The Wonders of the Lodestone, Chapter 2
CHAP. II. Concerning divers uses of the Loadstone, and which is the most excellent.
AS there is a manifold & multifarious use to …e made of all things in generall, so of every thing in particular, and a great deale of profit that commeth thereby. Yet for the most part that is the least use to be esteemed of, & to be reckoned in the last and lowest place, which is obvious to the eyes of the behoulders, at the very first sight, is presently discovered, and doth as it were, of its owne accord offer it selfe to be discerned.
The next and middlemost is that which is perceived by him that lookes into things more fully, who layeth the object naked before his eyes, and uncovers it, as if a man should unbarke a Tree.
The best and most excellent use which should be of highest esteeme, is that which is made manifest with labour, by him that doth consideratively weigh all businesses, and piercing through the very marrow of the matter, brings all things to examination deliberately, yet frequently, when hee hath taken great paines in his Study, after that hee hath beaten his Deske, and bitten his nayles,Pers. as he saith, after that he hath powred forth his prayers to the God of heaven, and hath laboriously spent much time in searching the gold Mines of Nature.
Now that I may give light to what I have said by example; children and women, even by the secret instinct of Nature, doe use hearbes for to smell to, and to looke upon. The Apothecaries by the helpe of Art, and experience, doe use the same for the nourishment of bodyes, and for cure of diseases. Divines having the, Spirit of God for their guide, and Christ for their Teacher, who described Gods providence in a lively manner by the example of Lilies, I say, Divines make use of them, to informe mens understandings, and to instruct them in heavenly things; this very thing is more clearely seene in the holy Scripture, whereof although there be but one sense, yet hath it a threefold use; the first is literall, which is apparent in the outside of the History, the second Tropologicall, which serves for information of manners, the third, Anagogicall, which doth elevate, the mind to spirituall and heavenly things, but above all, this is most clearely seene in the Loadstone, the lesse considerable use of it, is knowne to common people of the meanest capacity: It was first found out by one Nicander a Heardsman of Magnesia, Plinewhen as he fed his Cattle, he observed that the point of his Pastorall staffe, and the Hobnailes of his shoes, did stick in a peece of ground where Loadstones were, so that he could hardly get off, but that use is of great account and more excellent, whilst by the helpe and direction thereof they understand to motions and progresse of starres, they measure the precious minuts of time, they direct the course of ships, and arrive at the Havens, where they would be. Further the use that is most excellent of all other is, that which (God willing) I shall recommend in that which followeth, to Christians, and especially to Divines, unto whom it is given of God, for to know and perceive the mysteries of the Kingdome of heaven, and this I trust I shall doe, by raising and stirring up their soules, to a more manifest knowledge of Christ, and to a sweeter meditation of his Divine grace, through the pleasing Contemplation of this marvelous Stone, and by an explication of the hidden properties and operations of it, which I hope shall not be unacceptable: Surely this is the principall and chiefest end of the creatures, that they should be as ladders and wings, wherewith our sou'es going up, and flying above the thickets and dung-hils of this world, may ascend up to heaven more easily, and come with speed to God their Creator, and indeed God hath engraven some excellency, upon things, that are of the meanest esteeme, some greatnesse on things that are reputed least, and some visible foot-steps, of his invisible wisedome and power, on things that are supposed most obscure, he hath imprinted in the Loadstone, I dare boldly say, a lively representation of himselfe, a remarkeable demonstration of his power, a cleare character of his grace.Pli…. Nature hath beene no where more laborious, then in the Loadstone, said, that undefatigable Searcher of the Nature of things, and most diligent discoverer of Antiquity. Either he would have said, or else should have said besides, that nature hath beene no where more miraculous and munificent, no where more mysticall and ingenious, …o not in Pearles & precious stones in whose candour and splendour, natures Dei…y lyeth hid, after a sort, which shines and glistereth in the sutty colour and blackenesse in this Stone. Many makes Idols of those Gemmes, by loving them too much, and so they are Teachers of Vanities and Lyes, as the Prophet speakes; but this stone though dumb, is a master to teach us, bo…h verity and vertue, in many particulars.