Page 37 When he rose in the Morning, the first thing he was to do, was to peruse all the publick Letters and Advices sent from all Parts, that he might order his Concerns the better, by having perfect knowledge of all the Affairs of the Kingdom. Then Washing himself, and putting on his Splendid Robes, and the Ensigns and Badges of his Royal Authority, he went to Sacrifice to the Gods.
When the Victims were brought to the Altar, it was the Custom for the High Priest in the presence of the King and People standing round about him, to pray with a loud Voice for the Health and Prosperity of the King, who righteously rul'd and govern'd his Subjects, wherein he recounted all the Virtues of the Prince, his Piety towards the Gods, his kindness to his People; how Continent, Just, Magnanimous and Faithful he was; how Bountiful, and what a Master he was over all inordinate Appetites and Passions; how he was Mild and Gentle in inflicing Punishments upon Offenders, less than their Deserts, and Bountiful in distributing of his Rewards. When the Priest had utter'd these and such like Commendations, he at last pronounc'd a Curse upon all such Offences and Miscarriages as had been ignorantly committed; yet withal, clearing the King, and laying all the Blame and Guilt upon his Ministers and Advisers. And this the Priest did that he might thereby induce and persuade the King to an Awe of the Gods, and to live so as might be pleasing to them; and likewise by Praise and Commendation rather gently to win upon him, than by harsh and rugged Rebukes to drive him to the practice of Virtuous Actions. Afterwards when the King had view'd the Intrals and finish'd his Sacrifices, the Priests read out of the Sacred Records, the Edicts, Laws and most useful and remarkable Actions of such as were most famous in their Generations, that the Prince might seriously consider and ponder upon what was most commendable in those Examples, and imitate them according to the Rules there prescrib'd. For there were not only set Times allotted for dispatch of publick Business, and Administration of Justice, but likewise for taking of the Air, Bathing, lying with the Queen, and almost every action of their Lives.
The Custom was likewise for the Kings to feed upon plain and ordinary Meat, as Veal and Goose, and to drink Wine according to a stinted measure, which might neither overcharge their Stomacks, nor make them drunk. Such a moderate Diet was prescrib'd, as that it seem'd rather to be order'd by a Skilful Physitian for Health sake, than by a Law-maker. It is indeed to be admir'd and very strange, that the King should not be left to his liberty for his daily Food; but much more is it to be admir'd, that he could not do any publick Business, Condemn or Punish any Man to gratify his own Humour or Revenge, or for any other unjust Cause; but was bound to do according as the Laws had ordered in every particular case. The Kings observing those Rules according to the ancient Custom, were so far from thinking it dishonourable, or being uneasy under it, that they lookt upon themselves to live most desirable and happy Lives; and judg'd that all other Men who inconsiderately indulg'd their natural Appetites, did many things that were attended with great Losses, or apparent Hazards at the least; yea, that some, though they know beforehand that what they were about to do was ill and unjustifiable, yet overcome either with Love or Hatred, or some other unruly Passion, committed the wicked act notwithstanding; and therefore they were resolv'd to follow the Rules of living, before approv'd by wise and prudent Men, and not to fall into the least Irregularity. The Kings therefore carrying this even Hand towards ail their Subjects, were more beloved by them than by their own Kindred and Relations: For not only all the Orders of the Priests, but the whole Nation together were more concern'd for the Health and Prosperity of their Kings, than they were for their Wives and Children, or their private Interests in their Goods and Estates; and therefore as long as these wholsom Laws were observ'd amongst 'em, they preserv'd their Government without stain or blemish for many Ages under the Kings before-mention'd, living in the height of all Worldly Happiness: And besides all this, were Conquerors of many Nations, and grew exceeding rich, and their Provinces were beautify'd with many stately magnificent Works, and their Cities adorn'd with many rich Gifts of all sorts.
What the Egyptians perform'd after the Deaths of every of their Kings, clearly evidences the great Love they bore to them. For Honour done him that cannot possibly know it (in a grateful return of a former Benefit) carries along with
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Bible Study The King James Bible (kjv), World English Bible (web) and Bible in Basic English (bbe) are all examples of public domain books. The King James Bible (kjv) online uses the content from these books and open source software to enhance Bible study capabilities. The site includes the verse of the day, search tools, christian literature and links to related content. It demonstrates the use of open source to create a valuable service.