sacrament

In Tablets (Boston: Roberts Brothers, 1868), Bronson Alcott writes: “It was the doctrine of the Samian Sage [Pythagoras], that whatsoever food obstructs divination, is prejudicial to purity and chastity of mind and body, to temperance, health, sweetness of disposition, suavity of manners, grace of form, and dignity of carriage, should be shunned. Especially should those who would apprehend the deepest wisdom and preserve through life the relish for elegant studies and pursuits, abstain from flesh, cherishing the justice which animals claim at man's hands, nor slaughtering them for food nor profit.” (37)