In ancient and best Times, Men were not honour'd and esteem'd for the only Learned, who were great _Linguists_, profound _Criticks_, Reader and Devourers of Books: But such whose Studies consisted of the Discourses, Documents and Observations of their _Fore-Fathers_, ancient and venerable Persons; who, (as the excellent Author of the _Rites_ of the _Israelites_, _cap._ xv, &c.

acquaints us,) were oblig'd to Instruct, and Inform their Children of the wonderful Things God had done for their Ancestors; together with the Precepts of the _Moral Law_, _Feasts_, and Religious Ceremonies: But taught them likewise all that concern'd _Agriculture_; joyn'd with Lessons of perpetual practice; in which they were, doubtless, exceedingly knowing; whilst during so many Ages, they employ'd themselves almost continually in it: And tho' now adays this _noble Art_ be for the most part, left to be exercis'd amongst us, by People of grosser and unthinking Souls; yet there is no _Science_ whatever, which contains a vaster Compass of Knowledge, infinitely more useful and beneficial to Mankind, than the fruitless and empty Notions of the greatest part of _Speculatists_; counted to be the only _Eruditi_ and learned Men.

An _Israelite_, who from _Tradition_ of his Fore-fathers, his own _Experience_, and some modern Reading, had inform'd himself of the _Religion_ and _Laws_ which were to regulate his Life; and knew how to procure Things necessary: Who perfectly understood the several qualities of the _Earth_, _Plants_, and _Places_ agreeable to each sort, and to cultivate, propagate, defend them from Accidents, and bring them to Maturity: That also was skill'd in the nature of _Cattel_, their Food, Diseases, Remedies, &c.

which those who amongst us pass for the most learned and accomplish'd _Gentlemen_, and _Scholars_, are, for the most part, grosly ignorant of, look upon as _base_, _rustick_, and things below them: is (in this learned Author's Opinion) infinitely more to be valued, than a Man brought up either in wrangling at the _Bar_; or the noisie, and ridiculous Disputes of our _Schools_, &c.

To this Sense the learn'd _Modena_.