Page 746 Persons with them in the most dangerous times. For in the Reign of Dionysius the Tyrant it's reported that one Phintias a Pythagorean, when by the contrivance of the Tyrant he was to be led to execution, desir'd of Dionysius but a few days to settle his Houshould Affairs, and promis'd that in the mean time he would leave one of his friends to suffer in his stead, if he return'd not. Dionysius hereupon wondring whether any such friend could be found, who would be willing to be cast into Goal for his friend, Phintias presently call'd for one of his Scholars call'd Damon a Pythagorean, who forthwith without any budging became his Hostage to dye in his room.
Many there were that commended this singular demonstration of Love and Kindness to his Friend, others condemn'd it as a foolish and rash Act. But at the day appointed all the People flock'd together very earnest to see whether he that left his pledge would perform his word. But the day drawing near to an end, every body began to despair, and Damon was led forth to execution, and then on a sudden at the very last moment of the day, Phintias came running in. This wonderful Friendship and Kindness one for another was admir'd by all; and Dionysius pardon'd the condemn'd Person, and desir'd that he himself might be taken into the Society.
38. The Pythagoreans had a great Art in improving their Memories, and to that end employ'd their utmost Care and Diligence. For the first thing they did constantly after they rose out of their Beds in a Morning, was to recollect and call to mind every thing they had done the day before from the Morning to the Evening, and if they had time and leisure they would go back to examine the Actions of the Second, Third and Fourth day, and sometimes further, conceiving it very helpful and advantagious for the improving of Memory, and increase of Knowledge.
39. These Philosophers inur'd themselves to abstinence by this means. They prepare all sorts of Delicacies and Rarities, such as Tables are furnish'd with at Solemn Feasts, after they have gaz'd upon them for a considerable time, on purpose to whet their Appetite, which naturally desires in such cases to be gratify'd, on a sudden the Table is order'd to be whip'd-away, and they themselves thereupon withdrew without tasting any of the Dainties.
40. Pythagoras commanded his Disciples to forbear taking an Oath as much as they could, but when they had once taken it, to be careful to keep it. Having likewise regard to what was convenient, even in the Acts of Venus, he advis'd to abstain from Women in Summer time, and to be moderate and sparing in Winter: for he look'd upon all carnal Copulation to be hurtful; but if it were frequent (he said) it impair'd the strength and was destructive.
He advis'd likewise, that the Sacrificers should not make their Addresses to the Gods in rich and gaudy Habits, but only in white and clean Robes, and should not only bring before them Bodies free from gross and outward wickednesses, but pure and undefiled Souls. Commanding these and many such like things, and stirring Men up to Sobriety, Valour and Constancy, and all other Virtues, he was Ador'd by the Crotonians as if he had been a God.
41. One Cylo of Crotonia, the most wealthy and eminent Man of all the Citizens, desiring to be receiv'd into the Society of the Pythagoreans, was rejected, because he was naturally a fierce and stubborn Man, Seditious and Ambitious. At which he was so enrag'd, that he gat together a number of Factious Persons against the Pythagoreans, and began to rail and do all the mischief he could against them.
42 Lysis the Pythagorean going to Thebes in Baeotia, became Tutor to Epaminondas, and instructed him in all the ways of Virtue, and by reason of his excellent Endowments adopted him to be his Son; And Epaminondas from those sparks of Knowledge, he had gain'd from the Pythagorean Philosophy, excell'd not only the Thebans, but all the rest of the Grecians of his time in Patience, Frugality, and all other Virtues.
43. To write the Lives of Persons in former Ages is indeed a difficult and troublesome task to the Historians, but very profitable to others for their direction in the course of their Lives. For this kind of History, by recording good and bad Actions, doth grace the Memory of the Good, and fix a Stain upon the name of the Wicked, by sharing out Praise and Disgrace to each of them according as they do deserve it. For Praise is as a certain Reward of Virtue without Cost; and Disgrace is the punishment of Vice without a Wound. And therefore it's very fit all should understand, that according to the course of Life Men lead here, such will be the account and remembrance of them afterward; when they are dead, so that they need not employ all their Thoughts upon Marble Mo ••ments, which are set up only in a little corner, and decay'd and gone in process of
The Histories of Herodotus written in 440 BC is considered to be the founding work of history in Western literature. His history included stories and fables but he claimed to have traveled extensively and learned about many countries through direct observation.
The thesis of Stolen Legacy is that the Egyptians created what is wrongly called Greek philosophy. Dr. James argues that the African origin of Greek Philosophy is well known but rarely discussed. Ancient Greek historians such as Herodotus and Diodorus the Sicilian wrote in significant detail about the contributions of Egypt. Egyptian technology and libraries were unmatched and Greek philosophers such as Pythagoras and Plato studied there. The contribution of Africa to the intellectual foundation of modern knowledge is tremendous but unacknowledged.
The Library of History by Diodorus the Sicilian is one of the most highly regarded universal histories in antiquities. His work includes the history of Egypt, Asia, Africa, Greece and Europe. His book is a must read for research of ancient history.
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.