The history of all religions in the world, from the creation down to this present time in two parts : the first containing their theory, and the other relating to their practices ... : to which is added, a table of heresies : as also a geographical map, shewing in what countrey each religion is practised ... / by William Turner ...

Frugality.

Jews.

THE Antient Hebrews used a Frugality in the Simplicity of their Fare, Bread and Water, &c. as may be seen in the Lives of the Patriarchs, and Prophets; at most Bread and Flesh, and sometimes Milk, Wine or Oyl, &c. In their Ap∣parel, the Skins of Beasts, Cloth of Camels Hair, Girdles of Leather; in their Buildings, Utensils, Entertainments, &c. Yet without doubt in process of time, they, as other People, grew lavish and profuse in their Expences; for which they are sometimes smartly reproved by the Prophets, espe∣cially Isaiah, c. 3.

Christians.

Our Saviour Christ gave his followers both Pre∣cepts and an Example of Frugality, in taking up with so mean Provision himself, of Lodging, Diet, Raiment, and Retinue; and giving strict Orders after his Frugal, tho Miraculous Treats, that the Fragments should be gathered up, and care taken that nothing might be lost. The Sacraments which he Instituted for the use of his Church, both of them consisting of Elements, which are 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (easy to be procured, and not chargeable) are an Evidence of the same thing. It were an endless task to enquire into the Frugal Lives of the Ancient Christians: Ecclesiastical Story abounds with Examples. Anonym.

Ancient Heathens.

The Old Romans had theit Sumptuarias Leges, which set bounds to their Expences, especially in Feasting and Entertainments, and Officers called Epulones to over-see all the Sacred Banquets.

The Heathen Worthies are often represented Clothed with Skins of Beasts.

Cato Major, when Old, and after his Consulship and Triumph, never used any Garment above the value of 100 Denarii, and for his Food 30 Asses served him a day.

Augustus the Emperour's Daughters wore Gar∣ments of their own Spinning.

With the Massilians, a Woman's greatest Portion was not above 100 Aurei.

Yet notwithstanding in following Ages as they grew prosperous and rich, they grew extremely Lxurious and Profuse; concerning which, they are taxed very sharply by the Satyrists of the times; especially Juvenal.

Turks.

The Turks, tho they often Game, yet 'tis al∣ways for nothing. M. de Thev.

The Chinese delight excessively in all sorts of Game, and when they have lost, care not, tho they stake Wives and Children, whom they willing-part with, till they can Redeem them. Sir Tho. Herb.

Japon.

'Tis a Capital Crime among the Japonese to play for Mony. Tavernier's Collect. &c. p. 4.

Heathens.

In Fermosa, Gaming, whether that which depends upon Chance, or requires Skill, is Capital, if it be for Mony. Mandelslo.

Muscovites.

The Muscovites spend but little in House-keep∣ing. See before in the Chap. of Self-denial.

Christians.

Sir Thomas More's Father would never let his Son have any Mony, but when he wanted any thing, he should ask for it; and by that means (saith Sir Thomas) I could not furnish any Vice or Fleasure; nor knew I what Unthriftiness or Lux∣ury meant. Author of the Education of Young Gentlemen.

Russians.

In Muscovy all the Subjects are appointed what kind of Apparel, especially of what Colour, &c. they shall wear, by their Czar or Emperor.

Papists.

Dr. Burnet in his Letter, dated from Rome, 1685. saith, That the present Pope was so Frugal, that the Expence of his Table did not amount to a Crown a day, tho this (saith he) is indeed short of Sisto the 5th, who gave order to his Steward never to exceed 25 Bajoicks, that is 18 Pence a day for his Diet.

Switzers.

When Estates are sold among the Switzers, the fifth part of the Price belongs to the Publick, and all the Abatement the Bailiff can make is to bring it to a sixth part; this they call the Lod, (from Alodium) only there are some Lands, that are Frank-lod, which lye not under this Tax; but this falling only on the Sellers of Estates, it was thought a just Punishment, and a wise Restraint on ill Husbands of their Estates. Dr. Burnet's Letters.

Mahometans.

The Turks generally hate that Lightness in Ap∣parel, Speech, Gesture, &c. used of the Christi∣ans, whom for this cause they call Apes and Goats, likewise they are not Sumptuous in their private Buildings: Yea, detest the Christains for their Ex∣cess and Superfluous Expences that way: What,

say they, do these Pagans think they shall live for ever?—and the like moderation they use in Diet, &c. Purchas, out of Septemcast.

Papists.

Augustinus Chiessius, a Banker at Rome, at the christening of his Son, entertained Leo the 10th. upon the River Tibris, and all the Foreign Embas∣sadors and City Nobles, with curious Fare, dished out in costly Plate, and on the change of every Service, all the Meats, Plate and all, were cast into the River, and new supplied Mr. Jo. Hales.