofe waters
are ufed with fuccefs in the care of fome difeafes.

On a ridge of hills in Hanover, in the fame
county, there are a number of wells ; and al-
though they are about forty miles from the fea,
they ebb and flow near fix feet, twice every day,
as regular as the ocean.

In the county of Cape May, there is a frcfh
fpring that boils up through the bottom of a falt-
water creek. The tide rifes about four feet above
this fpring j and if a bottle well corked is let down

wlk

through

3c6

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

through the falt-water Into the fpring, and the cork
pulled out with a cord prepared for that purpofe,
the bottle may be drawn up full of fine frefli water.
Theie are other fprings of the Hkekind in different
parts of the State.-In the county of Hunterdon in
the Jerfeys, there is a noted mineral fpring, whofe
waters are efteemed excellent. They are of the
chalybeate kind.— It is faid, that there is a river,
called Mill-flone, in the Jerfeys, whofe waters in
fome places emit an inflammable vapour, that will
take fire, and burn for a lliort time. This vapour
is fuppofed to be produced by the diffolution of
vegetable fubftances In the river.

At Augufla, in Virginia, there are two fprings,
one of which is called the warm fpring, and the
other the hot. The heat of the warm fpring rifes
to 96 degrees by Farenheit's mercurial thermo-
meter. This water is impregnated with fulphu-
rcous particles ; it is very volatile, and efteemed
good in rheumatic complaints and other diibrders.
—The hot fpring is about fix miles from the
warm fpring. It raifes the nucury in the afore-
mentioned thermometer to a fever heat, viz. 1 1 2
degrees. This water is efteemed good in many
complaints, and frequently reliev.^s when the
water of the other fpring fails.

There are hot fprings at Kamfchatka, which
raife the mercury to about 200 degrees, which is
within 12 degrees of the boiling point. Thcf(?
fprinQ;s are much ufed for medical purpofes.

In Botetourt, there are iweet fprings, whofe
waters are cold. They have granted relief v/hen

other mineral waters have failed.

OF MINERAL WATERS IN AMERICA. 307

In the county of Berkeley, there are mineral
fprings which are much ufed ; but their waters
are fcarcely warm, and not very powerful.

In the county of Louifa, there are medicinal
fprings ; but their wattvs are not much ufed.

-In Richmond there is afpring of the chalybeate
kind, and fome others in various parts of the county.

There is a fulphureous fpring at Howard's creek
of green briar, and another at Bonlhorough on
Kentucky.

At Great Kanhaway, feven miles above the
mouth of Elk river, and fixty-feven above that of
the Kanhaway itfelf, is a hole in the earth, from
which iffues a bituminous vapour, with fuch ra-
pidity that it makes the fand move about its orifice
like the fand in a boiling fpring. This vapour
will take fire if a torch or lighted candle is put
within eighteen inches of the hole, and flame up
in a column of eighteen inches in diameter, and
four or five feet high. Sometimes it goes out in
about one-third of an hour; at other limes, it will
bun. three or four days. The denfity of the
flame is like that of burning fpirits, and the fmell
like that of burning pit-coal. Sometimes cold
water is colledcd in the mouth of this hole, and
is kept in ebullition by the force of the vapour
which iffues through it. If the vapour is fixed in
that flate, the whole of the water is foon eva-
porated. — There is a fimilar vapour on Sa'ndy
River.

There are five noted fait fprings in Kentucky,
whofe waters are falter than that of the ocean.
The people in that country have been fupplied

ill I

with

3o8

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

with fait made from thofe waters, for three dol-
lars and one-third per bufliel.

There is a mineral fpring in the county of
Wilkes, in the State of Georgia, which iffues out
of a hollow tree about four or five feet above the
furface of the earth. The infide of the tree is
lined with a coat of nitre about an inch thick ;
and the leaves above the fpring are incrufied with
a nitrous coat, which is as white as fnow. This
water is excellent in gouty and rheumatic com-
plaints, and for fcrophulous and fcorbutic diforders ;
alfoinconfumptions, and other maladies. The pa-
tient may drink from one to two quarts in a day.
A gentleman informed me, that he had feen a
hot fpring in the Weft Indies, whofe waters iflued,
boiling hot, out of a burning mountain j but he
did not tell what their virtues are.

I ihall conclude this chapter with the following
prefcriptions for patients going to the medicinal
waters at Saratoga ; and perhaps they may be
beneficial to thofe who may be inclined to go to
other cold fprings.

IF, Sifter Spleen, you want a cure.
At Saratog' a place procure ;
With a warm lodging, and a bed,
Where you in peace may reft your head.

There eat and drink, difcourfe and play,
And drive all anxious thoughts away ;
And frequently, when you've a chance
To hear eood mufic, up and dance.

■ 3- Go

PRESCRIPTIONS fOR PATIENTS.

Go in the morning to the rock,
And there let nature have a Ihock,
By plunging whilft the air is cool.
Into the wholefome wat*ry pool.

3<^9

But at the fountain, mind, and think
Before you plunge, to take a drink :
Bathe not too long — but foon come out,
Put on your cloaths, and walk about.

And when you thus have took the air.
Unto your houfe again repair ;
Drink coffee, chocolate, or tea.
Or fuch things as bell fuiteth thee.

Ufe gentle exercife — perufe
For a Ihort time the latefl: news ;
Remark the things that you may find,
Lxceeding pleafing to your mi»d :

Not caring who it is that rules,
Providing no rebellious tools
Deprive the country of its peace.
And make your own therein decreafe.

Then if the weather's warm and fair,
ijwiorc you wiiiw> waik, m tns air ^

■8!!

3IO THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

Or If you have a prudent guide,
Co to a coach, and take a ride.

Or if a gentle horfe yow chufe.
To ride him oft do not rcfufe ;
Don*t exercife beyond your pow'rs,
But eat and lleep at proper hours.

10.

Go fee your friends as yon ride round,
Where pc-dcc, where im th, and joy abound j
In good Jifccuirfe divert your mind
With thole who are pohte and kind.

t|.

In food that's nourifhing and light.
No doubt ycu'U take the nvoit delight j
And whild you on the ilage remain,
From all inttmp'rancc pray relrain.

12.

High-feafon'd food you'll not digeft j
It will deprive you of your rell :
In wines and fauces don't exceed ;
Excels therein dillempers breed.

13-

Eat food, then, of the lighteft kind,
And undid urbed keep your mind :
DigelHc n's work is cafied wrought.
By chearful chat, and little thought.

14. To

PRESCRIPTIONS FOR PATIENTS.

3i>

14.

To church on Sunday go you may.
To hear the word, to fing and pray •,
And when the exercife is o*er,
Return to where you lodg'd before.

15-

Refrefh yourfelf, and, when you pleafe,
Lie on the bed, and take your eafe ;
If you be young, or if you're old.
Be careful that ye take no cold.

• 16.

At night before you go to bed.
If vapours do affeO: your head,
Go bathe your feet, it may be befl
In a warm bath— 'twill make you reft.

When men Ikill'd in the medic art
Their good advice to you impart,
Then fee that ye do not negled
To take the things which they dired.

18.

Go neatly drefs'd, but not too gay ;
Drive reftlefs thoughts and cares away :
Purfue thefe rules — wait the event.
And with your ftation be content.

19.

Tl^^n I r}ouhf nr^f but foon V0U*ll find

Relief according to your mind j

That

312 THE AMERICAN ORACLE,

That you'll get rid of all your pain.
Your health and flrength return again.

20.

I hope you \dll, with much delight.
Do ev'ry thing that's good and right ;
That when you die, you will be blef:*d
With glory, honour, peace, and reji.

Compofed by the Author^ at Kentifli-town,
Feb. 26, 1790.

CHAP,

THE widow's address.

313

CHAP.

XXXVIII.

The Widow's Addrefs to the Genilemen-^The Author
fghts with a Smarm of Fleas^ who obtain a
Vi6lory over him^-How to keep a Houfe clear of
thofe dif agreeable Animals.

A LADY who had loft her hufband, and had
refufed to marry again, requefted that I
would favour her with fome of my Poetry. I
therefore compofed the following :

YE Genthmetiy pray now attend

To one that's in diftrefs :
To one who wants a loving friend,

In this world's wilderncfs.

^* •

My hudjand died fome time ago ;
His fortune was not fmall :

I have been courted, but cry'd, A'i? /

I'll marry not at all, -

But now, behold! I've cljms\{ my ri'mJ,

Am\ Jirig another tone ;
Becaufe it is not good^ I find|

For me to live ahne*

man

THE AMERICAN ORACLE*
«

A man that's very young, or old ;

A gamcfter, or a fot ;
A ftingy fool, or fretting fcold,

1 know, will iuit me not.

I want a man replete ^ith fenfe,
Whofe manners are refin'd ;

Whofe temper's fweet as innocence.
And all his adions kind.

With fuch an one I'd live in peace,
Mnke him a prudent wife ;

Until his time or mine (hall ceafcj
We'd live a happy hfe.

re
w
vi
fv
w
I

Let fiich a man upon the ftagc,

A viht pay to me ;
And if he likes me, I'll engage

That married we (hall be.

Remember that I've rWV my mrW,

And /w^ another /o//^;
Becauic it is not jfoor/, I find,

For me to live alone.

Jan. 19, 1790'

When I was in the city of Quebec, a gentleman
invited me to pay him a vifit, which 1 accordmgly
did. ]u(l after I had got to his houfe, his wite
was violently feized with convulfions ; and at his
reciucft, 1 admimftered remedies which granted

author's battle with F1.EAS. 315

relief. I tarried with them near two days, and
was very well entertained. At his requeO, I
vifited him again about two months after ; but a
fwarm of fleas had taken polTeflion of the houfe,
which prevented my getting to fleep till near day.
I dreamed I was making poetical lines on the fub-
jed, and therefore wrote the following :

ONE evening fair I took a walk.
To hear fome genteel people talk j
Who in me had fo much delight.
They made me tarry through the night.
As time roll'd off, we did converfe
On fubjefts 1 fliall not rehearfe,
Until at length we laid our heads
To reft upon the downy beds.
But, lo ! an hungry fwarm of fleas
Crawl'd on my legs, and on my knees ;
Nay, fome of them did foon arife
Moft rapidly above my eyes :
So nimbly on me they did creep,
By no means cou'd 1 go to lleep :
Thty crawl'd. they jump'd, and grew fo bold.
That of my fiefli they did take hold ;
Which put me into fuch a rage,
Tliat 1 in war did foon engage.
I knock'd tlicm all both to and fro,
But from me far they wou'd not go.
I found my ilrokcs upon the bed
.By no means ftruck the creatures dead.
Though I drove them from place to place,
Til y boldly jump'd into my face,
And bit me from my very nofe
Down to the ends of all my toes ;
AVhich conllantly didmake me ftart,
Like one prick'd with a piercing dart.
Whilll through the dark and fiknt night,
I was oblig'd to lie and fight ;

I kick'd.

3i6

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

I kick'd, I fcratch'd, I rolled round.
And often on my foes did pound.
My labour prov'd fo much in vain,
A vicl'ry I could not obtain :
When it was day, I had to yield,
And wholly quit the irkfome field.
Though much fatigu'd, I look'd, and found
My flefli moft forely they did wound :
On me extended very wide,
Their venom was on ev'ry fide. ^

When I was up, the Lady faid,
The fleas bit you, I am afraid !
They are fo thick, I'm almoft craz'd.
And honcftly like one amaz'd.
She faid, the lads, to keep from harm.
Had lodg'd that night within the barn.
By what 1 heard, I truly found ■

The fleas from them had took the ground-
Is it not llrange, a neft of fleas
Shou'd do fuch mighty things as thefe !
Make men of might in battle yield.
And wholly take from them the field !
Now, to the world, 1 will pomt out
A method that, without all doubt,
Will make our foes fo much decreafe.
That wc may live and flecp in peace j
I therefore will prv>cced to fliew
How we may kill this dreadful crew :

With boiling water fcald the floors ;
Keep clean the ground around the doors;
And from the houfe the cats and dogs.
The goats and cattle, flicep and hogs:
Then the torme/it'ing Juzl'S offcas,
Will not j^revent our Jlcep and enfe.

Compofed at Qiiebcc, In 1788,

i5<^a-Dugs

OF BED-BUGS, &C.

317

Bed-bugs are another difagreeable vermin,
which I cannot endure. They are very numer-
ous and troublefdme in fome old houfes in Ame-
rica, that are chiefly made of oak. Some fay,
that they will not live in a bed-dead that has beea
painted with verdigreafe, and that the fplrits or oil
of turpentine will keep them off. And fome ufe
the 7mg. ceruel. for the fame purpofe. Cold
water, and fait and water, are alfo ufed to HW
bugs.

Lice and crabs may be deflroyed as follows : —
Go to the apothecary, and buy Aq. rofar. 4 oz.

-—Merc. crof. fublimat. i fcr. m. f. lotio. Or,

ung. fimp. 2 oz. — Merc, prjecip. alb. i fcr. mifce,
—But fome apply the ung. ceruel. mit. — Let a
phyfician, or an apothecary, tell how much you
ought to apj. ./ at one time.

It has been Add that boiling water will not kill
lice; and that if a loufy garment is wet, and ex-
pofed to the froll, the lice will die.

The flings and bites of hornets, wafps, bees,
and bugs, may be cured with oil, honey, and
vinegar, applied p?-o re nata.

In fome places, the flics, gnats, and mofchetoes
are very troublefome. Some drive them out of
their houfes by fumigations, and explofions of gun-
powder. Emollient fomentations, and cataplafms
with oil mixed with theriaca, are good in ail bites
and flings. Milk and oil, both internally and
externally, are excellent remedies in all poilbns
that produce inflammations.

C II A l\

3iS

THE AMERICAN ORACLE,

C I

I A P.

XXXIX.

Of a Bank betivcm a Toad and a Spider-^Of thi
Death of a Man hit by a Spidcr—Of a Patient
ivho loji bis Scnfes by fwa/lowing a Spidcr^Of
the Death of a Family by the Poifon of a Lizard
-^Of Poifon Fijh—And how Two Women wcri
burnt to Death in confequence of their drinking
to Exccfs.

A TOAD was fcen to fight with a fpklcr in
Rhode-Iilimd ; and when the former was
bit, it hopped to a plantain leaf, bit off a piece,
and then engaged with the fpider again. Attei-
this had been repeated fundry times, a fpedator
pulled up the plantain, and put it out of the way*
The toad, on being bit again, jumped to where the
plantain had flood ; and as it was not to be found,
fhe hopped round feveval times, turned over on
her back, fwelled up, and died immediately.--
This is an evident demonft ration that the juice of
plantain is an antidote againd the bites of thofe
venomous infecls.

We have different kinds of fpiders in America,
all of which have a greater or lefs degree ot poi-
fon, though fome pe.n^ilc have been otherv.'ifc
minded. The largeft fort, which are of a greemOi

colour, are the moll venomous. ^

OF St»IDERS, LIZARDS, 8cC.

319

At the high b.,ids on Hudfon's river, in the
State of New- York, in the year 1780, a Mr.
'I'homas Nellbn, who belonged to the Continental
Army, was bit by a grten Ipider, in a vein juft
above his fore-finger. The part fiift itched, then
fmarted, ached, and fwelled to his arm-pit ; from .
thence the fwelling ran to the middle of his breaft,
and, in about twelve hours from the time he was
bit, he expired. This I received from p Captain
Hubbal, who commanckd the company that Nel-
ion belonged to.

A learned phyfician in the Mafnichufetts, with
whom I was acquainted, vifitcd a patient who was
violently feizcd with a delirium. An emetic was
exhibited -a large fpider was vomited up, and
the patient's fenles were foon reftored. lie recol-
leded, that as he was drinking fome water in the
dark, on the preceding evening, he fwallowed
iomethmg, which he fuppofed to be the fpider.

A cook-maid in Virginia, accidentally boiled a
lizard in the head of a cabbage : the poifon proved
mortal, for it killed her, and all the reft of the *
family.

Fifli that live upon beds of copper-mines, are
poifoaous. The way to know whether they are fo
or not, is to boil a filver fpoon with them ; and if
It comes out bright, the fifli is not poifon ; but if
It is coloured, they are by no means fit to be
eaten. In the year 1789, a man died at New-
York, by eating a piece of a dolphin, faid to be
impregnated w^ith fuch virus.

A w^oman who lived in the praQice of drinking
a quart or more of brandy in a day at New- York,

became

330

THE AMERICAN 0RACLI#

!(!■

became fo impregnated with that inflammable
fpirit, that flie took fire when fhe was alone in
the night, and was found the next morning almoft
confumed. It was fuppofed that the fire was com-
municated from a candle to her breath, and from
thence conveyed to her internal parts. The room
was covered with a blackifli fmut ; but the floor
on which Ihe lay was not burnt. It was fuggefted,
that the fat that X' .. from her body prevented the
floor from taking fire ; but perhaps the tightnefs
of the room, and the feparation of the watery
particles from the inflammable, might be the

caufe thereof. t ^n i

Another woman, who lived on Long-Ifland^
near New- York, followed the pradice of drink-
ing rum to excefs, till flie took lire by the flame
of a candle, in the prefence of her friends. They
foon extinguiflied the flame ; but her infides were
fo much burnt, that Ihe died in a fliort time.
This account was communicated to me by the
phyfician who was called in when the accident
happened.

C II A.?.

or THE Rv\TTLE-SNAKE4

,21

(i H A P.

XL.

Of the Rattle-fnakes, Black Snakes^ Vipers^ and
Mad Dogs — Hgiv to cure their Bites.

I. Of the Rattle-snake.

THESE reptiles have been very numerous in
fome parts of America ; but tlieir number
has greatly decreafed of late, by reafon of the
rapid increafe of the Englifh and other fettle-
ments. Their bites are very poifonous, and fome-
times prove mortal ; but their flefh is fuppofed to
be good in confumptions. though 1 have not feen
any good effects from its ufe. The oil is the mod
penetrating and relaxing of all animal oils, and
is efleemed excellent for quinfeys, flifF joints,
corns, &c.

The bite of a rattle-fnake may be cured by the
juice of the roots and branches of plantain and
horehound, forced down the patient's throat, if
it cannot be taken otherwife. A large fpoonful is
a dofc. If one dofe does not relieve the patient,
in an hour, give another, and repeat it as occafion
may require. If the herbs are dry, moifien them
with a little water before they are bruifed in a
mortar : a leaf of tobacco, fteeped in rum, may
be applied to the wound. ,

"f Seneka,

322

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

Soncka, or rattle-fnakc root, is faidto be a fpc-
citic agaiiid the poilbn of thcfc reptiles. The pow-
der of the root, or the freih root, may be applied
as a cataplahii to the wound; and the patient may
take from a fcruple to a drachm of the powder in
fublhmoe ; or three ounces of the root may be
boiled in water enough to make a pint of decoc-
tion, of which the dofe is from two to four fpoon-
fuls, three or four times in a day.

A decoaion and poultice of blood-root is alfo
beneficial in the bites of thefe ferpents •, but the
plantain and horehound is fuppofed to be the belt

remedy.

A Captain Ilaftings informed me, that he pro-
voked a rattle-fnakc to bite a piece of elm-bark in
three different places. From the firfl place that
was bitten, the poifon extended itfelf about i8
inches each way, and was of a deep green colour :
from the fecond place, it ran about 9 inches ; and
in the third, he could fcarcely difcern any colour
at all. Hence he concluded, that the poifon of
the ferpent was almofl. entirely cxhaufted by the
two firfl bites.

II. 0///'6' Black Snakf..

BESIDES the rattle-fnake, there is one of a
black kind in America ; but I have not heard of
their biting any perfon. But they are very
dangerous ; for fometimes they get round people's
necks, and fometimes round their waifls, and draw
themfelves tighter and tighter 'till the people ex-
pire. It has been faid, that an Indian womai.,

who

OF THE BLACK SNAKE AND VIPER. 323

who had killed fome young fnakes of this kind,
loft her life in that manner by an old one.

A very remarkable inflance happened in the
county of Worccfter, in the commonwealth of
Maffachufetts, fince the commencement of the late
war.— A boy dreamed feveral nights running, that
he was killed as he was going after the cows, at
a certain place, by a black fnake ; and told his
mafter and miftrefs of his dreams, and that he
was afraid to go after the cattle. At laft he grew
fo timorous, that he adually refufed to go at all
unlefs he could have company; but his mafter
flogged him, and fent him off. The next morn-
ing the poor boy was found dead at the place he
had mentioned, with a large black fnake round

his waift.

Thefe ferpents will climb trees, to get birds
eggs ; and both they and the rattle-fnake often
charm birds into their mouths.

When a black fnake gets round a perfon, *tis
beft to cut it in two. Hence the necefllty of
travelling with a pen-knife ; for whether they are
round a perfon*s neck or waift, they draw them-
felves tighter and tighter as he fetches his breath,
and at laft put an end to life.

Cure for the Bite of a Viper.

WARM common fallad oil, and rub it well
into the part that has been bitten. TJiis is faid
to complete the cure, if repeated pro re nata.

Names

324

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

Names of the different Annies or Reptiles in the
United Stales of America .

1 Tlie ratUc-fnake

2 Small ditto

3 Yellow ditto

4 Copper-hcjliccl fiiakc

5 BluKh gvccii ditto

6 Black ditto

7 Ribbon ditto

8 Spotted ribbon ditto

9 Chain ditto

10 Joint ditto

1 1 Green fputtcd ditto

1 2 Coach-whip ditto
J 3 Corn ditto

14 Hog-nofe ditto

15 Houfe ditto

The toad

16 Gieen rattle-fnake

17 Wampan:! ditto

18 C In fs ditto

19 Bead ditto

20 Striped or garter ditto
2 1 Water ditto

22 Hiffing ditto

23 Thorn-tailed ditto

24 Speckled ditto

25 Ring ditto

26 Two-headed ditto
2 7 Wallor-houfe adder

28 Water viper

29 Black ditto

30 Brown ditto,
is alfo called a reptile.

The thorn-tail fnake Is of a middh'ng fize, and
very venemous. It has a thorn in its tail, with
which it fometimes flings thofe that come near it.

The fkin of the joint-fnake is as fmooth as glafs,
and fo hard that it will break to pieces like the
tube of a pipe. It has fo few joints, and is fo ftlli;
that it cannot eafily bend itfelf into the form of a
hoop.

Two-headed fnakes are very fcarce, and perl ips
of a monllrous kind, though it has not as yet
been determined whether they are fo or not.

There are more fnakes in the fouthern than in
the northern governments, for they love hot cli-
mates beft.

The remedies I have prefcribed, aie efteemed
good for the bites of all fuch kinds of reptiles.

)

OF A MAD DOO.

325

Of the Signs of Maincfs in a Bog.

THE figns of m ' efs in a dog, are,

1. A dull, heavy look; -*

2. His trying to hide himfelf ;

3. His feldom or ever barking ;

4. His being angry with, and fnavling at
ftrangers ;

5. His fawning and leaping at his owner ;

6. His refufing to eat or drink j

7. Hi.^ drooping, hanging down his head,
ears, and tail ;

8. His often lying down as if going to fleep—
I'his is called the firfl ftage of madnefs.

9. His breathing quick and heavy ;

10. His running out his tongue, flavering and
frothing at the mouth ;

11. His appearing to be half-afleepj

12. His flying at the by-ftanders;

13. His running forward in a curved line j

14. His not knowing his mafter;

15. His eyes watering as they grow thick and
dim ;

16. His tongue being of a leaden colour;

17. His growing faint, weak, falling down,
rifmg up and aLiempting to fly at fomething —
This is the lafl: ftage of madnefs, and the dog
commonly dies in lefs than 30 hours.

18. The higher the madnefs is, the more dan-
gerous are the bites.

1 9. When a dog is mad, all other dogs, upon
fmelling him, run off with horror.

Y 3 , Syrvptoms

326

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

Symptoms confequcnt on the Bite of a Mad Dog,

The f) mptoms confequcnt upon the bite of a
mad dog, are,

1. A pain in the part bitten ;

2. The gradual approach of wandering pains ;
"3. An uneafinefs and heavinefs, with dillurbed'

Jleep and frightful dreams j

4. A tolling of the body, fudden llartings,
fpafms, &c.

5. A fighing, folitude, and anxiety ;

6. Shooting pains from the wound to the throat;

7. A ftraitneis, and fenfation of choaking ;

8. A horror and dread at the light of water
and other liquors ;

9. A trembling, and lofs of appetite ;

10. A ftarting back when any fluid touches
their lips, attended with great agony and fury ^

11. A naufea, and vomiting of bilious matter;

12. A continual watching, drynefs and rough-
nefs of the tongue, with a high fever ;

13. A thirftinefs and hoarfenefs, with a lollinr
of the tongue out of the mouth ;

14. An attempting to fpit at the by-llanders,
and to bite thofe they can come at ;

1 5. A raging and foaming at the mouth ;

16. An averfion to the fight of a dog, and to a
perfon drelfed in fcarlet ;

I J. A barking like a dog, finking of the pulfe,
failure of breathing, followed by cold clammv
fweats, convulfionG, and death.

Hydro-

CURE FOR THE BITE OF A MAD DOG.

327

A Hydrophobia is a nervous diforder, attended
with inflammatory fymptoms. There are two
kinds, viz. a hydrophobia rabiofa, or a defire of
biting ; and a hydrophobia /implex, or no defire of
biting. Some patients grow dumb, others rave
with madnefsj and fometimes the madnefs is

periodical.

The fmallefl: quantity of the falinja of a mad
dog, either frefli or dry, may produce this dillem-
per. The poifon generally operates in three or
four weeks ; but fometimes it lies dormant many
months. The infedion is communicated to the
human race by the fali-va only ; but dogs have
received it by going into kennels where mad
dogs have been before.

When a patient is bitten by a mad dog, let the
wound be immediately dilated, cr entirely cut
out ; and the poifon extratted by a cupping-glafs,
with fcarifications, or by drawing cataplafms :
perhaps a poultice of onions, often applied, might
be of great utility, and alfo epifpaftics.

Some cauterize the wound, after it is fcarified :

, but T cannot fee wherein that can be beneficial j

for the parts being feared, mufl become callous
in fome degree, and obftrucl a difcharge of the
virus.

The frequent walhing the wound with falt-water
and vin(*gar, and keeping it open by efcharotics,
has been recommended ; but, do not thefe reme-
dies contrad the parts, and fhut in the poifon ?

It is faid, that the Americans have poured cold
frclli water from a tea-kettle upon the part bit

•'I
I

328

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

by a mad dog, and continued it a long timt, and
that it has been ferviceable in carrying off the poi,
fon : but it is my opinion, that warm water would
do better ; becaufc the cold condenfes, and the
heat relaxes the parts, and may open a way for
the vims to make its efcape.

Hence may we not conclude, that the dilating
of the wound, wafhing frequently in warm water,
the appHcation of a cupping-glafs with fcarifica-
tions, and of attractive fomentations and cata-
plafms, mud be of greater utihty than thofe things
that cicatrize, contntft, and condenfe the parts,
and hinder the poifon from efcaping at the place
where it was imbibed ?

The frequent ufe of the cold bath is eflcemed
advantageous in the canine niadnefs.

When the poifon has extended itfelf through
the whole niafs of the fluids, the cure muft be at-
tempted by fuch things as will prevent or deltroy
the nervous or fpafmodic irriiarion, or, by a fpe-
cific property, deflroy the acrimony that generates
the diforder.

Hence, if there is an inflammation, or a p/e^
ihora, bleed, and give Gm. Opil gr. j. vcl. gr. jfs.
every three hours; and alfo the following bolus,
once in fix or eight hours \—Mofch. Optim. gr.
^j].-~'Cin:iah, fjct. lavigat. ^k.-^Fil. Sapon. gr.
viij.-~G'z//«. Cawpb. gr. vij. Balf. Feruv. q. f. f. i^
bolnu .

The next morning take the following purge :-~

Giaub. jiij. — ^yr, SoluUv, 3ij. mix. *
• 3 Signifies a drachm.

Ihe

CURE FOR THE BITE OF A MAD DOG.

329

The fame evening, or the next day, put the pa-
tient into the ^'old bath ; rub him dry, and put
him to bed ; and promote a diaphorefis, by re^
peating the opiates and mufk-bokis, and by half
a pound of the infufion of Valerian and Saifafras,
with as much white-wine whey as he can drink.

Let thefe remedies, with the bathing, be re-
peated for feven nights, if the dog was raving
mad ; and for three or fom* nights at the next
full and change of the moon.

If the patient is feized with a hydrophobia, *^PP^y
fponges dipped in hot vinegar, conflantly to his
nofe and mouth ; and a piece of thin fiannel
moiftened in the following liniment, to his throat,
three or four times in a day :

Linimcntum Thebaic urn,

R. Tind. Theb. t^u]. — Gion. Ca?}iph. 3J. m.

Mercurials are efteemed excellent in the bite of
a mad dog, both before and after a hydrophobia.
Some rub the Ung. derul. Fort, into the wound,
and raife a falivation by mercurial uncrion exter-
nally applicl. A ptyalifm fliould be continued
three or four weeks. Calomel in fmall dofes is
beneficial ; and the Ibllowing emetic is called a
fpecific, and will help in bringing forward a fali«.
vation :

R. Merc. EmeL Flav. — Gum. Cafiiph. aa gr. iij.
mifce bene ; and add Coiif. Cynojb. q. f. ut f. bolus.

A falivation has fometimes worked a radical
cure ; and although the cold bath has been highly
extolled, it is my opinion, that a warm one of
frefh water w^ould prove more cifectual in expel-
ling the virus,

Everv

3i<5

THE AMERICAN ORACLIi.

Every dog, on the leaft appearance of madnefs,
ought to be immediately killed and buried. Is it
not ftrange that fuch great numbers of thofe ani-
mals are fuffered to live, and efpecially in capital
towns and cities, when they fo frequently run
mad, and their bites are fo extremely dangerous ?
Would it not be better for the community, if
nine-tenths of them were killed ?

I have lately read a melancholy account of a
man who loft his life a few months ago in the
State of New- York, by ildnning a cow that died
by the bite of a mad dog. The poifon was com-
municated to him that way, and he died of a /jj-
dropbobia.

Wolves, foxes, cats, cocks, hogs, cattle, &c.
hz. alio run mad, and their bites are dangerous.
A gentleman died not long ago by being bit by a
cat, in or near London ; and a young lady was
in the agonies of death at Briftol, in England,
when I was in that city, in Jan. 1790, who had'
been bit by a cat : It was fuppofed that the cat
was bit by a mad dog before it run mad.

People that have been bit by a mad dog, will
bark like a dog ; and thofe bit by a cat, will mew
like one of thofe animals.

Let thofe v/ho may be bit by any mad animal,
fend immediately for a fldlful phyfician.

Thus have I mentioned the common methods of
cure, with my own opinion upon the fubjcd:. It
is hoped that Ibme better antidotes will be dif-
coveied in time, than thofe hitherto found out,

CHAP.

BIRDS OF NORTH-AMERICA.

33 »

CHAP. XLI.

Of the Birds ^ Beajis, Fijhes, InfeBs^ and Amphibious
Animals in North-Ajnerica.

HAVING mentioned the names of the North-
American reptiles in the preceding chapter;
perhaps it may not be amifs to mention the names
of the birds, beafts, fiflies, infeds, and amphibi-
ous animals in that part of the world.

1 fliall therefore proceed to mention, i. The
birds ; 2. The beafts ; 3. The fifties ; 4- The In-
fers ; and, 5. The amphibious animals.

I. Of the Birds.

THE Black-bird
Razor-bellied ditto
Baltimore
Blue
Buzzard
Blue jay-
Blue grofbeak

8 Brown bittern

9 Crefted bittern

10 Small bittern

1 1 Booby

12 Great booby

1 3 Blue peter

14 BuU-fmch

15 Bald-coot bird

16 Cut-water

17 Wbite curlew

18 Cat-bird

19 Cuckow

20 Crow

21 Cowpen-bird

22 Chattering plover, or kil-

dee .

23 Crane, or blue heron

24 Yellow-breaftcd chat

25 Cormorant

26 Hooping crane

27 Pine-creeper

28 YcUow"

> I;!

$3^

THE AMERICAN ORACIE.

28 Yellow-throated creeper

29 Dove

30 Ground dove
$1 Duck

32 Ilathera duck

33 Roiuid-crefted duck

34 Sheldrach or canvafs duck

35 Buffel's-head duck

36 Spoonbill duck

37 Summer duck

38 Elack-headcd duck

39 Blue-wiiig-cd fhovdier

40 Little brown duck

41 Sprigiaii

42 White-faced teal

43 Blue-wing-cd teal

44 Pied-bill dobchick

45 Eagle

46 Bald eagle

47 Flanu'ngo
4ii Fieldfare of C; .ia, or ro-

bin

49 Purple finch

50 Bahama finch

51 American gold-finch

52 Creiled fly-catcher

53 Black-cap ditto

54 Little brown ditto

55 Red-eyed ditto

56 Finch-crcepcr

57 Storm-finch

58 Goat-fucker of Carolina

59 Gull

60 Laughing gull
^ I The goofe

62 Canada goofe

63 Hawk

64 Fifliing Hawk
6^ Pigeon-hawk
66 Night-hawk

67 Swallow-tailed hnwfc

68 Hang-bird

69 Heron

70 Little white heron

71 Heath-cock

72 Humming biul

73 Purple jack-dav/ or crow
black-bivd

74 King-bird

75 King.fiflier

76 Looij

77 I-ark

78 Large lark

79 Blue linnet

80 Mock bird

81 Mow bird

82 Purple martin

83 Nightingale

84 Noddy

85 The Nuthatdi
^6. Oyfter-catcher

87 Owl

88 Screech-owl ' '

89 American partridgeor qtjai!

90 Pheafant or mountain par.
t ridge

91 Water-pheafant

92 Pelican

93 ^Vater ditto

94 Pigeon ofjiafHige

95 VVhite-crowned pigeon

96 Parrot of Paradife

97 Paroquet of Carolina.

98 Jlaven

99 Rict-bird
ICO Red bird

1 01 Summer dittp

102 Swan
lox Soree

104 Snipe

105 lied

BIRDS OF NORTH-AMERICA.

333

124 Little thriifh

125

. rc)

pic

blvd

126 Turtle of Carolina

127 Wafer-wag-tail

128 Water-hen

129 Water witch

130 Wakon bird

131 Whctfaw

132 Large white-bellied wood-

pecker

133 Large red-creftcd ditto

134 Gold-winged ditto

135 Red-bclJied do.

136 Hairy do.

137 Red-headed do,

138 Yellow-bellied do.

139 Smallcft fpotted do.

140 Wren

IC5 Red ftart

106 Red-winged ftarling

107 Swallow
loS Chimnoy-fwalloW

109 Snow-bird

110 Little fparrow
E 1 1 Bahama ditto

112 Stork

113 Turkey

114 Wild turkey
1 1 5 Tyrant
ir6 Crelled titmoufe
117 Yellow ditto
J 1 8 Bahama do.
1 19 Hooded do.
T20 Yellow rump
■J2T Towhe bird

122 Red thruOi

123 Fox-coloured thrufii

Unto this catalogue fliould be added the winter
phebe, and the fummer phebe j alfo the red
mavis, whip-poor-will, and robin-red-breafl.

The Americans raife great numbers of geefe,
turkies, peacocks, cloves, ducks, dunghill fowls,
Guinea hens, &.c. i'o that poultry is very plenty
and cheap. In fome places, numerous flocks of
pigeons come from diflant countries, and arc
caught by the people in nets.

The fwan is the biggeft of all web-footcd water-
fowls.

The pelican is alfo a water-fowl. It lives at
the River MilFuTippi. Its pouch, or crop, will
hold eight quarts. They are about five feet from
the end of their bills to that of their tails.

The humming bird is the fmalleft, and the lark
afcends the highcfl of all the winged tribe.

11.0/

' J

334

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

1 1

t Mammoth

2 Buffalo

3 Panther

4 Carcajou

5 Wild cat

6 Bear

7 Elk

8 White bear

9 Wolf

10 Moofo deer

11 Stag

12 Carraboii

13 Fallow deer

14 Greenland deer

15 Rabbit

16 Bahama coney
27 Monax

18 Grey fquirrel

19 Grey fox fqnirrcl

20 Black fquirrel

21 Red ditto

22 Ground ditto

23 Flying do.

24 Striped do.

II. Of ibe Beasts,

, 25 Black fox

26 Red do.

27 Grey do.

28 Racoon

29 Wood-chuck

30 Skunk

31 OpofTum

32 Polecat
, I'i, Weafel

34 Martin
2,S Minx

36 Beaver

37 Miifquafh

38 Otter

39 FiHier

40 Water-rat

41 Mu/Iv-rat

42 Houfe-moufe

43 Field-moufe

44 Moles

45 Quick-hatch

46 Morfe

47 Porcupine

48 Seal.

The mammoth is not to be found in the civi-
lized parts of America. It is fuppofed he lives
North of the Great Lakes. They are very large
according to their ikeletons, which have been
found on the Ohio, and in New Jerfey.

The opoflum is about the bignefs of a common
cat.

The buffalo is larger than an ox.
The tyger is a very fierce ravenous animal, and
will fpare neither man nor beail j but it is not apt
« to

BEASTS OF NORTH-AMERICA.

335

to fly at mankind if it can get the flcfh of other
animals to live upon : its fhape is fomething like
that of a lionefs.

' The wild cat is much like a common cat, but
a great deal Ijirger : they are very fierce, but fel-
dom attack people.

The elk refembles a deer, but is much larger
than a horfe : they have very large horns, which
they fhed every year, in February ; and by Au-
guft, their norns almoft come to their full growth.

The moofe is about the bignefs of a deer : they
have large horns, which they fhed annually.

The carrabou refembles a moofe, but is not fo
large.

The carcajou is of a cat kind : I fuppofe they
are what we call catemounts in New- England.
They kill elks, carrabous, and other deer, by
lying in ambufh on the limbs of trees, or in fome
other place ; and when an elk or deer draws
near, he jumps upon its neck, feizes the jugular
' vein, and foon kills his prey ; but if the elk can
jump immediately into the water, he may fave his
life, for the carcajou will lofe his prey rather than
venture into that element.

The fkunk, called by the French, Enfant dit
Diable, the child of the devil, is fomething lefs
than a polecat. When this animal is purfued,
it fends forth, in its defence, a fmall flream of
water from a receptacle near its bladder, which
has fuch a fubtile, powerful and penetrating fmell,
that it will taint the air with a horrible flench, to
a furprizing diltancc. Their fat is an emollient,

and

■ !

'!;)

Ill

i! I

|l !

33^

THE AMERICAN

and very beneficial for ftiff
and rh{

ORACLE,

joints, and for gouty

leumatic complainti
The porcu,>ine, or hedge-hog, U about the big,
nefs of a miudJing dog. It is covered with quills
near four inches long. They fi.oot their quilL at
their enemy ; and if they enter the ilefh at all,
they will work through, unlefs extraded by in-
cifion ; for they cannot be extracted without, any
more than a fifh-hook. \

The wood-chuck is about fifteen inches in
length ; It digs holes feveral feet into the ground
in which it burrqws. '

^ The racoon is about the bignefs of a fox, only
It IS not fo thick ; they climb trees. The firfl I
ever faw, I fliot from the topof a high tree, when
I was young ; and could not tell what it w'as till
an old hunter came along, and told me what I
had killed.

The bears fometimes do much damage, by kill
ing flieep, deftroying Indian corn, Sec. And the
wolves are great fheep-killers ; and fometimes
when they have been very hungry, they have
killed people, and eat their iiefli : And the bears
have alfo killed people, when thev have come near
their young cubs ; but they do not often meddle
with the human race, unlefs they have been
wounded, or are afraid of lofing their youn- _
But the catemounts are the moft to be dreaded
of all the wild beads in America ; for they are fo
very fierce, that it is dangerous coming near
them. °

The Americans raife great numbers of neat
cattle, horfes, fiieep, fv, lue, dogs and cats.

III. Of

or THE FISHES.

337

III. Of the Fishes.

IN the rivers, brooks, ponds, and lakes, we
have divers kinds of Fiflies, as well as in the falt-
watcrs adjoining the American Continent.

The American Fiflies are.

I The whale

xS Chivens

2 Shark

If) Frofl fifli

3 Dolphin

20 Eels

4 I'lying (ifli

21 Pouta

5 iSword fi(h

22 Breams

6 Sturgeon

23 Shiners

7 Haddock

24 Shad

8 Salmon

25 Sheep's-head

9 Salmon-trout

26 Lobllers

10 Common trout

27 Clams

1 1 Flounders

28 Oyfters

12 Cod-flfh

29 Succers

13 Pike

30 Black fiHi

14 Mackarcl

31 Porpoife

15 Herring

32 Sea-tortoife

16 Sprats

33 River ditto.

17 Smelts

The Sharks are veiy large, and ^o very greedy
that they will kill and fwallow a man inftanta-
neoufly.

' IV. Of Insects.

1 The glow-worm 9 Wall-loufe or bug

2 Earth-worm

3 Leg or Guinea worm

4 Naked fnail

5 SheU-fnail

6 Tobacco-worm

7 Wood ditto

8 Silk do.

10 Sow-bug

11 Horn-bug

12 Bed-bug

13 Flea

14 Gnat

15 Sheep-tick

16 Wood-loufe

17 Forty

'■'i

33^

•iHli AMLRICAN ORACLE.

I if-

'III

17 Forty Icr;;!, or ccntij)t3 34 Flj

t8 CiitcriJillar
1 y Adder bolt

20 Ci'cadia, or locull

2 1 Man-ga/er

22 Cock-ioche

23 Cnc!:ct

24 Beetle

25 Fire-flying bug

26 Butterfly

27 Moth

28 Ant

29 Bee

30 Hinnble-bec

31 Black wafp

32 Yellow waip

33 Hornet

35 iSaud-fly
30 Black fly
37 Horle-fly
3H Mufl.eto

39 Sjiider

40 Millar

4 1 Htad-lioe

42 Body-lice

43 Catties lice

44 Hogs lice

45 llellinn fljr

46 Dores

47 Ma^^goti

48 Crabs

4y Ear-;vigj»

V. (y Amphibious Animals,

THESE go fometimes on the land, and fomtf.
iiiiies in the water.~The Alligators are often five
yards long; they kill hogs, dogs, fifh, &c. and
live in South-Carolina. When winter draws near,
they fill their bellies with pine-wood, and craw}
' into their dens in the bank of fome creek Ox pond,
and lie all winter without any other fuftenance.
^ The guana, gr.en lizard, blue-tailed lizard, and
lion lizard, are found in the Southern States.

The beaver is an amphibious animal, about
four or five feet in length, and fifteen inches in
breadth. They cut down trees, make dams acrofs
fmall rivers and krge brooks, and build cabins
to live in.

The mufquafli is alfo amphibious, and fo are
frogs, otters, and minxes.

CHAR

sMr-^;.

©F BURNS AND SCALDS.

339

CHAP. XLll.

Of Burns, Scalds, and Freezes—Of the Growth of
Hair, Baldnefs, Ssfr.

I. Of Burns and Scalds,

DRAW the fire out immediately by the ap-
plication of a poultice of raw ouions beat
fme in a mortar. Boiled or roafted onions ma^^
anfwer ; but they are not fo drawii.g as when raw.
Renew the cataplafm twice or thrice in a dayj
bleed the patient, if he is plethoric; and keep
the body open with gentle cathartics : — this will
prevent an inflammation.

When the fire is extracted, go to the apothe-
cary, and buy 01. Lini, 6oz. Spir. Vin. Camph, 2oz.
viia. and apply it as occafion requires. — This is
faid to prevent the rifing of blifters.

If bliiters have rifen, open them, and drefs the
parts with ceratum alburn^ or ceratwn epuloticu?n, or
ceratum faturninum.

If there are figns of a mortification, appy an-
tlfeptics, both internally and externally.

Perfons burnt with lightning, Ihould take cor-
dials ; and if the pain is great, anodynes are ne-
cefiary.

The cil of olives, and emollient fomentations
and cataplafms, are good in burns and fcalds.

Z 2 II. Of

340

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

Ml I I I,

II. 0/ Freezes,

KEEP the parts in cold water 'till the froft h
out. Then iifc emollient fomentations and cata-
plafms, witli the other remedies ufed in burns.

When people are expofed to the froft, they
ought to drink cold water, inftead of fpiritous li-
quors, as it will prevent freezin^r much lonc^er
than inflammable fpirits.

Copperas diffolved in warm water, and linen-
rags dipped therein, and applied often to a freeze,
IS laid to be excellent.

Ifl. Oft/je Groivth of Hair, the Caiife of Baldncf,
and hoiv to prcvctit it.

A HAIR hath a bulbous root, of an oval fliape,
which IS lodged in the ikin. I'he hair itfelf is
hollow, and is furniflied with vefl^els fomethin^
like the quills of geefe, or feathers of birds. F drs
have joints and branches, like fome forts of ;.rafs
and are apt to fpJit at the ends, if worn lon^ with-
out moiflure. They will grow as long as any
moifture remains at their roots, in a body, even
ir it is dead and mouldered into duft.

Robufl perfons have generally fi;rong hair ; and
thofe that are feeble, that which is weak.

Malignant and contagious diieafes, and the
catmg of mufhroams, will lometimes deltroy the
roots of hairs, and occafic:: baldnefs. Violent
J^eyers, that dry up the moifture that nourillies the
iiair, may alfo caufe it to fall off. The meeting
^ with

HOW TO PREVENT BALDNESS.

341

with trouble, great furprize, and bad humours,
often makes the hair turn white or yellow, or
caufes baldneis, by deftroying the nutritious,
juices.

Hair-drefTers ought to be very gentle in the
drelling of hair, for pulling of it may weaken
the roots, and make it fall oil.

I have known baldnefs prevented by a frtquent
bathing in falt-water when the hair began to fall
off. The Hilineous particles, and the coldnefs of
the water, contracts, braces up, and ftrengtheus
the parts relaxed by fome diforder.

The following is elleemed beneficial in baldnefs :

1. Rul the parts with a frefli-cut onion, till
they turn red ; but if no rednefs appears, it is a

bad fign.

2. Wafii the head every night, with a warm
•and very ffrong fomentation, made by boiling
bruifed burdock-roots in white-wine.

3. Or, bruife the fmall fpiral branches of grape-
vines, and mix them with honey, and apply the
mixture twice in a day.

. 4. Or, R. Ung, Shnpl. ^jy'—Balf. Peru. 3J —
01. Nuc. Mofch. Gittt. X. mix. and apply it twice in

a day.

Hair-powder and pomatums are nourifhing to
the hair; but if they are too highly fcented
with chymical oils, which are of a burning nature,
they may prove injurious.

Seme aie fo fuperaitious, that they fuppofe it
is unlawful to nourifh their hair by powder. I

Z 3 \XiQVf

342

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

knew a clergyman that preached upon probation,
and the people thought he was unfit for a Minifter
of the Goipel, becaufe he wore powder on his
hair ; however, they fuppofed it was legal for
other clergymen to wear ^'bwdered wigs. But
we may judge it is lawful to powder our hair, in
as much as we have had no command from Hea.
vcn that forbids that pradice.

|! i

l! i

CHAR

ii^

ACCOUNT or PRESCPvIPTIONS.

l-T.)

CHAP. XLIII.

J,cmnt of Prcfcrlptlons^Hczv regular. bred Pby-
ficians arc often ircatcd^Phfieal Receipts for the
^Cnre of Agues, Aflhmas, Brufes, Cancers,
Coughs, Cholics, Colds, Coifnmptiom, Cramps, Con-
vui/lons, Deafncf. Diabetes, Diarrhea, DropJ]',
Dvfentery, Epikpfy, Fainting, Fevers, Gout, Gravel,
Gripes, Bead-acb, FIeart-bur?i, Hypochondriac
Dijhmpers, Flyfleric Complaints, Hoarfenefs, He-
morrhoids, Jaundice, Inflammations, Indigcflion,
Jtch, Kings Evil, Lethargy, Loivnefs of Spirits,
Madncfsl Meajles, Mortif cation. Pains, Palfy ;
Pcrfpiration to check, or to promote; Phlegm,
Pleurify, ^linfcy, Rheumatifm, Rickets, Rupture,
Scurvy, Shingles, Small-pox, Stitches in the Side,
Sprains, Sore Throat, Tetters, Thrujh, Tumours,
Vertigo, Vomiting, Ulcers ; Urine fuppre fed— Heat
(f— Involuntary— Bloody ; Worms, and Woiirds .; -
'ivith Diredionsfor Nurflng Children.

rs-^HE remedies mentioned in the fubfeqiient
i pages, if properly exhibited, are very effi-
cacious in the cure of diftempers ; and I hope the
prefcriptions will be of great utility to people in
general, and to thofe in particular who may be
fettled =n places where phyficians cannot be had,
which is often the cafe in many pavts of America.

Z 4 I have

Wi:

544

THE AMERICAN ORACLi;.

. ' ^^"^ mentioned the dofes -,nrl „•
tions concerning the u-b of Th ^ '" ''"■'^''-

ordertoprevenfi„iu%;o,hlf''\'°"^P°'^''°"^' "'
the neceffity of TZ Z-'^^'' '"=')' ^^ '^^'^'^^

viceofaph;i"f"bS"n"r d?°" '"^ -'-
thofe prefcribed for ch idr „ .^e't'' 'T''"'^
^n adult age, and muft be e^ar! ' "r •'
niflied, accords o- 1^ ^i, ^^^arged, or dimi-

the paHenT ^ ' "^e and conftitution of

As the fymntonis of difeafe? n,^ f„„ .■
fubjea to mutation, they rSl: H ff ''' '"^
of treatnient : Hence tJ^ J- ""'' """^''
changed, or ^l-ercd -n' "'^ . "'^'"'""^^ "^ould be

ces o'f tLftiSd^:r;^;r^r"r"-

indifpofition. ^ vveaknefs and

JJ^r^'r °'""'''™''' "^=" ^ -"^dicine that will
cure , , fe^f, ^^^ ^._^^^ ^.jj ^^^ ^^ at^ul

ther. Hence alfo appears the neceffity of alter nn-
our praaice, by exhihitin^ r I ""^""R

that will wo* Jr:£e:fe" °"" ""^'''=^-^-
know,"'*^ who attempt to praffife phylic, ought to

I. What difeafe a patient Lsfeized with;
2 What h,s conftitution is, that is, ;hether
itisftrong or weak; ' """"^

3. What remedie,, ought to Ire applied ; and,
4- What their ftrenirth k -m^ 1, , '.
operate. ' "* ''"^X will

But it cannot be expefted that thofe un-,c
luatnted wuh the noble art of phyfic can know ,
there thmgs; and therefore, it will be moft "u
Jent to fend for a fldlful Phyfician wher one'ct
be had, and to be guided by his direaions The

^ fooner

OF QUACK PROFZCSORS.

34S

fooner he is called, the better; becaufe a difeafeis
much eafier cured when it firft begins, than after
it is feated.

Some who have called themfelves Phyficians,
have fuffered difeafes to gain ground, by neglect-
ing to make proper evacuations. A patient who
appeared to be almoft gone in a confumption,
and had been given over by his phyficians as in-
curable, apphed to me for advice. —Said I, what
have your phyficians done for you ? — Have they
bled you ? He anfwered. No.— Have they given
you an emetic ? No. — Have they given you a ca-
thartic? No. — liaVe they given you any medicine?
Yes : they have given me fimple fyrups and de-
codions for more than fix months paft ; but they
would not bleed me, nor give me an emetic, be-
caufe they fuppofed I was fo weak that I could
not bear either. — I bled him immediately, gave
an emetic, ordered the bark, and fome other re-
medies. His cough, nigbt-fweats, and other ter-
rible fymptoms, left him, and he foon recovered
his former htalih and ftrength. It is my opinion,
that it is almoft as proper to throw medicines
into the fire, as it is to give them to p?tienLS,
without making tliofe evacuations which are ne-
ceifary to expel the morbific matter.

Much damage has been done by ignorant wo-
men, who have ruflied into the praftice of mid-
wifery, without thofe qualifications which are re-
quifite for this Important bufinefs. I have fre-
quently been called to aflifl them when there has
not been the leall diuiculty, except that which

arofe

34<^

T1I£ AMERICAN ORACtE.

aiofe from their ignorcince and mifcondua. Soire-
tmies I loiiiid they had poured down the decoc
tions of hot herbs, and had raifed fevers, &c.
Sometimes they had almoft aflVightened the wo-
men into convulfion?, by telling frightful florie.,
and by talking about the doctrine of original fin,
eledion, reprobation, the unpardonable ""fin, and
the torm^n s of hell.—But after I had admini-
fte.cd proper remedies, and had, by encouraging
them, brought them out of their defpair, they
have been fafely carried through their perils and
dangers without any uncommon difriculty. It h
dangerous for women to venture their h'ves in th.^
hands of thofe who know not the conftruaion of
the human frame, nor the nature and operations
of medicines, and who, by fcare-crows and bue.,
bears, bring them into a ftate of difcoura-ement
to the great injury of the cliild and the modier.
It is thought, that no men are treated much
- vvorfe than th^ Phyf:cians have been in fome parts
of the world ; for, let their fidll be ever fo great,
they have frequently been interrup'icd in their
pradice, to the great injury of their patients:
for, when they ha\'e laid a foundation iv.r a cure,
other medicadors have taken the work out of their
hands, and hindered a regular courfe of phyfical
operations ; jufi; as a Divine might be hindered
from preaching a fcrmon, i)y J-jing turned out of
his pulpit, after he had named his text and the
heads of his difcourfc, by foii.e up-ftart not fivilled
in divinity.

I have often thought thjit this illegal pradire
has been the caufe of the death of thoufands ; for

3 whillt:

OF Rr.GUI AR-URr.D PflYSICIAKi

^ 1 '

hild the quack is adminiftering his noftnum, the
dift-'afe gains ground, and an end is put to the life
of the patient.

Re uhir-bred Phyficians are frequently impofed
upon in this way, for nrany people are very tond of
thofe who have raifcd their fame by quackery:
}Ience they leave the man of Ikiil, and run alter
impotiors.

Sometimes when a fl^ilful Phyfician has pre-
fcribed proper remedies for a patient, his orders
are difobeyed by the nurfes ; and whilft he is ab-
fent, in comes Mother Midnight with her budget
of herbs, and makes and adminifters decoctions
deftruaive to the relief of the didrefled, *till at
length death clofes the fcene.

I have often wondered at the madnefs and folly
of fome people, who will venture their lives in the
bands of quacks, fooner than they will venture
their eilates. When they go to law, they will be
fure to employ a good lawyer, for fear of lofing
ihcir money ; but when they are taken ill, and
their lives are in hnminent danger, they will pals
by a (kilful Phyfician, and employ an impoitor,
and thus perhaps lofe their Hves by their folly.

A Phyfician mull turn out at all time? in the
night, even in the mod violent dorms, and take
care of both the liph and the poor j and he mud
wait a long time for his money, as the merchant,
baker, butcher, brewer, k<z. mud have their pay-
ment fird ; an4 «^hen, if he charges but 4 very
moderate price ft. his fervices, he will be cm-fed,
railed at, defamed, and at lad cenfured to the
Infernal regions, as an extortioner. I do not fay

that

1 »

'i ■

548

THE AMERICAN ORACX£.

ha thi ,s the praaicc in every place .vithin ,r,e
crcle of my acquaintance ; but it has been too
much the praftice in fome places -in<l u •
high time there was a reform^^::;. " " "°"
I own that people have a right to cntploy wlia,

flv. 1 , but they have no right to comr.nt feU-ntur-
der, by empioymg quacI;s.-Let all, iherci'ore
who may have any regard for their owalive an 1
the lives of thofe under their care,

I. Send for a man of «<ill_„ho- is yerv
teuiperate humane and juft ; becaufe a drunkard
unmerafol, or inhumane perfon, is by no means'
ut tor the important work.

'• ?' V;:^ ^"^l ■" °bfervin^ his direclions.
3- Let him not be interrupted by impoftors.

nectirt;™ '" '^''^'" " ""^^ ^^ ""^ "^^

givi-hLticer'"" °''^ '' '■•^"S'U neediul.

has had the care of the patient firft, tell the fymp-
toms of the difoafe, what remedies have been
Wheel, and how they have operated.

/• After they have prefcribed remedies, fiill
employ the firft phyfician. Let the fame dirj
..on^^ be oblerved in reg..rd to furgeons and mid.

This is much /afer than to change phyficians,
or employ quacks, and female impoftors, who
f quently impede the regular pradiceof we 1-bred
Phyficans, and bring dcftrudion on their patients

riijiicians

^pwwwiiiPig

CURES FOR DISEASES.

349

Phyficians ought ro vifit their patients often
when they arc fmitten with dangerous diforders,
;|nd efpecially if the fymptom? vary, becaufe new
remedies may be needful.

A conflant fire ought to be kept in a room
where a patient is ill ; and if the difeafe is of
a putrid kind, the fumes of cyder-vinegar, burnt
in a hot crucible, is an excellent antifeptic ; it is
not only good for the patient, but prevents the by-
danders from taking the diftemper.

'i'hefe things being premifed, I proceed to the
Fhyfical Recipes, and fliall write in Englifti, for
the benefit of thofe unacquainted with Latin.

Ague. — Boil four ounces of the bed Peruvian
bark in a gallon of water, till half is confumed ;
and take two ounces of the decoction thrice in a
day, after proper evacuations have been made.

Mlbma. — Take twelve ounces of the milk of
ammoniacum ; of the fyrup of fquills, four ounces:
mix, and take a fpoonful when the fhortnefs of
breath is troublcfome.

Bnnfes iyiiemal. — Take of Lucatellus's balfam,
one ounce ; conferve of rofes, two ounces ; fyrup
of red poppies, a fufficient quantity : mix, and
take a drachm three times in a day.

Bruifes external. — Take of the fpirits of rofe-
mary, one pint ; of hard Spanifh foap, three
ounces j camphor, one ounce : digefl the foap in

the

iirti!

!l!

35°

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

■

^-e fp,nt „n ,e ,s diflblved, then add the camphor.
Rub fomenf ,hc compofition into the parts af.
teded and repeat it as occafton may require. It
may a fo be taken inwardly, from 30 to 50 d.ops
111 a glafs of water. *

C^;zrm.-Apply the extract of hemlock as a
plailter, ior a long time. Some have taken it in-
wardly, by beginning with two grains in the
mornmg, and us many in the evening ; incrcafmu;
the dole gradually to fifteen grains. But fome-
tmies It will make the patient giddy-headed.

C^.v^/,.— Take of fpcrmaceti in powder, three
drachms ; oil of olive, half an ounce ; yolk of
^gZ, a fuffic'ient quantity j of fpring-water, fix
ounces j of ftrong cinnamon-water, t\\() ounce.s •
mix. The dofe is two fpoonfuls, to be taken v. hen
the cough IS troublefome.

C/..//V.— Bleed ; give an infufiun of camomile-
flowers ; injed anodyne clyfters ; exhibit gentle
cathartics, &c. But fend for a Phyfician.

<?.A/r.~Take of diftilled vinegar, two ounces ;
drop into It, by degrees, the fplrits of faUammo-
mac, till the effervefcence entirely ceafes. Ihc
dofe is half an ounce tuice in a day, in an equal
quantity of the lyrup of mar/h-maIlo^^ s. It wi?I
promote fwcat.

C.;;/?.;;;^//.,;,._Takc groimd-iw, colL..fl,ot, and
hquoncc-roor, of each two ounces ; elecampane,

one

mmm

>ps

(*URF.S FOR DISEASES,

3it

one ounce : boil them in nine quarts of water to
;i gallon. A quarter of a pint may be drank at
once, and taken as common tlrink, or three or
lour times in a day. It is good for fpitting of
blood, and inwurd bruifes, as well a:, the con-
llimption. V

• C/'rtw/).— Drink a glafs of tar-water night and
morning. The taking hold of a roll of brimftone,
which will foon break, gives relief. The fame
remedies that are prefcribed for bruifes, arc alfo
excellent.

Convul/iom\'-T'dke of native cinnabar, one
fcruple; of the conferve of red rofes, four grains:
mix, and form it into a pill. This quantity is to
be taken every night and morning. A dtcodion
pf the powder of Valerian root may alfo be taken.

Dcfffncfs. — Take of the oil of bitter almonds,
three drachms ; fpirit of fal-ammoniac, one
drachm. Drop a few drops into the ear at bed-
time, and flop it with black wool.

Diabetes.— 'Y'dko. of the powder of Peruvian
bark, one ounce ; mix it into an eleftuary^ with
fjmple fyrup. Take the quantity of a nutmeg
three or four times in a day. Simple fyrup is
made by diflblving in water, fo much of double-
reimed fugar as will make a fyrup.

Diarrbosa. — Take of rhubarb in powder, fifteen
grains^ fcordium electuary, half a diachm j mix.

This

• THE AMERICAN ORACi-i:-

This is for one dofe, and mufl be repeated as oc-
caiioii fhall require.

The patient mufl abflain from malt-liquors, and
may take the following, ^./., Take of burnt
hartlhorn, two ounces; gum-arabic, two drachms;
ot water, three pints : boil till oncthird is con-
fumed. This is prefcribed for common drink.

Drop/y.^Td^c of the powder of jalap, half a
drachm; powder .f ginger, fix grains; fyrup of

. buckthorn, a fuffiaV. quantity; mix. This may
be taken twice a wr .k. Alfo,

Infufe a handful of camomi'le-iJowers in a ounrt
of boilmg water, and add a gill of meiaiTcs fpirits.
lake a quarter of a pint twice in a day. Or

Take of the roots of zedoary, two drachms ;
dried fquills, rhubarb, andjuniper-berries bruifed
of each one drachm ; the powder of cinnamon,
three drachms ; fait of wormwood, one drachm
and an half: infufe in a pint and an half of old-
hock wine. Strain, and take a gill twice or
thrice in a day : It is a powerful diuretic.

Dy/enfery,^Td^e of the jelly of ilarch, two
ounces ; of ftyptic tindure, one ounce ; extract
of opium, two grains : mix. For an enema.

Purges of rhubarb arc excellent, alfo the com-
mon drink direded in the diarrhcea.

If the patient has a fever, let a drachm of nitre
be diflblved in the common drink : a quarter of a
pint may be drank four or five times in a day.

Epikpfy,

CURES FOR DISEA9FS.

353

£pilcpfy--T?ike two ounces of the powder of
Valerian root ; of fimple fyrup, fix ounces : mix j
and take a quarter of an ounce twice in a day.

Fainting.— iTike of fimple alexiterial water,
half a pint ; of treacle water, two ounces ; fyrup
of red poppies, half an ounce ; mix. Two or
three fpoonfuls may be taken at a time.— Or,

Take of wood-foot, two ounces ; of afafoetida,
one ounce j of proof fpirit, a quart ; digefl and
ftrain. Take two drachms twice in a day. All
volatiles are good for fainting.

Fevers, injlammatory.-— i^dke of the fait of tartar,
one ounce and an half; of the juice of lemons,
eighteen ounces ; of fpiritous alexiterial water,
half a pint; of fpring water, a quart ; of loaf
fugar, three ounces: mix. Take three large
fpoonfuls thrice in a day. — Or,

Take of fal-nitre, half an ounce; of white fugar,
two ounces ; cochineal, one fcruple ; of fpring
water, two pounds and an half : boil to a quart,
and pour off the decodion when it is fettled. The
dofe is four ounces three times in a day.

Vomits and purges may alfo be needful.

When a fever is too high,- it ought to be
lowered by evacuatio^^s, coolers, &c. : and if it is
too low, it ought to be raifed by cordials, bliflers,
&c. I have made a pradice of bleeding patients
in inflammatory fevers in America, and never per^
ceived that it hurt any perfon. Nay, I have had
185 patients under my care at onetime, that were

A a ill

,f"'

1 1, IS

354

THE AMERICAN ORACIE.

ill with fevers, the greateft part of whom I bled ;
and they all recovered excepting a woman, who
was fo far gone when 1 was called to her, that

ihe could not take any medicine My practice

was,

1. To bleed, if the patient was plethoric, and
the fever infiammatory.

2. To exhiljit an emetic, when there was too
great a quantity of bile.

3. To keep the body open with laxative^ and
gende purges.

^ 4- 'i''v lower the fever, if it was too high, by
nitrous preparations, and an antiphlogiflic regi-
men.

5. To raife it, if it was too low. ^yblillers, cor.
dials, t^c. .

6. To exhibit antifeptics freely, when the pa-
tient could bear them.

I have found preparations of the gum myrrh
very beneficial, when the bark could not be taken,

1 frequently obferved, that where phyficians
had negl'd:ed to bleed their patients, and to make
other evacuations, that death commonly clofed
the fcene.

I find that bleeding is very much exploded ia
London, although its effedls have been fo benefi-
cial in America. But it appears tu me, that there
is a difference in the climates, which makes bleed-
ing not fo requifite here, as it is in the weftern
parts of the world.

Bleedmg in general has been neglefted In Ame-
rica, ia the putrid fore throat j but I have often

thought.

CURES FOR DISEASES*

35^

thought, that in fome cafes it may be of great fer-
vice, and efpecially when the patient is firfl: taken
ill, and the fymptoms are inflammatory.

In the year 1783, I vifited a patient who had
been ill with this diforder about feven days, and
could neither fpeak nor fwallow any thing. I at
a venture opened a vein, and it gave immediate
relief. In lefs than an hour he could fpeak very
well, and take medicine. He recovered in a few
days.

Bleeding, in my opinion, is proper when there
is too much crajfamentum in the veffels, or when
the veins and arteries are too much crouded. But
the pulfe are the beft guide ; for when they are
full, ftrong, and tenfcj they indicate that phlebo-
tomy is needful ; and if it is negleded, the fluids
may fliagnate, and bring on putrid diforders.
Bleeding when a patient is plethoric, makes way
for a free circulation ; and thofe whofe blood cir-
culates freely, can endure the cold much better
than thofe whofe fan^ruinary veflfels are crouded.
But the pulfe may be raifed by rarefaftion ; and
when that is the cafe, bleeding may be improf =r.
It ought to be known, before an attempt is made
to bleed a patient, whether it is a plethora, or a
raiefadtion, that raifes the pulfe.

The fevers are fo numerous, that I (ball not
mention the whole of them in this Oracle ; and
therefore will conclude by obferving, that if they
are intermitting, the bark is a fovereign remedy j
if nervous, nervines, &c.

Go«/.— Take half a dram of gui !-guaIcum in
powder 5 of conferve of rofes, one fcruple ; of

A a 2 fimple

K i

lUE AiMERiCA? ORACLE.

finiple fyrup, a fufiicient quantity for a mixture.
This is for one dofe, to be taken every morning.
• — Or,

Take ot the fplrits of fal-ammoniac, and liquid
laudanum, of each half an ounce j of the fpirits
of wine camphorated, thre^- ounces : mix. This
is excellent for external ufe.

But about 1 2 drops of camphorated fpirits ought
to be taken in a little water, to defend the ftomach
when the external remedy is applied.

Crave/.— -TTike of the befl white foap, half a
drachm ; of the oil of juniper, five drops ; of
fnuple fyrup, enough for a bolus. This quantity
is to be taken twice in a dav. — Or,

Take of hard foap, one ounce ; oil of anife-fceds
and carraway.feeds, of each half a drachm j of
iimple fyrup, a fufficient quantity: mix. The
dofe is a drachm thrice in a day.— Gentle purges
and anodynes are fometimes needful.

Gnj)es.See C/jo/ic.

Head-ac/j.-^meeding, emetics, cathartics, c^-
phalics, &c. as Rud. Valerimi. Let the caufe of
the pain be enquired into before remedies are ex--
hibited.

:|i

HcarUburn.-^TAkQ two or three drachms of

Hypochondria— i:,xkQ of Virginia fnake-root, and
hierapkra, of each two drachms j extra^^ of gen-

tian

CURES FOR DISEASES.

tian, half an ounce : make them into pills with
white fyrup. Take half a drachm night and
morning,

Hv^/^^nV^.— Take of the milk of ammoniacum,
<5ne pint ; of the tincture of afafcetida, half an
ounce ; mix. — The dofe is two fpoonfuls, as occa-
fion may require.

Hoarfcncfs. — Take of fpermaceti, two drachms;
iliflblve it in the yolk of an egg : add of alexiterial
water, fix ounces ; of nutmeg water, one ounce ;
of white fugar, a drachm and an half; mix. — This
quantity may be drank, or taken at two or three
times.

liamorrhoids — Take of lenitive elccluary, and
the fiour of fulphur, of each equal parts ; of fmi-
ple fyrup, enough for an clecluary. A diachm
may be taken night and morning.

'Jaundice. — Take of white forp, half ?■ ^rachm;
oil of juniper, five drops; of fimple fy; ap, enough
for a mixture. This quantity may be taken twice
in a day. — Sometimes emetics and geiiiie purges
are very beneficial.

/•/y^^^w/zw/io^! .■— Bleeding, eiaeiics, cathartics,
niirous preparatif oinimcnt if marih-mallows,
anodynes, &c.

JndigCjIion. — -After the operation of un emetic,
take of the powder of ginger, ana long pepper,
of each fifteen grains; ( Dn^^rve of orange peel,

A .. 3 a fcriiple ;

»5^'

■m^:^.

358

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

! i *

afcruple; fimple fyriip, enough for a bolus: mix.
A bolus is only one dofe.

Itc/j. Take of corrofive fublimate, half a

drachm ; diilblve it in a pint of boiling water ;
and at bed-time, wafh the parts affefted. Be very
careful of the fublimate, for a few grains taken
inwardly before it is diflblved, will foon kill a pa-
tient. But the folution applied outwardly, with
prudence, will do no harm, and wholly cure the
itch. It may be proper to take the bolus pre-
fcribed for the haemorrhoids, feveral times, whilft
the folution is externally applicil.

King's Evil. — Take one c ' a twice in a day
of fea-oak calcined. This p^^nt is alfo called
fea-wrack, and is common on rocks that are left
dry at ebb-tide. The leaves gathered in July,
beat in a mortar, and put into a glafs, witli the
fame quantity of fea-water, will, after ftanding
ten or fifteen days, make an excellent liquor for
difcuffing of glandular fwellings : it penetrates
through the fkin, exciting a flight fenfe of pun-
gency. The parts fhould be rubbed two or three
times in a day with the ftrained liquor, and be
afterwards wafhed with clean water. Let the caU
cined powder be taken in the mean time.

Lethargy. — ^^fake of the fait of hartfliorn, two
drachms ; of fpring water, a pint ; of fpiritous
alexiteriai water, one ounce ; of loaf fugar, half
an ounce: mi:.'. Take four large fpoonfuls thrice

in a day. Bleeding, emetics, bliflers, itimu-'

lating enemas, volatilcs, &c. are often beneficial.

Low fiefs

CURES FOR DISEASES.

359

Lownefs of Spirits. — Take fimplc alcxiterial
-water, half a pint ; of fpiritous alcxiterial water,
two ounces ; of cordial confeclion, two drachms ;
mix, and take three or four large fpoouiiils every
fix hours,

Madf?c/s.— 'Bleed, vomit, purge, blifter, bathe
in warm water ; ufe gentle exercife, a fiendcr diet,
travelling, &c."; or ufe thofe remedies that your
rhyficians Ihall think may be bell.

M^^a.— Bleed, if the patient is phlethoric ; vo-
mit, if there is too much bile ; and purge, as occa-
fion may require. Let not the patient be kept
too warm ; and let him have a plenty of boiled
water, with a little nitre, if he is feverilh.

I had the meafles when I was young, and was
almofl murdered by being kept in a hot bed for
five days, without being f ufered to get up ; by
having inflammatory decoftions poured down, and
by being kept from drinking water. This raifed
a high fever, and brought on a delirium j but an
hemorrhage at my nole fupervened, which gave
fome relief. The nurfes informed me that I fainted
away when i was permitted to fit up ; but I was
i. t fenfible of it. This evil practice of keeping
patients too hot, of not letting them have water,
-a proper air, &c. has been the death of thoufands
vvlio have had the fmall-pox and mealies ; but mo-
dern pradice teaches better things.

Mortification.— Bleed, if it is needful, and exhi-
bit antifeptics plentifully.

A a 4

fain.

■

■ !

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35o

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

Pain.-yThe brain is faid to be the feat of pain,
becaufe it is the feat of fenfation j but moft authors
have imputed the caufe of pains to the flretchin.
or the nerves. °

Pain may be caufed by a variety of difeafes,
and by bruifes, wounds, diflocated joints, broken
bones, &c.

Anodynes, gentle opiates, an infufion of ca-
momile, &c. are proper remedies for patients af-
flicted with pain.

^ P^//y,--T?ike two ounces of the powder of Vale-
rian root, and of fimple fyrup fix ounces 3 mix, and
take two drachms twice in a day.

Perfpiration to check.--:LXixix vitriol, Peruvian
bark, &c.

Perfpiration to promote. - Take of alexlterla)
powder twenty.four grains ; of fimple fyrup,
enough for a mixture. This quantity may be takeii
once every fix hours, and the patient may drink an
mtufion of camomile.

P%;«....Take of the milk of ammonlacum,
twelve ounces ; of the fyrup of fquiUs, four ounces ;
mix. A large fpoonful is a dofe.

/W>-BIeed, and make other evacuations :

ake of barley, raifins itoned, and figs, of each

two ounces; of liquorice root, half an ounce: of

^vater, two quarts. Boil the barley firff, .hen add

the raifins, and afterwards the figs and liquorice :

half

JilUHi l l il L l HIWI

'•mi^

CURES rOX DlSEA'oES.

half of the water mud be boiled away. This may
be drunk freely.

^infcv.- -'Bleed, give warm w ater-gruel, barley-
water, and chicken- broth, as occafion may re-
quire.

Take of fenna, one ounce and a half; cryftais
of tartar, three drachms ; of carraway- feeds, two
drachms -, of water, one pint. Boil the tartar till
it is diffolved, and whillt it is boiling, pour it on
the other ingredients, and drain when it is cold.

To three ounces of this infufion, add one ounce
of the fyrup of buckthorn, and half an ounce of
carraway water. 1 his may be taken two or three
times in a week for a purge.

For a Gargle. — Take of the tincture of rofes,
one pint j of the honey of rofej>, two ounces.
Mix.

Rhewnaiifm. — ^lliere are different kinds of rheu-
matifms, and hence there mufl be different modes
of treatment.

When there is an inflammation, bleeding i«
proper, and alfo nitrous preparations.

Emetics, cathartics, anodynes, diaphoretics,
^c. may all be requifite in fome cafes.

Sometimes, after evacuations, the cold bath has
4vone great fervice,

Rickets. — MagnefiJi alba may be taken, and a
flrengthening plaider appliea to the back. Some
plunge their children into cold water, rub them

with

362

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

! tr

jvith a cloth, and afterwards make them fweat
between two blankets. The water ought not to be
too cold, and the child fliould be dipped with its
tace downward, to prevent its being ftranglcd.

Rupfure,-^The parts /hould be gently reduced
to their former pofition, and then fomented with
the following, 1;/:^. Take of oak-bark, an ounce
and an half j of fmiths forge-water, three pints;
boil to one quart, then add two drams of roche
allum. A flrengthcning plaifler is alfo good, and
corroborants taken inwardly.

Scurvy.-'-Ahiinm from liquors boiled in copper
vefTels ; and take freely of the juice of lemons, and
other acid vegetables.

Shing/es.^Aha^m from pork, malt liquors, and
cheefe ; gentle purgto fhould be exhibited.

Take of gum guaicum, half afcruple; iEthiop's
minerak half a drachm j fimple fyrup, enough
for a bolus ; mix, and take this quantity twice hi
a day.

Small-pox.— If the inflammation and pain is greaf,
bleed ; keep the patient cool, and let him exercilc
as much as his /Irength will admit. Nitrous de-
coftions, and a plenty of diluting liquors may be
drank cold: nothing ought to be taken that will
inflame the blood. Sometimes emetics and ca-
thartics are of fervice ; and calomel is excellent in
many cafes, and likewife the bark. I obferved
when I pradifed inoculation, that when proper

I evacuations

mmmmm^mmmmm-i

CURES FOR DISEASES.

evacuations were made in the beginning of the
difleniper, the patients had it very light.

Stllchcs in the S/./V.— Take half a pint of neats-
foot oil ; of the fpirits of wine camphorated, and
the fpirits of fal-ammoniac, of each two ounces ; •
nnx, and rub into the p«rts affeaed :...taking m
the mean time, about twelve drops of camphorated
fpirits, to defend the ftomach.

5/»r^/;/i.— Apply opodeldock to the parts injured,
and take in the mean time from thirty to fixty
drops of the balfanmm traumaticunu

Sore throat.— T^^^e of Mindererus's fpirit, and
the fyrupof marfh-mallows, ofeach an ounce: mix,
and fweaten with honey. This quantity may be
taken at bed-time, or as occafion may require.

TV/Z^TJ.— Take of quick-filver, one ounce ; of
ilrong fpirits of nitre, two ounces j digeft in a
fand-heat till the mercury is diifolved, and^ add,
whiUt it is hot, one pound of fweet oil : ftir the
compofition till it is cold, then rub fome of it into
the parts affeded, and repeat it till a cure is com-
pleted.

<j-fjrujh.—^?ik& of the frelh inner bark of elm,
four ounces ; of water, three pints ; boil till one-
third is confumed ; ftrain, and fweaten with honey.
A gill or more may be taken at once j it may alfo
be ufed warm as a gargle,

Tu^fwurs*

3^*

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

T,mmi-s-\{ they muft be brought to a fupnu

leed flou, of each one ounce: boil i„ a fufficient

ounce of burgundy p.tch. Apply this as a poultice.

f they muft bedJ-cuffed, take of the grounds of

ftale beer, ap.n, ; of oat-meal, a fufficient quantitv :

bod to the connHence of a poultice; and add, 'of

pnraSr^' '^ °"""^ ■ "- '^^'y " - ">^

Verjigc^BM .^ purge, with the following,
■vn. Take of the lacred tinfture, one ounce : of
the compound fpirits of lavender, one drachm ;
mix. I he wl.nle may be taken at once, and re!
pealed as occafion may require.

• /'»'«'•%■— Take of the dried leaves of fpear-
mmt one ounce; then pour on a pint of boiling
fimple mmt water. Strain, when cold, and tak?
a large fpoonful every hour.

Wrm.-Take half a pound of yellow bafilicon:
of verd-greafe prepared, one drachm; mix: and
apply fome of it as a plaifter.-It deterges, cleanfes,
and wears away fungous fleih.

Urine fipprcffcd, and heat ./.-Take of nitre
half an ounce ; white fugar, two ounces ; of co'
chinea I, one fcruple ; of fpring water, a quart
and half a pint; boil to a quart, and pour off the
decoflion after it is fettled. The dole is two or
three ounces, three or four times in a dav.

Urinc^

MHP

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■««<*

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CURES FOR DISEASES*

Urine f involuntary.— Ses Diabetes,

Urine, bloody. — Take of red rofe-biids, hnlfan
ounce ; oil of vitriol, twenty drops; boiling water,
two pints and an half ; of loaf fugar, an ounce and
an half; when it is cold, flrainoffthe liquor. The
dofe is three ounces thrice in a day.

Worms..— Tdke of prepared tin, one pound ; con-
ferve of wormwood, two ounces ; of fimple fyrup,
enough for an electuary ; mix. Half an ounce is
a dofe, to be taken every morning.

Wounds. — Drefs them with dry lint, general
balfam, ointment of gum elemi, yellow bafili-
cum, kc.

If the wounds are internal, fee Bruifes,

Direclions for Nur/ing CJjildren.

Infants fhould be kept clean, and their clothing'
ought to be loofe and cool; but not fo cool as to make
them take cold. It was formerly the pradice in Ame-
rica, to w-rap a flannel fwathe, that was near two
yards in length, tight round the waifl: of every
new-born infant, to make it grow flraight. This
pernicious practice has undoubtedly been the
caufe of the death of thoufands ; for it obflruded
the cirLu^ntion of the fluids, hindered digefl:ion,
generated crudities, and produced convulfions. —
It was alfo the pra6lice to keep three or four caps
on their heads, and to fqueeze their heads together,
when, according to the vulgar expreflion, they

. * appeared

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-S)

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23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, NY. 14580

(716) 872-4503

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ZC6

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

appe.lred to be open. But this pradice was alfo
very hurtful ; for it often injured the brain, and
impaired the fenfes.^The head of the child, as
well as the body, ought to be looiely clothed, and
its formation left to rhe aclion of the dura mater;
for the open or foft parts will naturally grow
hard, without any manual operations.

From an infant's birth, till its mother*s milk cm
be obtained, no other diet will be requifite but
milk and water, which may be given luke-warm ;
fome add a little fugar to the compofition. Warm
milk, however, juit taken from an animal, is the
beft.

If the child is to be nurfed without the bread,
equal parts of milk and water will be fuflicient at
firfl: ; and as ftrength increafes, a more folid diet
will be required.

The milk of the mother may be injured by dif-
eafes, frights, weak nerves, anxiety of the rnind,
&c. any of which may injure its qu:dity, diminilli
its quantity, or caufe it to be wnolly dried up.
In fuch cafes it is proper to wean the child ; but if
it will not feed with a fpoon, or if it Is difordered
in its floraach and bowels, it may be proper io
ieek for another nurfe, taking care to procure one
thc.t h healthy. She ought to fee that the child is
not infcded with any dangerous complaint ; be-
caufe it may be communicated to her by fuckling
the infant : — or a difeafe may be communicated
from her to the infant, if jfhe has any difagreeable
inieclion, not only by her milk, but by fpoon-
food, many having the nafty pradice of firfl put-

ing

DIRECTIONS FOR NURSING CHILDREN. 367

ing the fpoon Into their own mouth, and then into

the child's.

Healthy women, who accuftom themfelves to
exercife, bring fonh children more robuft than
thofe that are deUcate. A child ought to be put
to the bread within ten or twelve hours after it is
born ; this will excite the milk to flow fooner than
could be expefted, and tend to preven^. a fever.

Wet nuries ought to eat one meal of animal
food in a day, with a proper quantity of vegeta-
bles ; broth, or milk, are proper for their fuppers
and breakfafts ; and they Ihould abftain from acids,
becaufe they will c?ufe their milk to curdle, and
generate griping pains in the ftomach and bowels
of infants. If a child is affliaed with acidities in
the prime vie, let it take freely of mag?iefia alba;
about eight or ten grains may be given at a time,
in a fpoonful of milk and water ; or, three or four
drops of the fpirits of hartfliorn may be exi 'bited
in the milk, &c. The child may alfo take frefh
broth once in a day, without any fat.

When children are fed, to prevent flrangula-
tion, their heads and bodies ought to be railed
almofl erea, and not fuffcred to lie in a horizon- '
tal poflure, as is too often the praaice among ig-
norant nurfes.

Gentle exercife is very beneficial to infants ; it

■ preferves and reftores their health, and makes

them vigorous when they grow up.— But let us

obferve,

I. That this exercife ought to be very gentle.

a. That the hoilling and tolling of an infant up
and down with violence, hinders digeftion j gene-

rates

i' '

368

Tfl£ AMERICAN ORACLE.

rates acidities, gripings, convulfions, &c. 5 may
break or bend its ten -^er ribs, and expofe it to
pain when the caufe is not thought of.

3. That children fhould not be kept too warm
in bed, nor be nurfed in a fniall room, becaufe
too fmall or crouded rooms caufe a relaxation,
and fubjea them to colds when expofed to the
open air.

4. When they are drelfed and undrelTed, their
bodies (hould be gently rubbed before the fire, to
promote a free circulation.

5. If an acid in the flomach and inteftines
produces fits, griping pains, naufeas, vomitings,
&c. give from five to ten drops of antimonial
wine. If it doth not operate in half an hour,
repeat the dofe. It commonly proves emetic and
cathartic, and does much good to the infant.
After the operation, make free ufe of the magnefia,

6. That young children fhould not be fed after
bed time, nor forced to eat when they feem to
have got enough,

7. Do not awake a child when it is afleep, be-
caufe it will make it fick and peevifh : but divert
and keep it awake in the day-time, and then it
will reft in the night. •

^ 8. When teeth begin to appear, give a child a
piece of flefh to chew, every now and then j but
fee that it does not choke itfelf. " "

9. Be careful of expofing an Infant to the cold
air : when it is carried abroad, let it be fufficiently
clothed; and let not the nurfe fit fill! with it
in the wind, but let it be kept in motion, to pre-
ferve it from taking cold.

C H A P.

OF PHYSIOLOGY.

3^9

CHAP. XLIV*

Of PHYSIOLOGY.

A Definition of Ai^at oMY^Ofihe Bones, Cariilqges^
Ligamentsy Fibres, Membranes, Mufcles, Glands^
Tendon^, Arteries, Veins, Nerves, Teguments^
Teeth, and Nails, which belong to the Human
Body*

PHYSIOLOGY is the hiHory of the human
frame ; and Anatomy confifts in an accurate
diffeaion of all its parts, in order to make known
th(^ir fituation, figure, connexion, ftruaure, and
mutual relation to each other, for the benefit of
Philofophers, Phyficians, and Surgeons. I fliall
therefore treat of the Solids and Fb'ids, with the
vital, natural and animal funaions of the body.

The firfl: anatomical produtlion that was printed
in Englifli, was publilhed by Mr. Thomas Vicary
furgeon in London, about the year 1548; and
fince his time, a number of ingenious Phyficians
a^d Surgeons have made great difcoveries and im-
provements in the art, which have done honour to

their profeffion.

I fhall, in this chapter, give a fliort defcription of
the Solids in the human body, and of the Fluids

in the next. And, • , ^n-

Bb I. 'V

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370

THE AMERICAN ORACLE*

I. Of Osteology ; or, A Dcfcription of the Bones.
A BONE is a web of folid fibres, which is
compofed of three fubflances, called compaajpun^
geous, and rcticula. The ikin of a bone is called
the periojiium, and that of the flvull the pericranium.
The bones, form and fupport the whole body ;
they are deflroyed in living animals, by the ad-
miffion of the air, or by the lodging of Hood
upon them.

The difeafes of the bones are pains, caries, exof-
tofes, rickets, fradures, fiffures, fpina ventofa, and
luxations ; but fradures and luxations are pro-
duced by accidents.

There are 6i bones in the head, 64 in the
trunk, 60 in the hands and arms, and 60 in the
legs and feet — in the whole 245. — But fnme Ana-
tomifts reckon 248 ; and others, 249 . befides.
the ojh fefamoidea, which are very fmall bones
that are found in the joints of the hands and feet,
being in the form of fefamum feeds. They are 48
in number, according to fome Anatomifts ; but
others reckon not fo many.

The names of the Bones, with their number^
are as follows, i)i%,

I. T^he Bones of the Head.

Latin Names. English Names. No.

Os Frontis^ The bone of the forehead, i

In the back of the head, i
Two bones in the upper part

of the head, - 2

The temple bones^ - 2

OJficula Auditusy Little bones of the ears, 8

Os Ethmoides^ Bone between the eyes, i

4 V Os

— - Occipitis,
Ofa Farietalia,

— Temporumi

{ \

CF OSTEOLOGY.

37»

Ei^GtisH Names. No.

It runs iiitothebafisof thefkull
from one temple to the other
The bones of the cheeks,
The jaw-bones.
The inner bones of the eyes,
The bones of the nofe,
The bones of the palate,
A bone juft above the palate,
The bone of the lower jaw,
The upper and under fore-teeth 8

The dog teeth, - 4

The grinders, or large teeth, 20
A bone between the root of
the tongue and the top of
the wind-pipe, - i

Total 61.
2. The Bones of the Trunk,
Vertebra Cervkis, Bones of the neck, /

Latin Names.
Os Sphenoides,

OJa Mala,

— MaxillarCi

— Unguis,

— Naft,

— Palati,
Vomer,
Mafcilla Inf.
Denies Incifivi,

— Canini,

— Molares,
Os Hyoides,

Dorft,

— — Lumborum,
Ta Sacriy

-of the back,
-of the lines,

12
5

The lowed: bones in the back

but three, - 6

The lowefl: bones in the back 3
The bones called the flioulder-

blades, - ^

The collar-bones, 2

The ribs, - 24

The great bone in the fore-
part of the breaft, i
Bones juft above the hips,
called Os Ilium, - a
Total 64.

The Os Pubis ought to have been added.

B b 3 3- 27^^

— Coccygis,

— Scapula,

i— Clavicula,

— Cojia,
Os Sternum,

OJa Innominata,

;■• I

372 THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

3. The Bones of the Arms and Hands,

Latin Names.
Os Humerus^

— Ulna^

— Radius^

— Carpiy

— Metacarpiy

— ■ Digiforum,

English Names. No#

The upper bones of the

arms, - - 2

The great bones of the arms

below the elbow, - 2

The fmaller bones of the arms

below the elbow, - 2
The bones of the wrifts, 16
The bones between the wrifts

and fingers, - - 8
The bones of the thumbs and

fingers, - 30

Total 60.

4. The Bones in the Legs and Feet.

OJfa Femoris, The upper bones of the thighs, 2

Rotuky vel Patella, The knee-pans,

Tibiay
Fibula,
OJfa Tarft,

— Metatarfi,

— Digitorum,

Tlie larged bones in the legs, 2
The fmaliefl bones in the legs, 2
Bones between the ancles and

thofe which join the toes, 14
The bones of the tect which

run to the toes, - 10

The tones of the toes, 28

Total 60.
As the Os Pubis contains two bones, our

number is augmented to - - 247

Befides the Sefamoidea, which are - 48

Bones in the human body, • 295

Bones, like other things, often receive new
names.

Th«

■I

OF THE NAILS, HAIRS, AND SKIN. 373

The teeth are bones, whofe ufe is to chew the
food, and make it more nourifhing to the body.

Of the Nails,
' The nails are whitifh, tranfparent bodies, much
like horn. They are fuppoied to have their orjgm
from the^.^7/^ of the Ikin, or a continuation of
the epiJI. Their ufe is to corroborate and de-
fend the ends of the fingers and toes.

^ Of the Hairs,

The hairs are fmall round long bodies, which

arife from the fkin; their roots are ho low, like

the roots of birds feathers Their ufe is to co-

andpreferve certain parts from the cold. Seef.Z^o.

Of the Skin,
The fldn Is an outward covering, which confifts
of four parts :-the firft is compofed of membraneti
and nervous fibres: the fecond is formed of the
capillary threads of the nerves : the third is made
of a mucous fubftance; and the fourth or outer-
moft part, is compofed of a thin tranfparent fen-
ftble membrane. The ufe of the (km is to defend
the nerves and other parts againft external injuries.

Ih Of

SARCOLOGY.

THIS treats of the foft parts of the human
body, and is divided into Myohgy, Splanchnology ,
Anmologh Neurology, and Adenology. ^

Bb3 Myology.

•i^* •

374

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

M-'

Myology treats of the mufcles.
Splanchnology, of the entrails.
Angeiology, of the veins, arteries, and other
veflels.

Neurology, of the nerves. And,
Adenology, of the glands.

But before I proceed to defcribe thofe parts, I
will juft premife,

1. That a cartilage is a griftle, whofe ufe is to
cover the extremities of the bones, and unite them
together at the joints.

2. That a ligament is a white fibrous fubftance,
which is hard to break or extend. It ferves to
join and preferve the bones and other parts of the
body from injuries. Thofe of the bones are void
of fenfation; but thofe of other parts are not.

3. That a fibre is a round oblong veflel, which is
faid to take its origin from the brain and fpinal
marrow. Its ufe is to convey the animal fpirits to
all parts of the body.

4. That a membrane is a nervous, fibrous,
broad, white fpreading fubflance j whofe ufe is to
line the principal cavities of the body, and make
the veins and arteries.

5. That a tendon is the extremity of a mufcle,
where its fibres run into a fpringy ft:rong cord.
Their ufe is, /r/?, to confine the tiefli, and pre-
vent its obftruding the motion of a limb near the
ioint—fccondfy, to prevent clumfinefs in particu-
lar places — thirdly^ to keep the flefhy part of a
mufcle near the centre of motion — fourthly, for
the better admitting of that fridion, which, in lefs

' . compact

DESCRIPTION OF THE MUSCLES. 375

compaa parts, xvould have been -ery mjutious
■ were not the flefli braced ami llrengthened by the
tendons.

I. Of Myology ; cr, A Defcription of the Mufcla.

A MUSCLE is a mafs of fibres covered vvth

n membrane, and being capable of contraaion and

LTenfion is the principal inftrument of voluntary

ronTfuch as.Lt of the heart veins artertes.
„erves, ftomach, inteftines bladder &c
A mufcle has a head, belly, and tail.-The head

isVhe tendinous part, which is fixed on the jomt.

Ind is called its oripn. The belly ts the muld e.

or flelhy part, whofe fibres are truly mufcular.

The tail is the tendinous part inferted into the

part which is to be moved by it, and is called the

infertion. ..

Let us obferve, i. That the aftion of a mu.cle
will mike it grow harder and ftiorter, it being ca-
pable of contracUns till it is (hortened one-third.^
2. Th:^t the diameter of a mufcle m attion is
creatly increafcd. .

-, That if the brain is injured to a certain de-
gree, all the mulcles iubfervient to the will become

^^4.^That if the cerebellum is injured, all the in-
voluntary motions ce;ife.

.;. That if a nerve or an artery joimag to a
xnuVcle is tied or dellroyed, the mufcle become*

paralytic.

6. That irritation upon the mufcles will produce-
motion.

Bb4

That

am-i .'

37^

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

7. That fome mufcles continue to aft, after all
communication ^vith the nerves and blood-veffels
IS taken away.

8. That the affion of the mufcles is inftanlai.cous :
and, in moft pans of the body, fubfervient to the

This laft appearance is contrary to the opinion
of fome men who have been famous in anatomy ;
as Keil, Boerhaave, &c.

SomeAnatomifts malie sig mufcles; others, 446;
and others, 435. The fubfequent Table agree
with the latter, ^

i< 1

i
#.

Parts. j^q.

Forehead, §

Occiput, g

Eye-lids, f

Eyes,

Nofe,

External ear.

Internal ditto,

Lips,

Tongue,

Palate,

Larynx,

Pharynx,

Hyoides,

Under-jaw,

Head,

Keck,

The fhoulder-blades, 8
Arms, ,§

Parts.

Elbows, -

Raciiiy

Carpi,

Fingers,

Refpiration,

Loins,

'Abdomen,

Tefticles,

Bladder,

Penis,

Anus,

Thighs,

Eegs,

Feet,

Toes,

Total

Nq,
12

i
I

4
4

30
22

435

DESCRIPTION OF THE ENTRAILS. 377

The mufcles are fo numerous, that I have not ^
room to give a complete tabic of thei' names m
this book.

II. Of Splanchnc .coy; or, A Defcrlpiion of

the Entrails.
THERE are two kinds of Inteftines, vh, the
.rent and the//;/.//. They are between feven and
tight times as long as the wh^le body : thofe that
are fmall, are aboui five-eighths of the length of

the whole. , T^ j

The fmall inteftines are called, i. the Duodenum;
2. the Jejunum ; and, 3. the Ileum.

Thofe that are large, are called, i. the Ccscums
a. the Colon ; and 3. the Redum. v

The inteftines have four coats :— The frfi, or
outermoft, is a membrane called the Peritoneum--'
the fecond, is of a lAufcular kind— the third, is
nervous, or cellular.-andtae/oz/r/,6, is the villous, or
fhaggy. This laft is the irmer coat, in which the
arteries terminate, and the veins begin. The
glands of the imeftines are fuppofed to be lodged

in the third coat. ^,

The ufe of the inteftines Is to complete aigeitioii,
to ftrain off the chyle, and carry off the feeces in a
regular manner ; all of which are performed by
the p^riftalic motion caufed by the mufcular coat.
The perift:alic motion is not confl:ant ; but takes
place when the bowels are ftimulated by their con-
■ tents. The adion of the lungs on the diaphragm,
and that of the abdominal velTels, caulcs the fto-
mach and inteftines to difcharge their contents, by
the afliftance of the chyle, bile, rarefied air, &c.

Anatomuts

C'-

37^

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

■M.v '

Anatomifls divide the body into three cavities
called bellies ; as, i. The head, or upper belly ;
2. The breaft, or middle belly ; and, 3. The ab-
domen, or lovi'er belly.

The belly is divided, on the outfide, into four
regions; as,

1. The epigajric— This reaches from the pit
of the ftomach to the imaginary line above the
navel.

2. The umMical -This is the middle external
region on the fore part, &c.

3. The ^ypoga/iric— This is the lower fore part
of the belly.

^ 4. The Lwnban's — This extends from the lo weft
ribs on each fide, to the laft vertebra of the
back.

The internal regions contain the thorax, wind-
pipe, heart, liver, gall-bladder, diaphragm, fpleen,
veins, arteries, caul, inteftines, kidneys, myfen-
tery, pancreas, urinary bladder, feminal v^ms,

&c. ' -

III. (yANGEioLOGY; or, A Dcfcription of the Vchis

and Arteries,

THERE are but two Arteries, 'vlz. the Pul-
7?ionic, and Aorta, or Arteria viagna. But f-om
thefe a number of branches proceed, which have
dilFerent names, according to their fituations in
the human fi-ame. Their extremities are fo very
fmall, that they cannot be difcerncd with the
naked eye. Thefe extremities end in the veins
and lymphatic velTels.

The

•j'N'^IJMwM

-X-.

OF THE VEINS AND ARTERIES. 379

The aorta proceeds, with a fmgle trunk, from
the left ventricle of the heart -, and at its begin-
nine, refleas back two branches called the «r.;2^.
ry arteries, which are diftributed into the fubftance
of the heart and its auricles. The aorta thence
runs a little obliquely to the right, then turns to
he left, forming a femi-circle. From the upper
part of this, which is called the aorta^ afcendens,
arifes three branches. The trunk continued from
the aorta, is called the aorta dejcendens, and de-
fcends through the thorax and abdomen, towards

the osfacriinu

The three branches of the great aorta are called,
I. The right fubclavian ;— 2. Left ditto j— and,

q. The left, caroted. , , r

The pulmonary artery arifes from the left ven-
tricle of the heart ; divides into two branches, one
on each lobe of the lungs ; and being fubdivided
again and again into fmaller branches, they are
' diftributed into every part of the lungs.

Som^^'fay that the arteries have five coats ; as,
the vafculous, cellulous, tendinous, mufculous, and
nervous. Others fuppofe they have but three m
a human body, though thofe of an ox adually
have five. The names of the numerous branches
I fhall not mention.

Theie veffels are fubjed to inflammations,
ulcers, polypufes, aneurifins, offification, &c.

The ufe of the arteries is to convey the blood
from the heart to all the extremities of the body.
They have two motions : the one is called diaple,
and the other /y>/^, that is, a dilation and a con-
tradion, r^^^Q

1 » '

380

THE AMERICAN ORACLE,

The veins are thin, ramifying, elafllc tubes :
which arife from the extremity of the body, and
terminate in the heart or liver: They bedn
where the arteries end. Their coats are the
fame with thofe of the arteries, only they are
thinner.

There are three kinds of veins, viz. the vena
cava, the pulmonary veins, and the vena porta.

Their ufe is to return the blood from the arte-
nes to the hc:irt. In general, they are called by
the fame names as the arteries they accompany.

IV. 0/ Neurology; or, a Defcription of the

Nerves.

IN defcribing the Nerves, I fhall mention,

1. That they are round, white, fmooth bodies,
^ like a cord ; being the produdions of the brain'

and the organs of fenfe and motion.

2. That they are continuations or" the medullary
fubft-^nce of the brain ; and, iiiie the fame, have
a great number of blood-vefiels difperfcd about
them.

3. That they receive their flrength from the
membranes, by which they are furrounded.

4. That they have two coats, one from the pia
mater, and the other from the dura raaicr.

5. That from the head there proceeds 10 pair
of neives, and from the fpinal marrow 24, mak-
ing 68 in the whole. Some, however, fay there
are more; but be that as it may, they fpread
into branches, and are difpcrfed over the whole
body.

6. That

OF THE NERVES AND GLANDS. jSl

6 That thofe which fubferve the vital funaions,
arife from the cerebellum ;-thofe fubferyient to
,he fenfes, proceed chiefly from the bafis of he
brain ;-and thofe which produce the voluntary

motions, are principally from the fP'"^> X7;f
I faw Dr. Monro demonftrate m the College of
Edinburgh, in Scotland, that when a nerve is cut,
compreffed or deftroyed, all njot.on, fenfat.on
and nutrition in the part where the nerve is fuuat-
Z, is loa. However, if the prmcipal nerves are
not deftroved, the parts will recover the.r health
and vigour. But if the cerebrum, cerebellum and ■
mdullafpimlU, are either of them wounded, the
patient dies inftantaneouny. All nerves xvhofe
pofition are below a wound in the medulla fpmaUs,
lole their fenfe and motion.-A hmb may lofe its
motion, and yet retain its fenfation; or it may
lofe its fenfation, and not its motion, forfenfation
v,ill remain fome time atter a member has been
ampvatcd ; and preffure will make a part patfaic.
The ufe of the nerves is to convey an exceeding
fine fluid from the brain to all the extremities ot
the body. This fluid is callea the Animal Spirits,
aaJ is the caufe of fenfe and motion.

V, Of Adenology ; or', A Deferiftm of the

Glands.
THERE are two kinds of Glands, viz. the fim^
pk and the compound. The former is called conglo^
bate or hmphatic, and the latter conglomerate.

The fimple confift of elaftic, circular fibres,
which impel the lympha and chyle into their pro-
per duas. The compound have each of them a

'li

382

THE AMERICAN ORAClE.

.Ill I

The glands have different names, acco dW to
then- vanous fituations in the bod^ anrr„L
which are as follows : '

1. Of the Brain, The pineal and the pituitary.

2. _ Mouth, ^ parotid, maxillary, fublin.

gual, labial, buccal, pala-
tine, amygdalas ; and ex-

ternally, the epiglottis and
pharynx.

- lachrymal.

- pituitary.

- ceruminous.

- thymus, bronchial, trache-
al, arytenoidal, and thy.
roidasal.

' Abdomen, ^ pancreas, liver, kidneys,

ftomach, inteflines, &c.

All thefe are ro/2^/,;;,^^^/^ gl^njg^

3-
4-

Eyes,
Nofe,
Ears,
Thorax^

S u of .^ , ';' '' '^^ '"'""y' """'. &=•
the fluids, jufl as the kidneys feparate the urine

from

OF THE LYMPH^DUCTS, &C.

from the blood; they are of the conglomerate
kind • and thofe of the arm-pits, groms, and my-
fentery, which perfed the lympha, are conglobate,
&;c.

VI. Of the Lymph^ducts and Lacteal

Vessels.

THE Lymphatic Syftem confifts of the ladeals,
lymphatic veffels, the conglobate glands, and the

thoracic dud. -j . u

The Lymphseduds are flender pellucid tubes,
which arife from all parts of the body, and per-
mit a thin tranfparent liquor to pafs through them
towards the heart, &c. •, for the courfe of the
lymph, and that of the chyle, is from the cir-
cumference of the body to the cemre.

The Lymphatics are commonly fituated dole ta
the large veins and arteries in the extremities of
the human frame. ^

The Ladeals are flender pellucid veflels, dil-
perfed in great numbers through the myfentery.
They begin at the inteilinal tube; and all of
them, with moft of the lymphatics, open into the
thoracic dud, which lies upon the fpine, and runs
up towards the neck, where it commonly opens
into the angle between the jugular and the fub-
clavin veins of the left fide; and thus both
the chyle and the lymph are mixed with the

blood.

The Ladeals are the abforbents of the bowels,
and the Lymphatics are abforbents in other parts.
Hence, as both are abforbents, and terminate in

one

;

1 I

I 1

3S4 THE AMERICAN ORACLE*

one dud:, they are alike ; only they are dlfferentl>r
fituated. The coats of thefe veflels are thin and
tranfparent, being much crouded with valves.

Any compreffion upon the thoracic du<St, will
bring on an atrophy and death.

The vafa chylifera are called 'ucnce la6la, be-
caufe their valves are difpofed as thofe of the
blood-veins are, and becaufe, like them, they
convey their contents from the fmaller to the
larger tubes.

' %

( I

CHAP.

OF THE FLUIDS.

385

be-

the

they

the

C II A P. XLV.

Of the Fluids in the Human Body; -vh. Tb:
Chyle, Blood, Bile, Saliva, Tears, Unne, Per^
fpiration. Pancreatic Jidce, Mucus, Mdk, Scja^
ceous Hurmir, Cerum, Spiritus Animahs, Amyg-
dala, Oajlric Fluid, Lympha, Phlegm, d'c.
The Vital, Natural, and Animal Funclions,

I. Of the CiiYLZ,

THE chyle is a milky fluid, extraaed from what
we eat and drink by means of digeftion. In
eeneral,it is ajuice infpilTated to a middle confiftence
iDetween moift and dry. It feems to confitl of oil,
mucilage, -water, a coagulated part, and fixed air.
When the aliment is converted 'nto i fluid (late,
the oily part mixes with the A//W, and the juices
in the ftomach and duodenum, till it becomes like
milk. This mixture is called chyle; and the
bile mixing with it in the duodenum, aflifl:s in fepa^
rating the nutritious chyle from the cxcrementitious
part,''and the former is conveyed by the lacleals
into'circulation, to be converted into blood, milk,

&c.

When the chyle enters the blood, it does not
immediately mix with it, but, in fome inteilines,
palfes in a feparate Hate through the whole circu-

Q (^ • lation.

■t

'*t

I II

\n ;t

)

( §1

186

THB AMERICAN ORACI E.

liitioii. I have frequently feen it floating upon the
furface of the blood, when 1 have bled a patient ;
and in the la ft flage of a diabtlcs^ the chyle may
be fcen in the urine.

11. Of the Blood.

IT has been demonftrated by a chymical analyfis,
thai; human blood contains,

1. A fine chalky earth.

2. A portion of fixed air.

3. A quantity of elementary fire.

4. A quantity of water.

5. A quantity of fea-falt.

6. A quantity of acidous gas.

7. A number of volatile particles, like thofe of
fal-ammoniac.

8. A fmall quantity of iron, which the loadflone
will attradt.

Thefe earthy, airy, igneous, aqueous, falineous,
acidous, volatile, and l^erruginous particles, are
derived from the four elements, and thofe things
which nourifli and fupport the human frame. Dr.
William Harvey, of Kent, in England, difcovered
the circulation of this fluid, in 1657.

The blood is capable of imbibing the infeftions
which float in the air, and alfo the poifons of
minerals, vegetables and animals.

This fluid is contained in the veins and arteries;
the arteries convey it from the heart to all the ex-
tremities of the body ; and the veins convey it
back again to the heart.— As mentioned before, it

circulates,

OF THE BLOOD.

3S7

are

circulates, at a medium, with a velocity equal to
about fifty-two feet in a minute. But the circu-
lation is quicker in young perfons, than in thofe
that are old : hence fmall children will live longer
in the cold, than the aged. The arteries have a
pulfation, like the heart ; and when they are cut,
the blood will fpirt out with a very unfteady motion ;
but when a vein is opened, the blood will run with
a fteady dream : but it runs with a greater velocity
in the arteries, than in the veins.

Two great arteries, called the aorta and the
pitbnonic artery, diftributc the blood to the extre-
mities of the body. The firft arifes from the left
ventricle of the heart, and extends itfelf in diffe-
rent branches to the mod diflant parts of the human
frame. Thefe branches have divers •names, as
aorta afcendensy aorta dcjcendcns^ &c.

The pidnwiic artery rifes from the left ventricle
of the heart, runs upwards to the left aorta, and
is divided into branches. The blood is returned
back to the heart by three forts of veins, viz. the
vena cava, the pulmonary veins, and the vena
porta. Vid. Angeiology, p. 378.

When the blood is taken from a patient, the vo-
latile particles fly off in the form of a fleam j and
what remains, congeals into a trembling mafs.
The greatefl ^ t of this mafs is called crajfamen^
turn, which is red, and gives that colour to the
other parts of the blood. If the craffamenium
is feparated from the watery part, the remainder
becomes inflammable.

C c 2 The

■I 'S

.'Ij il

-88 niC AMSRIC/. N ORACI.C.

The globules of the blood are claflic, and they
preferve the heat of the body : a redundancy of
them creates acute fevers, inllanm-iations, kc. and
their deficiency generates chronic diforders.

The ftrum of the blood is a emit that rifes on ltd
furfiice, after it is taken by phlebotomy, &c. The
ferum generates nutrition ; and the feeretions that
How from it, moiften the fuvface of the body, and
preferve the ilexibil'ty of the iblids.

The red colour of the blood is fuppofed to be
produced by an acid it receives from the air, in the
lungs J but Dr. Hunter imputed it chiefly to the
degree of its condenfity.

Obllruclions in the circulation of the blood, may
be produced by a redundancy or a deficiency in
that fiuid. Cold water drank when people arc hot,
a too free ufe of acids and fpiritous liquors ; fud-
den frights, grief, terror, fear; the apoplexy,
epilepfy, fpafmodlc ailhma, pleurify,peripneumony,
convullions, hvReric and hypochondriac com-
plaints, with other acute dillenipers, and feveral
chronic diibrdcn;, will produce obiirudions in the
fanguinary vclfjls.

The blood b called the life of all animals ; for
when it is cxhauflcd, they die immediately. Co-
agulations and concretions of the blood fend off
many ramifications to the neighbouring veflels,
which lays a foundation for a number of diforders.
It is dangerous to have too much blood, and alfo
to have not enough. When the veins and arteries
are too full, bleed j when too empty, live upon a
Dourifliing diet.

4 When

i
.•I

•• or THE Bii.E. 3^9

When the life of a priticnt is in ilangcr, by a
hemorrhage, from a v.ound or any other caufc,
apply ftypti<:« hiimediatcly, and prcf^ the parts
together with your hand. If it has not the defircd
effea, let a Surgeon take up the vein, or artery,
^vith an arterial needle. A cooling balfamie regi-
men, and nitrous preparations, ^vill be benefuial.

Some apply the following ftyptie to the part
from whence the hemorrhage proceeds, viz. 1 ake
of the powder of burnt allum, half a drachm ;^ ot
the powder of dragons blood, one drachm j mix :
and apply it as occafion may require.

The volatile Jhur alkali has lately been difco-
vercd at Naples, to be a fovereigny?////V.

III. Of the Bile.

THE Bile is a thick, yellow, bitter liquor,
compofed of aqueous, falineous, rofinous, and
fulphurous parts, which are fcpaiated from the venal
blood by the liver ; it is brought thereto by the
^ vena porta, from the fpleen, flomach, inteftines,
and epiploon. It is colleaed into the gall-bladder,
and difcharged from thence into the lower end of
the duodemm. Ten parts of tlie bile, out of
twelve, has been found to be water.

It is the lead putrefcent of any of the animal
fluids, and is capable of diflblving almoft all kinds
of animal and vegetable fubftances. Hence it
mixes with the chyle, roufes the periftaltic motion
of the inteftines, and completes digeftion. An
exceffive ufe of acids will produce indigeftion, by
overcoming the qualities of the bile.

Cc3 The

1 !'

i.r'll

r
j

h 1

■1'

B£-' ~, ■ -— ^

39°

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

The ftones formed in the gall-bladder, are ge-
nerated by the coagulation of the bile, and are of
an un£tuous innammablc nature. They undoubt-
edly rife from the too free ufe of acids ; but the
vegetable rcids, ufed with moderation, is a great
antidote ag.dnfl: the putrcfadion of the bilious fluid.

When the bile is vitiated, it produces crudities in
the prime vie, naufeas, jaundice, flatulencies, coftive-
nefs, cachexy, fevers, confumptions, dropfies, &c.

'1 he putrefcency of the bile increafes fevers, and
makes them malignant and putrid. Hence it ought
to be evacuated by emetics ; and antifeptics ought
to be exhibited before it is too late, otherwife an
end will be put to the life of the patient.

The bilious duds have diflcrent names j as,
Daclus Hcpaticus, Duclus CyJUcus, &c.

IV. Of the Saliva.

THIS is an aqueous, falineous, oxiy f^uid,
T^-hich is feparatcd from the blood \fj rhefuival
glands fituated in the mouth. This fluid is almoft
without tafte or fmell : It is thin and pellucid,
being incapable of being concreted by fire.

By chewing, it flows from the glands, mixes
with our food, and promotes digeftion. In hungry
pcrfons it becomes acrid, penetrating, antl refolvent.
Too much fpitting caufes a thirfl:, lofs of appetite,
bad digeftion, and an atrophy.

V. ' 0/* /^f T E A R s.
TEARS are an aqueous, fubtile, limpid, fali-
jieous fluid, which is feparated from the arterial

blood

til

01 IHE URINH.

)9»

blood by the lachrymal glands j their ufc is to ^
inoiflen and dettrge the eyes.

VI. Of the Urine.
THIS is a fluid fccretcd from the blood by the
kidneys, is conveyed by the ureters to the bladder,
and from thence di [charged from the body through
the urethra. If it is retained too long in the blad-
der, it turns putrid, and endangers the life of the
patient. Sometimes it has palled off through the
cutaneous pores, ^vhen it could not find vent .he

natural way.

A fuppreflion of urine often produces Ipaims,
pains, inilammaiions, jaundice, lofs of appetite,
faintncfs, tremors, cold fweats, and putrid dilorders.
A total fuppreffion is called an Ifclniria,

A partial, Stranguria,

If the latter is attended with great heat, Dyfuna,
When there is a total fuppreffion, it ought to be
drawn off with a catheter, if the patient cannot be
relieved by bleeding, fomentations, anodynes,
diuretics, enemas, nitrous preparations, &c.
Sometimes, after bleeding, I have obferved that
emetics and gentle cathartics have been of great

fervice.

Some have pretended, that they could tell, by
feeing the urine of a patient, what diforder he was
alHiaed with, and that they could prefcribe proper
remedies without any further knowledge ; but this
is judged by men of learning and Ikill to be an
impofition, becaufe the fame kind of urine is not
always difcharged in the fame diforders.

Cc4 • ^^ave

I li^

392

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

I have been credibly informed, that a foreigner
who pradifcd that way in America, had fome
urine brought to him that had been taken from a
fwinc. After he had viewed it for fome time, he
cried out, " By God, dis woman is with child !"
This is an evident proof that he was an impoflor :
and I believe it may not be improper to rank fuch
practitioners with the conjurers and fortune-tellers;
for, though they may guefs rightfometimes, yet they
may often be deceived, and prefcribe remedies that
are very improper for ihofe that need relief. •

The urine contains,

J. A microcofmic f^lt, which is found in no
other fluid.

2. A marine fait.

3. If diflilled, it yields only a volatile fait; and,

4. An empyreumatic oil ; and alfo,

5. A peculiar kind of phofphorus.

6. A quantity of water, kc.

VII. Of the Pcrfpiration,

PERSPIRATION is a fteaming, or fweating,
through the cutaneous pores ; and the qualities of
this fluid are analogous to thofe of the urine. Infen-
fiblc pcrfpiration is the greatefl: of all evacuations
in hot weather ; but that of urine exceeds it in
winter. The pcrfpiration cleanfes the blood, by
carrying off its falineous particles, to fupplc the
fkin, and prefcn-ve the body from various maladies.
An obftrufted pcrfpiration produces fevers, pleu-
rifiesjperipneumonies, arlhretic complaints, violent
pains, difeafesot the head, breafl, &c. It increafes
4 ^he

:'M

the

OF THE PANCaEATIC JUICE, &C. 395

the impure humours, and generates corruption
and putrefaftion.

VIII. 0/ ^Z?^ Pancreatic Juice.
This is an aqueous, limpid, vifcous fluid, fepa-
rated from the arterial blood by the pancreas, and
conveyed by the pancreatic dud to the duodemm,
T^ is difchar-ed with the bile through the du^us
Mcdocus. Its ufe is to moiften and dilTolve the
aliment, to mix with and foften the bile, and to
render the chyle fit for its entrance into the ladeal
veins.

IX. Of iJje Mucus.

THIS is a mucila-inous fluid, feparated from
the blood by the glands that are feated in the pitu-
itary membrane which covers the internal parts of
the nofe. Its ufe is to moifl:en and preferve the
inward parts of the noilrils from being injured by
the air.

Mucus is alfo a covering for the furface of all the
membranes in the body, inch as the Mii, internal
membrane of the mouth, lungs, inteftines, urinary
pafTages, &c. It is a compound of coagulable
matter and water, which prevents the membranes
iVom being llimulated by things which touch them.

X. Of the Milk.
THIS is a white fluid, feparated from the blood
by the glands of the breads : it is nothing but trie
chyle more highly laboured.

394

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

By a chymical analyfis it has been demonftratec!,
that it contains the fame fubilances that are found
in the vegetable kingdom. Its ufe is to nourilb
infants, &c.

Milk dilTers in degrees of goodnefs, in the fol-
lowinp^ order, viz. i. Woman's is the bed— -2.
Afs's the next bell— 3. Mare's — 4. Goat's — 5.
Sheep's — 6. Cow's is the worft, becaufe it is the
hardeft to digeft. The milk of animals which feed
on green herbs, is more diluting than that of thofe
which feed upon dry.

When milk becomes cold, it lofes its excellent
qualities, like mod other animal fluids, and they
cannot be reftored by heat. Boiled milk is impro-
per for weakly perfons, and thofc who have weak
ilomachs.

If milk difagrees with a patient, a tea-fpoonful
of the f[jirits of hartlhorn may be put into every
pint, which will make it agreeable. Milk is not
rood in fevers, but it is an antidote againfl poifons.

New milk whey is cooling, diluting, and ape-
rient : it is good for coflive patients, and in acute
rheumatifms, and for other diforders when the
- humours are impure, being a general promoter ot
the natural excretions.

' r

XL Of the Sebaceous Humour.

THE Sebaceous Humour is an unQious, thick,
vlfcous matter, which is fdtered by the febaceous
glands, and depofited in fmall bags, where it ap-
pears in black fpots, and may be fqueezed out in

the

OF THE CERUMEN AURIS, ScC. 395

the fliape of little worms.-This humour forms
the fmall fcales which appear upon the (km.

Its ufe is to defend the fldn from bemg mjured
by the adion of the falts, and to render it fmooth
and polilhed.

XII. Of the Cerumen Auris.

THIS is called Ear Wax. It is feparated from
the glands in the ear ; is moift at firft, but grows
harder by lying. It is bitter and vifcid, and has
nuclides much like thofe of the bile. ^

Sometimes it caufes deafnefs, by growmg hard •,
but warm water will diffolve it, and often cure
the diforder.— This has been found to be a better
remedy than any hitherto difcovered. ^

The ear-wax prevents infctts from hurting the
membrana lympani, -

XIII. Of the Spiritus Animalis.
i:nE Spir:*us Anifnalis, or Animal Sph its, have

been fuppofed to confill of a very thin liquor, ecu-
veyed from the blood to the external or cortical
part of the brain, where it is exalted into (pirit j
and from thence conduded through the meduHu-r
fubftance of the brain, by the corpus callofum, and
medulla oblongata, into the nerves, and in them
performs all the adions of fenfe and motion. But
the nerves are condudors which not only carry
thefe fpirits from the head, but return them back

again.

Any fine volatile fubftance which exhales from
bodies by a given degree of heat, is called^;nV :

hence,

39^

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

') ?

hence, by a fort of an imaginary analogy, the
nervous fluid has been called Spirit, and is gene-
rally termed Animal liipirit.

The fpirit in the human body Is fpoken oi
under different characters ; as thofe of natural,

vital, and anlnTal.

Th- hid prchdcL? over digeflion, the elaboration
of ihe chyle, and all the natural actions— The
fecoiui, over the motion of the heart and lungs,
c - the. vitid aaions ;— and iho third, over the ani-
n:ui ^cuons j as, i^^nlation, voluntary motion, Sec.

XIV. 0/ the Amygdala.
THE Amygdala, or Almonds, are a glandulous
fubftance, like two kernels, on each fide of the
uvula, at the root of the tongue. They are cidled
a thick humour, through which a juice is filtered
that moillens the infide of the ajlphogus, and
other parts, which facilitates fwallowing, creates
an appetite, and promotes digedion. This liquor
is analogous to that o^Jhliva.

XV. 0/ /Z.'^ Gastric Fluid.

THIS is the juice of the (lomach, being a thin
" pclhicid liquor, which dillils from ccitain glands,
for the dilution of food.

XVI. Of the Lympha.

'ilTIS is a pellucid, infipid, pure liquor; the

more fubtile parts of which aiford the matter ot

the fluid of the brain, inlnal mairow, nerves,

;ind r,U'o the fcminal lluid. ^

■* aaCHF

OF THE PHLEGM, &C.

397

•n,. -eUtlnous parts of this fluid tiounf.. all the

folUl. ; °'.nd its filter aqueous parts are, through the

pi atlc veffels, by u.eatts of the valves attd he

i,n debate glands, again cottyeyed to the he r .

.he^e being ^"^f /'^ thl'l^^o'S W

^it,^ir:icrofbio:dCbeendiai,i.^d

Zcrl Jemle heat, fevcn ounces of lymph have
arofe by the cUftillatlon.

XVII. Of the Phlegm.
PTILKGM is a fiimy excrement of the blood,
often raifed by taking cold, or too much nitrous
air. Ii is ulfo an inflammation.

XVIII. Of Fat, or Animal On-

FAl^ is an animal oil : It is an unauous ful-
phurcons fluid, contained in that part of the cel-
lular membrane called membrana adipofa. But how
it is feparated from the blood, is not certainly

known.

Fat is compofed of a little earth, elementary
fn-e, acid fait, volatile alkaline fait, and water.
In human tat, and the fuet of beaflis that chew
the cud, there is a large quantity of inflammable
oil, and an acid empyreumatic liquor.

By profufe fweating, the fat is melted down,
and carried off through the cutaneous pores,
which greatly weakens the patient.

The human fat does not become fluid when
Farenheit's thermometer rifes to 90 degrees ; but

when

The

398

THE AMERICAN ORACLE»

is ■'(

ill

when it begins to piitrif;/, a fmall degree of
warmth will make it run into oil.

The ufc of this fluid is, i. to temperate the
acrimony of the falts in the blood — 2. to fill up
the empty fpaccs between the mulcles, which beau-
tilies the formation of the body — 3. to render
the (kin flexible, fmooth and foft — 4. to moiflen
and foften the flcfliy tendinous parts — and, 5. to
nourifh the animal at certain times.

Fats and animal oils are good to relax the parts
to which they are applied, and to (top perfpiration.
In the prefent practice in London, I underfland
that three kinds are chiefly ufed, viz. That of
vipers, hogs-lard, and mutton fuet.

Fats are of an emollient quality, and good in
divers kinds of ointments, as the unguentwn carti^
hum mitim, loig. caruleum fortius^ unguent umwii^o,
iinlmcntian arad. toig. ncrvinum^ &c.

Animal fats are not foluble in the fpirlts of wine
reftified, nor in water. If they are fcented with
efifentiai oils, the oils may be totally extraded by
digeftion in the reclificd fpirits of wine ; and by
the fame means alfo, in a leflfer degree, by water.
'By fuch operations, fats that are old may be
freed from their ill fmell, and made fweet.

The whale affords more oil than any creature
belonging to the animal kingdom. It has been
laid, that feme of them will yield 1 20 barrels.

^^S

O" TH£ VITAL FUNCTIONS.

300

ree

Ue the
fill up
h beau-
render
noiflen
I, 5. to

le parts
iration.
ierftand
Ihat of

ood in

;; caru-
I vulgo.

of wine
ed with
Sled by
and by
' water,
nay be

creature
as been
:cls.

Of the Vital, Naturah ^nd Animal Ihinaions.

H A V I N G criven a fliort defcription of the
.reaped part of the Solids and Fluids in the human
body; I fhall now proceed to fay fomethmg fur-
ther' concerning their aclion and re-adion on each
other, or the vital, natural, and annual functions.
Thcfe I Ihall dcfcribe in their order. And,

1. 0/ //jt" Vital FiJNCTio:is.

THESE confift of the circulation of the blood,
the aaion of the brain, and the refpiration.

On the adion and re-adion of the fohds and
fluids, the viral fundions depend ; for, the circu-
lation of the blood from the heart, through the
arteries, to the extremities of the body, and its
return to the fame again by the veins, produces a
motion which is caufed chi ^fly by the dilation and
contraaion of this organ ; and whenever this mo-
tion totally ceafes, life is come to an end.

The aaion of the brain feparates a very fubtile
fluid from the blood, called Animal Spirits, which
are conveyed by the nerves into all parts of the
body. They pafs in an inftant, at the command
of the will, from the brain to the extremities^ of
the body, and back again with the fame velocity.
The brain is the refervoir of this fluid, by which
the foul has a perception of objeas, and performs

all the bodily aaions. , .

Refpiration

nT!!

tit

r *

til

ill

400

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

Refpiratlon is compofed of two motions, called,
Infpiration, and Expiration : by the former, the
air is received into the lungs ; and by the hitter,
it is returned back again. The air is heated by
entering the bread ; and if the weather is cold, ii
will be condenfed, and [ippear in the form ot a
vapour, as it returns into the furrounding atmo-

fpherc.

, Refpiration is the caufc of fpeaking, laughing,
fighing, coughing, fneezing, yawning, fucking, Sec.

II. O/'/Z'^ Natural Functions.

THE Natural FunQions are, manducation, de-
glutition, digeftion, nutrition, growth, generation,
fecretion, and evacuation.

Mil education, is the chewing of our food. •

I)c"-hiUtlQ7h is the fwallowing of the fiime.

Dl'^cjliorh ii^ a chc-nge of the aliment into chyle,
by itt mixing with the bile and the pancreatic
juice, and the aclion of the inteftines.

Nutntio?2, is the repairing of the continual
lofs which the difi'erent parts of the body fuftain ;
for life is dellrucllvc of itfelf, as its very cffices
caufe a conliant wafte. The motion of the
parts of tlie human frame, the fridion of thefc
parts upon one another, and efpecially the aftion
of the air, would deRroy the body entirely, if the
lofs was not repaired by materials of the fame kind
of thofe carried otf by evacuations.

Growi/j, is an increafe of the body by the nu-
tiitious juices.

Generation^

zalled,
r, the
hitter^
:cd by
□Id, it
I of a
atmo-

ghlnjr,
ig,&:c.

OF THE ANIMAL FUNCTIONS.

401

3n, dc-
iration.

I chyle,
icrcatic

>ntinual
'uftain ;
' cffices
of the
)f thefe
; aQion
, if the
me kind

the nu-

neratiorit

Generation, is the produaion of any thing in a
natural way, which was not in being before.

Secretwi, called Excretion, is the feparation of
fome fluid mixed with the blood, by means of the
glands ; or, in other words, it may be called the
feparation of one fluid from another.

Evaeuation, is produced by the periftaltic mo-
tion of the bowels, emetics, cathartics, diuretics,
diaphoretics, &c.

III. Of the Animal FuNCtioNS.

THE Animal Funftions are the mufcutar mo-
tions and voluntary anions of the body : they con-
ftitute the fenfes of feeling, tafting, fmelling, fee-
ing, hearing, perceiving, reafoning, imagining,
remembering, judging, with all the afFedions of

the mind.

The mufcles are the organs of the voluntary
motions : they ad chiefly by contraaing or fhort-
ening the flefliy fibres. This contraaion, by
drawing the tendons or tails of ihe mufcles, to
which the moveable bones are conixeaed, moves
the folid parts ; and by leflening the cavities of
certain hollow mufcles, fuch as the heart, intef-
tines, and other veflels, it caufes the motion of

the fluids.

The inflruments of the involuLrary motions-,
are ihe nervous and mufculous or fl^fliy tunics,
compofed of fibres : they confifli of all kinds of
veflels, through which the fluids circulate.

The involuntary motions arc thofe which are
produced without the confent of the mind j fuch

D d s>'>3

402

THE AMtRlCAN ORACLE.

as, the beating of the heart, pulfation of the ar-
teries, convulfions, &c.

Feeling is produced by the application of bodies
to the nervous pnpillulai of the Ikin j and from
hence proceed the feniation of heat, cold, moif-
ture, drynefs, foftnefs, hardnels, roughnefs, tick-
ling, pain, &c.

Tajling proceeds from the touching of thmgs
to the papillulce of our tongues : hence we know
whether a thing is bitter, fweet, fait, or four, &c.

Smcllifig arifes from the entrance of exhalations
into our noftrils, and their (triking a nervous
membrane which covers the internal parts of the
nofe : hence we dillinguifli one thing from ano-
thcr by the fmell.

Seeing is performed by the expanded membrane
of the optic nerve, called the retina. The rays of
light which proceed iVom all points of external
objeas, pafs through the tranfparent part of the
eye ; and after having undergone various refrac-
tions in the aqueous, '-citrous and cryjlallinc hu-
mours, they fall upon the retina, which is the im-
mediate organ of fight, and forms the image of the

'objedt.

Hearing proceeds from the different agitations

of the air cauied by founding bodies. Thefe
agitations pafs through the external part of the ear
to the tympanum or drum, to the air contained in
the turnings and windings of this organ, 'till it is
communicated to the interior membrane of the
auditory nerve.

Perceiving is a clear and diilina apprehenfion
of objects : it is produced by the extcnlion ot the

nervous membranes.

4 Rcafoning

OF 'THE ANIMAL FUNCTIONS.

4°:

ar-

Rcafoning is an arguing upon a fubjeft, in a juft,
right, and rational manner : this is produced by
a perfea underllanding arifing from the organs of
the fenfes being in good repair.

Ima^.ning is a faculty by which we pifture
bodily fubftances in our minds, as though \ye
aaually faw them with our eyes ; being conceit,
fancy, thought, &c. It may be fometimes true,
and fometimes falfe.

Rememberhig is a calling tb mind, or having in
one's memory, fomelhing pad, prefent, or to

come.

Judging is the trying of caufes, the making up
of a judgment, and the determination of things in
one's mind.

As to the affeclions of the mind, they have al-
ready been mentioned. Vid. p. 212.

Having thus defcribed the vital, natural, and
animal fundions, I will juft obferve, that Anato-
mifts do not agree in fome things, and therefore
frequently contradidl one another, owing no doubt
to new difcoverie'. that have been made in thefe
latter days. I have endeavoured to calculate the
preceding account of the Solids and Fluids accord-
ing to the lateft difcoveries ; and hope that what I
have written will prove profitable to thofe who
may be inclined to obtain a general idea of the
conftruttion of the human frame, which, by the
the Divine Artificer^ is fearfully and wonderfully
made!

C K A P.

404

THE AMERICAN ORACLE*

C H A P.

XLVI.

Of- P^G^icin.TimM—Th'jUghts on Vcgciatlon, and
of the Rfe cf Sap in Trees, Plants, and Herbs
— The Farmer and Gardener's Calendar,

AGRICULTURE is the Art of Hufbandry,
and confilts in the improving of lands in
the bed manner, in order to make them produce
large crops of grain, hay, &c.

Gardening confifts in the drefTmg of ground,
and in the raifmg of a variety of plants and

flowers, &'C. .

The Art of Gardening, according to the Scrip-
tures, is almoft as old as the creation ; for the
Lord God, having planted a garden eaaward ot
Lden, did put Adam into it, to drefs and keep it.
Vid. Gen.ii. 8. 15. But, according to Chrono-
loQ-y, this Art ^vas invemed by Queen Elizabeth.
V'ho reigned in England about the year 1559.
^It alfo appears by the Scriptures, that Agricul-
ture is nearly as old as Gardening ; for Cam was
a tiller of the ground, TiJ. Gen. iv. 2. ButChro.
nology tells us, that it was invented by Triptole-
my, about 1 600 years before Chnft. ^

Thefe excellent Arts are very beneficial to man-
kind, as a great part of our food and raiment is
derived from them; and the King himfelf is ferved
by the field. Were the farms and gardens to he
uLultivated, a great part of the people would
perilh with famine. Hence nothing can be ot
^ greater

OF AGRICULTURE.

405

greater importance as to our temporal felicity,
than the cultivation and improvement of thefc

ufeful Arts.

I (hall treat, in the firjl place, of Vegetation ;
•m^ Secondly, give fome important direaions con-
cerning the management of farms and garden m
the middle governmems in North- America ; which
may be of great fervice in other States, providmg
a proper allov^ance Ihall be made for the dlfterence
of climates. Hence, in thofe which are colder
than the middle governments, dircdions for March,
April, May, &c, muft be obferved later in the
feafon, but earlier in thofe which are hotter.

I. 0/ Vegetation.

VEGETABLES proceed from feeds of the
fame fpecies-, though fome have been otherwifc
minded, becaufe they have fuppofed that fome
plants have no feed. It is true, indeed, that fome
are male, and others female ; as, Jilix mas, male
fern ; Jilix famina, female fern, &c. The female
produces fruit and feeds, but not the male. Some
plants bear flowers, which never bear any fruit j
and others bear fruit, without flowers.

Plants are difl:ributed into aS clafl"es, by Ray; as,
I. Fungufes, which feem to have neither flowers

nor leed.

ii. Submarine plants j as, fponges, &c.

3. Mofles.

4. Capillary herbs — Thefe have no main (lock

or ftem, but their leaves axife immediately from

their roots ; as, harts tongue, &c,

D d 3 5. Herbs

4o6

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

5. Herbs with an imperfea ftaminous flower 5
as, jointed glafs-wort, marfii-famphire, &c.

6. Herbs with a compound flower, full of a
milky fubllance ; fuch as, the different kinds of
wild lettuce, &c.

7. Herbs not milky, with compound flowers,
and a downy feed ; as, colts-foot, &c.

8. Herbs with a compound difcoride flower,
with feeds not downy ; as, corn-marigold, com-
mon ox-eye, &c.

9. Herbs with a flower compounded of fiftular
flofculi, or capitated herbs ; i.^, cardials, different
\hiftles, baftard faffron, &c. ^

10. Herbs with a fimple perfed flower, with
naked folitary feeds, or fmgle feeds in fmgle
flowers ; as, fmall and wild valerian, corn fallad, &c.

1 1 Umbelliferous herbs, whofe flowers grow
on the top of their ftalks ; after which, grows
'two naked feeds, which are joined together m

each flower ; as, cow parfnips, &c.

1 2 Stellated herbs, whofe leaves encircle their
(liilks bv intervals ; as, crofs-wort, wild madder, &c.

I. Rough-leaved hcrbs-Thefe have their
leaves fct upon the (talks in no proper order; as,
buglofs, cowfllps, great hounds-tongue, &c.

14. SujfhiHccs and verticillated herbs- Ihefe
have two leaves on the ftalk, placed one againit.
the other, and every flower produces four feed.^ ;
as, the common mother thyme.

I c. Polyfpermous herbs, with naked feeds--
Thefe have more than four feeds in a flower ; fuch
as, the klTer celandine, &cc.

,6. Bacciferous herbs^Tltefe are thofe whofe

truitj

OF VEGETATION,

407

wer 5

of a
ds of

>wers,

lower,
com-

iflular
tierent

, with
fingle

id,&c.

, grow
grows

her in

le their
ler, &c.
J their
er-, as,

-Thefe
againil-
feeds ;

feeds —
r J fuch

I whofc
fruit.

fn,k, when ripe, are clothed with a thm mem-
brane, containing a foft n>oift pulp. Thefe frtjns
are called berries ; as, cloud berries, bramble

berries, &c. , , i. i Vo^v.

,7. JMuhifiHquous or corniculated herbs--±-acti

flower of this kind produces two pods, fuch as
periwinkles, houfe-leek, kc. j .

^ ,8. Herbs with a fingle dry fruit and a mo-
nopetalous Ilower ; as, common henbane, marQi

irentian, &c. . , ,. 1 4

10 VafcuUferous herbs, with a dipetalous and

rritaplous flower ; as, the enchanter's night-fhade,

water-wort, or ftar, headed water chickweed, &c.

00. The fame as the former.

2 1 . Terapetalous, fiUquous,and fiUculous herbs;
as, the great fea ftock gilUflower, &c. ■ ^

22. VafcuUferous herbs, anomalous, with a
tetrapetalous flower; as, the wild poppy, red
poppy or corn-rofe, &c. '

23. Leguminous herbs, or with a papihonace-
ous flower —Thefe flowers refemble the expanded
wings of a butterfly i fuch as, the different kinds

of peafe, &c. _,

24. Pentapetalous vafculiferous herbs — Theie
have two leaves fet againfteach other on the fl:alk;
as,maidenpinks,commmipinks,Deptfordpinks,&e.

25. Hexapetalous, and pentapetalous, vafculi-
ferous herbs ; as, the fmall hedge hylTop, water

lily, &c.

26. Herbs with bulbous roots; as, different

kinds of garlics, &c.

27. Culmiferous grafs-leaved herbs, with an
imperfea flower ; as, fpiked grafs, dog grafs, &c.

"8. Grafs-leaved herbs, not culmiferous, with

Dd4

4o8

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

an imperfedt or flaminous flower j as, the great
vernal Cyprus grafs, ^c.

Trees and Shrubs are aifo differently diftributed

into clafles.

Thofe of an apetalous flower at a difl:ance from

the fruit, are,

1. The nuciferous ; as, the walnrt-tree, &c.

2. The coniferous j the female or yew-leaved

fir-tree.

3. The bacciferous ; the juniper-tree, &c.

4. The lanigerousj as, thefevcral Idnds of pop*

lar trees, &c,

5. The foliaceous veffels ; the horn-beam, &c.

Of Trees and Shrubs with the Fruit ccntiguous to the

Pctaloid Flower,

THOSE that have the flowers feated upon the
top of the fruit, are fuch as porniferous and bacci-
ferous trees ; as, the apple, pear, and crab trees,
&c. ; the apple-rofe, currants, &:c.

Trees whofe flowers adhere to the bottom of the
fruit, which is moid when ripe, is called prunife^
rouu Of this kind are the common, black, and
wild cherry-trees, and the like.

Trees with the flowers growing at the bottom
ef the fruit, which is dry when ripe, are the blad-
der nut-tree, the common elm, wych, hazel, &c.

Having given the preceding fhort defcription of
the different genus's of plants, &c. let us obferve,

1 . That every vegetable muft fpring from feeds of
the fame fpecies, though they may be very fmall.

2. That feeds may be carried to a great diftance
from the places where ihey grew, by the wind,

an4

THE author's observations. 4^9

and by the birds and beads, and thus be planted
in an uncultivated wildernefs.

3. That fome feeds may lie 40 or 50 years m
a dry place, and afterwards fpring 'ip, if moif-

ture sets to them. t • 1,

4. That the vegetable produdions derive the
c^reateft part of their weight from the moifture of
the earth, and the circumambient air, is evident,
becaufe the growth of a willow in 2oolb. of earth,
<.ained, in five years, 1641b. 3 o^' ^"^ ""^V '?'
bibed two ounces of that element. Hence air,,
fire and water, mud make the other part of the bulk.

5. That when a feed is fown, the parts thereof
Is in embryo. It begins to vegetate by the heat
of the fun, and the furrounding moifture ; pvery
part fwells, the external part unfolds and dilates,
till at laft fprouts come forth out of their native
bed : one or more of thefe fprouts run downward,
and are called roots ; and one or more of them
grow upward, and produce ftalks, or a tree, ac
cording to the nature of the feed.

6. That the bark of the roots, being fpungy,
imbibes and fucks up moifture from the earth,
which impregnates the vegetable wjth thofe princi-
ples on which its life and growth depends. This
moifture abounds with oil, alkaline falls, alkaline
earth, &c,

7. That this r-oifture is called fap ; waiich being
diftributed through the roots, fuppUes their orga-
liical parts with thofe principles of nutrition which
every one requires. Hence they grow larger, and
piore folid, as their age advances.

8, When the roots arc thus formed, with their

organs

.,u''

iiiiil

Jl'f 1

*jQ THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

organs of vegetation, they draw from the earth,
through then- veiTels, proper vegetable juices,
wliich they communicate to the feed plant, and
thereby caufe it to unfold all its blades, and flioot
forth branches, buds, leaves, flowers, and feeds,
from the dill'erent parts of its Ilalk or trunk.

9. The fap afcends the firft year of the growth
of the plant, by the velVels of the pith ; after which
the pith grows dry, and remains i'o. Afterward-^,
thefaprifes in the wood ; and laftly, in the bark.

10. That the fap afcends, in the fpring, to all
the extremities of a iree or plant, and drfcends
into the roots in the autumn. Though fome will
not allow that the fap hath any circulation at all ;
but I am fure they are miftaken, becaufe I have
often feen maple-trees tapped, which have yielded
a barrel of juice ; and how could the juice run out
if it had no circulation ?

11. Some have fuppofed, that the fap rifcs every
month in the year ; and. I have thought, that the
moon may have fome influence on the vegetable
fluids, at the time of the fpring tides, as well as
upon the waters of the fea, and the atmolphere.
But, in cold countries, where the trees are froze
hard in the winter, it is not probable, that whdft
they are in that condition, the Hip can have much
circulation when the fpring-tides happen.

12. The fap in' fome vegetables has a ilow cir-
culation, which generates and makes it appear
like milk, and is of an oily baliamic qaalivy. But
when the fap is flrained more freely through each
organical part, it appears like clear water. All
vegetables perfftire in a greater or lefier degree, m

earth, '^m

juicts, M

It, and '^

id flioot

I iccds.

growtli

r whicli

erwarde-.

c bark.

;, to all

dcfcends

Dine will

I at all ;

e I have

; yielded

: run out

fes every

that the

vegetable

s well as

uolphere. '*-

are froze ^

hat whilfl '^m

IV e much ^H

flow cir- If

it appear .^

iliiy. But S

ough each ^

Iter. All ^

f^.eoree, in

FARMER AND GARDENER's CALENDAR. A"

warm weather -, the heat and air within them tends
to generate a kind of fermentation, which keeps
the fluids in motion. Many vegetables emit an
effluvia, called odours, which confifts of very fine
invifible particles, that fly off in all diredions, and
being received into our noRrils, produce the fen-

fation of fmell. ,

Vegetables cannot exift without air and nourilh-
ment; any more than animals. Their greennefs
is attributed to a portion of iron imbibed from the
earth, &c.

The Fanner and Gardener^ s Calendar.

JANUARY.

1. CUT your wood in the firft: quarter of
the moon ; improve the fledding, and get a plenty
of fuel for the following year.

2. See that the vermin do not deftroy your grain

and vegetables.

3. Cut timber for build.ing, fencing, &c. inthe
laft quarter of the moon, to prevent its rotting.

4. Let not your hoi fes fl:and in the cold, when
they have been heated with exercife ; and keep
your cattle warm and clean, and fee that they have

water in feafon.

5. Sweep your chimnies often, to prevent your

houfcs from taking fire.

6. Go to bed in feafon, and rife early : this
\i^iU fave your candles and fire-wood. ,

FEBRUARY.

I. PRUNE your orchards and fbrefts.

2. Sow

warm

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

a. Sow peafe, if the v^ nther will permit.

3. Get your tools ready to do your fpring work.

4. Look over your garden-feeds, and fee that
they are not injured by the moifture, or by the

froft.

5. Cut timber for building in the old of the

moon, if you did not cut enough laft month.

6. When the fnow is gone, put your fleighs and
fleds, with their tackling, into a tight and dry
place, to prevent their being damaged by the ram.

7. Take good care of your Iheep and lambs.

8. Plow your grafs land, if the froft is out of
the ground 5 the clods will rot fooner than at any
other time in the year.

MARCH.

1. REPAIR your fences.

2. Graft or inoculate young trees, and fet them

out for an orchard.

3. Sow tobacco, cabbage, parfnip, carrot,

onion feeds, &c.

4. Plow your ground for your flax, wheat, rye,

oats, and barley.

5. Plant potatoes, Indian corn, peafe, &c. witji
fuch other vegetables as may be wanted before fall,
early in the fpring ; thofe for winter may be planted
later.

APRIL.

1. SOW your flax-feed, and fpring grain, as

early as poflible. ^ t t *

2. Dung and plow your ground, for the plant-
ing of Indian corn, potatoes, beans, pompkms,
pielons, cucumbers, &c. ^^^^^

3 •*

r work.

fee that

by the

of the
th.

ighs and
and dry
the rain,
mbs.
is out of
m at any

fet theiu

, carrot,

heat, rye,

&c. with
»efore fall,
be planted

grain, as

the plant-
pompkins,

3. Plant

FARMER ANI) GARDENER's CALENDAR. 4^

Plant more Indian corn, potatoes, &c.

4. Look well to your garden, fow feeds, and
tranfplant roots, &c.

MAY.

1 PLANT corn, potatoes, beans, peafe, lettice,
rofemary, lavendar, thyme, withall kinds of feeds
that were not planted or fowed in February,

March, and April.

2 Weed your garden, hoe your corn, fet out
your cabbage and tobacco plants, and water your
new-grafted trees, if the weather is dry.

3 Wafh and fhear your (heep, hive your bees
when they fwarm, and fee that your vegetables are
not deftroyed by the cattle, or by infeas.

4. Bleed the cattle you intend tc fatten.

JUNE.

1. HOE Indian corn, weed your garden, and
kill black flies, worms and fpiders, which devour
your plants, by the fumes of tobacco, -onduaed co
thofe vegetables through fome proper pipe, or tube.

2. Plant Indian corn, bean'-^ peafe, melons,
and cucumbers, for ufe in the fall.

3. Water your plants in the evening, or early
in the morning, if the weather is dry. Watch
your bees, left they fwarm, and fly away, for the
want of a new hive.

4. Begin to mow grafs, as foon as it is ripe, or
in the bloom ; rake and cock your hay every
evening before the dew falls, fpread it out the next
morning, and cart it into your barn as foon as it
16 fit ; but let it not be dried too much. Keep
vour barn-doors fhut tight, to prevent the ingrefs
' of

'hh

414

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

of the air, for a free admilTion of that element will
caufe the hay to generate heat by fermentation, and
make it mully, and fometimes caufe it to take fire;
but if it is kept from the air, it will look green,
and have an agreeable flavour the next year. ^

5. Plow the land jOU defign to fow with winter
jrrain. The grals fliould be plowed in ; and the
more there is of it, the r .ore will the ground be

enriched. .

6. Gather cherries, currants, ftraw^ernes,

goofeberries, &c.

JULY.

1. CONTINUE to get in your hay; let not
your grain ftand too long, left it fliould wafte by
theblaft, but get it into your barns in feafon.

2. Hill your Indian corn, and fow peafe and
turnips for the fall and winter.

3. Turn bulls to (lore heifers ; lay up herbs for
winter, when they are in their bloom.

4. Deftroy the weed^ in your gardens, and
water thofe vegetables that have been tranfplanted.

5. Gather and lay up all kinds of feeds when

ihey are ripe. , n. 1

6. Sufier not yourfelf, or any man or bealt under
yo >r care, to drink cold liquor when you or they
are hot, lefl: death enfuc.

AUGUST.

1 . REAP or cradle your oat?, get in your barley,

and pull your flax. . . u e

2. Gather feeds as they ripen, and herbs tor

diftilling and drying. \

->. Water your gardens In the evening, it the

feafon is dry. ^^ ^^^^

W^iSfK

J i.j;iii.i..ii»rr-

lent will
ion, and
ake fire ;
k green.

jar.

:h winter

and the

round be

,.u

v; ernes,

; let not
wafte by
ifon.
)eafe and

herbs for

ens, and
iifplanted.
eds when

eaft under
)u or they

)ur barley,
herbs for

ng, if the
4. When

» ARMER AND GARDENER's CALENDAR. 4I S

4. When the weather is cloudy, re-inoculate '
thole trees, where the fcions are dead, that were
inoculated in the fpring.

5. Make cyder wh<jn your apples are ripe., and
mow your fecond crop of grafs as foon as it is fit.

6. Cut trees, buflies, briars, and thiftles, when
ihe moon is in Leo, or the fign is in the heart 5 it
is faid, that it will kill their roots.

SEPTEMBER.

1. CUT the flalks of your Indian corn; bmd
them in bundles whe., they are dry, and put them

intc; the barn.

2. Make cyder, pickle cucumbers, gather early

apples.

-. Shut up your fwine to fatten-

4. DcRroy drone bees.

«;. Dig potatoes, and rot your flax, but fee
;hat it is not rotted too much.

6. Sow winter rye and wheat in the new of the
moon ; gather your hops.

OCTOBER.

1. GATHER and hulk your Indian com.
2'. Prune and plant fruit and foreft-trees.

3. Clean out your ditches, drain off all ftagnant
waters, and deftroy vegetable poifons, to prevent
the generation of mahgnant diftempers.

4. Make your winter cyder, and gather winter
apples in the old of the moon.

5. Stop the growth of weeds in the garden.

6. Threlh out your garden-feeds, and put them

in bags, and where they will not be hurt by the

froft.

7. Prune

4x6

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

t.i 1

MrJ ■

7 Prune and tranfplant fruit trees. The fettmg
out of young orchards is too much neglefted where
people fettle upon new lands. It has been faid,
that a young orchard will produce apples enough
in feven years, if it is well pruned, for a family,
both for cyder and other ufes.

8. Gather chefnuts, walnuts, hazel-nuts, hic.

KOVEMBER.

1. BLEED your horfes.

2. Houfe your cattle, as the cold weather ap-

^'7-'' Move your bees under a fhelter, or into a

warm place. ,

4. Continue to plant timber and fruit-trees. ^

5. Take up your beets, carrots, parfnips, turnips,

cabbages, &c. r n.

6. Secure your cellars againft the froft, to pre-
vent your potatoes, &c. from being deftroyed by
freezing.

DECEMBER.

1. TAKE good care of your cattle.

2. Threlh out your grain.

n. Break and fwingle your flax. ^

4. Grind your tools, and keep them in good

order for ufe.

c Kill your hogs and fat cattle.

I TakI care of your geefe, .urfe and fo.k.

7. Feed your bees, if they havenot laid up honey

enoueh to live upon.

8. In long evenings, read Theology, Geography,
Hiaory, and the Amarican Oracle, if you pleaie.—

-, \\ A/r^„ ...... nnd ^rflA^-W/v crown your

rarewel; ivxay paui^i. ttnu ^--jjr- „

labours! Amen.

Loadon, April25, 1791. CHAP

DEC

LARATION 01^ IKDEPENDEN'CE. 4'?

e fetting
;d where
ecn fiiid,
5 enough
a family,

ts,S:c.

jather ap-

or into a

-trees,
s, turnips,

ft, to pre-
Iroyed by

in good

, and fowls,
id up honey

Geography,
)u pleafe. — "
;rown your

CHAP. XLVII.

Of the Revolution of tJ>e American Colonies , Declaratm
of Inclependence.--neir Alliance with France, -^De^
finitive treaty of Peace zvith Great Britain.--Pro^
cJamation of Congrefs. ^Treaty with PruJia.^Prer
fent Conjlitiition, and Charaaer of Gen. Waflnngton, .

HIS Excellency Benjamin Franklin, Efq. L.L. D.
F. R.S. isfaid to be the prime conduc-
tor of the American Revolution ; but be that as it
may, it appears diat the Foreign Powers were
fearful that in procefs of time Great Britain would
be too powerful, if her Colonies remained under her
Government, and that from hence they aided and
affifted in difmembering thofe Governments from
the Mother Country.

I Qiall not attempt t ve a long hiflory of the
war ; but only obferve, that on the 4th of July,
1776; thirteen colonies, viz.NewHampOiire, the
Maffachufetts, Rhode-Ifland, Conne^icur, New
York, New Jerfey,Pennfylvania, Delaware, Mary-
land, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina,
and Georgia, were declared independent of the
Englifti Crown, by a Congrefs of Delegates, con-

£ Q vened

CHAP

4i8

THE AMERICAN ORACLE^

M (

i <

I (

vened at Philadelphia, who had been fent there by
the Legillative Affemblies in the different Pro-
vinces. A terrible war enfued, not only between
Great Britain and the Revolted Colonies ; but be-
tween England, France, Spain, and Holland. It has
been faid, that the Britiih loft upwards of 100,000
men, and that the National Debt was augmented
more than 100 millions of pounds fterling, by the
conteft ; llaughter and deiblation overfpread the
land, in many parts of America; great numbers
fell by the fword ; many died of camp difeafes,
and many towns and villages were laid waftc.
How many of the Americans were loft by this war
is unknown to me, but a clergyman, who was a
travelling preacher, in the Southern Govern-
ments, whilft the war continued, and not a Loy-
alift, informed me, that the inhabitants of South
Carolina were not fo numerous by 100,000 when
the war ended, as they were when it began ; but it is
thought, that the greateft part of them died with
iicknefs. A Britiih Major told me, that more
than 50 died in a day, take one day with another,
with illnefs, for a long time, at a place where he was
Rationed in that Government. This war invoh A
the Americans in debt, to the amount of 65 mil-
lions of dollars, according to a late publication
which I have fcen, as was before obfervcd. Gen.
Waftiington was Commander in Chief of the
American armies during the war, and conduded
his military operations with fuch great ikill, that at

, n ^ „.„, -n.^Klin-'^l xvliere^^v thf Revolted
iait a peace wab ei.u*DUuivxi, mi^i^-) ti

Colonies

nt there by
ferent Pro-
ly between
IS ; but be-
land. Ithas
of 100,000
augmented
ing, by the
rfpread the
;at numbers
np difeafes,
laid waftc.
by this war
who was a
rn Govern-
not a Loy-
ts of South
Djooo when
Tan ; but it is
m died with
that more
/ith another,
vhcrc he v-as
var invoU :d
t of 65 mil-
i pubhcation
rvcd. Gen.
:hief of the
;d conduced
t fkill, that at
the Revoked
Colonies

PECLARATION OF IKPEPENDENCE. 4^9

Colonies were not only declared independent by
fome Foreign Powers, but by Great Britain.

For the Benefit of my Readers, I Ihall conclude
this chapter, by adding,

1. The Declaration of the American .idepen-

dence.

2. The Alliance of the States with France.

3. Their Definitive Treaty of Peace with Great

Britain.

4. A Proclamation of Con grefs.

5. Their Treaty with Pruflia.

6. Their prefent Conftitution, and

7. The charadter of General WaHiington.

I. In Congress, 7^/y 4j 1776-

j^ Declaration by the Reprefenlalives of the
United States of America, in General Congrefs af em-
bled.

WHEN, in the courfe of human events, it
becomes neceffary for a people to diffolve the
political bafis which have conneded them with
another, and to affume among the powers of
the earth the feparate and equal ftation, to which
the laws of nature, and of Nature's God entitle
them, a decent refped to the opinions of mankind
requires that they Ihould declare the caufes which
impel them to the feparation.

We hold thefe truths tobefelf-evident — that all

E e 2 their

42 o

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

their Creator with certain unalienable rights ; that
among thefe are life, liberty, and the purfuit ot
happinefs. That to fecure thofe rights govern-
ments are inftituted among men, deriving their
iuft powers from the confent of the governed ; and
t^hencver any form of government becomes de-
flraaive of thcfe ends, it is the right of the people
to alter and abolilh it, and to inRitute a new go-
vernmenr, laying its foundation on fuch principles,
and organizing its powers in fuch form as to them
Ihall feem moft likely to effea their fafety and
happincfs.^Prudei>ce, indeed, will didate that
oovernments longedablilhed, (l^ould not be chang-
ed for li-ht and tranficnt caufes, and accoraingly
all experience hath ihewn, that mankind are more
difpofed to fuffer, while evils are fuffcrable, than
to right thcmfelves, by abolilhing the forms to
which they are accuftomed ; but, when a long
' train of abufes and ufurpations, parfuing invaria-
blv the fame objea, evinces the defign to reduce
them under abfolute defpotifm, it is their right, it
is their duty to throw off fuch government, and
10 provide new guards for their future fecurity.
Such has been the patient fufferancc of theie Co-
lonies, and fuch is now the necefiity which con-
Ib-uins them to alter their former fyftems of go-
vernment. The hidory of the prefent of

^ is a hiftory of repeated injuries and ufurpa-
tions, all having in dired objed the eftablilhment
of an abfolute tyr.inny over thefe ftates. To prove
this let fads be fubmitted to a candid world.
' He

■Ights ; that

purfuit of
[its govern-
iving their
rerned ; and
ecomes de-
f the people
3 a new go-
h principles,
11 as to them
;ir fafety and

dldate that
lotbechang-

accordingly
:indaie more
fcrable, than
the forms to
when a long
filing invaria-
ign to reduce
their right, it
n-nment, and
.iture fecurir;.

of thefe Co-
y which cou-
fyflems of go-

fent of

es and ufurpa-
: cftablilhment
ites. To prove
did world.

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 4^1

He ha. refufcd his affent to laws the moft
.holefome and necelTary for the pubhc good

He has forbidden his governors to paf Uw of
i..ediate and preffing ^j;^J^^
pended in their operation till ^ffl""''^ ,

obtained ; and when fo fufpended, he has utterly
negleded to attend to them.

He has refufed to pafs other aws fo the a.
commodation of large diftrias of peopl , unkCs
thofe people would relinquifh the right of lepr -
fentationinthelegiilature, a right ineftimable to
them, and formidable to Tyrants only.

He has called together legiflative bodies at
places unufual, unconformable and diftant from
L depofitory of the public records, or the (ble
purpofe of fatiguing them into compliance with

his meafures. ,

He has diffolved reprefentative houfes repeated-
ly, foroppofing, with manly firmnefs, hisinvafions
on the lights of the people. .^ ' .

He has refufed a long time after fuch diffolution
to caufe others to be erefted, whereby the legifla-
tive powers, incapable of annihilation, have re-
turned to the people at large for their exercifc,
the ftate remaining, in the mean time, expofed to
all the dangers of invafion fromwithout, and con-

vulfions wuhin.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population

of thefe ftates; for that purpofe obftruding the

Uws for naturalization of foreigners, refufing to

pafs others tc encourage their migration hither

, ^ Ees ^'^^

4^2

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

I 1

, ".

tr ^1111

and laifing the conditions of new appropriated

lands.

He has obftruAed the adminiftration of juftice,
by refufing his aflent to laws for eftablifhing judi-
ciary powers.

He has made judges dependent on his will alone
for the tenure of their offices, and the amount
and payment of theii falaries.

He has ereded a multitude of new offices, and
fent hither fwarms of officers to harrafs our people,
and eat out their fubfidence.

He has kept amongft us, in times of peace, (land-
ing armies, without the confent of our legillature.

He has affefted to render the miUtary indepen-
dent of, and fuperior to the civil power.

He has combined with others to lubjed us to a
jurifdiclion foreign to our conftitution, and unac-
knowledged by our laws, giving his aflent to their
pretended ads of legiflation.

For quartering large bodies of armed troops

amongft us.

For protecting them, by a mock trial, from pu-
niftiment for any murders which they fliould com-
mit on the inhabitants of thefe ftates.

For cutting off our trade with all parts of the

world.

For impoHng taxes en us without our confent.

For depriving us, in many cafes, of the benefit
of trial by jury.

For tranfporting us beyond fcas to be tried for

pretended offences.

1 For

propriated

ofjuftice,
hing judi-

will alone
lie amount

fEccs, and
lur people,

jace^ftand-
legillature.
y indepen-

•

ed us to a

and unac-

ent to their

mcd troops

1, from pu-
lould com-

)arts of the

Lir confent.
the benefit

be tried for

For

moft valuable laws, and altermg

cladng themfdves invefted wich power to le-
cr-.flate for us in all cafes whatfoever.
^' He has abdicated government here, by deck -
ing us out of his proteftion, and wagmg war

againft us. ^^^^

He has plundered our leas, ra\.v

burnt our towns, and deftroyed the hves of our

^'h^s at this time tranfporting large armies of
foreign mercenaries to complete the works of
3, defolation, and tyranny, already begun
S drcumftances of cruelty and perfidy carce y
paralleled in the moft barbarous ages, and totally
unworthy the head of a civilized nation.

He has conftrained our fellow citizens, taken
captive on the high feas, to bear arms agamft their
country, to become executioners of their riends
and brethren, or to fall themfelves by their hands
He has excited domeftic infurreftions amonglt
us and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabi-
tants of our frontiers, the mercilefs Indian favages,

E e 4

111

424

THE AMERICAN ORACLE,^

whofe known rule of warfare is an undiftinguifhed
deftru6tion of all ages, fexes, and conditions. ,•
In every ftage of thefe oppreflions we have peti-
titioned for redrefs in the moil humble terms ;
our re^)i-. ;ted petitions have been anfwered only
by repeated injury. A prince whofe character is
thus marked by every ad which may define a ty-
kant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have we been wanting in attention to our
Britifh brethren ; we have warned them, from time
to time, of attempts by their legiflature to extend
an unwarrantable jurifdiftion over us ; we have
reminded them of the circumflances of our emi-
gration and fettlement here ; we have appealed to
their native juflice and magnanimity, and we have
conjured them by the ties of our common kindred,
to dilavow thefe ufurpatiors, which would inevit-
ably interrupt our connections and correfpon-
dence, They too have been deaf to the voice of
juftice and confanguinity. We mufl therefore
acquiefcc in the neceflity which denounces our
feparation, and hold them as we hold the reft of
mankind, enemies in war, in peace friends.

Wc, therefore, the reprefentatives of the Unit-
ed Slates of America, in General Congrefs aflem-
bled, appealing to the Suprepie Juflice of the
world for & reditude of our intentions, do, in the
name of, and by the authority of the good people
of theft Colonies, folemnly publifli, and declare,
that thefe united Colonies are, and of right, ought
to be, Frle ajid Independemt States, and that:

they

ALLIANCE WITH FRANCE.

425

ftinguifhed
iitions. ,'

have peti-
ble terms ;
wered only
character is
iefine a ty-
^ople.

ion to our
, from time
2 to extend

; we have
f our emi-
appealed to
nd we have
Dn kindred,
)uld incvit-

correfpon-
;he voice of
I therefore
ounces our
1 the reft of
snds.

F the Unlt-
^refs aflem-
lice of the
;, do, in the
,ood people
nd declare,
ight, ought
iS, and that:
they

they are abfolved from all allegiance to the BritiOi
Crown, and that all political conneAion betweea
them and the ftate of Great Britain is, and ought
to be, totally diffolved ; and that as free and in-
dependent States, they have full power to levy
war, conclude peace, contrad alliances, eftabhlh
commerce, and to do all other ads and things,
which Independent States may of right do. And
for the fupport of this declaration, with a firm re-
liance on the protedion of Divine Providence, we
mutually pledge to each other our liv^s, our for-
tunes, and our facred honour.

(Signed by order, and in behalf of the CoQ-
grefs.)

(Atteft)

John Hancock, Prefident.
Charles Thomson, Sec.

II. ALLIANCE with FRANCE.

A 1'rcaty of Amity and Comtnerce between his Most
Christian Majesty fl;/-^//;^ United States

e/"AMtRICA.

WHEREAS his Moft Chriftian Majefty and
the United States of North America, namely. New

Haiupiiiire,

'*'.

I'f

426

THE AMERICAN ORACLI.

Hampfliire, &c. &c. having this day concluded a
Treaty of Amity and Commerce, for the mutual
advantage of their fubjeft,, think it ncceffary to
take under their moft ferious confiderat.on the
means of eftabl.lliing thofe engagements upon a
folidbafis, and rendering them fubferv.entto the
fecurity and peace of both parfcs ; efpeaally m
Z. cLat Bntam, in deteftation of fuch good
correfpondence, vvh.ch is the objca of the fa.d
treaty, ihould break with France, e.ther by di eft
hoftilities, or by annoying its commerce and navi-
gation, contrary to the rights of the nat.ons, and
to the good underftanding fubf.ftmg between the

two Crowns. , , „

And whereas his Majefty and the Unued States
have come to a v . lution, in the aforela.d cafe
to unite their Councils, and direft theu jomt ef-
forts againft the undertakings of the common ene-
my • the refpeaive Plenipotentiaries, authonled to
Jree upon fuch conditions moR hkcly to anfwer
their intentions, after the moft mature deltbera-
tion ftipuhtcd and agreed upon the foliowtng ar-

tides '

Art . In cafe war fl.ould break out between
France and Great Britain, during the prefent con-
teft between the latter and the United States, his
Moft Chrtftian M.ielly an<l the faid States w,U
■,oin in one caufe, and mutually afftft each other
with their refpeaive good offices, counc, Is, and
forces, as citcumllances may retpure, and as be-
comes good and taithiul Allies.

Alliance with prance.

427

oncluded a
the mutual
icceffary to
eratlon the
nits upon a
vient to the
sfpecially in
fuch good
of the faid
icr by direifl
ce and navi-
gations, and
between the

J nited States
orelaid cafe,
their joint ef-
common ene-

authoriied to
-ly to anfwer
ture delibera-

following ar-

: out between
e prcfcnt con-
red St:ates, his
aid States will
Titl each other
councils, and
ire, and as be-

Art. 2.

Art. 4. The dired and eflential meaning of the
prefent defenfive alliance is effeaually to maintain
the freedom, fovereignty, abfolute and unbound-
ed independence of the United States both in
matters of government and commerce.

Art. 3. The contrading Powers (hall each on
its part, and in fuch manner as may be deemed
bcft, dired all their efforts againft the common
enemy, to the purpofe of fulfilling the prefent en-
gagement.

Art. 4. The contrafling Powers covenant,
that, in cafe either of them fliall undertake any
thing in which the concurrence of the other Ihali
be deemed requifite, the latter lliall diredly, and
bona fide, ]om the former, in order to ad in con-
cert, as far as circumftances and fituations will
permit ; and, in fuch cafe, they fliall by private
convention regulate the number and kind of forces
to be found, as well as the time and manner of
ading, and the advantages which may be granted
as a compenflition.

Art. 5. If the United States fliall think it con-
venient to attempt the redu6tion of the remaining
Britannic polTeflions in the Northern parts of Ame-
rka; or in the Iflands of Bermuda; U.d\ countries
in cafe of fuccefs, fliall be confederate .with, or
dependent on, the faid States.

Art. 6. His Mofl: Chrillian Majefl;y, for ever,
gives up all thoughts of poiiefling himfelf of the
iilands of Bermuda, or any part of the Continent
in North- America, which, before the Treaty of

Paris

428

THE AMERICAN ORACLB.

h s

Paris, T763. or by virtue thereof, have been ac
knowiedged as belonging to the Crown of Great
Britain, or the United States, heretofore denom.-
nated Britilh Colonies, or are at prefent, orhithei-
to have been, under the power of the King and
Crown of Great Britain. , , ■ n ,

A,-t , In cafe his Mod Chnft.an Majefty
fcou'ld attack any of the iilands f.tuate in or near
theGvdfof Mexico, which are at prcfcnt «.thm
the dominions of Great Britau., and (hould take
the fame, they fl>aU belong to the Crown of

Art" 8 Neither of the contraaing Powers
n-.aU be at liberty to conclude peace or truce wth
Great Britain, without the previous and formal
confcnt of the other. And they do mutually en-
case not to lay down their arms before the inde-
;;r;dence of the United States (hail have been
' ior>-^ally or implicitly fecured by the treaty or
trcanes, which Ihall terminate the war.

Art. Q. The contraaing parties ^o declare,
that, being refolvcd, each on its part, to falhl the
articles a..d conditions of the prefent Treaty of
AUianc-.-, according to their power and crcum-
,>,.r.r-^ there will be no manner of comperfoion
rcfcrvc'l, neither on one part nor the other, what^

ever a.av i)e the ifuie of the war.

At 10 His Moa Chriftian Maietly and the

Uoiied States do agree to invite or admit any
ether Power as m.y have experienced any *ro..gs
trox England to ]du with them, and accede to

ALLIANCE WITH FRANCE.

429

re been ac-
n of Great
re denomi-
t, or hither-
e King and

an Majefty
:e in or near
•cfcnt within
(hould take
e Crown of

iing Powers
Dr truce with
s and formal
mutually en-
orc the inde-
lU have been
the treaty or

ar.

s do declare,
t, to faUil the
-at Treaty of
r and circum-
compeniation
e other, what'

laiefly and the
or admit any

:ed any wrongs
and accede to

the prefent alliance, under fuch conditions as may
freely be agreed upon and regulated between all

parties.

Art. II. The two contrading parties guaran-
ty each other, from this inftant, and for ever,
againft all other Powers, viz. The United States
to his Moft Chriftian Majefty all the American
polTeffions now belonging to the Court of France,
as well as thofe that may be made over io it by a
future treaty of peace ; and his Moft Chriftian
Majefty guaranties on his part to the United
States their freedom, fovereignty, and abfolute in-
dependence both in matters of goverment and
commerce, as alfo their pofleffions and the increafe
or conquefts, as may arife from their confedera-
tion during the war, over any of the domains now,
or heretofore the property of Great Britain, in
North-America, agreeable to the foregoing 5th
and 6th Articles ; fo that the poftefTion ftiall be
fixed and fecured to the faid States at the con-
clufion of their prefent war with England.

Art. 12. That the meaning of the foregoing
Articles may be more precifely underftood, the
contraAing parties do declare, that, in cafe of a
rupture between France and England, the gua-
ranty aforefaid ftiall be in full force, from the
inftant the war ftiall be declared ; if the cafe ftiould
be otherwife, the mutual obligations of the faid
guaranty fliall only take place from the time that
a ceflation of hoftilities between England and the
feid States fliall have afcertained the latter.

Art. !3»

43®

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

liiiliilMii

Ar- t^. The prefent Treaty (hall be ratified
on yow .ides, and the ratification interchanged
with the fpace of fix months, or fooner if pof-

fible.

In witnefs whereof the rcfpedive Plenipotentia-
ries viz. on the part of his Moft Chriftian Ma-
lefty the Sieur Conrad Alexandre Gerard, &c.
&c On the part of the States, the Sieur Benja-
xnin Franklin, Deputy to Congrefs from Pennfyl-
vania, and Prefident of the Convention to the faid
States, Silas Deane, &c. and Arthur Lee, LL. D.
^vho have hereunto fet their hands and feals ; de-
daring meanwhile, that the prefent Treaty was
compofed and concluded in the French language.

Done at Paris, Feb. 6, 177S.
(L. S.) C. A. GERARD.

(L. S.) BEN J. FRANKLIN,

(L. S.) SILAS DEANE.
(L. S.) ARTHUR LEE,

PEFINITIVE TREATY.

43 »

be ratified
terchanged
»ner if pof-

jnipotentia-
jiftian Ma-
rerard, &c.
>ieur Benja-
)m PennfyU
n to the faid
^ee, LL. D.
i feals ; de-
Treaty was
:h language.

NKLIN.
LEE,

III. ne DEFINITIVE TREATY hetvjeeti
Great-Britain ,7;/^ /i&^ United States o»
America. Signed at Paris, the 3^ Day of Sep-
temki-f 1783.

Ill the Name of the Moft Holy and Undivided

Trinity.

IT having pleafed the Divine Providence to
difpofe the hearts of the Moft Serene and Moft
Potent Prince George the Third, by the Grace
of God King of Great Britain, France, and Ire-
land, Defender of the Faith, Duke of Brunf-
wick and L.unenburgh, Arch-Treafurer and
Prince Eledor of the Holy Roman Empire, &c.
and of the United States of America, to forget
all pad mifunderftandings and differences that
have unhappily interrupted the good correfpon-
dence and friendd'ip which they mutually widi to
reftore, and to eftabUfli fuch a beneficial and fa-
tisfa6tory intercourfe between the two countries,
upon the ground of reciprocal advantages and
mutual convenience, as may promote and fccnre
to both perpetual peace and harmony ; and having
for this defirable end already laid the foundation
of peace and reconciliation, by the Provifional
Articles figned at Paris on the 30th of November,
1782, by the Commiflioners empowered on each
part, which Articles were agreed to be inferted

in.

432

THl AMERICAN ORACLE.

ft t

in, and to conftitute the Treaty of Peace pro-
pofed to be concluded between the C.oxvn ov
breat Britain and the faid United States, but
which Treaty was not to be concluded until terms,
of Peace Ihould be agreed upon between Great
Britain and France, and his Britannic Majeay
(hould be ready to conclude fuch Treaty accord-
inelv ; and the Treaty between Great Br.a.n and
France, having fince been concluded, his Bntan-
nic Majefty and the United States of America,
in order to carry into full effeft the Prov.fional
Articles above-mentioned, according to the tenor
thereof, have conftituted and appointed, that is
to fay, hi's Britannic Majefty on his part, David
Hartley, Efq. Member of the Parliament of Great
Britai", and the faid United States on their part,
John Adams, Efq. late a Commiffioner of the
United States of America at the Court of \ er-
faiUes, late Delegate in Congrefs from the State
of Maifachufetts, and Chief Juftice of the faul
State, and Minifter Plenipotentiary of the iaid
United States to i.eir High Mightineffes the
States-General of the United Netherlands ; Ben-
jamin Franklin, Efq. late Delegate in Congrefs
from the State of Pennfylvania, Prefident of the
Convention of the faid State, and Minifter Pleni-
potentiary from the United States of America at
the Court of VerfaiUcs ; and John Jay, bfq. late
Prefident of Congrefs, and Chief Juftice of the
State of New-York, and Miniaer Plenipotentiary

from the faid United States at the Court of Ma-
drid,

" Peace pro-
e Cicwn of
States, but
d until terms
stween Great
inic Majefty
reaty accord-
it Britain and
I, his Britan-
of America,
,e Provifional
g to the tenor
)inted, that is
5 part, David
ment of Great
on their part,
(Tioner of the
:ourt of Ver-
rom the State
e of the faid
y of the faid
ffhtineffes the
lerlands ; Ben-
e in Congrefs
refident of the
Minifter Pleni-
of America at
Jay, Efq. late
Jufticc of the
Plenipotentiary

: Court of Ma-
drid,

DEFINITIVE TREATY.

433

drid to be the Plenipotentiaries for the con-
eluding and figning the prefent Definitive Treaty 5
who, after having reciprocally communicated
their refpedive full powers, have agreed upon and
confirmed the following Articles :

Art. I. His Britannic Majefty acknowledges
the flxid United Stat.s, viz. New-HampOiire,
Maffachufetts-Bay, Rhode-Illand and Providence
Plantations, Connedicut, New-York New-Jer-
fey, Pennfylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virgmia,
North-Carolina, South-Carolina, and Georgia, to
be free, fovereign, and independent States ; that
he treats with them as fuch, and for himfelf, his
heirs, and fucceilbrs, relinquifiies all claims to the
government, propriety, and territorial rights of
the fiime, and every part thereof.

Art. II. And that all difputes which might
arife in future on the fubjed of the bennda-
« lies of the faid United States may be prevented,
it is hereby agreed and declared, that the following
are and fiiall be their boundaries, viz. From the
north-weft angle of Nova-Scoiia, viz. That angle
which is formed by a line drawn due north from
the fource of St. Croix River to the Highlands,
along the faid Highlands, which divide thofe ri-
vers that empty themfelves into the river St.
Lawrence, from thofe which fall into the Atlantic
Ocean to the North-wefternmoft head of Ccnncc-
ticut-rivcr; thence down along the middle of that
river to the forty-fifdi degree of nor"-h-latitude ;
from thence by a line due weft on faid latitude,

F r

liHiaT

t ;i I

434

THE AMERICAN ORACLE."

until it flrikes the river Irriquois or Caatraqiiy ;
thence along the middle of the faid river into
Lake Ontario ; through the middle of faid 1 ike,
until it flrikes the communication by water be-
tween that lake and Lake Erie ; thence along the
middle of faid communication into Lake Erie,
through the middle of faid lake, until it airi\es at
the water communication between that lake and
Lake Huron ;; thence through the middle of faid
lake to the water communication between that
lake and Lake Superior ; thence through Lakg
Superior northward of the IHes Royal and Pheli-
peaux to the Long Lake ; thence through the
middle of faid Long Lake and the water commu-
nication between it and the Lake of the Wo^ds,
to the faid Lake of the Woods ; thence through
the faid lake to the moft north-weftern point
thereof, and from thence on a due weft courfe to
the Eaver Miffiffippi; thence by a line to be drawn
•along the middle of the faid River Miffiffippi;
until it Ihall interfed the northernmoft part of the
thirty-firft degree of north latitude. South, by a
line to be drawn due eaft from the determination
of the line laft-mentioned in the latitude of thirty,
one degrees north of the equator, to the middle
of the River Apalachicola or Catahouche ; thence
along the middle thereof to its jundion with the
Flint-river ; thence ftrait to die head of St. Mary's
River ; and thence down along the middle of St.
Mary's River to the Atlantic Ocean ; eaft, by a
line to be drawn along the middle of the River

St.

DEFINITIVE TREATY.

435

Caatraqiiy ;
id river into
of faid like,
by water be-
rice along the
o Lake Erie,
il it airi\es at
that lake and
liddle of faid

between that
hrough LakQ
,'al and Pheli-
: through the
ivater commu-
• the Wo,>ds,
bence through
•weftern point

weft courfe to

ne to be drawn

^r Mifliflippi;

loft part of the

South, by a

determination
itudc of thirty-
to the middle
lOuche; thence
idlion with the
d of St. Mary's
; middle of St.
an; eaft, by a
e of the River
St.

St Croix from Its mouth in the Bay of Fundy to
its fource, and from its fource diredly north to
the aforefaid Highlands, which divide the rivers
that fall into the Atlantic Ocean from thofe which
fall into the River Si. Lawrence, compr lending
all Iflands within twenty leagues of any part ot
the Ihores of the United States, and lying between
lines to be drawn due eaft fro^. the points where
the aforefaid boundaries between Nova-Scotia on
the one part, and Eaft-Florida on the other, ftiall
refpeaively touch the Bay of Fundy and the At-
lantic Ocean, excepting fuch Iflands as now are or
heretofore have been within the limits of the faid
province of Nova Scotia.

Art. hi. It is agreed t'at the people of the
United States ihall continue to enjoy unmolefted
the right to take fiOi of every kind on the Grand
Bank, and on all the other Banks of Newfound^
land, alfo in the Gulph of St. Lawrence, and all
other places in the fea, where the inhabitants of
both countries ufed at any time heretofore to ftlli.
And alfo that the Inhabitants of the United States
fliall have liberty to take ftfti of every kind on
fuch part of the coaft of Newfoundland as Britilh
filhermen fhall ufe, (but not to dry or cure the
fame on that Ifland) and alio on the coafts, bays
and creeks of all of his Britannic Majefty's domi-
nions in America ; and that the American fiftier-
men (hall have liberty to dry and cure fiih in any
of the unfettled bays, harbours and creeks of
Nova-Scotia, Magdalen Iflands and Labrador, fo

Ff z . long

in.

ik.i t>

I i

r I

I id:

,.; I

«6

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

long as the fame fhall remain unfettled ; but fo
foon as the fame or either of them fhall be fettled,
it Hiall not be lawful for the faid filhermen to dry
or cure fidi at fuch fettlement, without a previous
agreement for that purpofe with the inhabitants,
proprietors or pofTelVors of the ground.

Art. IV. It is agreed that the creditors on
either fide iliall meet with no lawful impediment
to the recovery of the full value, in fterling mo-
ney, of all hiiafde debts herecofore contraded.

Art. V. It is agreed that Congrefs Qiall earneftly
recommend to the Legiflatures of the refpedivc
States, to provide for the reftitution of all eftates,
rights, and properties, which have been confif-
cated, belonging to real BritiQi fubjefts ; and alfo
of the eftates, rights, and properties of perfons re-
fident m diftrids in the poffeffion of his Majefty's
arms, and who have not borne arms againft the
faid United States ; and that perfons of any other
defcription Hiall have free liberty to go to any
part or parts of any of the Thirteen United States,
and therein to remain twelve months unmolefted
in their endeavours to obtain the reftitution of
fuch of their eftates, rights, and properties, as
may have been confifcated ; and that Congrefs
Ihall alfoea .cftly recommend to the feveral 5tate<^
a re-confideration aad rcvifion of all Ads or Laws
regarding the premifes, fo as to render the faid
Laws or Ads pcrfedly confiftent not only with
jufticc and equity, but with that fpirit of concilia-
lion, which, oil the return of the bleffings of

peace.

ed ; but fo
I be fettled,
*men to dry
t a previous
inhabitants,
1.

:reditors on
impediment
fterling mo-
ontracled.
lall earneftly
le rcfpedivc
>f all eftates,
been confif-
^s ; and alfo
f perfons re-
^lis Majefty's
againfl the
of any other
) go to any
United States,
s unmolefted
eftitution of
roperties, as
bat Congrefs
feveral States
Ads or Laws
ider the faid
Dt only with
t of concilia-
; bleflings of
peace.

D,EFINITIVF. TREATY.

437

peace, fhould univerfally prevail ; and that Con
Lfs (hall alfo earneftly recommend to the feveral
Les, that the eftates, rights, and properties of
fach laft.mentioned perfons Qiall be reftored to
them, they refunding to any perfons who may be
now in poffefl-ion the l^ona fide price (svhere any
has been given) which fuch P-^^^ -^^ ^^7
paid on purchafmg any of the fud lands, rights,
or properties fmce the confifcation.

And it is agreed, that all perfons who have any
intereft in confifcated lands, either by debts,
niarriage fettlcments, or otherwife, n.all meet
with no lawful impediment in the profecution of
their juft rights.

Art VI. That there fhall be no future conhl^
cations made, nor any profecutions commenced
againft any perfon o. perfons for, or by reafon of
the part which he or they may have taken in the
prefent war ; and that no perfon (hall, on that ac-
count, fuffer any future lofs or damage, either m
his perfon, liberty, or property ; and that thofc
who may be in confinement on fuch charges,, at the
time of the ratification of the Treaty in America,
fliall be immediately fet at liberty, and the profe-
cutions fo commenced be difcontinued.

Art. VII. There Qiall be a firm and perpetual
peace between his Britannic Majefty and the faid
States, and between the fubjeds of the one, and
the citizens of the oihcr ; wherefore all hoftilities
both by fea and land iball, from henceforth,
teafe ; all prifoners on both fides (ball be lev at

liberty,

Ff 3

■ *jSte:^

438 THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

liberty, and his Britannic Majefly fliall, with all
convenient fpeed, and without caufing any de-
ftrudion, or carrying away any negroes, or other
property of the American inhabitants, withdraw
all his armies, garrifons, and fleets from the faid
United States, and from every poft, place, and
harbour within the fame, leaving in all fortifica-
tions the American artillery that may be therein ;
and (hall alfo order and caufc all archives, records,
deeds, and papers belonging to any of the faid
States, or their citizens, which in the courfe of
the war may have fallen into the hands of his ofR-
cers,to be forthwith reftorcd, and delivered to the
proper States and perfons to whom they belong.

Art. VIII. The navigation of the River Mif^
fiffippi, from its fource to the ocean, fliall for
ever remain free and open to the fubjeds of
Great Britain, and the citizens of the United

States.

Art. IX. In cafe it (hould fo happen that any
place or territory belonging to Great Britain, or
to the United States, Ihould have been conquered
by the arms of either from the other, before the
arrival of the faid Provifional Articles in America,
it is agreed that the fame fliall be reftored without
difficulty, and without requiring any compenfa-

tion.

Art. X. The folemn ratifications of the pre-
fenl Treaty, expedited in good and due form,
(hall be exchanged between the the Contrading
Parties in the fpace of fix months, or fooner, if

poflibie,

DEFINITIVE TREATY.

439

hall, with all
ling any de-
■oes, or other
Its, withdraw
from the faid
t, place, and
I all fortifica-
,y be therein ;
lives, records,
y of the faid
the courfe of
ids of his offi-
elivere^l to the
they belong,
he River Mif-
cean, fliall for
le fubjeds of
)f the United

appen that any
^at Britain, or
>een conquered
her, before the
les in America,
eftored without
any compenfa-

>ns of the pre-

and due form,

he Contradling

J or fooner, if

poflibie,

noffible to be computed from the day of the fig-
ratu^^f the prefent Treaty. In witnefs whereof
Tt e underngned, their Minifters Plentpoten-
tiary, have in their name, and in virtue of ou r f uU
po J^rs, figned with our hands the P-rent^efim.
tive Treaty, and caufed the Seals of our Arms to

be affixed thereto. September, ia

Done at Pans, this 3a oay ui ^ f
JyZ Of our Lord one Uroufand f.ven hundred

and eighty-three,^ ^^ JOHN ADAMS.

(L. S.) JOHN JAY,

GEORGE R,

George the Third, by the Grace of God, King
of Great Britain, Fraace and Ireland, Defender of
the Faith, Duke of Branfwick and Lunenburgh,
Arch-Treafurer and Prin« Eledor of the Holy
Roman Empire, &c. To all to whom thefe Pre-
{ents (hall come, Greeting:

Whereas, for the perfefting and eftabhlhlng the
peace, friendOiip, and good underRandrng, lo
happily commenced by the Provifional Articles
figned at Paris the thirtieth day of November laft,
by the Commiffioners of us and our good friends
the United States of America, viz. New-Hamp-
Ihire, Maffachufetts-Bay, Rhode-Hland, Connect
ticut, New-York, New-Jerfey, Pennfylvania, the
three Lower Counties on Delaware, MaryUnd,

F f 4 Virginia,

440

THE AMERICAN tRACLE.

Virginia, North-Carolina, South-Carolina and
Georgia, in North-America, and for opening,
promoting aaJ rendering perpetual the mutual
intercourfe of trade and commerce between our
kingdoms and the dominions of the faid United
States, ^\ve have thought proper to inveft fome fit
perfon with full powers on our part to meet and
•confer v.ith theMinillers of the faid United States,
now refiding at Paris, duly authorized for the ac-
complhhlng of fuch laudable and falutary pur-
pofes. Now know yc that wc, repofing fpecial
trufl and confidence in the wifdom, loyalty, dili-
gence, and circumfpcdion of our trufty and well-
beloved David Hartley, Efq. (on whom we have
therefore conferred the rank of our Minifler Pleni-
potentiary) have nominated, condituted, and ap-
pointed, and by thefe prcfents do nominate, con-
ilitute and appoint him our true, certain, and un-
doubted CommifTioner, Procurator, and Plenipo-
tentiary, giying and granting to him all and all
nianner of faculty, power, and authority, toge-
ther with general as well as fpecial order (fo as
the general do not derogate from the fpecial, nor
on the contrary) for us and in ournamc, to meet,
confer, treat and conclude with the Minillcr or
Minifters furnilhed with fufhc'Ctit powers on the
part oi ouf faid good friends the United States ot
America, of and concerning all fuch matters antl
things as may be requifite and neceffary for ac-
complilliing anl completing the feveral ends and
purpofes herein before-mentioned ; and alfo for

'^m-^

DEFINITIVE TREATY.

441

irolina and
3r opening,

the mutual
between our
faid "United
vcH feme fit
to meet and
nited States,
:i for the ac-
falutary pur-
Dfing I'pecial
oyalty, dili-
fty andvvell-
om we have
inifter Pleni-
;ed, and ap-
iiiinate, con-
ain, and un-
md Plenipo-
1 all and all
lority, togc-

ordcr (fo as

fpecial, nor
11c, to meet,

Minillcr or
owcrs on tlic
ited States of

matters antl

:ffary for ac-

ivi\\ ends and

and alfo for

us and in our name to fign fach Treaty or Trea-
Cconvention or Conventions, or other .nftra
„.ents whatfoever, as may be agreed upon n Ae
premifes; and mutually to d« '^^^ ,^"'' ,^ "'Jfj
the fame in exclunge. and to do and perform all
foch other arts, matters, and thmgs as may be
iTy ways proper and conducive to the purpofes
rovelentioned, in as full and ample fortn and
„>anner, and with the like s-nd,ty and effeft, a.
we otnfclf, if we were prefcnt, could do and per-
form the fame ; c.gaging and promifing on otir
Royal word, that we will accept, ratify, and con-
firm, in the moft effedual manner, all luch afts.
matters, and things as fliall be fo tranfafted and
concluded by our aforefaid Commiflioner, Procu-
rator, and Plenipotentiary, and that we wdl never
fuffer any perfon to violate the fame in the whole
or in part, or to aft contrary thereto. In tefti-
niony and confirmation of all which, we have
caufed our Great Seal of Great Britain to be af-
fixed to thefe prefents, figned with our Royal

hand.

Given at our Palace at St. James's, the four-
tecnth day of May, in the year of our Lord one
thoufand feven hundred and eighty-three, and 111
the twenty-third year of our reign.

I David Hartley, the Minifter above-named,
certify the foregoing to be a true Copy from my
original Commiflion, delivered . the American
Minifters this 19th day of May, 1783.

(Signed) DAVID HARTLEY.

^ ° ^ .The

I i

IJl

44*

THE AMERICAN ORACLH.

The Ujiited States of America in Congress

aiTembled,

To all to whom thefe Prefents ihall come, fend

Greeting.

WHEREAS thefe United States, from a fin-
cere defire of putting an end to the hoftilities be-
tween bis Moft Chriftian Majefty and thefe United
States on the one part, and his Britannic Majefty
on the other and of terminating the fame by a
peace founded on fiich folid and equitable, prin,
ciplcs as reafonably to promife a permanency of
the blefiings of tranquillity, did heretofore ap-
point the Hon. John Adams, late a Commiflioner
of the United Stares of America at the Court of
Verfailles, late Delegate in Congrefs from the
State of Maffacuufetis, and Chief Juftice of the
faid State, their Minifter Plenipotentiary, with
full powers general and fpecial to afl in that qua-
lity, to confer, treat, agree, and conclude with
the Ambaffadors or Plenipotentiaries of his Moft
Chriftian Majefty, and of his Britannic Majefty,
and thofe of any other Princes or States whom k
might concern, relating to the re-eftabliftiment of
peace and friendfliip ; and whereas the flames of
war have fmce that time been extended, and other
Nations and States are involved therein: Now
know yc, that we ftill continuing earneftly dc-
iirous, as far as depends upon us, to put a ftop to
tK*" pffiifinn of blood, and to convince the Powers

f I

DEFINITIVE TREATY.

443

in Congress

I come, fend

I, from a fin-
hoftilities be-
i thefe United
annic Majefty
the fame by a
:quitable. prin^
>erraaneacy of
leretofore ap-
Commiffioner
t the Court of
Tfefs from the
J lift ice of the
tentiary, with
ifl: in that qna-
conclude with
es of his Moft
innic Majefty,
States whom k
;ftabliftimcnt of
5 the flames of
ided, and other
therein : Now
g earneftly dc-
to put a ftop to
nee the Powers
of

nf Eurone, that we wiO^ for nothing more ardent-
t fhan to terminate the war by a fafe and honour,
lb e peace, have thought proper to renew the
;owers formerlv given to the faid ^^^^^^^^^^^
and to join fov. other perfons in commiffion w th
h m; and havmg full confidence in ^^^ --gn y,
p Jence, and ability of ^1- Honoura^^^^^^^
min Franklin, our Minifter Plenipotentiary at the

Clfc^'ve'rfailles, ^^^ ^^^ ^'^^^^ ^^
Jay, late Prefident of Congrefs and Chief-Jufti^c
if'he State of New-York, and our Mmifter Pie-
lotentiary at the Court of Madrid, and the Hon.
Sy LaLns, formerly Pref.dent of Congrefs,
and commiflionated and fent as our Agent to the
. United Provinces of the Low Countries, and the
Hon. Thomas Jefferfon, Governor of the Com=
nion-wealth of Virginia, have nominated, confti-
tuted, and appointed, and by thefe pre ents do
nominate, conftitute, and appoint the faid Benja-
min Franklin, John Jay, Henry L^^^f^^^ ^^f
Thomas Jtfferfon, in addition to the faid Johii
Adams, giving and granting to them the faid
John Adams, Benjamin Frankhn, John Jay,
Henry Uurens, and Thomas Jefferfon, or the
majority of them, or of fuch of them as may af-
femble, or, in caf^ of the death, abfence, indifpo-
fition, or other impediment of the others, to any
one of them, full power and authority, general ami
fpecial, conjundly and fepara^ely, and fpecial com-
mand to repair to fuch place as may be fixed upon
for opening negociations for pea^e, and there, for

444-

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

and in onr name, to confer, treat, agree, and con.
elude with our Ambaliadors, Commifiioncrs Ple-
nipotentiaries of the Princes and States whom it
may concern, veiled with equal powers relating to
the edablifnmcnt of Peace; and whatfoever Ihall
be agreed and concluded for us and in our name
to fign ; and thereupon make a Treaty or Treaties
and to tranflid every thing that may be neceilary
for compleating, fecuring, and (Irengthcning the
great work of pacification, in as ample form, and
with the fame effed, as if we were perfonally pre-
fent and aded therein, hereby promifing in good
faith that we will accept, ratify, fulfil, and execute
whatever Ihall be agreed, concluded, and figned
by our faid Miniftei s Plenipotentiary, or a majo-
rity of them, or of fuch of them as may afTcmble,
or in cafe of the death, abfence, indifpofition,
or other impediment of the others, by any one of
them ; and that we will never act nor fufTer any
perfon to ad contrary to the faiViC in whole or in
any part. In wimcfs whereof we have caufed thefe
prefents to be f gned by our Prclidcntj and fcalcd
with his Seal.

Done at IMiiladclphia, the fifteenth day of June,
in the year of our Lord one thoufand xcvcn hun-
dred and eighty-one, and in the fifth year of our
Independence. By the United States in Congrcls
fern bled.
(wSigned) Sam. Hl'NTington, Prcfidcnu

Charles Thomson, Sec,

AYc

Lr.

;rec, and con-
nidioncrs Ple-
tatcs whom it
ers relating to
latfoever Ihall
i in our name
kty or Treaties
y be neceUary
ngthening the
pie form, and
)erfonally pre-
iiifing in good
I, and execute
d, and figned
•y, or a majo-
may affcmble,
indifpofition,
by any one of
nor fuffcr any
in whole or in
e caufed thefe
ntj and fcalcd

h day of June,
nd iC\Qn hun-
h year of our
is in Congrcfs

ON, Prcfidciii.

PROCLAMATION OF CONGRESS. 445

We certify the foregoing copies of the refpec-
tive full powers to be authentic. Paris, Sept. 3,
17S3.

(Signed) Gkorce Hammond Secretary to the
Britiih Commiflion.

W.T.Franklin, Secretary to the
American Commiflfion.

Ratification ./Peace hy the American Con-

GRESS.

By the United States, in

Congress aflcmbled,

A PROCLAMATION.

WHEREAS defmitive articles of peace and
friend^ip, between the United States of America
and his Britannic MajcRy, were concluded and
figned at Paris, on the 3d day of Scptctnber, 1783,
by the Plenipotentiaries of the f:iid United States
and of his Britannic Majelly, duly and refpeaive-
lyauthorilcd for that pur pofc; which definitive,
articles a:e in the words r.)lbwing :

And we the United States in Congrcfs aflem-
bled, having feen and dvJy confidered the defini-
tive articles afoiefaid, did by a certain ad under
the feal of the United States, bearing date this 14th

a day

mi^

TKe AMBHtCAK ORACLE.

day of Jan. 1784. approve, ratify and confirm the
fame, and every part and claufc thereof, engaging
and prominug that we would fincerely and faith-
fully perform and obferve the fame, and never
fuffer them to be violated by any one, or tranf.
crefTed in any manner as far as Ihould be m our
power ; and being fmcerely difpofed to carry the
(aid articles into execution truly, honeftly, and
Avith good faith, according to the intent and mean-
ing thereof, we hav; thought proper by thefe pre
fents, to notify the premifes to all good citizens
of the United States, hereby requiring and enjoin-
ing all bodies of maciftracy, legiflative, executive
and judiciary, all pcifons bearing office, civil or
military, of wh .ifoever rank, degree, 1 owers, and
all others the ,ood citizens of thefe States of every
vocation and condition, that the reverencing thofe
flipulations entered into on their behalf, under the
authority of the federal bond by which their exift-
encc as an independent people is bound up toge-
thcr, and is known and acknowledged by the na-
tions of the world, and with that good faith which
is every man's fureft guide within their fevcral of-
fices, jurifdiaions, and vocations, they carry into
effed the faid definitive articles, and every claufe
and fentiment thereof, fincerely, ftridly and com-

pletely.

Given under the Seal of the United States. Wit-

nefs his Excellency THOMAS MIFFLIN,

Prcfidcnt, at Annapolis, this 1 4th day of Ja-

^„ .... :^ *u.. „««.. nf Qur T .nrd one thoufand

J feven

d confirm the
•cof, engaging
rely and fakli-
ne, and never
>ne, or tranf.
)uld be in our
d to carry the
honeftly, and
itent and mean-
sr by thefe pre-
1 good citizens
ing and enjoin-
uive, executive
office, civil or
ee, ; owers, and
: States of every
jvercncing thofe
chalf, under the
i\\\q\\ their exift-
bound up toge-
Aged by the na-
rood faith which
their fevcral of-
;, they carry into
and every claufe
[Iriclly and com-

ited States. Wit-
lAS MIFFLIN,
s i4thday of Ja-
,ord one thoufand
fcven

TREAT ." WITH PRUSSIA. 447

feven hundred . -i elghty-four, and of chc fo-
vereignty ana independence of the United
States of America the eighth.

Charles Thomson, Sec.

^Treaty ./Amity W Commerce h^we.. his
Majejly the Kin^ of Prussia, md the UnUed
States of Ai^i^^ic A,

HIS Majefty the King of Pruffia, and the Unit-
ed States of America, defiring to fix in a perma-
nent and equitable manner, the rules to be ob-
ferved in the intercourfe and commerce they de-
fire to eftabliOi between their refpedive countries,
have judged, that the faid end cannat be better
obtained than by taking the mod perfed equali-
ty and. reciprocity for the bafis of their agree-

ment. r t> r

With this view, hi. Majefty the King of Frui-
fia has nominated and conftituted, as his Plenipo.
tcntiary, the Baron Frederic William de Thule-
meyer. Envoy Extraordinary with their High
Mightineffcs the States General of tl United Ne-
therlands ; and the United States have, an their
part, given full powers to John Adams, Efq. now
Minifter Plenipotentiary of the United States with
his Britannic Majefty : Dr. Benjamin Franklin,
and Thomas Jefferfon, refpedive Plenipotentia-

(

i '

'■ i

! '

] j

44S

THE AMEBICAN ORACLE.

ries, have concluded articles, of which the follow,
ing is ?.n abftradt, fo far as concerns the States of

America.

The fubieds of his Majefty the King of Pruffia
may frequent all the coafts and countries of the
United States of America, and refide and trade
there in all forts of produce, manufadures, anc\
merchandize, and HidU pay within the faid Unit-
ed States no other or greater duties, charges, or
fees whatfoever, than the moft favoured nations
arc or (liall be obliged to pay ; and they fliall en-
•'oy all the rights, privileges, and exemptions, la
navigation and commerce, which the mod favour-
ed nation does or Hiall enjoy ; fubm-ting diem-
felvcs to the laws and ufagcs there ellablllhed.^

In like manner, the citizens of the United
States of America may frequent all the coads and
countries of his Majelly the King of Pruffia, and
refide and trade tlicre in all forts of produce, ma-
nnfadurcs, and merchandize, and fliall pay in the
dominions of his (aid Majcfty, no other greater
duties, charges, or fees whatfoever, than the moa
favoured nation is or Hiall be obliged to pay ; and
they (liall enjoy all the rights, privileges and ex-
cmptions, in navigation and commerce, which the
moft favoured nation does or ihall enjoy ; fubmit-
ting thcmfelves as aforciaid.

Each party Ihall have a right to carry their own
produce, manufaftures and merchandize, in their
own or any other veilcls, to any parts of the do-

minions

f A-

ch the follow-
s the States of

ing of Pruflia
untries of the
fide and trade
LifadureSj anc\
die laid Unit-
5, charges, or
/cured nations
1 they fliall en-
;xemptions, ia
he mod favour-
bm'ning them-
ellabliihed.
of the United
1 the coafts and
3f Pruflia, and
if produce, ma-
fliail pay in the
no other greater
r, than the mofi
ged to pay ; and
rivileges and ex-
ncrce, which d\c
[ enjov ; fubmit-

:> carry their own
handize, in their
parts of the do-
minions

TREATY WITH PRUSSIA.

449

minions of the other, where it (hall be lawful for
nU the fubjeas or citizens of that other freely to
nurchafe them ; and thence to take the produce,
manufactures and merchandize of the other,
^vhich all the l^iid citizens or fubjeds (hall
in like manner be free to fell them* paying
in both cafes fuch duties, charges, and fees only,
ns are or Qiall be paid by the moft favoured na-

tion. o J J

Each party Ihall endeavour to proteft and de-
fend all vellels, and other effeds, belonging to the
citizens or fubjeds of the o'dier, which (hall be.
within the extent of theii jurifdidtion by fea or
land ; and (hall ufe all their efforts to recover, and
caufe to be reftored to their right owners, their
velTeh and elFeds Which (hall be taken from them
within the extent of their faid jurirdidicn.

If one of the contrading parties (hould be en-
gaged in war with other powers, the free inter-
courfe and commerce of the fubjeds or citizens of
the party remaining neuter with the belligerent
powers, (hall not be interrupted. On the con-
trary, in that cafe, as in full peace, the veffels cf
the nevitral party may navigate freely to and from
the ports, and on the coafts of the belligerent par-
ties, free vellels making free goods, infomuch,
that all things fiiall be adjudged free which (hall
be on board any veflel belonging to the neutral
party, although fuch things belong to an enemy of
the other; and the fame freedom (hall be extend-

G g cd

«,

t'.-:!

■•■9.>t

' '^

)

i ;

'' 1

!
1

;

1 ;<

iii

t:il

430

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

cd to perfons who fliall be on board a free veffel,
although they (hould be enemies to the other par-
ty, unlefs they be foldiers in adual fcrvice of fuch

enemy.

In the fame cafe of one of the contrading par-
ties being engaged in war with any other power-
to prevent all the difficulties and mifunderftand-
ings which uiually arife refpcding the merchan-
dize heretofore called contraband, fuch as arms,
ammunition and military ftoves of every kind— no
fuch articles carried in the -eiVels, or by the fubjefts
or citizens of one of the parties to the enemies of
the other, Oiall be deemed contraband, fo as to in-
duce confifcation or condemnation, and a lofs of
property to individuals. But in the cafe fuppof-
cd— of a veflel flopped for the articles hdetofore
deemed contraband, if the maftcr of the veflel
flopped will deliver out the goods fuppofcd to be
of contraband nature, he fliall be admitted to doit,
and the vclicl fliall not in that cafe be carried into
any port, nor further detained, l)ut fhall be allow-
ed to proceed on her voyage.

If the contracting parties fliall be engaged in
war againfl a common enemy, the following
points fliall be oblcrved between them.

ifl:, If a vellel of one of the parties, re-taken
by a privateer of the other, fliall not have been in
poflefTion of the (^:emy more than 24 hours. At*
fliall be rcllored to the firfl: owner for one third of
the value of the vcilel and cargo ; but if flie fliall

a have

: 7

> '#-pj

I a free veffel,

I the other par-
fcrvice of fuch

ontrading par-
T Other power—
mifunderftand-
r the merchan-
, fuch as arms,
;very kind — no
r by the fubjedls
D the enemies of
}and, fo as to in.
in, and a lofs of
die cafe fuppof-
tides hcictofore
cr of the veflel
sfuppofcd to be
tdmitted to doit,
z be carried into
It Ihall be allow-

II be engaged in
, the following
them,
parties, re-taken

not have been in
an 24 hours. At*
r for one third of
; but if (lie fliall
have

TREATY WITH PRUSSIA.

451

have been more than 24 hours in pofleffion of the
enemy, Hie (hall belong wholly to the re-captor.
2d, If in the fame cafe the re-capture were by a
ppMic vefTel of war of the one party, reftitution
fliall be made to the owner of one thirtieth part of
the velTel and cargo, if (he ihall not have been in
the poire(rion of the enemy more than 24 hours ;
and one tenth of the faid value where flie Qiall
have been longer ; which fums ihall be deftribuf
ed in gratuities to the re-captors. 3d, The refti-
tution in the cafes aforefaid (hall be after due
proof of property, and furety given for the part to
which the re-captors are entitled. 4th, The veflels
of war, public and private, of the two parties,
fliall be reciprocally admitted with their prizes
into the refpedive ports of each ; but the faid
prizes iliall not be difcharged nor fold there, until
their legality (hall have oeen decided according
to the laws and regulations of the (late to ^vhich
the captor<^ '^eloncj, but by the judicacors of the
plac: into w.f lI" the prize Ihall have been col-
duaed. 5th, It ihall be free to each party to
make iucli regulations as they iliall judge necef-
iliry jor the conduct of the refpeftive vedels of
war, pLjiiC or private, relative to the veflels
which they fi .-iH take and carry into the ports Oi
the two parties.

Where the parties fliall have a common ene
my, or fnall b' 'h be neutral, the veiTels or
war of each (hall upon all occafioni. take under

G g 2 their

45*

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

their protcdion the veffels of the other going the
fame courfe, and (hall defend fuch velfels as long
as they hold the fame courfe, againft all force and
violence, in the fame manner as they ought to
proted and defend velTels belonging to the party
of which they are.

It war Ihould arife between the two contrading
parties, the merchants of either country, then re-
ading in the other, fhall be allowed to remain
nine months to colled their debts and fettle their
affairs, and may depart freely, carrying off all their
effeds, without moleftation or hinderance.

This treaty (hall be in force during the t ., of
ten years from the exchange of ratification ^

(Signed)
F. G. de THULEMEYER, a la Haye, le lo

Septembre 1785.
THO. JEFFERSON, Paris, Jtily 1%, 1785,
B. FRANKLIN, Pajfy, July, 9, 1785.
JOHN ADAMS, London, Aug. 5, 1785.

NOW Kr /W YE, That we the faid United
States in Congrefs alTembled, having confidered
and approved do hereby ratify and confirm the
faid Treaty. Witnefs the Hon. Nathaniel Go-
tham, our Chairman, in the abfence of his Excel-
lency John Hancock, our Prefident, the 7th day
of May, in the year of our Lord 1786, and of our
Independence and Sovereignty the tenth.

iiiii

CONSTITUTION OF AMERICA, 453

^he new Plan of the Conjlittttion of the United
States of America, upon which the Convention
of all the mojl dijlinguifhed Men in the States have
i^ljen deliberating for feveral Months,

NeW'Torky Sept. 21.
In Convention, Sept. 17, 1787.

SiR,

WE have now the honour to fubmit to the con-
fideration of the United States, in Congrefs aliem-
bled, that Conllitution which has appeared to us

the moft advifeable.

The friends of our country have long ieen and

defircd, that the power of making war, peace, and
treaties, that of levying mon^y; and regulating
commerce, and the correfpondent executive and
iudicial authorities, lliould be fully and eifecT:ually
vefted in the general government of the Union :
but the impropriety of delegating fuch exten-
five truft to one body of men is evident. Hence
refults the neceflity of a different organization.

It is obvioufly impractical?' • in the fccderal go-,
vernment of thefe States, to fecure all rights of in-
dependent fovereignty to each, and yet provide
for the intereft and lafety of all. Individuals, en-
tering into a fociety, muft give up a (hare of li-
berty to prefervc the reft. The magnitude of the
facrifice muft depend as well on fituation and cir-
cumftancc, as on the objedl to b? obtained, it is,

G g 3 m

iWJ- -

■/, -^^

It ifi

fmi

454

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

'., .i

I 1

at all times difficult to draw with precifion tlie
line between thofe rights which muft be furrender-
ed, and thofe which may be referved ; and, on the
prefent occalion, this difficulty was encreafed by a
difference among the feveral States, as to their
fituation, extent, habits, and particular interefts.

In all our deliberations on this fubjed, wc kept
fleadily in our view, that which appears to us the
greateft intcrefl of every true American — the con-
folidation of our Union, in v/hich is involved our
profperity, felicity, fafety, pcihaps our national
exiflence. This important ccnfideraticn, feri-
oully and deeply imprefrcd en our minds, led
each Stare in the Convention to be lefs rigid on
points of inferior magnitude than might have been
otherwife expeded ; and thus the Conftitution,
which we now prefent, is the refuk of a fpirit of
amity, and that mutual deference and conceffion
which the peculiarity of our political fituation
rendered indifpenfible.

That it will meet the full and entire approba-
tion of every State is not perhaps to be expedled ;
but each will doubtkfs confider, that had her in-
terefts been alone confuUed the confequences
might luve been particularly difagrceable or injuri-
ous to others ; that k h liable tc as few exceptions
as could reafonably have been cxpeded, we hope
and believe; thut it may promote the lafdng wel-
faie of that country fo dear to us all, and fecurc lur
ireedom and happinciV, is our moft ardent wi(h.

With

CONSTITUTION OF AMERICA. ASd

With great refpeft, we have the honour to be,
Sir, your Excellency's moft obedient and humble

fcrvants, _ ^ ,

GEORGE WASHINGTON, Prefident.

By unanimous order of the Convention.
His Excellency the Prefdcnt of Congrefu

WE, the people of the United States, in order
to form a more perfed union, eftablilh juftice,
infure domettic tranquility, provide for the com-
mon defence, promote the general welfare, and
fecure the bleffings of liberty to ourlelves and our
pofterity, do ordain and eftabliih this conRitution
for the United States of America. ,

Article I.

I. All Icgiilative powers herein granted fliall
be \efted inaCongrefs of the United States, which
lli^all confifc of a Senate and Houfe of Reprefcn-

tatives.

The Houfe of Rcprefentatives mall be

compofcd of Members chofen every fecond year
by the people of the feveral States, and the elcdors
in each State (hall have the qualifications requi-
fite of eledors of the moft numerous brar^ch of the
State Legiilature.

No perfon fliall be a Reprefentative, who lliall
not have attained to the age of 25 years, and been
feven years a citizen of the United States, and
who fl-iall not when eleded be an inhabitant of that

State in which he (liall be clioien.

G g 4 Rcprefentatives

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45 6

THE AMERICAN ORACLH.

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11,

Reprefentatives and direcl: taxes fliall be ap^
portioned among the fevcral States which may he
included within this union, according to their
refpedive numbers, which fliall be determined by
adding to the whole number of free perfons, in-
cluding tliofe bound to fervice for a term of years,
and excluding Indians not taxed, three-fifths of all
other perfons. The ad^ual enumeration fhall be
made within three years after the firft meeting of
the Congrefs of the United States, and within every
fubfequent term of ten years, in fuch manner as
they (ball by law dired. The number of Repre-
fentatives fliall not exceed one for every thirty
thoufand ; but each State fliall have at leaft one
Reprcfentative ; and until fuch enumeration fliall
be made, the State of New Hampfliire fliall be
entitled to chufe three, Mafl-achufetts eight,
Rhode Ifland and Providence Pk .nations one,
Connedicut five, New York fix. New Jerfey four
Pennfylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland fix,
Virginia ten. North Carolina five. South Carolina
five, and Georgia three.

When vacancies happen to the Reprefentation
from any State, the executive authority there-
of fliall iflTue writs of eledion to fill fuch vacan-
cies.

The Houfe of Repref(?ntatives fliall chufe their
Speaker and other officers ; and fliall have th?
fole power of impeachment,

The

CONSTITUTION OF AMERICA.

457

3. The Senate of the United States fliall be
vcompofed of two Senators from each State, chofen
by the Legiflature thereof for fix years j and each
Senator (hall have one vote.

Immediately after they (hall be aflemblcd in
confequence of the firft elcdion, they fhall be di-
vided, as nearly as may be, into three dalles.
The feats of the Senators of the Brll clals fliall be
vacate-: at the expiration of the fecond year ; of tlie
fecor< L clafs at the expiration of the fourth year ;
and of the third clafs at the expiration of the fixtU
ye:.' , fo that one-third may be chofen every fe- .
cond year ; and if vacancies happen by refigna-
tion, or otherwife, during the recefs of the Legif-
lature of any State, the executive authority thereof
may make temporary appointments until the nex;
meeting of the Legiflature which iliall then fill
(vich vacancies.

No perfon Ihall be a Senator who (liall not havQ
attamed to the age of 30 years, and been nine
years a citizen of the United States,, and who fliall
not, when eleded, be an inhabitant of that State
for which he Ihall be chofen.

The Vice Prefident of the United States (haU
be Prefident of the Senate, but (hall h^ve no vote
unlefs they be equally divided.

The Senate fliall choofe their other officers,

and alfo a Prefident fro tempore^ in the abfence of

the Vice Prefident, or when he fliall exercife the

office of Prefident of the United States,

The

f [C, '

458 THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

The Senate fhr.U have thefole power to try all im-
peachments. When fitting for that purpofe, they
{hall be on oath or affirmation. When the Prefi-
dent of the United States is tried, the Chief Jufticc
{hall prefide; and no perfon {hall be convicted
without the concurrence of two-thirds of the
Members prcfent.

Tudcrnient in cafes of impeachment (hall not ex-
tend farther vhaii removal from office, and dilqua-
lification to hold and enjoy any office of honour,
truft or profit, under the United . ttes ; but the
party convi6lcd fliall ncvcrthelefs be liable and
fubjcdto indidmcnt, tiial, judgment, and punifh-
ment according to law.

4. The times, places, and manner of holding
elcdions for Senators and Pveprcfentatives, fliall
be prefcribed in each State by the Legillature
:neveof; but the Congrefs may at any timiCby law
m:.l:e or alter fiich regulations, except as to the
plu'cs of ch. iing Senators.

The Congrefs, Ihall allcmble at leaft once in
every year, 2nd fuch meeting Hiall be on the firil
Monday 'n December, unlefs ihey Ihall by law
appoint a difurcnt day. >

4. Each Houle Ihall be the judge of the elec-
tions, returns, and cualificaiions of it:: own Mem-
bers, and a majority of each Ihall conflitutea quo.
rum to do bufinefs ; but a fmaller number may ad-
journ from day to day, and may be authorifed to
compel the atf^ndance of abfent Mem.bcrs, in fuch

manner,

, 1

CONSTITUTION OF AMERICA.

45^

try all itn-
arpofe, they
n the Prefi-
^hief Jufticc
)e convicted
rds of the

fhall not ex-
and difqua-
of honour,
tes ; but the
liable and
and punifh-

f of holding;

atives, fliall
Legiflature
time by law

^t as to the

caft once in
e on the firft
Ihall by law

; of the cUt-

: own Mcni-
flitutea quo-
iber may nd-
uithorifed to
jbcrs, in fuch
manner,

manner, and under fuch penalties, as each houfc

may provide.

Each Houfe may determine the rules of its
proceedings, punilh its Members for difordcrly
behaviour, and, with the c incurrence of two-
thirds, expel a Member.

Each Houfe (l-iall keep a journal of its proceed-
ings, and from time to time publifli the fame, ex-
cepting fuch parts as may in their judgment re-
quire fecrecy ; and the yeas and nays of the Mem-
bers of cither Houfe on anv queftion (hall, at the
defire of one-fifth of thofe prefent, be entered on
the journal.

Neither Houfe, during the feflion of Congrefs,
(hall, withouf the confent of the other, adjourn for
more than three days, nor to any other place than
that in which the two Houfcs fhall be fitting,

6. The Senators and Reprcfcntatives fnall re-
ceive a compeniation for their fervices- to be af-
certained by law, and paid out of the Treafury of
the United States. They fnall in all cafes, except
treafon, felony, and breach of the peace, be pri-
vileged from arreft during their attendance at the
fefTion of their refpe6live Houfes, and in going to
and returning from the fame ; and for any fpeech
or debate in either Houfe, they fii.dl not be quef-
tioned in any other place.

No Senator or Reprefentative fliall, during the
time for which he was eleded, be appointed to
any civil ofllce under the authority of the United

State,

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460

THE AMERICAN QRACLf.

States, which Oiall have been created, or the emo,
lument whereof (hall have been encreafed, during
fuch time, and no perfon holding any office under
the United States fhall be a Member of either
Houfe during his continuance in office.

7, All bills for raifing revenue fhall originate irv
the Houfe of Reprefentatives ; but the Senate
may propofe or concur with amendn^ents as on

other bills.

Every bill, which (hall have paiTed the Houie

of Reprefentatives and the Senate, (hall, before it
become a law, be prefented to the Prefident of
the United States ; if he approve, he fhall fign it,
but if not, he fhall return it with his objeftions
to that Houfe in which it (hall have originated,
who (hall enter the objeaions at large on thei.'
journal, and proceed to reconfider it. If, after
fuch reconfideration, two-thirds of that; Houfe
fhall agree to p fs the bill, it ihall be fent, toge,
ther with the objeaions, to the other Houfe, by
which it fhall likewife be re-confidered, and if ap-
proved by two-thirds of th^t Houfe, it; (hall be-
come a law. But in all fuch cafes the votes of
both Houfes riiall be determined by yeas and^
nays, and the names of the peifons voting tor
and againa the bill Hiall be entered on the journal
of each Houfe refpeftively. If any bill (liall no^
be returned by the Prefident within ten days (Sun-
days excepted) after it fliall have been prefented
to him, the fame (liall be a law, in like manner as

r the emo*
*ed, during
>ffice under
: of either

originate irv
the Senate
[\ents as on

the Houfe
11, before it
Prefidcnt of
fhall fign it,
s obj eft ions
: originated,
ge on theii
t. If, after
that; Houfe
e fent, toge-
r Houfe, by
d, and ifap-
it; (hall be-
tUe votes of
3y yeas andi
IS voting for
»n the journal
Dill (liall not;
:n days (Sun-
en prefented
ke manner as
if

CONSTITUTION OF AMERICA. 4°^

ifhehadfignedit, unlefs the Congrefs by their
adjournment prevent its return, in which caie it

{hall not be a law. . , ,

Every order, refolution, or vote, to which the
concurrence of the Senate and Houfe of Repre-
fentatives may be neceflary (except on a queftion
of adjournment) (hall be prefented to the Vrefi-
dent of the United States ; and, before the fame
ftiall take effedt, Hiall be approved by him, or,
being difapproved by him, Ihall be repaffed by
two-thirds of the Senate and Houfe of Reprefen-
tatives, according to the rules and limitations
prefcribed in the cafe of a bill.

8, The Congrets Ihall have power to lay and
colled taxes, duties, impofts and excifes, to pay
the debts and provide for the common defence
and general welfare of the United States; but all
duties, impofts, and excifes, (hall be uniform
throughout the United States.

To borrow money on the credit of the United

States.

To regulate commerce with foreign nations,
and among the feveral States, and with the Indian

r-ibes.

To eftablilh an uniform rule of naturalization,
and uniform laws on the fubjea: of bankruptcies
throughout the United States.

To coin money, regulate the value thereof and
of foreign coin, and fix the ftandards of weights

and meafures%

46 z

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

To provide for the punifhment of counterfeiting
the fecurities and current coin of the United

States.

To eftablifli poft- offices and poft-roads.

To promote the progrefs of fcience and ufeful
arts, by fecuring for limited times to authors and
inventors the exclufive right to their refpedive
writings and difcoveries.

To conftitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme

Court.

To define and punilh piracies and felonies
committed on the high feas, and offences againft
the law of nations.

To declare war, grant letters of marque and
reprifal, and make rules concerning captures on
land and water.

To raife and fupport armies, but no appropria-
tion of money to that ufe Ihall be for a longer
term than two years.

To provide and maintain a navy.
To make rules for the government and regula-
tion of the land and naval forces.

To provide for calling forth the militia, to exe-
cute the laws of the Union, fapprefs infurredions,
and repel invafions.

To provide for organizing, arming, and difci-
plining the militia, and for governing fuch part
of them as may be employed in the fervice of the
United States, referving to the States refpeftively
the appointment of the officers, and the authority

CONSTITUTION OF AMERICA.

463

nterfeiting
le United

,ds.

and ufeful

uthors and

refpedive

le Supreme

id felonies
ices againfl

narque and
raptures on

' appropria-
)r a longer

and regula-

itia, to exe-
ifurreftions,

, and difci-
l fuch part
;rvice of the
refpedively
,he authority
of

of training the militia, according to the difcipline
prefcribed by Congrefs.

To exercife exclufive legiflation in all cafes
whatfoever over fuch diftrid (not exceeding ten
miles fquare) as may, by ceffion of particular
States, and the acceptance of Congrefs, become
the feat of the government of the United States,
and to exercife like authority over all places pur-
rhafed by the confent of the Legiflature of the
State, in which the fame Hiall be, for the ercdion
of forts, magazines, arfenals, dock-yards, and
other needful buildings. And

To make all laws which iliall be neceflary and
proper for carrying into executio-i the foregomg
powers vefted by this Conftitution in the Govern,
ment of the United States, or in any department

or office thereof.

9. The migration or importation of fuch per.
fons as any of the States now cxifting (hall think
proper to admit, fliall not be prohibited by the
Congrefs, prior to the year of one thoufand eight
hundred and eight ; but a tax or duty may be
impofed on fuch importation, not exceedmg ten
dollars for each perfon. • ^

The privilege of the writ of bal^cas corpus aiall
not be fufpencTed, unlefs when in cafes of rebellion
or invafion, the Public fafety may require it.

No bill of attainder, or ^.v p^iJl fatio law Oiall
be pafled.

"f^

■Sf

464

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

r I ; . Jiji

No capitation, or other dired tax, (hall be laidj
tinlefs in proportion to the cenfus or enumeration
herein before direded to be taken.

No tax or duty (hall be laid on articles export^
cd from any State. No preference Hiall be given,
by any regulation of commerce or revenue, to die
ports of one State over thofe of another : nor (hall
vefTels bound to or from one State be obliged to
enter, clear, or pay duties in anothen

No money Hiall be drawn from the Treafury,
but in confequence of appropriations made by
law ; and a regular ftatement and account of the
receipts and expenditures of all public money
iliall be publilhed from time to time*

No title of nobility (liall be granted by the
United States ; and no perfon holding any office
of profit or truft under them Hiall, without the
confent of the Congrefs, accept of any prefent,
emolument, ofhce, or title, of any kind what-
ever, from any King, Princci or foreign State;

10. No State (hall enter into any treaty, alliance,
or confederation ; grant letters of marque and re-
prilixl ; coin money ; emit bills of credit ; make
any thing but gold and fdver coin a tender m
payment of debts ; pafs any bill of attainder, ex
poj} faBo law, or law impairing the obligation of
contracts, or grant any title of nobility.

No State (hall, without the confent of the Con-
grefs, lay impofts or duties on imports or ex-
ports, except what may be abfolutely necelTary

for

CONSTITUTION OF AMERICA.

465

for execiuing its infpefllon laws; and the net
produce of all duties and impofts, laid by any
State on imports or exports, Qiall be for the ufe
of the Treafury of the United States ; and all fuch
laws (hall be fubjea: to the revifion and controul
of the Congrefs. " No State (hall, without the con-
feni of Congrefs, lay any duty of tonnage, keep
troops or Hiips of war in time of peace, enter mto
any agreement or compad with another State, or
with a foreign power, or engage in war, unlefs
adually invaded, or in fuch imminent danger, as
will not admit of delay.

Article II.

I. The executive power fliall be veiled in a
Prefident of the United States of America. He
Ihall hold his office daring the term of four
years; and together with the Vice-Prefident,
chofen for the fame term, be elefted as follow? :

Each State Ihall appoint, in fuch manner as
the Legillature thereof may dired, a number of
eledor. equal to the whole number of Senators
and Reprefentatives to which the State may be en-
titled in the Congrefs ; but no Senator or Repre-
fentative, or perfon holding an office of trull or
profit under the United States, fliall be appointed
an Eledor.

The Eledors fhall meet in their refpedivc
States, and vote by ballot for two perfons, of
whom one- at lead fliall not be an inhabitant of

Hh the

Ill

466

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

the fame State svkU tUmfelves. And they ftall
n,ake a lift of uU the perfons voted for, and of the
number of votes for each, which hft they OuU
fign and certify, and tranfmit, fealed, to the feat
of the government of the United States, d.refted
I the Irefident of the Senate. The Prehdent
the Senate mall, in the prefence of the Senate and
Houfe of Rcprefcntatives, open all the certificates,
"dtevotern^all then be counted. T e per o„
having the greateft number of votes iM^ b he
Prefident, if fuch number be ^'^J-'y" ''
vvhole number of eleftors ..ppomtcd ; and if there
b more than one who have fuch majority, and
h ve a„ equal number of votes, then the Houfe of
Rei'refentatives Ihall immediately choofe by ballot
one of them for Pref.dent, and if no perfon havx
a majority, then from the five higheft on the hft
the faid Houfe ihall in like manner choofe the
vl... But in choohng the Prefidcnt, the
votes n.all be t.aken by Scates, the reprefentation
from each State having one vote ; a quorum for
this purpofe (hall conf.ft of a Member or Members
from two-thirds of the States, and a majority of all
the States llviU be necciVar, to a choice. In every
cafe, after the choice of the Prelident, the perfon
having the greateft number of voters^rf tlie elec-
tors Ihall be the Vice-Prefident. But 1 there
mould remain two or more who have equa votes,
the Senate ihall choofe from them by ballot the
Vice-Prcfidcp.i. ^^^^

;hcy fliall
Lnd of the
;hey fliall
the Teat
, direftcd
refident of
senate and
ertificates,
rhe perfon
hall be the
iiity of the
Lnd if there
jority, and
e Houfe of
fe by ballot
')crfon have
on the lift
choofe the
^fident, the
prefentation
quorimi for
or Members
ajority of all
:e. In every
, the perfon
of the elec-
iut if there
equal votes,
.^y ballot the

The

CONSTITUTION OF AMERICA.

467

The Congrefs may determine thetime of choofing
the eledlors, and the day on which they fhall give
their votes ; which day ihall be the fame through-
out the United States.

No perfon, except a natural born citizen, or a
citizen of the United States, at the time of the
adoption of this Conftitution, fliall be eligible to
the office of Prcfident ; neither Hiall any perfon
be eligible to that office, who fliall not have at-
tained to the age of 35 years, and been 14 years
a refident within the United States.

In cafe of the removal of Prefident from office,
or of his death, refignation, or inability to dif-
charge the powers and duties of the faid office,
the fame fliall devolve on the Vice-Prefident, arid
the Congrefs may by law provide for the cafe of
removal, death, refignation, or inability, both of
the Prefident and Vice-Prefident, declaring what
officer fliall then aft as Prefident, and fuch officer
fliall adt accordingly, until the difability be re-
moved, or a Prefident fliall be eleded.

The Prefident fliall, at fliated times, receive for
his fervices a compenlation, which fliall neither
be encreafed or diminilhcd during the period for
which he fliall have been elected, and he fliall not
receive within that period any other emolument
from the United States, or any of them.

Before he enter on the execution of hie office,
he fliall take the following oath or affirmation :

I-l h 2 "I do

UiJif

468

THE AMERICAN ORACLt.

.. I do folemnly fwcar (or affirm) lut 1 W.U

faithfully execute the office of Pref.dcnt o he
,T l„.s ind will to the beft of my ability

;::Se?;::^etana defend, the Coiiaitutiot. of

*^^f S Si fl^alU. Con^man^^
of the army and navy of the United States, -d
the militia of the feveral States, when called into
tialfeivice of the United States ;hc:>^y

reauire the opinion, in writing, of the r"nc.pal
reqiuie 1 executive departments, upon

officer in each ot the eX(.cuuy 1 ^r^,,a.\^,

anv fubiea -'-tin- tothe duties of then ufpcdive

-tesagaina the United States,

eachment.

r bv and with the advice
He inau imvt, , -ij ^; "
and confent of the Senate, to make treaties, pro-
vided two-thirds of the Senators ,refent concu ;
and he ^all nominate, and, by and with the ad-
vice and confcnt of the Senate, Ihall appoint Am-
baffadors, other public Minifters and ConfuU,
Judges of the Supreme Cour:, and all other ■
fleers of the United States, whofe appointment,
are not herein otherwife provided for, and which
fcall be eftabadicd by law. But tire Congrefs may
by law veft the appointment o{ fuch mfenor of
Jeers as they .nay think proper, in the P.etot
alone, in the courts of law, or m the heads of de-
partmenr*. r^^^^

offices, an-
and pardo
except in c

He (hall have ,

hat 1 will
;;nt of tVvc
ny ability
[litution of

sr in Chief
ates, and of
called into
;s ; he may
iie principal
i-ients, upon
;ir refpedive
ant reprieves
[nitcd States,

h the advice
treaties, pro-
-efent concur;
i with the ad-
i appoint Am-
and Confuls,
d all other of-
; appointments
for, and which
e Congrefs may
ach inferior of-
n the Prefident
:he heads of de-

The

CONSTITUTION OF AMERICA. 4^>9

The Prefident (hall have power to fill up all va-
cancies that may happen during the rccefs of the
Senate, by granting commiffions which ihall ex^
pire at the end of their next fcdion.

3. He Hiall from time to time give to the Con-
grefs information of the ftate of their Union, and
recommend to their confideration fuch meafures
as he (hall judge ncceflary and expedient : He
may, on extraordinary occafions, convene both
houfes, or either of them, and in cafe of difagree-
ment between them, with rcfpeft to the time of
adjournment, he may acV- un them to fuch time-
as he ihall think proper; he Iball receive Ambaf-
fadors and other public Minifters; he fliall take
care that the laws be faithfully executed, and
(hall commiffion all the oihcers of the United

States.

4. The Prefident, Vice-Prcfidcnt, and all civil
officer, of the United States, Ihall be removed
from office on impeachment for, and convidion
of, treafon, b-ibery, or other high crimes and
mifdcmeanors.

Article MI.
1. The judicial power of the United States
ihall be ve'fted in one Supreme Court, and in
fuch inferior Courts as the Congrefs may from
time to lime ordain and eftabliQi. The Judges,
both of the Supreme and Inferior Courts, ihall
hold their offices during good behaviour, and

H h 3 ihall,

• S; *■

•.1

470

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

null, at dated times, receive for their fcrvices a
compenlation, which lliall not be duninilhed
during continuance in oflicc.

2. The judicial power Ihall extend to all cafrs
in law and equity, arifino; uncier this Conftitation,
th- laws of the United Slates, and treaties made,
or which null be made, under their authority ;
to all cafes aileaino; Am'>:..^Hdors, other public
Miniftersand Confuls ; to ail caies of Admiralty
and maritime jurifdiaion ; to controverfies to
xvhich the United States (hall be a party ; to con-
troverfito between two or more States, betveen a
State and citizens of anodier State, between citi-
'zensof different States, between citizens of the
fame State claiming lands uader grants of diffe-
rent States, and betv.een a State, or the citizens
thereof, and foreign States, citizeh: or fubjeas.

In all cafes affeaing Ambailadors, other public
Miniftci:, and Confuls, and thofe in which a State
ihall be party, the Supreme Court Hull have ori-
ginal jurifdiaion, in all the other cafes before-
mentioned the Supreme Court Qiall have appellate
jurifdiaion, both as to law and flia, with fuch ex-
ceptions, and luider fuch regulations as the Con-

grefs 111 all make.

The trial of all crimes, except in cafes of im-
peachn.cnt, fhail be by Jury ; and Rich trial (liall
be held in the l>itc where the faid crimes fliall
have been commiitcd ; but when not committed
within any State, the .trial ihai^ be at fuch place

w s^-

r fcrvices a
diminilVied

to all cafrs
onftitation,
:aties made,
• authority ;
tlicr public
Admiralty
roverfies to
rty ; to con-
;, betv'cen a
>ct\veen citi-
zens of the
Its of dific-
the citizens
or fubjeds.
other public
which a State
lall have ori-
cafes before-
lavc appellate
wiih fuch ex-
,s as the Coii-

1 cafes of im-
Lich trial (liall
. crimes fliall
lot committed
at fuch place
or

CONSTITUTION OF AMERICA. Al ^

,.r places as the Congrefs may by law have di-

" /xreafon againft the United States lliall confift
only in laying war againft them, ot in aclhcnng
to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort.
No perfon ftnll be conv.fted of treafon unlefs on
the teftimony of two witnehes to the fame overt
aft, or on confcffion in open court. _

The Congrefs mall have power to aeclare the
puninnnent of treafon. but no attainder of trealon
Ihall work corruption of blood or forfeiture, ex-
cept during the .ife of the perfon attainted.

Article IV.

, Full faith and cre.Vit fliall be given in
each State to the public acts, records, and ju-
dicial procccdinoo of every other State. And
the Congreis may by general laws prefcnbe the
manner in which fuch ads, records and proceed-
ing's Ihall be proved, and the effea thereof.

° The citizens of each State fliall be entided
to all privileges and immunities of citizen: in the

fevcral States.
A perfon chnvgcd in any State with treafon fe-
lony, or other crime, who fhall ttee from juftice,
and be found m another State, llrall, on demand
of the executive authority of the State from which
he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the
State having unifdiO^on of the crime.

rlh 4 ^'°

. -^

^!iSl

47*

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

No perfon held to fervice or labour in one
State, under the laws thereof, cicaping into any
other, (hall, in conf'.quence of any law or regula-
tion therein, be difcharged from luch fervice or
labour, but lliall be delivered up on claim of the
party to whom fuch fervice or labour may be

due.
3. New States may be admitted by the Con-

o-refs into this Union ; but no new State (hall be
formed or crefted within the iurifdiaion of any
other State ; nor any State be formed by the junc-
tion of two or more States, or parts of States,
without the confcnt of the Legiilatures of the
States concerned, as well as of the Congrefs.

The Congrefs (hall have power to dilpofe of and
make all needful rules and regulations refpeding
the territory or other property belonging to the
United States; and nothing in this Conftitution
fliall be fo conftrued as to prejudice any claims of
the United States, or of any particular State.

4. The United States Hiall guarantee to every
State in this Union a Republican form of govern-
ment, and (hall proted each of them againll inva-
fion ; and on application of the Legiilature, or .^f
the executive (when the Legiilature cannot be
convened) againft domeftic violence.

Article V.
" The Congrefs, whenever two-thirds of both
Houfes (hall deem it neceflary, (hall propofe

amendments

CONSTITUTIOIT OF AMERICA.

473

ir in one
into any
)r regula-
fervice or
im of the
r may be

the Con-
te (hall be
on of any
■ the junc-
of States,
•es of the
;refs.
pofe of and

refpeding
l^ing to the
>)n{litution
ly claims of

State.

tee to every
1 of govern-
igainll inva-
lature, or of
c cannot Le

|rds of bodi

liall propofe

amendments

amendments to this Conftitution, or, on the ap-
plication of the Legiflatures of two-thirds of the
feveral States, diall call a Convention for propo-
fing amendments, which, in either cafe IhaU be
valid to all intents and purpofes, as part of this
Conaitution, when ratified by the Legiflatures of
three-fourths of the feveral State^^, or by Conven-
tions in three-fourths thereof, as the one or the
other mode of ratification may be propofed by the
Congrcfs: provided that no amendment which
may be made prior to the year one thoufond eight
hundred and eight, fliall in any manner affeft the
firft and fourth claufes in the ninth feclion of the
fivft Article; and that no Smte, without its
confent, Ihall be deprived of If. eq-.ai fuftVage in
the Senate.

Article VI.
All debts contraded, and engagements en-
tered into, before the adoption of this Confti-
tution, fl^all be as valid againfl the United States
under this Conftitution, as under the Confedera-
tion.

This Conftitution, and the laws of the United
States which ftiall be made in purfuance thereof;
and all treaties made, or which fliall be made,
under the authority of the United States, fliall be
the liiprcm.e law of the land; and the Judges in
every State fliall be bound thereby, any thing in

the

474

THE AMERICAN OP.ACLE.

■"■■: hi

the Conftitution or laws of any State to the con-
trary notwithftanding.

The Senators and ReprefcntatWes before men-
tioned, and the Members of the feveral State Le-
gillaturcs, and all executive and judicial officers,
both of the United States and of the feveral States,
fliould be bound by oath or affirmation to fupport
this Conftitution ; but no religious teft mall ever
be required as a qualification to any office or
public truft under the United States.

Article VII.
The ratifications of the Conventions of nine
States (hould be fufficient for the cftaiDlilhment of
this Conftitution between the States fo ratifying

the fame.

Tin... in Convention, by tlv:; unanimous content
..-.r ,;.c States prcfenr, the fcventecnth day of
Scpte . ■ ■:■'' ill ^h- v t^ar of cur Lord one thou-
llind ftvcn hundrca .uA cigluy-fcvcn, and of
the Independence of the United States of Ame-
rica the tvvcirJ.i. In witnefs whereof we have
hereunto fubfcribed our names.

GEORGIA WASHINGTON, Prefident,
And Deputy from Virginia.

J.;hn Langdon, Nicholas Gilman— AVte; Han^p-

/ijirc.
Nathaniel Goreham, Rufus YJxn^-Mipdmfetts.

\Villiain

tlie con-

^fore mcn-
, State Le-
al officers,
eral States,
to fupport

1 fliaU ever
^ office or

)ns of nine
)lilhment of
fo ratifying

3US confent
nih day of
:d one thou-
■vcn, and of
ucs of Amc-
rcof we have

^, Prefidcnt,
oin Virginia.

'Nav Uamp-

JdJJ'achufctts,
William

CONSTITUTION OF AMERICA.

475

1^.

William Samuel Johnfon, Roger Sherman~Co?/-
ne^iiait.

Alexander Hamilton — New Tork,

William Livingfton, David Brearley, William
Paterfon, Jonathan Dayton — New Jerfey,

Benjam' ^ Franklin, Thomas Mifflin, Robert Mor-
ris, George Clymer, Thomas Fitzfimons, Jared
Ingerfol, James Wilfon, Gouverneur Morris
^Pennfylvania.

George Read, Gunning Bedford, jun. John Dick-
infon, Richard Baflett, Jacob Broom, Dcla-

ware,
James M'Henry, Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer,

Daniel Carroll — Maryland.
John Blair, James Madifon, jun.— Firpnia,
William Blount, Richard Dobbs Spaight, Hugh

Williamfon — North Carclina.
John Rutledge, Charles Cotefworth i-inckney,

Charles Pinckney, Pierce Butler — South Carolina.
William Few, Abj'aham Baldwin — Georgia,

Atteft. William Jackfon, Secretary.

Ill CovENTioN, Monday, Sept. 17, 17S7.

PRESENT,

The States of New HampQiire, Malfachufetts,

Connedicut, Mr. Hamilton from New York,
New Jerfey, Pennfylvania, Delaware, Mary-
land, Virginia, North Carolina, South Caro-
lina, and Georgia ;

Reolved

47'

THE AMERICAN ORACtF..

Refolvecl,
TI-IAT the preceding Conilitution be laid be-
fore the Uniied States in Congrcfs affeinbled , and
that it is the opinion of this Convention, that
it mould afterwards be fubmicted to a Convention
of Delegates, chofen in each State by the people
thereof, vinder the recommendation of its Legiila-
ture, for their aflent and ratification ; and that
each Convention affenting to, and ratifying the
fame, Ihould give notice thereof to the United
States in Congrefs allembled,

Refolved,
That it is the opinion of this Convention, that
as foon as the Conventions of nine States Ihall
have ratified this Conftitution, the United States.
in Congrefs aflembled (hould fix a day on which
Eledors (hould be appointed by the States which
n-iall have ratified the fame, and a day on which
the Eleclors IV.ould aliemblc to vote for the Preft-
■ dent, and the time and place for commencing pro-
ceedings under this Confiitution. That after fuch
publication the Electors ihould be appointed, and
the Senators and Reprefentatives elected : That
the Electors ihould meet on the day fixed for the
Eledion of the Prclidcnt, and fiiould tranfmit
their votes certified, i\g^nec], fcalcd, and direfted,
as the Conftitution requires, to the Secretary of
the United States in Congrefs alfcmblcd, that the
Senators and Reprefentatives fiiould convene at

the

f,
1

)e laid be-
tbled , and
irion, that
invention
the people
IS Legiila-
. ; and that
.tifying the
the United

»*

CHARACTER OF G. WASHINGTON. 477

the time and place affigned ; that the Senators
Ihould appoint a Piefident of the Senate, for the
fole purpofe of receiving, opening, and counting
the votes for Prefident ; and that, after he ihall be
chofen, the Congrefs, together with the Prefident,
mould, without delay, proceed to execute this
Conftitution.

By the unanimous Order of the Convention,

GEORGE WASHINGTON, Prefident.

WILLIAM JACKSON, Secretary.

ention, that
; States Ihall
nitcd States.
\y on which
States which
ay on which
or the Prcfi-
nencingpro-
lat after fuch
pointed, and
lected : That
fixed for the
ould tranfmit
md directed,
Secretary of
ilcd, that the
Id convene at
the

THE CHARACTER OF

GENERAL WASHINGTON.

GENERAL WASHINGTON was born Fe-
bruary II, O. S. 1732, in the parifh of WaQiing-
ton, in Weftmoreland County, in Virginia : His
anceftors were from England as long ago as
1657: He had his education principally from a
private tutor ; learnt fome Latin, and the art of
furveying. When he was fifteen years of age, he
entered as a midlbipman on board a Britilh veffel
of war, that was ftationed on the coaft of Virgi-
nia ; but the plan was abandoned, on account of
the reluftance his mother had againft it.

He was appointed a Major of a regiment before

he was twenty years old ; and as the French had

J made

478

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

niii I

made encroachments on the Englifh fcttlcments,
he was fent in 1753, by Lieutenant-Governor
Dinwiddle, then Commander of the Province, to
treat with the French and Indians, and to warn
them againft making encroachments, Sec. He
performed the duties of his miffion with fidelity.

In 1754 the colony of Virginia raifed a regi-
ment for its defence, which was put under the
command of Colonel Fry, and Major Walhington
was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel of the fame ;
but the Colonel died that Summer, without joining
the regiment, and the command fell to the Lieu-
tenant-Colonel.

After forming his regiment, eftabllfliing maga-
zines, opening roads, and fundry marches, he
built a temporary llockade, at a place called the
Great Meadows; and though his forces did not
amount to four hundred effedive men, he fallied
out, and defeated a number of the enemy, who
were coming to reconnoitre his poft ; but on his
return was attacked by an army about 1500
arong; and after a gallant defence, in which
more than one third of his men were killed and
wounded, he was obliged to capitulate. The gar-
rifon marched out with the honours of war, but
w ere plundered by the Indians, in violation of the
articles of the capitulation. After this the remains
of his resfiment returned to Alexaiidria, in Vir-
ginia, to be recruited, Sec.

■

CHARACTETl OF G. WASHINGTON. 479

tlcments,
Governor
ivince, to
I to warn
&c. He
fidelity.
:d a regi-
under the
alhington
he fame ;
ut joining
the Lieu-

ing maga-
,rches, he
called the
es did not
he fallied
eniy, who
3ut on his
)out 1500
in which
killed and
The gar-
war, but
tion of the
he remains
a, in Vir-

In i"-^, " As no oflicer who did not imme-
<^ diately derive his ccmmiflion from the King
'* could command one who did," Colonel Walh-
ington relinquiflied his regiment, and went as an
ix^ra Aid-de-Qvnp into the family of General Brad-
dock, who was fent to drive the French, &c. from
the borders of the Englilli fettlcments.

The General was afterwards killed at the battle
of Monongihela, and his army defeated, where
Colonel Wadiington difplayed his abilities, \i\
covering a retreat, and (living the remains of the

army.

Afterwards the fupreme authority of Virginia
gave him a new and extenfivc commifiion, where-
by he was appointed Commander of all the troops
raifed, and to be raifed, in ih:it Colony.

He conduced as a good oilker in defending
the frontiers againfl the enemy, and in 1758 he
commanded the I'an brigade of General Forbes*^
army, in the capture of Fort du Queiiie ; and by
his prudent conducl, the traaqiuUity of the fron-
tiers of the middle Colonies was redored. But he
refigned his miliiary appointment in 1759, by
rcafon of his being ill of a pulmonic coirp'aint.

As his health was afterwards gradually rcLlored,
he married a Mrs. Cuilis, who was born the fime
year that he was : She was a handfome and an
amiable young widow, polTefTed ot an ample
jointure, and he fettled as a planter and a farmer
on the eftiite where he now refides^ in Fairfax

a county.

4,80 THB AMEUICAN ORACtE-

county. After fome years, he gave up planting
tobacco, and went altogether into the farming bu-
finefs. He has raifed 7000 bumels ot wheat and
,0,000 of Indian corn in one year. His dome! ic
plantation contains about 9.°°° »""' ="'.'^ ^}'
pollefles large qua.^tities of excellent lands m Ce-

veral other counties.

He thus fpent his time in cultivatmg the arts
of peace, but was conftantly a Member of the
Aflembly, a Magiftrate of his county and a Judge

of the Court. In 1774, ^^ »-^ ^'f f ^^ °'='!^-
gate to the fivft Congrefs, and was chofcn agam m
!„,. the nunc year he was app^mted by Con-
grels Commander in Ch.ef of the Forces of the

United Culonies.

His conduct as a General is fo well known,
that it is necdlefs for me to fay much upon the
fubieft He went through many hardflups, pe-
rils, and dangers, and conduftedhis military ope-
ations whh fuch great ikiU, that at lait a pea
commenced in 1783. ^vhercby thntcen ot the
American Colonies were ettabhllK-d as Sovereign
and Independent States.

Afterwards he rcf.gned his commiffion to Con-
.refs, and retuxd to his plantation in Vng.ma.

Some time after the peace commenced, he re-
ceived a Hiphwa from the Univerfity at Cam-
bridge, in the Commonwealth of Maflachufetts,
conftituting him a Doaor of Law!. ^^

CHARACTER OF G. WASHINGTON.' 481

He IS very regular, temperate, and induftnous;
rifes in Winter and Summer at the dawn of the
day ; generally reads or writes fome time before
brcaftfaft; breakfafts about feven o'clock on three
fmall Indian hoe cakes and as many diQies of tea,
and often rides immediately to his diflferent farms,
and remains with his labourers till a little after two
o'clock, then returns and dreffes. At three he
dines, commonly on a fingle difh, and drinks
from half a pint to a pint of Madeira wine. This,
with one fmall glafs of punch, a draught of beer,
and two dilhes of tea (which he takes half, an
hour before the fetting of the Sun) conftitutes his
whole fuftenance until the next day. But his table
is always furnifaed with elegance and exuberance;
and whether he has company or not, he remains
at the table an hour in familiar converfation, then
every one prefent is called upon to give fome ab-
fent friend as a toaft.

His temper is of a ferlous caft, and his counte-
nance carries the impreflion of thoughtfulnefs ;
yet he perfectly reliflies a pleafant ftory, an unaf-
feded fally of wit, or a burlefque defcription,
which furprizes by its fuddennefs and incongruity,
with the ordinary appearance of the object de-
fcribed. After he has dined he applies himfelf to
bufinefs, and about nine retires to reft ; but when
he has company, he attends politely upon them
till thev wifn to withdraw.

ii His

^^z

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

I <l

His family confids of eight perfons, but he has
no children : He keeps a pack of hounds, and in
feafon goes a hunting once in a week, in company
with fome of the gentlemen of Alexandria.

Agriculture is his favourite employment : He
makes obfervations concerning the produce of his
lands, and endeavours to throw light upon the
farmer's bufinefs.

Linen and wcoUen cloths are manufaftured
under his roof, and order and ceconomy are efta-
blilhed in all his departments, both within and
without doors.

In 17S7, he was chofen Prefidcnt of the Fede-
ral Convention that met at Philadelphia, and
framed the new Conftitution ; and fince that time,
he has been chofen Prefident of Congrefs, and
has a falary of twenty-five thoufand dollars per
annum.

Some have pretended that he is a native of
England ; but I underftand that he never was ia
I^uiope.

(

CHAP,

DIVISION OF PROVINCES, &C,

48^

CHAP. XLVIir.

I manufadlured
)nomy are efta-
nh within and

nt of the Fede-

iladelphia, and

fince that time,

Congrefs, and

and dollars per

is a native of
he never was ia

CHAP,

How Provinces, Counties, Townjl.nps, and High^
ways, ought to be laid out. The Lengths and
Breadths of the American Governments. The Lon-
gitudes, Latitudes, Bearings, /ind Difanccs of the
principal Towns from Philadelphia,

I Have obferved, that fome of the American
Governments are too large, and that others
are too fmall ; for the Province of Qiiebec is Soo
miles in lengrh, and 200 in breadth ; Virginia is
758 miles long, and 224 broad; Rhode Ifland
is 68 miles in length, and 40 in breadth ; and
Delaware is 92 miles long, and but 16 broad, ac-
cording to accounts given of their limits*

Where they are too large, fome of the Legifla-
tures muft be at a great diftance from the feat of
Government. Hence, thofe who live in the wef.
terly parts jf Canada miifi: be four or five hundr-^d
miles from Q^iebec, where ^he Legiflators con-
v«ne, which is very inconvenient, as the fatigue
and expence of travelling is very great. Some
of the other Governments are alfo too large, and
others too fmall.

1 Hiould admire at the Provinces being laid out
m fuch forms, were it not for the newnefs of the

*■ * ^ country.

484

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

llfM

:(■' '-I

country, and the various grants of lands that have
from time to time been given by former Kings to
emigrants who received charters, fpecifying dif-
ferent limits, and fettled in America.

Some counties arc alfo too long, fome are too
narrowj fome too large, and others too fmall;
and the fame may be faid of townlliips and pa-

rilhes.

Would it not be more convenient, if the Pro.
vinces were about 100 miles fquare, the counties
25, and the townlliips fix and a quarter r— A
Gtatc of this magnitude, divifions, and fub-divi-
fions, would contain 16 counties, and each county
16 townQiips, making 256 townfliips in the wholej
and if every townOiip was allowed to fend a Re.
prefentative to a General Aiicmbly, there would
be 256 Legiflators, befides the Governors and
Councillors, which would be an Allembly large
enough for a Province or State.

It may be moft convenient for Legiflators to

meet in the center of a province, the Judges in

. the ccntei- of a county, and people in the center

of a town or parifh, for the tranfadion of bufinefs,

and the performance of religious worlhip.

I have obferved, that where churches havebeei

built remote from the centers of towns and pa-

rilhes, it has been the caufe of much difturbancc

amongft the inhabitants, becaufc fome have had |

to travel a ereat way to get to church.

The

^ -.

PiVlalON OF PROVINCES, &C.

485

The highways in America ought to be at Icaft
an hundred feet wide, and efpecially where the
fnow falls deep ; for where they are too narrow,
they will be often filled to the tops of the fences
when the fnow is not more than eight inches deep
upon a level ; for the fnow that is carried ov *
one fence by the wind lodges againft the oth-cr 1 i
the road is full, which endangers the lives of tra-
vellers, a,id proves a great hindrance to the tranf-
adion of bulinefs. Some are fo ftingy, that they
will not allow a highway to be fenced wide
enough, becaufe they fuppofe that they fliall lofe
the profits of their lands ; but this is a miftake,
for the land in a highway will ferve for a palture
for cattle, iheep, he. whihl the people are freed
from the labour and expence of fencing it.

I do not pretend to fay, that every govern-
ment, county, and t;)wnlhip, can be laid out cx'
adly in the form that I have mentioned : I know
that fome places are almoih furroundcd by the
fea, as the pcninfula on which the town of Boiion,
in the Malfachufctts, is built, and many other
places, where there is not room for a town of the
bignefs I have recommended ; but where there is
room, it will be beft to lay them out in a regular
form, &c.

But the globular form of the globe may, in
fome meafure, interrupt my plan of layinp; out all
the provinces, on a great continenr, exaclly
fquarci for feme allowance ought to be made,

1 'I tor

486

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

i:\'t

V '

for the variation of the degrees of longitude in the
different parallels of latitude.

Hence, if on the lat. of 40 degrees north, we
fliould meafiire 100 miles fouth on the meridian
of Philadelphia, and fet up a boundary for the
fouth-cafterly corner of a province, and fliould
nieafure 100 miles weft to the fouth-wcft corner,
then exadily north 100 miles; and from thence to
where we began, we fliould find that the north hne
would not be fo long as the fouth by about -rVo of
a mile, for the degrees of longitude are fliortcrin
the northern than in fuuthern parallels of latitude.
Vid. Tab. p. 75.

The kingdom of France is about 662 miles in
length, from north to fouth, and 620 in breadth,
from eail to weft ; and fince the late Revolution,
the National Aflembly have divided it into 80
grand divifions, or counties, of 18 leagues in
length, and as many in breadth ; and each grand
divifion into 9 commonalties, which are 6 leagues
fquare ; and alfo each commonalty into 9 cantons,
of 2 leagues in length and 2 in breadth.

Hence there are 80 grand divifions ; 72c com-
monalties, and 6480 cantons. Each commonJty
fends one Keprelentarive to the National Ailembly.
Hence alio, as a l^ciich Icvigue is longer than an
Englifli, the cantons are about die bigncfs of the
townfliips which I have recommended.
' The following Table exhibits the different
forms, &c. of the North- American Governments.

DlVlSlOiV

CLE.

longitude in the

grees north, we
n the meridian
oundary for tlie
ce, and fliould
itli-vvcft corner,
from thence to
at the north hne
by about -rVo of
:\e are fliortcr in
dlels of latitude.

ut 662 miles in
620 in breadth,
late Revolution,
ided it into 80
18 leagues in
and each grand
ch are 6 leagues
y into 9 cantons,
•eadth.

ions ; 72c com-
\c\\ commondty
.tionalAllciTibly.
s longer than an
e bigncis of tlic
idcd.

s the different

n Governments.

DlVlSlOiV

iijJii tjilii

ARCHITECTURE.

4S9

CHAP. XLIX,

Of ArchiteSlure, — How Cities, Churches, Uoujcs, &c,
ought to be built. — Magnificent Edifices, the Seven

■ Wonders of the World. — ^he Banger of living in
cpen Houfes, and of Sleeping in New Plaifiered
Rooms. — Of the Vanity of Defiroying Wood too
fafl^'-^DireSlions concerning the Prefervation of
Trees, and the Planting of ForeJIs and Orchards. —
How Prifons fhould be Conflru^ed, and Prifonerf
managed, to prevent the Generation of Malignant
Difiempers,

ARCHITECTURE was firfl carried to a
tolerable high pitch by the Tyrians, th^
Greeks took it from them, the Romans from
the Greeks, and the Engliih from the Romans.
The Romans firft introduced the building with
brick, and that of ftone was brought into England
A. D. 670. In 886, the Englifli began to build
with bricl ^ but it did not become general in
Great Britain till 1600, when the Earl of Arundel
promoted it. This art, in many places, is lirought
to a high degree of perfeftion in the prefent age ;
though in others, the myfteries of it are much

hidden

't] >

! i '-.t

490

THE AMERICAN ORACLE,

hidden in many rclpedls, and buildings are frc-
quently eredted to difadvantage, and the materials
almod fpoiled. I Ijave obferved in tlie great cities
of London, Weftmindcr, Bath, Briftol. Edin-
burgh, Glaigovv, Dublin, Paris, Philadelphia,
and other cities in England, Scotland, Ireland,
France, and America, that a great number
of the houfes are almoft ruined by reafon of
their being wrongly conflruded. Rooms are fre-
quentb. made fo fmall that they are very inconve-
nient, and numbers of the flrcets are built fo nar-
row, that it is dangerous paffing, and efpecially
among teams, coaches, &c. Many of thofe houfes
ought to be taken down and rebuilt, with ftreets
loo feet in breadth, laid out in a regular manner;
but the fafliion of making fuch narrow ftrects
feems to be wearing away in Great Britain, and
clfewhere; for many houfes and other buildings
have been taken down of late, the flrects made
wider, and the buildings rebuilt in a move com-
modious form, which does honou: to the Archi-
tcds and oih^;rs concerned in the woik.

The wharfs in fun ports, ought to be made
wide; hence the buiKlings (hould be ercdcd at
adillancc, to leave room for the laying of lumber
and other commodities.

When a city is built, the flreets ought to run
firaigiu- and at rii'Jit anglt^s with each other, and
ro he ICO fc'ct wide; tlic fquares betwixt ihcm
fi^ould be about 40 rods each way : The houfes

ihoiild

ARCHITECTURE, &C.

491

(hould be built of brick or (lone, and be four {lo-
ries high, covered widi Hate, tyle, or lead, to
Secure them from the fire; and condudors ought
to be ereded to prcferve the buildings from being
injured by the lightening. A dwelling houfe
ought to be about 46 feet in length, and 38 in
breadth, with a paffage through the middle about
I o feet broad- The rooms ought to be at lead 1 8
feet long, 16 broad, and 9 or 10 feet high. The
doors and windows, ought to be of a fuitable
length and breadth, and the chimneys (hould be
fetagainftthe middle of the rooms, and be drawn
in, till the draught acrainfl the mantle piece, is
very fmall. If it fliould be faid that a fmall paf-
fage would obftrud: the ingrefs of the chimney
fwecpcrs ; I anfwer, that a back made of (beet, or
cad iron, might be conftrudted and placed in fuch
a manner, as to anfwer all the intentions of one
made of brick ; and it might eafily be taken out
and replaced again, as occaf.on may require.
Then the draught ought to be made larger and
larger, which will prevent the fmoke from puf-
fmg out into the rooms ; the force of the fire fend-
ing it through a narrow paffage will prevent its
returning by the preffure of the atmofphere above;
but remember, that the top of a chimney mud be
built upon a perpendicular over the fire-place,
Oihcrwife the fmoke will defcend into the room ;
for if it is obdrufted by turnings and windings, it

will

'^ ^

THE AMERICAN OPACIE.

will fly the wrong way, as it is as natural for
fmoke to fly upwards as it is for a (lone to fall
downward? ; hence chimneys fhould Hand ereft.
Cities ought to be kept clean, and proper canals
of water turned under them, to carry off the
filth, and prevent the generation of difeafcs.
Churches, palaces, and other buildings, ought to
be proportioned in fuch a manner as to make theni
convenient, a large room ought not to be fquarc,
but in the form of an oblong.

An Architedl ought to be well Hiillcd both in
the theoretical [ind practical parts of the bufmefs.
The theory demonflrarer. how to plan out the work
in proportions requifite to form the fabric, and
the practical, how to execute the bufinefs in die
mod expeditious and advantageous manner.

Architecture confiRs of three dilferent clafles, as :

1. Civil ; or the building of lioufes, churches,
colleges, temples, palaces, halls, bridges, porti-
cos, &c. for the ufes of civil life.

2. Military] as fortifications, ramparts, &c. for
defence againil an enemy.

3. Naval ; as the building of docks, and all kind::,
of veirds to float on the water, with die works
belons.'in<r to them.

The laws of naurc taught the ancients to build
houfes to fcrecn themfelvcs and families from the
inclemency of the weather. It is faid, that before
the Romans invaded England, the natives had no
better lodgings than thickets, dciis, and caves.

I Some

'^ ^

IS natural for
I ftone to fall
J ft and ereft.
proper canals
carry off the
of difeafcs.
ings, ought to
to make theni
, to be fquarc,

LiUcd both in
i" the bufinefs.
1 out the work
be fabric, and
lufinefs in *he
manner.
entclalTes, as;
fcs, churches,
ridges, porti-

iparts, Sec. for

, and all kind^,
ith die works

:ients to build
ilies from the
d, that before
iatives had no
IS, and caves.
Some

ARCHITECTURE, ScC.

493

Some of thofe caves were for wincer habitations,
and places of retreat in time of war. The Savages
in America have followed much the fame exam-
ple, having lodged in dens and caves, among the
rocks and mountains, like the wild bcafts, for
the want of knowledge in Architecture.

We have an account in hiftory, of many won-
derful fuperftrudurcs, as : i. The tower of Babcl,
which was 40 years in building. 2. The walls of
Babylon, which were 60 miles in circumference,
587.feet thick, and 1350 feet high; through the
walls were loo gates.

3. The Pyramids of Egypt, the largeft of which
covers 1 1 acres and a quarter of land, and is near
500 feet high. — 4. Soloman's temple, which was
adorned with gold and many fplendid ornaments*

5. The wall of Ch::ia^ which is 1300 miles in
length, and 30 feet high ; and of many other noble
ftrudtures, edifices, and temples, which denote
that Architecture flione forth with great lufture
and perfedion am.ong the ancients, though per-
haps, not with that fplcndor k does in the pre-
fent age.

Authors difagree fo much in the accounts of the
meafures of antiquity, that 't is difficult to deter-
mine what the dimenfions of foii^e ancient build-
ings were, as fome have taken one meafuic and
fome another, without telling us what mealure
they meant, whether it was Engliih, Romifli, Ezc.
The following table fhews the diftercm: feet tliat

have

494

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

have been made ufe of among the nations, equi-
valent to 11 inches, Englilh meafurc, being di-
vided into 1 coo equal parts.

I '■

Englifn —
Romidi
French —
Spanifh
Veneiian —
Rhinland
Florentine -
Naples —
Cairo —
TurkiQi

lOOO

967

io63

920

1032

1913
2190

1824

2200

Hence it appears that a Turkifli foot, is more
than as long again as an Englifli, and that the Ro-
miih and Spanilh feet arc (horter ; but would it
not be bell to have the meafures and weights alike
through the world, if the nations would agree to
it, ab was before obfcrved.

Every part of a building made of timber ought
to be painted to prevent it from rotting, and to
keep the doors and wind' '- from fwcdmg in wet
weather. Wooden houfes well painted once in
three years, will lad a long time ; but if they Hand
without paint, they will foon rot, and wafte away.

Some are at a great cxpence in adorning their
buildings with fplendid ornaments, fuch as blank
doors and windows, tablets, medallions, with bas

and

Architecture, &c.

495

and alto relievos, (latues, buds, niches, vafes, en-

2, ruftics, pilaf-

ildi

foli

riched ceilings, moui

ters, columns, arches, intercoluminations, baluf-

trades; &c.

It is very dangerous to live in open houfes, or
to fleep in new plaiftered rooms, for our bodies
require a fufRcient degree of heat to keep their
fluids in circulation. I was taught when 1 was
young, that open rooms are the mod healthy ; but
I found by my own obfervation, that that opinion
is abf - - ' ; for I have frequently obfcrved, that
where ^ pie have been obliged as it were to roaft
one fide, hilft the other was almoft freezing, that
they were often afflided with colds, coughs, ca-
tarrhs, confumptions, quinfies, pleurifies, perip-
neumonies, and other diforders,whilft others, who
had lived in warm rooms, have bten free from
thofe complaints.

Many of the houfes in Canada are built of
ftone : their walls are about two feet thick ; the
rooms are large and are kept warm in winter with
floves, fituatcd infuch a manner, as to warm every
part of the rooms, and make the people comforta-
ble in the remoteft corner; but a fmall quantity
of fuel is expended, and the people were fo remark-
ably healthy, that I could fcarcely hear a perfon
cough in a large congregation, whilft the ftoves
were kept up ; but when they were taken down,
which happened in May or June, the rooms grew
too damp and cold, and the inhabitants were

afflided

«i I*

-' rr-^.'

II I :{ 1

496

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

afBicled with colds, coughs, and other diforders
of the kings. Some who have ventured to flcep
in new plaiftered rooms, have been found dead
the next morning, owing to the coldnefs and
dampnefs of the walls.

It is dangerous to ftand ftill, fir, or fleep, with
the doors, or windows open ; or where there are
holes that let in the air, becaufe it will make peo-
pie take cold ; where they follow this pradice
in the Ihops and public houfes in London, I have
heard the inhabitant:, complain of head aches,
coughs, 8cc. whereas, if they would only keep their
rooms tight and warm, they might be freed 0^
ihofc complaints. But fome have imbibed an
opinion, that they draw more cullomers by keep,
in"" open doors, &c.

So;-^ie people have {loops or piazzas by the fides
of their holies, where they frequently fit in the
cpen air r,ud take cold, by having their perfpira-
tlon obaruded by the cool breezes of the wind;
but I difapprove of this pra^ice, unlefs the wea- |
thcr is very warm, calm, and plcafant.

There are fcvcral orders of Architedure, all of
v.hlch hive their proportions as :

I The Tufcan, which is void of ornaments, and
thc'moafolld,:uidcapab]-J of bearing the heavieft

burthen. . ,

II. The Dorio, the nc!:t infircngth to the lul- |
can, 'which is the mofi ancient order in the world.

111. The

ARCHITECTURE, &C;

497

Til. The Ionic ; this is more fplcndid than th«
Doric, and has but few ornaments.

IV. The Corinthian , this has elegant propor-
tions, adorned with fplendid ornaments.

V. The Compofite ; this is only a fpecies of th«
Corinthian order.

As It is not my dcfign to be prolix upon any
fubjea in the American Oracle, 1 Ihall not branch
out largely upon Archite(flurc, but conclude by
obferving, that an Architcd ought to have fo
much geometrical and philofophical knowledge^
as to know how to choofe the bell materials, and
conltrud a building in the bed manner. H«
fliould fee that the foundation he builds upon is
good, the materials he builds with are found, and
that the work is carried on with regularity in the
building of towers, caftles, houfes, temples^
palaces, markets, theatres, amphitheatres, villages,
towns, cities, ftreets, wharfs, lanes, courts, &c.

The wars that have frequently broke out amongft
the nations., have been a r;reat hindrance to the
flourifliing of Architedure, as well as to that of
other aris and fciences. Hence men of great
learning and ingenuity have been Hain, flxmous
libraries burnt, eleg;ant towns and cities laid wafte,-
and fome arts wholly loft ; amongft others, that
of making cement, which is laid to bs ftronger
than brick or ftone. Had there not been any
bloodlhedand devaftation.and had the nations been

K k united

ati

498

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

I P

' ;

united In doing one another good inflcad of evil;
and had the armies been employed in cultivating
the land, in digging down mountains, filling up
vallics, the building of bridges, towns, cities, he.
would it not have been much better for the inha-
bitants of the world ? Would not the arts and fci.
cnces have been brought to a higher degree of
perfection, and the globe adorned and beauti-
fied with much more riches, fplendor, and mag-
nificence, collcdcd and dcpofited for the promo-
tion of the happincis of mankind, than at the pre-
fent day ?

I will jufl. mention the feven wonders of the
world, but had there been no wars, it is probable
there would have been more than a thoufand won-
ders before this time. I will fet them in their
proper order, though fome of them arc already
mentioned in this chapter.

1. 1 he Pyramids of Egypt.

2. The Maufoleum, or tomb built for Maufolus,
KingofCaria, by Arremifiahis Qvieen.

3. The temple of Diana at Ephefus.

4. The walls and hanging gardens of Babylon.

5. The brazen image of the fun at Rhodes,
called the Colofllis. It ftood with one foot on
one illand, and the other on another, fo high that
a Poip with its malls and fails up could fail be-
tween its legs. It was Ihaken down by an earth-
quake 224 years before Chrift.

6. The rich flatue of Jupiter Olymplus.

7. Tke

ARCHITECTURE, &C.

499

7. The watch tover, built by Ptolemy Phila-
delphus, King of Egypt.

It is too much the pradicc in New England,
and in fome other places in America, to build
houfes, barns, &c. of timber ; but it would be
much better to build with brick or ftone, and to
cover tuem with Hate or tile, inftead of (liingles,
as they would be warmer, more durable, and
more fecur from taking fire, which, though
commonly ? good fervant, is fometimes a bad

mailer.

A room may be kept too warm, but this I alio
dilapprove, becaufe it muy make people fweat,
melt the fluids, relax the folids, and lay a
foundation for fome dangerous malady. Thofc
who have fat in a warm room ought to put on a
tloak or great coat when they go into the open
air, and efpecially if the weather is very cold, or

ftormy.

There is a vanity which prevails in many parts
of America that will mak( the . future generations
groan : — It is the rapid deftrudlion of the wood,
which is almoft totally cut off in fome new places,
as well as in thofe which have been fettled a long
time. In fome places which have not been fettled
more then twenty or thirty years, fcarceany thmg
is left either for fuel or tim.ber. Hence future
generations will be greatly pinched with the cold,
and efpecially in towns remote from pits of coal,
which are very fcarce in this part of the world, as

K k ^ none

I' * ,

h i

i^H ,

mmr

500

THE AMERICAF ORACLE.

i! i ii.yii

!t *

none have been difcovered, excepting in New-
foundland, Louifboiirg, Nova Scotia, or New
Brunfwick, and North Carolina, if I miftake not.
How diftrefllng then muft the condition of thofebe
who may live two or three hundred miles from any
fea port, or place where coal can be procured,
when the trees are cut off and nothing can be had
for fuel, or timber ? they mud of courfe be pinch-
with the cold, and put to great difficulty in carry.
ing on their cookery, &c.

People have been fo greatly diftreffed already
in fome places in America, that they have been
obliged to burn their barns, fences, and even
their houfliold furniture, to keep from perifliing
with the cold ; and wood has been fometimes fo
very fcarce and dear at New-York, that it has
been fold for forty dollars, or nine pounds fler-
ling, per cord.

Therefore, for the prevention of fuch calami-
ties as much as pofiiblc, I will recommend,

1. The building of warm, tight houfes, with
brick or ftonc.

2. The life of (loves, and the confumption of
a fmall quantity of fuel.

3. The prcfervation of trees already grown,

4. The planting and priming of forefls in
places where they are wanted.

5. The raifing of orchards, confiding of apple
trees, pear-trees, peach-trees, plumb-trees, cherry
trees, &c. which are beneficial both for fruit and

fuel.

p?lt

ing in New-
tia, or New
miftake nor.
onofthofebe
lies from any
be procured,
g can be had
rfe be pinch-
:ulty in carry.

reffed already
ey have been
;s, and even
•om perifliing

fometimes fo
L, that it has

pounds fter-

fuch calami-
iimend,
L houfes, with

Dnfumption of

ady grown,
of forefls in

(ling of apple

)-trees, cherry

I for fruit and

fuel.

OF FUEL, &C.

501

fuel. But perhaps large quantities of coal mines
may be difcovered in fome future time in places
where fuel may be wanted. Coals are very cheap
and plenty in Scotland, and I believe it is as cheap
keeping a fire there, as it is in America, where
wood is plenty. They are alfo very plenty in
London, but they are dear by reafon of a duty
which is laid upon them.

Farmers ought to have wood lots near their
houfes, to keep their fuel houfed, and a good
flock by them ; and efpecially in the Northern
climates, where the fnow fometimes falls fo deep,
that the teams cannot travel to the forefls.

Different kinds of floves have been ufed in
America. They are chiefly tight in the Northern
Governments, that is, the fire is fluit up fo that it
cannot be feen, unlefs a door is opened ; they are
chiefly made of Iheet or cafl iron. But 1 hav^e feen
an open kind of floves at Philadelphia, which
were invented by fome body about fixty miles
weflerly of that city. They have been called
Franklin's floves, becaufe Dr. Franklin wrote
upon their utility.

It has been faid, that one cord of wood will do
as much good, and go as fiir in a flove, as four
would in a chimney. Hence, floves muft be of
great fervice where ever they arc ufed.

When the furrounding atmofphere is colder
than the rarified air in a room, it will rufli in if
the doDrs or windows artj opened, and continue

K. k 3 f

!l t!

502

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

{o to do until an equilibrium is reftored, and chill
thofe who have been warmed by the heat of a fire.
Bat if the air in a room is colder than the at-
mofphere, and the doors, &c. are opened, the cold
air will expand itfelf into the warm until an
equilibrium is reftored that way.

I Oiall conclude this chapter by making fome
obfervations on Prifons, and the management of

prifoners,

Prifons ought to be ficuated in places where the
air is good ; and flreams of water ought to be
conveyed under them to keep them clean.

Various plans have lately been invented for the
conftruftion of prifons, but it is not much matter
how they are built, provided the apartments are
convenient. The rooms ought to be large, and
thofe confined ought not to be too much crowd-
ed, becaufe it may breed diftempers, which may
cut down not only the prifoners, but fprcad to a
great diflance and alnroft depopulate the country.
By chronology we arc informed, that 300 pcrfons,
at the affizes v.t Oxford, caught a gaol diftempcr,
and died in 1577, and that many took the Hime
diftemper at the Old Bailey, in London, and died

in 1750, &c.

Now we may reasonably fuppofe, that this dif-
temper was generated by the want of a proper air,
a proper regimen, cloathing, and exercife, and by
the prifoners being too much crowded, and that
by their being thus, infeded by a contagion, it

was

ON PRISONS, &C.

S^S

ed, and chill
heat of a fire,
than the at-
med, the cold
irm until an

making fome
anagement of

,ces where the
ought to be
clean.

vented for the |
t much matter
ipartments are
be large, and
» much crowd-
s, which may
Dut fprcad to a
te the country,
at 300 perfons,
yaol d idem per,
took the fiime
ndon, and died

;, that this dif-
of a proper air,
:xercife, and by
^dcd, and that
a contagion, it
was

was communicated to others when the p'ifoners
were brought to trial before the the Courts of J uf-

tice.

The treatment that prifoners have met with m
many parts of Chriftendom in time paft would
difgrace the mod barbarous nations. Some have
perilhed by being kept in pits and dungeons,
fome have loft their lives by being pent up in nar-
row places, where they could not lie down, and
by being crowded to death by the company.
Some have been fmothered till they have loit their
lives for the want of air, and fome have pcriilicd
with the cold, hunger, nakcdnefs, and the like.
Prifons about 100 feet in length, 50 in breadth,
and three or four ftorics high, with entries, or paf-
fages about 10 feet wide, through the middle of
each ftory from end to end, would be very conve-
nient, in my opinion. The apartments might then
be made large, and the Prilbn-keeper might ea-
fily convey to a confiderable number of prifoners,
thofe things they daily need for their fiiftcnance.
If a prifoner is taken ill, he ought to be kept in
fome apartment by himfclf to prevent the fpread-
ing of malignant difordcrs ; they cugbt to be kept
clean and warm, and to ufe gende exerciic, and
alfo to have a good and wholefome diet.

Let men, or women, who may be confin'd.
Unto their mortal bodies be (o kind.
As to take care that they/6/.'// ev'ry thing
Which may amongft them bad dijovdcvs bring

K k 4 li

u'' «

l^|d

,.a

>04

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

(f they defire In good health to abide,
VViiilft they're oblig'd in prifon to refide, *
Let this thing always in their mind remain.
That from intemp'rance they muft all refrain :
!\bftain from drunk'nefs, anger, rage and ftrife,
A.nd aim to live an upright, fteady life.
Read and difcourfc with plcafure and delight,
Both in the day, and in the filent night.
Go to bed early, fee that ye arifc
Nigh to the time the fun does in the fkles ;
Wafli clean your fcice, comb out your matted hair,
And if need be, fee that your nails ye pare :
Keep up your fpirits, often talk and laugh,
And walk around, with, or without a flaff :
Tell pleafant (lories, make the air to ring,
With a loud voice, when ye attempt to fing ;
And often times, if you can get a chance.
Divert youifelves with mulic, and a dance.
If you wou'd reft and not live in a teafe,
Dcftroy the bed bugs, kill off all the fleas ;
From other vermin always mind and fee
That ye at all times keep exceeding free.
Sweep oft your room, don't fpit upon the floor,
And keep no dirt within the prifon door.
From all bad fcents pray keep exceeding clear.
Left feme deflrudive thing ihou'd foon appear.
When noxious vapours float within the air.
And bad diftempcrs fpread both here and there,
Amongll: you let tobacco fumes arife,
^Vhofe virtues are cxtoU'd unto the fkies :

And

ON PRISONS,

&C,

505

Ide, '

miain, f

i refrain : I

and ftrifcj

k. ■ I,

I delight, I

;ht. :

fk'ies ;

ir matted hair,
; pare :
laugli,
1 flaff :
ring,
to fing ;
ince,
dance,
afe,
fleas ;
I fee
free.

n the floor,
joor.

ding clear,
3on appear,
the air,
e and there.

And vinegar burnt often in the day.

Is good to drive all noxious things away.

By what I've feen, I'm fure I can refifl.

That putrefadion it will much refift.

Another thing I alfo do defire.

That in your room you'll keep a conftant Are ;

For it is good, Philojophers declare.

To cleanfe and purify the ftagnant air.

Of wholefome things let all your food be made.

Go cleanly drefled, and mind what I have faid ;

Left whilft in prifon ye have to remain,

Dcjeafes fpread 'till you by them z.vtflain.

My beft ?W\ct I freely thus do give.

And wifh mankind in happinefs may live ;

That honeft prifoners always may be free

From illnefs, and be fet at liberty :

And that at laft they may come to t\vtJIjore

Where loathjome Prifons (hall affli6l no more,

London, Af<^y 14, i79i«

fkies :

And

CHAP.

5o6

THE AMERICAN ORACLl,

C H A P. L.

JJhori Hljory of the Rise, Sufferings, Doc-
trines, and Discipline nf the Friends,
commonly ca/led QvAKT.RS.

IN the beginning of the 17th century there
were great aiiVenfions in Great Britain ref-
peding E -ligion ; many who had been diflatisfied
with the lettiemcntof the Church ot England in
the reign of Qi^iecn Elizabeth, diffented, and
formed themfelvcs into various focieties, fome of
whom evinced their finccrity by grievous fuffer-
ings, under the intolerance of thof? who govcrne4

church afiairs.

In thofe times George Fox began to travel,
and to preach the principles and doftrines which
the Friends adhere to ; as he travelled he met with
divers who readily received his teftimony, and
feveral of them became preachers of the fame doc-
trine; mukitudcs were afterwards converted, and
many meetings were fettled.

But many of thefe people were perfecuted oft
account of their religious fentimcnts, by flripeSj^
imprifonments, and other inhumanities.

George

FRIENDS SUFFERINGS.

507

George Fox, was one of the firfl of the Friends
who was imprifoned. He was confined at Not-
tingham, in the year 1649. The next year he
was brought before two Magiftrates in Derby-
fliire, where one of them fcofEng at George Fox,
for having bidden him and thofe about him to
tremble at the zvord of the Lord, gave th.ofe people
the name oi ^takers, Wxiich appellation is retained
to this day : But they have always called them'
felves Friends.

The Friends fufFered perfecution in England, in
the days of Oliver Cromwell, and in the reign of
Kino- Charles II. but it does not appear that either
Cromwell, or the King, was very fevere againfl
them. The perfecution was chiefly carried on
by the Magiftrates, and other barbarous and in-
human perfons of an inferior rank.

The firft Friends that went to Bofton, in New-
England, were women ; at that place they were
imprifoned and cruelly treated, this happened in
1656. The fallov/ing year the fcourge was em-
ployed, and a law was made for cutting off' their
ears, which was executed. They were afterwards
fubjected to banilliment on pain of death, and
three men and one woman were actually hanged.
The Friends were alfo perfecuted in fome of the
other American Governments, but 1 believe not
with fuch feverity.

In 1 66 1 Samuel Shattock, a ban idled i^r/tW from
Bofton, obtained a mandamus from the King to

return

iijO'i

It A.i,

5^8

THE AMERICAN ORACLE,

return to B:)n:on as a Deputy, and put a flop to
the (everitifs in New-England, which was accord-
ingly done.

In 1664 fixty of the Friends were tranfported
from England to America, by an order of Council.

In 1672 King Charles II. rcleaied about four
hundred of the Friends from confinement. Rut
after his death, as they were not prote'fled by law,
about liiteen hundred were imprifoned, by reafon
of the implacable malice of their old perfecutors.

About the year 1675 Robert Barclay wrote an
apology in vindication of the principles and doc-
trines of the Friends, and prefentcd it to King
Charles II.

In the reign of kmg James II. tlic operation
of the penal lawsagainfl Dilfenters were fufpend-
cd, and the Friends were fliarcrs in the benefit.
But it was not uniil the reign of King \Villiara
that they obtained fomc degree of legal protec-
tion. In the reign of William and Mary, about
the year 1696, an ad was paifcd, which with a few
excepiions, allowed to their atlirmation the legal
force of an oath, and provided a lefs opprefTive
mode of recovering tythes, under a certain
amount : Thofe provifions were made per-
petual in the reign o^ George I. and thus the
I'riends, in common wiili other Dilienters, re-
ceived the advantacrc of the aft of toleration
which had been pafRd in the year 1689. The
Friends in Ireland alfo fuficred perlbcuiion, as

well

';^/'

}:i^A

FRIENDS SUFFERINGS.

5^9

well as thofe in England, but when the aft of to-
leration took place, they were relieved by law.

But though the friends have thus in a great
meafure been freed from perfecution, yet it is
faid, that it is not wholly removed in Great Bri-
tain and Ireland, for they are flill liable to fufTer
in the Exchequer, and in the Ecclcfiaflical Court,
in confequence of their being required to help
lupport the national miniftry. But the Friends
in America are free from that burthen, as the peo-
ple at prefent are not bound to fupport fuch a
miniftry. It appears by hiftory, that the Friends
were often greatly peifeciucd, bccaufe it was
againft their confciences to kill their fellow mor-
tals, and to take oaths before a magiftrate, and
that fome of the priefts have been very bufy in
carrying on thofe perfccutions.

About the year 1682, Penniylvania was fold by
the Duke of York to the Penn family, and Wil-
liam Penn obtained a charter from the King for
the fcttlement of that Government, into which
many of the Friends were induced to remove.
It foon became, and flill continues to be, the
largeft fettlement of Friends in America; but
many fettled in other provinces and colonies.

In 1/3 1, whilil Jonathan Belcher, Efq. was
Governor of the Maiiachufetts, an ad of the Af-
fembly was pafied, which exempted the Friends
in that province from contributing to the fupporc
oi: the public miniftry ; and they enjoyed a great

a Ihare

tlFr -M

510

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

fliarc of cranquillity in this and the other Govern-
ments, until the war commenced, which termi-
nated in the reparation of the United States from
the dominion of Great -Britain.

During thofe commotions, they were involved
in great trouble, by rcfufing to join in the mili-
tary fervices which were required of them ; many
were imprifoned in divers Governments, and fe.
veral fuffered death at Philadelphia by reafon of the
war. Great numbers were reduced from circiim.
fiances of cafe, if not of affluence, to the verge of
want, by the exccffive fcizures which were fre-
quently made of their property, to recover the
fines impofcd on them, for rtfufing to ferve per.
fonally, or to fubflitute others, to join the conti.
rental armies. '

I have extraflcd the greatcfl part of this (hort
account from various authors, but principally
from a pamphlet lately puhlilhed in London. 1
have, however, added a few things that I knew
myfelf, and fevcral which 1 received from perfons
of good repute. Thofe who may be defirous of
further information, are direded to read Sewell's
Hiftory, Edmondfon's Journal, anc' Rutty's
Hillory, concerning the perlecutions the Friends
have endured by reafon of their religious fenti-
mcnts.

DOCTRINE.

FRIENDS PRINCIPLES.

5^1

DOCTRINE,

"35

DOCTRINE.

The Friends believe in one eternal God, the
Creator, and Prefervcr of the Univcrfc : and in
Jefus Chrift, his Son, the Mefliah, and Mediator
of the New Covenant. Vid. Heb. xii. 24.

When they fpeak of the gracious difplay of the
love of God to mankind, in the miraculous con-
ception, birth, life, miracles, death, refurre6tion,
and afcenfion of Chrift, they prefer the ufe of
fuch terms as they find in the Scriptures, and ajre
contented with that knowledge which Divine wif-
dom hath feen meet to reveal ; and though they
do not attempt to explain thofc my (levies which
remain under the veil; yet the) acknowledge
and aflert the divinity of ChriH, who is the wif-
dom and power of God unto falTation. Vid.
I Cor. i. 24.

To Chrift alone they give the title c f the word
of God. Vid. John i. i. and not to the Scrip-
tures, although they highly efteem thofc Sacred
Writings, in fubo'^dination to the Spirit, z Pet.
i. 21. from which they were given forth; and
they hold with the Apoftle Paul, that they are
able to make wife unto falvation, through faith,
which is in Chrift Jefus. Vid. 2 Tim. iii. 15.

They reverence thofe moft excellent precepts
which are recorded in Scripture, and believe thev
were delivered by our Great Lord ; that they are
pradlicable, and binding on every Chriftian ; and

I that

iimi

•yi-i : >

I in

tl^ THK AMERICAN ORACLF

that in the life to come, every man will be re-
warded according to his works. V:'. Matt.
xvi. 27.

Of Univerfnl and Sa'^'hfg Light,

That in order to enable mankind to put in
prafticc thofe facrcd precepts, many of which are
contradictory to the unrcgcneratc will of man,
Vid. John i. 9, Every man coming into the world is
endued with a mcafure of the light, and grace, or
good fpirit of ChriR ; by which he is enabled to
diftinguifli good from evil, and to corred the dif-
orderly paflions and corrupt propeniities of his na-
ture, which mere reafon isaltogctiicr infufficicntto
overcome. For all that belongs to man is fallible
and within the reach of temptation ; but this divine
grace, which comes by him who hath overcome the
world, John xvi. 33, is, to thofe who humbly and
fincerely feek it, an all fufficient and prefcnt help in
time of need. By this the fnares of the enemy are
deteded, his allurements avoided, and deliverance
is experienced though faith in its eftedual opera-
tion, whereby the foul is tranflatcd out of the
kingdom of darknefs, and from under the power
of Satan, into the marvellous light and kingdom
of the fon of God.

OF WORSHIP.

51^

Of Worjlnp,

d to put in
of which are
vill of man,
) tlie world is
nd grace, or
s enabled to
rrcd the dif-
ies of his na-
nfufficicnt to
an is fallible
lit this divine
Dvcrcome the
) humbly and
refcnt help ia
le enemy are
d deliverance
edual opera-
l out of the
LT the power
md kinj^dom

The Friends being thus perfuaded tha nan.
without the fpirit of Chrifl inwardly rev «d, can
do nothing to the glory of God, or to elied: his
own falvation, they think this influence efpecially
neceflary to the performance of the highefl ad of
which the human mind is capable, even the wor-
fhip of the Father of lights and of fpirits, in fpirit
and in truth ; therefore, they confider as obflruc-
tions to the pure worlhip, all forms which divert
the attention of the mind from the fecret influence
of this undion from the H-^lyOne. Vid. i John
ii. 20, :,2. Yet, although the true wc mip .s not
confined to time and place, ' ^y thij^k it * cum-
bent on Chriftians to meet often r.jg..Lher, (vid.
Heb. X. 25,) inteflimony of their dependence on
the Heavenly Father, and for a renewal of their
fpiritual ftrength ; neverthelefs, in the performance
ofworfliip, they dare not depend, for their ac-
ceptance with him, on a formal repetition of words
and experiences of others; but they believe it to
be their duty to ccafe from theadivity of the ima-
gination, and to wait in fdcnce, to have a true firht
of their condition beftowed upon them; believing
even afingle figh, (vid.Rom. viii.) 26, ariling from
fuch a fenfe of their infirmities, and of the need
they have of Divine help, to be more acceptable

h\ to

•4

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

to God, than any performances, however fpecious,
which originated in the will jf man.

Of the MiniJIry.

From the opinion the Friends are of con-
cerning worfliip, it follows, that the miniftry
which they approve muft have its ovigin from the
Hime fource ; for that which is needful for a man's
own direftion, and for his acceptance with God,
(vid. Jcr. xxiii, 30, to 32,) muft be eminently fo to
enable him to be helpful to others. Accordingly
they believe the renewed affiftance of the light
and power of Chrift, to be indifpenfably neceffary
for alltrue miniftry ; and that their holy influence
is not at their command, or to be procured by
lludy, but is the free gift of God to hrs chofen and
devoted fervants. From hence arifcs their tef-
limony againft preaching for hire, and in contra-
didion to Chrift's pofitive command, " Freely
ye have received, freely give." Vid. Matt. x. 8,
And hence alfo arifcs their confcientious rcfufal of
fupporting ftich a miniftry by tithes, &c.

Of the Preaching of IVomen.

As the Friends dare not encourage any miniftry,
but that which they believe to fpring from the in*
Jluence of the Holy Spirit, fo neither dire they
attempt to reftraiii this influence to perfon-; of any

condition

OF BAPTISM, 8CC.

5^5

condition in life, or to the male fex alone ; but, as
the male and female are one in Chrift, they al-
low fi^ch of the female fex as they believe to be
endued with a right quaUfiu. uion for the miniftry,
to ex^rcife their gifts for the general edification
of the church ; and this liberty they efteem to be
a peculiar mark of the Gofpel difpenfation, as
foretold by the Prophet Joel. Vid. Joel ii. 28,
29, and noticed by the Apoftle Peter. Ads ii. 16,

17-

0/ Baptifm and the Supper,

There are two ceremonies in ufe amongft: mod
profeflbrs of the Chriftian name, viz. water Bap-
tifm, and what is termed the Lord's Supper; the
iirfl of thefe being generally efteemed the eflential
means of an initiation into the church of Chrift;
and the latter of maintaining communion with
him. But as the Friends have been convinced,
that nothing fliort of his redeeming power, in-
wardly revealed, can fet the foul free from the
thraldom of fin, it is by this power alone that they
believe falvation can be effeded. And they hold
that as there is one Lord and one Faith, (vid.
Eph. iv. 5,) fo Baptifm is one in nature and ope-
ration ; that nothing J(hort of it can make us living
members of his myftical body ; and that the
Baptifm with water, adminiftercd by his fore-
runner John, belonged, as the latter confefled, to

L 1 2 an

i;>6

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

I' ,11

Hi' 'liif'f'

if?

an inferior and decreafing difpenfation. Vid. John

iii. 30. /

With refpea to the other rite, they beheve
that communion between Chrift and his church is
not maintained by that, nor any other external
performance, but only by a real participation of
his Divine nature through faith, vid. 2. Pet. 1.4;
that this fupper is alluded to in Revelation. Vid.
Rev.iii. 20." Behold iftand at the doorand knock,
*' if any man hear my voice, and open the door,
'^ 1 will come in to him, and will fup widi him,
*^ and he with me." And that where the fubftancc
is obtained, it is unneceflary to attend to the nia-
dow, which doth not confer grace, concerning
which different opinions and violent animofities
have arifcn amongft other profeffors of the Chrif.
tian religion.

Of Univerjal Grace and Perfeaion.

As dicy thus believe that the grace of God,
which comes by Jcius Chrift, is alone fufficient
for falvation, they can neither admit that it is
conferred on a few only, whilft others arc left
without it ; nor, thus affcrting its univcrlality, can
they limit its operation to a parti;d cleanfing of
the foul from fm, even in this life. They enter-
tain worthier notions both of the power and good-
nefs of our Heavenly Father, and believe that he

doth

OF OATHS AND WAR.

517

doth vouchfafe to affift the obedient to experience
a total furrender of the natural will to the guid-
ance of his pure unerring fpirit, through whok re-
newed affiftance they are enabled to bring forth
fruits unto holinefs, and to (land perfed in their
prefent rank. Vid. Matt. v. 48. Eph. iv. 13.
Col. iv. 12.

Of Oalhs and IVar.

There are not many of their tenets more gene-
rally known than their teflimony againft oaths
and war. With rcfped to the former of thefe,
they abide literally by drift's pofitive injundion,
delivered in his fermon on the Mount, viz.
*' Swear not at all." Vid. Matt. v. 34. From
the fame facred colledion of the moft excellent
precepts of moral and religious duty from the ex-
ample of our Lord himfelf, (Matt, xxxix. 44, he.
Chaif.xxvi.52, 53.Lukexxii. 51. John xviii. 11.)
and from the correfpondent convidion of his fpi-
rit in their hearts, they are confirmed in the be-
lief that wars and fightings are, in their origin and
effeds, \itteriy repugnant to the Gofpel, which
ftill breathes peace and good will to men. They
arc alfo clearly of the judgment, that if the bene-
volence of the Gofpel was generally prevalent in
the minds of men, it would effedually prevent
them fromopprefling, much more from enflaving,
their brediren, (of wh^oever colour or com-

L 1 3 plexiou)

' lai?.'

n n

518

THE AMERICAN ORACLK.

plexlon) for whom as for themfelvcs, Chrift died ;
and would even influence their condud in their
treatment of the brute creation, which would no
longer groan the vidims of their avarice, and of
their falfe ideas of pleafure.

0/ Government,

Some of the tenets which the Friends profeffed,
fubjefted their friends in former times to much
fuffering from Government, though as to the falu-
tary purpofes of Government, their principles are
a fecurity. They inculcate fubmiflion to the laws
in all cafes where in confcicnce is not violated ; but
they hold that as Chrift's kingdom is not of this
world, it is not the bufinefs of the Civil Magiftrate
to interfere in matters of religion, but to maintain
the external peace and good order of the commu-
nity. They therefore think perfecution even in the
fmalleft degree, unwarrantable. Hence they are
careful in requiring their members not to be con-
cerned in illicit trade, nor in any manner to de-
fraud the revenue.

Of their Deporttuent.

Their fociety from thei"* firft appearance has dif-
ufed thofe names of the months and days, which
having been given in honour of the heroes or falfe
gods of the Heathens, originated in their flattery

and

% tA

i ^•'m.

''If

i;hrift died ;
ud in their
1 would no
ice, and of

Is profeffed,
les to much
to the falu-
'inciples are
I to the laws
iolated ; but
s not of this
1 Magiftrate
t to maintain
the commu-
leven in the
icc they are
t to be con-
anner to de-

ance has dif-
:lays, which
sroes or falfe
their flattery
and

OF THEIR DEPORTMINT.

5^9

and fuperftition ; and the cuftom of fpeaking to a
fingle perfon in the plural number, as having
arifen alfo from motives of adulation. Compli-
ments, fuperfluity of apparel and furniture, out-
ward Ihevvs of rejoicing and mourning, and obfer-
vation of days and times, they efteem to be in-
compatible with the fimplicity and finceiity of a
Chriftian life; and public diverfions, gaming,
and other vain amufcmentsof the world, they can-
not but condemn ; they are a wafte of that time
which is given to us for nobler purpofes, and di-
vert the attention of the mind from the fober du-
ties of life, and from the reproofs of inftrudion,
by which we are guided to an everlafting inherit-
ance.

Thus have I given a general defcription of the
tenets which the Friends adhere to. They believe
however that a true and living faith is not produ-
ced in the mind of man by his own effort, but that
it is the free gift of God, (vid. Eph. ii. 8.) in
Chrift Jefus, nouriflied and increafed by the pro-
greflive operation of the Holy Spirit in his heart,
and his proportionate obedience. Vid. John vii. i 7.
Therefore, although, for the prefervarion of theicf-
timonies given them to bear, and for the peace and
good order of their fociery, they deem it neccffary
thatthofc who are admitted into memberfhip with
them, Ihould be prcvioufly convinced of thofc
dodrines which are efteemed effcntial ; but they
require no formal fubfcription to any articles,

L 1 4 cither

I,.'-'

520

-THE AMERICAN OTvACLE.

either as a condition of member{hip, or as
a qualification for the fervice of their church.—.
They prefer the judging of men by their fruits,
in a dependancc on the aid of him who, by his
Prophet, hath promifcd to be '* a fpirit of judgment
to him that fitteth in judgment." Vid. Ifai. xxviii.
6 ; that without this, there is danger of receiving
nui."' r-: into the outward communion, without
any addition lo .I.t fpiritual Ihcepfold, whereof
Chrifl declared himfelf to be both the door and
fhepherd. Vid. John x. 7, 11. that is, fuch as
know his voice, and follow him in the paths oi
obedience. .

I 'vH

Of their Difcipline.

Their difcipline confifts chiefly in relieving the
poor, the maintenance of good order, the fupport
of the teilimonies which they believe is their duty
to bear to the world, and the help and recovery of
fuch as are overtaken in faults.

In the prafticc of their difcipline, they think
it is indifnenfibly ncccflary that the order recom-
mended by Chrid himfelf be invariably obfcrvcd:
Vid. Matt, xviii. 15, 17. " If thy brother (hall
*' trefpafs againflthce, go and tell him his fault be-
*' tween thee and him alone : if he (hall hear thee,
" thou had gained rhy brother; but if he will not
" hear thee, then lake with thee one or two more,
*^ that inthe mouth of two or three witncfTes, every

*' word

OF THEIR MEETING, &C.

^21

(£

word may be eftabliflied ; and if he (hall negled
" to hear diem, tell it unto the church.'

»»

Of their Meetings for BifcipUne.

To effefl the fahitary purpofes of difcipline,
meetings were appointed at an early period of the
ibciety, which from the times of their being held
were called quarterly meetings. It was afterwards
found expedient to divide the diflrifts of thofe
meetings, and to meet more often ; from hence
arofe their monthly meetings, fubordinate to thofe
held qua'terly. At length, in 1669, a yearly
meeting was eftabliflied, to fuperintend, afTift, and
provide rules for the whole ; previous to which,
generally meetings had been occafionally held.

Of their Monthly Meetings, Toor, convinced Per-
Jons, Certificates of Removal, Overfeers, and Mode
of dealing with Offenders,

A monthly meeting is commonly compofcd of
feveral particular congregations, fituated within a
convenient dillance of each other, and where this
is the cafe, it is ufual for the members of each con-
gregation to form what is called a preparative
meeting, becaufe its bufinefs is to prepare vhatever
may occur among themfelvcs to be laid before
the monthly meeting. Their bulinefs at the
monthly meeting is to provide for the fublillence
of the poor, and for the education of their chil-
dren ; to jddge of the fmcerity and fitnefs of per-

Tons

^zz

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

fons appearing to be convinced of the truth of the
rclif^ious principles of tl.e fociety, and defiring
■ to be admitted into meiiibcifliip ; to excite due
attention to the dif^'hargc of religious and moral
duties, and to deal wiili difordcrly members.

Wlien any have made application to become
members of the foc>ly ; a fmall committee is ap-
pointed to vifit the party, and make a report to
the monthly meeting'; ; which is direcled not to
admit any into mcmbcrlhip, without allowing a
feafonablc time to conlklcr of their conduct.

At the monthly meetings the Friends alfo grant
to fuch of their 'ncmbers as remove into otiier
monthly meei;ngs cenificates of their memberfliip
and conduct, wii.iout which they cannot gain
memberfiiip in fuch meetings.

Each monthly meeting is required to appoint
certain perfons, under the name of Over/eeis, who
are to take care that the rules of their difcipline
is put in pradice ; and when any account of dif-
cracrly conduct comes to their knowledge, they
ar" to fee that private atimonition, agreeable to
the Gofpel rule before-mentioned, is given, previ-
viouily Lo its being laid before the monthly meet-
ing.

When a cafe is introduced, it is ufual for a

fmall committee to be appointed to vifit the of-
fender, in order to endeavour to convince him of
his error, and induce him to {©rfike and condemc I
it if they fuccced^ the tranrg^reilbr generally figas

a writte*

OF MARRIAGES, &C.

5^:

a written acknowledgment, and he Is by a minute
declared to have made fatisfadlion for theolfence ;
if not, he is difowned as a member of the foclety.
This is done by what is termed a tedimony of de-
nial, which is a paper reciting the offence, and
fometimes the fteps which have led to it; next,
the means iinavailingly ufed to reclaim the of-
fender; after that, a claufe difowning him ; to
which is ufually added, an expreflion of defire for
his repentance, and for his being rellored to
memberfhip.

It has long been the decided judgment of the
fociety that its members fliall not fue each other at
law ; hence wr.ence dlfputes arife between indivi-
duals, they are fettled by arbitrators; and if any
refufe to adopt this mode, or, having adopted it,
to fubmit to the award, it is the direclion at the
yearly meeting, that fuch Iliall be difowned.

Of Marriages, Births and Burials.

The allowance of marriages alfo belongs to the
Friends monthly meetings ; for their fociety has
always fcrupled to acknowledge the exclufive
authority of the priefls in the folcmnization of
marriage. Thofe who intend to marry appear to-
gether, and propofe their intention to the monthly
meeting, and if not attended by their parents or
guardians, produce a written certificate of their
confent, figned in the presence of witnefles. The

meeting

Ml! ,1

;t M(

llm

Vhi {}Xil fl^H

'^Hi

5^-4

THE AMERICAN ORACLK,

i-neetlnc:^ tl.cn appoInLs a committee to inquire
whether they are clear of other eng:igements re-
fpeain;; marriage ; and if at a fubfequent mceung,
to Which the parties ahb come and declare
the continuance of their intention, and no objec-
tions arc reported, they have the meeting's con-
fcnt to fokmnize ih.-ir intended marriage. This
is done in a pw i ■ meeting for woiihip, towards
the clofe wher. >' the parties (land up, and fo.
iemnly take each other for hufband and wife. I
was once prefent at one of their weddings, in
America, where the man took the woman by her
right hand, and uttered the following words before
the meeting, as near as J can remember.

" Friends, bear zvihiefs ; / fhornas H d, take

this nis friend, Nancy R d, to be my kind and

hvinp^ z^ife ; and 1 proriife, through the ajfijlancc of
Divine Cr.ne, to ccndi.c: towards her iik- a kind avA
' loving; bidimnd, tiH by death ive arcfeparated."

Shj then took him iy the right hand, and cviccl,

« Friends, bearidtnejs, I Namy R d,do take this

try iricndl'homas // d, to be my kind and lov-

in: bufhana, a-\l J prcmife, thrcti^h the ajfifan-e of
D-::::e Grace, to ondu^i lozvards him, like a kiudand
iryjin-^ zvife, till b) death ivd are Jeharatdd.'"

A certiricare of t!ie proceedings was then pub-
licly read by the clerk of ihc meeting, and Tinned
by the parties, and afterwards by the rchitions,
and >!t!\cr^ as wirncties. Of Inch certificates the
inoiulily meeting keeps a record; as alio of the

birdis

OF q:jaiitI'Rt.v meetings,

^c.

5^5

births and burials of its members. A certificate
of the date, of the name of an infant, and of its
parents., figned by thole prcfcnt at the birth, is
the fubjea: of one oflhefc laft mentioned records ;
and an order for interment, counterfigned by the
grave-maker, of the other. The naming of chil-
dren is without ceremony. Burials are alfo con-
<lu6led in a fimple manner. The body, followed
by the relations and friends, is fometime:- previ-
ous to interment carried to a meeting, and at
the grave, a paufc is generally made ; on both
which occafions it frequently falls out, that one
or more of the Friends prcfent have fomewhat to
exprefs for the edification of thofe who attend :
but no religioub rite is confidered as an effential
of a burial.

a i:r

0/ ^larterly Meetings, ^jeries, and Appeals,

Several monthly meetings compofe a quarterly-
meeting. At the latter are produced xvritten an-
fwers from the monthly meetings, to certain que-
ries concerning the conducT: of their members,
and the meeting's care over them. The accounts
thus received, arc digcdcd into one, which is lent
alfo in the form of anUvf-rs to qv.eries, by reprelcn-
tativcs, to the yearly meeting.— Appeals from the
judgment of monihly meetings are brought to
the quarterly meetings ; whole bufineis alio it is
to affill in any difficult cafe, or where remillhefs

appears

<26 THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

appears in the care of the monthly meetings over
the individuals who compofe them.

Of Yearly Meetings,

The annual meeting has a general fuperintend-
ancc of the fociety in the country in which it is
eflablifhcd ; and therefore as the accoj-ii:, which
it receives difcover the flate of inferior m; ctings,
as particular exigencies require, or as the meet-
ing is imprefT'xl with a fenfe of duty, it gives
forth its advice, makes fuch regulations as appear
to be reqviifitc, or excites to the obfcrvance c^
thofe already made ; and fometimes appoints com-
mittees to vifit thofc quarterly meetings which ap-
pear to be in need of immediate help. Appeals
from the judgment of the quarterly meetings are
here finally determined ; and brotherly correfpon-
dence, by cpiftles, is maintained with other quar-
terly meetings.

According to an account I have lately received
in London, tliere are fevcn yearly meetings, which
are held at the following places, viz.

1. London.

2. New England.

3. New York.

4. New Jerfey, and Pcnnfylvania.

5. Maryland.

6. Virginia.

7. The Carolinas, and Georgia.

1 Hence

OF YilAHLY MIETINGS.

5^7

Hence, according r^ ihis account, the four
New England governments compoie one meet-
ing; New York another; New Jerfey, and Peim-
fylvania another, &c.

The annual meeting is held at London, in the
fifth moi th of this prcfcnt year, 1791. To this
meeting reorcfentatives come from Ireland, and
from other parts of the world. Annual mccnngs
have been held in almoll every government of
the United States of America, but as the times of
their fitting are often altered, 1 Ihall not fiiy any-
thing further on the fubjcd.

I-

Of Womois Meeting,

As the Friends believe that women may be
rif^htly called to the w^rk of the minilby, they
aao think, that to them belongs a fliare in the
fupport of'JieirChriftiandifcipline. .indthar forne
parts of it, wherein thei"^ own fcx is concerned,
devolve on them witli peculiar propriety. Ac-
cordingly they have monthly, c, arterly, and
yearly meetings of their own fex, held iit tlie fame
time and in the fame place with the '" A the men ;
but feparately, and without the power of making
rules: and it may be remarked, that during tlie
perfecutions, which in the laft century occafioned
the imprifonment of fo many of the men, the care
of the poor often fell on the women, and relief v/as
by them fatisfadorily adminiftcred.

iii

1 il

nil

^n '1

t2S THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

0/ the Meeting of Mnijlers and Elder u

Thofewho believe themfelves required to fpeak
in the meetings for worfliip, are not immediately
acknowledged asminifters by their monthly meet-
ings; but time is taken for judgment, ihat the
meeting may be fatisfied of their call and qualifi-
cations. It will alfo fomctimes happen, that fuch
as are not approved, will obtrude themfelves as
minifters to the grief of their brethren; but
much forbearance is ufcd towards thefe, before
the difapprobation of the meeting is publicly tef-
tified. But in order that thofe who are in the
fitiiation of approved minifters, may have the ten-
der iympathy and counfel of cither fex, who by
their experience in the work of religion, are qua-
lified for that fervice, the monthly meetings are
advifcd to feled fuch, under the denomination of
elders. Thefe, and minifters approved by their
monthly meeting, have meetings peculiar to
themfelves, called meetings of minifters and
elders, in which they have an opportunity of
exciting each other to a difchargc of their feveral
duties ; of extending their advice to thofe who
may appear weak, without any needlefs exp^fure.
Thefe meetings are generally held in the compafs
of each monthly, quarterly, and yearly meeting.
They are conduced by rules prcfcribed by the
yearly meeting, and have no authority to make

any

v.-.«

MEETING OF MINISTERS, ELDERS, &C. ^I'j

any alteration or addition to them. Thefe mem-
bers unite with their brethren in the meetings for
difcipline, and are accountable to the latter for
their conduct.

Of the Second Day, Morning Meeting,

It is to a meeting of this kind held in London,
that the revifal of manufcripts intended for publi-
cation concerning their principles, is intruded by
the yearly meeting held in the fane place, and
alfo the granting, on the intervals of the yearly-
meeting, certificates of approbation to fuch mi-
nifters as are inclined to travel in the work of the
miniftry in foreign parts. When a vifit of this
kind docs not extend beyond Great Britain, a cer-
tificate from the monthly meeting, of which the
minifterisa member is fufficient; if to Ireland, the
concurrence of the quarterly meeting is alfo re-
quired. Regulations of a fimilar tendency ob-
tain in other yearly meetings.

Meetings for Sufferings,

The yearly meeting held in London, in the
year 1675, appointed a meeting to be held in that
city, for the purpofe of advifmg and aflifting, m
cafes of fuffering for confcience fake, which hath
continued with great ufe to the fociety to this day.
It is compofed of Friends, under the name of cor-

M m refpondents,

"v " \

iif^

Iff !'^'^'"

i3o

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

refpondents, diofen by the feveral quarterly meet-
ings, and who refide in, or near the city. The
fume meetings alfo appoint members of rheirown
in the country as correfpondents, who aie to join
thtir brethren in London on emergency. The
names of fome of the correfpondents, previous ro
their being recorded as fuch, are fubmitted to the
approbation of the yearly meeting. Thofe of ihc
men, who are approved minifters, are alfo mem-
bers of this meeting, which is called the meeung
forfufferings ; a namearifmg from its original pur-
pole, which is not yet become entirely obfolete.

The yearly meeting has intruded the meeting
for fufferings with the care of printing and the
diftribution of books, and with the management
of its flock, which is colleded by an occafional
voluntary contribution, and expended in print-
ing books, houfe-rent for a clerk, and his wages
for keeping records, the pafiage of miniRers who
vifit their l)rethren beyond the lea, and fome fmall
incidental charges

The CoHKiiit^ce that has the care of this flock,
&c. is confidcr^'d as a Handing Committee for the
yearly meeting ; and hath a general care of what-
ever may arife, during the intervals of that meet-
ing, which affeft the fociety, and require imme-
diate attention; particularly of thole circuin-
flanccs which may occjfion an application to

government.

There

MEETINGS FOR SUFFERINGS.

There is not any Prefidentin any of their meet-
ings, as they believe that Divine wifdom^ alone
ought to prcfide ; nor has any member a right to
claim pre-eminence over the reft. The office of
Clerk, with a few exceptions, is undertaken vo-
luntarily by feme member, as is alfo the keeping
of records. \Vhere thefe are very voluminous,
and require a houfe for their dcpofit, (as is the
cafe in London, where the general records of the
fociety in Great Britain are kept) a clerk is hired
to have the care of them ; but except a few clerks
of this kind, and pcrfons who have had the care
of meeting houfes, none receive any ftipend or
gratuity for their fervices in a religious fociety.

f, « ; i

Conclujion.

Thus have I given a fliort account of the rile,
lufTerings, dodrines, and difclpline of the Friends,
die greateft part of which I have extracled from
tlicir own publications. They are a very civil,
induftrious, and honeft people; and as they do
not harrafs one another with law fuits, are very
temperate, avoid fuperfluitics, and thofe vanities
and follies, which are too much l\Dllowed by many
others who arc called Chriliians, they commonly
grow rich, or, ar leaft, get a comfortable iubfift-
encc. They are hofpitabie to ftrangers, kind to
file poor, promoters of brotherly love, and of the

M m z public

■' , i

dVri

i ' p

53:

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

public tranquillity ; and they augment the national
revenue, as they pay their taxes, and refufe to run
goods, or to buy any that have been run. Would
not the world be almoft a paradife, if all the people
would follow the example of the Friends, in walk-
ing honejllyy and in living peaceably ?

CHAP.

'.o-aNI

4CC0UNT OF THE MORVIANS 533

CHAP. U.

An Account of the Moravians,

THE Moravians are a itO^ of Proteftants cal-
led Unitas Fratriim ; or the United Bre-
thren. They appeared in Bohemia, in the year
1457 ; and have been fettled a long time at Hern-
huth, in Germany. In 1737, there were fome
in England, but of late years they have fpread
thcmfelves over many parts of America. They
poffefs the utmoft veneration for our Blefled Sa-
viour, whom they confider as their immediate
head and diredlor ; they alfo enjoin the moft im-
plicit obedience to the rules of their church, and
are faid to pradiie much brotherly love amongft
one another. The fubRance of the conftitution of
their church, dated in the year 1733, at Hern-
huth, in Upper Saxony, in Germany, is as follows,

viz.

1 . They have a Senior, or EhleJ}, who is to
afliO; the church by his counfel and prayers, and
to determine what Qiall be done in matters of im-
portance. Of him is required, that he be well
experienced in the things of God, and witnelled
by all fot holinefs of converfarion.

Mm 3 2. They

1 : ",■ I

I'', i

534

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

i' m

2. They have Deacons, or Helpers, who are in
private affemblies to inftrua : To take care that
outward things are done decently and in order :
and to fee that every member of the church grows
in grace, and walks fuitablc to his holy calling.

3! The PaJIor, or rcachcr, is to be an ovcrfccr of
the whole flock, and every perfon therein; tu
baptize the children ; diligently to form thcir
minds, and bring them up in the nurture and ad-
mnitionof the Lord: When he finds in them a
fmcere love of the crofs, then to receive them
into the church : to adminiftcr the fupper of the
Lord : To join in marriage thofc who are already
married to Chrift : To reprove, udmonilb, quicken,
and comfort, as need requires : To declare the
^vhole counfel of God : Taking heed at all times
to fpeak as the oracles of Ciod, and agreeably to
the analogy of faith : To bury diofe who have
died in the i.ord, and to keep that fafc which is
committed to his charge, even the pure doclrine
and apoilolical difciplinc which they have receiv-
ed from their forefathers.

4. They have alfo another fort oi Deacons who take
care that nothing be wanting to the orpban-houp,
to the poor, the lick, and the ftrangers. Others
again there arc, who are peculiarly to take care of
tiiefick; and others, of the poor. And two of
thcfe are intruftcd with the public Hock, and
keep accounts of all that is received or expended.

I ''M

*.*

5 . There

'"irif

/ho are in
s care that

in order :
irch grows
:alling.
i^vcrfccr of
icicia ; to
form thcir
n'e a'tul ad-

in thcni a
ccive them
pper of the
are ah-eady
?i, quicken,
declare tiic
at all times
greeably to

who have
:ife which is
.ire doclrine
have rcceiv-

ons who take

OrphiDl-l'VlJt:,

rs. Others

take care of

And two of

Hock, and

)r expended.

y X

here

ACCOUNT OF THE MORAVIANS. 535

. There are women who perform each of the
.bo'e-mentioned offices, amon , chofeof thetr own
lex • For none of the men converfe with them,
bcfide the elded, the teacher, and one, or lome- ^
times two of the Deacons.

6. Towards magiftratcs, whether of a fuperior
or inferior rank, they bear the grcateft reverence,
and chearfuUy iubmit to their laws ; and even
when many of them have been fpoi ed of their
goods, driven out of their houies, and every vay
oppreft by them, yetthey rehfted themnot,neither
opened their mouths, nor lifted up a hand agan.ll
them. In all things which do nut immediately
concern the inward ipiritual kingdom of Chrul,
they f.mply, and without contradiding, obev the
higher powers. But with regard to confcicnce,
the liberty of this they canuot lliffer to beany way
limited or infringed. And to this head they refer
whatever diredly and in iifelf tends to hinder the
fldvation of fouls : Or, whatfoever thir>gs Chriit
and his holy apoilles (who meddlud not with
outward worldly things) took charge of, and
performed, as neceffary for the conftituting and
well-ordering of his church. In thcff things they
acknowledge no head but Chrift; ai.d are deter-
mined, Gjd being their helper, to give up not
only their goods but life itfelf, rather than the
liberty which God hath given them.

7. As it behoves Chrillians not t > he /.•//////
;■;/ hii/jne/s, but diligently to attend to the v.orks of

rvlm4 their

III:

.•1,1.

i3S

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

* their calling, there are perfons chofen by the
church, to fLiperintend all thole who are employ,
ed in outward bufmefs. And by this means alfo,
many things are prevented which might otherwifc
be an occaHon of offence.

8. They have alfo Ccnfors and Monitors ; of thofe
experience and perfpicacity, wifdom and mo-
defly arc chiefly required. The Cenjors fignify
what they obferve (and they obferve the fmalleft
things) either to the Deacons or Alonitors. Some
Monitors there are, whom all know to be fuch;
others who are fecretly appointed ; and who, if
need require may freely admonifh in the love of
Chrifl:, even the rulers of the church.

9. The church is fo divided, that firfl the hnf.
bands, then the wives, then the widows, then the
maids, then the young men, then the boys, then
the girls, and laftly the little children, are in fo
many diilinft clafl'es: each of which is daily vi-

■ fited, the married men by a married man, the
wives by a wife, and fo of the reft.* The
larger are alio divided into fmaller clafles,
or bands, over each of which one prcfides
who is of the greatefl experience. All thefe lea-
ders meet the fenior every week, and lay open to
him and to the Lord, whatfoever hinders or fur-
thers the work of God, in the fouls committed to
their charge.

• This woil: aH ihe mrrii -i brethren and fiftcrs, as well as all the unmar-
ried, ;Crforra in their twjis.

10. In

ACCOUNT OF THE MORAVIANS. 53^

lo* In ^he year 1727, four and twenty men ani
as many women agreed, that each of them would
fpend an hour in every day, in praying to Go4
for his blefllng on his people ; and for this pur.
pofe both the men and women chofe a place,
where any of their own fex who were in diftrefs,
might be prefent with them. The fame number
of unmarried women, of unmarried men, of boys,
and of girls, were afterwards, at their dtfire, add-
ed to them, who pour out their fouls before
God, not only for their own brethren, but alio for
other churches and perfons, that have defired to
be memioned in their prayers. And this perpe-
tual interccfTion has never ceafed, day or night,
fmce its firft beginning.

1 1. And as the members of the church arc divid-
ed, according to their refpedive ftates andfexes :
lo they are alfo, with regard to their proficiency
in the knowledge of God. Some are dead, fome
ari quickened by the fpirit of God: Of thefe,
fome again are untraftable, lome diligent, fome
zealous, burning with their firft love; fome babes,
and fome young men. Thofe who are ftiU dead,
are vilitcd every day. And of the babes in Chrift
cfpccial care is taken alfo, that they may be daily
inipeaed and afliftedto grow in grace, and in the
]<nowledge of our Lord Jefus.

12. \x\x\\tor[>han-houJe, a number of children
arc brou^^ht up, feparate according to their fex.
Rcfidc which, fcvcr^l experienced perfons, ap-
pointed

I'M ! ,

:5j'

THE AMERICAN ORACLP,

pointed to confult with the parents, touch* ig the
education of the other children. In teaching them
Chriflianity, they make ufc of Luther's Catechiftn,
and iludy the amending of their willsas well as their
iindeiflanding; finding by experience, that when
their will is moved, they often learn more inafevr
hours, than otherwife in many months. Their
little children they inftrud chiefly by hymns;
whereby they fmd the mofl important truths
niofl fucccfsfully infinuated into their minds.

13. They highly reverence marriage, as greatly
conducive to the kingdom of Chrilt. But neither
their young men nor women enter into it till they
afluredly know, they are married to Chriil. When
any know it is the will of God, that they Ihould
chan;^(' their Hate, both the man and woman are
placed for a time, with fome married pcrfons, who
inilruct them how to behave, io that their marri-
ed lite may be pleafmg to God. I'hen their de-
figns are laid bcTore the whole church, and after
about fourteen days, they are folemnly Joined,
tho' not otljerwil'e habited, than they are at uiher
times. If they make any entertainment (which is
not al-.vays) they invite only a few intimate friends.
by uhofc faithful admonitions they may be the
better prepared to bear tl;cir crols, and light the
good Ijgl^t of faitli. If any woman is with
child, mention is made of her condition in the
pubHc prayers, and Ihc is alio exhorted in private,
wholly to give heifclfup into the hands of her

flithfiil

touch* ng the
laching them
's Catechiftn,
swell as their
c, that when
nore in a few
nths. Their
' by hymns;
)rtant truths
ir minds,
re, as greatly
But neither
iio ir till they
:iH-ilt. When
t they Ihould
id wonian are
perrons, who
t their niarri-
len their de-
:h, and after
^mnly joined,
y are at ^ther
lent (which is
i mate friends.
' may be the
and fight the
•man is with
ndition in the
;cd in private,
hands of her
faithful

4 - -

:OUNT OF THE MORAVIANS.

539

faithful Creator. As foon as a child is born,
prayer is made for it, and if it may be, it is bap-
tifcd in the prefence of the whole church. Be-
fore it is weaned, it is brought into the aflembly
on the Lord's Day.

14. Whoever either of the male or female
children feck God with their whole heart, know
their fms are forgiven, and obey the truth, are not
ufed to be much incited to come to the Lord's
fupper ; neither are they forbidden ib to do, if they
defire it. They think it enough to teach their
children juft conceptions of it, and the difference
between this food of the foul, and that milk Which
they every day recei vc of Chrift. They then pub-
licly declare the fcntiments of their hearts con-
cerning it. They are afterwards examined both
in private by the paftor, and alfo in public : And
then after an exhortation by the Senior, are by him,
thro' laying on of hands, added to the church and
co^rnied. The fame method is ufed with thofc
who renounce the Papal fuperflitions, or who arc
turned from the fervice cf Satan to God ; and that,
if they defire it, akho' they are not young ; yea,
though they are well firicken in years.

I -. Once or twice in a month all the church re-
ceives the Lord's Supper, and the power of God
being prefent amongft them, a general con-
feffion of fins is made by one cf the brethren in
die name of all. Then a few folid queftions are
aikcd ; which when they have anfwered, the abfo-
- hjtioii

J.*

'10

THE AMERICAN ORACLE,

lution or remiflion of fins is either pronounced
to all in general, or confirmed to every particular
perfon, by the laying onjof hands. The Seniors
firfl receive ; then the reft in order, without any
regard had to worldly dignity, in this, any more
than in any other of thelolemn offices of religion.
After receivings all the men (and fo the women)
tneet together, to renew their covenant with God,
to feek his face, and to exhort one another to the
patience of hope and the labour of love.

1 6. They have a peculiar cflccm for lots, aiitl
accordingly ufc them both in public and privatt;,
to decide points of importance, when the rcafons
brought, on each fide appear to be of equal
■weight. And they believe this to be then the
only way of wholly fettingafidc their own will, of
acquitting themfelves of all blame, and clearly
knowing what is the will of God,

ly. At eight in the morning, and in the even-
ing, they meet to pray and to praife God, ;ind to
read and hear the Holy Scriptures : The time
they ufually fpcnd in fleep, is from eleven at night
till four in the morning. So that allowing three
hours in a day for taking the food both of their
bodies and fouls, there remains ilxtccn for work.
And this fpace thofc who are in health fpenvl
with all diligence and faithful nefs.

18. Two men keep watch every night in the
flreets, as do two women, in the women's apart-
ment ; They may pour out their fouls for thofc

that

ACCOUNT Of THE MOPAVIANS.

541

that (leep ; and by their hymns raifc the hearts of
any who are awake to God.

19. For the further flirring up of the gifc
which is in them, fometimesthcy liave public, and
fometimes private Love-fcafts : At which they
take a moderate refrefliment, with gladnefs and
finglcncfs of heart, and the voice of praife and
thankfgiving.

10. If any manamongfl: them having been often
admonilhed, and long forborn, perfifts in walk-
ing unworthy of his holy calling, he is no longer
admitted to the Lord's Supper. If he fcill conti^
nues in his fault, hating to be reformed, the lafl:
ftep is, publicly, and often in the midft of many
prayers and tea;s, to caft him out of their congre-
gation. But great is their joy, if he then fees the
error of his ways, fo that they may receive him
amongfl; them again.

21. Moft of their brethren and fillers have, in
fome part of their life, experienced holy mourn-
ing and forrow of heart ; and have afterwards been
aflured, that fbere was no more condemnation for
them, being pajj'ed from death unto life. Ti y arc
therefore far from fcwiring to die, ordL'ining to
live on earth ; knowing that to them to die is gain,
and being confident that they are the care of him,
whofe are the ijjiies of life and death. Wherefore
they depart as out of one chamber into i lother,
and after the foul has leic its habitation, the re-
mains are depofited in the earth, appointed for

that

54?'

'HE. AMERICAN ORACLE*

iUi

thai purpofe, and the furvivors arc greatly com-
forted, and rejoice over thenij with a joy the world

kr,o".jeth not of.

It appears from hiftory, that the Moravians luf-^
fercd a mofl horrible pcrfccuiion in Moravia
and Bohemia, about the year 1458 : for the King
havincr piomifed by his coronation oath, to extir-
pate the Heretics, was under a neceflity to per-
fecute the United Brethren : Hence they were de-
Glared unworthy of the common rights of lubjefts,
and in the depth of Winter, turned out of tlie
cities and villages, with the forfeiture of all their
effefts. The fick were caft out in the open fields,
where many perifhed with hunger and cold ; and
having been accufed by the Romiih priefts, and
fome others, of being fccret fowers of fedition,
many were thrown into prifons, with a view of ex.
torting from them by hunger, cold, racks, and
other tortures, a confeffion of having been guilty
of feditious defigns ; but as they were innocent,
nothing could be extorted from them th.at way.
Hence numbers were inhumanly dragged at the
tails of horfes, or cans, and quartered, or burnt
alivT. Many died in the prifons, and fuch as fur-
vived were, at lad, when no crime could be prov-
ed againll them, dilchargcd in a mofl. pitiful con-
dition.

It alio appears, that the various perfecutions
that thcfe people met with from time to time,
was the caufe of their emigrating from dieir own

rountrv,

T-^TJ]

^ *

CLi

lIic

ACCOUNT OP THE MORAVIANS. 54^

cry, and fettling in ditfcrcni: parts oi

world.

Thus have I related the fahftance of their con-
ilitucion as it ftood in 1733 : anl whether they
have added any thing to it, or diminilhcd any
thing from it fince that time, 1 have not learnt.
I was once at dieir meeting in London, where
they read the fervice and made ufe of both vocal
and inih-umental mufic, but their prayers are dif-
v'crent from diofe of the church of England.

■"', r

CIIAl^

^44.

tttE AMERICAN ORACLE*

CHAP. Ut.

^n account of the Methodists.

METHODISM took its rife in 1734; tlie
Rev. George Whitfield, B. A. a Divine of
the Church of England, -who was born, i 714, and
di^d 1770, and the Rev. John Wefley, M. A.
a miniilcr of the fame church, who was born
17C3, and died; !;9i, are faid to be the founders
of this inftitution. But Mr. Whitefield's follow-
crs and Mr. Wefley's difagrce in fentiment, in
that die for*^ I. T believe that falvatlon is obtained
by fairh aio^ in Chrift Jefus, and that the love
of God V. his eleft cannot be broken off; the
latter believe that men are juflified by works and
o-race, and that it is poflible for them to go on in
dcgr-es of holinefs, till rhey arrive at lail: even to
a Hate of perfc^ion in this life. Mr. Wefley's
con; -Its are (o very numerous, that one of his
preachers informed me there are about 70,000
in (Jreat Britain, and Ireland ; and, according to a
publication which I have lately iren, there are up-
wards ol* 43,000 in America, ^omc of Mr. Whi e-

I field's

\'m

■:i

THE METHODISTS.

545

field's followers are faid to be rigid obfervers of
the 39 articles of the Church of England, whilft
others call themfelves Calvinids.

[Cth

The plates appointed for affeilibling
are called Tabernacles by Mr. Whitefield's peo-
ple, and preaching houfes by Mr. Wefley's adhe-
rents. Both fometlmes pray according to the
forms in tbe Common Prayer book, and lome-
times extempore. They are very fcrious in their
devotions, obferve the Eucharift, water baptifm,
and a love feafh, the latter being only bread and
water. When people enter into their church, ihey
confcfs their fins, tell what experiences they have
had of the new birth, own a covenant, and receive
a ticket, denoting that they belong to the Metho-
diftical focicty, and are entitled to all the privi-
le"-es of the fame. Thefe tickets are exchang^ed
once in fix months for new ones. But if any bro-
ther or fiftcr has walked diforderly, they are ex-
communicated, by being debarred from the bene-
fit of receiving a new ticket, unlefs repentance
and reformation takes place.

Many of thofe people within the circle of my
acquaintance have pretended to very remarkable
conviclions and convcrfions; diat their minds
have been inllantaneoufly illuminated by the rays of
Divine grace; that they have thus been turned from
darknefs to lighr, and enabled to walk in ncwnefs
of life ; and fotnc have pretended ihat they have
feen vifions, &c. Thefe things have been imput-

N n .^

f ii

pit I

^!!ii: ,

546

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

ed to the powers of imagination only by feme
people, and others have imputed them to a fuper-
natural power, but let them be as they may, I
have fetn a vifible change in fome who have pre-
tended they have been thus converted ; as they
have appeared to be more honeft in their dealings
and more exemplary in their lives and converfa-
ticns than they were before. '

Mr Whitcfield travelled through and preached
in many parts of America; and Mr. Welley,
was about a year and nine months in Georgia and
South Carolina : he alfo travelled and preached m
Great Britain and Ireland, and has been feveral
times in Holland and Germany. Mr. Wh.tefield
was alfo a great traveller and preacher m Eng-
land ; and both of thefe Minifters often preached
in the fields, to ten, fifteen and fometimcs to
twenty thoufand people.

It appears that theie preachers have done much
good, by uniting the people, and by promoURg
brotherly love, acts of kindnefs, charity and hu-
manity amongll mankind ; for their followers are
very kind to the poor, to llrangers, &c. as 1 have
found by my own experience and obfcrvations.

Mr Whiteheld, died in New-England, in Ame-
rica, in the year 1770, and Mr. Welley at Lon-
don, March the 2(.l, 1791. ^

1 Ihal^ conclude this chapte. by adding the fol-
lowing, which I compofed and publilhed jull after

his death, viz.

AN ELEGY, &C,

547

by fome
a fuper-

may, I
ave pre-

as they
dealings
:onverfa-

preached
Welley,
ofgia and
cached in
en feveral
Vhitefield
r in Eng-
preached
letimes to

lone much
promoting
ty and hu-
llowers are
;. as I have
rvations.
d, in Ame-
;y at Lon-

ing the fol-
;d jutl after

AN ELEGY
On the Death of the late Reverend JOHN WES-
LEY, A. M.

GREAT IVeJlefs gone, he's landed on the fhore,
V\'here (rrief and trouble Qiall afflid no more;

A pions life he liv'd upon the ftage,

Until he was nigh eighty-eight of age.

In Lincolnihire it truly has been found

This man was born, upon Great-Britain's ground.

Whoa he was young, it often has been faid.

His father's houfe was all in aflies laid :

The room in flames ! behold, the child did wake.

Sprang to the window, which he up did take ;

There, all alone, he loudly rais'd his cry

Unto fome neighbours, that were drawing nigh

To him they ran, on hearing the loud callj

And took him out juft as the houfe did fall :

Thus they the lad from burning fiames did ■pluck.

And thank'd the Lord that they had fuch good luck.

His mind on learning very much was bent.

Hence to a college he in time was fent ;

Studies profound the pipil follow'd till

He was a man of fcientific fkill.

As time roll'd on, with pleafure and with eafe.

He did receive the requifite degrees ;

After his learning he had thus obtain'd.

To preach the word, he truly was ordain'd :

From place to place, as godly teachers fliou'd.

He often went, and daily did do good.

N n 2 I underltand

'-<-**"'*■'

548

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

I iinderftand that he, in former times,
Did crofs the ocean to the Weftern climes :
lie preached at Georgia, as fome people fay,
liut left the place, and came again this way.
Has fpcnt much time upon Old England's ground,
Jii writing books, and preaching all around.
Sometimes he landed on the Iridi fliore.
And many people preached the word before :
To Scotland too he frequently did go.
And twice to Holland, widi his friends alio ;
A famous man he was to preach and pray.
When he was old, and in his younger day.
Both great and good, wc truly may relate;
Exceeding ufeful both in church and ftate;
Kind to the poor; he often gave relief
To men and women overwhelmed with grief;
Who taught the people always to fupprefs
Thofe things, indeed, which lead to wickcdncfs.
He ioyal was, imprefs'd the blelled thing
Of fearing God, and honouring the King ;
Exhorted men to let contention ceafe.
To live in love, in harmony, and peace.
But he's been ftruck d, fatal jhoke by death ;
His body/W/, and off did fly his heath.
The fprightly atTtons, which he once pofleft,
Are wholly gone, and all is ilill at refi:
Can't fee, nor hear, nor any way converfe.
Nor move one finger in the univerfe.
This is the/.7/£', I plainly do relate,
Of cv'iy creature in this mortal //^/^ /

The

AN ELEGY, 8cC.

549

The high, ihc low, the rich, the poor, the fmall.
By the great King of Terrors down muft fall.
Though fome live long when they pafs through

this world,
Yet fome by death foon from the flage are hurl'd :
The tender infants in their lovely bloom
Are often hurried to the lilent tomb.
Adults grown up, nay, fome of ev'ry age,
By cruel Death are taken from the (lagc.

When H^ejky died, his fpirit then did fly
To him that rais'd the arches of the Iky ;
To realms above, where Saints and Angels fmg,
Loud Hallelujahs to their Heav'nly King.
Thus whild his body (lays behind at red.
His pious foul with happinefs is blcll.

O, happy ilate, in which this man is caR !
His pains are gone, and all his trouble's pad !
Needs no phylician to give him relief,
Is free from pain, from forrow, and from grief;
And from the rage of all the ions of itrife,
And the vexations of a mortal lite.
The fland'ring tongue, and the backbiting knave
Can't hurt him now, he's in the lilent grave :
Neither the thief that robs both night and day,
Nor any murd'rer who kills on ihe way ;
By o means can the tyrant him opprefs,
Noi wicked mortals lead him to dillrcfs.

When roaring winds bring up the thickcn'd
cloud,
^Yhcn the grum thunder rumbles out aloud,

N n 3 When

55^

tHE AMERICAN ORACLE.

When the earth quakes, when lofty mountains fall,
When cities fink, and can't be found at all ;
When inundations o'er the land arife ;
When burning mountains burfl towards the Ikies-
When famine and the pedilence doth rage ;
When wicked nations in a war engage ;
When blood and carnage greatly do expand.
When dcfolation overfpreads the land ;
And boift'rous tcmpefts rage upon the fea.
Great PViflcy then from danger muil be free :
Can't be afraid of being hurt or llain,
Like wretched mortals who alive remain.
Let not his hearers then at death repine ;
Since it was made by God an aR divine,
To raife the >/?, the Hiijha>uh Child, and IVife,
From fcenes of trouble to a better life.

But let them all whilft in the prelent (late.
His good example mind to imitate;
That when they die, like him, they may be blejl
With ^lory, honour, happinejs, and rejl.

London y March 7, 1791.

GHAP.

OF THE SWEDENBORHGERS, CCC. 55I

CHAP. LIII.

A)t Account of the Szvedenborghersy called the New

Church.

THE Hon. Emanuel Swedenborg, fon ot
Jafper Swcdborg, a SwediQi Bitliop,
was born at Stockholm, in Upland, in Sweden,
January 29, 1688, is (Iiid to be the founder of
this New Church. He was related to fome
illuftrious fiimilics in that kingdom, , and when
young, made a great progrefs in the mathema-
tics, natural hillory, phyfic, chymiftry, anatom.y,
8ic. which foon recommended him to the patro-
nage of Charles XII. who made him Extraordi-
nary Afleflbr to the Royal College of the Mines,
which office he quitted, that he might apply him-
felf to the new funftion to which he had been
called : but he retained his falary, though he de-
clined accepting a place of higher dignity in the
State, left it fliould be a fnare to him.

He was ennobled by Queen Ulrica Eleo ^,ora,
and named Swedenborg (his name before was

N n 4 Swcdborg)

\. <r. .

i ' p

55^

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

Swcdborg) and took a feat widi the Nobles of the
Equeftnan Order, in the triennial aflemblies of the
States, and was chofen a Fellow of the Royal Atw
demy of Sciences at Stockholm.

He pretended that he belonged to a fociety of
angels, in which things fpiritual and heavenly were
the only fubjects of difcourfe and entertainment ;
that he converfed frequently with them, and the
fouls of thofe who had departed this hfe, and that
he had a call to teach the duflrincs of the Nnv
Church. That in 1743, the Lord appeared to him
pe.fonally, and opened in him a fight of the fpiri-
tual world, and enabled him to converfc with fpi-
rits and angels.

He publiihed a number of books in the Latin
language, containing an account of the things he
had feen, and thofe revealed, concerning Heaven
and Hell ; the ftate of mc ifter death, the wor-
fliip of God, the fpiritual icnfc of the Scriptures,
and many other important truths, tending to fal-
vation and true wifdom.

After he had made eight voyages to England,
he fettled in the fludy of theology, was much
efleemed by the biihops and nobles of his own
country, and correfponded with many diftinguilh-
ed characters in various parts of Europe ; he died
at the houfe where he refided \\\\c\\ in London,
inCold bath-ilreet, Cold-bath-l'icldf, March 29,
7772, aged 84 years. Some of his works have
been tranllated and printed in Englilli.

Tke

OF THE SWEDtNliORGHF.RS.

SSi

Tlie principles and doiflrines of his followers, as
coiiununicated to me by a Divine of t)vj Church
of England, as are follow :

1. Thvit there is a Divine Trinity in the pcrfon
of Jcfus Chrift, confiding of Father, Son, and
Holy Ghoft, juft like the human trinity in every
individual man, of foul, body, and operation;
and that as the latter trinity ccntlitutcs one mau,
fo the former trinity conftitutes one J jhovah God,
who is at once the Creator, Kcdcemer, and Kcge-
nerator.

2. That Jehovah God himfelf came down from
Heaven, and afliimcd human nature for the pur-
pofe of removing Hell from man, of rcdoring the
Heavms to order, and of preparing the way for a
l^ew Church upon earth ; and that herein con-
fifls the true nature of redemption, which was
cffe^led folely by the omnipotence of the Lord's
divine humanity.

3. That the notion of obtaining pardon by a vi-
vicarious facrifice, or atonement, is a fundamental
and fatal error. But that repentance is the foun-
dation of the Church in man, and confills in hisab-
ftainingfrom all evils, becaufethey are fins againfl
God, &c. Thar it 1"= nrodudive of regeneration,
which is not an inftantaneous, but a gradual work,
effeded by the Lord alone, through charity and
faith, during man's co-operation.

4. That

i' M

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1.25

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1.8

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1.6

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Corporation

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23 WEST MAIN STREET

(716) 872-4503

/£?..

554

THE AMERICAN ORACI.Ti.

I' !

4. That man has free-will in fpiritual things,
whereby he nay join himfelf by reciprocation with

the Lord.

5. That the imputation of the merits and righte^
oufnefs of Chrill is a thing as ahfurd and impof-
fible, as it would be to impute to any man the
work of creation ; for the merits and righteouf-
nefs of Chrift confift in redemption, which is as
much the work of a Divine and Omnipotent
Being as creation itfelf. That the imputation
which really takes place, is an imputation of good
and evil, and that this is according to a man's life.

6. That the doctrine of predeflination and jufti-
fication by faith alone, is a mere human inven-
tion, and not to be found in the word of God.

7. That the two Sacraments of Bapiifm and
the Holy Supper are eflential inditations in the
New Church, the genuine and rational ufes o
which are now difcovered, together with the fpi^
ritual fcnfe of the Holy Word.

8. That there is not a fingle genuine truth re.
maining in the Old Church but what is falfified,
and therefore the Old and the New Church cannot
poflibly be reconciled together.

9. That the Holy Word, or Sacred Scripture,
contains a threefold fenfc ; namely, ccleftial, fpi-
ritual, and natural, which are united by corre-
fpondencies ; and that in each fenfe it is Divine
truth, accommodated refpcdively to the angels
of the three Heavens, and alfo to men on earth.

10. That

OF THE SWEDENBORGHERS, &C. ^55

10. That the books of the word (or Scriptures)
are tliofe which have the internal fenfe, and are
the five books of Mofes, and thofe of Jofliua,
Judges, Samuel, Kings, the Pfalms, and all the
Prophets ; alfo, the four Evangelifts, and the
Revelation ; and that the books of Ruth, Chro-
nicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, ERher, Job, Proverbs,
Ecclefialles, Song of Solomon, the Ads and
Epiftles of the Apoftles, not having the internal
fenfe, are not the word, or Divine Revelation.

n. That in the fpiritual world there is a Sun
diftind from that of the natural world, the of-
fence of vvhich is the pure love of Jehovah God,
who is in the midft thereof; that the heat alio
proceeding from that of that Sun is m its elTencc
love, and the light thence proceeding is in its
eflence wifdom; and by the inilrumentability of
that Sun all things were created, and continue to
fubfift, both in the fpiritual and in the natural
world.

12. That there is not in the univerfal Keaven,
a fingle angel chat was created fo at firlt, nor a
fmglc devil in the infernal regions, that ever was
created an angel of light, and was afterwards caft
out of Heaven ; but that all, both in Heaven and
Hell, are of the human race; that thofe in Hea-
ven are luch as had lived in heavenly love and
faith in this world ; and thofe in Hell are fucii as
had lived in helliih love and faith on earth.

I?. That

55^

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

T 1

[. That the material body never rifes again;
but that man, immediately on his departure from
this life, rifes again, as to his fpiritual and fub-
itantial body, (which was inclofed in his material
botly, and formed from his predominant love,
■whether it be good or evil) wherein he continues
to live as a man, in a perfed human form, in all
refpefts as before, fave only the grofs material
body, which he puts off b'- death, and which is
of no further ufe.

1 4c That the ftate and condition of man after
death is according to his pad life in this world ;
and that the predominant love which he takes with
him into the fpiritual world, continues with him
for ever, and can never be changed to all eter-
nity ; and, confequcntly, if it be good, he abides
in Heaven to all eternity; buf if evil, he abides
in Hell to all eternity.

15. That true conjugal love, which can only
fubfifl between one hufband and one wife, is a
primary charaderiftic of the Nezv Churchy being
grounded in the marriage of goodnefs and truth,
and correfponding with the marriage of the Lord
and his Church-, and therefore it is more celeflial,
fpiritual, holy, pure, and clean, than any other
love in angels, or men.

16. That the fcience of correfpondencies
(which has been loft for fome thoufands of years,
but is now revived in the theological works of the
I'lon. Emanuel Swedenborg) is the only key to

the

the fpiri
every pi
cies, thj
as correl
tual woi

17. '

penerall
the wor]
judgme]
abov'e fc
the worl
fignified
ftrudtior
both am
every de
tually tc

'757-
i8. I

is a con:

internal

cominer

fervant

hath ma

hath fill

of the iN

that this

the Ne\

New Je

Theft

Correfpo)

OF THE SWEDENBORGHERS.

557

the fpiiitual and internal fenfe of the Holy Word,
every page of which is written by corrcfpoRclen-
cies, that is, by fiich things, in the natural world,
ascorrefpond unto, and fignify things in the fpiri-
tual world.

17. That all thofe paflages in the Scripture,
generally fuppofed to fignify the deftruftion of
the world by fire, &c. conunonly called the laft
judgment, muft be underftood, according to the
above fcience, which teaches, that by the end of
the world, or confummation of the age, is not
fignified the deftrudlion of the world, but the de-
ftrudtion or end of the prefent Chriftian Church,
both among Roman Catholics and Proteilants of
every defcription; and that this laft judgment ac*
tually took place in the fpiritual world in the year
'757.

18. That thefecond Advent of the Lord, which
is a coming not in perfon, but in the fpiritual or
internal fenfe of his Holy Word, has already
comiaenced ; that it is effeded by means of his
fervant Emanuel Swedenborg, before whom he
hath manifcfted himfelf in perfon, and whom he
hath filled with his fpirit, to teach the dodlrines
of the New Church by the word from him ; and
that this is what is meant in the Revelation by
the New Heaven and the New Earth, and the
New Jerufalem thence defcending.

Thefe people hold to the Doarine or Science of
Correfpondenciesy which Mr, Swcdenborg fets forth

sss

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

to be the moft exnlted of all fciences, and as the
fountain from whence the ancients derived all
their underftanding and wifdom, being the only
key whereby the Holy Scriptures can be properly
underftood.

This fcience confifts in a correfpondence be-
tween the natural and fpiritual world, and fcems
to intkidc every thing that hath an exiflence, be-
caufc this globe, with all its furniture, exifts and
fubfiils from the fpiritual world, and both from the
Almighty ; and were the correfpondence to ceafe,
every thing in the natural world would perifli and
be annihilated. For further information concern-
ing this fcience, I refer the Reader to Mr. Swc-
dcnborg's publications. A confiderable number
of people have embraced thefe principles in Eng-
land ; there is a fociety in London, and one in
Birmingham ; and I underfland that a Society has
lately fprung up in New- York, and another in
Virginia, in America.

Such are the general outlines of the dodrines
of the New Church, which I have taken fomc
pains to coUcdt from the bed authority, and on
the merits of which I lliall leave to the judgment
of my Readers to decide.

OftheMc
What P
en Crimi

CHAP.

HE
five
Leviticus,
given by
him comn

Thofe c
adultery,
houfc-brea
witchcraft,
were guilt
rhofe who
fold. Th
puniflied ^
defe rved it
not to exc

The Ev
Gofpels of
alfo in th
ties, who
tidings of

Mosaic laws, &c.

559

m¥.

CHAP. LIV.

0/ihe Mosaic, Evangelic, nful Civil Laws.

^Fbal Puni/hments have been ordered to be injured
on Criminals,

THE Mofaical laws are thofe contained in the
five books of Mofes, viz. Genefis, Exodus,
Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy ; they were
given by the Almighty j. Mofes, and were by
him communicated to the children of Ifrael.

Thofe guilty of idolatry, blafphemy, murder,
adultery, fodomy, beaftiality, rape, man-dealing,
houfc-breaking, curfing or fmiting of parents,
witchcraft, &c. were to fulTer death. Thofe who
were guilty of fornication were to pay a fine ; and
thofe who had flolen any diing were to reftore four-
fold. Thofe who perjured themfclves were to be
punifiicd with death, if the judges thought they
deferved it, but the punifiiment by fcourging was
not to exceed forty flripes.

The Evangelical laws are thofe contained in the
Gofpels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John; and
alfo in the Writings and Epiftles of the Apof-
ties, who were fent by ChriO: to preach the glad
tidings of peace and falvation to the inhabitants

!H'i^

I J %1 1

5oo

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

of the world ; and, in a word, thcfe laws contain a
connplete fyftem of the principles and dodlrines of
the Chriftian Religion.

No punilhments are ordered to be inflidlcd
under the Gofpel difpenfation, only an excom-
munication from the church. Hence it is fai'', if
any man love not the Lord Jefus Chrift, let him
be Anathema Marmi^atha. (Vid. i Cor. xvi. 22.)
But the workers of iniquity who die in tl\cir fins,
are to be puniflicd in the world to come. Hence,
indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguifli,
upon every foul of man that doth evil, &c. Vid.
Rom. ii. 8, 9.

The civil laws are thofc compofed out of the
befl of the Roman and Grecian laws. They were ob-
ferved throughout the Roman dominions for more
than twelve hundred years. They are alfo thofc laws
which have been made by otlier legiflators, for the
government of empires, kingdoms, flates, pro-
vinces, counties, and cities.

Diiferent kinds of punifhments have been order-
ed to be infliclcd on criminals in different king-
doms and countries.

In Great Britain it is death, l)y the laws, to
commit murder, highway robbery, theft, bur-
glary, forgery, to coin money, become a traitor,
commit a rape, fodomy, &c. Thofe found guilty
of blafphemy are to have their tongues bored
through with a hot iron, and various fines arc im-
pofed for offences Icfs capital. Not more than

forty

forty ftrij
otTence ac
The r
than a the
nal in an i
I have be
lliclcd in
army, anc
a fleer.

Various

different

confifcatic

Handing i

lying in

ing in qi

to pieces

the dalhir

them dovv:

ro death,

hunger, c

prifons, ar

into the oj

punifllmcr

mentioned

I have c

taught th(

young, as

laws, for it

ting crime:

up in igno

MOSAIC LAWS, &C.

561

forty ftripes can be put upon a criminal for one
otTence according to the Civil law.

The Martial laws are very ^Qvere, not Icfs
ilian a thoufand ftripes may be inflidled on a crimi-
nal in an army at one time, if the officers fee fit, as
I have been informed ; but only forty can be in-
iliacd in a navy. It is death to defert from an
army, and I believe it is fometimes to defert from
a fleer.

Various punifliments have been infli-fled amonp;
different nations, fuch as fines, imprifonments,
confifcation of property, banifliment, fcourging.
Handing in the pillory, cutting off of the ears,
lying in the flocks, burning, hanging, draw-
ing in quarters, racking on a wheel, cutting
to pieces by inches, fawing afunder, drowning,
the dalhing of criminals ro atoms by throwing
them down from high places upon rocks, floning
to death, &c. and many have loft their lives by
hunger, cold and nakednefs, in dungeons, and
prifons, and by being driven from their habitations
into the open fields. Some have fuppofed that no
punilliments ought to be inflidted but fuch as are
mentioned iii the law of Mofes.

I have ofteri thought that children ought to be
taught the laws of their country when they arc
young, as well as the Mofaical and Evangelical
laws, for it might tend to deter them from commit-
ting crimes they may commit, if they are trained
up in ignorance.

Oo CHi\P.

i„f i-rr:

[6z

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

»■

CHAP. LV.

Of the Lazvs of Nature, Motion, and Rcf!, Allrac-
tion, Repuljkn, and Ccmpreffwn. The l^elocity of
the Rciss of Light, and different Colours in the
Univerfe. rhe Caufe of Sound, and the Rapidity
of its Motion.

THE laws of Nature arc thofe by which natii-
ral bodies are governed in all their adions
upon one another.

Laws of motion are a continual and fucccfTivc
mutation of place, or a moving from one place to

another.

Laws of reft are thofe which caufe bodies to re-
main in their differert pofiiions without motion.

Attradion is a drawing unto, or the tendency
which bodies have towards one another.

Repulfion is a beating or driving back, and
where attraclion ends repulfion begins. But there
are no bodies which repel only at certain dif-
tances. Hence a loadftone will not repel a needlt
only at a certain diftance.

Comprcfllon is a fqucezing or prefling toge-
ther, by the weight of the atmofphcre, or any

other thing.

There

. all natur

rules by

may be (

Sir Ifa
laws of I

1. Til
reft, or
cepting t
forces in:

Henc(
the*^' '.,

or c

movv .
former n
latter by
powder
a drill, (
like man

When
tinue to
the refid
gravity,
from tha
brings it

But th
comets ti
bodies,
tions are

LAWS OF NATURE, &C.

S^3

There are cerriin laws by which the motions of
all natural bodies are conftantly governed, and
rules by which every thing relating to motion
may be explained.

Sir Ifaac Newton defcribed thre" kinds of the
laws of Nature, viz.

1 . That all bodies continue in their ftate of
reft, or motion, uniformly in a right line, ex-
cepting they are obliged to change that (tatc by
forces imprefled.

Hence all bodies are incapable of moving
thf'-^'' "f , and, unlefs moved by fome external
or ;; • "Tent, muft remain at reft.

. U therefore lie ftill, unlefs it is

movv . autward or an inward fOiXc. The

former may oe produced various ways, and th€
latter by an explofion of gi^a-powder, after the
powder has been put into its center, by means of
a drill, &c. and other bodies may be moved in
like manner, or from fome other caufe.

When a rock is put in motion, it will con-
tinue to move in a right-lined diredlion, until
the refiftance of the air, the power of its own
gravity, or fome other external caufe, turns it
from that diredlion, diminifties its velocity, and
brings it at laft to a ftate of reft.

But the regions through which the planets and
comets move make but a fmall refiftance to their
bodies, which are vaftly large : henc« their mo-
tions are continued the longer. If it was other-

O o 2 wife.

iiii

364 THE AHiRlCAK ORACLE.

wife, they would foon fall into the Sun, and be at

reft.

2. That all change of motion is proportional
to the power of the generating force, and is al-
ways made according to a 'ght line in which that
force is imprclTed. Hence, if we ftrike a mufket-
ball in a horizontal direClior:, with hammer, or
any other thing, it will fly off with a velocity in
proportion to the violence of the blow, and in
the fame diredion ; hence alfo there can be no per-
petual motion, becaufc all motion produced by
any means is ahvays in proportion to the genera-
tion force.

3. That rcpulfion, or re-adion, is always equal,
and in a contrary diredion, to impulfc, or adion,
that is, the adlions of two bodies upon each other,
arc always equal, and in contrary diredions.

Hence if we prefs a ftone with our fingers
downward, the ftone equally prellcs them again
upwards. An anvil ftrikes a hammer with the
lame force that the hammer ftrikes the anvil. If
a mill-ftone ihould be caft from the top of a
fteeple to the ground, the ground would ftrike the
ftone with the fame velocity that the ftone would
ftrike th;; earth. If a horfe draws a cart, the cart
draws the horfe with the fame force, for the har-
nefs is equally diftended both ways. When a boat
is pulled to the ftiore by a rope, the ftiore pulls
tlic boat as much as the boacfman pulls the Ihore,
Sec. &c.

Of the EJ)

I. If <

they will
firft motic
?,. If 01
way, bur
motion in
quantity c

3. Wh(
motion tei
other, the
meeting, a
at relt.

4. Two
other vvitl
ftroke, bot
of that mo
and the qi
C^ual to th

Of the

Suppofe
three parts
city, and ]
grees of vel
A will be 2
thefe bodie

T^FW

LAWS OF NATURi, &C.

B^i

J.I "

O/the Efftas ofNon-elaJlic Bodies Jlriking each other.

I. If one body ft.ikes againft another at reft,
they will both move in the fame diredion of the
firfl motion, providing the latter was moveable.

7„ If one body ^ ^kes another moving the fame
way, bur flower, tney will both continue their
motion in the fame diredlion as before ; and the
quantity of motion in both will dill be the fame.

3. When two bodies with equal quantities of
motion tend both direiflly towards, and rtrike each
other, the whole motion will be deftroyed by their
meeting, and both will fall to the ground, and be
at red.

4. Two bodies moving diredly towards each
other with different velocities, will, after the
ftroke, both continue their motion in the dirc^ion
of that motion which had the grearefl velocity;
and the quantity of motion after the fboke will be
ciual to the difference of their motions before it.

Of the Strikhig of Bodies which are Elaflic,

Suppofe two fuch bodies as A and B; A has
three parts of matter and eight degrees of velo-
city, and B has nine parts of matter and two de-
grees of velocity ; then the quantity of motion in
A will be 24, and that of 3 18. N.>w, fuppofing
thefe bodies xo impinge on each other, the velo-

Oo 3 city

56«

THE AMERICAN OKACLE.

city of each after impaa, and the direaion of
their motions may be known as follows :

I. Let the body of A impinge on Bat reft;
then from A take B, and multiply the remainder
by the velocity of A ; divide this produft by the
fum of the bodies A and B, the quotient will ex^
prefs the velocity of A after the ftroke. As the
body A is lefs, equal to, or greater than B, fo it
vill be retrogade, or dired in motion after im-
paa. Thus in the prefent cafe the difference of
A and B is 6, which muh.ply by A's velocity 8,
the produd is 48 ; this divided by the fum of the
bodies 12, quotes 4, the degrees of velocity with
which A will return back after impad.

2. Again, divide twice A*s motion by the fum
of the bodies, the quotient will be the velocity uf
B after impad ; thus 48 divided by 12, quotes 4,
the velocity of B after the ftroke ; fo that though
the velocity be the fame, the motion in both bo*
dies is double to what it was at firft in A.

3, Let the bodies both tend one way, and A
follow B ; then to the motion of A add twice the
motion of B ; from that fum fubtrad the produd
of A's velocity multiplied into the matter in B ; di-
vide the remainder by the lum of the bodies, the
quotient will be the velocity of A after the im-
pad. As the produd is lefler, equal to, or greater
than the fum above-mentioned, fo the motion of
A will be dired, none at all^ or backward, after

the ftroke.

4, Again,

4. A^
motion
dud of ]
by the fi
volicity

5. Ai
as follov,
I take fr
niainder
tient is ]
gree of '

6. A^
which I
12; th(
moiion.

7- If
meet, x.h

the proci

tion of

of the 1

meeting

lefs than

will be I

8. A<
twice A'
divide tl
ticnt wil

9. T(
{cnt exii!
which I

LAWS OF NATURE, &C.

5^7

4. Again, to twice the motion of A add the
motion of B, from that fum fubtracl the pro-
dud of B's velocity into A; divide the remainder
by the fiim of the bodies, the quotient vrili be the
volicity of B after the impact.

5. An example of each, in our prefent cafe, is
as follows : To 24 add 36, the fum is 60, which
I take from 72, (as being the greateft) the re-
mainder is 12, which divided by 12, the quo-
tient is I ; fo that A returns back with one de-
gree of velocity, having loft fivcn.

6. Again, to 48 add 18, the fum is 66, from
which I take 6, and the remainder 60 I divide by
12; the quotient is 5 for the velocity of B's
moiion.

7. If the bodies tend the contrary way, or
meet, then from the fum of twice B's motion, and
the produd of A's velocity into B, take the mo-
tion of A, and divide the remainder by the fum
of the bodies, the quotient is A's velocity after
meeting ; and as the fum is greater, equal to, or
lefs than the faid motion of A, the motion of A
will be backward, none at all, or forward.

8. Again, to the difference of B's motion and
twice A's add the produd of B's velocity into A,
divide the fum by the fum of the bodies, the quo-
tient will be the velocity of B after reflexion.

9. To illuftrate both of thefe cafes by our pre-
fent example. The fum 72 and 36 is 108, from
which I take 24, the remainder 84 I divide by

O o 4 12,

" -;''

: I: 'i I'll J.

C68 THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

12, which quotes 7 for A's velocity backward.
Again, to the difterence of 48 and 18, which is
30, add 6, and divide the fum 36 by 12, the quo-
tient is 3 for B's velocity the contrary way.

Thefe rules are applicable to all bodies and ce-
lerities, as may be eafily demonltrated by a great
variety of examples.

Thus much for the laws of nature, motion, and
reft. It may be proper, however, to add, that
reft is produced either by the weight of bodies
and the attra<5lion of the earth beneath, '^r by
their weight and the prellure of the atmofphere

above.

All bodies thrown into the air defcend in right
lines towards the earth's center, unlefs they arc
turned out of that couife by the force of fome
agent ; but whether they defcend in a right, or
an oblique courfe, they draw towards the center,
when they come to rcll. But the queftion is,
what makes them draw towards the center, is it
attradion, or compreflion ?

Many of the philofophers have imputed it to
the former, and they have fuppofed that the earth
has fuch an attradion, that flie fometimcs draws
the moon towards her center, as well as other bo-
dies ; that each globe attradis in proportion to its
magnitude ; hence the moon attrads the eartli,
but with a lefs power, then the earth attrads the
moon, and tliat this is the cafe with all other pri-
il^ary and fccondary planets.

This

LAWS OF NATURE, &tC.

S^'9

This attracling power is called attraclion by
philofophers ; and the motion of bodies towards
the earth's center, &c. is called gravitation. By
this power the earth is formed into a denfe ball,
and things animate :aid inanimate are confined io
its fiirface. A body left to the power of this
agent falls about a rood in the firll fccond of
time, three roods in the fecond fccond, live in
the third, feven in the fourth. Sec. agreeable to
the following odd numbers, i, 3, 5, 7,9, 11, 13,
&c. for the vis inertia: of the falling body, acMed
to the power of gravity, accelerates its motion,
and the nearer it approaches to the earth, the
fvviftcr will its motion be till it comes to reft.

Hence we may conclude, that if it is the power
of the attraction of the earth that draws this body
to it, the attraclion is greater near the earth's fur-
face, th^in it is at a diftance, becaufe the rapidity
of the motion of the falling body increafcs as it
draws nearer and nearer to the earth ; but if it is
the coraprcflion of the atmolphcre on the body
that drives it towards the earth's center, may we
not conclude, that the air is heavier at, and near
the circvimfcrence of the globe than it is in the
upper regions, and that from hence the weight
becomes greater and greater us the body lubfides
which accelerates its motion. But perhaps attrac-
tion and comprefTion may both operate together.

A Mr. Pope, whom I mentioned page 45, has
imputed the caufc of gravity, to the prcfiure of

the

V :—— -

57'=>

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

the atmofphere above, and not to the attra(flIon of
the earth beneath ; and whether he is right or
wrong, I will not undertake to determine at pre-
fent, but it Teems as probable to me that it is from
compreiTion., as attracftion, for we are told by phi-
lofophers, that the air which encompafies the globe
hath weight or gravity. That the atmofphere
compreflcth the earth, with a force nearly equal
to that of five thoufand millions of tuns. That
this prefTure on every fuperficial fquare foot, is
more than 2000 pound weight, that the air is hea-
vier on the furface of the globe than it is at a
diilancc. Now if the earth and waters are com-
prelTed with fuch an amazing weight, will it jiot
tend to drive things towards the center of the
globe? Vid. page 283,

Of the Velocity of the Rays of Light,

Light is fuppofcd to arife from a very fine
aetherial matter, that is vaflly finer than the air,
which is the medium by which the rays of thofe
luminous particles are tranfmitted to our eyes
from the fun, moon, flars, and other refulgent bO'
dies.

The rays of light are faid to fly 180,000 miles
in a fecond of time; which is one million five
hundred and thirty thoufand times faftcr than the
moiion of a cannon ball, which flies a mile in
about eight fcconds and a half, hence fuch a ball

would

would be
rays of li
fcending

Thee
2. Oran

6. Indi^
black an
mary co
of the i
hue of \
light; a
and refl(
all. H-
thofe wl
the whit
whice gl
other, i
the fire,
the whii
the deg

Of the C

Soun
and for
motion
tion*3, f

LAWS OF NATURE, &C.

57.1

would be about 32I years, in flying to the fun. But
rays of light are fuppofed co be 7I minutes in de-
fcending from the fun to this globe.

Of the different Colours in the Vniverfe,

The colours are feven in number, viz. i. Red.
2. Orange. 3. Yellow. 4. Green. 5. Blue.
6. Indigo. 7. Violet, (vid. page 166.) But
black and white are not reckoned among the pri-
mary colours of light, for white is only a mixture
of the feven original colours, and black only a
hue of thofe bodies which abforb all the rays of
light ; and therefore as it abforbeth all the rays,
and refleds none back it is properly no colour at
all. Hence black clothes atrrad more heat than
thofe which are white, becaufe they abforb it ; but
the white refleds it back. Hence alfo if we put a
whice glove on one hand, and a black one on the
other, and hold them at an equal diftancc from
the fire, the black glove will abforb the heat, and
the white will reflect it back, and the difference of
the degrees of hear, will be fenfibly felt.

Of the Caufe of Sound , and the Rapidity of its Motion,

Sound is produced by a flroke, explofion,
and fome other caufes which puts the air in
motion like the waves of the fea ; which pulfa*
lion», ftriji.ing on the tympanum, or drum of our

. ears.

N ".^'

57^

TMB AMERICAN ORACLE.

ears, convey by the nerves the fenfation of heart
ing to our minds.

Some founds have been heard to a great dif-
tance. It has been faid, that the explofions of
great guns, have been heard 200 miles, but fome
can hear, as well as fee, much further than others.

As to the rapidity of the motion of found, it de-
pends very much upon the denfity of the air, or
the rarifadion of the fame, for the latter weakens,
but the former operates vice vcr/a. The velocity
of found at a medium, is bout 1142 feet in a fe-
cond of time. Hence by this rule we may tell
nearly, how far an enemy is from us, fuppofmg it
is 10 feconds after we fee the flafli of a cannon,
before we hear the report, we may conclude that
it is ten times 1 142 feet from us, which is equal to
11420 feet; hence alfo by the fame rule wc may
know the diftance of thunder and lightning.

CHAP.

ozv

IT is
cove
India by
France i;
by the aj
1300; a
cf it in
l*2ngland
year.

I have
that wer
New-Yo
gown the
fame Gc
plenty ol
America!

Many
as the CI
cony, h
and I ha^
ducc as g

HOW TO RAISE GRAPES, 6cC.

573

CHAP. LVI.

Hoiv to raife Grapes, Silk, Hemp, and Flax.

IT is faid that the art of making wine was dif-
covered by Noah ; that it was brought into
India by Bacchus, and that none was produced in
France in the time of the Romans. It was fold
by the apothecaries as a cordial in England, in
1300; and licences were eftabhihed for vending
of it in 1661. But grapes w:;re introduced in
England in 1550, and cherries and pears the fame
year.

I have drank very good wine made of grapes
that were raifed on Long-Ifland, in the State of
New-York, in America, and have alfo feen a filk
gown that was raifed and manufaftured in the
fame Government. As to hemp and flax, a
plenty of both is raifed in many places on the
American continent.

Many excellent wines arc produced in France,
as the Champagne, Burgundy, Bourdeaux, Gaf-
cony. Hermitage, Frontiniac, and Pontacke ;
and I have often thought that America may pro-
duce as good wine, if vines were properly culti-
vated.

''i,<51ii!*

(I '111 i:

'5-

574

THE AMERICAM ORACLE*

vated. Such a Cultivation, as well as that of raifing
fill^, would be a great faving to the community.

Wc do not want either for heat or cold in
America, for both are very extreme in fomc parts
at particular feafons. Hence if cold climates
were the mod agreeable for the raifing of grapes
and filk, Canada, Nova-Scotia, and New-Eng-
land, would be fuitable ; or if hot climates arc
the beft, then the Carolinas and Georgia may be
mod convenient. I underftand that grapes have
thrived very well in South-Carolina, where at-
tempts have been made to cultivate them ; and
although Paris, the capital of France, is fituated
in the latitude of 48 degrees and 50 minutes
north, which is more than eight degrees further
to the northward than Philadelphia; yet they
raife a plenty of grapes. It is true, indeed, that
the cold is not fo extreme there, as it is in the
fame parallel of latitude in America; but it is
much colder in Winter at Paris than it is in Eng-
land, becaufe it is fituated on a continent.

I had the pleafure of viewing the vineyards in
France when 1 was there m 1790. The vines
were planted near two feet apart, and were hoed
much like the Indian corn in America ; they ran
upon poles that wciv about four or five feet
high ; the grapes hung in cluders almoft from
the tops to the bottoms of the vines. The time
for gathering and making wine is in the Fall.
Towards Winter the vines are cut down clofe to

I the

the grou
arife, wl

If the
yields a c
efteemed
a fuppref
fant fmel
elTential c
The unri
The exp;
cooling
the raifin
affords,
tartar.

There
eroding
and as t(
thole ufc
purpofes

1. Fin

2. Hn

3. Fh

4. Fin

5. Fin
Good

fpirits, \
renders
pulfe, ai
geflion,

HOW TO RAISE GRAPES, &C. 575

the ground, and from their roots another fet
arife, which bear grapes the rext year.

^ If the tree or vine is wounded in the Spring, it
yieldsaclear, limpid, wateryjuice, which has been
efteemed good for fore eyes, malignant fevers, and
a fuppreflion of urine. The flowers have a plea-
fant fmell, and, being diftilled in water, yield an
eflentialoil, poflefTing the fragrance of the flowers.
The unripe fruit is very harQi, rough, and four.
The expreflbd juice, called verjuice, is faid to be
cooling and aftringent ; the ripe fruit dried are
the raifms and currants of the fliops. The juice
aftbrds, by fermentation, wine, vinegar, ;i id
tartar.

There are about twenty fpecies of vines, ac
eroding to accounts given by botanical writers;
and as to wines, there are a grcu: variety ; but
thole ufcd in the fliops of London for medical
purpofes are the following, viz.

1 . Finum album HiJpamatm^Spmiih white wine,

or mountain.

2. ri/inm album GalUcum — French white wine.

3. Vinum Canariuni — Canary, or fack.

4. Vimim Rhenamim — Rhenilh.

5. Finum rubrum — Red Port.

Good wine, drank with moderation, cheers the
ipirits, warms the habits, promotes perfpiration,
renders the veflels full and turgid, raifes the
pulfe, and quickens the circulation ; it helps di-
geflion, and llrengthens the folids. But if it is

drank

■!li

■ '. ■ I' V'.i

en(S tllE AMERICAN ORACLE.

drank to excefs it hardens the fibres, affeds thi
nerves, diminifhes the fecretions, deftroys the ap-
petite, and generates chronic diftempers.

Many bf the wines, as well as other liquors, are
adulterated, which makes them very prejudicial to

health.

Sweet wines abound with a glutinous nutritious
fubftance ; they heat the conflitution more, and
are not fo diuretic as other wines. Red wines
have an aaringent quality ; hence they ftrengthen
the tone of the ftomach and intellines, and re-
flrain immoderate fecretions. Tliofe that are acid
are laid to loofen the belly and promote urine;
but they occafion gouty and calculous complaints,
which is the effea of all new wines.

0/ the Raijing of Silk,

According to chronology, raw filk was made m
China i ^o years before Chrifl,and was firft brought
from India, A. D. 274; filk wofms eggs brought
into Europe 527; the manufaftory of it was intro-
duced in Europe 551, firfl worn in drcfs 1455 ;
flrft manufadured in France 1521, firft worn
by the Clergy in England 1534* ^^^^^^^ ^^^'^
manufa^ured from raw filk in England 1620*
brought to perfection by the French refugees in
London 1687, a lilk throwing mill invented at

Derby 1719. Vid.p. 11.

Silk

Silk i!

filk- won
will Ton
firfl: hate
a comnn
and gro\
it no lor
It wraps
its own
and in
form, ai
tion. r-]
dition lb
kind of j
fly. In t
number (

Thefe
grey, aft
whitifli,
their fkir
a little Ic
balls, ar
tioncd.

Onth
kind off
form the
made the
tirely ob
compleat
eggs ff j

RAISING Or^ SILK.

577

Silk is {produced by a curious infedl, called a
Tilk-worm, which multiply very faft, as a female
will (onietimcs lay 500 eggs. When a worm is
firft hatch jd, it is about the bignefs of the head of
a common pin. It feeds upon mulberry leaves,
and grows to the fize of a caterpillar ; after which
it no longer eats, but prepares f:.r its diflblution.
It wraps itfelf in a kind of filken ball, fpun from
its own bowels, its head fcparates from its body,
and in every refpeft changes from its original
form, and appears to be deftitute of life and mo-
tion. However, after it has remained in this con-
dition fome time, it awakes, and becomes another
kind of infecl, rcfcmbling a large moth or bulter-
ily. In this lad ftage the female lays a prodigious
number of eggs, after which (lie dies.

Thefe infedh are at hid black, then of an adi
grey, afterwards they (lied their coats, and grow
whitifli, or rather of a bluiih caft; they again (hed
their (kins, and in a few days become yellow, feed
a little longer, and wrap themfelves in their filken
balls, and go through the changes already men-
tioned.

On the day they begin their balls, th ; make a
kind of flue or down j the next day they begin to
form the out- fides in the midfl of the loofe filk
made the day before ; on the third day it is en-
tirely obfcured, ?nd in a week the buildings are
compleated. They are of a conic figure, like the
eggs ff pigeons. '

Pp The

,-;l ;

>•« '

i';^ THL AMERICAN ORACLE.

Thf Chinefe have two methods of bringing up
their filk-works ; they either let them range on
the mulbcrry-trccs, or keep them in rooms ; the
latter produce the fined lllk ; but if they are not
fufTercd to go abroad, they muft be fed widi mul-
berry leaves.

As to the manuiac^luiing of fdk, 1 am not ac-
quainicd with the different modes. There arc
nankin:;, damr-His, lattins, taffetics, brocades,
gauzes, he. which I believe aremanufaclured dil-
fcrcnt ways. What I have attempted to exhibit
ib how it may be raifed.

_ Of the Raijiag of Hemp,

The ground ought to be well manured, and
ploughed and harrowed feveral times. Moift land
is efteemed the bed, and alhes arc the bed ma-
nure ; the feed fliould be fown early in the
Sprin^, and harrowed in. When the hemp is
ripe, K mud be pulled ; and when dry, the k(:<X
may be threflied out. Afterwards the dalk may
be rotted in the water, or by being fpread on the
g.ound. When it is rotten enough, let it be
dried, and put into a barn. In Winter let it be
braked and fwingled. Hemp is of great utility
in the rigging of vefTels, and in many other
branches of bufmefs.

The ]
in the fa
have dij"
ler ovei
Town ; i
refpedls
Liner
Fiemifh
worn. 1
and fine
nettles.

RAISING OF FLAX.

579

Of the Raijing of Flax.

The ground may be cultivated and manured
in the iame manner as that for hemp, only feme
have Aippofed that it is beft to draw a heavy roU
ler over it, to beat it down, after the feed is
fown ; it may perhaps kill the infers ; in other.

refpeds it mny be managed like hemp.

Linen was firil made in England in i ^3, by

Flemifh weavers ; till then woollen (hires were

worn. The linen trade began in Ireland in 1634 ;

and fine linen was made in that kingdom from

nettles, in 1755.

>.». t

Pp 2

580

THE AMERICAN ORACLC»

CHAP. LVII.

Of Green, Bohea, Cotigo, Souchong, Singh y Bloomy
■ Imperial, Hyjon, and Cimpozvdcr Teas ; and aljb
the Rad. Ginleng.

TEA was fird brought into Europe by the
Dutch Eaa-India Company in the begin-
ning of the feventeenth century. In 1666 a quan-
tity of it was brought from Holland to England,
and fince that time the ufe of it has become uni-

verfiil.

It orows on 2ijl.mib in China and Japan, called
the Tea Plant, It principally grows between the
latitudes of 24 and 28. The beft teas are to be
had at Nankin, in China.

There are feveral kinds of teas; Tome finer,
fmoothcr, and more fragrant than others, ac-
cording to the foil they grow in ; that called finglo
is eftecmed the moft elegant, and ufed by the

more opulent.

Some teas are denominated for their particular
colours and qualities. The bohea is much elleemed
in China, on account of its flavour and medical
qualities. It is from the fame plant with the

green.

green, a
fix or fe

ill its ful
whereas
on the ti
9. diifere
rough tc
The bol
April, a
the gerK
the gree
the fame
as to the
arife fro
where pr

The n
in wate:
finous pa
lateablc;
(o bitter,
be fuffici
fion, the
or dried
ixito the i

But th
and ftirre
iheets of
embers b
perfons.

€F TEAS, &C.

5S1

green, and only differs from it by being gathered
fix or feven weeks fooner, that is in March, when
ill its full bloom, and the leaves are full of juice ;
whereas the other, by being left fo much longer
on the tree, lofes a part of its juice, and contrac'ls
^ different colour, taftc, and virtue, being more
rough to the palate and racking to the llomach.
The bohea is gathered in March, the imperial in
April, and the finglo in May or June ; fo that
the general divifion of teas is into two forts, viz.
the green and bohea, which both proceed from
the fame kind of plant, as already obferved ; and
as to the appellations given to the other teas, they
arife from the time of gathering, the province
where produced, or the method of curing.

The method of curing is to infufe the leaves
in water for a certain time, by which the re~
linous particles are dilTipated, and rendered pa-
lateablc; for without this operation they would be
h bitter, that fcarce any quantity of fugar would
be fufficient to corred: the tafte. After this infu-
£on, the bohea is expoled to the hea, of the fun,
or dried by the fire, till it is crifped,or contracted
ixito the fmal compafs in which we fee it.

But the green having been affidnouily turned
and flirred about the whole time, is Rrewed upon
ilieets of copper, (which are gently warmed by
embers beneath them) and rolled up and down by
perfons, whofe hands are defended bv thick lea-
tii?r gloves from the effluvia, which, without fuch

P p 3 prccauuoa

* J

h'y\

")«,;

584 THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

precaution, would prove of the moft pernicious
confeque nee.

Though the green tea confeflTedly derives the
principal part of its tindture and flavour from the
baneful vapours that exhale from the heated cop-
per, thefe very circumftances, inftead of rendering
it obnoxious, are the principal recommendations
of it, not only to the Europeans and Americans,
but to the Afiatics ; for fuch is the infatuation of
mankind, that they would rather pleafe the eye
and gratify the tafte, than attend to the confti-
tution of their bodies, though eflential to the pre-
fervation of life.

The Chinefe make ufe of a weak infufion of
bohea as their common drink ; they do not drink
it ftrong, nor ufe it in the manner we do. It cor-
refts the unwholefome brackilhnefs of their wa-
ters, which in fonie places would breed diflera-

pers.

It is deemed by them a great dilutcr; they
drink great quantities of it in fevers, colics, and
other acute difeafes, and in chronic complaints.
They call it a cephalic and diuretic, and good for
the head-ache, and to promote urine, digellion,
perfpiration, and other fecretions, and alfo as a
great flrengthener of the brain and ftomach.

Various opinions have arifen amongft gentle-
men of the faculty concerning the virtues of tea,
, both in Europe and America ; but fome of the
moft celebrated phyficians of the prefent age

efteem

elleem ;
ftomacl
pains i
fleepine
too ftro
excite \
gency ;
qualitie
high tit
fuppref

The
wholefc
dical ul
juring
Milk a

Perh
fome fi

The
China,
guinea
it have
Pennf/
ported
cultivat
to bala

The
ftorativ
cays 0;
niucilaj
of bitte

OF TEAS, Sec.

edecm it as a diluter, agreeable to the palate and
ilomach. It operates as a cephalic, for it eafc"^.
pains in the head, and prevents ftupidity, or
fleepinefs. It ought not to be drank too hct nor
too (Irong. A flrong decoclion of green tea will
excite vomiting, owing, it is faid, to its aftrin-
gency ; but, perhaps, it is from the pernicious
qualities imbibed from the copper-plates. It is
high time that fuch an unjuftifiable pradice was
fupprefled.

The bohca tea, if not adulterated, is the moll
wholcfome, in my opinion, both for food and me-
dical ufes, and may be drank freely, Without in-
juring a perfon, both in flckncfs and health.
Milk and fugar make tea very palateable.

Perhaps tea may be cultivated in A;nerica at
fome future time.

The Radix Ginfe>i^ was formerly importeil from
China, and fold at Bofton, in New-England, for a
guinea an ounce ; but of late great quaniirics of
it have been found in Canada, Vermont, and
Pennf/lvania, and vaft quantities have been ex-
ported to the Eaft-Indies. This root ought to be
cultivated in thofe countries, and enough exported
to balance the teas imported from the Eafl-lndies.

The Chinefe efteem this root as a j;cneral rc-
ftorative and corroborant, and excellent in all de-
cays of age, intemperance, or difeaie. It i? a
mucilage, fvveet to the tafte, with a iliglit de^^ee
of bitternefs, and an aromatic warmth. 1 hive

1? p 4 trcqucnily

:li1 I

vii

584

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

frequently ufed it for coughs and other diforders
of the kings with fuccefs. A drachm, in dices or
powder, may be boiled in a gill of water, and the
decoftion fweetened with iugar, and drank as
foon as ic is cool enough. This is for one dofe^
it fliould be repeated night and morning.

iatter, I
about hr
of the d
than tha
a caufcU
hurt no
the fern?
the Que
larger tli

are blacl

The h

■

when tli(

uiortal b

are woui

They

into a

parts ; \

empty ii

Lome w.i

jt^rcad wi

CHAP,

OF ZEESc

^85

W 'il

CHAP. LVUL

/fow /o manage Bees,

OF bees there are two kinds, the male and
female. The former are called drones, the
iatter, honey, or working bees. The drones are
about half as big again as the females. The voice
of the drone is much louder and more dreadful
than that of the honey bee, and they often excite
a caiifclefs fear, for they have no flings, and can
hurt no creature, being under the doniinion of
the females. The bees have alfo a leader, called
the Queen Bee ; her body is much bigger and
larger than that of a iioney bee ; her hinder parts
&re black, and (lie prefides over the reft.

The honey bees have ftings in their t'ii''=;i and
when they fling one another^ it generally proves
uiortal both to thofe who fling and to thofe that
are wounded.

They fuck their honey from flowers. It enters
into a bottle, or bag, fuuated in their hinder
parts ; when it is full, they return home, and
empty it into the honey- comb ; they alfo bring
Lome water in the fame manner, to mix the bee-
jt^rcad with, for feeding their young.

Bees

iHI

:E^'"'

I:;:

586

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

Bees proceed from fmall white eggs; they are
maggots when they are firll hatched.

Tht' tongues of the drones are fo much fliorter
than thofe of the females, that they cannot reach
the honey in the focketed flowers. Hence they
cannot work if they would; theii bufincfs is to
ftay at home, and fit upon the eggs, which are
hatched by their warmth, whilll: the female fol-
lows the delightful vocation of gathering and
bringing home the honey and watei'.

At about one or two o'clock the work of the
day is chiefly over with the females ; and on their
return home to t.ike care of their young, the
drones arc fuffercd to go abroad, to recreate and
empty themfelvcs ; afterwards they return again
to their beloved honcr, and arc kindly received
by their imperious dames.

The females are very careful to work in warm
weather, and lay up a flock of honey to p 'event
their dying in the Winter. In wet-Summers and
bad weather, they are lomctimcs hindered from
laying up a fufticicru ftore, hence they die, unleh
they are fed. Some feed them with rnolalles and
gingei bread.

Bees commonly fwarm in May and June in
America, and have often two or three broods in a
feafon ; and if a hive is not prepared for their re-
ception, they arc led off' by the Queen Bee to a
hollow tree, where they enter intb a new habita-
tion. Trees have been felled that have had more
I iliaii

than a b
be no n
hives lai

The
Hence \
party hi
the robl
out of tl
amongfl

Mice
lows, ar
mice wi
their hi^

Whc
with the
from th(
a year,

Whe
hole in
match c
thereon
earth, t(
bees fro
ground.
air. Af
times I
which h
ling pc
Hence
fitable.

OF BEES.

587

than a barrel of honey in them. But there would
be no need of their fwarming at all, were their
hives large enough to hold the new generation.

The bees often rob each other of their honey.
Hence great battles enfue. But if the plundered
party have loft their Queen, they will join with
the robbers, and fuffer all the honey to be carried
out of the hive, and when they feek new quarters
amongft other bees, defperate wars commence.

Mice, moths, ear- wigs, hornets, wafps, fwaU
lows, and fparrows, are enemies to bees. The
mice will fometimes make the bees wholly leave
ilieir hive.

When the bees bury their dead, tliey fly off
with them, and drop their bodies at fome cUftancc
from the hive. They do not live much more than
a year, as fome fay.

When people take up their beer, they dig a
hole in tlie ground, and at evening put a lighted
match of brimllone into it, and place the hive
thereon, which is immediately furrounded v;ith
earth, to keep in the fumigation, and prevent the
bees from making their cfcape. They fall to the
ground, and die in a few minutes, for the want of
air. Afterwards the honey is taken for ufe. Sou:e-
times 1 20 pound has been taken out of a hive,
which has commonly been fold for fixpcncc rter-
ling per pound, and the wax for a fi illing.
Hence the keeping of bees muft be very pro-
fitable,

Honev,

I II' * : :i>

ill

,!i

-1 V.:CI'i.

^88

THE AMERICAW ORACLE.

Honey, as a medicine, is aperient and dcter^
gent ; it powerfully diflblves vifcid juices, pro-
motes the expectoration of tough phlegm, helps
a fore throat, coughs, afthmas, and other diforders
of the Kings, heals and cleanfes the kidnies and
urinary pallhges, and is good for wounds and ul-
cers; but it is hurtful to bilious, hypochondriac,
hyfteric, and melancholic habits ; for it generates
bile, and fometimcs pain, if eaten when new ;
this may, however, be prevented by the boiling
of it before it is eaten. The dofe ilone is froii^
pne ounce to t^A'o.

}

Qfthe R

Obfe

TH]
br
Iheep, n:
and thri^
they are
not to b(
tion of
lofe theii

All th
clean, ai
a'^e remc
hay, the;
week, ij
drink, a
they live
on their
not gooc

Horfe
curry coi
the circt
thrive.

CHAP-

RAISING OF HORSES, ScC.

CHAP. LIX.

Of the Raijing of Horfes, Cattle, Sheep, and Sivlne.
Obfervations on the Eating of Swine's Flcfl),

THE barns In America ought to be built of
brick or (tone, that the horfes, cattle, and
iheep, may be kept \7arm ; for they will eat lefs,
and thrive better, if they are kept fo, than when
they are pinched with the cold. But (heep ought \
not to be kept too warm, for it will caufca relaxa-
tion of their cutaneous pores, and make them
lofe their wool.

All thefe animals ought to be fed often, kept
clean, and to have water in fcafon ; and if they
a»x remote from the fea, or live on frcili grafs, or
hay, they fhould have fait three or four times in a
week, if not o^^ener, for it will make them cat,
drink, and thri\.^ much better than they will if
they live without. Some Iprinkle a weak brine
on their hay, which will make them cat it, if it is
not good.

Horfes and catde fliould be curried with a
curry comb twice or thrice a d:iy, for ii promotes
the circulation of the fluids, and makes them
thrive.

Ail

,i ,1

> -<'

0,,

f I

SO'^

tHE AMERICAN ORACLE,

All thefe animals are very profitable when they
do well, and thofc that raife them commonly
grow rich, if they are prudent, and have good
farms. We have had £bme cows in America, that
have given about 20 quarts of milk in a day.
Kui aii thefe kinds of cattle are not very large in
Canada, by reafon of the extremity of the Win-
ters ; however, the horfes, cattle, and (heep, are
very good in New-England, New- York, &c.
Sheep produce both meat and clothing. Great
care ought to be taken of the lambs when they
are young, to prevent their being devoured by
wild beafts, dogs, and fwine. About half a pint
of Indian corn given to a Iheep every day is faid
to be very good juil before and after Ihe has
brought a lamb.

Swine ought to be kept warm and clean, and to
be fed often; but they are very unruly, and efpe-
cially if they are fuffered to run at large, for they
will be rooting up the ground and getting into
mifchief, if they arc not yoked and ringed. They
are an unprofitable animal, for, like the fnifer,
they do no good until they are dead.

Some people have fuppofed that their fleHi is
not fit to be eaten ; I Ihall therefore adduce fome
rear,)ns on their fide of the queflion.

We find that nothing is more flridly forbidden
in the Law of Mofes. For the commandment of
the Almighty runs thus :

"Of their llclh ye (hall not eat, and their carcafe

« Ihall

•'fiiall;

Vid. Le

felf was

would n

into thci

deprivec

run viol

perifli in

Now,

how con

nations ?

page 5 ^

*' pork

*' fome t

not to b

but fome

or have f

and if i

griping ]

Britain a;

effe(5t upi

Accon

phyfical

profy, ai

countries

The J,

to this da

fwine*s fl(

in the M(

did not ea

,, ♦,

ON THE EATING OF SWINi S FLESH. Cpi

*' fliall ye not touch : they are unclean to you."
Vid. Levit. xi. 8. And it leems that Cfirift him-
felf was no great tVi'^nd to the fwine, otherwifc he
would not hav. (ullered the devils to have entered
into them, nor have fuffered their owners to be
deprived of their property, by letting their fwine
run violently down a ftcep place into the fca, and
perifli in the water. Vid. iMatt. viii. 31, 32.

Now, if the fwine were unclean to the Jews,
how conies it to pafs that they are not fo to other
nations? — In the London Pradice -^ Phyfic,
page 5 of the introdudlion, we are told, '* that
" pork fed in London is far from being whole-
** fome diet." If that is true, then furely it ought
not to be eaten. I never eat much poik myfelf ;
but fometimes when I have been upon a journey,
or have fell into company, I have eat fome of it,
and if it was frelh, it has produced a naufea,
griping pains, and a diarrhoea, both in Great-
Britain and America, but it does not have fuch an
effedl upon every conftitution.

According to the accounts mentioned by fome
phyfical authors, fwine's flelli generates the le-
profy, and other cutaneous eruptions, in divers
countries, and efpecially in hot climates.

The Jews obey the commandment of the Lord
to this day; for they abftain from the eating of
fwine*s flefli, and other unclean things forbidden
in the Mofaical law. I once alked a Jew, why he
did not eat fwine's fleih, and he fliid, it was becaufe

'1^

592

TilK AMERICAN ORACLE,

n is unvvholefomc. I was afterwards credibly irv-'
formed, that feveral of his young children went to
a neighbour's houfe, where they cat iome pork,
but Toon returned home, and told what they had
been eating; the father gave them an emetic,
which foon niadc their {lomachs dilcharge their
contents.

According to tlie Law of Mofes, all kinds of
beafts are unclean but thofe that divide the hoof
iind chew the cud ; and all kinds of filhes, ex-
cepting thofe that have fins and fcales. There
are alfo clean and unclean fowls.

Many befides the Jews adhere to the Mofaical
law, in regard to animal food.

The inhabitants of Abyflinia abflain from
blood, things (Irangled, and thofe unclean birds,
beads, and filhes, mentioned by Mofcs. This is
a great country, for it is about 1300 miles long,
and 1 100 broad.

The Perlians eat no pork, nor any thing for-
bidden in the Mofaical Law ; their country is
alfo large, being about 1200 miles fquare.

The Empire of the Great Mogul is about
1 700 miles in length and 1300 in breadth. The
inhabitants do not eat fwine's flefli.

Thefe things being prcmifed, I Ihall proceed
to make fome philofophical obfervations.

Tlie flclh of all animals is impregnated by the
nourithmcnt they fubfifl upon. Hence thofe birds,
bealls, and fillies, that feed upon poiibiiDus and

fikhy

filthy thi
wholefon

Fifli 1
are poifoi
with the

That t
rion, and
one that
if their il(
habitants
nientione
fo to othc
phyfician;
don is far
not the n
the peopl
judicial V

But if
fwine ma
clean thir
made wh
may tenc
than it rr
fonous th
unwholef(

Surely
knew whi
mandmen
the chapt
** theLo

ON THE EATING OF SWINE*S FLESH. 593

filthy things, mud be unclean, and of courfe un-
wholefomc to the human race.

Fifli that live upon beds of copper irin.s
are poifon, becaufc their bodies are impregnated
with the qualities of that mineral.

That the fwine will feed upon the worfl of car-
rion, and other filthy things, is evident to every
one that is acquainted with thofe animals. And
ii their iledi is unclean to the Jews, and to the in-
habitants of thofe great countries which I have
mentioned, how comes it to pafs that it is not
ib to otiier nations? If the learned and ingenious
phyficians have difcovercd, that pork fed in Lon-
don is far from being a wholcfome diet, Ihould
not the raifing of it be fupprefled ? Why fhould
the people be fuffered to raife and eat things pre-
judicial to their health ?

But if any fliould obje^fl, and fay, that the
Iwine may be (hut up, and kept from eating un-
clean things, and that their fleQi may thereby be
made wholefome, I anfwer, that although that
may tend to make their flelh more wholefome
than it might be if they fed altogether upon poi-
fonous things, yet fome animals are unclean and
un wholefome in themfeU^es by Nature.

Surely the Great Governor of the Univerfe
knew what was lb and what was not. The com-
mandment I have mentioned came from him, for
the chapter (vi-. Lcvit. xi.) begins thus — " And
** the Lord fpake unto Moles, and to Aaron,

I'l'

.«i\

W Ikl

59^

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

" faying unto them, Speak unto the children of
" Ifrael, &c." and nothing is more ftridly for-
bidden, not even murder and theft, than the
touching and eating of /a;/V^/C/7:'.

But, perhaps, fome may fay, that this command
was ceremonial, and is aboliflied.

I anfwer, that we have no account of its being
abolinied, neither in the Old nor in the New
Teftament ; and that by the (lime rule they may
fay, that the command agaii.ft murder is alfo

aboliibed.

But fome have pretended, that all thofe unclean
antmals were changed, or made clean, at the
time that Peter went into a trance, and faw Hea-
ven opened, and a certain veflel dcfcending unto
him, which contai-ned all manner of four-footed
beafts of the earth, and wild beads, and creeping
things, and fowls of the air, when a voice faid,
" Rife, Peter, kill, and eat. But he faid. Not fo,
*« Lord; fori have never eaten any thing that is
« common or unclean. And the voice Ipakc unto
" him again, faying the fecond time. What God
" hath cleanfed, that call not thmi common."
This was done thricc, and the vellcl was received
up again into Heaven.

By this text it appear^ i. That Peter, who
had been one of Chrilt's dilclples, and was in-
flruded by him in the principles and dodrines of
the Chriftian religion, had always aJhercd to the
law of Mofes, by abftaining from the eating of
fwine^s flcfli, and other unclean animals.

2. Th

things, a
was not (
were unc

3-Thi
in the ve
all made
for the fii
fcales ftii

4. Th

changing

fvvineanc

fing of tt

for fome

fion, and

was one (

had fupi

he faid,

" (hould

And aftei

*' truth '.

" perfon;

** him, a

That as 1

all them '

aftonifhm

&c. that 1

alfo was

which pu

from inwj

ON THE EATING OF SWINe's FLESH. 595

2. That although all kinds of beads, creeping
things, and fowls, were prefented before him, he
was not commanded to kill, or ear, thofe that
were unclean.

3. That we have no account of any fiOies being
in the vefTel. Hence if the birds and beads were
all made clean, it Teems that nothing was done
for the filhes, and that thofe that have not fins or
fcales flill continue to be unclean.

4. That this vifion had no reference to the
changing and purifying of the natures of the
fvvineand other unclean animals, but to the clean-
fmg of the nations ; for after Peter had doubted
for fome time concerning the meaning of the vi-
fion, and had fell in company with Cornelius, who
was one of another nation, and with whom Peter
had fuppofed it was unlawful to keep company,
he faid, ** But God hath fliewed me, that I
" fhould not call any man common or unclean."
And after further confideration, he faid, '' Of a
*' truth I perceive, that God is no refpeder of
" perfons : but in every nation he that feareth
** him, and worketh righteoufnefs, is accepted."
That as he was preaching, the Holy Ghoft fell on
all them which heard the word, and caufed aa
allonilhment amongft thofe of rhe circumcifion,
&c. that believed, becaufe that on the Gentiles
alfo was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghoft^
which purges, purifies, and cleanfes the nations
from inward filth and pollution ; fo that the vi-

Qj\ 2 iiojx

;; \

ion

fQ6 • THE AMERICAN ORACLE. " -

fion could have no reference to the cleanfing of
the unclean birds, beafts, and fiQies, but to the
cleanfing of the Gentile nations only. Vid. Adts

X. 9, &c.

If any fhould fay, that liberty was given for the
eating of unclean things, becaufc it feemed good
to the Holy Ghoft, and to the Apojlles, to lay no
other burthen upon the Gentiles than the ab-
ftaining from meats offered to idols, from blood,
things ftranglcd, and from fornication. Vid.

Atfts XV. 28, 29.

I would anfwer, » .

1. That this was a determination of the ApoRles
at a time when they were aflembled at Jerufalcm,
to confult about circumcifion. For it appears
that certain men had taught, that except the Gen-
tiles were circumcifed, they could not be faved ;
and as the law of Mofes, which ftriaiy forbids
the eating of unclean things was read in the fyna-
gogues every Sabbath-Day, the Holy Ghoft, nor
the Apojl/es, did not incline to lay on the new
converts amongd the Gentiles any other burthen,
but the abflaining from meats offered to idols,
from blood, things (Irangled, and from forni-
cation.

But \vc mud not fupnofe, that either the Holy
Chojl, or the /IpojUcs, gave liberty to commit mur-
der, theft, adultery, and other atrocious crimes,
becaufe they did not fee fit to lay any other bur-
then upon the Gentiles, but the four things al-
ready

ready me
faical law
Gofpel, 1
meats anc
nal ordin
until the
ix. 10.) I
of the G
in the mi
lievers. \
of the la'
time, ani
for it cor
doftrines
Gofpel t
law. D(
docs this
in point!
the meal
nances,
they com
mals, tha
Mofaical
ufed in tl
The e
was undc
took its
and this
tradition

ON THE EATING OF SWINe's FLESH. 597

ready mentioned ; for no other part of the Mo-
faical law was aboliihed by the difpenfation of the
Gofpel, but the ceremonial, which flood only in
meats and drinks, and divers wafhings, and car-
nal ordinances, which impofed upon the Jews,
until the time of the reformation, (vid. Heb.
ix. 10.) until the New Covenant, or Difpenfation
of the Gofpel Ihould be eftablifhed, the laws put
in the mind?, and written in the hearts of be-
lievers. Vid. Heb. viii. 10. fo that the mori,! part
of the law of Mofes remains in full force to this
time, and ought to be obferved by all nations ;
for it corrcfponds exadly with the principles and
doftrines of the ChrilUan religion. Does the
Gofpel forbid murder ? Yes, and fo does this
law. Docs the Gofpel forbid theft ? Yes, and fo
does this law alfo; {o that they Loth corrcfpond
in pointing out the principles of morality. As to
the meats, drinks, walhings, and carnal ordi-
nances, which belonged to the Old Covenant ;
they confiflcd in thcfc bulls, goats, and other ani-
mals, that were offered as a facrifice under the
Mofaical law, and the drinks and purifications
ufed in thofe tiiiies. "^

The eating of fwine's flelh is a pra<51:ice that
was undoubtedly derived from the Pr.gans, and
took its rife before the Mofaical law was given ;
and this pradice has been handed down to us by
tradition ; for as our fathers did fo do we ; and

Q^q 3 - ' bccaufc

^::-

C*^:'

^98 THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

becaufe it is cuftomary we continue the pradice ;
for,

Cuftom is a living law, whofe fway
Men more than all the written laws obey.

Had our teachers taught us when we were young,
that fwine's fiefh is unwholefomcand unclean, and
that it is a tranfgrefrion of the law of God to eat,
or even to touch it ; we (hould have cllccmcd our
pradice to be a great fin.

But though my dodrine may fuit the Jews and
other nations who obfcrve the laws of tiie Lord,
yet I do not exped it will pleafe all the raifers
and venders of fwinc, nor all the lovers of pork ;
and, perhaps, fome cf them, ii.ay burn my book,
becaufe 1 have laid down thefe principles ; but by
the fame rule they may burn their Bibhs, for the
vcrv lame dodiinc is mentioned there that I hold
up, and it proceeded from the Ahnighty h'nnjelf.

Some of the favage Nations eat human flcfh ;
and if I ihould go and tell them that it is unwhole-
fome and illegal, it is probable they would not be-
lieve me, and that I mould make myfclf very un-
popular amongfl them, by preaching fuch a doc-
trine. The fame may belaid of the Turks ; ifhould
I go amongfl them and preach againft tlie eating
of camel's llc(h.

But whv do not the Chriflians eat Irarnan flcfn
like the Savaccs : — Whv, becaufe it is not thecul-

torn. —

Turks r
Why d(
mice ? '
to it ?~
foot anc
of anin"
tots ? —
edtoit-
forbidd
unwhol
they ha

But
would

lanf
very gr
cat, we
would <
and wit
fome,
not onl
the All
that all
Gofpel,
into th
lileih 1
man w
quentl)
man in
foie th

ON THE EATING OF SVVINi. S FL£SH. 599

torn. — Why do they not eat camel*s flefh like the
Turks ? — Why becaufe it is not the faihion ?—
Why do they not eat horfes, dogs, cats, rats, and
mice ? Why becaule they have not been brought up
to it ? — Why do they not wear a cap of cow-dung,
foot and greafe, and choofe to live upon the entrails
of animals, inftead of their fiefh, like the Hotten*
tots ? — V/hy becaufe they have not been accullorn-
cd to it — But v/hy do they eat fwine's iiclh when it is
forbidden by the law of Mofes, and found to be
unwholefome by the I'hyficians ? — Why becaufe
they have imbibed the praifiice from their cradles.

But perhaps fome may fay, that the people
would ftarve,if there were no fwlne.

I anfwcr, that the ex pence of raifmg fwine is
very great; and that it the clean things which they
cat, were to be given to the cattle and fliee'p, it
would do more good, more meat would be raifed,
and with Icfs expence : it would be more whole-
fome, and better i'or the community ; and this is
not only my opinion, but the opinion of many of
the American farmers. But fome have pretended,
that all unclean animals are cleanfed under the
Gofpel, becaufe Chrill laid, " not that which goeth
into the mouth, but that which cometh out de-
filcih the man." But the queftion is, what the
man was that Chrill meant ? Divines have fre-
quently mentioned an inward and an outward
man in America; hence they have prayed, juft be.
fore they were about to deliver a fcrmo;i, ** that

41 1

6oo

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

*' they might be flrcngthencd both in the inward
*' and in the outward man."* Now if Chrift meant
that the outward man could not be defiled by
things that gocth into the mouth, then of courfe
we may eat all kinds of filth and poifonous things,
without being defiled ; but our fenfes tell us bet-
ter, for we know that if we Hiould voluntarily eat
fuel- things, they will defile our bodies, and foon
put an end to our exiftcnce; and that we (hould
be guilty of felf-murdcr by fo doing. But it is
evident that Chiift did not mean the prcfent
earthly tabernacle, or outward man ; but the in-
ward man, for when he came to tell what it was
that defiled the man, he had alluded to ; he faid ;
'* But thofe things which proceed out of the
*' mouth, come forth from the heart, &c. That out
'^ of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adtil-
*' tcrijs, fGy}i':rniio>!S, thefts, fnlfe ivitnefs, and blaf-
'^ fheuiies.''' \'id. Matt. xv. lo, ii. — 19, 20.

That thofe were the things which defiled the
man. But -f he had meant that the poifop 3us na-
tures of unclean animals were changed, he would
undoubtedly have told his difciplcs ; and Peter
would not have thought that fome of thofe ani-
mals whicii he faw in his villon were unclean.

But I have another ohievilion to anfwer, before
I quit the field, wl^icli is, tiKit all unclean animals
have b^en cleanfcd and made fit for human food,
according to the diredion of the Apofile Paul
sriven to Timoiliv. The words run thus : *' Now
*' die fpiiit fpcaketh expreflly, that in the latter

* Eph. ill. 16.

" timei
'^ heed
'* Speai

ence

** and <
** God
*' ing o
'' For c
" to b(

((

pray(
Now
which (
giving; \
clean b
faical la
dogs.
Have V
Apoftle
ferpents
food wii
fied to ]
all thof(
he not
under rl
the G oil
ufe of i
At anot
" ned t(
Vid. hi

Ife...

OF THE EATING OF swine's FL»SH. 6ot

" times fome lliall depart from the faith, giving
'^ heed to feducing fpirits, and dodrines of devils.
'« Speaking lies inhyprocrify, having their confci-
*^ ence feared with a hot iron ; forbidding to many,
" and commanding to ab%in from meats, which
*' God hath created to be received with thankfoiv-
" mg oi them which believe and know the truth,
*' For every creature of God is good, and nothing
"to be refufed, if it be received with thankfgiv-
" ing : For itisfanAified by the word of God and
*' prayer." Vid. i. Tim. iv. i, 2, 3, 4, 5.

Now the queftion is, what were thofe meats
which God had created to be received with thankf-
giving ? were they only fome of the flefh of thofe
clean beafls, &c. that are mentioned in the Mo-
Hiical law ? or i\o they include all kinds of mad-
dogs, fcrpcnt?, and other poifonous animals?
Have we any account that informs us, that the
Apoftle ever eat any fwinc's fleih, mad-dogs, or
fcrpents ? or tiiat he ever received any fuch animal
food with thankfglving, or that it was ever fan6li-
fied to him by ihc word of God and prayer ? If
all thofe poifonous things were included, why did
he not tell us plainly that they had been uncleatt
vmdcr the law of Mofes, but were changed under
theGofpcl, and that himfelfand his converts made
ufe of fwine, ferpcnts and toads in tlieir diet ? —
At another time he faid, '« For 1 have not ihun-
•' ned to declare unto you all the counfelof God."
Vid. A<fts5 XX. 27. Now if any fuch thing had

taken

1!« 1

■fii\

1 ''x, "

6oz

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

taken place a/the changing of the natures of poi-
fonous animals, or if that had been the counfcl of
God, it feems that the Apollle knew nothing of it,
or if he did, he uttered a fallhood by faying, he
had declared all the counfcl of God, when he had
kept a matter of fuch great importance behind the
curtain, without revealing it to the world.

But it is faid, that every creature of God is
good, and nothing to be refuted, if it be received
xvith thankfgiving, for it is fandified.by the word
of God and prayer.

Thefe creatures of God unkfs we explain the
Scripture ina fpiritual fenfe cannot, ia my opinion,
be any thing but thofe made and chofen for the food
of the human race, c%^iV7Si^iTJii9i»-**»tP^*?^'^'*^
v.'hich are made holy by thofe who uic them with
jnoderation, and receive them with Lhankfgiving ;
and though every thing is good in itfelf, as a part
of the creation, yet we cannot fuppofc that every
thing is fit to be eaten. It is faid, that when the
Almighty viewed every thing that he had made.

K*hoid ;7 ZiV as very good.

Vid. Gtn. i. 31. and al-

though Adam and Eve were placed in a pleafant
gardei:, yet there was ^ for Li dden fruit in it ; and
v;c find that there is l\iil a forbidden fruit to the
priflerity of Adam, which confills in thofe unclean
birds, beads and filhcs, that are poKbn to our
bodies, and definitive to our conftitutions. A
catalogue of ihcfe animals may be fecn in the
eleventh chapter of Leviticus.

Having

ON THE EATING OF SWINe's FLESH. 603

Having thus explained the words of the Apoftle
in a literal fenfe ; let us in the next place attempt
to do it in one that is fpiritual. Were not thofe
meats God had created to be received with thankf-
giving, by them which believed and knew the
lT\ii\\ fpiritual meats? Chrift told the Jews to la-
bour not for the meat which perilheth, but for that
meat which endureih for ever. Vid. John vi. 27.
And the apoftle Paul in his Epiflle to the Corin-
thians, fpeaking of the Ifraelites pading through
the fea, mentions Vi fpiritual meat , faying, ** And
" did all eat the fame fpiritual meat.'* Vid. i. Cor.
X. 3. Now this fpiritual meat is nothing but the
hread of Vfe that cometh down from Heaven, and
givcth lire to the world. Vid. John vi. 50. It
is the hidden manna^ the tree of life, and the inward
and fpiritual [upper of the Lord. Vid. Rev. ii. 7 —
17. Chap. iii. 20. Now the Ifraelites that pafled
ihrougli the Tea did all eat of this heavenly meat,
and lo did thole Chriflian converts to whom the
Apoftle wrote his epiftlcs. Hence all true believ-
ers, or all holy and upriglic perfons, are partakers
of this heavenly food. It is the Holy Ghofi defend-
ing from Fleaven and dwelling in the righteous.
Hence they become x\\c [ons of God. ''=d. Rom.
viii. 14. And their bodies arc the te-n.^. ? of the
Holy Ghofi. i. Cor. vi. 19. Which they are com-
manded not 10 defile. I Cor. iii. 17. Hence alfo
the Almighty ^wtf//^ in his faint s, walks \nthem,
Siiid flren^thais and enables them both to will and to

'i .-11
I'f: I

iiti

6o4

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

^1 of his own good plcajare : they who arc thus
made to partake of this fpiritual meat, do tafte of
the heavenly gift, are made partakers of the Ho/y
Gho,fi, have tafted the good word of God, and the
powers oi\.\\Q world to come, Vid. Hcb. vi. 4, 5.
They are thereby married, ov joined to ihe Lord ;
and bcinp; thu^ jo .hied unio him, become one jpirit.
Vid. I Cor. vi. 17.

The mir.iftry of the Apodles under the dlfpen-
fation of the Gofpel, was fpiritual, and not carnal ;
hence it was faid, that God had made them able
miniilcrs of the New Tcllamcnt; not of the
letter but of the fpirit. Vid. 2 Cor. iii. 6. This
miniftry did not confifl in meats, and drinks, and
clivers walhings, and carnal ordinances, like the
miniftry of the types and (hadows under the Mo-
faical law : but in the glorious minillration of the
fplri:. Vid. 2 Cor. iii. S.

Kencc it appears that the mrnf that the ApoRle
mentioned to his Ton Timothy, was not carnal but
Jjlri!:>.:l. Hence alfo it could not be tlie flelh of
bulls, goats, calves, lambs or twine ; Init that/f/-
r:i:-2l meat which giveth life to '" oriel, of which
a)) i-yood people arc made partarver:>.

.V ) ih-r the ^,7r/;>7V!;^ alluded to might h^ fpiritual -,
and /ilfo the medts, which God had created to be
rccf/ivcd with thankfgiving by them whidi believ-
ed, t'A-. and every creature of God that was thus
nv.ir)i-.], and k^X by ilu^ f;>iiitual meat was good;
bLi[,g faiiclifyed by tiu: ■ivo.d rf Cod (Vid. John,

i. i.

i. 1.) a

refuted
and viii
That
the dire
i4ih ve
" the g
gift.

Thuj

in a fj"

mal foo

Let I

literal f(

are gooi

caufe th

and piu

fuch a \'

and all

over the

mod de

it a clea

pedled.

The

plead fo

I. T

were ur

tinue to

tures ha"

muft ftil

ON THE EATING OF SWINE's FLESH. 6oc

i. I.) and prayer, and therefore ought not to be
refuted, or denied an admifiion into the outward
and vifible church.

That this minidry was fpiritual, is evident by
the dirc(5lions that Paul gave Timothy, in the
i4ih vcrfe of the fame chapter. *' Neglect not
** the gift that is in thee,'* which was a fpiritual
gift.

Thus have I endeavoured to explain this text
in a fpiritual fcnfe, which wholly excludes ani-
mal food, or any purgation of the brute creation.

Let us obferve, that if we take the text in a
literal fenfe, the mofl: filthy and poifonous animals
are good, and are not be refufed in our diet, be-
caufe they may be fanclified by the word of God
and prayer. How abfurd and ridiculous muft
fuch a way of rcafoning be ? Can all the Clergy,
and all the good men in the world, by praying
over the carcafe of a mad dog that is full of the
mod deadly poifon, change its nature, and make
it a clean beall ?-~No, no hich thing can be ex-
peded.

The things that I attempr to ' hold up and
plead for are,

I. That if fwinc, and fome other animals,
were unclean under the Mofaical law, they con-
tinue to be fo under th^ Gofpel; that their na-
tures have not been changed, and therefore they
mud ftill be unwholefome to die human race.

, 2. That

!' ' I ;

:i !» .

•Il i

■ I H

V' . '

6o6

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

2. That the flerti of all animals fed npoa
filthy and poifonous things, is not fit to be eaten.

^. That as the fwine naturally feed upon fu'-S
things, they always were, and ftill continue to oe
unclean.

4. That the Great Governor of the Umvcrfe,
knowing they were unclean and unwholefomc,
was pleafcd, in his infinite vvifdoni to make it
known to the Tons of men, and to forbid their
eating or touching their flefh.

5. That that law Hill remains in force, and
ought to be obfervcd by all nations.

6. That the pradice of eating fwine's flelh
commenced in Chriftendom in the times of Pa-
ganifm, and has been handed down to the prefent
generation by cuftom and tradition.

7. That it is our duty to abftain from every '
thing that may defile our bodies, or prejudice
our health and conftitutions.

8. That if we live altogether, or In part upon
fwine's flelh, the whole of our bodies, or a part,
will be fwine, though in a different form, and
perhaps have a fwinifli temper and dlfpofition.

9. That the Jews, Perfians, Abyffmians, and
habitants of the empire of the Great Mogul, do
their duty in obeying the commandment of the
Lord, in abftaining from thole unclean things
mentioned- in the law of Mofes.

10. That the learned and ingenious phyficians
of the kingdom of Great-Britain ought 10 be ap-
plauded

ON THE EATING Or SWINe's FLESH. 607

plauded for their obfcrvations upon the operation
of fwine's flcfli in the hir an body; and for
making known to th-* world, .rat it is by no means
a tvholefome diet.

1 1. That it is our duty to make further obfer-
vaiions, and to expunge out of our diet, and
out of the pradlice of phyfic, every thing that
liath already been, or may hereafter be, found
prejudicial to our conftitutions.

12. That we ought not to eat any thing offered
to idols, nor any animal that dies of itfclf, nor
things ftrangled, nor any blood, or unclean tiling,
and to remember, that he that faid, " Thou
'* (halt not kill," fuid alfo, concerning the eating
cf fwine's flelh, " Of their fieJJ) ye Jhall not eat, and
their carcaje Jlmll yc not touch,'* Levit. xi. 8, 44.—
Ifai. Ixv. 4, V J

Although I have raifcd the argument to its pre-
fcnt heighth, perhaps fome may fay, that fwine's
flcfli is wholcfome, and that it is lawful to eat it,
thoLigh it is forbidden in the hw of the Lord, be-
caufe they have been accuilomed to it, and it
agrees with their conftitutions.

I anfwer, that through it may fcem to agree
v/ith a few conftitutions for a time, yet it may pro-
duce ill effe(fl:s afterwards. The favages may fay,
that human .flelh agrees v/ith them, and yet it may
be very prejudicial to their health, operate in an
invifible manner, like flow poifon, and prove
fatal at laft.

! »

■ /

. f

1 1 '
m

I ill i '.1

; 1 1 S |l

■i V -"

'4\ii-\

6o8

THE AMERICAN ORACLff.

Thofe who have perverted the Scriptures, by
pretending that the natures of «ncleah animals
were changed, and that they were cleared of their
poifon under the difpenfation of the Gofpel, muft
prove, before they can make me believe it, that
Chrift and his difcipleseatfwine'g flefh, mad dogs,
toads, and ferpcnts. But as no fuch thing is men-
tioned in the New Teftament, we muft conclude,
that they fubfifted upon a wholefome diet, walked
honeftly, and lived peaceably, without fetting any
bad example for their followers to pradife.

But what inhuman, difgraceful, and abominable
condua: has there been in the different centuries
that have rolled off fince Chrift was upon earth,
amongft the inhabitants of Chriftendom, who have
pretended to be his difciples. How have they
violated the laws, by following the example of
the heathen, in defiling themfelves with unclean
things > How have they wrangled, quarelled, and
murdered one another; burnt great cities, and
laid countries wafte ? Now had they followed the
example of the Prince of Peace, all thofe murders
and devaftations would have been avoided.

I have often thought, whether an improper re-
gimen does not have an effe^: upon the tempers
and difpofitions of men. Wi.o knows but that
many have had fwinifli tempers and difpofitions,
by reafon of their living upon fwine's Ikfii.

Brandy and gunpowder, or rum and gun-
powder, drank juft before men ruPa into battle,

will

will ma
of mad I
may not
ruly, fill
temperSj
degree ?
with fuel
rence b(
and thoG
but the

44» 47O
happinef
laws and
Rom. vii

ON THE EATING OF swine's FLESH. 609

will make them feur no danger ; and the faliva
of mad animals will produce madnefs; and why
may not the flefh of thofe that are naturally un-
ruly, filthy, and unclean, affedl our conaitutions,
tempers, and difpofitions, in a greater or leffer
degree ? Surely, we ought not to defile ourfelves
with fuch abominable things, but to make a diffe-
rence between thofe animals that may be eaten
and thofe that may not, for the former are clean,
but the latter are vice verfa^ (vid. Levit. xi.
44» 47-) this w^Uend to preferve our health and
happinefs, a thingjs required of us by Hi m, whofe
laws and commands are holy, jujl, and good, Vid,
Rom. vii, \i.

CHAP.

6io

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

C H A P. LX.

Sundry Obfervations of the MultipHcity and Longe-
vity of Animals, Cautions concerning unruly Crea-
tures*

IN the preceding Chapter I have treated upon
a fdbjed that may pleafc Tome people and dif-
pleafe others. For the lovers of fwine's fleQi,
and thofe who get money by the raifmg and felling
of it, would not be willing to forfake a thing
they fo much admire, even if there was a law
made againft it. However, as it is the duty of
every perfon to difclole to the Public, whatever
appears to be prejudicial to the community, I
hope 1 Iball be excufed for the method I have
taken. They that lay down a doctrine according
to the lazv of the Lord, and the principles of na-
tural philofophy, have a much better foundation
to work upon than thofe who have nothing but
tradition, and the example of the Heathen. Vid.

Ifai. Ixv. 4.

We laugh at other nations on account of fome
of their ill cuftoms and manners, and it is pro-
bable they laugh at us for fome of ours. But I
hope there may be a general reformation in pro-
ccfs of time, that as the knowledge of philofophy

advances^

ad van
healtl:
way.

Th
tice 01
with I
and t
able f(

Th(
next p
plicati

Marc [

Cow

Ewe

Goat

Sow

Bitch

Cat

Fox

Klephai

Bear

1^'

LONGEVITY OP ANIMALS.

6ll

advances, every thing that is prejudicial to our
health and happlnefs will be removed out of the
way.

Thofe who may be pleafed to forfake the prac
tice of raifing fwine, may raife cattle and (heep
with lefs trouble and expence, have more meat,
and that which is much more healthy and fuit-
able for their coftditutions.

Thefe things being premifed, I fhall, in the
next place, fay fomething concerning the multi-
plication and longevity of animals.

■w

lii^^i

MuIiJplication;

Toung brought
ot once
Marc goes with young 1 1 months, from i to
Cow . _ ^^-^^^^

Ewe

Goat —

Sow — .

Bitch

Cat ' — ■

Fox ^

Elephant -

Bear — .

20 weeks,

— 20 ditto,

1 6 ditto,

9 ditto,

— 9 ditto,

9 ditto,

3 years,

'—^ 40 days.

-^1—3

— 1—3

— 4- ' 16

— 3—4

— 2—4

— 1—4
~ b — I

— I — i

: "11

Kr 2

l?»iti

6ii

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

Thi Longevity} i^c.

Horfc has been known to live
Ox —

Bull —

Cow

Sheep ■

Goat —

Swine —

Dog

Fox —

Camel _— .

Dromedary -« — -

Elephant —

Tears,

■ 16

. 16

• 10

- 20

- 10

• 15

- 100

- 60

- 200

Fowls,

Swan — ■

Goofe

Dunghill cock
Pelican —

100

— . 300

- ■ • 10

— 60

But a few of thefe animals arrive to the age I
have mentioned. The age of the goofe is doubtful.

Cattle that are apt to pulh with their horns, or
run at people, ought to be kept in clofe confine-
fnenl, or killed Immediately. I have been knocked
down twice by fuch kinds of mad animals. And
I was acquainted with a gentleman who was killed
by a ram that was wont to pulh with his horns.

CHAP.

FREEDOM OF SPEECH, &C.

613

CHAP. LXI.

Obfervations on the Freedom of Speech, and the Libert j

of the Prefs.

1 1- ,

I HAVE already mentioned, page 123," That
x.\\Q freedom oi fi^eech, and the liberty of the prefs,
are the natural rights of every man, providing he
doth not injure himfelf nov others by his converfation
or publications.'' But people have fometimes been
debarred from the liberty of thefe natural rights by
tyrants and rebels. The innocent have been con-
lined in prifons, upon falfe accufations, and not
allowed the privilege of defending themfelves,
either by the freedom of fpeech, or the liberty of
the prcfs, whilft to deftroy their reputation,
llander an^l defamation has been fpread abroad by
lying tongues, licentious prefTes, and pulpit ora-
tory.

When rebels can obtain the command of thefe
powerful engii*es, viz. the lying tongue, licenti-
ous prefs, and the clergy, fedition may be eafily
fown, treafon and rebellion excited, the govern-
ment fubverted, and anarchy and confufion let

loofe

6i4

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

loofe, to the deflrudion of the lives, liberty and
happinefs of tlie people. And if any peaceable and
quiet pei'fon rcfufes for confcience fake, to follow
the multitude to do evil ; or if h^ endeavours to
convince the mifguided of their error, or if he
even lies dill, and attempts to be neuter^ and the
llandering tongue is let loofe againft him, he mud
be dragged off to prijon^ confined in a dungeon^
and not allowed the liberty o( fpeakhigy writing, or
printing any thing in his own defence.

But although the freedom of fpeech, and the
liberty of the prefs, fliould not be denied to any
perfon, yet thefc liberties ought not to be con-
verted to licentious pradlices, for they tend to de-
flroy the public tranquillity and make mankind
unhappy. •

I fliall conclude this chapter with the following

lines :

THE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS.

Though men and women have a rigbtj

With ploafurc and with cafe,
To /peak AiK\ print as m^'.y deligl:ff

Whenever they may plcale.

Yet, they've no rigbf for to expand,
(Conteiuion to cncrcaie,)

Sedition through the peaceful landy
To interrupt the /tva'.

Henc^-

FREEDOM OF SPEECH, &C«

S15

Hence the vile wretch, t\uty/ou'(\/nppre/s,

The grand important thing,
The freedom oi the printing'pre/s,
yio^ifurely ought to /wing.

And be that doth /edit ion fow,

With his tongue, or the pre/s.
Unto the gallows ought to go.

For fuch bafe wickednefs :

Becaufe it may make warsarife,

DeJlruBion too expand :
The/)fo/)/e^ /oo/^ their precious lives,

And defolale the Z^;/^.

Let t?// therefore who do regard,
Their ^W the world around :

Stand conftantly upon their guard,
That peace may ftill abound.

Supiprds /edition, wrath, and Jiri/e,

Make zvickednefs decreafe.
And truly live a pious life,

In harmony ind peace.

That when they die they may arife.
Where peaceful ones are blefl.

In r^^/wi oijoy itbove the^^/V^,
With happinefs and r^/?,

Comprfed at London, May 29^ i79^-

CHAP

!'l

I' u

V'\

!*;

tt^

6i^

THE AMERICAN ORACLE;

CHAP. LXir.

Magnet teal Communications,

TTT was not my defign to have faid any more
JL upon Animal Magnet i/m in the American Oracle,
inafmuch as I have already treated of it in the
23d chapter; where, after a deep contemplation
on the fubje<5l, I attempted to render a philofo^
phical reafon for the wonderful operations of the mag-
netical effluvia upon the human frame ; But as I
have received further information ; and iuve an
inclination to promote the progrefs oi Jcience, by
difclofmg every thing that may induce mankind
to make further difcoveries and improvements in
things that may be beneficial to the human race ;
T ihall juft mention in this chapter, fome of the
benefits which have already rcfulted from mag-
netical operations, as communicated to me,
by Mr. John Cut', of the City of London, a very
worthy gentleman^ who, not for worldly gain, but
for the lake of relic-ving the dijlrejjed^ and making
difcoveries and improvements in the fcience, has been
a conftant praSlitioner in Animal Magnet ifni^ ever

fince

MAGMETICAl COMMUNICATIONS, 617

iince the 3d of November, 17895 and although,
he has often had more than one hundred patients
m a day, and has wrought many cures, yet he has
not charged one farthing for his fervices ; and I
underftand that he intends to pra^ife gratis for the
future ; from hence we may conclude, that he has
no inclination to impofe upon the public, either
by continuing the pradice of the fcience, or by
any account • he has communicated concerning
the benefit of his magnetical operations*

I have received a great number of certijicates,
\vhich give an account of fome of the remarkable
cures which this gentleman has wrought by this
ntw remedy; but, for the want of room, I (hall
mention but a few of them, which are as follows,
viz.

I, yane CafJe, of No. 14, Crifpin-ftreet, SpitaU
fields, do declare, that I have been aillidled with a
fevere rheumatifm in the whole habit, but efpeci-
ally in my head, ftomach, arms, hands, loins, fide,
legs and feet, attended with fuch excrutiating
pains, as led me to apprehend every paroxifm
would terminate in my death ; befides which I
had a continual fwimming in my head, and a
great fwelling in my legs. In this unhappy flatc
I continued for the fpace of 25 years, though
under the care of feveral eminent phylicians, but
without fuccefs. On my firft application to the
faculty, they ordered me ati iffue in each leg but
without the leaft relitf. i was alfo lubjed to fuch

cold

ii''^

I ;!1

Hi--:

tw.

oiS

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

cold fcnfations, that I could never go to reft with-
out hot Hat irons bound in flannels being applied
to m\ (lumaLli, when at the fame time my feet
were by an intermitting fever, in fuch violent heat
as to oblige me always to lay them out of bed.
My dilordered iUte of body continued to grow
v/orfe, fo that at lafl I was afflided with epileptic
lies. In this unhappy fituation I. applied to Mr.
Chj, to be treated by the remedy commonly cal-
led Animal Mtignetifm; when, to my gve^l furprize,
1 \Md no fooner fat down, than my whole frame
was put into the moft violent conjli^i and perturba-
tion: I began to lofe my recollection, and ima-
gined myfelf in bed, and felt as it were the flan-
nels with the hot irons dropping from me : at the
fame time I had a fenfacion of fomething like an
eleBricJhock, pierciny^ me through and through, and
from that time my firs left me, with all my other
ciiibrders. My iflues dried up, although I ufed
every method to keep them open, yet received
no injury therefrom ; and though I was 70 years of
are, when I applied to Mr. Cue, yet thanks be to
Cody \ obtained a pcrfca cure, and now enjoy a
f'ood (late of health, though my firft application
to hi-m was in Janaary t yf 9(?
;A/;/v3, 1791- JANE CASTLE.

• y<^bn Do;lingy of Weflharn, in EUcx, breeches-
r.iaker, afllrm?, that lie was afllidcd with a fevere
rheumatifm in the whole habit, but efpecially of
the ri-ht arm and head, for the fpace of eight

years;

MAGNETtCAL CURES.

619

years ; during which time, a great variety of me-
dicines were tried without effed — rill forUHiire'y
hearing of the cures performed by Mr. Cue, heap-
plied to \\\2iX. gentleman^ who generoufly undertook,
and in a fhort time rejlored mc to the ufe of my
arm^ removed the pain and giddinefs of my heed,
and I am at this time in perfcdl health. Witncfs
my hand, this 28th of July, 1790.

JOHN DORKING.
IVitne/s Thomas Marfiy M. D. of Uighworth.

I, Mary GUI, daughter to Mr. Richard Gill>
fhoe-maker, No. 9, Great Eaft-Cheap, aged 25,
have been unhappily afflided with the difordcr
called the epilepfy, or falling ficknefs, from
the time, I was 43 years of age ; ai-.d at the age of
16, I grew much worfe, my fits came on every
fortnight, and often continued eleven hours. But,
by the blcfiing of God, to all human appearance,
I have met with a complete cure, by the treatment
called Animal Mapietijm, without any other reme-
dy whatfoever, having been recommendct! to Mr.
Cue^ for that purpofe, and now am to be heard of
&t Meffrs. Simpfon's and Robinlon's, Hoxton,

MARY GILL.

N. B. For the above difordcr I was a patient
in Guy's-hofpital, but difcharged as incuraule,
March 19, I 79 1.

I was prefent and faw the wonderful operations
of the magnetical effluvia upon this patient;

when

I J)

■'.:

H5:

ili

%
ill,

V • ir 1

I! i t kLt i \

€to

THE AN5ERICAN ORACLE,

when (lie went in a crifis, (he commonly fprang
up from her chair, took hold of fomething, and
afterwards had much fuch agitations and convul-
five motions as clcfcribed, page 20^.

i (hall conchide this chapter by juft mention-
ing a few of the other remarkable cures perform-
ed by Mr. Ciie*s magnetical operations, without
cxtrading the whole of the certificates ; but it ap-
pears that the greatefl: part of his patients had been
given over as incurable by the phyficians.

Mrs. Lucius Philips, No. 5, Paddington-green,
after labouring under a grievous nervous com-
plaint for near fix years, received a ferfe£l cure,
onlv by one magnetical operation.

Mrs. Mary Stears, having been afflicflcd eleven
years with the fick head ach, vomitings, numb-
ncfs, pain, and hardnefs in her fide, (welling in
her legs, cold fenfations, &c. received a complete
cure by Animal M?gnetifm ; and for a fprain in
ner knee received afterwards, was cured by the
fi\me remci^y.

Mrs. Charlotte Rotelage, No. 20, Providence-
rr)?.\ after having the Hck head ache, and a pain
1.1 her fide for two years, received a perfccl; cure,
b" the r}io^)ietical efflrwia.

A child, aged five years, belonging to Mrs.
Elizabeth Cleveland, Paddington-green, after be^
ing afili(5led with biindnefs fcven months was cur-
ed in three weeks, by being treated twice in a

wtek.

A child

MAGNETICAL CURES.

62t

A child aged three years, belonging to Mrs.
Martha Allen, No. 9, Motley-court, Holywell
Mount, after being treated twice, voided 20 knots
of worms, and was reftored to health.

A boy who had a decline, belonging to Mr.
Travers Ari.ndell, Keat-llreet, Spical-fields,. was
completely cured.

Mrs. Mary Swan, No. 23, St- John's-fquare,
Clerkenwell, having been deaf eleven years, was
cured of the diforder.

Mrs. Mary Bay, No. 10, Slaughter-flreer, Beth-
nal-Grcen, having been afflided five years with a
fever, and a pain in her fide, was reftored to pcr-
fed health.

Mrs. Margaret TyfonSuiT3% fideof Black^ -ar's-
road, after labouring under a rheumatic com-
plaint, attended with great pain for three years,
was reftored to health.

A child aged 13 months, belonging to Mr.
John Johnfon, Motley-court, Holywell-Mount ;
was i«r^J of an inflammation in the ftomach and
bowels, attended with a hard fwelling andconvuU
fions.

Mrs. Mercy Benfon, having been afflided five
years, with epileptic fits, attended with a delirium,
was^reftored to her health and fenfcs.

Mrs. Jane Allen, No. 146, White C. jfs-ftrecc,
was cured of various diforders of 1 2 years ftanding,
occafioned by her drinking cold water, when ftie
was very hot.

' ' ' , Mr.

)i,Nj'

621

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

Mr. Steven Holden, No. 167, White-Crofs-
flreet, having been afflided ten years with lame-
nefs, a lofs of appetite, memory and cye-fight, oc-
cafioned by lying in a damp bed, was reltored to
perfect health.

Mrs. Elizabeth Hathaway, Houndfditch, was
afflided about three years with a violent pain in
her face, caufjd by a cold, which termmated in a
locked jaw, and rendered her fituation To dread-
ful, that (lie almofl; perilhed with hunger ; but to
her unfpeakable furprifeand joy, was fo far reliev-
ed in 20 minutes, after Mr. Cue began to treat
her, that flie could take a table ri:)oon into her
mouth, and at laft received a perfed cure.

Bcfides thefe remarkable cures, the certificates
mention others performed on patients, fome of
which were afilided with blindnefs, fome with
deafnefs, lofs of fpcech, fevers, violent pains, lame,
nefs, ulcers, flatulencies, palpitation of the heart,
obftrudions, nervous, bilious, hyfterical, fcrophu-
lous and aflhmatical complaints. Such have al-
ready been the v/onderful operations and good
eflecls of the magnetical effluvia in the cure of
diflempcrs. Let the fcience therefore be flill
culuvatwd and improved in the beft manner.

CHAP.

OF MODERN DlSCOVERiES, &C. 6?.^

H A P. LXIIL

,|i't'":

Modern Dlfcc-veries, Inveiilwns, and Opinions,

LFXTRICITY, by Mr. Ottoguerhke, Mr,
Cvneiis, Dr. Frnnkliu, and Dr. PriefiJy.

Mr. Hiirrijon's thne-tjiea\ in England,

Ead'.exs Quadrant, by an American.

Mr. il///j;^W/.y Orrery, at Philaddphli.

Br. Herfrhel's Aftronomical Difcoverics, viz,
Georgium Sidus, with its two Satellites. Two
moons of Saturn, the rotation of his ring, and
fpots in his body. AUo the mountains in our
moon, which are two miles high according to his
tdejcopi^ which magnifies 6^00 times.

Air Balloons invented in France.

Dr. Priefth-'s Difcoveries in the qualities of tlie
air — in England.

The Hon. Baron Swcdenborg's Theology. — •

Great-Britain.

The ftrang-e mode of worlliip adopted by the
Shaking §^:cikersy in America.

A remarkable Iron Bridge, built over the river
Severn, at Coiebrooke-Dale, In the County of
Salop, near Wales, in England : It contains abciic

624

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

500 tons of iron. The arch is loo feet within,
and 45 above the water the infide, but ^^ the out-
fide.

Animal Magnetifm.

The American Confliitution, framed by the
Federal Convention, at Philadclfhia.

The Albion Grill-mills, with 20 pair of ftones,
carried by a fleam of fire, near Black Friar's-
bridge, London. They have lately been burnt.

The Radix Gmfeiig, in Canada, Vermont, and
Pennfylvania.

The Author's Hypothefis upon the caufe of the
Aurora Borealis, ai Verm >nt.

Many iflandp, &c. difcovercd in the Southern
Hemifphcre, and other parts of the world, by
Capt. Cook, and other Navigitcrs.

Some remarkable Spypi^s, ar. Pits of Coa/, dif-
covered in America.

A Tide-table invented by the Author, for the Sea
Ports'of the North American Continent.

The Conditution of France, framed by the Na=
tional Affetnbly.

Needlefs compofitions expunged out of the
London and Edinburgh Pharmacopoeias.

The Great Conftitution of Liberty framed by
the Author, at London.

Mr, Pope's remarkable Orrery, and alfo liis Hy-
pothefis upon the caufe of the Gravitation of Bodies,

Mr. Walker's, Tranfparent Orrery. Wcilmin-
fler, London.

• A new

OF MODERN DISCOVERIES, &C. 625

A new zvaj])ing-milli London.

A curious iron bridge, to be placed over the
Schuylkil, near Philadelphia;, invented by Mr.
l^'homas Paine ^ in England.

A new carriage, with eight wheels, drawn by
three horfes, that will carry 14 people, he infide^
Weftminfter, London.

The Author s HypothefiSy upon the caufe of the
wonderful operation of the Magnetical Effluvia in the
human frame, &c. Let us endeavour to make fur-
ther difcoveries.

i ■ \

.'. 1

Ji:

CHAP.

i
m

t :

6z6

THE AMERICAN ORACLE.

CHAP. LXiV.

tione(

Natio.
Fir
ahly,
dutie
Fareii

How to preferve our Health when it is pre/ent and Re-
Jiore it when it is abfenty and make our/elves happy
in this World, and the next.

I COME now to the grand and important things,
which I have prcpofed, viz. How to pre-
ferve our health when it is prefent, and reflore it
when it is abfent, and alfo how to make ourfelves
happy in this world, and the next^

I (hall therefore recommend i. A good houfe,
fituated in an agreeable neighbourhood, where
there is a wholefome air, and good water.

2. Good cloathing, and a fuitable diet, free fron^
all kinds of filthy and poifonous things.

3. Induftry, gentle exercife, and temperance.

4. When our health is impaired let us employ
the befl: phyficians, and take the beft reme-
dies.

5. A contentment with the allotments of Pro-
vidence, through all the various changing fcenes
of life.

6. A ftridt obfervation of the things contained
in the American Oracle, and efpecially thofe men-
tioned

OF HSALTH, ScC*.

627

tioned in the Epiftk of the Author to all Teople^
Nations and Languages.

Finally, let us worftiip the Creator, live peace-
ably, antl walk ImifJIIy, for it comprehends all the
duties that are required of rational creatures.
FareivelL

F I .V / 5,

'?!

1;, -A

INDEX.

ABERCROMBIE -^ —

Achronical i ifing and fetting

Adenology

Adultery —
JiLi-3., Chriftian

Creation ■■■

Agriculture — —

A^ue ■ •*"

An*, acidous '

, alkaline —

atnnofpheric —

— — common ■■

i^ fixed — "

heavy —

. inflammable

. moift —

nitrous —

qualities of

— — weight of ~"~~

Allen, Col. Ethan

Almanacks —

Almonds —

America difcovered

. fettled ■

American Conftitution

, Debt —

. Governments -

. Revolution

Amherit, Gen. —

Amplitude —

Amygdalae

Anatomifts do not agree

Anatomy —

Andre, Major —

Angeiology —

Animals, age of — -

INDEX.

Animals, amphibious ^ —

„__ killed by lightning —

. . multipUcation of ~ —

Animal magnetifm —

fpirits — —

Anomaly — "^

Angels — •*•

Apparitions — - -~

Arc, femi diurnal —

f'.'mi nodurnul — —

Arrhitet'^ure — "

Arnold, (icn. — —

Arteries — —

Afrenfional difference —

Afceiifion right ■— —

Allyrians — —

Afthma -' —

Aftrology — —

Aftronoiners, Americau —

Britilli —

Aftronomy, comctary —
'— plunctary —

Atheifm — "*~

Attraftion — ■""

Axis of the earth —

Azimuth circles — ~~

— ao4.

Pag<?

338
139
611
617

— 395

— 61

— 9 +

— ibid

• 60, 6;
ibid, ibid

49+

— 30

— 3/3

— ibid

— I

— 349

— 9:1

— 44

— 43

— «3

— 42

•— 100

— 56a

— "62

— Cr

Babylonifh captivity
Baldnefs —

Bank-notes —

Barns —

Baths artificial —

Natural

Beafts American

Bed Bugs —
Bees —

Bermington battle —

Bible

Bile —

Bills of exchange

emitted by congrefs

Birds American —

Bites of Bugs —

^Mad Dogs

Black Serpents —

Black art —

Snakes —

Blood —

317.

INDEX.

Bodies elaftic —

■ non elaftic

Books upon aftronomy burnt

Bones —

Bofcawen, Adm. —

Bofton evacuated —

Botany Bay

Boy killed by a fnake

Bi addock Gen.

Brandy wine battle of

Bread —

Britifli empire ^—

Bruifes —

Buildings defended

Burgoyne, Gen. —

Bunkers hill, battle of

Burns

Burying the dead

Byng, Adm. —

Calendar, farmers, &c.
Cambden burnt —

Cancers —

Cannon law —

Cape Breton
Cartilage —

Cattle — —

Cerum Auris
Charafters, aftronomical
Charleftown taken
Children, their duty

how to nurfe them

Chrift's birth

- crucifixion — —

Chronology — —

Chefapeak-Bay, battle of
Chimnies -

Church, New

Churches

Chyle —

Circulating mediums —

Circles round the Sun and Moon
Cities — —

Climates ■■

Clinton, Sir Henry
•Clock, e'.j'iations — —

how to regulate them

Cloudi

— 171
Coache(

Coaches —

Coal-pits **

Coining — —

Colds —

Colic

Colours — —

Comets . —

hiftory of -

— laws of

utility of — -

Commillioners Britifli
_ of Conprcfs

Comoto —

Company bad —

Compafs, mariner's
Conipofite, architcft.

Conmiiffions

Condu(?tors —

Conjurers -

Copper veflTels ■ "•

Conftellations —

ConfHtiitions ^ —

Amci iru\

belt k 111

\k\t\i]\

of ii'Krty
Contemplations ol t!-.c author

CoiMinents — '

Confumpnini ■

Convujiions

Corinthian, arrhirccl
Cornwallis, Earl
. . Lord

I N D E X.

— i3«,

1 20,

C'ofrniial, riling md fetting

Cou-h

Coun'ics

C'.»veriaiir, \'>.'\v

()ia

Crabs —

Crin^ina!- in ^M^.ir.ichnfetts

Crili>

Crown-Foitit —

Cvdcof the Sun

?5
89

492

204

259

199

497
562

491

93
362

128

453
130

12 1

122

37
67

3^'

497
29

3'
Gi

360

484

597
ibid

317
2:;y
204

25
61

16.

Danhury bun-r
Dav, aih\>nonuo;il
— — Habylonilh
■ Chriftinn

1).

- .^^

— ibid

_ ibid

Dav,

I In^ D £ X.

I>ay, Jevifli

Dtiys," length of —

Dvud, ftate and condition of

Deat'nt'fs

Deilaration of Independence
Declination of the Sun

— 1 Planets

Degkition

Dcgrecb I. at. ■ —

— ^ long.

D'Kftaing, Count

Devil

Dew —

Diabetes ■

Diameter of the earth

• .; planets

Diarrhaa

Diftionarlcs

Diejkau, Baron
Digeftion ■

Difcoveries

Dollars —

Dominica — •

Doric, architcA.

Drea. .j ■

Dropfy —

Drowning

Drunkenhefi:) — "■ —

Duel —

Dyfentery —

Dyfuria —

Page

ibid

419
62,

400

' 57

2'i

■ 93

■ 17'

■ 351

; li

■ 351:

- 224

- 40©

- 62^

- 198

- cB

- 496

- 94

- 35^

- 290

129

- >;'

; '

i' j
•ill

Earth's diftance frorii the Sun

. qualities ■

. revolution

plarthquakes —

.— . — natural cauies

Ear-wax
Edipfcb
Ecliptic
Electricity

places f\V allowed up

when proper for patients
when improper — '

fto;'k of difcovcred

ElemciUs, four
Elongation of a planet

En^ravinus

— 7^^

— 280

— 82

145

147

— J 49

39;

— 137

— 14?

ibid

. J 2

— 280
61

— 40 r
Ep.cu:.:it::iiem

1 N I) E

Enchantment
Entrails —

Epilcpfy •

Epiftlcs of the Author

of Philadelphus

Equinoftial

Eaviinox, preceflion of
Elopiis burnt —

Eftr.^'es wrongly dilpofed of
Evacuations ——

Expiration —

Fainting
Fairticltl burnt
Fahnouih burnt
Fnmihar fpirits
Farmer's calendar
■'Fp«- —

Fl. ng —

Fevers «»

Fibre —

Figures —

Fire — ;—

— — what produces it

its qualities

Fifli, American

Poifon

Fiflies —

Flax

Fleas -

how to kill them

Flics —

Flood — —

Florida, Weft, taken
Fluids of the body
Fog —

fomentation
Forbes, Ci'en. Brigadier
Fort Edward

Lee —

?.Iontgomery

Du (jjjcfne

Walhington

rage

377

353

»34

224

275

401
400

France, its boundaries and divifions

Franklin, Dr. Benjamin

Freezes — ■ - '■ —

— — difcipline — ■ - ■ ..- .

Friends d

Froft
Fruit fori
Fuel
Funftion;

Funerals

Gage Ge

Gaming

Garden in

Gardener

Gargle

Gaftric-fl

(jates Ge

Gaudalov

Generati(

German

Georgia 1

Georgiur

Ghofts

Ginfeng

Glands

Glafs

Globe, c<
Gluttony
Gnats
Gods of I
Gold, its
Gordon,
Gout
Governn
Grapes
Gravel
Graves h
1

Grenada
Gripes
Growth
Gun pow
Gwins ifl

INDEX.

Friends doftrine

marr'ages

fufferings

worfliip

■ — yearly meetings

Froft '

Fruit forbidden
Fuel —

Funftions, animJil

natural

vital

Funerals —

278,

Page

511
526

171

6o2

500
401

400

399
243

Gage Gen.
Gaming —

Gardening
Gardener's Calendar
Gargle — —

Gaftrir-fluid
(jates Gen.
Gaudaloupe —

Generation
German town battle
Georgia taken
Georgium fidus

Ghofts

Ginfcng

Glands — —

Glafs

' Windows

Globe, contents of
Gluttony ■ ■

Gnats —

Gods of the Heathen
Gold, its weight —

Gordon, Lord George
Gout — —
Governments, American
Grapes — ■ ■

Gravel —

Graves felling in
■ Ifland, battle

Grenada taken
Gripes ■■

Growth —

Gun powder -~

Gwins ifland battle

24.

257
404.

411

361

396

401

27
28

5«3
381

257

317
102

282
34-

355
487

356

246

1^8

356
400

Kail

tHi

Hail

INDEX.
It

Page

170

iliower kills the meiiand horfcs

Hair ' ^,

Happy how to make ourielves

Hartley's rommilVion

Haftings Capt. —

Havannah

Head-ache ; —

Health, how to prcferve it
Hearing —

Heart -burn —

Heat of the fun

Heliacal rifing and letting •

Hemifphere

Hemp —

Haemmorrhiods ~~~T, c

Herfchel, William LL. D. t. K. S.
HelTians at Trenton

High-ways •

Hoarfenf'is

Holland rrvoltcd

Honey —

Horizons '

Hornets

Horles

Horns "~

Hnufes

34>3. 373
626

in Canada

op-jn
— wood:n

Howe Crcn.
lord

Hnges A dm.

Human body, its rondiuon

Hurricane

... P.t. Havannah

Huiband

his duty

Hydrophobia

Hypoooiuh'ia

H^ porhelis of Mr. Pope

Hvltt-'i'ica —

^ of iuc .\uiWor

159, -^3'

Idolatry
Ignis V?--im3
Imaginatiou

100, io;, '^>t
ilhuid

I N B E X.

Ifland rifes out of the fea
Inhabitants of the United States

World

Indigeftion

Inflammations

Inn-keepers —

Inoculation

Infe(5lb American
Infpiration ■ —

Infurgents in Maflachufetts
Intereft — — ■

tables

Inundations —

Inventions New

Ionic architeft —

Ifchuria ■ — ■ •

Itch

ibid

2; +

— 337

— 4cc>

— 33

— 7

— 197

— ^5;

62^

49r
391

3S8

Jack with a lanthoni

Jaundice —

Johnfon Gen.

judging

Juftices of the Peace

K-eppel Adm.

Key

King George II.

George III.

. a good King

Kings evil —

Kite eleftricsl
Knives ■ —

Knox John

168
357

405
4

139

ibid
121

ibid

Lafteals -*»

Latin

Latitude Geocentric

— ' Heliocentric

of a place

■ of a planet
Laurens Henry Efq.
Law Ceremonial

. Civil

— " ■■- —" Evangelic

■ Martial
INiofaic

385

ibid

58
60

560

55;

561

5S9
Laws

INDEX.

Laws of Motion

, — Nature

. Reft —

Ijgament —

Lethargy

Liberty defcrihed —

Lexington battle —

Lice '

Lightning its criiife

EfFeds_

Light, velocity of its r.-ys —

Lincoln Gen. —

Linen —

Linimentum Thebniciim --

Lizard, poifoned a family :;o death
Logarithms '

Longitude Geocentric

heliocentric -

. of a place

. of a p'aiiet or flar

Long-niaud battle —

Lunarui ■ ~

Lyiiig

Lympha —

Lymphac Du<fls •—

IK)

<M.

Mad dogs

. other nniiTsals

Madnefi -

IVIaglc -

Magna Charts
Magnes
Magnetifm, animal
Mahomet

MaicRy goes to St. F^i^s
Maiiducatioti
Mariner's ( ompafs
Married, how to get
Martini>.o
Meaflcs
IMeailireii
Meats, carnal
fpiritiial

: i

) !

: '

I N D E X.

Methodifts
Midwives
Milk

Miniller's wig
Miniftry, carnal

■ fpiritml

Minute men

Mill

Mobille

Mobs

Mock Suns

Money

how to get it

Monmouth, battle of
Monro, M. D.
Monfoons
Montreal
Montgomery flain
Moravians
Mortification
Moi'chetoes
Mountains burning

C^aufe

ai, 22,

2-3»

Dreadful efFe<5ls

Mourners
Mourn -ng
Mucus
Mud if* and
IVIufues
Mufc m Britifli
M'Mical notes

Naib

"M:!.atical almanack •

Necromancers

Nerves

Neurology

Nev Diicoveries

Heaven plundered
Inventions
— — London burnt

Port evacuated

— Style

York taken

Newton, Sir Ifaac

Nicholfon, Margaret

IJodes, lunar

Norfolk, in Connedicut, I

/nt

Page

544

345

395
131

597
604

25
171

24
167

177
194

381

169
18
26

53.3

3S'->

317

154

^55
ibid

241

ibid

381

375

- 371
34. 45

7» 93

- 380

• ibid

- 623

- 2S
' 623

- 31

- 28

. 26
563

- 33

- 49
28

Norfplk

XJl

I N D E X.

Norfolk, in Virginia, burnt
Northern lights, firft feen

^ caufe of

. why not feen before

Nurfes —

Nutrition —

Page
30
1 1

— 159

— 160

— 367

— 400

Oaths of allegiance

Obfervations on conflitutions

Obfervarory —

Oceans defcribed

Odours -"

Oil animal

Opinions new •*-

Oppreflion

Orbits of the planets

of the comets

Ornaments —

Orreries '

Dlteology '^

115,

— 4

:>■>

411

397
623

193

494
623

— 370

1 1
I''

Pain ' ■

Painted —

Palaces ' '

Palfv

Pauius-Hook taken
Panacreantic juice

Paper

. money —

Parallax of a planet

. of the annual orb

Parents, their duty
Parker, Admiral
PafTions of the mind
Patriarchs —

Peace ~

Peek's Kil's

Pcnobfcot taken
Penfinners —

Perceiving

Perfecution

Perfpiration

Phlegm —

Philadelphia

f hiladelphus, Epiftles of

Philofphei >, expelled Rome

— choice

360

494

49^
360

393

4. 3

179

274
274

212.
240

— 231
Philofophers

INDEX.

Philofophers religion —

Philofophy n

Phipps, Capt. —

Phyficians, how treated -

"' — qualifications necefTary

Phyfiology "

Piazzas — —

Pins — —

Plag\ie _— —

Planets, diftances from the Sun
— — — inferior «.

magnitudes -

— — — motions -—

— revolutions —

-' '■ rotations

— — — fituations —

fuperior

Pleurify — .

Poles of the ecliptic —

2, 3. 4, 5» 6, 7, 8,

of the world

Pondicherry taken —

Poor, the Lord's and Satan's
Pope, Mr. John —

Pope's power —

J^orl: unwholefome . - .

PreceUion of the equinox —

IVefcott, General —

Prefcriptions —

Prefidents of Congrefs
Prffs, trecdo;n of . ■■

PreUon, Captain

Pretender —

his death —

Priedly, Rev. Jofeph, IX, D. F. R. S.
Prince of Peace —

Princetown battle —

Printing — —

IVifons •«« —

Prifoncrs —

Proclamation of the Congrefs

of the King

I'rovinccs _______

I'ublic-houfes —

Punidnnents — —

Purgatory invented — _

Pyramids — —

(iC

Quacks
Quakers

— 347

— 507

Quaker*

Quakers fliaking

Quebec

Quinfey

Rain

Rainbow

Rattlefnake

Reafoning

Rebel

Rebellion

Red Bank — —

Reformation • —

Religions —

Remembering

Reprefentatives

Reptiles —

Repulfion —

Refpiration

Revolution, in America

_ in France

Rheumatifm -^

Rhode-Ifland
Rickets —

Rights of Kings
Riot in London
Rittenhoufe, Mr.
Road to Liberty
Rodnev, Admiral
Rooms, new plaiflered
Royal Exchange

Society

Rupture —

Saliva ""

Samaria —

Samuel

Sap —

Sarcology

Scalds • ~"

Scurvy

Sea, an eleftric machirte

and land breezes

Sebacfous humour

Secretion

Sedition —

Seeing;

Senera —

INDEX.

Page

— 217
— 17, 2b

— 361

170
166
321
403
116
ibid
27

100

403
131
324
t;6a
400

417
121

361

129
29

'34

495

7
10

^61

390

4V0

%7i

339
31,1

142

— 169

— 394

— . 401

— . 115

— 4Ci

— 322
bervauts

Sei*vants

Shaking C

Shays, Ge

Sheep

Shilhngs

Shingles'

Shipwreck

Shoe-buck

Shrubs

Silk

mac

wor

Singing at

Skin

Slave trad

Small-pox

Smelling

Snakes

Snow

Sodom

Solids

Solomon';

Song new

Socerers

Sore thro

Soul

Sound

Speech,

Sphere

Spider
Spirits,

a
I

Splanchn
Spot ovei
Sprains
Springs,

Stealing
St. Lucia
Stillwate
Stingb of
Stitches
Stony Pc
Stoops
Stoves
Strangui

INDEX.

Sei*vants

Shaking Quakers
Shays, General
Sheep —

Shilhngs
Shingles'
Shipwreck
Shoe-buckles mehed
Shrubs — ■

Silk

machine

— — worms

Singing at funerals

Skin —

Slave trade

Small-pox

Smelling

Snakes

Snow

Sodom

Solids

Solomon's Temple

Song new — —

Socerers

Sore throat

Soul ""

Sound

Speech, freedom of

Sphere —

Celellial

Terreftrial

Spider — —

Spirits, animal

low

Splanchnology

Spot over the Sun

Sprains -

Springs, hot

• medicinal

Stealing

St. Lucia

Stillwater, battle of

Stingb of bees, hornets, &c.
Stitches in the fide

Stony Point taken

Stoops '

Stoves — -

Stranguria —

XVI

INDEX.

Streets —

Stripes —

' St. Vincent's
Style —

Sullivan Ifland
Sumpter, General
Sun dogs —

Suprtme Being defcribcd
Supcrrtition —

Superftruchircs
Swddenborghers
Swine ■' '

Tarletcn, Colonel
Tafting
Tea, bloom
. bohea

Congo

green

i;un powder

— — hvfon

finiilo —

fouchong —

J virtues of

Tears

Tclefcope, Dr. Hcifehtls

Teiidoji

Teething — *

TeUcra

ThruHi -

Tliunder, nrtifn ial

. (aufesof r.tniral

l)uildin2,'' to i'd iiie

Page

470

561

8,77
26

167
107

100

493
590

- 29

-— 402

- ;;8o

- ibid

- ibid
- 582

43,

390
6

pi, II 11 nu)lt lalr to Ir iii

Tif ondcro^ci

Tid( s

Table

Time, divilion of —
Toad's battle uith a Spider

1 01;;". ''O — —

Tos\ afiijps — — ■

Trr.tir-wiii'.i-)

Trail fits

'i^rcafoM — — ■

Trc-Jy iKtuTcn Anciia :.!id FraiKX*

. '- ljri'.a;:i and .Vinc'ica

I'ru'.lia and .Anicrica

374

— 368

363

ibid

143

— 144

— 138
141

- i(', 2^, 27

1 ret'?

.71

174

— 77

3.8

— 8

484

— 1O9

c,o

115

425

— 43 ^

— 447

408

Tumours

rine

Veins

nnaimpi

INDEX.

Tumours —

Tiifcan A rchitedliire
Tyranny

L' leers -«_

Uiiiverfity, Aberdeen

Cambridge

• • Glafgow

Oxford

St. Andrew's

Urine

Variation of the compafs
Veaetation

Veins

Venereal difcafc

Vertigo

Vines

Vineyards

Vipers

Vifior.s

^'olcanoes

\ omiting

Walls of Babylon
■■ of China
Warren, General, killed

Wars

Walhington, General

Wafps

Watches

Water

American fprings

Hath, in England

bitter, purginij;

Briftol ^ "

Buxton

boiled away

France —

Geiinany

Matlock'

rain —

river

Saratoga

<ea

i'now

3CV11

Pare
496

364

4-
6

364

199
40;
308
265
364

574
ibid

323

94
154
364

495
ibid

497

477

317

288

303.

-93
297

295

ibid

278

298

ibid

.ii

iS/„«Sl'st{«?.'" '

VUl

INDEX.

Water fpo\it!«

iprings

itagnsuit

fteel

- Thames

Watfon, Aamiial

Wedey, Rev. John, A. M.

. Elegy on his death

Weft, Beiijumiu, A. M. ProfeO.

Wharfs

Whirlwinds ,, .

Whiterteld, Rev. George, 15. A.
Whoredom •

Widow's addrefs -

Wife, how to ehoofe a ^ood one

her duty

Will with a wifp

Wind, caufeot its blowing,

Windows open —

Wines

Witches

Wizards " , , . ^

Women burnt, \ew-\ork, &c.

Wonders of the World -

Wood and wood lots -

Wootlward, Hon. Baz. P.

Wool -7

Woofter, General, killed

Worms ""^

Wounds

319

499

Page

ibid
297
398 .

14
544-
547

44.
490
169

544
■ 261

• 313

• 269

273
168
168
496

573

93
ibid

320

498

140

589

3^>$
ibid

Year, civil

complete

emboliinic

. Julian •*"

. leap, vcl biflcxtile

. lunar

Platonic

. Sidcrwl

Solar

Summer half

Winter halt

Zenith
Zodiac
Zon^s

ibid

77
ibid

78
6t

ibi<i

64
ibid

48
64

Page

28a

ibid
297
298 .
14

544-

547

44.

490
1O9

544
261
313
269
273
168
168
496

■ 573

- 93
. ibid

?. 3»o

■ 49S

9» 50 »

- 140

- 589

- 3^>5
. ibid

•I

^1
1

78
ibid

77
ibid

78
6t

ibi<i

64
ibid

57
4S