our neighbor and hate our enemy;" but now we are commanded "to love our enemies, to bless them that curse us, to do good to them that hate us, and to pray for them that despitefully use us and persecute us." David, Solomon, and others, were permitted a plurality of wives and concubines; but the Mediator of a better covenant ordains otherwise for his followers. Things may be lawful that are not expedient; and man may be allowed the use of what might be to his advantage and happiness to reject. Throughout the Scriptures we shall find the dispensations of God suited to the circumstances of His people; and the language in which His servants communicate His will, and a knowledge of His works, always condescendingly adapted to the information and mental capacity of those for whom it is intended. "I have yet many things to say unto you," observes the Saviour, "but ye cannot bear them now." Upon a careful examination of Scripture, we shall find that all things connected with man's duty to God and his neighbor are revealed in such clear and simple language, "that a wayfaring man, though a fool, shall not err therein;" but, with respect to meats and drinks, man is left to the guidance of those instincts and mental faculties with which he is endowed, with full permission to use all the "good creatures" of God as his wants may dictate;—due regard being paid to mercy, truth, benevolence, moderation, and sobriety.
23. Without any disparagement to the cause of vegetable diet, therefore, it may be conceded, that animal food was permitted after the Deluge, when "men began to multiply on the face of the earth." But long after this event, the Patriarchs and their descendants confined themselves principally to a vegetable diet; for fruits, honey, milk, butter, bread, and some simple preparations of seeds and mild herbs, were the plain, healthful food of the people for many ages afterwards. On joyous and festive occasions the fatted calf was killed; but their usual diet was derived from the vegetable kingdom, and the produce of their flocks and herds; and, even to this day, the inhabitants of Syria, Mesopotamia, and other countries, live after the same manner.
24. Assaad Yokoob Kayat, a native Syrian, in a speech at Exeter Hall, (May 16, 1838,) remarked, that he had lately visited Mount Lebanon, where he found the people as large as giants, and very strong and active. They lived almost entirely on dates, and drank only water; and there were many among them one hundred and one hundred and ten years of age. Burckhardt, also, in his remarks on the Bedouins, says: "Their usual fare (called ayesh) consists of flour made into a paste with sour camel's milk. This is their daily and universal dish; and the richest sheik would think it disgraceful to order his wife to prepare any other dish, merely to please his own palate. The Arabs never indulge in animal food, and other luxu-
