The history of the worthies of England who for parts and learning have been eminent in the several counties : together with an historical narrative of the native commodities and rarities in each county / endeavoured by Thomas Fuller.

The HURLERS.

These are Stones competently distanced, whom Tradition reporteth, to be for∣merly Men Metamorphoz'd into Stones, for Hurling (a Sport peculiar to Cornwall) on, and so profaning of the Lords-day. Thus unequally yoaking Scripture and Ovid to∣gether, the Tale is made up betwixt them. But seeing such Devotion is not durable which is founded on Deceit, we protest against, and reject this fiction, the rather, because▪ the same Lawgiver, who injoyned us, Remember thou keepest holy the Sabbath day, gave us also in Command, Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy Neighbour, and we will not accept a false Doctrine, to make a true use thereof. Yet surely conformable to the Judgement of those Times was this Tradition made, and thence one may collect that boisterous Exercises (or Labours rather,) so far from refreshing the weary, that

they weary the refreshed, are utterly inconsistent with the conscientious keeping of that Day, and deserve heavy Punishments, for profaning thereof.

Otherwise we really believe, these Stones were Originally set up for Limits and Bounds, or else a Monument erected in Memory of some Victory here atchieved.